ASU defeats CSU Bakersfield, celebrates MMA greats

TEMPE, Ariz. -- The No. 11 Arizona State wrestling team won more than half of the individual matches en route to a decisive 24-12 victory over the CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners Saturday afternoon at Wells Fargo Arena.

As part of the day's festivities, Arizona State also honored MMA, UFC, and Olympic greats like Ryan Bader, Dan Severn, Henry Cejudo, and more.

The Sun Devils started the afternoon off with a win at 125 lbs. as Brandon Courtney earned a 13-5 major decision over Eddie Flores.

The Roadrunners got on the board at 133 lbs. as No. 17 Sean Nickell defeated No. 25 Josiah Kline by way of a 7-2 decision.

ASU took the next three bouts as Cory Crooks (141) earned a 9-1 major decision over Carlos Herrera, No. 25 Josh Maruca (149) defeated No. 20 Russel Rohlfing in a 5-2 decision and No. 13 Christian Pagdilao (157) notched a 5-3 decision over Wyatt Gerl, giving the Sun Devils a 14-3 lead heading into halftime.

Coming out of the break, the Sun Devils continued to build their lead as No. 4 Josh Shields (165) earned an 11-3 major decision victory over Jacob Thalin. CSUB's medical forfeit at 174 lbs. gave ASU an additional six points, bringing the score to 24-3 in favor of the home team.

The Roadrunners finished the afternoon with decisions at 184 lbs., 197 lbs. and heavyweight.

Next up for ASU, the squad will host Cal Poly Friday, February 22 at 7 p.m. in the Beauty and the Beat meet. The meet, alongside the Sun Devil gymnastics team, will feature both teams competing at the same time at Wells Fargo Arena. As it will be the final home meet for both teams, seniors from both wrestling and gymnastics will be honored at the end of the event. Both competitions will be broadcast via the ASU Live Stream.

Results:
125 - Brandon Courtney MD Eddie Flores, 13-5
133 - #17 Sean Nickell DEC #25 Josiah Kline, 8-2
141 - Cory Crooks MD Carlos Herrera, 9-1
149 - #25 Josh Maruca DEC #20 Russell Rohlfing, 5-2
157 - #13 Christian Pagdilao DEC Wyatt Gerl, 5-3
165 - #4 Josh Shields MD Jacob Thalin, 11-3
174 - Andy Gandara MFF Bryan Battisto
184 - Dominic Ducharme DEC Jacen Petersen, 9-6
197 - Mark Penyacsek DEC Austyn Harris, 6-3
HWT - Jarrod Snyder DEC Brady Daniel, 6-4 SV1