Illinois in front by two at NCAA Men's National Championship

BRADENTON, Fla. — Thirty of the best collegiate men's teams in the nation are fighting for the top-eight spots to advance to match play at the end of the 72-hole stroke play portion of the NCAA Men's National Championship. After day one, Illinois leads Georgia by two, while 10 other teams are within 10 shots of the leading Fighting Illini. Junior Thomas Detry, of Belgium, is tied for first place with his 68 and was the best score for llinois on day one by four shots. Playing the long and difficult 7,483-yard, par-72 course at The Concession Golf Club, Brian Campbell and Dylan Meyer were even-par for the day en route to the team's two-under par 286 total on Friday. Two shots back are Georgia, led by Zach Healy's 70, followed by USC at 289 and San Diego State at 290. Both USC and SDSU had their leading player shoot 70, as well, as Rico Hoey led the Trojans and Nahum Mendoza III paced the Aztecs. Tied with Detry of first individually is South Florida's Claudio Correa, though the Chilean golfer was once seven-under on his round before bogeying three of his last five holes. Tied for third at 69 are Jake Shuman of Duke and Anders Alberton of Georgia Tech. Fifty-four holes remain before the top-eight teams advance to match play, where the 2015 National Champion will be crowned. Full results from day one can be found at the link below.