EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville heavyweight David Devine closed out Thursday's wrestling meet with a pin but it wasn't enough as the Cougars dropped a 27-15 decision to Truman State.
Devine dispatched Thomas Redmon in 2 minutes, 20 seconds. He improved his season record to 12-14.
"He went out and did what he was supposed to do. He believed in himself and got the pin," said SIUE Head Coach David Ray.
SIUE earned victories in two other matches.
Isaac Ervin collected a forfeit at 157 pounds. Steve Ross came from behind to defeat Chad Kurovski 6-5 with a reversal in the final seconds of their 174-pound match. Ross improved to 10-9 for the season.
Ray said it cost the Cougars having four starters sidelined for the match. "We cannot afford that."
Truman State came out strong, winning the first five straight matches of the meet. That included a pair of falls. Nick Shea pinned Kris Treat in 3:23 at 133 pounds. Ryan Maus bested SIUE's Nick Capozzoli in 2:47.
Ray said it comes down to three things. You have to wrestle hard, wrestle for seven minutes and then find a way to win.
SIUE finished the regular season with a dual record of 6-15. The Cougars will now get ready for the National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NCWA) North Central Conference Tournament. That takes place Feb. 26 at the Vadalabene Center.
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