UNC heavyweight Cory Daniel earned a dramatic 7-5 victory in the final match of Saturday’s dual between the 17th-ranked Tar Heels and No. 13 Pittsburgh that gave the Tar Heels a 19-16 win on the road.

Daniel–who is not ranked among the top 25 in his weight class–trailed 5-1 entering the third period of the match against No. 13 Demetrius Thomas, which began with the teams tied 16-16. This meant the winner would take the overall match for their team as well.

His comeback allowed the Tar Heels to improve their record to 10-5 with a 2-0 mark against ACC opponents. It was also their second win in as many days after blowing out Bucknell on Friday.

Through the match at 174 pounds, UNC had built a 16-10 lead. Pittsburgh responded, however, by taking the bouts at 184 and 197 to tie the team score entering the heavyweight match.

Up Next:

UNC will return to the mat at Carmichael Arena for its next match on Friday, Feb. 8 against Virginia Tech.

 

 

Photo via UNC Athletics