#2 Fighting Illini Drop Contest to #7 Wolverines

RECAP

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Fighting Illini fell 322.100-315.450 to the No. 7 Michigan Wolverines on Feb. 8. in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Nathan Whitaker led off on floor for the Illini with a 13.350, but it was Amari Sewell who earned the high score for the Illini with a 13.500. The Illini trailed Michigan by 3.050 after the first rotation.

Brandon Dang earned a season high (14.800) to take the pommel horse title. In his season debut, Will Hauke earned a 13.650, and Ian Sandoval earned a career-high 13.850. The solid scoring nearly halved the Wolverine lead.

On still rings, Hasan Aydogdu led the way with a 13.300, followed by Logan Myers' 13.050.

The Illini struggles continued on vault, with their top score coming from Ian Sandoval with a 13.300. After the fourth rotation, the Illini deficit was 1.300 points.

Dylan Shepard made his parallel bar debut, scoring a 13.550 to lead the way for the Illini. Will Hauke also scored a 13.550 in his first time out on parallel bars this season.

On high bar, Matthew Vu Nguyen tied a career high with a 13.400. Ian Sandoval also earned a career high with a 13.150. Ryan Vanichtheeranont closed out the meet for the Illini with a 13.800.

"Today wasn't our day," said head coach Daniel Ribeiro. "We had some uncharacteristic mistakes, but the boys never stopped fighting. We have some work to do over the next few weeks in order to be prepared for the second half of the season."

Next up, Ian Sandoval, Preston Ngai, and Brandon Dang will take on the Winter Cup Feb. 21-23. Then, the team will resume action on March 1 in Huff Hall against Army and Greenville at 1 p.m. CT.