Results
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - No. 11 Illinois took eight bouts to deal Purdue a 30-6 loss inside Huff Hall on Sunday. Ben Thornton and Christian Brunner posted shutout decisions for the Boilermakers (8-6, 3-5 B1G). The middle of the Illini's lineup turned in bonus points as they won their sixth straight to move to 8-2 overall and 5-2 in the Big Ten Conference.
In the dual's opening bout, Thornton blanked Travis Piotrowski 4-0. Thornton struck for a takedown in the first period, escaped in the second and rode the Illinois 125-pounder out in the third period. The win brought the redshirt sophomore's record to 23-11, a team-high in wins, and he evened his conference mark at 4-4.
The Illini took the next seven bouts, receiving a pin from No. 12 Kyle Langenderfer (157), a technical fall from two-time NCAA champion and top-ranked Isaiah Martinez (165) and a major decision from No. 12 Zac Brunson (174).
Purdue's second win came at 197 pounds with a 2-0 outing from Brunner against Andre Lee. Like Thornton's match, Brunner's rideout in the third period was key. Brunner (18-13) escaped in the second period for the only other point scored. The shutout is the fourth of the season for the true freshman.
Coming out of the dual Sunday, the Boilermakers will have a short week. They'll play host to No. 16 Wisconsin on Friday. Purdue's seniors will be honored prior to the regular season finale that will air live on the Big Ten Network. Competition from Holloway Gymnasium starts at 6 p.m. ET.
WR Falls on the Road to No. 11 Illini
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