No. 11 Missouri Tigers wrestling team lost a close dual to No. 9 Illinois, 21-16, on Monday night at the Hearnes Center in Columbia, Missouri. The defeat moves Missouri to a 5-4 record this season in dual meets, while Illinois improves to 5-2.
The match began with Missouri’s Mack Mauger, ranked 25th at 125 pounds, securing an upset win over Illinois’ No. 22 Spencer Moore after a late escape and takedown in sudden victory. At 133 pounds, Kade Moore built an early lead against Illinois’ top-ranked Lucas Byrd but ultimately lost a close bout, 12-9. After a loss at 141 pounds, redshirt senior Josh Edmond tied the score for Missouri with a decision win at 149 pounds.
Illinois regained the lead at 157 pounds and extended it by winning both the 165 and 174-pound matches by major decision against Missouri true freshmen Dominic Bambinelli and Danny Heiser, who were making their dual debuts.
Missouri’s Aeoden Sinclair won by injury default at 184 pounds after establishing an early lead with three takedowns. Senior Evan Bates followed with a major decision victory at 197 pounds, bringing Missouri within one point of Illinois heading into the final match. In the heavyweight bout at 285 pounds, Jarrett Stoner was defeated by Illinois’ ninth-ranked Luke Luffman by major decision.
Following the match, several notes were highlighted:
“The repeat meeting makes the 2025-26 season the first in which Mizzou and Illinois wrestled multiple times in a season.”
“Tonight’s matchup marks the first meeting between Missouri and Illinois to be held in Hearnes Center since November 12, 2009, an 18-16 win for the Tigers.”
“Only three of the duals’ ten matches were repeated matchups from the match at the National Duals Invitational last week, being 125lbs, 133lbs, and 184lbs.”
“Moore’s bout at 133 pounds marked the third against Byrd of his career, with tonight’s result being the first to end in a regular decision.”
“True freshmen Dominic Bambinelli and Danny Heiser made their dual debuts for Missouri in consecutive bouts at 165 and 174 pounds.”
“Sinclair’s injury default win at 184 pounds marked his eighth bonus-point win of the season.”
“Bates’ major decision victory kept him in control of the team lead for most bonus point victories on the season with nine.”
Missouri now holds an all-time record of 16-22 against Illinois and is now six wins and eight losses under head coach Brian Smith when facing this opponent.
Looking ahead, Missouri will compete on December 5 at Journeymen Wrestling’s Hustle In The Heartland event in St. Charles, Missouri. The competition will take place at Francis Howell High School and will be streamed live on FloWrestling. The Tigers are scheduled to face Long Island University at 6 p.m. Central Time and No. 5 Nebraska at 8 p.m.
Fans can find more information about Mizzou Wrestling on MUTigers.com or follow updates through social media channels including Facebook (Mizzou Wrestling), Twitter, and Instagram (@MizzouWrestling).
Match results included wins for Mauger (125 lbs), Edmond (149 lbs), Sinclair (184 lbs), and Bates (197 lbs) for Missouri.
