McLaughlin Wins in Upset Fashion, Wrestling Falls to No. 5 NC State

Friday, January 17

Daskalakis Athletic Center

7 p.m.

Drexel University

NC State

Photo by: Gavin Baker

McLaughlin Wins in Upset Fashion, Wrestling Falls to No. 5 NC State

1/17/2020 9:11:00 PM | Wrestling

PHILADELPHIA – Bryan McLaughlin knocked off 11^th-ranked Nick Reenan in thrilling fashion in Drexel's 44-3 loss to No. 5 NC State on Friday evening at the Daskalakis Athletic Center. McLaughlin followed up a pinfall victory in his last match with his first win against a ranked opponent.

McLaughlin had the DAC buzzing on Friday night ??? pic.twitter.com/rPC0pctz5c
— DrexelWrestling (@DrexelWrestling) January 18, 2020

McLaughlin never trailed in the 197-pound bout. He jumped ahead 2-0 with a takedown just 20 seconds into the match and led 2-1 after the opening three minutes. Reenan started the second in the down position and escaped to tie the score, but McLaughlin had an answer. The redshirt-sophomore fended off a takedown attempt from Reenan then won the ensuing scramble for a takedown late in the second period. With a 4-2 advantage, McLaughlin started the final period in the down position and fought for the escape. He then kept his foe at arm's length to close out the win.

A strong lineup from the Wolfpack (9-0) won nine times and collected bonus points in seven bouts.

A second-consecutive upset victory seemed in the cards at heavyweight, where Sean O'Malley matched up with No. 24 Deonte Wilson. After a scoreless first, O'Malley went ahead 1-0 on an escape and led going to the third period. Wilson started the final frame in the down position, tied the score with an escape of his own, then grabbed the decisive takedown with under a minute to go.

Tyler Williams overcame a slow first period to hold Jarredd Papcsy to an 8-5 decision. Williams trailed 6-2 after the first period but avoided surrendering bonus points with two strong periods. He scored his first takedown of the night in the final minute of the second period then escaped from his bottom position to start the third. Williams pressured his opponent hard in the third, but a defensive Papcsy held him off.

The Dragons (5-5) host Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association foe Binghamton on Sunday at 7 p.m. for their annual Homecoming match.

No. 5 NC State 44, Drexel 3
174: No. 18 Daniel Bullard wins by forfeit – NC State 6, Drexel 0
184: No. 3 Trent Hidlay tech fall Owen Brooks, 24-9 (6:41) – NC State 11, Drexel 0
197: Bryan McLaughlin dec. No. 11 Nick Reenan, 5-4 – NC State 11, Drexel 3
285: No. 24 Deonte Wilson dec. Sean O'Malley, 3-1 – NC State 14, Drexel 3
125: No. 19 Jakob Camacho tech fall Antonio Mininno, 20-5 (7:00) – NC State 19, Drexel 3
133: Jarrett Trombley pin Chase Shields, 2:39 – NC State 25, Drexel 3
141: Jarredd Papcsy dec. Tyler Williams, 8-5 – NC State 28, Drexel 3
149: No. 29 A.J. Leitten major dec. Nick Widmann, 13-3 – NC State 32, Drexel 3
157: No. 2 Hayden Hidlay pin Felix Belga, 2:07 – NC State 38, Drexel 3
165: Tyler Barnes pin Mike Manley, 2:12 – NC State 44, Drexel 3
Attendance: 547