PEMBROKE – 19th-ranked UNC Pembroke trailed 19-16 heading into the final match, but Oggie Atwood picked up a major decision win in the heavyweight bout to clinch the 20-19 win over visiting Mount Olive on Friday night on Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court.

The Braves (8-5, 6-1 CC) stayed perfect in the all-time series with the Trojans (8-3, 5-1 CC), improving to 5-0 against its division rival. 

Mount Olive got on the board first with a decision win at 125 pounds, before Logan Robinson took a dominating tech. fall win in the 133-pound bout. The Trojans picked up an injury default win at 141 pounds, before fifth-ranked 149-pounder Jake Piccirilli  won via tech. fall and third-ranked Keegan Roberson earned a thrilling decision win with a last-second takedown in the 157-pound match. A Mount Olive major decision at 165 pounds tied the dual at 13-all, before Logan Hoffman earned a decision win at 174 pounds to put the Braves back in front. Two consecutive sudden victories for the Trojans gave the guests a 19-16 lead, setting the stage for Atwood's heroics in the heavyweight match.

The Black & Gold will be back in action Friday, January 31 as they hit the road to take on Belmont Abbey in another pivotal Conference Carolinas matchup. Wrestling action is set to begin at 7 p.m. inside the Wheeler Center.