Florence, S.C. – J.B. Murphy fired an even par 72 to help Furman to a first round 299 on Sunday at the Southern Conference Men's Golf Championship at the par-72 Country Club of South Carolina.

The Paladins (+11) are tied for 10th after opening round play and trail tournament leaders Chattanooga (-1), Samford (-1) and Georgia Southern (-1) by 12 strokes with 36 holes to play.

After a 37 on the front nine, Murphy notched two birdies on the back nine to shoot a 35 and move into a share of 12th place.  Junior Matt Broome recorded three birdies to card a two-over 74 and grab a share of 21st place after 18 holes of play.

Richard Fountain of Davidson and Lewis Gruber of Georgia Southern each shot four-under 68 on Sunday to share the individual lead.

Round two of the SoCon Championship is set for Monday morning with Furman set to tee-off at 9 a.m.  Final round action is set for Tuesday.

10 Furman 299

T12 J.B. Murphy 72

T21 Matt Broome 74

T41 Matt Brown 76

T48 Greg Carrier 78

T48 Johnny Kyger 78

"One Spirit. One Team. One Furman."