HILTON, N.Y. -- As usual, when senior Yianni Diakomihalis is in the spotlight, he delivers. On Friday evening, he was able to shine in front of his family and hometown fans. The three-time national champion earned a first period pin to highlight the Cornell wrestling team's 28-15 win over Binghamton on Friday evening at Hilton HS.

The sold-out crowd was delighted after a takedown of Michael Zarif a minute into the 149-pound match, the senior was able to use a tilt to gain near-fall points before squaring the Bearcats' shoulders to the mat 2:22 into the first to extend Cornell's team lead to 14-3. It was win No. 105 at Cornell for the four-time New York State champion at Hilton HS. 

How's that for a Homecoming? Yianni Diakomihalis gave the fans what they wanted - a first period win by fall at Hilton HS.

Chills. #YellCornell pic.twitter.com/6XqYD98WXq

— Cornell Video (@CornellVideo) February 10, 2023

The win was the 11th straight dual victory for Cornell, who moved to 12-2 on the season and 8-0 against EIWA opponents. The Big Red improved to an impressive 115-2 (.983) against unranked opponents dating back to 2007.

Without four starters in the lineup, Cornell still made quick work of the Bearcats to improve to 11-0 all-time in the series. Though Binghamton picked up a win to open the dual at 125, Cornell won four consecutive matches to go up 18-3 midway through the dual. Vito Arujau earned a technical fall victory in a dominant showing at 133 pounds, followed by Ethan Ferandez topping Nathan Lucier 3-2 at 141 pounds thanks to picking up the lone takedown of the match. Diakomihalis got the crowd roaring and Cole Handlovic put up the eventual winning points with a 13-0 triumph at 157 pounds.

Vito Arujau with four near-fall points and @BigRedWrestling is out and scoring against Binghamton on Friday evening at Hilton HS. #YellCornell pic.twitter.com/Dl6vfHXzRL

— Cornell Video (@CornellVideo) February 10, 2023

The Bearcats won three of the five second half matches, but the two Cornell won were impressive showings. Chris Foca earned a 10-1 major decision victory at 174 pounds over former Hilton HS star Sam DePrez, while Jacob Cardenas needed just 85 seconds to pick up a win by fall over John Baker at 197.
 

Jacob Cardenas wraps up John Baker for the first period fall and @BigRedWrestling leads Binghamton 28-12 heading into heavyweight. #YellCornell pic.twitter.com/RHI00QmlGF

— Cornell Video (@CornellVideo) February 11, 2023

 

#5 Cornell 28, Binghamton 15

125: Micah Roes (Binghamton) won by decision over Joe Sciarrone (Cornell), 8-2
133: #3 Vito Arujau (Cornell) won by technical fall over Anthony Sobotker (Binghamton), 19-4
141: Ethan Fernandez (Cornell) won by decision over Nathan Lucier (Binghamton), 3-2
149: #1 Yianni Diakomihalis (Cornell) won by fall over Michael Zarif (Binghamton), 2:22
157: Cole Handlovic (Cornell) won by major decision over Conner Decker (Binghamton), 13-0
165: #31 Brevin Cassella (Binghamton) won by decision over Benny Baker (Cornell), 7-2
174: #4 Chris Foca (Cornell) won by major decision over Sam DePrez (Binghamton), 10-1
184: #22 Jacob Nolan (Binghamton) won by fall over Ethan Hatcher (Cornell), 3:44
197: #14 Jacob Cardenas (Cornell) won by fall over John Baker (Binghamton), 1:25
285: #27 Cory Day (Binghamton) won by decision over #30 Brendan Furman (Cornell), 3-2
 

Next Up

• The Big Red will close out dual meet season when it heads to Tampa, Fla. to wrestle No. 4 Ohio State on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 1  p.m. in the Spartan Duals.
• The match will be streamed by FloWrestling.
• The Buckeyes lead the all-time series 8-7-1 with wins in each of its past two matches, including a 23-9 Ohio State triumph on Dec. 1, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio.