March 31, 2003

TUCSON, Ariz. - Despite matching its first round 297, the UNLV men's golf team slipped into a tie for ninth place after second-round play at the National Invitation Tournament on Monday.

UNLV was not the only team to struggle on the second day at Tucson National Golf Course (Par 72, 7,094 yards), but none of the 14 teams in the field improved as much as host Arizona. The Wildcats blistered the course for a 10-under 278 and carry an eight-stroke lead into Tuesday's final round.

Aside from the team's struggles, freshman Ryan Keeney continued his hot play in his collegiate debut. Keeney followed Sunday's 73 with a two-under 70 and climbed into a tie for fifth place overall at one-under. He trails co-leaders Ricky Barnes from Arizona and David Schultz from TCU.

Brien Davis, who began the day tied with Keeney, slipped to 30th overall at six-over par after firing a 77 on Monday. He is tied with six other players, including UNLV's Ryan Moore, who shot 75 for the second straight day.

Travis Whisman also carded a 75 to round out the Rebels' team score. Matched with Sunday's 77, Whisman is tied for 44th at eight-over.

JC Deacon shot a six-over 78 and sits in 54th place at 10-over for the tourney.

Final-round play of the National Invitation Tournament begins at 7:30 a.m. MST on Tuesday.