LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Tre White scored a season-high 23 points and No. 14 Kansas bounced back from a surprising defeat with a 69-56 victory over No. 5 Houston on Monday night.

Freshman star Darryn Peterson added 14 points on 5-of-14 shooting in 30 minutes for the Jayhawks (21-7, 11-4 Big 12), who fell six spots in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-25-poll-duke-39fdb6bef07b4466f0e6140826fdcad5">this week's AP Top 25</a>&nbsp;following an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cincinnati-kansas-score-23ec2476f761e00a0f453d49b9fc7178">84-68 loss at home</a>&nbsp;Saturday to unranked Cincinnati.

Bryson Tiller had 11 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks for Kansas, which handed the scuffling Cougars (23-5, 11-4) their third consecutive defeat — all against top-15 opponents. Melvin Council Jr. added 11 points, six rebounds and four assists.

Kingston Flemings scored 16 on 6-of-18 shooting for Houston, which hadn't dropped three straight games since January 2017. The Cougars shot 32% from the field, including 5 of 24 (21%) from 3-point territory.

Kansas hasn’t lost consecutive home games since the 1988-89 season, Roy Williams’ first as coach. The Jayhawks are 52-1 on ESPN’s Big Monday in Allen Fieldhouse, including 41-0 under coach Bill Self. Two weeks ago, they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-arizona-t25-e016411899b672dac1f6ea190cb7de8a">took down top-ranked Arizona</a>&nbsp;at The Phog.

Kansas used a 12-0 run early in the second half to turn a two-point lead into a 49-35 advantage at the under-12 timeout. The margin stretched to 20 before Houston went on a 7-0 spurt, but the Cougars never got closer than 10 the rest of the way.

The Jayhawks missed nine of their first 10 shots, going 8:28 without a field goal. But they closed the first half with an 11-0 run to take a 31-27 lead into the break.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771932260723.jpeg" alt="Kansas guards Tre White (3) and Darryn Peterson (22) celebrate after an NCAA college basketball game against Houston, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas guards Tre White (3) and Darryn Peterson (22) celebrate after an NCAA college basketball game against Houston, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Tre White scored a season-high 23 points and No. 14 Kansas bounced back from a surprising defeat with a 69-56 victory over No. 5 Houston on Monday night.Freshman star Darryn Peterson added 14 points on 5-of-14 shooting in 30 minutes for the Jayhawks (21-7, 11-4 Big 12), who fell six spots in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-25-poll-duke-39fdb6bef07b4466f0e6140826fdcad5">this week's AP Top 25</a>&nbsp;following an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cincinnati-kansas-score-23ec2476f761e00a0f453d49b9fc7178">84-68 loss at home</a>&nbsp;Saturday to unranked Cincinnati.Bryson Tiller had 11 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks for Kansas, which handed the scuffling Cougars (23-5, 11-4) their third consecutive defeat — all against top-15 opponents. Melvin Council Jr. added 11 points, six rebounds and four assists.Kingston Flemings scored 16 on 6-of-18 shooting for Houston, which hadn't dropped three straight games since January 2017. The Cougars shot 32% from the field, including 5 of 24 (21%) from 3-point territory.Kansas hasn’t lost consecutive home games since the 1988-89 season, Roy Williams’ first as coach. The Jayhawks are 52-1 on ESPN’s Big Monday in Allen Fieldhouse, including 41-0 under coach Bill Self. Two weeks ago, they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-arizona-t25-e016411899b672dac1f6ea190cb7de8a">took down top-ranked Arizona</a>&nbsp;at The Phog.Kansas used a 12-0 run early in the second half to turn a two-point lead into a 49-35 advantage at the under-12 timeout. The margin stretched to 20 before Houston went on a 7-0 spurt, but the Cougars never got closer than 10 the rest of the way.The Jayhawks missed nine of their first 10 shots, going 8:28 without a field goal. But they closed the first half with an 11-0 run to take a 31-27 lead into the break.<h2>Up next</h2>Houston hosts Colorado on Saturday.Kansas visits No. 2 Arizona on Saturday.

🏀 White scores 23 as KU rebounds with win over Houston

The No. 17 Hutchinson Community College baseball team swept Highland on Monday at Hobart-Detter Field, marking head coach Brock Nehls’ 100th victory with the Blue Dragons in the Game 1 run-rule win.

Hutchinson won the opener 22-0 and completed the sweep with a 12-2 victory in Game 2. Both games ended in five innings.

The Blue Dragons return to action Tuesday, Feb. 24, hosting Northeast Community College in a doubleheader beginning at noon at Hobart-Detter Field.

Sophomore Finn Hochstein powered the Game 1 offense, hitting two home runs in back-to-back plate appearances. Hochstein launched a two-run homer in the second inning and followed with a solo shot in the third after Eli Duncan led off the inning with a home run.

Game 1 — Hutchinson 22, Highland 0 (5 innings)

Hutchinson totaled 16 hits in the 22-0 run-rule victory. The Blue Dragons scored seven runs in the second inning and eight more in the third to take control early.

In the second inning, Eli Duncan reached on a throwing error, allowing Cru Huenfeld and Diesel Purnell to score for a 2-0 lead. Hochstein followed with a two-run home run to make it 4-0.

Jackson Schanuel added a sacrifice fly to score Aiden Marien, and Huenfeld delivered an RBI double.

Duncan and Hochstein opened the third inning with back-to-back home runs. Marien later singled home Ty Wilson to extend the lead to 10-0. With the bases loaded, Schanuel and Max Flowers drove in runs after being hit by a pitch and drawing a walk. Pinch hitter Austin Crawford added an RBI single. Duncan later walked and Tyson Vassart was hit by a pitch as Hutchinson built a 15-0 advantage.

Marien went 3-for-3 with three singles and an RBI. Duncan finished 2-for-4 with a double, a home run and six RBIs. Huenfeld was 2-for-2 with a single, a double and two RBIs.

The Blue Dragons added seven runs in the fourth inning. Duncan hit a two-run double, and Nick Glantz capped the scoring with his first home run of the season, a grand slam. Glantz went 1-for-2 in his pinch-hitting appearance.

On the mound, Hutchinson combined for a three-hitter. Karter Chamberlain started and struck out two in one inning. Wes Lyerly earned the win, allowing one hit and striking out two in one inning of relief. Seth Ainsworth tossed a scoreless third inning, allowing one hit while facing four batters.

Game 2 — Hutchinson 12, Highland 2 (5 innings)

Anthony Mazza hit his fourth home run of the season with a leadoff solo shot in the third inning to give Hutchinson a 3-0 lead. Aiden Marien added his first home run of the season, a three-run blast in the fourth inning.

Mazza went 2-for-4 with a double. Marien finished 1-for-3 with three RBIs. Jordan Kuhnau recorded three stolen bases, and Max Flowers drove in three runs.

Jeffrey Neill relieved starter Merek Yeager in the second inning and pitched four innings, allowing two hits and two runs while striking out two. Yeager allowed two hits in one inning of work.

Hochstein reached third on an error in the first inning, scoring Duncan to open the scoring. Flowers grounded out to score Hochstein for a 2-0 lead after two innings.

Highland scored its first run of the doubleheader in the second inning on an RBI double to cut the lead to 2-1.

In the third, Kuhnau scored during a successful stolen base by Huenfeld to make it 4-1. Huenfeld later stole home after a Purnell double when Highland appeared to relax on the play, extending the lead to 5-1. After Hochstein stole a base, Purnell advanced home to push the lead to 6-1.

Kuhnau scored on a wild pitch in the fourth. With two outs and the bases loaded, Flowers delivered a two-run infield single to extend the lead to 9-1. Marien’s three-run homer capped the scoring at 12-1.

