In a hard-fought conference dual, Maryland wrestling fell on Sunday in Champaign, Illinois, to No. 15 Illinois, 25-18.
It was Maryland’s closest conference dual of the season, coming out strong against the ranked Fighting Illini. Both teams won five matches each, but Illinois benefitted from three technical falls and a pin in the 157-pound class.
Ryan Diehl (141) was able to get a pin to close the score early to 9-6, but Maryland’s four other wins were only by decision, including No. 7 heavyweight Youssif Hemida’s team-leading 21st win of the season, a 5-2 decision over Duece Rachal.