Wilkes-Barre, PA… Wilkes University won the final two weight classes and were also aided by the Lions being penalized a team point as the Colonels rallied for a 17-17 tie in a match-up of nationally-ranked wrestling programs on Tuesday.

The Lions, ranked 18th in the National Wrestling Coaches Association Division III poll, are now 11-1-1 this season, while the 19th-ranked Colonels are 12-5-2.

TCNJ held an 18-13 lead heading into the heavyweight bout, but Andrew Feldman posted a 15-7 major decision and during the match the Lions were penalized a team point by the official locking the teams in a 17-17 tie at the final whistle.

Sophomore Justin Bonitatis (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East) won by fall at 165 pounds winning his match in 1:13. Winning by decision for the Lions were junior Tyler Branham (Newton, NJ/Kittatinny) at 149, sophomore John Barnett (Oak Ridge, NJ/Jefferson Township) at 157, senior Greg Osgoodby (Waldwick, NJ/Waldwick) at 174, and freshman Scott Kelley (Vineland, NJ/Sacred Heart) at 184.

Next up for the Lions is the annual New England/Metropolitan Conference Duals on Saturday, January 31 hosted by Hunter College. TCNJ then closes out the home portion of the schedule on Sunday, February 1 hosting 26th-ranked Springfield College at noon.

Weight by weight summary
#18 TCNJ 17, #19 Wilkes 17
125 - Shaun Farnham (W) 15-2 (maj. dec.) Dan Franke
133 - Josh Pauling (W) 6-0 (dec.) Dan Hughes 
141 - Anthony Dattolo (W) 8-1 (dec.) William Tenpenny
149 - Tyler Branham (T) 4-2 (dec.) Erik Smith
157 - John Barnett (T) 3-1 (dec.) James Histead
165 - Justin Bonitatis (T) Fall (1:13) Richard Sparks 
174 - Gregory Osgoodby (T) 9-6 (dec.) Frank Heffernan
184 - Scott Kelley (T) 5-1 (dec.) Buddy Gouger
197 - Zach Pizarro (W) 9-4 (dec.) Ed Broderick
HWT - Andrew Feldman (W) 15-7 (maj. dec.) Adam Koziol 
(TCNJ was penalized one team point during the 285 match)