2018 Southern Scuffle Final Results

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – George Mason redshirt senior Ibrahim Bunduka placed eighth at 125 pounds at the 2018 Southern Scuffle, hosted by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Bunduka wrestled well in his opening match against No. 5 Gabe Townsell of Stanford in the round of 16, but dropped a 2-1 decision in a bout that was decided in a third overtime.  

"He dropped that close match, but he had a high attack rate," Mason head coach Frank Beasley said.  "That's a guy who's won matches at the national tournament.  I think Ibrahim has really rounded into form and I'm excited to see him continue that progress throughout the rest of the season."

Bunduka went on to win three straight matches in the consolation round.  One of those victories was a 3-2 decision over teammate Victor Echeverria, with Bunduka's takedown midway through the first period the difference in the match.

"We are fortunate to be able to watch those two get after it every day," Beasley said.  "Certainly it's not easy to have teammates wrestle each other in a tournament.  That's a tough situation for both because there is added pressure.  I felt they both competed well against each other and in the tournament."

In the consolation round of eight, Bunduka posted four takedowns in a 9-6 decision over Northern Colorado freshman Michael Johnson.  He then recorded three takedowns in the first period and another in the second in a 10-3 decision over Chattanooga junior Alonzo Allen.

Mason redshirt junior Tejon Anthony recorded a pair of wins in the consolation round at 149 pounds.  He notched the only takedown of the match to earn a 3-2 decision over Penn State senior Bo Pipher in the round of 32.  Anthony then registered seven takedowns in a 16-6 major decision over Chattanooga junior Zach Shareef in the round of 16.

Redshirt junior Matthew Voss also won three matches in the tournament.  Voss trailed Virginia freshman Quinn Miller 5-3 in the consolation round of 16, but scored with a reversal in the third period to force overtime and then won the match with a takedown for a 7-5 win in sudden victory.

"I felt all four guys competed well, obviously highlighted by Ibrahim's eighth place finish," said Beasley.  "Voss and Bunduka, as two of our leaders, showed progress and development.  We are seeing things start to click for them that we have been working on throughout the year."

Voss also picked up a 3-2 decision over Northern Iowa freshman Carter Isley in the consolation round of 16 and a 12-1 major decision over Lehigh sophomore Christian Colucci in the consolation round of 8.

"It's always good to have your hand raised," Beasley added.  "I felt like our guys did well and we are starting to see them embrace some of the things we are working on in their matches."

The Patriots are back in action on Saturday, Jan. 6 at the Franklin & Marshall Open in Lancaster, Pa.  Mason is back home on Jan. 12, hosting Davidson at 7 p.m. at the Recreation Athletic Complex in Fairfax, Va.