Following Tuesday’s doubleheader against Northeast, Hutchinson wraps up nonconference play with a four-game series against Coffeyville. The Blue Dragons travel to Coffeyville for a doubleheader Thursday, Feb. 26, before hosting the Red Ravens on Saturday, Feb. 28.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771901907679.jpeg" alt="Blue Dragon head baseball coach Brock Nehls high-fives sophomre Eli Duncan (4) after a home run in the doubleheader series sweep over Highland Community College Monday, Feb. 23, 2026 at Hobart-Detter Field. (Sydney Holzrichter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Blue Dragon head baseball coach Brock Nehls high-fives sophomre Eli Duncan (4) after a home run in the doubleheader series sweep over Highland Community College Monday, Feb. 23, 2026 at Hobart-Detter Field. (Sydney Holzrichter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThe No. 17 Hutchinson Community College baseball team swept Highland on Monday at Hobart-Detter Field, marking head coach Brock Nehls’ 100th victory with the Blue Dragons in the Game 1 run-rule win.Hutchinson won the opener 22-0 and completed the sweep with a 12-2 victory in Game 2. Both games ended in five innings.The Blue Dragons return to action Tuesday, Feb. 24, hosting Northeast Community College in a doubleheader beginning at noon at Hobart-Detter Field.Sophomore Finn Hochstein powered the Game 1 offense, hitting two home runs in back-to-back plate appearances. Hochstein launched a two-run homer in the second inning and followed with a solo shot in the third after Eli Duncan led off the inning with a home run.<h2>Game 1 — Hutchinson 22, Highland 0 (5 innings)</h2>Hutchinson totaled 16 hits in the 22-0 run-rule victory. The Blue Dragons scored seven runs in the second inning and eight more in the third to take control early.In the second inning, Eli Duncan reached on a throwing error, allowing Cru Huenfeld and Diesel Purnell to score for a 2-0 lead. Hochstein followed with a two-run home run to make it 4-0.Jackson Schanuel added a sacrifice fly to score Aiden Marien, and Huenfeld delivered an RBI double.Duncan and Hochstein opened the third inning with back-to-back home runs. Marien later singled home Ty Wilson to extend the lead to 10-0. With the bases loaded, Schanuel and Max Flowers drove in runs after being hit by a pitch and drawing a walk. Pinch hitter Austin Crawford added an RBI single. Duncan later walked and Tyson Vassart was hit by a pitch as Hutchinson built a 15-0 advantage.Marien went 3-for-3 with three singles and an RBI. Duncan finished 2-for-4 with a double, a home run and six RBIs. Huenfeld was 2-for-2 with a single, a double and two RBIs.The Blue Dragons added seven runs in the fourth inning. Duncan hit a two-run double, and Nick Glantz capped the scoring with his first home run of the season, a grand slam. Glantz went 1-for-2 in his pinch-hitting appearance.On the mound, Hutchinson combined for a three-hitter. Karter Chamberlain started and struck out two in one inning. Wes Lyerly earned the win, allowing one hit and striking out two in one inning of relief. Seth Ainsworth tossed a scoreless third inning, allowing one hit while facing four batters.<h2>Game 2 — Hutchinson 12, Highland 2 (5 innings)</h2>Anthony Mazza hit his fourth home run of the season with a leadoff solo shot in the third inning to give Hutchinson a 3-0 lead. Aiden Marien added his first home run of the season, a three-run blast in the fourth inning.Mazza went 2-for-4 with a double. Marien finished 1-for-3 with three RBIs. Jordan Kuhnau recorded three stolen bases, and Max Flowers drove in three runs.Jeffrey Neill relieved starter Merek Yeager in the second inning and pitched four innings, allowing two hits and two runs while striking out two. Yeager allowed two hits in one inning of work.Hochstein reached third on an error in the first inning, scoring Duncan to open the scoring. Flowers grounded out to score Hochstein for a 2-0 lead after two innings.Highland scored its first run of the doubleheader in the second inning on an RBI double to cut the lead to 2-1.In the third, Kuhnau scored during a successful stolen base by Huenfeld to make it 4-1. Huenfeld later stole home after a Purnell double when Highland appeared to relax on the play, extending the lead to 5-1. After Hochstein stole a base, Purnell advanced home to push the lead to 6-1.Kuhnau scored on a wild pitch in the fourth. With two outs and the bases loaded, Flowers delivered a two-run infield single to extend the lead to 9-1. Marien’s three-run homer capped the scoring at 12-1.Following Tuesday’s doubleheader against Northeast, Hutchinson wraps up nonconference play with a four-game series against Coffeyville. The Blue Dragons travel to Coffeyville for a doubleheader Thursday, Feb. 26, before hosting the Red Ravens on Saturday, Feb. 28.

⚾ Nehls tallies 100th Blue Dragon win in sweep of Highland

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762827753353.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Dragon Talk with John Ontjes & Kyle Fisher (Feb. 23, 2026)" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=juiy8-1a53b7f-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Show 11 GuestsWomen's head coach John OntjesCeleste OntjesMen's head coach Kyle FisherSophomore guard Daleron Thomas

🎧🏀 Dragon Talk with John Ontjes and Kyle Fisher

🎧🏒 U.S. men win gold; 🏀 HutchCC sweeps Coffeyville; 👟 Blue Dragons sweep Region 6 titles

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KHMY-FM (93.1)

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KHUT-FM (102.9)

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5)

Hutch High GBB/BBB vs. Maize, 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW)

K-State MBB at Colorado, 7 p.m. pregame, 8 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)

Hutch High GBB/BBB vs. Andover, 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW) Matt Driscoll Show, 7-8 p.m. (KHMY)

HutchCC WBB/MBB vs. Pratt, 1:45 p.m. pregame, 2 p.m. tipoff (KHUT, KWBW) K-State MBB vs. TCU, 4:30 p.m. pregame, 5:30 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754488936409.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KHMY-FM (93.1)Click&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KHUT-FM (102.9)Click&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5)<h2>Monday, Feb. 23</h2>Dragon Talk, 6-7 p.m. (KWBW)<h2>Tuesday, Feb. 24</h2>Hutch High GBB/BBB vs. Maize, 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW) <h2>Wednesday, Feb. 25</h2>K-State MBB at Colorado, 7 p.m. pregame, 8 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)<h2>Thursday, Feb. 26</h2>Hutch High GBB/BBB vs. Andover, 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW) Matt Driscoll Show, 7-8 p.m. (KHMY)<h2>Friday, Feb. 27</h2>No broadcast scheduled<h2>Saturday, Feb. 28</h2>HutchCC WBB/MBB vs. Pratt, 1:45 p.m. pregame, 2 p.m. tipoff (KHUT, KWBW) K-State MBB vs. TCU, 4:30 p.m. pregame, 5:30 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)<h2>Sunday, Feb. 29</h2>No broadcast scheduled

Eagle Media sports broadcast schedule for Feb. 23-Feb. 29

PITTSBURG, Kan. — Sunday marked a historic milestone for the Hutchinson Community College women’s indoor track and field team.

The Blue Dragons captured their first-ever Region 6 indoor championship Sunday at the Plaster Center. Hutchinson totaled 172 team points to outdistance Cloud County and Barton, which tied for second with 153 points. The Blue Dragons also finished first in the Jayhawk West standings.

Freshmen Mildred Rono and Xylavene Beale led the charge with multiple regional titles.

Rono won the 5,000 meters, 3,000 meters and 1 mile, setting new Region 6 records in all three events. She broke the school record in the mile and eclipsed her own 5,000-meter school record set earlier this season.

Beale claimed titles in the shot put and weight throw with marks of 15.62 meters and 17.01 meters, respectively. Deisheline Mayer-Scott finished runner-up in the weight throw at 16.75 meters and placed third in the shot put at 13.77 meters.

Sabrina McDonald placed second in the 600 meters in 1:33.11, breaking her own school record by three seconds.

