Spring, Texas -- Senior Aaron Pulanco's birdie barrage led the North Dakota men's golf team to its best round of Colin Montgomerie HBU Invitational on Tuesday. Pulanco had six birdies and posted a 70 (-2) after opening the 54-hole event with a pair of 76's on Monday

Pulanco, who had the third most birdies in the 79-player field on the final day, moved up to finish in a tie for 27th. Classmate and fellow captain Jacob Dehne turned in his second-consecutive 73 (+1) on the Tradition Course at the Cypresswood Golf Club to lead the Fighting Hawks with a three-round total of 220 (+4). Those two helped UND post a 299 (+11), which was a stroke better than its round-two total.    

Junior Daniel Sayler held down the third spot for UND with a 233 (+17) total. He ended his tournament with a 77 (+6), while freshman Jeremy Kirk finished up at 237 (+21).

Houston extended its overall lead in the team standings to win by 20 strokes. The Cougars blitzed the field with a final round 281 (-7), which was 10 strokes better than the rest of the 15-team field.

UND, who had 16 total birdies in round three, finished 13th with a 908 (+44) and will return to action next Monday at the Sacramento State Invitational in Elk Grove, Calif.   .