With seven out of the top ten teams out of the mix on the last day of stroke-play, it was time to get down to business for them if they wanted their season to last one more day. Five of the teams, Texas, Washington, California, San Diego State, and Oregon did what they needed to do to advance into match play. While Auburn and Stanford took a back seat, and hit the open road home.
Texas’ No. 1 player, Jordan Spieth, finally, lived up to expectations and shot a 2-under-par 69 for his last round. While Julio Vegas, younger brother of PGA Tour winner Jhonattan Vegas, shot even-par for the day. Washington’s Chris Williams shot a 1-under-par leading his team to a six place finish. California had a big day from junior Max Homa, who shot a team best 3-under-par, and finished in a tie for ninth. Eugene Wong of Oregon and J.J. Spaun from San Diego State paced their teams for the day with 2-under-par rounds. Oregon shot a team total of even-par, the teams lowest score of the tournament, on the last day to sneak into match play.
Alabama went wire-to-wire to win the stroke play portion by two-strokes, although UCLA was giving them a run for their money most of the day. Alabama finished with a three day total of 859, 7-over-par. On the individual side, University of Illinois sophomore Thomas Pieters from Belgium won by three-strokes. All he needed was a final-round of even-par 71 to take home the title. This is the second time in three years that an Illini has taken home the title (Scott Langley won in 2010).
The eighth and final spot for the NCAA Championship is being decided as I write. It is between Florida State and Kent State. If Florida State advances, it’s because of experience. If Kent State advances you could say they will be the Cinderella and ‘Augusta State’ this year. Either way, Alabama will play the winner of FSU/KSU; UCLA vs. Oregon; Texas vs. Washington; and California vs. San Diego State.
My picks: Alabama whoever they play because they have a deep roster. UCLA cause Oregon almost couldn’t get it done in the stroke-play portion. Texas because Spieth is playing well now, and is getting his swing back. And California because of Homa and Brandon Hagy. Let’s see how today turns out!
