IMar

[PSUbluTX]

IMar is super tough and should be Cenzo’s biggest challenge of the year. I’ve been worried about this matchup in light of Cenzo’s recent close calls. But watching IMar’s matches today I found him to be underwhelming. He struggled against #8 White (NEB), winning a close match 7-3. He was down early to #4 Lewis (RU) but hit one big move and ended up winning
8-5.

Anyone have a different impression? What does Cenzo need to do to beat him tomorrow?

 

[1AA]

If Cenzo doesn't give up any NF he wins. The kid is so hard to get a td on this year. I feel like its his match.

 

[nerfstate]

My prediction: someone is looking at the lights tonight. Maybe Perry rubbed off on Isaiah, and he's developed a tactical game plan. I think he's been practicing throw counters all year though...

 

[86PSUPaul]

In last years NCAA final wasn’t VJ winning, by a few points, before the throw? Does this shed optimism that he could again without going big?

 

[Flying_Tiger]

IMar is super tough and should be Cenzo’s biggest challenge of the year. I’ve been worried about this matchup in light of Cenzo’s recent close calls. But watching IMar’s matches today I found him to be underwhelming. He struggled against #8 White (NEB), winning a close match 7-3. He was down early to #4 Lewis (RU) but hit one big move and ended up winning
8-5.

Anyone have a different impression? What does Cenzo need to do to beat him tomorrow?

Imar just doesn't seem quite as dominant at 165 as he was at 157. Certainly not saying he can't win, he is extremely talented, but Cenzo does present some matchup problems and I would put him as a slight favorite. Should be one of the best finals.

 

[nerfstate]

In last years NCAA final wasn’t VJ winning, by a few points, before the throw? Does this shed optimism that he could again without going big?

Could, yes, absolutely. Goodness, his Hi-C against Massa was gorgeous, and I didn't even know he had that shot (among many others).

Will, ? He might not initiate the action, but my money is on Imar doing so, as he did in the finals last year.

 

[tabenn]

the limited number of matches that Imar had this year is showing..I think I remember a turf toe rumor at the beginning of the season.

 

[86PSUPaul]

I may be wrong, but I think he said he had it, versus just being a rumor. Maybe in a tweet.

 

[jrd23psu]

Joseph has not been using the slide by at all this year. I think maybe he wanted to improve his other neutral offense because I imagine IMar is probably going to be prepared for the slide by, which is the only thing that worked against him last year.

Just like I think Mark Hall used most of his matches to improve his top game to prepare for Bo Jordan all year, I think VJ may have been preparing for IMar all year by making sure his other neutral offense, which he has a lot of, was on point.

 

[ptomaselli]

I think it’s going to be low scoring...very tactical. I don’t think IMar is going to go for it like he did against Cenzo last year. Just a guess...

 

[therod]

Joseph has not been using the slide by at all this year. I think maybe he wanted to improve his other neutral offense because I imagine IMar is probably going to be prepared for the slide by, which is the only thing that worked against him last year.

Just like I think Mark Hall used most of his matches to improve his top game to prepare for Bo Jordan all year, I think VJ may have been preparing for IMar all year by making sure his other neutral offense, which he has a lot of, was on point.

Hope your right.

 

[pawrestlersintn]

I think it’s going to be low scoring...very tactical. I don’t think IMar is going to go for it like he did against Cenzo last year. Just a guess...

I disagree. If Cenzo is ahead late in the match, which I think he will be, IMar will have no choice but to go for it. He is not the kind of kid that will sit back and let time tick off the clock and not try something, anything to win the match. I think he'd rather get flattened trying, rather than not try at all.

 

[ptomaselli]

I disagree. If Cenzo is ahead late in the match, which I think he will be, IMar will have no choice but to go for it. He is not the kind of kid that will sit back and let time tick off the clock and not try something, anything to win the match. I think he'd rather get flattened trying, rather than not try at all.

