JONESBORO, Ark. - The top-10 matchup on the pitch in men's rugby between visiting No. 10 Davenport and No. 8 Arkansas State did not disappoint. The teams battled for the winner's circle and in the end it was the Panthers earning a hard-fought 17-16 triumph over the Red Wolves.

The first half was a lot of back-and-forth play with Arkansas State scoring 13 unanswered points to build some momentum. The Panthers were playing some tough defense and caused several turnovers to keep the game close. DU was searching for some positive moments on offense despite some costly errors. Despite the Red Wolves leading at halftime, DU came out in the second half knowing that victory was within reach.

During the 58th minute, Davenport was able to push the ball to the edge with some quick hands and then Luke Stratford scampered into the try zone for the first points of the game for the Panthers. Christian Van Der Westhuizen converted the kick to get the guys within striking distance. The DU attack started to open up more as the match went on with some running lanes for Mark Armstrong and Ver Der Westhuizen.

During the 75th minute, DU finally tired out the Red Wolves defense and took the lead at 14-13. Arkansas State was able to convert on a three-point kick after a DU penalty to take a 16-14 lead with about seven minutes remaining. The fight was still alive for DU who paced downfield and themselves converted on a three-point kick after a penalty to take the match by the final of 17-16.