USC's Gavin Aurilia Inside Top 20 After 36 Holes Of Arizona N.I.T.

Freshman Gavin Aurilia posted a two-round 4-under effort while senior Jack Boulger is one back of him, the duo leading the USC men's golf team during a 36-hole first day of the Arizona N.I.T. on Friday (March 18) at the Omni Tucson National Resort in Tucson.

The Trojans combined for a season-best 9-under 279 first round before finishing 36 holes at 3-under 573 (279-294), good for a tie for 10th overall. Oklahoma State leads at 41-under.

Freshman Gavin Aurilia is tied for 17th at 4-under  (71-69), his second round matching his season best while his two-round effort also matches a season best. Aurilia's best finish this year is a tie for 29th.

Senior Jack Boulger, who is playing as an individual this weekend, turned in his best 36-hole effort this season at 2-under 142 (71-71) and is tied for 29th. His pair of 72s match his second-best effort this year.

Sophomore Shane French is tied for 46th at par 144 (69-75). His first round was his second-best this year and fourth round under par in his last eight.

Freshman Jackson Rivera got off to a hot start with his first-round 67, which featured five birdies without a bogey, his second-best effort of the season and his third under 70 this year. He is tied for 71st at 4-over 148 after a tough second round.

Sophomore Krando Nishiba (72-76) is tied with Rivera in 71st while freshman Parker Rostowsky is tied for 82nd at 8-over 152 (78-74).

The final round is set for Saturday.