The win makes Northwestern .500 in duals, improving its overall record to 7-7.
The match started well for the Wildcats, as No. 5 Brandon Precin's 12-3 major decision over Akif Eren gave NU the early 4-0 lead.
Purdue answered back, however, taking two of the next three matches. Two late points for Purdue's Sean Schmaltz gave PU the victory at 131 lbs. over Eric Metzler, 2-1. No. 6 Ryan Lang couldn't contain Purdue's top ranked wrestler, No. 14 Jake Patacsil, as the Boilermaker scored three near falls in the second period on his way to an 18-6 major decision.
Back from injury at 141 lbs., Keith Sulzer (Cleveland, Ohio/St. Edward) returned to the mat just as hot as he left it, recording a 6-0 shutout victory against Matt Redmond.
After trading victories at 157 and 165, Purdue had the slight advantage, 11-10. Nick Bertucci was able to score Purdue's second-straight major decision victory at 157 lbs. against NU's Andrew Nadhir. Dominic Marella countered for Northwestern with a 6-3 decision over Purdue's Justin Praga.
With the 'Cats down a point, No. 12 Nick Hayes took to the mat against No. 17 Nick Corpe in the 174 lb. match. The two wrestlers traded escapes in the second and third periods, sending the match into overtime with a 1-1 tie. Hayes held Corpe scoreless in the first overtime and scored another escape in the second tiebreaker to give the 174-pounder the 2-1 victory and the Wildcats the 13-11 advantage.
Northwestern had its work cut out for it, however, after surrendering a fall at 184 lbs. to give Purdue a 13-17 lead. NU's top two weight classes came through, though, as No. 2 197-pounder Mike Tamillow and No.1 heavyweight Dustin Fox combined for 10 takedowns on their way to 10-2 and 16-5 major decisions, respectively.
The Wildcats return to action at 2 p.m. Sunday against No. 8 Illinois at Welsh Ryan Arena. The 'Cats will celebrate Senior/Alumni Day.
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