The Blue Dragons’ 4x400-meter relay team of Anecia Campbell, Brittney-Ann Powell, Valentine Titren and McDonald broke its own school record by three seconds, finishing fourth in 3:58.27.

Hutchinson’s distance medley relay team of Ashara Frater, McDonald, Kimberlin Lovell and Rono won the event in 11:58.18, setting both a new Region 6 record and a school record. The time broke the previous regional mark of 12:06.51 and the former school record of 12:27.28.

Frater and Lovell each qualified for nationals in the 3,000 meters. Frater finished third in 10:13.62, while Lovell placed sixth in 10:39.25.

Sidney Holt surpassed the national qualifying mark in the 60-meter dash preliminaries in 7.65 seconds and went on to finish sixth in the finals. Powell placed fifth in the 60 meters and also hit the national qualifying mark with a 7.66 in prelims.

Campbell qualified for nationals in both the 200 meters and 400 meters. She finished third in the 200 in 24.44 seconds and was regional runner-up in the 400 in 53.33 seconds.

Grace Bender placed fourth in the pole vault, clearing the national qualifying height of 3.20 meters. Rose Min Poulsen finished fourth in the high jump at 1.52 meters.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771815625391.jpeg" alt="The Blue Dragon women's indoor track and field team celebrates its first-ever Region 6 championship at the Plaster Center at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. (Photo courtesy: Ed Bailey)" />
 <figcaption>The Blue Dragon women's indoor track and field team celebrates its first-ever Region 6 championship at the Plaster Center at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. (Photo courtesy: Ed Bailey)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationPITTSBURG, Kan. — Sunday marked a historic milestone for the Hutchinson Community College women’s indoor track and field team.The Blue Dragons captured their first-ever Region 6 indoor championship Sunday at the Plaster Center. Hutchinson totaled 172 team points to outdistance Cloud County and Barton, which tied for second with 153 points. The Blue Dragons also finished first in the Jayhawk West standings.Freshmen Mildred Rono and Xylavene Beale led the charge with multiple regional titles.Rono won the 5,000 meters, 3,000 meters and 1 mile, setting new Region 6 records in all three events. She broke the school record in the mile and eclipsed her own 5,000-meter school record set earlier this season.Beale claimed titles in the shot put and weight throw with marks of 15.62 meters and 17.01 meters, respectively. Deisheline Mayer-Scott finished runner-up in the weight throw at 16.75 meters and placed third in the shot put at 13.77 meters.Sabrina McDonald placed second in the 600 meters in 1:33.11, breaking her own school record by three seconds.The Blue Dragons’ 4x400-meter relay team of Anecia Campbell, Brittney-Ann Powell, Valentine Titren and McDonald broke its own school record by three seconds, finishing fourth in 3:58.27.Hutchinson’s distance medley relay team of Ashara Frater, McDonald, Kimberlin Lovell and Rono won the event in 11:58.18, setting both a new Region 6 record and a school record. The time broke the previous regional mark of 12:06.51 and the former school record of 12:27.28.Frater and Lovell each qualified for nationals in the 3,000 meters. Frater finished third in 10:13.62, while Lovell placed sixth in 10:39.25.Sidney Holt surpassed the national qualifying mark in the 60-meter dash preliminaries in 7.65 seconds and went on to finish sixth in the finals. Powell placed fifth in the 60 meters and also hit the national qualifying mark with a 7.66 in prelims.Campbell qualified for nationals in both the 200 meters and 400 meters. She finished third in the 200 in 24.44 seconds and was regional runner-up in the 400 in 53.33 seconds.Grace Bender placed fourth in the pole vault, clearing the national qualifying height of 3.20 meters. Rose Min Poulsen finished fourth in the high jump at 1.52 meters.

👟 HutchCC women claim first-ever Region 6 indoor title

PITTSBURG, Kan. — Wesley Gill delivered a historic debut performance to lead Hutchinson Community College to its second straight Region 6 men’s indoor track and field championship Sunday at the Plaster Center.

Competing in the heptathlon for the first time, Gill scored 5,039 points to win the regional title, set a new Region 6 record and shatter the Hutchinson school record of 4,654 set in 2010. Gill also established new regional heptathlon records in the 60-meter dash, 60-meter hurdles and pole vault.

Hutchinson totaled 122 team points to edge Barton Community College by two points for the championship. Coffeyville finished third with 109 points. The Blue Dragons won their first-ever indoor regional title last season.

Yassine Sassi claimed the long jump title with a national qualifying mark of 7.50 meters.

Joshua Sweetnam won the shot put at 17.66 meters and added a fifth-place finish in the weight throw at 15.70 meters.

In the pole vault, Gregory Martinez cleared 4.33 meters to finish as regional runner-up and hit the national qualifying mark. Gill tied for third at 4.03 meters.

Kebba Makalo placed second in the 60-meter dash in 6.72 seconds and was also runner-up in the 200 meters, posting a national qualifying time of 20.91 seconds.

Jahmari Clifton finished second in the high jump at 2.04 meters. Joshua Muhozi cleared 1.99 meters to hit the national qualifying standard.

Korneluis Kogo placed third in the 3,000 meters in 8:36.17, with Esteban Ortega sixth in 8:39.43. Kogo was regional runner-up in the 5,000 meters with a qualifying time of 14:28.27. Ortega finished eighth in 15:07.45, and Dennis Cheruiyot was ninth in 15:08.88.

Ricards Peders earned a runner-up finish in the 60-meter hurdles in 8.22 seconds.

Da’Shawn Lester and Lushane Blake placed seventh and eighth in the 600 meters with qualifying times of 1:20.11 and 1:20.13, respectively.

The Blue Dragons’ distance medley relay team of Cheruiyot, Max Ryan, Kyler Medlin and Esteban Oses set a new school record of 10:08.20 while finishing fourth and qualifying for nationals.

Tristan Sanders added a point with an eighth-place finish in the triple jump at 13.60 meters. Karson Engelland placed ninth in the shot put at 13.92 meters.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771815549031.jpeg" alt="The Blue Dragon men's indoor track team celebrates its second Region 6 indoor title at the Plaster Center at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. (Photo Courtesy: Ed Bailey)" />
 <figcaption>The Blue Dragon men's indoor track team celebrates its second Region 6 indoor title at the Plaster Center at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. (Photo Courtesy: Ed Bailey)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationPITTSBURG, Kan. — Wesley Gill delivered a historic debut performance to lead Hutchinson Community College to its second straight Region 6 men’s indoor track and field championship Sunday at the Plaster Center.Competing in the heptathlon for the first time, Gill scored 5,039 points to win the regional title, set a new Region 6 record and shatter the Hutchinson school record of 4,654 set in 2010. Gill also established new regional heptathlon records in the 60-meter dash, 60-meter hurdles and pole vault.Hutchinson totaled 122 team points to edge Barton Community College by two points for the championship. Coffeyville finished third with 109 points. The Blue Dragons won their first-ever indoor regional title last season.Yassine Sassi claimed the long jump title with a national qualifying mark of 7.50 meters.Joshua Sweetnam won the shot put at 17.66 meters and added a fifth-place finish in the weight throw at 15.70 meters.In the pole vault, Gregory Martinez cleared 4.33 meters to finish as regional runner-up and hit the national qualifying mark. Gill tied for third at 4.03 meters.Kebba Makalo placed second in the 60-meter dash in 6.72 seconds and was also runner-up in the 200 meters, posting a national qualifying time of 20.91 seconds.Jahmari Clifton finished second in the high jump at 2.04 meters. Joshua Muhozi cleared 1.99 meters to hit the national qualifying standard.Korneluis Kogo placed third in the 3,000 meters in 8:36.17, with Esteban Ortega sixth in 8:39.43. Kogo was regional runner-up in the 5,000 meters with a qualifying time of 14:28.27. Ortega finished eighth in 15:07.45, and Dennis Cheruiyot was ninth in 15:08.88.Ricards Peders earned a runner-up finish in the 60-meter hurdles in 8.22 seconds.Da’Shawn Lester and Lushane Blake placed seventh and eighth in the 600 meters with qualifying times of 1:20.11 and 1:20.13, respectively.The Blue Dragons’ distance medley relay team of Cheruiyot, Max Ryan, Kyler Medlin and Esteban Oses set a new school record of 10:08.20 while finishing fourth and qualifying for nationals.Tristan Sanders added a point with an eighth-place finish in the triple jump at 13.60 meters. Karson Engelland placed ninth in the shot put at 13.92 meters.

