ST. LOUIS — Anthony Collica needed to keep his lead for only 10 more seconds.
Holding a 4-2 lead Friday morning in Scottrade Center, time ticked down in the final period of Collica’s consolation match. Collica, the second-ranked 149-pounder in the NCAA Wrestling Championship, took a shot to extend his lead.
Instead, unseeded Joshua Maruca fought back and earned a takedown and near fall just before time expired, clinching an 8-5 victory.
The furious comeback ended Collica’s OSU career, marking the second consecutive loss for the senior.
Cowboy coach John Smith said although Collica didn’t need to take the shot at the end, he has been taught to stay aggressive regardless of the score.