he Illinois wrestling squad set out with something to prove when it headed across the border to Columbia to take on No. 10 Missouri. But, in the end, the Illini came up just short.

After falling in an early 12-3 hole, the Illini battled back with three straight victories to put go up one point with one match left. However, the Tigers proved resilient, earning a three-point decision in the final match of the night to seal an 18-16 Missouri victory. Nonetheless, head coach Jim Heffernan was still pleased with the effort put forth by his team.

“I thought they did a great job and really showed some toughness, which is great to see, especially this early in the season,” Heffernan said. “I was extremely pleased for the most part.”

Sophomore Jordan Blanton got the Illini off to a fast start, taking down No. 20 Dorian Henderson in a 7-4 decision at 174 pounds and giving the Orange and Blue three points. However, the Tigers’ No. 2 Max Askren came back strong and tied the score with a decision over Illini senior No. 10 John Dergo at 184 pounds.

In a surprise upset, Missouri redshirt freshman Brent Haynes took down No. 13 Patrick Bond at 197 pounds, besting the senior in a 4-1 decision. The Tigers picked up a big victory in the heavyweight division, where No. 1 Mark Ellis pinned Illinois redshirt freshman Pat Walker, giving Missouri a 12-3 lead over the Illini.

The Illini fought back, with surprise starter junior John Deneen scoring a 9-0 major decision over Troy Dolan at 125 pounds, which brought the Illini within five points at 12-7. But Illinois lost momentum back soon after, as sophomore Daryl Thomas dropped a 3-2 decision to Nathan McCormick in the 133-pound match, putting Illinois back in a 15-7 hole.

However, junior Ryan Prater came back and earned the Illini three more points with a 15-9 decision over Todd Schavrien at 141 pounds.Sophomore Eric Terrazas followed suit at 149 pounds with a 4-2 decision over Brandon Wiest, cutting Missouri’s lead to 15-13.

The Orange and Blue then took the lead for the first time since the opening match, when senior Clint Arlis defeated Missouri’s Patrick Wright at 157 pounds, earning a 3-2 decision to give Illinois a 16-15 team lead. However, the Illini were unable to hold on to the lead, as redshirt freshman Conrad Polz dropped a tough match to No. 7 Nick Marable by a 3-2 decision, giving Missouri the 18-16 victory.

Despite the loss, Heffernan was still positive after the match.

“I thought we competed very hard, had some good energy, and wrestled well across the board,” Heffernan said.

Sophomore B.J. Futrell had been expected to get the start at 125 pounds, but was replaced due to a minor injury.