CHAMPAIGN, Ill – Illinois picked up two ranked wins in Sunday's tri-meet at State Farm Center, defeating No. 8 Ohio State, 18-15, and No. 22 Wisconsin, 21-9. Several key match wins helped the Illini secure both victories, including two-win days for multiple Illini wrestlers. The Illini are now 3-0 on the season following the two victories.

"Two great wins today," said Illinois head coach Jim Heffernan. "Luffman, Wroblewski and Byrd were outstanding. Pucino ended up being a last minute starter due to an injury and wrestled lights out. Really proud of our effort across the board - guys are wrestling with great energy. We are moving in the right direction."

Lucas Byrd, Daniel Pucino, Danny Braunagel, Matt Wroblewski, and Luke Luffman all provided a spark for the Illini, all coming out with victories in both of their matches on the day. Luffman notched two top-ten wins, defeating Wisconsin's No. 5 Trent Hillger and Ohio State's No. 6 Tate Orndorff.

Freshman Danny Pucino was extremely impressive in his Illini debut, racking up two wins on the afternoon. The freshman competed at 141-pounds, defeating Wisconsin's Dominic Dentino in a 10-4 decision in his first match, and Ohio State's Dylan D'Emilio in a 12-7 decision in his second.

Matt Wroblewski also picked up a huge overtime win for the Illini, securing his second win of the day with a sudden victory takedown. The win gave Illinois an 18-9 edge heading into the last match against the Badgers.

Full Results

125: Malik Heinselman (OHST) over Justin Cardani (ILL) (Dec 9-2)

133: Lucas Byrd (ILL) over Jacob Decatur (OHST) (Dec 2-0)

141: Danny Pucino (ILL) over Dylan D`Emilio (OHST) (Dec 12-7)

149: Sammy Sasso (OHST) over Michael Carr (ILL) (Fall 2:45)

157: Elijah Cleary (OHST) over Johnny Mologousis (ILL) (Dec 3-2)

165: Dan Braunagel (ILL) over Ethan Smith (OHST) (Dec 6-5)

174: Kaleb Romero (OHST) over DJ Shannon (ILL) (Dec 7-1)

184: Zach Braunagel (ILL) over Rocky Jordan (OHST) (Dec 2-0)

197: Matt Wroblewski (ILL) over Gavin Hoffman (OHST) (Dec 4-2)

HWT: Luke Luffman (ILL) over Tate Orndorff (OHST) (Dec 3-2)

Illini: 18, Ohio State: 15

125: Justin Cardani (ILL) over Eric Barnett (WIS) (Dec 3-1)

133: Lucas Byrd (ILL) over Kyle Burwick (WIS) (Dec 5-0)

141: Danny Pucino (ILL) over Dominic Dentino (WIS) (Dec 10-4)

149: Michael Carr (ILL) over Drew Scharenbrock (WIS) (Dec 8-3)

157: Garrett Model (WIS) over Johnny Mologousis (ILL) (Dec 7-3)

165: Dan Braunagel (ILL) over Josh Otto (WIS) (Dec 6-2)

174: Jared Krattiger (WIS) over DJ Shannon (ILL) (Dec 6-2)

184: Christopher Weiler (WIS) over Zach Braunagel (ILL) (Dec 8-2)

197: Matt Wroblewski (ILL) over Andrew Salemme (WIS) (Dec 3-1)

HWT: Luke Luffman (ILL) over Trent Hillger (WIS) (Dec 4-3)

Illini: 21, Wisconsin: 9

Up next for the Illini

Illinois will take on No. 16 Purdue at Huff Hall on Friday, January 22. Start time for the dual meet is to be announced.