Mickelson, Bradley knotted after 3 rounds

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PALISADES, Calif., Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Phil Mickelson persevered to card a 1-under 70 Saturday and join Keegan Bradley atop the leaderboard after three rounds of the Northern Trust Open.

Mickelson, coming off last week's victory at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, ran into the some trouble on the back nine -- including on the 15th hole when his ball landed inside a man's shorts.

Mickelson, however, recovered for a par on that hole and ultimately matched Bradley at 7-under 206 after Round 3, one stroke better than a trio of competitors.

Bradley, meanwhile, used a late run to post a 5-under 66, including a birdie on No. 16 when he knocked his tee shot 8 feet right of the flag.

Knotted for third place at minus-6 were Bryce Molder (66), Jonathan Byrd (69) and Pat Perez (70).

Defending Northern Trust champion Aaron Baddeley also registered a 66 while Dustin Johnson (67) and Bill Haas (68) ended the third round two shots back at 5-under 208.