Kearney, Neb. – Super senior Matt Malcom and redshirt sophomore newcomer Billy Higgins picked up wins as the Nebraska Cornhuskers downed Nebraska-Kearney, 45-6, Thursday night Lincoln.

This was part of the "Nebraska Duals" with the 'Huskers beating Chadron State, 31-9, to start the night. UNL came in ranked 10th in Division I with UNK 2nd in Division II; the Lopers used mainly reserves in its first competition of the 2021-22 season. 

Malcom (Glenwood, Ia.), ranked third in Division II at 165 pounds and a four-time All-American, got past redshirt sophomore Clayton "Bubba" Wilson by a 10-5 score. This marks his 96th win in a UNK singlet.

One class higher, Higgins (Omaha Skutt) had a solid Loper debut by besting true freshman Tahjae Jenkins-Taylor by a 6-3 score. Higgins was a two-time state champion for the Skyhawks before wrestling at D1 Northern Colorado the past three years.

UNK will send a small contingent to the Dakota Wesleyan Open this Saturday in Mitchell, S.D.