Miles was the only team from outside of the Southwestern Athletic Conference to compete in the SWAC Fall Invite on Nov. 14-15 at the Robert Trent Jones Oxmoor Valley Course, but the Golden Bears stood out for a far more noteworthy reason.

The Division II Golden Bears came painstakingly close to winning the tourney, finishing one stroke behind Arkansas-Pine Bluff and tying for second with Florida A&M. Phillip Darst continued his excellent play this fall by shooting 1-under 71, which tied for third and was just one shot behind the leaders. Britton Khalaf (+2, T10) and Malachi Greene (+3, T15) each finished within five shots of the leaders. Darst was one of just four golfers who finished under par.

"Our golf team showed that we can compete with teams at the Division I level," said Miles coach Leonard Smoot. "Phillip Darst showed, again, that he is among the best in Division II and the SIAC with his third-place showing."

Miles will return to action on Feb. 19 when it competes in the ASU Spring Classic, hosted by Alabama State, at the Robert Trent Jones Senator Course in Prattville, Ala.