Michigan State University
NCAA Championship
Michigan State 17 Strokes Out Of Top Spot
5/31/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
May 31, 2007
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - Michigan State posted a 287 (+7) in day two of the NCAA Championships at the par-70, 6,803-yard course at the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club in Williamsburg, Va. The Green and White are currently in 15th place overall with a 570 (+10) two-day total. The Spartans followed the lead of freshman Jack Newman, who recorded his first sub-par round (69) of the tournament.
"We didn't post a very good team score but we battled all the way to the clubhouse and we will do our best to improve tomorrow," head coach Mark Hankins said. "We are seeing good play from a lot of different guys, if we can put five scores together at the same time then we will move up the ladder."
Stanford still sits in the top spots after carding a 278 (-2) for a 553 (-7) 36-hole score. Minnesota is in second (554), followed by Coastal Carolina (558) in third. Minnesota's Bronson LaCassie is in first place with a two-day total of 132 (-8).
Jack Newman stepped up in the second round after posting even par yesterday and carded a 1-under 69. The freshman, who was one of the top Spartan finishers yesterday, bogeyed the par-5 No. 14 to head into No. 15 2-over. Newman then strung together four consecutive birdies on Nos. 15, 16 and 17, bringing his season total to 67. He moved up 15 places on the leaderboard and is in a tie for 14th with a 1-under 139 (70-69) two-day total.
Matt Harmon recovered from yesterday's 3-over 73 with a 2-under 68 on Thursday. The Big Ten Golfer of the Year had birdies on Nos. 2, 5, and 6, and then finished off the back nine with three consecutive birdies on Nos. 13, 14 and 15. He moved up 60 spots with a 141 (+1) to a tie for 29th.
"Jack and Matt both had nice rounds that helped to carry a big load for today's score," Hankins said. "They played with confidence and continued to focus through a late day of golf."
Ryan Brehm had a 73 (+3) today, with three birdies and nine pars. Halfway through the tournament, he has a 145 (+5) total and is in a tie for 91st.
Steve Cuzzort completed day two in tie for 120th place with an 8-over 148 (71-77) and Grant Tungate is in a tie for 132nd after carding an 80 earlier today.
The Spartans return to action tomorrow for the third of four rounds.
Players Mentioned
