MU wrestlers cruise

COLUMBIA — The Missouri wrestling team dominated Bucknell Friday night in its first home dual of the season. In a warm up for next week's National Duals, the Tigers won 30-9 to extend their record to 5-0 for the season.

Despite the victory, MU coach Brian Smith said he saw areas for improvement.

"In the first three matches we just didn't wrestle seven complete minutes, and the rest of the way we did," he said. "The guys that wrestle seven minutes hard are going to have success."

John Olanowksi started the night with a 16-1 win at 125 pounds. Josh Wagner dominated early at 149 pounds with a rapid series of takedowns, setting up a 13-0 victory. The most impressive display came from junior Raymond Jordan at 184 pounds. Leading 6-2 after the second period, Jordan turned it on in the third to win 18-3. Mark Ellis pinned his opponent in the heavyweight match.

The most anticipated match was between Missouri's Nicholas Marable, ranked No. 3 in the country, and Bucknell's Andy Rendos, ranked No. 20. Marable held off Rendos for a 3-2 win.

"I know for sure I didn't have my best match," Marable said, "but a win's a win."

The National Duals begin Jan. 12 in Cedar Falls, Iowa.