A win by Lesnar of Minnesota would make the Golden Gophers champions, a loss and the Hawkeyes would claim their fifth-consecutive national team title.

Neal proved to be the spoiler.

The California State-Bakersfield senior defeated Lesnar 3-2 thanks to a first-period takedown, giving him his second national title and sending the Iowa faithful into a frenzy, shouting, "We're No. 1, we're No. 1."

"I was getting pumped up knowing everyone from Iowa was looking," Neal said. "It feels good to have the whole crowd cheering, except for a little section."

The Minnesota fans' jaws rested on their hands, their lips like stone.

Teary-eyed Gophers coach J. Robinson was heartbroken.

"How do you think it would feel to lose the national championship?" Robinson asked after his team had fallen short to the Hawkeyes, 100.5-98.5. "It isn't a . . . happy feeling."

Moments earlier, though, Robinson had been happy. His 197 pounder, Tim Hartung, had squeaked out a 2-1 victory over long-time rival Lee Fullhart of Iowa. An ecstatic Robinson pounded his fist on the mat as Hartung won, and later hugged his national champion.

Fullhart was devastated by his loss and had to be consoled by Hawkeyes coach Jim Zalesky, who did not see the heavyweight bout. Zalesky did see his team benefit from national championships won by Doug Schwab at 141 and T.J. Williams at 149.

The victory redeemed Iowa's loss to Minnesota at the Big Ten Championships this season, which Iowa lost for the first time in 26 years.

"We didn't stress the Big Tens," Zalesky said. "From the start of the season until now, we stress the NCAA Tournament because that is the tournament to win."

As expected, the Big Three lived up to its name. Oklahoma State finished in third place with 84 team points. One Cowboys wrestler -- Eric Guerrero -- won the national title at 133. The Cowboys benefited from strong showings in the consolation rounds.

Behind Oklahoma State, Iowa State finished tied for fourth with 78.5 points. Cyclone 184-pounder Cael Sanderson won an individual title.

The Nittany Lions were knotted with Iowa State. The Lions were hurt in the team race when Jeremy Hunter (125) and Clint Musser (157) lost in their respective final bouts. Penn State, though, did notch one national champion. In the 174-pound bracket, Glenn Pritzlaff decisioned Michigan's Otto Olson, 10-4.

Penn State coach Troy Sunderland found solace in his team's performance.