Kearney, Neb. – Senior Brock Smith recorded a major decision at 165 pounds and the 2nd-ranked Nebraska-Kearney wrestling team won three other matches by a single point to edge Lindenwood, 19-18, Wednesday  night in St. Charles, Mo.
 
The Lopers improve to 12-3 (3-0) while the Lions fall to 3-2 (2-2). Last week, LWU fell to 5th-ranked Central Oklahoma by a similar 19-18 score.
 
Lindenwood started off the night with an upset win at 125 lbs. as senior Marco Tamayo got by 7th-ranked Connor Bolling, 3-2. The Lions tried to move ahead 6-0 but top-ranked Daniel DeShazer (Wichita, Kans.) managed a 3-2 win over former Loper Matt Katusin at 133 lbs.
 
After a first period fall by junior Kyle Webb at 141 lbs., UNK won the next four classes, three by decision (3-1, 2-1 and 6-2).

Smith (Gering), now ranked fifth at 165 lbs., tacked on an extra team point as he majored Rutgers transfer Morgan Fitzgerald, 14-6, to give UNK a 16-9 lead. 
 
However, Lindenwood quickly cut into that advantage with a second period fall at 184 lbs. Top-ranked Romero Cotton (Hutchinson, Kans.) helped UNK regain the momentum with a 3-2 win over junior Kenny Breaux.
 
Finally, at 285 lbs., eighth-ranked Steven Butler beat Oklahoma senior Kelsey Empting by, fittingly, a 2-1 score.
 
Kearney stays on the road to face Truman in Kirksville, Mo., Friday night.