Sixth-ranked Oklahoma Downs No. 9 Arizona State, 20-12

Jan. 12, 2001

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TEMPE, Ariz. - The sixth-ranked Oklahoma wrestling team downed ninth-ranked Arizona State, 20-12, in Tempe, Ariz., Friday night. The Sooners used a string of three-straight victories late in the dual to break a 9-9 tie and secure the win. OU improves to 8-1 while ASU suffered its first setback and falls to 4-1. With the win, Sooner Head Coach Jack Spates earned his 100th victory at OU.

The dual began with the night's featured match when OU's second-ranked Michael Lightner decisioned third-ranked Eric Larkin, 7-3. Lightner moved to 20-0 on the season and handed Larkin his first loss of the season. Sooner Jared Frayer followed with an 11-7 win against Dana Holland at 149 pounds. The Sun Devils responded by claiming the next two matches. Rocky Smart downed Brian Burrows, 8-5, at 157 pounds and Steve Blackford blanked Robbie Waller, 6-0, at 165. The two squads split the next two bouts with OU 174-pounder Michael Barger earning a narrow 8-7 decision and ASU's R.D. Pursell's win 7-5 at 184.

With the score tied at nine, the Sooners claimed three-straight matches to put the dual away, including two wins by major decision. Waymon May majored Andy Swanson, 12-3, at 197 pounds and heavyweight Leonce Crump upset Kellan Fluckiger, 3-2. Bo Maynes followed with a 10-1 major decision victory over Chris Knox at 125 pounds. Arizona State claimed the dual's final bout at 133 pounds when David Douglas beat Witt Durden, 7-1.

"Obviously the highlight was Michael Lightner's dominant win over third-ranked Eric Larkin," said Spates. "The victory became even more impressive when Michael suffered a blow to the head early in the match that kept him wobbly. Jared Frayer also showed a lot of character in his win. He was sick all day and dug down deep. Leonce Crump also posted an impressive win against Kellan Fluckiger. The win was his third against a nationally ranked wrestler in a week. Waymon May was also very impressive on top, turning his opponent several times."

OU will continue its road trip when it travels to California to face Cal Poly and Fresno State Sunday, Jan. 14. The Sooners battle Cal Poly at noon in San Luis Obispo and Fresno State at 7 p.m. in Fresno.

Oklahoma (8-1) 20, Arizona State (4-1) 12<-b> 141:Michael Lightner, OU (20-0) dec. Eric Larkin, ASU (9-1), 7-3 149:Jared Frayer, OU (17-2) dec.Dana Holland, ASU, (13-6), 11-7 157:Rocky Smart, ASU (15-5) dec. Brian Burrows, OU (2-1), 8-5 165:Steve Blackford, ASU (18-2) dec. Robbie Waller, OU (16-2), 6-0 174:Michael Barger, OU (15-4) dec. Curtis Owen, ASU (11-10), 8-7 184:R.D. Pursell, ASU (16-7) dec. Nick Curcio, OU (4-10), 7-5 197:Waymon May, OU (14-6) maj. dec. Andy Swanson, ASU (7-9), 12-3 Hwt:Leonce Crump, OU (16-5) dec. Kellan Fluckiger, ASU (14-5), 3-2 125:Bo Maynes, OU (17-3) maj. dec. Chris Knox, ASU (1-6), 10-1 133:David Douglas, ASU (12-4) dec. Witt Durden, OU (14-7), 7-1

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Sixth-ranked Oklahoma Downs No. 9 Arizona State, 20-12

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