Neves Lifts No. 18 Wrestling Over Pitt Via Criteria

Friday, February 7

Pittsburgh, Pa.

7 PM

North Carolina

Pitt

Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati

February 7, 2025 | Wrestling

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Nolan Neves' victory at 285 pounds served as the difference maker, as the 18th-ranked North Carolina wrestling team defeated No. 15 Pitt off criteria, 16-16, Friday night in ACC action.

With the team score knotted at 16-all after the 10 bouts, total match points served as the deciding factor in the night's matchup, as Neves' late takedown gave Carolina the advantage, 52-49.

The Tar Heels won 5 matches on the night courtesy of Spencer Moore (125), Ethan Oakley (133), Jayden Scott (141), Lachlan McNeil (149) and Neves (285).

Carolina opened the night winning the first four duals, without giving up a single takedown.

Moore, Oakley and Scott collected road decisions, giving Carolina a 9-0 lead over the host Panthers. Following at 149, McNeil earned the Tar Heels' lone bonus-point win on the evening, a 9-1 major decision over No. 23 Finn Solomon.

After Pitt claimed wins at 157, 165, 174, 184 and 197, Carolina trailed entering the final bout at heavyweight, 16-13.

Neves trailing after the opening three minutes, 3-1 but would collect an escape and takedown in the second period, giving him a 5-4 lead entering the final frame.

Three third-period scores would earn Neves the 14-9 decision over No. 13 Dayton Pitzer, his first ACC dual win of the campaign.

Up next, the Tar Heels host Virginia next Friday night inside Carmichael Arena. Action between Carolina and the Cavaliers gets underway at 7 PM.

No. 18 North Carolina 16, No. 15 Pitt 16
February 7, 2025 | Fitzgerald Field House | Pittsburgh, Pa.
125: No. 13 Spencer Moore (UNC) over No. 23 Nick Babin (Pitt): 6-4 Dec
133: No. 12 Ethan Oakley (UNC) over Tyler Chappell (Pitt): 4-1 Dec
141: No. 22 Jayden Scott (UNC) over Anthony Santaniello (Pitt): 4-2 Dec
149: No. 5 Lachlan McNeil (UNC) over No. 23 Finn Solomon (Pitt): 9-1 MD
157: No. 23 Dylan Evans (Pitt) over No. 18 Sonny Santiago (UNC): 4-1 Dec
165: Jared Keslar (Pitt) over Charlie Darracott (UNC): 4-1 Dec
174: No. 18 Luca Augustine (Pitt) over No. 16 Joshua Ogunsanya (UNC): 6-5 Dec
184: No. 13 Reece Heller (Pitt) over No. 22 Gavin Kane (UNC): 7-6 Dec
197: No. 10 Mac Stout (Pitt) over Cade Lautt (UNC): 11-2 MD
285: Nolan Neves (UNC) over No. 13 Dayton Pitzer (Pitt): 14-9 Dec