DEKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University wrestling team closes out its 2018 regular season with a date with Mid-American Conference foe Kent State on Friday. The action starts at 7 p.m. inside Victor E. Court.
 
The Huskies (3-9, 1-5 MAC) are facing off with the Golden Flashes for the 29th time.  Kent State (12-9, 2-4 MAC) holds the advantage all-time, winning 22 of the 28 prior matchups.  NIU defeated Kent State last season in Kent, Ohio, 30-12. 
 
"When you come to Mid-American Conference action, every dual meet is tough and every match is tough," said NIU head wrestling coach Ryan Ludwig.  "There is a great atmosphere within this conference and both Kent State and our guys will come to battle on Friday night."
 
The Huskies are led by Caden McWhirter (Prattville, Ala./ Prattville) at 157.  The Huskie redshirt-sophomore lost to Tristan Rufinburg of Binghamton, on Friday, in a highly-contested bout, 4-2, but bounced back by defeating Eric Fasnacht of Buffalo in a first-round fall at 1:38, on Sunday.
 
"Kid comes out and sets the tone for the rest of the meet," said Ludwig of McWhirter.  "He gets a nice takedown, gets on top, and just goes to work.  Caden was energized and the rest of the bench after was too."
 
At 149, Nolan Baker (Byron, Ill/ Byron) was an essential part of the Huskies earning their first MAC victory against Buffalo, on Sunday.  After losing to Frank Garcia of Binghamton via a major decision, 13-1, on Friday, the Huskie freshman defeated Nicholas Palumbo, 12-9, to win the dual for the Huskies.
 
"Nolan is getting better every week, he knows that and I know that," said Ludwig.  "The way he goes out and competes, he puts himself in a good position to score points."
 
At 165, Andrew Scott (Holly, Mich./Holly) earned his first MAC and dual win of the season.  The Huskie redshirt-junior defeated Noah Grover of Buffalo via major decision, 9-1.  Scott has six wins this season and 16 for his career. 
 
"Andrew Scott looked tough out there," said Ludwig.  "His offense was flowing, he felt freed up to get out there and score points, so that is what we asked of him and he responded well."
 
Friday's Dual will be live streaming on ESPN3 and live stats will be available on track wrestling.  Fans can also follow the Huskie grapplers on Twitter @NIUWrestling for the Kent State dual and throughout the 2017-2018 season. 
 
Below are the probable lineups for both teams:
 
NIU Huskies
125: Brock Hudkins (12-9) or Kirk Johansen (4-4)
133: Alijah Jeffery (14-13)
141: Anthony Rubino (1-18)
149: Nolan Baker (1-6)
157: Caden McWhirter (6-9)
165: Andrew Scott (6-14) or Jose Acosta (4-6)
174: Quinton Rosser (11-14)
184: Bryce Gorman (8-7) or Michael Aldrich (7-11)
197: Max Ihry (6-17)
285: Caleb Gossett (13-13) or Ross Sealby (3-8)