BARK RIVER, Mich. – The Illinois State men's golf team carded a final-round 281 (-7) over the last 18 holes, the sixth-lowest score on the day in a field that includes two Big Ten programs, and a school from the SEC and the Big 12 – with one school (Georgia) ranked inside of the Golf Coaches Association preseason top-25.
Purdue won the team title with a three-round 846 (-18) with Boise State (859), #21 Georgia (861), Michigan (865), Miami (Ohio) (874), UCF (875), and VCU (878) rounding out the eight schools ahead of ISU in the field.
TJ Barger was the top finisher for ISU, as his final-round 68 – which tied his collegiate low round – dropped him to a 216 for the tournament as he tied for 22nd in the strong field. Barger was at or under par for the entire 18 holes, as he birdied his second and fourth hole and made the turn with a one-under 35. He came back over his back nine with three birdies and six pars to finish four under par for the final round.
Alex McCulla finished a shot under par for the final day, as he had five birdies and four bogeys, to go with nine pars as he and ISU first-day leader Pietro Pontiggia tied for 27th over the 54 holes with a 220. Pontiggia shot an even-par 72 in the final round with five birdies and four over-par holes, as each finished three shots over par.
Senior Will Troy used a two-under final round to see him finish the three-round tournament with a score of 224, tied for 49th. He was a shot over par through 16 holes; however, he finished strong with an eagle and a birdie over his final two holes to finish his third round two strokes under par.
Maxence Faucquez closed the door in his first collegiate golf tournament with a two-over 74 in the final round, placing 76th with a 236, and had two birdies and a dozen pars over his final 18 holes.
Playing as an individual, Jack Paeglow shot a three-over 75 over his final round, and his 228 for the 54 holes has him tied for 59th among the tournament field.
The Redbirds return to action in two weeks, as the squad travels to Cincinnati, Ohio, to compete in the Bearcat Invitational, hosted at Coldstream Country Club.
GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App: Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Athletic Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
