WEST LAFAYETTE, IN (May 16, 2017)--The University of New Mexico shot the low round of the tournament, a six-under 282, to take a three shot lead over UNLV going into the final round of the NCAA Midwest Regional at the Kampen Course at Purdue University.
The Lobos were led by senior Andrej Bevins who shot a four-under 68, and junior Andre Garcia with a 69. Sean Carlon had a solid 72, Gustavo Morantes struggled to a 78 but was picked up be teammate Benjamin Tolsma, who rebounded from a poor first round with a 73. Bevins sits one shot back of the individual lead.
UNLV was led by junior Shintaro Ban, whose 69 pulled him into a tie with Bevins at five-under 139. First-round leader John Oda shot a 73 to slip to tied fourth, but just two shots back at 140. Harry Hall (70), Justin Kim (74) and Taylor Montgomery (77) were the other scorers for the Runnin' Rebels.
The individual leader is Trent Wallace, playing as an individual and representing Illinois State. Wallace followed up his opening 68 with a 70 to get him to six under par for the tournament. Bevins and Ban are one shot back, with Oda and Garcia two back.
The tournament host Purdue made a move Tuesday, shooting a one-under 287, five shots better than round one. But they were matched by both Florida and Auburn, who also shot second-round 287s, and the three teams are all tied for third at three-over-par 579. Of those teams, Jarle Volden of Purdue shot the best round, a four-under 68.
Illinois faded on Tuesday, falling outside the top five with an eight-over 296. Dylan Meyer of Illinois, the #1 player in the Golfweek/AmateurGolf.com World Amateur Rankings, is in the middle of the field after shooting 75-74.
The low five teams and the low individual not on a qualifying team will qualify for the NCAA Championship, to be held at Rich Harvest Farms in Elk Grove, IL, May 26-31.
Going into the final round, Purdue, Florida and Auburn will take a five shot lead over Illinois for the fifth and final spot into the championship, with Augusta another two shots back. Wallace has a three shot lead over Pavan Sagoo of St. Mary's in the race to be the lone individual to qualify.