Oct. 26, 2012

EL PASO, Texas - UT Arlington men's golf sits third after Friday's opening play of the Price's Give `Em Five Invitational. The two-day event continues Saturday with the conclusion of the second round and the third round.

UT Arlington was one of only four teams, along with host UTEP, Northern Colorado and San Jose State, to complete the second round Friday.

The Mavericks shot a combined 3-under-par 573 in their first two team rounds of the tournament. UTA trails Idaho (minus 8) and Utah (minus 6), though both of the leaders weren't done with Round 2.

"It was cold and windy. It blew 30 mph today," UT Arlington coach Jay Rees said. "I felt we did a really good job in dealing with the conditions. Anytime you shoot under par as a team, it's a good day."

WAC conference rivals New Mexico State and San Jose State are 10th and 11th, respectively.

Paul McConnell is tied for second at 5 under, with Riley Fleming coming in tied for ninth at even par. Cameron Hollek (plus 2) and Cash Wilkerson (plus 3) are each in the top 25. Hunter Brown (plus 8) is tied for 50th.

"Paul was exceptional today," Rees said. "He has a great chance to win tomorrow. And if we can reach our goal of low round of the day again, we can win the team title."

Josh Cole, playing as an individual, is tied for 59th.

Complete leaderboard information at available at the Invitational website at Golfstat.com.