ASHLAND – A forfeit at heavyweight and a docked point proved costly for the Southern Oregon men's wrestling team in its 21-20 loss to No. 19-ranked Eastern Oregon on Saturday at Riehm Arena.

The night started on a high note as 125-pounder Pancho Barrera and 133-pounder Justin Coon, both ranked 15th in the NAIA and celebrating their Senior Night, opened with convincing wins. Barrera collected his 10th dual victory with a 9-5 decision over Luciano Fasulo and Coon pinned Zach Mauras in 1 minute 12 seconds.

JJ Talavera, ranked 11th at 157, added another pin in the third round against Kai Moyer before Max Miller (165) and Noah Talavera (165) claimed back-to-back decisions. Noah Talavera's dramatic sudden victory over 11th-ranked Keegan Mulhill – an upset made possible by his reversal for the tie with 15 seconds left in the third round – briefly had the Raiders up 21-6, but they had a point wiped off the board after he threw his headgear.

It ended up being the difference. EOU's Kyle Knudtson (184) won by fall and Marco Retano (197) followed with a decision. Those outcomes cut SOU's lead to 20-15, and Noel Orozco's win by forfeit at 285 pushed the Mountaineers over the top.

The Raiders finished the regular season with a 5-6 dual record. They'll be in action next at the Cascade Conference Championships on Feb. 18-19 in Havre, Mont.

EOU 21, SOU 20
125 – Pancho Barrera, SOU, dec. Luciano Fasulo, 9-5. (3-0)
133 – Justin Coon, SOU, p. Zach Mauras, 1:12. (9-0)
141 – Jaxon Morlan, EOU, dec. Anthony Perez, 4-1. (9-3)
149 – Chad Muenzer, EOU, dec. Zack Wigzell, 6-4. (9-6)
157 – JJ Talavera, SOU, p. Kai Moyer, 6:17. (15-6)
165 – Max Miller, SOU, dec. John Bittinger, 11-8. (18-6)
174 – Noah Talavera, SOU, dec. Keegan Mulhill, 4-2 (SV). (20-6)
184 – Kyle Knudtson, EOU, p. Kabb Christensen, 3:48. (20-12)
197 – Marco Retano, EOU, dec. John White, 11-5. (20-15)
285 – Noel Orozco, EOU, wins by forfeit. (20-21)
(SOU penalized 1 team point due to violation at 174.)