GREAT FALLS — A top-20 wrestling dual in the NAIA did not disappoint Wednesday night at the McLaughlin Center, as No. 6 Providence held off a comeback by No. 19 MSU-Northern 21-20.
Providence was able to get up to a quick 18-0 advantage through a couple technical falls and major decisions each in the first four bouts. Although, Northern made things interesting by winning five of the final six matches — one being a pin at 197 pounds as No. 7 Austin Vanek of MSUN put both the shoulders down of No. 11 Caleb Werner of Providence.
In the end, it came down to the heavyweights, but a decision win when down four points was not enough for Northern to come back.
For highlights, view the video above.
