FIRST PERIOD
Patrick Kennedy knows Iowa needs a win here before Penn State rolls out three defending NCAA champions at 174, 184 and 197 pounds. Both guys take to the mat with different types of knee protection, with Facundo’s right leg covered in duct tape and Kennedy’s right knee sporting a brace.
The two minutes pass scoreless, but Facundo shoots. The first period ends 0-0.
SECOND PERIOD
Kennedy chooses down to start the second period, and he is immediately eliminated. The Hawkeye leads 1-0. One more minute. Lots of effort here from both guys, but the wrestlers can’t convert yet. Another ten seconds. Kennedy will lead 1-0 going into second.
THIRD PERIOD
Facundo gets a quick breakout to start the third and even the score. We’re back at neutral with everything tied at 1-1. One more minute. Let’s see what these guys can do over time. I wouldn’t mind overtime though, we’ll see. Thirty seconds to go. Driving time is not a factor. Ten seconds. Overtime we go!
SUDDEN VICTORY
Lots of scrambling, but Facundo takes the first hit. Nothing. Ninety seconds to go. Pulled Kennedy, and he’s close. Dead end. Good defense from Facundo. The intensity is obvious. These two guys know what’s at stake. One more minute. Kennedy comes in for another shot, but Facundo defends. Kennedy puts Facundo in a bad patch, but he holds on. Ten seconds. Let’s go to the rides.
FIRST TIE BREAKER
Kennedy escapes Facundo in four seconds. Wow. This is the start he needed in these rides. Facundo becomes neutral. He will need a takedown to win. Facundo goes for a shot, but Kennedy defends. Four seconds. This one goes to the Hawk. It’s a big win for Iowa, but you have to respect Facundo’s confidence and courage. It was quite the game. We are at 174 pounds.
𝙋𝙆 𝘼𝙇𝙇 𝘿𝘼𝙔!!@iPatrickKennedy wins by decision on tiebreakers, 2-1… out in four seconds… Facundo chooses neutral and PK wins! #Hawk eyes
Iowa 14, PSU 9 pic.twitter.com/py29qFybJL
—Iowa Hawkeye Wrestling (@Hawks_Wrestling) January 28, 2023
TEAM SCORE: IOWA 14, PENN STATE 9