👟 Blue Dragon men claim second consecutive Region 6 indoor title

GAINESVILLE, Texas — Hutchinson Community College head softball coach Jaime Rose earned her 700th career coaching victory in Game 1 of the Blue Dragons’ doubleheader sweep of North Central Texas College on Saturday, highlighting a 2-2 weekend split in Oklahoma and Texas.

Hutchinson opened the weekend Friday in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, where the Blue Dragons were swept by NJCAA Division II No. 1 Murray State College, 12-0 in five innings and 4-2. Hutchinson bounced back Saturday in Gainesville, sweeping NCTC 8-1 and 4-3.

The losses to Murray State were Hutchinson’s first of the regular season.

Rose began her head coaching career at Independence before taking over the Hutchinson program in 2005. She has led the Blue Dragons to a Region 6 Tournament championship and NJCAA Division I Softball Championship berth in 2024, along with Jayhawk Conference titles in 2023 and 2025.

Game 1 — Murray State 12, Hutchinson 0 (5 innings)

The top-ranked Aggies scored 12 runs on 10 hits and ended the game in five innings. Hutchinson’s offense was limited to two hits.

Sophomore Reese Goetz went 2-for-2 with a pair of singles. The Blue Dragons struck out six times.

Freshman Alyssa Rogers took the loss, pitching two innings and allowing five runs, three earned, on three hits. Kaci Young and Mia Williams combined in relief. Hutchinson allowed just one extra-base hit.

Trailing 4-0 in the seventh inning, Hutchinson mounted a late rally. Gabby Stauffer led off with a base hit and later scored on an RBI single by Addi Lutz. Goetz followed with an RBI single to pull the Blue Dragons within 4-2.

With runners on first and third, Murray State turned a game-ending double play to complete the sweep.

Freshman Hailey Ediger pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing four runs on four hits with two strikeouts. The Aggies hit a two-run home run in the sixth, the only home run Hutchinson allowed in the doubleheader.

Kaibryn Kruger made a home-run-robbing catch at the center-field wall in the sixth inning to keep the Blue Dragons within striking distance.

Hutchinson responded Saturday behind a strong all-around performance.

Kruger went 3-for-5 with a single, triple and inside-the-park home run. Aubree Thomas pitched a complete game, allowing one run on five hits over seven innings.

Hutchinson built a 3-0 lead through three innings on RBI hits by Golly, Goetz and Dreher. Kruger’s inside-the-park home run in the fourth extended the lead to 5-0.

Dreher finished 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Golly and Emery Benson-Hladik each went 2-for-4. Stephenson added an RBI double in the seventh.

Lutz drove in Stauffer in the fourth to cut the deficit to 3-2. Stephenson tied the game in the sixth with a sacrifice fly.

In the seventh, Golly and Stauffer opened with singles. Benson-Hladik grounded out but drove in pinch runner Kaci Young for the go-ahead run.

Ediger pitched the final two innings, striking out two in the seventh to strand the tying and go-ahead runners. Williams started and allowed three runs in 2 1/3 innings. Jessica Schmidt threw 2 2/3 scoreless innings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771815422843.jpeg" alt="Blue Dragon head softball coach Jaime Rose recorded her 700th career coaching victory during the Hutchinson Community College softball team's weekend Oklahoma-Texas tour as the Blue Dragons went 2-2 over the weekend. (Photo by Sammi Carpenter)" />
 <figcaption>Blue Dragon head softball coach Jaime Rose recorded her 700th career coaching victory during the Hutchinson Community College softball team's weekend Oklahoma-Texas tour as the Blue Dragons went 2-2 over the weekend. (Photo by Sammi Carpenter)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationGAINESVILLE, Texas — Hutchinson Community College head softball coach Jaime Rose earned her 700th career coaching victory in Game 1 of the Blue Dragons’ doubleheader sweep of North Central Texas College on Saturday, highlighting a 2-2 weekend split in Oklahoma and Texas.Hutchinson opened the weekend Friday in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, where the Blue Dragons were swept by NJCAA Division II No. 1 Murray State College, 12-0 in five innings and 4-2. Hutchinson bounced back Saturday in Gainesville, sweeping NCTC 8-1 and 4-3.The losses to Murray State were Hutchinson’s first of the regular season.Rose began her head coaching career at Independence before taking over the Hutchinson program in 2005. She has led the Blue Dragons to a Region 6 Tournament championship and NJCAA Division I Softball Championship berth in 2024, along with Jayhawk Conference titles in 2023 and 2025.<h2>Game 1 — Murray State 12, Hutchinson 0 (5 innings)</h2>The top-ranked Aggies scored 12 runs on 10 hits and ended the game in five innings. Hutchinson’s offense was limited to two hits.Sophomore Reese Goetz went 2-for-2 with a pair of singles. The Blue Dragons struck out six times.Freshman Alyssa Rogers took the loss, pitching two innings and allowing five runs, three earned, on three hits. Kaci Young and Mia Williams combined in relief. Hutchinson allowed just one extra-base hit.<h2>Game 2 — Murray State 4, Hutchinson 2</h2>Trailing 4-0 in the seventh inning, Hutchinson mounted a late rally. Gabby Stauffer led off with a base hit and later scored on an RBI single by Addi Lutz. Goetz followed with an RBI single to pull the Blue Dragons within 4-2.With runners on first and third, Murray State turned a game-ending double play to complete the sweep.Freshman Hailey Ediger pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing four runs on four hits with two strikeouts. The Aggies hit a two-run home run in the sixth, the only home run Hutchinson allowed in the doubleheader.Kaibryn Kruger made a home-run-robbing catch at the center-field wall in the sixth inning to keep the Blue Dragons within striking distance.<h2>Game 1 — Hutchinson 8, NCTC 1</h2>Hutchinson responded Saturday behind a strong all-around performance.Kruger went 3-for-5 with a single, triple and inside-the-park home run. Aubree Thomas pitched a complete game, allowing one run on five hits over seven innings.Hutchinson built a 3-0 lead through three innings on RBI hits by Golly, Goetz and Dreher. Kruger’s inside-the-park home run in the fourth extended the lead to 5-0.Dreher finished 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Golly and Emery Benson-Hladik each went 2-for-4. Stephenson added an RBI double in the seventh.<h2>Game 2 — Hutchinson 4, NCTC 3</h2>NCTC led 3-1 before Hutchinson rallied.Lutz drove in Stauffer in the fourth to cut the deficit to 3-2. Stephenson tied the game in the sixth with a sacrifice fly.In the seventh, Golly and Stauffer opened with singles. Benson-Hladik grounded out but drove in pinch runner Kaci Young for the go-ahead run.Ediger pitched the final two innings, striking out two in the seventh to strand the tying and go-ahead runners. Williams started and allowed three runs in 2 1/3 innings. Jessica Schmidt threw 2 2/3 scoreless innings.

🥎 HutchCC's Rose picks up 700th career coaching win

MILAN (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/milan-cortina-winter-olympics-hockey-closing-ceremony-updates">The United States is on top</a>&nbsp;of the hockey world for the first time in nearly a half-century. No miracle needed.

