Los Angeles » Steve Stricker hit enough crisp irons and made his usual share of putts to pull away from the field at Riviera and build a five-shot lead going into the final day of the rain-delayed Northern Trust Open.

Stricker was at 14-under par and had a 30-foot birdie putt on the 15th hole when it was too dark to continue. He will return Sunday morning to finish the third round.

Luke Donald finished his round at 5-under 66 just before the siren sounded and was the clubhouse leader at 9-under 204. Andres Romero, playing in the final group with Stricker and 36-hole leader Dustin Johnson, also was at 9 under.

George McNeill shot a 66 and was at 8-under 205.

The tournament caught a huge break with the weather. A storm system off the California coast managed to dodge Riviera in the afternoon, leaving mostly sunny conditions and allowing for enough play that the tournament is expected to end Sunday.