Johnson City, Tenn. -- The East Tennessee State mens golf team used a spectacular second round 275 to take an 11-shot lead in their quest for a fourth consecutive Southern Conference championship.

Beginning the second round, the Bucs were in third place, four shots behind the leader. Today, four ETSU players shot a 70 or better to lead the charge into first place.

Defending Southern Conference individual medalist Pat Beste carded a second-round best 67 to climb within one shot of tournament leader Matt Riddick (68-68--136) from Appalachian State. Beste shot a 70 on the first day for a two-round total of 137 (-3).

Also leading the Bucs in the second round was sophomore James Johnson. Johnson fired a second-round 69, and combined with a first-round 72, is tied for fourth with a two-round 141 (+1). Senior Chris Wisler and sophomore Thomas Lee are tied for seventh after carding a two-round 142. The 2000 Southern Conference Player of the Year, Wisler shot a 69 today while Lee shot an even-par 70.

The final round of the 2001 Southern Conference Championships will begin at 8 a.m tomorrow at the Chattanooga Country Club in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Team Leaders
1. ETSU 287-275--562 (+2)
2. College of Charleston 286-287--573 (+13)
3. Furman 283-291--574 (+14)

Individual Leaders
1. Matt Riddick (App. State) 68-68--136 (-4)
2. Pat Beste (ETSU) 70-67--137 (-3)
3. William McGirt (Wofford) 68-70--138 (-5)