Back and forth efforts by the wrestling team were not enough as the Huskies fell Friday to the Indiana University Hoosiers 20-14 on Friday night.

The Huskies fought to gain momentum but were quickly countered by the Hoosiers. Indiana pushed through with two straight victories on three occasions, including two crucial major decision victories.

“We need to work on execution and focus on match intensity to be able to make adjustments under fire,” Head Coach Ryan Ludwig said. “That’s going to enable us to break through to the next level.”

Redshirt first-years Bryce West and Brit Wilson continued hot streaks for the Huskies.

Wilson is riding a six-match win streak going back to his performances at the Michigan State University Open. West is on a four-match win streak after a dominant performance at the Oct. 25 Huskie Duals.

NIU redshirt junior Caleb Gossett picked up another strong win after a tough loss in the Utah Valley dual, improving to an individual 3-2 record.

West was in charge of opening for the Huskies against Indiana senior Elijah Oliver in the 125-pound dual. The Huskies set the tone early with a decision 11-7 victory, putting NIU up 3-0.

Two Hoosier victories from redshirt junior Garrett Pepple against Huskie redshirt senior Alijah Jeffery and redshirt senior Cole Weaver over sophomore Anthony Cheloni put Indiana ahead with a three-point lead.

Redshirt junior McCoy Kent kept the Huskies on track, picking up a victory against redshirt first-year Breyden Bailey, pulling even with the Hoosiers at 6-6.

Related:  Inside the Huskies Podcast – Ryan Ludwig

Kent’s decision 11-4 win is his second of three matches, outscoring his opponents 30-7 in both victories.

Wilson worked his magic in a clutch 22-7 technical fall victory over Indiana’s redshirt junior Jake Hinz. Wilson’s victory put the Huskies within one point of the Hoosiers and tightened the close matchup between NIU and Indiana.

Hoosier victories from redshirt junior Norman Conley and redshirt sophomore Jake Kleimola delivered a huge blow to the Huskies.

The Hoosiers distanced themselves 20-11 after defeating NIU redshirt first-year Will Feldkamp and redshirt junior Ross Sealby. Feldkamp’s loss was his first appearance of the season.

Gossett was last to hit the mats for the Huskies as he carried NIU’s hopes of a comeback.

With only a tight 1-0 lead through two periods against Hoosier first-year Rudy Streck, Gossett battled his way to a victory in the third period, but the decision 3-0 result was not enough to give the Huskies their third team win of the season.

“We are excited about this group as we progress through season; they compete hard, and standards continue to rise,” Ludwig said. “They expect the best from themselves and their teammates.”

Related: Wrestling hosts Huskie Duals

NIU will host in-state opponent University of Illinois for their last appearance before the winter break. Faceoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday, at Victor E. Court in the Convocation Center.