TUCSON, Ariz. (Jan. 28, 2014) -- Junior Anthony Paolucci fired a USC career-best 65 en route to a 36-hole, 7-under 135 to lead the No. 22 Trojan men’s golf team to first place during the first day of the Arizona Intercollegiate at the Sewallo G.C. in Tucson, Ariz., on Monday (Jan. 27).

The Trojans, who won their final fall event, combined for a two-round 4-under 563 (281-283) and have a two-shot lead over No. 4 California as they try to make it two straight. New Mexico is third at 12-over 580.

Paolucci, still gunning for his first collegiate win, put himself in position to end the drought with his fine day-one performance while Cal’s Brandon Hagy is close behind at 5-under.

Paolucci had previously carded three 66s in his career as a Trojan, including in the final fall event of the 2013 schedule, but outdid himself in a sizzling first round. His front 9 included four birdies and an eagle on the 593-yard par 5 8th hole and he finished the back 9 at par. In a less eventful second round, he birdied 8 and bogeyed 9 before closing with a birdie on 17 for his two-round 7-under.

Freshman Rico Hoey (73-70), who wrapped up fall play with his first collegiate victory in November, is in the mix for a top 10 finish with senior Jeffrey Kang, both tied at 1-over 143 (70-73).

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