Nov. 24, 2012

TROY, N.Y. - Senior Jordan Thome pinned his opponent at 133 pounds and two other Black Knights posted wins by decision, but it was not enough as the Army wrestling team dropped a 23-12 decision to 23rd-ranked Purdue on Saturday morning at the Northeast Duals.

Purdue (5-1) won seven of the 10 bouts contested en route to the victory. Senior Connor Hanafee added a win for Army at 141 pounds, and junior Paul Hancock was victorious in the 165-pound bout to lead Army (0-1).

Thome scored the Black Knights' biggest win of the day, pinning Danny Sabatello in 1 minute, 58 seconds in the 133-pound matchup. Hanafee followed with a 4-2 sudden victory decision opposite Brandon Nelsen at 141 pounds to give Army an early 9-4 cushion.

Purdue won the next two bouts to pull in front, 10-9, but Hancock recorded a 13-7 triumph against Pat Robinson at 165 pounds to give Army a 12-10 edge. The Boilermakers closed the match by winning the final four bouts.

Army will continue competition at the Northeast Duals at 11:25 a.m., when the Black Knights tangle with Binghamton. The Bearcats upended Army, 20-13, at last year's Northeast Duals.

Match Notes: Army falls to 2-3 all-time versus Purdue ... Jordan Thome's pin was his first of the season and 29th of his career.

#23 Purdue 23, Army 12
125: #19 Camden Eppert (P) maj. dec. Hunter Wood, 11-0
133: Jordan Thome (A) pinned Danny Sabatello, 1:58
141: Connor Hanafee (A) dec. Brandon Nelsen, 4-2 (sv)
149: #8 Ivan Lopouchanski (P) dec. #20 Daniel Young, 3-0
157: #20 Tommy Churchard (P) dec. Chandler Smith, 10-7
165: Paul Hancock (A) dec. Pat Robinson, 13-7
174: Chad Welch (P) dec. Ryan Tompkins, 6-2
184: Patick Kissel (P) maj. dec. Collin Wittmeyer, 10-2
197: #18 Braden Atwood (P) dec. Bryce Barnes, 4-2
285: Preston Quam (P) dec. Stephen Snyder, 7-3

Note: National rankings are from Intermat