May 30, 2008

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The UAB men's golf team improved 14 strokes from Wednesday's first round to Thursday's second round at the 2008 NCAA Men's Golf Championships. After recording a 23-over par 311 during the opening 18 holes, the Blazers responded with nine-over par 297 during the second day and are in 17th overall entering the third round of play.

UAB will be paired with 16th-place Louisville (607) and 18th-place Auburn (610) during Friday's crucial third round. The 30 team field will be cut to 15 teams after the third round on Friday. The final 18 holes will be played on Saturday.

"I think we are in pretty good shape," UAB head coach Alan Kaufman said. "The weather is supposed to get a little rough tomorrow. It is going to make things interesting and should make for an exciting third round.

"We played well today but we still need to make improvements," Kaufman continued. "We made a few adjustments from our first round and it really helped us in the second round. All we can worry about is how we play and the rest will take care of itself."

Senior Brad Smith and junior Zach Sucher led the UAB charge on Thursday, each finishing with a one-under par 71 on the afternoon. Smith recorded three birdies and only two bogeys on the par 72, 7,450-yard Birck Boilermaker Kampen Course. The Adelaide, South Australia native will enter the third round tied for 10th overall with a two-over par 146.

Meanwhile, Sucher recovered from his opening round 79 to shoot one-under par on Thursday. He is in a tie for 32nd overall with a six-over par 150 through 36 holes. Together, Smith and Sucher are the only two Blazers ranked among the top 100 in the 155-man field.

Sophomore Adam West led the Blazers through round one, but struggled during his second 18 holes. After shooting a two-over par 74 on Wednesday, West finished Thursday's second round with an 11-over par 83 and is tied for 109th overall with a 13-over 157.

Senior Kyle Sapp had the most improved round, as the Gardendale, Ala. native improved from his 12-over 84 on Wednesday to a four-over par 76 on Thursday. Sapp was at two-over par through his second round as he entered the 18th hole, but recorded a double bogey to result in his second round score.

Junior Mike Oimoen bettered his opening round 84, by recording a seven-over par 79 on Thursday's second round. Oimoen played well on the front nine as he recorded two birdies, a bogey and a double bogey to result in a one-over par. However, after parring the 10th hole, he recorded four consecutive bogeys on his way to a six-over par on the back nine.

Clemson is the 36-hole leader, making the turn Thursday at 11-under par but finishing the round at even par after playing the back nine. The Tigers are at 13-over par, (301-288/589) for the tournament. At second is UCLA (590), followed by Southern Cal (591), Florida (593) and Oklahoma State (594) rounds out the top five.

Florida's Billy Horschel leads all individuals with a five-under par139 (72-67), while Clemson's Kyle Stanley is one stroke back with a 140 (72-68).

Oimoen will begin UAB's round with a noon tee time, followed in 10 minute intervals by Sapp, West, Sucher and Smith.

UABSPORTS.com will conduct a live blog during the event, which can be accessed by clicking on the link on the front page of the website, or on the right side of the UAB men's golf home page.