LAFAYETTE HILL, Pa. – Sophomore Michael Bucko played 36 holes in 5-under, capping the day's action by tying a career-best round of 67 as St. Bonaventure advanced to the championship bracket of the Dragon Match Play Invitational during stroke play Monday.

St. Bonaventure finished third with a 36-hole total of 574. Host Drexel led the way (567) while Rhode Island was second (571).

The top four teams advance to the championship bracket with match play set for Tuesday – Drexel will play fourth-place La Salle (584) while the Bonnies will square off against Rhode Island. In the consolation bracket, Lafayette (A) will face Towson and Lafayette (B) will take on Robert Morris. Winning teams will advance to a title round. 

Bucko opened the day by firing 1-under 70 at the par 71, 6,744-yard layout at Green Valley Country Club. He only got better in the second round.

After a +2 start through three holes, he birdied four of the final six on the front nine, then drained an eagle on the par-4, 364-yard 12^th. He made birdie at the 371-yard par-4 14^th and had no blemishes on his back nine score card. For the day, he led the field in par-3 scoring (-3) and par-4 scoring (-4) while his nine birdies overall were third in the field.

Bucko finished third individually, three shots off medalist honors which went to Bryson Richards of Rhode Island (-8) while Drue Nicholas of Drexel finished in 6-under.

The teams played 36 holes under traditional stroke play Monday with the Bonnies getting red hot in the afternoon.

St. Bonaventure posted a 294 team score in the morning taking advantage of favorable conditions, but went low in the second 18 with a 280 total to tie for the best of the day in the field. In the second round, the Bonnies played lights out while working around a short delay for the solar eclipse.

Bona's 280 round is tied for the second-best of the year for the Bonnies and also ties for the fourth-lowest in the history of the program.

Jude Cummings opened the day with a 76, but found red numbers in the afternoon with 1-under 70 to tie for 15^th along with teammate Lance Sininger who followed his first round 74 with a second round 72.

Caleb Decker tied for 21^st (71-76/147) while Gabe Williams was 35^th (74-80/154).

Playing as an individual, Aidan Shaw posted 79-86/165.

TEAM STANDINGS
1. Drexel – 567
2. Rhode Island – 571
3. St. Bonaventure – 574
4. La Salle – 584
5. Robert Morris – 586
6. Towson – 589
7. Lafayette A – 594
8. Lafayette B – 616

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