MARSHALL, Minn. – Minnesota State's Brandon Pederson pinned SMU's Micah Larson in the 184-pound bout to secure a victory for the Mavericks in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference wrestling action on Saturday night in Marshall.

The pin gave the Mavericks (5-9, 3-4 NSIC) a six point lead heading into the final two matches of the night. SMSU's Martin Hagen brought the Mustangs within five with a decision at 197 pounds but Nate Haynes earned a decision in the heavyweight bout to secure the win for the Mavericks.

Southwest Minnesota State finishes the regular season 10-6 overall, 3-4 in the NSIC, which is good for a fourth-place finish, and lost its first home dual of the season.

Jacob Begin won his 13th consecutive match, improving to 22-4 on the season with a 17-3 major decision at 165 pounds for the Mustangs. Begin has not lost a match since Dec. 9.

Minnesota State grabbed a 3-0 lead with David Demo picking up an 11-5 decision over Travis Borchert in the opening 125-pound bout. The Mustangs quickly took over the lead (4-3) with Justin Reinsma's 10-2 major decision over Brian Reisenauer at 133 pounds.

The Mavericks bounced right back to take a 6-4 lead when Drew Lexvold earned a 7-0 decision over Ethan Hildebrandt at 141 pounds. Codie Lane helped the Mustangs regain the lead at 8-6 winning a 10-2 major decision over Michael Murphy at 149 pounds.

The two teams continued to go back-and-forth at 157 and 165 pounds. Tel Todd earned a 17-4 major over SMSU's Casey Field at 157 pounds before Jacob Begin was able to pick up a 17-3 major decision over Cody Quinn at 165 pounds to put SMSU back in front 12-10.

MSU regained the lead at 14-12 in the 174-pound bout when Brendan Eichmann earned a 13-5 major decision over Trent Molacek. The Mavericks jumped out to a 20-12 lead when Brandon Pederson pinned Micah Larson at 4:21 at 184 pounds.

Martin Hagen gave the Mustangs a chance headed into the heavyweight bout earning a 5-1 decision over Derek Hahn at 197 pounds. Minnesota State led 20-15 heading into the final match of the night. Nate Haynes earned a late 5-4 decision over Brian Rodas to secure the victory for the Mavericks.

Southwest Minnesota State will pick up action on Feb. 26 at the Super Region Three Tournament hosted by St. Cloud State University.


Minnesota State 23, SMSU 15
125 – David Demo dec. Travis Borchert, 11-5, MSU leads 3-0
133 – Justin Reinsma maj. dec. Brian Reisenauer, 10-2, SMSU leads 4-3
141 – Drew Lexvold dec. Ethan Hildebrandt, 7-0, MSU leads 6-4
149 – Codie Lane maj. dec. Michael Murphy, 10-2, SMSU leads 8-6
157 – Tel Todd maj. dec. Casey Field, 17-4, MSU leads 10-8
165 – Jacob Begin maj. dec. Cody Quinn, 17-3, SMSU leads 12-10
174 – Brendan Eichmann maj. dec. Trent Molacek, 13-5, MSU leads 14-12
184 – Brandon Pederson pinned Micah Larson at 4:12, MSU leads 20-12
197 – Martin Hagen dec. Derek Hahn, 5-1, MSU leads 20-15
285 – Nate Haynes dec. Brian Rodas, 5-4, MSU leads 23-15