May 31, 2002

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Neither heavy winds nor a two-hour rain delay could stop UNLV freshman Ryan Moore from charging through Ohio State's Scarlet Course and near the top of the leaderboard at the NCAA Men's Golf Championship on Friday.

Moore turned in his best round of the tourney, a three-under 68, to move into a tie for sixth place with a four-under total of 209. He and six others lie within four strokes of the lead, currently held by UAB's Graeme McDowell, heading into Saturday's final round.

Moore's effort was mostly a solo one as the Rebels finished the day in 20th place, 19-over par and 18 shots behind front runner and top-ranked Georgia Tech. Freshman J.C. Deacon turned in the Rebels' only other sub-par round, a two-under 69. He sits tied for 66th with a five-over total of 221.

The rest of the Rebel lineup shot well over par and rank no higher than 100th individually. Brien Davis shot a 76, and both Clark Corbett and Brandon Askew fired 77s.

Tee times for Saturday's final round will begin at 7:00 a.m. EDT.