Shane, Presta Key Nic Win

Close wins by Ben Shane (134 pounds) and Bob Presta (142) helped top-ranked North Idaho College to a huge lead Thursday during a 32-12 dual wrestling win over visiting Western Montana.

Shane’s reversal in the closing seconds led to a 7-5 win over John Irwin. Presta beat Seth Rogers 5-3 on a takedown with 23 seconds left.

The ninth-ranked Bulldogs had defeated NIC right after Christmas. Josh Morton (150) of the Cardinals had lost to Jade Morton earlier in the season, but scored eight points in the third period for a 9-2 run. NIC led Thursday’s match 26-0.

118 - Vega (NIC) tf. Smith 19-3. 126 - Schaeffer (NIC) p. Heyes 5:58. 134 - Shane (NIC) d. Irwin 7-5. 142 - Presta (NIC) d. Rogers 5-3. 150 - Morton (NIC) Morton 9-2, 158 - Janke (NIC) d. Jones 11-8. 167 - Moaney (NIC) tf. Maddox 16-0. 177 - Flaten (WM) p. Claussen 2:27. 190 - Jordan (NIC) p. Scheff 5:17. Hvy - Boomer (WM) p. McArtur 2:35.

, DataTimes