May 18, 2002

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - A second straight four-over par team round was not enough for UNLV to hold onto the lead at the NCAA Men's Golf West Regional on Saturday, but the Rebels fell only to third place and claimed a spot in the field of 30 that will vie for the national title in Columbus, Ohio, later this month.

The Rebels (290-292-292-874) gave way to both host New Mexico (293-295-284-872) and Washington (291-293-288-872) in the team race after leading the tournament by a single stroke after Friday's second-round play. That snapped a two-tournament winning streak for UNLV.

The Rebels were led on the day by Brien Davis (75-73-71-219), whose 71 paced the squad in the final round. At three-over, Davis finished in a tie for 22nd overall.

Ryan Moore (71-74-73-218) was the squad's top finisher, tying for 16th at two-over. He and teammate Clark Corbett (75-78-73-226) pitched in matching 73s to the Rebels' team total. Corbett tied for 77th at 10-over.

J.C. Deacon (78-69-75-222) followed Friday's 69 with a 75 to round out the Rebels' scoring. At six-over, Deacon tied for 44th place. Brandon Askew (69-76-76-221) did not count toward the team's total, but finished 37th, one stroke ahead of Deacon.

The NCAA Championship is slated for Ohio State's Scarlet Course on May 29-June 1.