HOT SPRINGS, ARK. — After a blistering performance in the second round, junior Dennis Staykov is just one stroke shy of the individual lead at the Battle for the Belt. Staykov's sensational 5-under 67 powered a strong showing from the Harding Bisons, who sit in third place overall and are firmly in contention for the custom, wrestling-style championship belt awarded to the winning team.

The Bisons posted an even-par 576 (290-286) across 36 holes Monday on the par-72, 6,713-yard Hot Springs Country Club course. Harding trails co-leaders Union (Tenn.) and tournament host Henderson State, who are tied for first place at 4-under 572.

Staykov fired a 6-under 138 (71-67) to claim sole possession of second place, one shot behind leader Andrew Westmoreland of Union. Staykov finished his first round strong with three birdies on his last five holes, shooting 1-under 71. He followed that with a superb 5-under 67 in the afternoon, one shot shy of his career low, which included four birdies on his last seven holes and only a single bogey for the round.

Harding has two other players among the top 10. Senior Jose Manuel Peralta (72-71) and junior Jose Arzu (74-69) are both tied for eighth place at 1-under 143. Arzu climbed the leaderboard significantly with a 3-under 69 in the second round, a performance that featured four birdies against just one bogey.

Among the other Bisons, sophomore Austin Bibb is tied for 49th at 8-over 152. Playing as an individual, junior Conner Geist is tied for 39th at 6-over 150 after an even-par 72 in Round 2. Freshman Luke Killough is in 69th place at 21-over, though he did record an eagle on the par-4, 406-yard 14th hole in the opening round.

The Bisons will chase the championship belt Tuesday morning when the third and final round is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.