Bixler helps Washington take NCAA lead

SUNRIVER, Ore. – Washington's Zach Bixler shot a 4-under 68 to move within three strokes of Wake Forest's Kyle Reifers for the individual lead and help the Huskies take a three-stroke lead after the second round of the NCAA tournament.

Reifers followed his opening 65 with a 70 for a 9-under 135 total on the Crosswater Golf Club at Sunriver Resort. Bixler was 6 under along with Arizona State's Niklas Lemke (68) and Oklahoma State teammates Jonathan Moore (70) and Pablo Martin (72).

Washington, seeking its first title, had a 6-under 282 total Thursday to top the team standings at 13-under 563, with the top four scores from the five-player squad counting in the total. Arizona State and first-round leader Wake Forest were 10 under, followed by Florida at 7 under and Clemson and Kentucky at 6 under.

Bixler was one of three Washington players in the top 10. Alex Prugh (72) was tied for sixth at 5 under, and defending champion James Lepp (71) was tied for 10th at 4 under. Erik Olson was 2 over after a 71, while Sterling Clark's 82 did not count in the team total.