JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Senior Matt Brown fashioned an even-par 70 to pace the Furman men’s golf team in the opening round of the Bank of Tennessee at Blackthorn on Friday at the par-72 Blackthorn Club at the Ridges.

Brown, a native of Brookeville, Md., birdied three holes on the front nine and overcame a double bogey on the back side to grab a share of 22nd place. Senior Anthony Aloi and sophomore Josh Chay each contributed round of 76s on Friday as the Paladins carded a 14-over 302.

Tennessee and Memphis are tied for the lead at 8-under par after 18 holes while Virginia holds third place at 4-under and Wake Forest and Missouri are tied for fourth place at 3-under.

Rick Lamb of Tennessee and Grant Milner of Memphis each carded 5-under 67s to share the first-round lead.

Second round play is scheduled for Saturday morning with the final round set to tee off of Sunday morning.