New York University's 14th-ranked wrestling team hosted 13th-ranked Stevens Institute of Technology on Saturday at the John A. Paulson Center in Manhattan.

Stevens claimed a 34-13 victory, but the top-15 match-up and local rivalry made for an exciting afternoon nonetheless.

The Ducks' Akhil Vega won via major decision at 125 to kick things off, but NYU's Taisei Kurachi earned a 15-8 decision over Luke Hoerle, who is ranked 11th in the nation at 133, to bring the Violets within one, 4-3.

A major decision for Stevens' Nico Diaz at 141 made it 8-3, then another decision at 149 gave the Ducks an 11-3 advantage after four bouts.

However, in a battle of two of the top-five nationally ranked wrestlers at 157 pounds, NYU's second-ranked Cooper Pontelandolfo secured a 12-0 major decision over fourth-ranked Ryan Smith. This brought NYU within four, 11-7.

Then, Hassan Khan brought the crowd to its feet in the 165-pound bout as he pinned Harrison Hinojosa in 1:58 to give NYU its first lead, 13-11.

But, the Ducks regained momentum with falls in three of the final four bouts as they came away with a hard-fought victory.

NYU is now 10-3 in dual matches this season. The Violets next turn their attention to the University Athletic Association (UAA) Championship as hosts, which will take place on Saturday, February 17, at the Paulson Center.