Jack Hughes scored in overtime and the U.S. beat Canada 2-1 in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-canada-gold-medal-game-olympics-c901edacf7f6ccca94b5f19f1d27f479">the gold medal final</a>&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="https://___%20ap%20winter%20olympics:%20https//apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics">the Milan Cortina Olympics</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, earning the nation’s third men’s title at the Games and its first since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1980-miracle-on-ice-hockey-c64ae6cbf5c4b41f71d9a78782409780">“Miracle on Ice”</a>&nbsp;in 1980 — 46 years to the day of the upset over the mighty Soviet Union, too.

Unlike that ragtag group of college kids that pulled off one of the biggest shockers in sports history, the Americans in Milan were a machine that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/connor-hellebuyck-team-usa-goalie-443ee4a3f28807aa7c4028ed489ecbd4">rode goaltender Connor Hellebuyck</a>&nbsp;and a roster full of NHL players through the tournament unbeaten. Still, they were underdogs again against the stacked Canadians and came out on top — again.

“This is all about our country right now,” said Hughes, who lost at least one and maybe two of his front teeth taking a high stick during the game. “I love the U.S.A. I love my teammates. It’s unbelievable. The USA Hockey brotherhood is so strong.”

Hughes' goal off the rush off a pass from Zach Werenski 1:41 into 3-on-3 OT sent players into a wild celebration as Canada's entire team watched from the bench. There was a hint of sadness amid all the joy as Werenski and Matthew Tkachuk carried a Johnny Gaudreau No. 13 jersey around the ice as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/johnny-gaudreau-olympics-team-usa-43c05ba80d4c3f51c4a4b94285c63038">the latest tribute</a>&nbsp;to the beloved player who was killed along with his brother in 2024.

Gaudreau's parents, Guy and Jay, his widow, Meredith, and their oldest children were in attendance. It was John Jr.'s second birthday and he was brought on the ice with older sister Noa for the team photo.

“He was so near and dear to us,” Brady Tkachuk said of the player known as “Johnny Hockey." “We did it for him.”

Hellebuyck was by far the best player on the ice, stopping 41 of the 42 shots he faced as Canada tilted the ice toward him. He made the save of the tournament by getting his stick on the puck on a shot from Devon Toews in the third period, then minutes later denied Macklin Celebrini on a breakaway — something he also did to Connor McDavid earlier.

"Unbelievable game by Hellebuyck," Hughes said. “He was our best player by a mile.”

It was only fitting the Americans needed to go through Canada, their northern neighbor that beat them at the 4 Nations Face-Off a year ago and has won every international competition over the past 16 years that featured the world's best players.

Winning a fast-paced, riveting game that was full of big hits and plenty of post-whistle altercations, the U.S. got a goal from Matt Boldy 6 minutes in and led until Cale Makar tied it late in the second period. Hellebuyck and the penalty kill was a perfect 18 for 18 at the Olympics.

“I can’t even believe this,” Hughes said. “I mean it’s such an unbelievable game, USA-Canada. Such a good game. There’s so many great players. We’re a great team. That’s exactly how we wanted it to go. We’re underdogs to Canada, (but we) beat them. It could have gone either way.”

Hughes paid a painful price when he took the high stick and wound up face down on the ice. The teeth were out, but the celebration wasn't far away.

“More people are going to be looking at his medal than his teeth,” winger Matt Boldy said.

The U.S. finally came through after generations of churning out talent from the grassroots level like a production line. All but two of the 25 players on the team went through USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program.

That group of 23 includes captain Auston Matthews, the top line of Brady and Matthew Tkachuk and Jack Eichel, and the second set of brothers, Jack and Quinn Hughes. Much of the team played together either at the program, under-18s, the world junior championship or some combination of them.

The U.S. winning silenced criticism of general manager Bill Guerin and his management group&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/usa-canada-olympic-rosters-gold-8393d8e4b3462ad8dd7bfe4a92382f64">choosing a roster</a>&nbsp;full of experienced veteran players to fill specific roles and leaving four of the top 10 American goal-scorers in the NHL this season at home. Some decisions were no-doubters, like coach Mike Sullivan giving the net to Hellebuyck.

Canada, back-to-back Olympic champions in 2010 and ’14 and winners of three of the first five, fell short while playing without injured captain Sidney Crosby. The 38-year-old two-time gold medalist and three-time Stanley Cup champion left the quarterfinal game against Czechia and sat out the semifinal game against Finland.

McDavid, who wore the “C” in Crosby’s absence, suffered another devastating defeat on the doorstep of a title. He and the Edmonton Oilers have lost to Matthew Tkachuk and the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final each of the past two years.

Edited By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/bridget-brown">BRIDGET BROWN</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/linda-petre">LINDA PETRE</a>U Associated Press

The United States beat Canada 2-1 in overtime to win the men’s hockey gold on the final day of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics">Milan Cortina Olympics</a>. Jack Hughes scored the winning goal just 1 minute, 41 seconds into overtime.

It is the third Olympic title in men’s hockey for the U.S. — and first since the “Miracle on Ice” at Lake Placid in 1980.

The day will end with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/milan-cortina-closing-ceremony-olympics-winter-games-144560b4be540d20b5c92f48280ba2d5">the closing ceremony</a>, which will celebrate Italian music and dance, both classic and contemporary, headlining internationally acclaimed ballet dancer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/verona-closing-ceremony-bolle-olympics-2026-winter-fd930b7719cfba7fe9d655de289878bd">Roberto Bolle</a>&nbsp;along with popular Italian singer Achille Lauro and DJ Gaby Ponte.

By<a href="https://apnews.com/author/howard-fendrich">HOWARD FENDRICH</a>

As the U.S. team gathered on the ice to celebrate their country’s first gold in men’s hockey since 1980, the crowd joined in on the fun with loud chants of “U-S-A!”

The American men beat Canada 2-1 in overtime — just like the American women beat Canada 2-1 in overtime on Thursday for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-canada-womens-hockey-olympic-final-141b5904352673676656cbe2a1c253e5" target="_blank">other hockey gold</a>.

US wins men’s hockey gold on goal by Jack Hughes

Jack Hughes scored the winning goal just 1 minute, 41 seconds into the first extra period.

It’s a gold medal hockey matchup between the U.S. and Canada. So OF COURSE it’s going to OT.

This men’s matchup is heading to an extra period tied at 1.

Just like Thursday, when the same two countries were even at that score after regulation and went to overtime to decide the gold medal in women’s hockey.

The United States wound up winning that one,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-canada-womens-hockey-olympic-final-141b5904352673676656cbe2a1c253e5" target="_blank">beating Canada 2-1</a>&nbsp;on Megan Keller’s goal.

Canada is outplaying the Americans — but not outscoring them

Canada has outshot the U.S. by a whopping 41-26 margin through three periods.

The numbers since the start of the second period: 33 shots for Canada, 18 for the U.S.

But American goalie Connor Hellebuyck has kept his team in the game, making 40 saves to keep the score 1-1 as they head to overtime.

He wasn’t able to get to one of Canada’s best chances late in the third period — but Hellebuyck, it turned out, didn’t need to.

That’s because Nathan MacKinnon’s shot right from the doorstep went wide to the right of the net.

Next goal gets gold: Hockey final heads to OT

Canada and the U.S. are headed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/overtime-rules-olympic-hockey-81ee13ed53b5b7da4a93cf2697829312" target="_blank">sudden-death overtime</a>&nbsp;in the men’s hockey final, tied 1-all.

The overtime format for the Olympic gold medal game is similar to what the NHL uses in its Stanley Cup playoffs.

