LAFAYETTE, La. – Sam Murphy fired a final round 67 and Louisiana Tech shot a team total of four-under-par 284 on Tuesday as the Bulldogs finished seventh among a talented field of 16 teams at the 37^th annual Louisiana Classic hosted by UL-Lafayette at Oakbourne Country Club.

Murphy's final round included five birdies and 13 pars as he shot a 54-hole total of nine-under-par 267 to tie for sixth place among a field of 92 competitors.

The Bulldogs were forced to play with just four players Tuesday as Hunter Battles withdrew due to food poisoning.

"I am proud of the round our guys put together today knowing we were playing without Hunter," said Tech head coach Matt Terry. "It really shows the character these guys have. Sam played really solid this week. His game continues to improve.  It's now time to get back to Ruston and work to get better before we leave Saturday for Houston."

Tech opened the event with an even-par 288 before following it up with a three-over-par 291 in Monday's second round.

Sam Murphy's three rounds consisted of nothing but red numbers with a 69, 71 and 67.

James Swash (74-72-74=220, T45th), Mac Murphy (75-75-70=220, T45th), and Lake Juban (70-78-73=221, T49th) were the other three Bulldogs who competed for the team.
Blake Blaser (77-80-74=239, T84th) competed as an individual.

Battles recorded an opening day 76 and 73 before withdrawing due to food poisoning.

Sam Bennett of Texas A&M won the individual competition with a tournament record and three-round-total of 18-under-par 198.

No. 21 ranked Texas A&M won the team competition with a tournament record of 47-under-par 817 followed by LSU (829), North Texas (844), Ole Miss (851), Houston (856), Kansas State (857), LA Tech (863), Mississippi State (866), Little Rock (870), UTSA (872), Rice (873), Illinois State (873), Sam Houston (874), UL-Lafayette (877), Lipscomb (889) and Michigan (889).