Penn State Wrestling’s Aaron Brooks advances in B1G Championship on 1 Ankle

Penn State's Aaron Brooks reacts after winning a match at 184 pounds during a NCAA Big Ten Conference wrestling dual, Friday, Jan. 31, 2020, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.200131 Penn St Iowa Wr 048 Jpg
Penn State's Aaron Brooks reacts after winning a match at 184 pounds during a NCAA Big Ten Conference wrestling dual, Friday, Jan. 31, 2020, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.200131 Penn St Iowa Wr 048 Jpg

Aaron Brooks, Penn State Wrestling’s No. 1 seed at 184, was forced to take two injury timeouts, but overcame with a near fall to defeat Iowa‘s Nelson Brand, the No. 9 seed.

Aaron Brooks was down 7-5 after the second period, one of those points coming as a result of his second injury timeout.  Brooks was clearly hobbled trying to wrestle after the first injury timeout, forcing the Lions to take a second one.  Coming back with a ton of tape on his ankle, Brooks got a quick reversal and after a Brands escape, Brooks was down 8-7 with 1:40 to go.

But then, a Brooks takedown and 4 point near fall was the difference as he took a 13-8 lead with 1:02 left and over 2 minutes of riding time.

You can check out video of Brooks’ gutty effort, and win below:

https://twitter.com/pennstateWREST/status/1368270970016985088

Brooks qualified for tonight’s semifinals and gave the Nittany Lions a much needed win over rival Iowa.  Penn State had an up and down first session and will need absolutely every point here on out to keep in touch with the Hawkeyes.  Hopefully the rest before tonight’s session can help Aaron get healthy and ready to win and advance to tomorrow’s finals.

Keep watching on the Big Ten Network or online on BTN+ (through the Fox Sports App) and track your selections versus ours to see who will win the B1G Championship, both individual and team trophies, continuing tonight and tomorrow.