DEKALB, Ill. – SIUE wrestling opened the new year with a 33-15 loss at in-state rival Northern Illinois.

"We had some preparation issues. We just weren't ready to compete so it makes for a tough day," said SIUE Head Coach Jeremy Spates.

Four matches were decided by three points or less. DeShoun White picked up a 3-1 victory on the mat for the Cougars over Northern Illinois' Caleb Busson.

"He has gone out every time and competed hard," said Spates. "It was a close match and he got the takedown late in the match to get the win."

SIUE, 3-8, returns to next Saturday at the Vadalabene Center with its first home match of the new year. The Cougars welcome Missouri for a 7 p.m. match.

Northern Illinois 33 SIUE 15
174: Matt Mougin (NIU) dec. Jake Residori (SIUE), 4-1
184: Deshoun White (SIUE) dec. Caleb Busson (NIU), 3-1
197: Shawn Scott (NIU) dec. Chris Johnson (SIUE), 5-3
285: Jared Torrence (NIU) dec. David Devine (SIUE), 5-2
125: Nick Harrison (NIU) wins by forfeit
133: Patrick Myers (SIUE) wins by forfeit
141: Drew Vrbenec (SIUE) wins by forfeit
149: Rob Jillard (NIU) wins by forfeit
157: Andrew Morse (NIU) pins Logun Taylor (SIUE), 2:47
165: Shaunae McMurtry (NIU) wins by forfeit