Raza Paces Ducks to Strong Final Round in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The Oregon men's golf team carded the low round of the day Wednesday at the Southern Highlands Collegiate to finish in 10th at the par-72, 7,374-yard Southern Highlands Golf Club on Wednesday. Junior Sulman Raza finished in third.

How It Happened: Oregon was the only team in the 15-team field to card a subpar round on Wednesday, firing a 1-under 287 to finish the event in 10th at 24-over. USC took home the team title at 5-over, finishing four strokes ahead of runner-up Florida and 10 strokes ahead of third-place Oklahoma.

Sulman Raza bested his 3-under 69 in Tuesday's second round with a 68 on Wednesday, dropping in five birdies over the final nine holes to wrap up an impressive tournament. Raza finished the three-day event at 2-under for the week in a tie for third. The Eugene native's finish marks his highest of the year and second top-five finish this season.

Zach Foushee finished in a tie for 27th after carding a 1-over 73 in his final round. The Duck senior managed a birdie on the par-5 ninth to finish off the day with his best round of the week. Foushee turned in a pair of 75's over the first two days at the event, and finished with a three-round tally of 7-over 223.

Aaron Wise shot a 2-over 74 in his final round to finish the event in a tie for 42nd at 9-over.

Senior Brandon McIver also recorded his top score of the week Wednesday, posting an even-par 72. After getting to the turn at 3-over for the day, McIver converted three birdies on the back nine to finish at 11-over for the tournament. The senior finished in 51st.

Freshman Edwin Yi struggled in the final round of action, turning in an 82 on Wednesday to finish in 74^th at 22-over.

What It Means: After a quick turnaround from last week's Southwestern Jones Invitational, the Ducks competed amongst what was arguably the most talented field they've seen so far this season this week at the Southern Highlands Golf Club. Although the Ducks struggled out of the gates in the opening rounds, the team was five strokes better than the rest of the field on Wednesday. Oregon now has about a week and a half to head home and prepare for an appearance at the Oregon State Invite in Canby, Ore., set to begin on March 21.

Up Next: The Ducks look ahead to the two-day Oregon State Invite at the Willamette Valley Golf Club beginning on March 21, before they'll head to Stanford, Calif., for The Goodwin on March 24.