#23 Hofstra/Buffalo Preview (UPDATED W/RESULTS)
165 
The Matchup: Ryan Patrovich (HU) vs. Ron Majerus (Buffalo)
Synopsis: In what has become a very common theme thus far, Buffalo will march out another credible, former three-time All-State wrestler in the person of Ron Majerus. Listed on the UB roster as a 157-pounder, it is possible that Majerus is going to be giving away size to the RS sophomore from Islip (rumored to be bumping up to 174 in 2010). Similar to teammate, Dan Bishop, Majerus has had his ups and downs this season, posting a 10-15 overall record (6-11 in duals). Therefore, when pitted against Patrovich, who has been in or around the national top-20 all year, it may be a tall order to pull the upset. Patrovich has amazing defense. Therefore, to win this match, it is likely that all that will be required is a takedown or two. This should not pose much of a problem for Patrovich, whose offensive struggles have only come agains other elite competition.
Prediction: Patrovich Wins by Decision
Projected Team Score: 13-8 Hofstra
Result: Patrovich (HU) Dec Majerus (Buffalo), 8-3
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174 
The Matchup: #10 Alton Lucas (HU) vs. Nate Rock (Buffalo)
Synopsis: Sporting a 22-12 record in ’08/’09, Rock truly has been a rock for Buffalo. One of only five wrestlers in the UB lineup with an above .500 dual record (10-7), Rock is more than capable of making Lucas work hard for the victory. That having been said, on paper (which is not where the match is wrestled), Lucas is considered to have a considerable size, speed, and overall advantage in technique over his fellow senior, hailing from the Keystone State. In truth, I believe that the margin of victory is in the hands of Lucas himself. If not the most, Lucas is certainly one of the most talented wrestlers on the Pride roster. If tomorrow he comes out and decides that he is going to wrestle hard for seven minutes, then he should very well be in line for at least a major decision. Unfortunately, as has been the case throughout Alton’s career, there remains a tendency to allow his opponents to remain close to him. Heading into the postseason, I think I speak for most Pride fans when I say, we’d like to see nothing more than for Alton to spend the last few weeks of his collegiate career competing on full throttle. When he does, there are few, if any wrestlers that can beat him.
Prediction: Alton Wins by Decision
Projected Team Score: 16-8 Hofstra
Result: Lucas (HU) Dec Rock (Buffalo), 7-5
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184 
The Matchup: Ben Clymer (HU) vs. Mickey Moran (Buffalo)
Synopsis: After leading the team in wins last season with 32, the senior, Moran, continues to be about as steady as can be asked. Sporting an overall record of 19-9 on the season, Moran, like Rock, has served as an excellent senior leader for younger team members. Against a true freshman like Clymer, one would imagine that Moran would try to keep it close and then rely on his superior experience to extend or establish a lead in the final two minutes. For Clymer, who at times still has had a hard time opening up his offense, I would think that a solid strategy might be to try to hold his own from neutral and then fall back on his excellent riding ability to wear down his opponent. Regardless of who wins (and I am going with Clymer because I feel that the experience he has picked up going against top-15 opponents like Patterson, Umbehauer, Kerber, etc has toughened him up beyound what is expected of a first year college wrestler), I think that this bout has the making of a very methodical and carefully wrestled low scoring match. The higher the score, the more I tent to think it favors Moran. However, if Clymer is able to score the first two and then ride out the remainder of the opening period, he will have positioned himself nicely to emerge with the ‘w”.
Prediction: Clymer Wins by Decision
Projected Team Score: 19-8 Hofstra
Result: Moran (Buffalo) Dec Clymer (HU), 3-2
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197 
The Matchup: Anthony Tortora (HU) vs. Jimmy Hamel (Buffalo)
Synopsis: Third on the team in total wins and second in dual wins, Hamel, despite being only a sophomore, has proven that when asked, he is capable of taking the team on his back and getting the job done. With a 13-4 dual record on the season, Hamel has to be considered the favorite against the senior, Tortora. While Tortora has been a scrapper the entire time he has been in the starting lineup, he continues to be plagued by the fact that he is undersized. Therefore, despite his best efforts, he has found himself on the wrong end of most matches this season. However, if there is one thing that I applaud about Tortora, it is that regardless of the situation, the guy never gives up. As a result, in the past two weeks, he has managed to fend off bonus points in two matches. And, as we all know, sometimes, a guy who saves a point in a loss can be every bit as valuable to the teams’ collective goal….Joe Fagiano is rumored to being close to returning. If it is Fagiano in the lineup, I feel that he possess the skill to reverse the outcome of this dual and turn it into +3 for the Pride.
Prediction: Hamel Wins by Decision
Projected Team Score: 19-11 Hofstra
Result: Hamel (Buffalo) Dec Fagiano (HU), 7-5
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285 
The Matchup: Jordan Enck (HU) vs. Brett Correll (Buffalo)
Synopsis: Correll, tied for the lead in pins this season for Buffalo brings to the dual a near .500 record. A 4th place finisher at last season’s NHSCA Senior National tournament, the Michigan native has to be considered one of the better young heavyweight prospects in the country this season. Given that Jordan Enck too fits into this category, tomorrow’s bout should prove to be interesting. I don’t happen to know a lot about Correll, but given my observations this season, would guess that he will come in as the larger man. Therefore, as remains a central theme of every Jordan Enck match, the outcome will be determined by the question, which wins out, speed or size. Enck has shown a lightning quick low single in the past. Should he be successful in finishing it a few times, he may be able to utilize his above average riding skills (for a heavyweight) and control the bout. On the flipside, if the bigger man, Correll scores first, he may be able to use his shear weight advantage to keep Enck down and drain him at the same time….For all else being even and this bout a true toss-up, I will go with my gut (and my admitted bias) and go with Enck. Coming off of his win against #12 Zach Hammond (Cornell), I would think that he would bring to the mat a renewed confidence. And, sometimes, a little extra boost in your step can be the deciding factor.
Prediction: Enck Wins by Decision
Projected Final Team Score: 22-11 Hofstra
Result: Enck (HU) Dec Correll (Buffalo), 3-1
Final Team Score: Hofstra-24; Buffalo-13
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