Rivera Fires 63, USC's Best Round Since 2017

Freshman Jackson Rivera fired USC's best round since 2017 — a 9-under 63 that featured seven birdies and an eagle — to shake off a second-round stumble, topping the USC men's golf team in the final round of the Arizona N.I.T. on Saturday (March 19) at the Omni Tucson National Resort in Tucson.

The Trojans' final round of 7-under 281 was their second-best this year following their first-round 279. Despite a second-round setback, USC finished at 9-under 855 (279-295-281), in 10th. Oklahoma State finished first at 53-under, 21 strokes better than the next-closest team.

Rivera rose to a tie for 21st at 5-under 211 (67-81-63) and is USC's highest finisher for the sixth-time season. Starting on 10 today, he went out at 3-under before a stretch of four birdies and an eagle between 2 and 6. He was 9-under through 15 holes and finished with three pars.

He now has a team-best four rounds in the 60s this season.

It was USC's first 63 since Kaito Onishi in November of 2017 and the Trojans' first 9-under effort since Rico Hoey earlier that year in February. Rivera's finish was his fifth of top 28 or better. The 63 was the low round of the day.

Three Trojans have posted a 62, most recently Sam Smith in the 2013 NCAA Pullman Regional. Rory Hie also did it twice in the 2007-08 seasons.

Fellow freshman Gavin Aurilia tied for 47th at par 216 (71-70-75), posting a pair of birdies in his final round. Senior Jack Boulger, playing as an individual this weekend, tied for 47th as well (71-71-74).

Sophomore Shane French tied for 53rd at 1-over 217 (69-75-73), sinking three birdies today.

Sophomore Krando Nishiba tied for 70th at 4-over 220 (72-76-72), his final round featuring a 2-under first nine. Freshman Parker Rostowsky was 83rd at 9-over 225 (78-74-73).