SILVIS, Ill. -- Oklahoma City fired the best round of the 74th Annual NAIA Men's Golf National Championship today to take the team lead at TPC Deere Run.

The 11-time national champions posted a 2-under-par 278 to take a six-shot lead at the midway point of the championship. The Stars own a two-round score of 568 (290-278) after a 12-shot improvement over their opening round.

Friends (Kan.) posted the second-best team round today with a 4-over 274 to climb four spots into second place. The Falcons sit at 576 (292-284) with 36 holes left in the championship. Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) is third at 579 (290-289).

Oklahoma City, Friends, and Lindsey Wilson will play in the final group during Thursday's third round. The trio's tee times begin at 9:40 a.m. CT off hole No. 1.

Jack Newton led the Stars with a 2-under par 68 (32-36) -- tied for the best round of the day. He jumped 63 places up the individual leaderboard into a tie for 15th place.

Newton's teammate, Carter Ray -- who was tied for the individual lead after the first round -- backed up yesterday's 68 with an even-par 70 today for the solo lead at the halfway point. He owns a two-shot lead over Oklahoma City's Christian Yanovitch and Marian's (Ind.) Lane Zedrick -- who are tied at even par 140.

The top 15 teams and ties, along with the top six individuals and ties not on a top-15 team, made the 36-hole cut and will play the remainder of the tournament on Thursday and Friday.

The third round begins at 8 a.m. CT using split tees -- both No. 1 and No. 10.

Team Standings Following Cut

Individual Standings Following Cut (Not on Top-15 Team)