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    Askren wins first U.S. Nationals title

    Las Vegas, Nev. -- Missouri 2007 graduate Ben Askren, the Tigers' first-ever two-time NCAA Champion, claimed top honors at the U.S. Freestyle National Championships in Las Vegas, Nev., after besting Tyrone Lewis, 3-0, 3-2 in the 74 kg (163-pound) championship finals.

    Askren won four straight matches to take first in the prestigious national event. Wrestling some of the toughest competition in the nation, Askren earned a win over Scott Owen of the New York Athletic Club by way of injury, followed by an 8-4, 6-0 win over Ramico Blackmon (New York Athletic Club) and 4-0, 5-2 win over Ryan Churella (New York Athletic Club). Askren's final win was by a 3-0, 3-2 decision over Lewis

    Missouri's 197-pound starter and 2008 All-American Maxwell Askren (Hartland, Wis.) finished the tournament in sixth place in the 96 kg (211.5-pound) weight class. Askren opened the day with a 0-6, 4-3, 5-1 win over Kurt Backes (Sunkist Kids) and collected his second straight win, 1-1, 2-6, 2-0 over Kyle Cerminara of the New York Athletic Club. Askren suffered his first loss to Gator Wrestling Club grappler Daniel Cournier, 5-0, 7-0, to fall to the consolation bracket. Dropping two tough losses, Askren finished sixth to Daminon Hahn (New York Athletic Club), by way of fall in 1:03.

    Wrestling at 84 kg (184-pounds) two-time All-American Matt Pell, also a 2007 graduate, finished sixth to B.J. Padden on an injury default. Pell suffered a first-round loss to Clint Wattenberg (New York Athletic Club) 3-2, 0-3 and 1-0, but advanced through the consolation bracket knocking off Lee Fulhart (Gator Wrestling Club) and Tyrel Todd (New York Athletic Club). Pell's loss to Bryce Hasseman (New York Athletic Club) sent him into a battle for fifth place.

    Freshman heavyweight Dom Bradley (Blue Springs, Mo.) finished eighth in the men's 120 kg (264.5-pound weight class). Bradley lost his opening round match, but rattled off back-to-back wins before suffering a 0-1, 1-0 and 5-0 loss to Tarvel Diagnev of Sunkist Kids.

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