The end came in quick and stunning fashion. Iowa State All-American 197-pounder Kurt Backes used a defensive pin maneuver at the 3:11 mark to stick previously unbeaten freshman Max Askren of Missouri.
Cyclones.com is giving fans a FREE chance to see a replay of this instant classic from the video footage taken by the ISU wrestling staff. This exclusive premium content comes courtesy of the Clone Zone and is available for viewing by clicking the link above.
"Backes' pin was a good win and he gave it to us when we needed it," Iowa State head coach Cael Sanderson said. "Our freshman are doing well and are consistent. Our seniors are competing hard to get the win."
Backes, came into the match ranked ninth nationally and had jumped out to a 6-4 lead in the first period over Askren, who entered the bout rated first nationally with a 24-0 record. Backes is now 21-4 this season and 101-28 for his career.
"(Max Askren) is a tough kid and he scrambles a lot," Backes said. "I wanted to scramble with him. I like the position, I've been comfortable with it since high school. It was all in the timing."