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Marty Usman got what he expected on the first day of the Division II national wrestling tournament.
The University of Nebraska at Kearney's top-ranked 174-pounder improved to 42-1 with a 9-2 win over Ben Becker of Minnesota State-Mankato and a 2-0 win over fifth-ranked Aaron Denson of UNO in the quarterfinals.
The matchup with Denson was one of the best of the day, between two returning national runners-up and two-time All-Americans.
Usman scored on a takedown with 10 seconds left in the first period and that was it. Denson rode Usman for the entire second period, and Usman did the same in the third for a 2-0 win.
“That's only the second time I've been ridden out — the first was by the No. 4 wrestler in Division I,” Usman said. “He was tough on top, and I returned the favor.”
Earlier, Usman had to rally to beat Becker.
“It was a burn,” Usman said. “It's been a while since I've had a burn like that, so it was good to get that one in.”
Usman is the only Loper in the semifinals, but four of their other five national qualifiers are still alive in the consolations.
Seventh-ranked 149-pounder T.J. Hepburn was upset in the first round but came back to win twice, including 5-2 over fifth-ranked Latra Collick of Newberry.
Eighth-ranked 165-pounder Taylor May lost in the final seconds of the quarterfinals to second-ranked Travis Eggers of Upper Iowa, but won in the consolation round. Derek Ross is still alive at 184, as is unranked Justin McKain at 197 after beating fourth-ranked Lucas Munkelwitz of St. Cloud State in an elimination contest.
Denson had intentions of sending Usman to the consolations, too, but couldn't quite get over the hump.
“I could have gotten my offense going a little bit more, opened up a little bit more,” Usman said. “But he's a tough wrestler and he definitely came out to battle.”
The loss may have taken something out of Denson, who wound up losing to unranked Cody Rowell of Central Oklahoma later Friday night, giving up five points in the final 46 seconds after leading 4-3.
“Aaron got caught on his back ... doggone it,” UNO coach Mike Denney said. “These guys have such high expectations, they come in with chances to win the whole thing.
“He's been wrestling really well, had another great year. But that's the dang national tournament for you.”
Contact the writer:
444-1027, rob.white@owh.com
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