Oct. 2, 2000

Memphis, TN - Memphis, TN - The University of Alabama men's golf team, led by Nick Rousey's five under par rounds of 70-69--139, have a commanding nine stroke lead going into the final round of the Hillman Robbins Memorial Intercollegiate at Big Creek Golf Club in Millington.

Thanks to the play of Rousey and teammate Jan Are Larsen, Alabama posted rounds of 289-293--582 and lead Florida Southern by nine strokes and Marquette by 14 strokes going into the final round. Florida Southern is currently in second place at 591, while Conference USA member Marquette is third at 596.

South Florida's Brett Hitchcock, who turned in the tournaments low round of the day with a four under par 68 on the opening 18 holes, is tied with Rousey for the individual lead at 139. Hitchcock's South Florida team is in fourth place, one stroke behind Marquette at 597.

Host institution University of Memphis is 11th after two rounds. The Tigers opened with a 312 but improved ten strokes in the second round to 302. Memphis was led in scoring by senior Jason Wyatt who is tied for 21st at seven over par 151. He opened with an even par 72 but slipped to a 79 in the afternoon.

U of M sophomore Michael Prieur is tied for 27th at 153 and Chris Reinke and freshman Art Lynch are tied for 38th at 155.

The final round of the tournament is slated to tee off at 7 AM.