Match-play berths decided amid controversy | Golf News and Tour Information [Video]

MILTON, GA.—__Survive and advance is the mantra for the remaining eight schools as the match-play portion of the NCAA Championship gets underway Friday at Capital City Club’s Crabapple Course. As it turns out, the strategy also ruled the day during Thursday’s final round of stroke play as the field of 30 teams jockeyed for places among the “Elite Eight.”

California, trying to cap a storybook season in which it has already won 11 of 13 tournaments, secured the top seed, led by NCAA medalist Max Homa. Still, it was the race for the last few spots that showcased the most drama.

After 54 holes, four schools—UNLV, New Mexico, Arizona State and Texas A&M—were all tied for sixth place with two-over 842 scores. A playoff ensued to eliminate one team, the Aggies winding up the odd-men out when they shot one over par while the other three teams each posted even-par scores.

That A&M was even …