The Minnesota wrestling team secured its first home victory of the season, recording five bonus-point victories in a 35-6 dual victory over South Dakota State.

The Gophers got technical-fall victories from fifth-ranked Sean Russell at 125 pounds, No. 7 Ethan Lizak at 133, No. 20 Devin Skatzka at 174 and second-ranked Gable Steveson at heavyweight. Mitch McKee won by first-period pin at 141.

No. 17 Tommy Thorn scored an 11-5 decision over No. 14 Henry Pohlmeyer, avenging a loss to Pohlmeyer in the Daktronics Open final earlier this season.

"I'm really impressed with the team's energy from the start until the end," coach Brandon Eggum said. "Those bonus points are big when it comes to the Big Ten Championships or the NCAA tournament so getting in that mind-set early is important."

NCAA football pairings

Minnesota State Mankato will play host to Tarleton State in the Division II football quarterfinals on Saturday. Both teams are 12-0.

In the Division III quarterfinals on Saturday, two MIAC teams will be on the road. St. John's (12-0) will travel to Belton, Texas, to take on Mary Hardin-Baylor (12-0), which lost to Mount Union in the Division III championship game last season.

Bethel (11-1) will play at Wisconsin-Whitewater (11-0) in the first meeting between the programs.

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