The first goal wins it, no matter how long it might take for one team to score — there’s no shootout — but with 3 on 3, instead of 5 on 5

MILAN (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/milan-cortina-winter-olympics-hockey-closing-ceremony-updates">The United States is on top</a>&nbsp;of the hockey world for the first time in nearly a half-century. No miracle needed.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">USA! 🥇🏒🦅🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/oMOCCEy2w0">pic.twitter.com/oMOCCEy2w0</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2025600926611059019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">RED, WHITE, BLUE AND GOLD. TEAM USA IS BRINGING HOME THE <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WINTEROLYMPICS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WINTEROLYMPICS</a> GOLD. 🇺🇸🦅 <a href="https://t.co/tbv1BILBDj">pic.twitter.com/tbv1BILBDj</a>&mdash; USA Hockey (@usahockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/usahockey/status/2025599923232616584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Jack Hughes scored in overtime and the U.S. beat Canada 2-1 in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-canada-gold-medal-game-olympics-c901edacf7f6ccca94b5f19f1d27f479">the gold medal final</a>&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="https://___%20ap%20winter%20olympics:%20https//apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics">the Milan Cortina Olympics</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, earning the nation’s third men’s title at the Games and its first since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1980-miracle-on-ice-hockey-c64ae6cbf5c4b41f71d9a78782409780">“Miracle on Ice”</a>&nbsp;in 1980 — 46 years to the day of the upset over the mighty Soviet Union, too.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">AMERICA WINS GOLD!!! 🥇🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/e3NPfBLu09">pic.twitter.com/e3NPfBLu09</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2025601683988914574?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/kOiCXdVMao">https://t.co/kOiCXdVMao</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZIiychKPoo">pic.twitter.com/ZIiychKPoo</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2025604750608040191?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Unlike that ragtag group of college kids that pulled off one of the biggest shockers in sports history, the Americans in Milan were a machine that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/connor-hellebuyck-team-usa-goalie-443ee4a3f28807aa7c4028ed489ecbd4">rode goaltender Connor Hellebuyck</a>&nbsp;and a roster full of NHL players through the tournament unbeaten. Still, they were underdogs again against the stacked Canadians and came out on top — again.“This is all about our country right now,” said Hughes, who lost at least one and maybe two of his front teeth taking a high stick during the game. “I love the U.S.A. I love my teammates. It’s unbelievable. The USA Hockey brotherhood is so strong.”Hughes' goal off the rush off a pass from Zach Werenski 1:41 into 3-on-3 OT sent players into a wild celebration as Canada's entire team watched from the bench. There was a hint of sadness amid all the joy as Werenski and Matthew Tkachuk carried a Johnny Gaudreau No. 13 jersey around the ice as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/johnny-gaudreau-olympics-team-usa-43c05ba80d4c3f51c4a4b94285c63038">the latest tribute</a>&nbsp;to the beloved player who was killed along with his brother in 2024.Gaudreau's parents, Guy and Jay, his widow, Meredith, and their oldest children were in attendance. It was John Jr.'s second birthday and he was brought on the ice with older sister Noa for the team photo.“He was so near and dear to us,” Brady Tkachuk said of the player known as “Johnny Hockey." “We did it for him.”Hellebuyck was by far the best player on the ice, stopping 41 of the 42 shots he faced as Canada tilted the ice toward him. He made the save of the tournament by getting his stick on the puck on a shot from Devon Toews in the third period, then minutes later denied Macklin Celebrini on a breakaway — something he also did to Connor McDavid earlier."Unbelievable game by Hellebuyck," Hughes said. “He was our best player by a mile.”It was only fitting the Americans needed to go through Canada, their northern neighbor that beat them at the 4 Nations Face-Off a year ago and has won every international competition over the past 16 years that featured the world's best players.Not anymore.Winning a fast-paced, riveting game that was full of big hits and plenty of post-whistle altercations, the U.S. got a goal from Matt Boldy 6 minutes in and led until Cale Makar tied it late in the second period. Hellebuyck and the penalty kill was a perfect 18 for 18 at the Olympics.“I can’t even believe this,” Hughes said. “I mean it’s such an unbelievable game, USA-Canada. Such a good game. There’s so many great players. We’re a great team. That’s exactly how we wanted it to go. We’re underdogs to Canada, (but we) beat them. It could have gone either way.”Hughes paid a painful price when he took the high stick and wound up face down on the ice. The teeth were out, but the celebration wasn't far away.“More people are going to be looking at his medal than his teeth,” winger Matt Boldy said.The U.S. finally came through after generations of churning out talent from the grassroots level like a production line. All but two of the 25 players on the team went through USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program.That group of 23 includes captain Auston Matthews, the top line of Brady and Matthew Tkachuk and Jack Eichel, and the second set of brothers, Jack and Quinn Hughes. Much of the team played together either at the program, under-18s, the world junior championship or some combination of them.The U.S. winning silenced criticism of general manager Bill Guerin and his management group&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/usa-canada-olympic-rosters-gold-8393d8e4b3462ad8dd7bfe4a92382f64">choosing a roster</a>&nbsp;full of experienced veteran players to fill specific roles and leaving four of the top 10 American goal-scorers in the NHL this season at home. Some decisions were no-doubters, like coach Mike Sullivan giving the net to Hellebuyck.Canada, back-to-back Olympic champions in 2010 and ’14 and winners of three of the first five, fell short while playing without injured captain Sidney Crosby. The 38-year-old two-time gold medalist and three-time Stanley Cup champion left the quarterfinal game against Czechia and sat out the semifinal game against Finland.McDavid, who wore the “C” in Crosby’s absence, suffered another devastating defeat on the doorstep of a title. He and the Edmonton Oilers have lost to Matthew Tkachuk and the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final each of the past two years.___Edited By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/bridget-brown">BRIDGET BROWN</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/linda-petre">LINDA PETRE</a>U Associated PressThe United States beat Canada 2-1 in overtime to win the men’s hockey gold on the final day of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics">Milan Cortina Olympics</a>. Jack Hughes scored the winning goal just 1 minute, 41 seconds into overtime.It is the third Olympic title in men’s hockey for the U.S. — and first since the “Miracle on Ice” at Lake Placid in 1980.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">USA! 🥇🏒🦅🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/oMOCCEy2w0">pic.twitter.com/oMOCCEy2w0</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2025600926611059019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">RED, WHITE, BLUE AND GOLD. TEAM USA IS BRINGING HOME THE <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WINTEROLYMPICS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WINTEROLYMPICS</a> GOLD. 🇺🇸🦅 <a href="https://t.co/tbv1BILBDj">pic.twitter.com/tbv1BILBDj</a>&mdash; USA Hockey (@usahockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/usahockey/status/2025599923232616584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The day will end with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/milan-cortina-closing-ceremony-olympics-winter-games-144560b4be540d20b5c92f48280ba2d5">the closing ceremony</a>, which will celebrate Italian music and dance, both classic and contemporary, headlining internationally acclaimed ballet dancer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/verona-closing-ceremony-bolle-olympics-2026-winter-fd930b7719cfba7fe9d655de289878bd">Roberto Bolle</a>&nbsp;along with popular Italian singer Achille Lauro and DJ Gaby Ponte.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">AMERICA WINS GOLD!!! 🥇🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/e3NPfBLu09">pic.twitter.com/e3NPfBLu09</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2025601683988914574?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h2>‘U-S-A!’</h2>By<a href="https://apnews.com/author/howard-fendrich">HOWARD FENDRICH</a>As the U.S. team gathered on the ice to celebrate their country’s first gold in men’s hockey since 1980, the crowd joined in on the fun with loud chants of “U-S-A!”The American men beat Canada 2-1 in overtime — just like the American women beat Canada 2-1 in overtime on Thursday for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-canada-womens-hockey-olympic-final-141b5904352673676656cbe2a1c253e5" target="_blank">other hockey gold</a>.<h2>US wins men’s hockey gold on goal by Jack Hughes</h2>By<a href="https://apnews.com/author/howard-fendrich">HOWARD FENDRICH</a>The U.S. beat Canada 2-1 in overtime.Jack Hughes scored the winning goal just 1 minute, 41 seconds into the first extra period.It is the third Olympic title in men’s hockey for the U.S. — and first since the “Miracle on Ice” at Lake Placid in 1980.<h2>OT again!</h2>By<a href="https://apnews.com/author/howard-fendrich">HOWARD FENDRICH</a>It’s a gold medal hockey matchup between the U.S. and Canada. So OF COURSE it’s going to OT.This men’s matchup is heading to an extra period tied at 1.Just like Thursday, when the same two countries were even at that score after regulation and went to overtime to decide the gold medal in women’s hockey.The United States wound up winning that one,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-canada-womens-hockey-olympic-final-141b5904352673676656cbe2a1c253e5" target="_blank">beating Canada 2-1</a>&nbsp;on Megan Keller’s goal.36 min ago<h2>Canada is outplaying the Americans — but not outscoring them</h2>By<a href="https://apnews.com/author/howard-fendrich">HOWARD FENDRICH</a>Canada has outshot the U.S. by a whopping 41-26 margin through three periods.The numbers since the start of the second period: 33 shots for Canada, 18 for the U.S.But American goalie Connor Hellebuyck has kept his team in the game, making 40 saves to keep the score 1-1 as they head to overtime.He wasn’t able to get to one of Canada’s best chances late in the third period — but Hellebuyck, it turned out, didn’t need to.That’s because Nathan MacKinnon’s shot right from the doorstep went wide to the right of the net.47 min ago<h2>Next goal gets gold: Hockey final heads to OT</h2>By<a href="https://apnews.com/author/howard-fendrich">HOWARD FENDRICH</a>Canada and the U.S. are headed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/overtime-rules-olympic-hockey-81ee13ed53b5b7da4a93cf2697829312" target="_blank">sudden-death overtime</a>&nbsp;in the men’s hockey final, tied 1-all.The overtime format for the Olympic gold medal game is similar to what the NHL uses in its Stanley Cup playoffs.The first goal wins it, no matter how long it might take for one team to score — there’s no shootout — but with 3 on 3, instead of 5 on 5

