April 28, 2007

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Northwestern's bid for a second straight Big Ten title and its fifth in nine years took a hit on Saturday as the Wildcats dropped from a fourth-place tie into seventh place, 19 strokes behind the team leader, Michigan State.

After posting opening rounds of 298 and 303 on the par-71 OSU Scarlet Course, Northwestern carded a 23-over 307 on Saturday. Michigan State, which trailed Purdue in the team race after Friday's action, vaulted into the team lead by firing a 12-over 296 and now holds a six-stroke lead over the Boilermakers heading into Sunday's final round.

Seniors David Merkow (Hartland, Wis./Arrowhead Union) and Chris Wilson (Dublin, Ohio/Dublin Coffman), along with junior Kyle Moore (Dublin, Ohio/Dublin Scioto), all carded a 5-over 76 on Saturday. Merkow, who began the day in eighth place, maintained his top-10 standing and is now 10th with an 11-over 224 (73-75-76).

Wilson, the defending Big Ten medalist, is in 13th place with a 12-over 225 (74-75-76). Moore moved up five spots to 41st and is 21-over (78-80-76=234).

Junior Dan Doyle (Rochester, Mich./Stoney Creek), in the hunt for a top-20 finish, is 16-over (75-75-79=229) and in 25th place.

Freshman Jonathan Bowers (Columbus, Ohio/Bishop Watterson), one of three Wildcats playing in front of a hometown crowd, is 45th overall with a 22-over 235 (76-78-81).

Purdue's Pariya Junhasavasdikul remained the Big Ten individual leader after shooting a 2-over 73 on Saturday. He holds a three-stroke lead (1-over 214) over Michigan State's Ryan Brehm (4-over 217) as the tournament moves into its final round.

For more information on the 2007 Big Ten Men's Golf Championships and second-day results, visit Big Ten Men's Golf Championships or Ohio State Men's Golf Championship site.

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