Cougars lead after the second round of MWC Championships

Sunriver, Ore.--Senior Jesse Hibler shot a tournament-low two-under par to put BYU into a tie for first with New Mexico after the second round of the Mountain West Conference Championships on Tuesday.

Playing conditions improved over yesterday, with 15-25 mile per hour winds, mostly cloudy skies and temperatures in the low 50's. New Mexico fired a three under par 285 to claim a share of the lead with BYU (294) at 599. San Diego State is one shot back at 600, after shooting a 293. First round leader, Colorado State (303) checks into fourth place at 604, followed by Utah (313-299=612), Wyoming (317-306=623) and UNLV (316-307=623), and Air Force (332-309=641).

Individually, Hibler (77-70) is tied with San Diego State's John Lepak (75-72) for the lead at 147. Two strokes back in third place is Michael Letzig (76-73) of New Mexico with 149. BYU's Billy Harvey (75-75), New Mexico's Wil Collins (79-71), CSU's Robby Stephenson (74-76), and San Diego State's John Lieber (77-73) are tied for fourth at 150. Scott Miller shot a second round 73 and is tied with Kyle Wight in eighth place.

"We are in good position for tomorrow," BYU head coach Bruce Brockbank said. "We're excited about the final round and hope to pull off the championship victory."

The final round of play begins at 9 a.m. (PDT) Wednesday morning, with groups going off both sides. The Mountain West Conference will also announce its men's golf all-conference team and individual honors at the conclusion of the championship.

Team Standings Scores

1. BYU 305-294=599 (+23)

2. New Mexico 314-285=599 (+23)

3. San Diego State 307-293=600 (+24)

4. Colorado State 301-303=604 (+28)

5. Utah 313-299=612 (+36)

6. Wyoming 317-306=623 (+47)

7. UNLV 316-307=623 (+47)

8. Air Force 332-309=641 (+65)

Individual Leaders

1. Jesse Hibler, BYU 77-70=147 (+3)

John Lepak, San Diego State 75-72=147 (+3)

3 Michael Letzig, New Mexico 76-73=149 (+5)

4 Billy Harvey, BYU 75-75=150 (+6)

Wil Collins, New Mexico 79-71=150 (+6)

Robby Stephenson, Colorado State 74-76=150 (+6)

John Lieber, San Diego State 77-73=150 (+6)

BYU Individual Scores

1. Jesse Hibler, BYU 77-70=147 (+3)

4. Billy Harvey, BYU 75-75=150 (+6)

8. Scott Miller, BYU 78-73=151 (+7)

Kyle Wight, BYU 75-76=151 (+7)

27.Manuel Merizalde, BYU 80-77=157 (+13)