Open Announce

Lobos in Fifth After 36 Holes of NIT in Arizona

by Steve Kirkland

TUCSON, Ariz. –– The New Mexico men’s golf team had a good first day at the National Invitational Tournament at OMNI Tucson National. The Lobos shot 9-under over the first 36 holes of the event to finish the day tied for fifth place among an elite field that includes nine top-30 teams.

After shooting 8-under during the morning’s first round, the Lobos shot 1-under in the second round. USC is the 36-hole leader at 19-under, four shots ahead of No. 18 and host Arizona. No. 3 Arizona is third at 14-under and No. 4 Illinois is fourth at 11-under. The Lobos are No. 12 Florida are tied for fifth at 9-under, ahead of five top-30 teams.

Carson Herron and Bastien Amat are both in the top 10 of the individual leaderboard, tied for seventh at 5-under. Herron shot a first-round 67, tying his career-low round, before shooting even par in the second round. Amat posted rounds of 69 and 70 on Friday. Albert Boneta is at 3-under after rounds of 72 and 69. Matthew Watkins and Brandon Shong are both at 5-over after 36 holes.

“It was a pretty good day for us,” said head coach Glen Millican. “It was not the finish we needed, but a lot of good golf today and we are in good position as we head into the final round.”

The NIT will conclude Saturday with the final round at the OMNI Tucson National.