DeKalb — The Huskies wrapped up their two-dual homestand on Friday as they took on the undefeated Missouri Tigers, who are ranked No. 3 in the country.

The wrestling team scored 12 points, the most given up by Missouri in the Mid-American Conference. NIU faced eight nationally-ranked wrestlers.

“We were looking for attitude, effort, competitive fire, and I saw that tonight,” said Head Coach Ryan Ludwig.

Redshirt sophomore Kirk Johansen improved his season record to 4-4 after defeating Aaron Assad of the Tigers by decision 7-2 in the 125-pound weight class. Johansen improved to 4-4 overall this season.

“I felt really good. I came out with a lot of energy and a lot of fight,” Johansen said.

Redshirt junior Alijah Jeffery faced off against the No. 5 ranked wrestler in the country, John Earneste of Missouri. Jeffery fell to Earneste by decision 7-4. Earneste improved his record to 18-2 on the year, while Jeffery’s record dropped to 14-11 on the season.

Redshirt junior Quinton Rosser faced off against Taylor Watkins of Missouri. Rosser defeated Watkins by decision 8-3.

Jaydin Eierman of Missouri is the second-ranked wrestler in the country. Eierman made quick work of sophomore Anthony Rubino, defeating him by fall in one minute and 32 seconds. Rubino’s record dropped to 1-16 on the season.

Wrestling at 157-pounds, redshirt sophomore Caden McWhirter defeated Keegan McCormick by decision 5-2. The Huskies trailed 13-6 in the dual going into the intermission.

At 184-pounds, redshirt junior Bryce Gorman went up against the No. 13 ranked wrestler in the country, Canten Marriott of Missouri.

Gorman and Marriott went to an extra period, but Gorman fell to Marriott by a takedown, making his record 7-7 on the season.

“Gorman is right there with anybody when he wrestles hard,” Ludwig said. “We’re very confident in his abilities, and we are finally seeing him get into wrestling shape.”

William Miklus of Missouri, ranked No. 3 nationally, defeated redshirt freshman Max Ihry by technical fall 18-1. Ihry’s record fell to 6-15 on the season.

Redshirt sophomore Caleb Gossett defeated Wyatt Koeling of Missouri by decision 4-3.

The Huskies fell to the Tigers 24-12. Their season now stands at 2-8, 0-5 against MAC opponents.

The Huskies will be back on the road to face Binghamton University 7 p.m. Friday in Vestal, New York.