Unfazed by late takedown,
Matt Brown claims national title
T. LOUIS – Matt Brown's interview style normally mirrors
how he wrestles: straightforward.
During his NCAA title match and in the interview that
followed, however, the 174-pound senior stepped outside
the box, winning the bout on a veteran-savvy-drawn penalty
point and opening the ensuing press conference with a baseball
metaphor.
"When you're a little kid, you dream of hitting that grand slam in
the ninth inning," he said, a smile forming at the corner of his mouth,
"and then sometimes you hit a bunt."
A grand-slam quote, for sure, and one that precisely /ts the /nish
of Brown's title match against Pitt's Tyler Wilps.
A0er he stormed into the NCAA /nal round with four wins in which
he outscored his opponents 25-7, Brown's /nal bout ended on a referee's
decision based on a video review, of all things.
He had surrendered a takedown to Wilps with 21 seconds remaining
in the third period, falling behind, 4-3. Wilps, though, had been
warned for stalling in the second period, so when Brown attempted
an escape and Wilps dropped down to the right leg, literally trying to
hang on for the win, he was hit with another stall warning, giving
Brown a penalty point and creating a tie score, 4-4, with only three
seconds remaining.
Following the reset, as Brown stood up, attempting another last-
ditch escape, Wilps locked his hands around Brown's waist to prevent
|
Save
situation
S
P E N N S T A T E P O S T S E A S O N
