CHAMPAIGN, Illinois – The University of Iowa wrestling team extended its dual winning streak to 28 straight with a 36-3 win at No. 21 Illinois on Sunday.

The Hawkeyes won nine-of-10 matches and added bonus points in four bouts to register their most lopsided win at Illinois in 37 years.

Drake Ayala opened the dual with a 7-4 decision at 125. He trailed 4-3 after two periods but opened the third with an escape and added a takedown and nearly two minutes of riding time to finish with his third straight win, all against ranked opponents.

“We love the way this thing ended,” said Iowa head coach Tom Brands. “Guys are wrestling well. I think the next step is bonus points. When it’s 5-0, make it 8-0. And when it’s 8-0 make it 15-0 and when it’s 15-0 get the fall. Keep making progress. There is a lot of wrestling left in the season. We have a lot of work to do. We’re going to Columbus, Ohio.

UP NEXT

The No. 2 Hawkeyes travel to Columbus, Ohio, to face No. 7 Ohio State on Friday at 7 p.m. (CT) inside the Covelli Center. The dual is televised live on BTN.