NEW YORK (AP) Ohio State is off to a strong start in defending its team championship on the opening day of the NCAA Wrestling Championships. The Buckeyes have sent six of eight wrestlers into the second round at Madison Square Garden.
Johnni DiJulius (133 pounds), Micah Jordan (141), Bo Jordan (165) and Kyle Snyder (285) earned bonus points by pinning first-round opponents. Nathan Tomasello (125) and Myles Martin (174) added bonus-point victories.
The No. 7 Buckeyes lead the team race with 16.5 points. No. 1 Penn State is a half point behind entering Thursday night's second round.
The Nittany Lions are looking to win their fifth championship in six years. Eight of their nine wrestlers reached the second round. No. 12 Nebraska, No. 4 Iowa and three teams tied for fifth complete the top five.
