April 7, 2008

MADISON, Miss. - The No. 23 UAB men's golf team has two players ranked among the top-10 through the opening two rounds of the Bank of America Intercollegiate, played on Monday. As a team, the Blazers will enter Tuesday's final 18 holes in sixth overall in the 15-team field.

Junior Zach Sucher, who entered the event as the nation's 45th-ranked golfer according to Golfweek, shot a five-under par 139 (69-70). Sucher's confidence is riding high following his individual title at the Azalea Amateur Invitational last weekend. The Mobile, Ala. native finished Monday's 36 holes by recording an eagle, six birdies and three bogeys on the par 72, 7,305-yard Reunion Golf Course.

Just behind Sucher was senior Brad Smith, who is in a tie for seventh with a four-under par 140. After shooting an even par 72 during the opening round, Smith's second round 68 tied for the best afternoon round score. The Hawthorne, Australia native recorded five birdies with just one bogey through the second 18 holes.

"We have to be more consistent," UAB head coach Alan Kaufman said. "Zach and Brad played well, but we need everyone to compete at their best and we're not getting that."

Senior Kyle Sapp (77-75) and junior Mike Oimoen (75-77) are in a tie for 58th overall at eight-over par 152. Junior Kaylor Timmons, playing in his first tournament in nearly two years, shot a 157 (76-81), and will enter the tournament's final day in 75th overall.

Co-leaders No. 16 Tennessee-Chattanooga and No. 41 LSU are tied for the overall lead at 563, while tournament host No. 26 Mississippi is in third overall at 565. Vanderbilt (577) and South Alabama (579) are just ahead of UAB in third and fourth, respectively.

The Blazers will begin the third and final round of the Bank of America Intercollegiate on Tuesday beginning at 8:30 a.m. Live stats can be followed on golfstat.com.