🏒 US beats Canada for first men's hockey gold at the Olympics since 1980

FINAL: No. 17 Hutchinson women 82, Coffeyville 69 FINAL: Hutchinson men 74, No. 23 Coffeyville 68

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762665656970.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FINAL: No. 17 Hutchinson women 82, Coffeyville 69 FINAL: Hutchinson men 74, No. 23 Coffeyville 68<div><iframe title="Blue Dragon Rewind: HutchCC WBB & MBB at Coffeyville (Feb. 21, 2026)" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=2nms3-1a52b73-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

🎧🏀 Blue Dragon Rewind: HutchCC at Coffeyville

WICHITA STATE ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan. - Kenyon Giles poured in a game-high 27 points and Wichita State won its third straight game with a 69-57 win over Temple Saturday night in Charles Koch Arena on Mike Kennedy Night.

A season-high 8,094 fans filled the Roundhouse to celebrate three MVC Championship teams celebrating anniversaries and to honor the legendary career of Mike Kennedy. Kennedy is retiring at the end of this academic season after 46 years as the Voice of the Shockers.

Wichita State (18-10, 10-5) continues to stay in the hunt for a top-2 seed in the American Conference Championship, two games back of first-place South Florida and tied in the loss column with Tulsa.

Giles notched his team-leading 14th 20-point game and fourth straight with his 27 points. He was 10-of-21 from the field and 5-of-10 from three-point range. His 14 20-point performances this season are tied for 6th most in a single season in school history. With his five made three-pointers, he now has 93 on the season, just seven away from tying the school record of 99.

Emmanuel Okorafor had a career night, logging his first double-double behind a career-high 13 points and 10 rebounds. TJ Williams put up another solid outing off the bench. He followed up a career night at East Carolina with 12 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Wichita State was plus-11 on the glass and held Temple to 36.4 percent shooting and just 5-of-13 from beyond the arc.

The win snapped a three-game losing streak vs. the Owls.

The opening 20 minutes featured six lead changes and eight ties. Temple briefly grabbed its largest lead of the half, 15-10, at the 13:09 mark following a 7-0 run.

Wichita State responded behind strong interior play from Okorafor, who scored on a dunk and multiple second-chance opportunities in the paint. The Shockers dominated the offensive glass early, turning misses into extra possessions and eight second-chance points in the first half.

Giles provided a spark from the perimeter, and Williams added timely scoring as Wichita State closed the half on a 5-0 spurt to take a 33-27 lead into the locker room.

The Shockers shot 36.7 percent in the first half but limited Temple to 11-of-30 shooting (36.7 percent) and just 1-of-6 from three-point range. Wichita State also outscored Temple 12-2 in bench points over the opening 20 minutes.

Temple trimmed the deficit to three early in the second half after a fast-break three from Gavin Griffiths made it 33-30. The Owls later cut it to six at 39-33 with 15:17 remaining.

From there, Wichita State seized control.

Back-to-back scores from Michael Gray Jr. and Williams ignited an 8-0 run that pushed the lead to 47-37 at the 12:42 mark. During that stretch, the Shockers forced key stops and converted at the free-throw line, where they would finish 21-of-29 (72.4 percent).

Temple never got closer than 10 the rest of the way.

Wichita State's biggest lead came at the 9:59 mark of the second half during that decisive run, as the Shockers stretched the margin to 18. The Shockers shot 10-of-20 (50 percent) in the final period and an efficient 5-of-6 (83.3 percent) from beyond the arc, finishing the game at 6-of-12 (50 percent) from three.

The Shockers travel to Memphis on Thursday looking for a season sweep of the Tigers.&nbsp; Game time is 8 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN2.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771739230059.png" alt="T.J. Williams brings the ball up the court against a Temple defender. (Courtesy Wichita State Athletic Communications)" />
 <figcaption>T.J. Williams brings the ball up the court against a Temple defender. (Courtesy Wichita State Athletic Communications)</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA STATE ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS&nbsp;WICHITA, Kan. - Kenyon Giles poured in a game-high 27 points and Wichita State won its third straight game with a 69-57 win over Temple Saturday night in Charles Koch Arena on Mike Kennedy Night.A season-high 8,094 fans filled the Roundhouse to celebrate three MVC Championship teams celebrating anniversaries and to honor the legendary career of Mike Kennedy. Kennedy is retiring at the end of this academic season after 46 years as the Voice of the Shockers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763137858178.png" alt="Mike Kennedy - Courtesy WSU Athletic Communications.PNG" />
 <figcaption>Mike Kennedy - Courtesy WSU Athletic Communications.PNG</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita State (18-10, 10-5) continues to stay in the hunt for a top-2 seed in the American Conference Championship, two games back of first-place South Florida and tied in the loss column with Tulsa.Giles notched his team-leading 14th 20-point game and fourth straight with his 27 points. He was 10-of-21 from the field and 5-of-10 from three-point range. His 14 20-point performances this season are tied for 6th most in a single season in school history. With his five made three-pointers, he now has 93 on the season, just seven away from tying the school record of 99.Emmanuel Okorafor had a career night, logging his first double-double behind a career-high 13 points and 10 rebounds. TJ Williams put up another solid outing off the bench. He followed up a career night at East Carolina with 12 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals.Wichita State was plus-11 on the glass and held Temple to 36.4 percent shooting and just 5-of-13 from beyond the arc.The win snapped a three-game losing streak vs. the Owls.The opening 20 minutes featured six lead changes and eight ties. Temple briefly grabbed its largest lead of the half, 15-10, at the 13:09 mark following a 7-0 run.Wichita State responded behind strong interior play from Okorafor, who scored on a dunk and multiple second-chance opportunities in the paint. The Shockers dominated the offensive glass early, turning misses into extra possessions and eight second-chance points in the first half.Giles provided a spark from the perimeter, and Williams added timely scoring as Wichita State closed the half on a 5-0 spurt to take a 33-27 lead into the locker room.The Shockers shot 36.7 percent in the first half but limited Temple to 11-of-30 shooting (36.7 percent) and just 1-of-6 from three-point range. Wichita State also outscored Temple 12-2 in bench points over the opening 20 minutes.Temple trimmed the deficit to three early in the second half after a fast-break three from Gavin Griffiths made it 33-30. The Owls later cut it to six at 39-33 with 15:17 remaining.From there, Wichita State seized control.Back-to-back scores from Michael Gray Jr. and Williams ignited an 8-0 run that pushed the lead to 47-37 at the 12:42 mark. During that stretch, the Shockers forced key stops and converted at the free-throw line, where they would finish 21-of-29 (72.4 percent).Temple never got closer than 10 the rest of the way.Wichita State's biggest lead came at the 9:59 mark of the second half during that decisive run, as the Shockers stretched the margin to 18. The Shockers shot 10-of-20 (50 percent) in the final period and an efficient 5-of-6 (83.3 percent) from beyond the arc, finishing the game at 6-of-12 (50 percent) from three.The Shockers travel to Memphis on Thursday looking for a season sweep of the Tigers.&nbsp; Game time is 8 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN2.

