Disappointed with how his dual career ended, senior Nate Gallick vented his frustration after Sunday’s 22-21 home loss to fifth-ranked Nebraska.

Usually polite, the top-ranked 141-pound wrestler was blunt about his latest win, a 3-1 decision over 18th-ranked Dominick Moyer.

“He wasn’t wrestling to win,” Gallick said. “He was wrestling to keep it close. That was the game-plan.

“I don’t know what he was thinking, but the whole match . Like I’ve said before, it’s hard to wrestle someone who is not wrestling.”

Gallick (28-0) continued to say he understood his opponent’s decision, but the senior tried to take responsibility in the team’s defeat.

The seventh-ranked ISU wrestling team ended the regular season with their second one-point dual loss in as many weeks. Gallick beat Missouri’s Chris McCormick last weekend, 8-2, in a 16-15 team loss.

McCormick was penalized three times for stalling.

Fans gave Gallick and fellow-senior Jesse Sundell ovations after their victories.

“There is no reason I shouldn’t have scored more points against my last two opponents,” Gallick said.

It took just 20 seconds for the Cyclones (11-7, 1-3 Big 12) to be fighting from behind.

Third-ranked Trent Paulson injured his knee 20 seconds into his match against Husker freshman Chris Oliver and didn’t finish, giving Oliver a win by default.

Iowa State gave up six points instead of the expected win for the junior.

Two matches later, fellow All-American Kurt Backes’ match was stopped to shake off an ankle injury. He came back for a 19-3 technical fall victory over 11th ranked Vince Jones.

Coach Bobby Douglas didn’t specify the severity of the injuries.

The Cyclones lost three straight matches before Sundell (133) ended his career with a pin. Sundell came back from an early deficit against Patrick Aleksanyan, putting the freshman’s shoulders to the mat in 6:26.

After Gallick’s victory, Iowa State was down by four team points.

Needing bonus points, sophomore Aron Scott won a 6-5 decision to end the meet.

Iowa State has two weeks to prepare for the Big 12 Tournament. It will take place on March 4 in Hilton Coliseum

“I’m real glad that this part of the season is over,” Gallick said.