LINCOLN, Neb. — Oklahoma coach Jack Spates has been singing the praises of his freshman 125-pounder all season. Other than a couple of matches, Joey Fio’s effort has been solid for the No. 18 Sooners.
He entered Sunday’s dual at Nebraska with a record of 16-7, having come off a major decision win at Missouri Friday. Sunday he faced the most difficult task of his young career, going up against Nebraska’s fourth-ranked Paul Donahoe. It was Donahoe who ended OU’s Sam Hazewinkel’s bid to win the national championship last year, beating him in the finals.
It was a longshot for OU knock of the second-ranked Cornhuskers anyway, but Fio gave the Sooners hope. OU was down by six when Fio faced Donahoe. Down 4-3 entering the final period, he got a takedown and managed an escape to win 6-5, getting the Sooners within three points.
Ultimately, all Fio’s win did was get OU close. The Sooners lost the final three bouts and Nebraska walked away with a 21-9 win.
“Fio’s win was absolutely huge for us,” Spates said. “He works so hard and refused to lose against the defending national champion in Donahoe. We are really proud of his effort this weekend.”
Overall, it was not a bad showing for the Sooners, who are still searching for their first Big 12 Conference victory. OU is 12-5 overall and 0-4 in conference, while Nebraska improves to 12-3 and 3-0.
The Sooners won only three bouts, but gave themselves a chance by not giving up any bonus points.
OU Sports
Fio’s win isn’t enough
Sooners remain winless in Big 12 matches
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