Certainly possible. Both guys have good defense. I could see a 0-0 first period...a couple escapes in the 2nd and 3rd and then into OT.

 

[dunkej01]

the limited number of matches that Imar had this year is showing..I think I remember a turf toe rumor at the beginning of the season.

is turf toe a fungis? If so I know where he got it.

 

[86PSUPaul]

Lol, no, a ligament sprain.

 

[manmythlegend1]

3rd period is VJ's if he pushes the pace as he did last season and not allow him to slow down the match. I do think at any time IMART has the ability to put up a 6 point move and that throws everything out the window as far as a game plan. I say the match is a coin flip in my mind until VJ proves he can beat him twice in a row. That is tough, as Nolf found out.

 

[PSUaggie]

I think Cenzo vs Imar is the most exciting matchup tonight, followed by Coon v Snyder, Shak v Moore, Nickal v Martin and Zain v Sorensen.

 

[TangSoo]

It's not the Penn State style and not Cenzo's this year. But in my opinion, if Cenzo goes meat and potatoes (stays off his back), he's favored over everybody. Pace, blast doubles, heavy hips.
Having said that, the first time he got in trouble yesterday was not the same as going for throws when he already had matches won.

 

[tabenn]

is turf toe a fungis? If so I know where he got it.

it is a ligament strain--I have never had it--but I am told it can be very painful and can take a long time to heal.

 

[El-Jefe]

In last years NCAA final wasn’t VJ winning, by a few points, before the throw? Does this shed optimism that he could again without going big?

Cenzo Iwas up 6-5 with exactly 1:00 RT before the throw. And Martinez looked gassed.

 

[raslen007]

it is a ligament strain--I have never had it--but I am told it can be very painful and can take a long time to heal.

Turf toe is what ended Jack Lambert's career I believe.

 

[Dogwelder]

... I think he'd rather get flattened trying, rather than not try at all.

Against PSU wrestlers, though, IMar sometimes would rather stay flattened than try at all.

 

[Ban Basketball]

Martinez seemed MORE than beatable yesterday. This could perhaps be a bit bold, but I personally think he's a lot more hype than he is substance.

 

[nerfstate]

Too me, he just seems to have a hard time going at a hard pace, for 7 minutes. Never noticed that with him during his freshman year.

I agree with the notion it has to do with size. He was a giant at 157--could toss everyone not named Nolf, Green, or Miller without breaking a sweat, but not so much at 165. Still super strong (but in the pack with the top of the class), great technique, and tough as nails though. Gonna be a battle!

 

[RoarLions1]

Martinez seemed MORE than beatable yesterday. This could perhaps be a bit bold, but I personally think he's a lot more hype than he is substance.

2-time champ, 3-time finalist, beat both Nolf and Cenzo twice each. That’s substance to me.

 

[Ja1339]

Martinez seemed MORE than beatable yesterday. This could perhaps be a bit bold, but I personally think he's a lot more hype than he is substance.

He's a senior who has only lost twice in his career. And if my memory serves me, he's got a 2-1 record against both Nolf and Vjo in his career. Not saying he's not beatable, but there's gotta be some substance, right.

 

[86PSUPaul]

I agree that saying more hype than substance isn’t fair.

 

[Ban Basketball]

Well, we can just chalk it up to the power of perception, no matter how misguided it may be.

 

[RVARZR]

I don't see where IMAR is over hyped. The guy only has 2 losses to his name in over 3.75 years of D1 competition. Those losses were to guys who are NCAA champs of which he has 2 championships to his name.

I want 'Cenzo to win another championship but I have always felt that IMAR is the biggest obstacle to that goal. Even with his loss to the bull I view IMAR as the main competition.

 

[diggerpup]

Don’t underestimate the loss of Mark Perry and a relatively easy/limited schedule this season.

Before Big Tens, his only strong competition all season long has been:
Evan Wick
Nick Wanzek