After splitting two dual matches in just one day, the Binghamton wrestling team is set to hit the road again to take on non-conference foe George Mason.
The Patriots (7-9, 2-3 Eastern Wrestling League) are coming off of a conference loss to a nationally ranked opponent, No. 7 Edinboro. Though the Patriots took major decisions in the 133 and 157 classes and decisions in the 165 and heavyweight classes, they ultimately fell, 31-14.
Binghamton (6-8, 4-3 Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association) suffered a narrow loss to Brown, 21-15, in its first match last Saturday but rallied for a 42-0 shutout of Sacred Heart on the same day.
In their last eight dual meets, the Bearcats carry a 4-4 record. While BU has had some strong wins as a team this season, including a 19-16 win at Hofstra and a 22-14 victory over Drexel, the team has been unable to sustain a winning streak since the turn of the new year. A victory over George Mason, however, would change that.
“Conference or non-conference, the biggest thing is establishing momentum,” BU head coach Matt Dernlan said. “Every match from here on out is critical.”
What may help that is George Mason’s current cold spell. After the Patriots started the season with a 4-2 record, they lost seven of their last 10 and now ride a three-match skid.
Both teams are strongest in the heavyweight class. Bearcat senior Tyler Deuel has posted a 12-2 record in dual matches this season — 18-4-overall — and carries a six-match win streak into the weekend. On the other side, George Mason’s redshirt senior Jake Kettler has posted a 13-3 record in dual meets on the year.
“That’s a really key match,” Dernlan said. “Their guy is having a lot of success, our guy is having a lot of success. These are the types of matches we are excited for, that are going to prepare us for the postseason.”
Another match the Bearcats are focusing on is the matchup at the 157-pound weight class. George Mason redshirt junior Greg Flournoy enters the match with a dual-meet record of 11-5, while Binghamton freshman Vincent DePrez is 5-9 on the season.
“That’s a big one,” Dernlan said. “It could be a tipping point in the match.”
While on a break from their conference schedule, the Bearcats look forward to the challenge that awaits them.
“We’ve got a good game plan and we know their guys will be prepared,” Dernlan said. “It’s an exciting opportunity, Friday night in D.C.”
The first match between Binghamton and George Mason is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday at the Recreation and Athletic Complex in Fairfax, Virginia.