Feb. 15, 2002
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The No. 18 Michigan State wrestling team defeated Northwestern 23-12 Friday night at Jennsion Field House.
Northwestern jumped out to an early 6-0 advantage as No. 16 John Giacche won a hotly contested 10-9 decision over Michigan State's Shane Martin. At 149 pounds, Josh Ballard won a close 4-2 battle, earning his first Big Ten win of the season.
Michigan State received a dominating performance from No. 9 Karl Nadolsky in the 157-pound match. Nadolsky scored a 17-6 major decision over Mike Kimberlin.
In the 165-pound match, Ryan Kane walked away with a 6-4 decision, which gave the Wildcats a 9-4 lead.
The Spartans countered as No. 10 Rashad Evans defeated Jason Erwinski 7-2. Evans' victory narrowed NU's lead to 9-7.
Michigan continued to apply the pressure in the 184-pound match. Nathaniel Mesyn downed Andrew Curran, 2-0. This gave the Spartans a 10-9 advantage, their first lead of the night.
The Spartan's extended their lead to 19-9, as John Wechter earned a 10-4 decision at 197 pounds and MSU's heavyweight Mike Keenan pinned Mike Little in 2:52.
In the final match of the night, Tommy Vargas scored a 9-3 decision over Scott Pushman.
Wt. 141-No. 16 John Giacche (NU)dec. Shane Martin (MSU),10-9 NU, 3-0 149- Josh Ballard (NU)dec. Matt McCarty (MSU), 4-2 NU, 6-0 157-No. 9 Karl Nadolsky (MSU) MD Mike Kimberlin (NU), 17-6 NU, 6-4 165- Ryan Kane (NU) dec. Anton Hall (MSU), 6-4 NU, 9-4 174-No. 10 Rashad Evans (MSU) dec. Jason Erwinski (NU), 7-2 NU, 9-7 184-Nathaniel Mesyn (MSU) dec. Andrew Curran, 2-0 MSU, 10-9 197-John Wechter (MSU) dec. Brendan Curran, 10-4 MSU, 13-9 HWT.-Michael Keenan (MSU) FALL Mike Little(NU),2:52 MSU,19-9 125-No.15 Chris Williams (MSU) MD Rob Potashnick (NU),17-6 MSU, 23-9 133- Tommy Vargas dec. Scott Pushman (MSU), 9-3 MSU, 23-12