Top-ranked Nittany Lion wrestler David Taylor and No. 3 Matt Brown represented Penn State well at Saturday’s NWCA All-Star Classic at George Mason University. Taylor defeated  No. 3 Michael Moreno of Iowa State in a 13-2 major decision in the 165 bout while Brown lost a tightly contested 4-3 decision to No. 2 Andrew Howe of Oklahoma in the 174 bout.

Taylor started the matchup with a quick takedown. Two near falls followed giving Taylor a 6-0 lead halfway into the first period. Moreno escaped, but Taylor added another takedown, ending the first period with an 8-1 advantage. Moreno started the second period on bottom and gained an escape point.

Taylor took a 10-2 lead heading into the third period after another takedown. He started on the bottom for the third period and reversed Moreno for two more points. Taylor had 3:06 in riding time for another point and a 13-2 final.

Brown took on three-time All-American Andrew Howe. Howe had the only takedown of the matchup early in the first period, but Brown escaped to trail 2-1. Brown chose to take the bottom for the second period. Howe rode Brown out, but after Howe stalled three times, Brown took a 3-2 lead. Howe escaped from the bottom during the third period to tie the bout and his riding time gave him the 4-3 win.

This was the first time Taylor and Brown had faced their opponents and was Taylor’s second appearance at the NWCA All-Star Classic. Last year, he lost to eventual NCAA Champion Kyle Dake. Penn State’s Ed Ruth was originally slated to compete in the Classic as well, but was pulled a few weeks ago due to a coach’s decision. Nico Megaludis was also invited but could not attend because of family obligations.

Many Penn State wrestlers will be participating in the Binghamton Open unattached to compete for remaining starting lineup spots. Penn State opens its season away against Rider on November 16 before facing Lehigh the next day.