Bulls Down Binghamton, 24-12

VESTAL, NY - The Buffalo Bulls wrestling team opened the New Year in a big way Sunday afternoon, registering a 24-12 win over regional rival Binghamton. The team rode the effort of three wrestlers who earned major decisions to upset the Bearcats, who came into the dual meet receiving votes in the most recent NWCA/USA Today coaches poll.

After a forfeit at 125 pounds, junior Kevin Smith earned a major decision at 133 pounds with a 13-3 win over Dan Riggi. His 21-8 record this season is a team best for overall wins.

Teammate Andrew Schutt found equal success, earning an 8-0 major decision over Brian Guilfoyle in his match to extend the Bulls' lead. Mark Lewandowski had the team's other major decision after recording an 11-2 win in his 157-pound match, taking down Matt Kaylor.

"After Desi (Green) had a tough loss, Mark comes in and beats a wrestler who is a returning national qualifier by major decision and that really is where we got started," head coach Jim Beichner said about the Depew, NY native's big win.

In other action, sophomore Josh Peters won 9-5 at 197 pounds over Cody Reed.

"His attitude in training has increased significantly and he's starting to believe. He's big, he's strong and he knows how to wrestle, but he's now starting to believe in himself," Beichner said. "That's the biggest thing because we really need him and he's a significant part of the team thus far."

Classmate Brett Correll brought home the team's win with a 3-0 win in his heavyweight bout against Matt Berretta. Peters, Correll and Lewandowski all won their fourth dual match of the year Sunday afternoon, a mark that puts the sophomore trio as the team leaders in duals action.

"Today we looked 100 percent better than we have been and we hope to build off of that and get better," Beichner added.

The team now sits at 4-2 and has won three straight dual meets. It will now head South for the Virginia Duals, hosted by Hampton University. Buffalo will face the Cavaliers of Virginia in its first match, with the winner moving on to face either Liberty or Michigan. The duals tournament will begin at 11 am Friday, with each team having two dual meets on Friday and another two on Saturday.

Buffalo 24, Binghamton 12
125: Sean Walton (BUF) forfeit 
133: Kevin Smith (BUF) maj. dec. Dan Riggi (BU) 13-3
141: Andrew Schutt (BUF) maj. dec. Brian Guilfoyle (BU) 8-0
149: Donnie Vinson (BU) dec. #13 Desi Green (BUF) 3-2 
157: Mark Lewandowski (BUF) maj. dec. Matt Kaylor (BU) 11-2
165: Justin Lister (BU) dec. John-Martin Cannon (BUF) 4-2
174: Ryan McGarity (BU) dec. Brian Sheehan (BUF) 6-1
184: #9 Nate Schiedel (BU) dec. #19 James Hamel (BUF) 3-0
197: Josh Peters (BUF) dec. Cody Reed (BU) 9-5
285: Brett Correll (BUF) dec. Matt Berretta (BU) 3-0

Here is the link:  http://www.buffalobulls.com/sports/wrest/2010-11/releases/20110102f8c521.