PEMBROKE – The 20th-ranked UNC Pembroke wrestling team will continue its 2020-21 regular season schedule on Thursday evening when the Braves suit up to host region rival Emmanuel in a 5 p.m. dual meet at Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court. The contest is a closed event and spectators will not be admitted.
 
Fans wishing to follow the action can do so for free via a live video stream on the UNCP Sports Network with Jon Gross handling the play-by-play duties. The matchup can also be followed via a live statistics link provided by UNCP Athletics.
 
The Braves successfully kicked off their newest campaign on December 15 when they delivered a 26-16 season-opening home victory over Belmont Abbey. UNCP trailed 16-11 in that contest following a decision by the Crusaders in the 174-pound bout, but won each of the last three matches – including pins at 197 and 285 pounds – to provide the final.
 
Emmanuel had its season debut spoiled with a 48-0 setback at NCAA Division I foe Chattanooga on Saturday. The Mocs won all 10 individual matchups in that contest, including eight victories accompanied by bonus points. The Lions are scheduled to host Coker on Tuesday evening in Franklin Springs, Ga.
 
UNCP has captured two of the three previous series matchups with Emmanuel, but Thursday's matchup will mark the first meeting between the two clubs since the Braves registered a 37-9 road win over the Lions on Feb. 2, 2018. Emmanuel came away with a 27-21 triumph on its last trip to Pembroke, however.
 
The Braves are tied with both Newberry and Belmont Abbey atop the latest region ranking by the National Wrestling Coaches Association. Two individuals – 125-pounder Nick Daggett and 133-pounder Logan Seliga – sit atop their individual weight class ranking. Five other wrestlers are ranked among the top 6 in their weight class, including senior Ryan Monk who occupies the No. 2 position in the heavyweight listing.