LAS VEGAS — Matt Triplett made a statement Thursday night at the PBR World Finals at the Thomas & Mackey Center.

The Columbia Falls bullrider rode Walk Off for a high score of 92 points to win Round 2, taking the lead at the event and putting himself in second place for the world championship.

Triplett, who entered the round in a tie for fourth place, was one of only three cowboys to record a second ride, with 179.25 points through two rounds. His first ride came atop Pearl Harbor on Wednesday, when he held on as time expired and survived a replay to record a score of 87.25.

“It’s something I’ve dreamed about since i was 8 years old,” Triplett said of competing at the PBR Finals. “What better way than to live your dream. It’s been pretty awesome.”

Two-time world champion Silvano Alves, the current leader in the world standings, recorded a ride of 87.75 atop Mr. Clark to move into second place at 174. Triplett briefly held the lead for the world championship before Alves’ run a few rides later.

Tanner Byrne rode Superfreak for 83.75 points to move into third place. Joao Ricardo Vieira rode Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey to a 90.25 to record the second-highest ride of the night, moving into fourth place.

“That’s what’s so cool about this sport,” Triplett said. “We’re going against the animal. It’s awesome to have great competition like Silvano and everybody else. I’m going to keep the same mindset I’ve had the last two weeks and go at these bulls jump for jump and have fun.”

Triplett, whose grandfather was in the arena to watch him perform, said his attitude is helping his rides.

“I’m just keeping a positive mindset,” Triplett said. “I’ve dreamed about this since I was a little kid. That’s helping me a little bit with having fun. I’ve watched the PBR World Finals since I was 8 years old. And I’ve watched my heroes that have won the world and they just seem to keep the right mindset and have fun.”

Round 3 of the finals begins tonight at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.