(ST. CHARLES, Mo.) – The Mules wrestling squad earned a 20-15 dual victory Thursday against the Lindenwood Lions.

The Mules improve to 5-6 overall and 2-2 in the MIAA with their second straight dual win.

The Mules fell behind early, 3-0, after Mitchell Bradley fell on a 9-2 decision to the Lions’ Blayne Shockley. Hunter Neighbors tied the dual up at three after he took a 7-4 decision over Lindenwood’s Michael Caldwell.

The Lions regained a 6-3 lead after Eric Mateo fell at 141 pounds via a 6-5 decision to Craig Chiles.

Nick Viterisi tied the dual up at 6-6 in the 149-pound bout by taking a 10-4 decision win over Lindenwood’s Derrick Weller. The Lions retook the lead when the Mules had to forfeit at 157 pounds due to injury.

Trailing 12-6, Ty Loethen delivered for the Mules at 165 pounds, claiming a 7-2 decision over the Lions’ Luke Roth. Lindenwood extended its lead to 15-9 after Jake Hawks fell via a 4-0 decision to Matt Greene at 174 pounds.

Clarence Neely answered for the Mules in the 184-pound bout, taking a commanding 11-3 major decision victory over Jake Landals to pull the Mules within two, 15-13, with just two bouts remaining.

Todd Brier gave the Mules a slim 16-15 lead after he bested the Lions’ Padric Lynch in the 197-pound bout, 5-4. With the dual on the line, Tim Tuaquoi stepped up and gave the Mules the victory, delivering an impressive 9-0 major decision win against Lindenwood’s Matt Atley.

The Mules return to action Friday when they travel to Lebanon, Ill., to face McKendree in a non-conference dual.