Fresh off defeating Pittsburgh 28-9 Friday night, the No. 16 MSU wrestling team couldn't keep the momentum going Sunday at Jenison Field House, losing to No. 17 Edinboro, 17-16.
With three matches remaining in the dual meet and MSU down 14-9, junior Andy Simmons (141 pounds) began a comeback attempt, winning by major decision 14-2 over Rick McLaughlin.
Trailing by one, MSU had the opening to take the overall lead, but senior Darren McKnight (149 pounds) dropped a critical match to freshman Gregor Gillespie by a 5-2 decision.
The clock had to be stopped halfway through to attend to a cut on McKnight's forehead. Then the Spartans faithful rose to their feet to show support for McKnight during the final period as the senior nearly missed scoring several near falls which could have given him the win.
"Gillespie might be one of the best freshmen in the nation," said MSU head coach Tom Minkel. "Edinboro competed hard and were tough all the way through.
"They just got more bonus points and that was the case in their win," he said.
Needing a pin or major decision for a victory going into the final match, MSU junior Tony Greathouse (157 pounds) came close in sealing an MSU victory, but only managed to win on a 4-2 decision.
The Fighting Scots improve to 6-0 overall with the upset, while the Spartans fall to 2-3.
"The loss was really hard and tough to take. We made some mistakes early. For us to do well everyone has to show up — not just seven, eight or nine guys — (but) everyone," Minkel said.
Edinboro took a four-point advantage to begin the meet as Deonte Penn won by major decision over sophomore Greg Goidosik.
The Spartans answered back as senior R.J. Boudro defeated Eric Ring with a 5-1 triumph.
Edinboro's Alex Clemsen's 5-3 decision over sophomore Joe Williams enabled the Fighting Scots to pull ahead 7-3.
Edinboro junior Joe Fendone (197 pounds) put the Fighting Scots up by seven match points by beating senior Jeff Clemens in a slim 3-2 margin.
MSU senior Max Lossen (heavyweight) and junior Nick Simmons (125 pounds) reeled off consecutive decisions to put the Spartans within striking distance. Lossen bolstered his record to 9-8, while Nick Simmons kept his undefeated record intact, improving to 20-0.
In the 133-pound weight class, redshirt freshman Jeff Wimberley faced a daunting task in containing the nation's No. 1-ranked Shawn Bunch to keep the hopes of a possible victory alive.
Wimberley showed poise early, but the quick and feisty Bunch was too much, winning by major decision 18-4.
