No. 1-ranked 133-pound senior Franklin Gomez put his 26-game winning streak on the line Friday, but did so against Minnesota’s Thane Antczak — not No. 2-ranked 133-pound senior Jayson Ness, who did not make the trip to East Lansing.
Gomez was expected to compete against the 19-0 Ness, who sports a 2-0 duals record against Gomez. The defending national champion brought his usual intensity to the match, however, recording a major decision against Antczak to extend his winning streak, which now stands at 28 consecutive matches following Sunday’s win against Illinois’ Daryl Thomas.
“I don’t have to worry about anyone else … I was mentally and physically prepared for anyone,” Gomez said. “I’m here to wrestle anyway.”
Ness has a 21-win game streak, finished third at the NCAA championships last season and was expected to be a stiff challenge for Gomez. Ness was injured in a Jan. 9 match against Central Michigan that caused him to miss some time, but Gomez and MSU head coach Tom Minkel both were surprised that Ness did not make the trip.
The Gophers edged the Spartans 18-16 in the Big Ten opener for both teams. Gomez is now 14-0 this season.
Gomez and Ness have wrestled in freestyle competitions in the past, and possess the advantage of familiarity of the opponent.
Gomez likely still will face several top-tier opponents this season, as Iowa’s Daniel Dennis and Central Michigan’s Scotti Sentes both currently are ranked in the top 10 and could face Gomez when the Spartans battle the Hawkeyes and Chippewas during the next two weeks.
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