PEMBROKE – The 6^th-ranked UNC Pembroke wrestling team picked up a win over King in semifinal action, but was upended by 2^nd-ranked Lander in the championship match of the inaugural Conference Carolinas Men's Wrestling Championship on Sunday on Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court.

The Black & Gold will now reset and focus on the NCAA Super Region II Championships on Saturday, March 2. The tournament will be hosted by Lander University inside Finis Horne Arena, with wrestling action set to begin at 10 a.m.

Scott Joll was named the tournament's Upper-Weight Most Outstanding Wrestler after recording two wins via pinfall.


SEMIFINALS: #6 UNCP vs. KING (W 25-18)

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#5-ranked Logan Seliga got the Braves on the board first with a first-period pin in the 125-pound bout. After a Tornado pin at 133 pounds, the Black & Gold responded with five straight victories, including a major decision from 5^th-ranked 149 pounder Jake Piccirilli, as well as another pin for Conference Carolinas Wrestler of the Year and top-ranked 174 pounder Scott Joll to stretch the lead to 25-6. King would take the final three bouts of the match.

FINAL: #6 UNCP VS. #2 LANDER (L 29-9)

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Lander jumped out to a 22-0 lead after six matches, but Joll picked up his 17^th pin in the 174-pound bout to move to 26-0 on the season. Christopher Dickey picked up a thrilling 7-6 tiebreaker victory, before the Bearcats would take the final two bouts.