Duke @ Gardner-Webb

Gardner-Webb defeated Duke 23-15 in Boiling Springs, N.C., on January 16, 2024, in a dual meet that came down to bonus-point wrestling. The Runnin’ Bulldogs collected the key extra team points needed to separate themselves from the Blue Devils and held on for an eight-point road victory.

The margin was built largely on two big bonus wins. At 125 pounds, Drew West scored a fall over Logan Agin, a six-point swing that directly padded Gardner-Webb’s total. Todd Carter followed with a 17-2 technical fall at 141 pounds, adding five more team points and extending the cushion with dominant offense.

Duke fought back late when heavyweight Connor Barket delivered a fall over Peyton McComas for six team points, cutting into the deficit and keeping the match competitive down the stretch. Those three bonus outcomes accounted for 17 of the 38 combined team points and were the match’s decisive moments.

In the end Gardner-Webb’s ability to turn two bouts into bonus-point victories proved decisive, while Duke’s bonus at 285 helped trim the final margin but could not overcome the earlier setbacks. The 23-15 score reflected a meet where pins and a technical fall swung the dual in Gardner-Webb’s favor.