LAFAYETTE, La. – In a strong field at the 2026 Louisiana Classics, the Illinois State Redbirds carded a four-under 284 in the second round, and are within nine strokes of seventh place in a deep field
The Redbirds' -4 second round score is tied for the sixth lowest over the second round. Nationally ranked Texas A&M (No. 29) leads the field after 36 holes with a 553, while #48 Little Rock is in second with a 561. Michigan (562), Lamar (563), East Tennessee State (566), New Mexico State (568), tournament host Louisiana (569), Middle Tennessee (570), North Texas (571), Texas State (574), Oral Roberts (575), South Alabama (576), Sam Houston (577), Louisiana Tech (577), and Southern Illinois (577) are just ahead of ISU's 578 (294-284).
TJ Barger is the two-round leader for the Redbirds, with rounds of 70 and 69, with his 139 tying him for 14th in the field. Over his 36 holes he has seven birdies, just two bogeys and 27 pars – the latter of which is tied for the most on the field with 18 holes to play.
Senior Pietro Pontiggia shot a team-low 68 in the second round, after an even-par 72 to open the day, and his 140 is tied for 19th in the field with a round to play. He has a par-three scoring average of 2.75 is tied for the second lowest in the field. He has nine birdies on the day, along with 22 pars.
Max Faucquez had rounds of 73 and 75 for 148 which is tied for 65th in the field, behind seven birdies and 19 pars. Sam Ottwell (79, 73) had a two-round 152 which is tied for 84th, while Francis Bautista had rounds of 81 and 74 for a 155, and in 91st place. Ottwell had five birdies on his day, while Bautista had four birdies and ISU's only eagle during the round.
The Redbirds tee off starting at 7:39 a.m. on the first hole.
