PEMBROKE – The UNC Pembroke wrestling team racked up 18 takedowns on the evening and used a run of six-straight victories to erase an early 7-0 deficit as the Braves picked up their first Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) victory of the season with a thrilling 22-11 win over Limestone in front of a raucous crowd on Monday at Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court.
 
The result gave UNC Pembroke (6-7, 1-1 ECAC) its third-straight victory – all at home – while also helping the Black & Gold snap a two-match series losing streak to the Saints. The setback snapped a run of two-straight victories for Limestone (5-2, 1-1) whose only other loss this season came at the hands of No. 1 St. Cloud State.
 
James Sass's overtime victory at 125 pounds, coupled with John Burger's major decision at 133 pounds, helped the visitors snare an early 7-0 advantage, but the Black & Gold needed just two matches to knot the dual back up. Luke McDonough eked out a 10-9 decision at 141 pounds, and Tyler Makosy dominated in his debut at 149 pounds on the way to tacking up a 12-4 major decision.
 
The run would continue for the hosts, however, as Eric Milks (157 pounds) toughed out a 2-0 decision over Avery Dinardi, and NC State transfer Rodney Shepard made it look easy on the way to a 15-4 major decision in the 165-pound matchup. Decisions by both Brandon Sloop (174) and Faris Teia (184) would give the hosts an insurmountable 19-7 advantage heading into the last two bouts of the night.
 
Matthew Rudy pulled the Saints close with a major decision at 197 pounds, but it was not enough to keep the Saints in the match. Andrew Colborn finished the night off for the Black & Gold on a high note, using an escape in overtime to thwart Desmond Julian Gibbs in the heavyweight match via a 6-5 decision.

The Braves will hit the road again, Jan. 26-27, when they head to eastern Pennsylvania for the Kutztown Duals. UNCP is scheduled for five dual meets at the event, including a clash with 13^th-ranked Seton Hill on Friday evening.