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UI roundup: Martinez to compete for Big Ten title

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — The Illinois wrestling team began the first day of the 2017 Big Ten Championships with some ups and downs.

The Illini finished the day in sixth place with 71 points. First-place Ohio State leads the competition with 117 points.

The Illini will send seven of their 10 wrestlers into Sunday’s action.

Isaiah Martinez, the No. 1-ranked 165-pound wrestler in the country, continued his winning ways by advancing to Sunday’s title round. Martinez ran his record to 26-0 by winning all three of his matches Saturday.

Zac Brunson (174) also competed in Saturday evening’s semifinal round, but was not as fortunate as Martinez.