Lobos Lead National Invitational Tournament After Day One

TUCSON, Ariz. –– The New Mexico men’s golf team had a strong first day of the National Invitational Tournament on Monday, holding the lead at OMNI Tucson National. When play was suspended for darkness late in the second round, the Lobos are in first place at 35-under.

The Lobos shot a 15-under 273 during Monday morning’s first round and are 20-under through 13 holes of the second round. They are three shots ahead of No. 6 Arizona State, who is second at 32-under. Host and No. 16 Arizona is third at 30-under, while Missouri (23-under) and BYU (22-under) round out the top five of the 18-team field.

“I am really proud of how we came out today as a team and built momentum early,” said head coach Jake Harrington. “The entire day it felt like we were confident and in control of our game. You never know how the team is going to start the semester after nearly a four month break but I am really proud of how we played through the first 31 holes. We look forward to keeping the momentum going tomorrow against an elite field.”

Bastien Amat was the low Lobo on Monday, finishing the day at 12-under, second on the individual leaderboard and one shot off the lead. He shot a first-round 66 in the morning before shooting 6-under through 13 holes of the second round. Alvaro Portillo tied his low collegiate round with a first round 69 and is T-7th at 8-under when play was halted. Matthew Watkins is T-10th at 7-under, while Albert Boneta is at 6-under and Carson Herron is at 4-under.

The NIT will conclude Tuesday at OMNI Tucson National with the conclusion of the second round, followed by the final round.