Shockers stay hot in win over Temple on Mike Kennedy Night

COFFEYVILLE, Kan. — Hutchinson (13-15, 8-14) shot 59.3% in the second half and held No. 23 Coffeyville (18-9, 12-9) to 37.5% to erase a nine-point deficit.

Daleron Thomas scored 20 of his game-high 24 points in the second half.

Thomas hit 7-of-14 in the second half after starting the game 2-of-6.

The Dragons shot five more times in the first half but managed just one more made bucket than the Ravens to enter the break down six.

Hutchinson went on a 16-3 run in the second half to take a 51-43 lead with 9:04 left.

Coffeyville cut that lead to three with just 1:24 to play.

Chudier Dorar snagged an offensive rebound with 51 seconds left and Thomas earned a trip to the free-throw line with the extra possession.

Thomas put Hutchinson up five and Coffeyville turned the ball over on its next possession.

Dorar hit 1-of-2 from the charity stripe to put Hutchinson up six with 28 seconds remaining.

Hutchinson then iced the game at the line.

FINAL: Hutchinson 74 Coffeyville 68

Bobby Cannon scored 20 points for Hutchinson.

Hutchinson is off Wednesday and returns to the Sports Arena on Saturday, Feb. 28, to face Pratt at 4 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771725921240.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>COFFEYVILLE, Kan. — Hutchinson (13-15, 8-14) shot 59.3% in the second half and held No. 23 Coffeyville (18-9, 12-9) to 37.5% to erase a nine-point deficit.Daleron Thomas scored 20 of his game-high 24 points in the second half.Thomas hit 7-of-14 in the second half after starting the game 2-of-6.The Dragons shot five more times in the first half but managed just one more made bucket than the Ravens to enter the break down six.Hutchinson went on a 16-3 run in the second half to take a 51-43 lead with 9:04 left.Coffeyville cut that lead to three with just 1:24 to play.Chudier Dorar snagged an offensive rebound with 51 seconds left and Thomas earned a trip to the free-throw line with the extra possession.Thomas put Hutchinson up five and Coffeyville turned the ball over on its next possession.Dorar hit 1-of-2 from the charity stripe to put Hutchinson up six with 28 seconds remaining.Hutchinson then iced the game at the line.FINAL: Hutchinson 74 Coffeyville 68Bobby Cannon scored 20 points for Hutchinson.Jack Sorrell led the Red Ravens with 18.Hutchinson is off Wednesday and returns to the Sports Arena on Saturday, Feb. 28, to face Pratt at 4 p.m.

🏀 MBB: Dragons down ranked Ravens

COFFEYVILLE, Kan. — Three Blue Dragons scored in double figures Saturday as No. 17 Hutchinson (21-5, 16-4) extended its winning streak to eight games.

Coffeyville (19-8, 13-8) got a huge game from Aubrey Hishaw, who finished with 34 points on 14-of-25 shooting.

The Dragons shot 50% from the floor, including 63.2% from three, while holding Coffeyville to 43.3% overall and 30.8% from distance.

Noelle Anthon led the charge with 24 points. Katie Duncan added another 20 and hit 5-of-6 from deep. KaMyra Barber dropped in 16 points and hit all three of her three-point attempts.

FINAL: Hutchinson 82 Coffeyville 69

Hutchinson is off Wednesday and returns to the Sports Arena Saturday, Feb. 28, to face Pratt at 2 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771725848661.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>COFFEYVILLE, Kan. — Three Blue Dragons scored in double figures Saturday as No. 17 Hutchinson (21-5, 16-4) extended its winning streak to eight games.Coffeyville (19-8, 13-8) got a huge game from Aubrey Hishaw, who finished with 34 points on 14-of-25 shooting.The Dragons shot 50% from the floor, including 63.2% from three, while holding Coffeyville to 43.3% overall and 30.8% from distance.Noelle Anthon led the charge with 24 points. Katie Duncan added another 20 and hit 5-of-6 from deep. KaMyra Barber dropped in 16 points and hit all three of her three-point attempts.FINAL: Hutchinson 82 Coffeyville 69Hutchinson is off Wednesday and returns to the Sports Arena Saturday, Feb. 28, to face Pratt at 2 p.m.

🏀 WBB: Dragons win 8th straight

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Donovan Atwell had 26 points with six 3-pointers, Christian Anderson scored 21 and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">No. 13</a>&nbsp;Texas Tech beat Kansas State 100-72 on Saturday in the first game for the Red Raiders since standout post JT Toppin's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/toppin-texas-tech-acl-db87460d6a72580c11c7fc256156061f">season-ending knee injury</a>.

Texas Tech (20-7, 10-4 Big 12) maintained a double-digit lead after making nine consecutive shots, including three 3s in a row by Atwell, during a 26-10 run in just under seven minutes for a 40-20 lead with 6:20 left in the first half.

Anderson, who also had nine assists, scored 16 of his points after halftime, when LeJuan Watts had 13 of his 19.

The Red Raiders reached 20 wins for the third season in a row. The school record is four, with coach Bob Knight from 2001-02 to 2004-05.

PJ Haggerty had 17 points and Nate Johnson 15 points for Kansas State (11-16, 2-12), which was playing its second game since a coaching change. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/baylor-kansas-state-0697fac96a6dbedd6e199b0b1ebfe789">Wildcats beat Baylor 90-74</a>&nbsp;at home Tuesday, two days after coach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-state-basketball-jerome-tang-fired-661654e2e421d697212fcdfb30a3f534">Jerome Tang was fired</a>.

The Wildcats led only twice at Tech, when Johnson made their first two shots of the game, a 3 and then a jumper that made it 5-3.

Toppin, the preseason AP All-America selection, averaged 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds a game while having 16 double-doubles before tearing the ACL in his right knee in a 72-67 loss at Arizona State on Tuesday night. He sat at the end of the Tech bench Saturday.

Sophomore forward Luke Bamgboye, a 6-foot-11 transfer from VCU, made his fifth start for the Red Raiders, his first since Dec. 7. He scored 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting while also having six rebounds and three blocked shots in 21 minutes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771717392709.jpeg" alt="Texas Tech forward Lejuan Watts (3) drives to the basket ahead of Kansas State guard Mobi Ikegwuruka during the first half in an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)" />
 <figcaption>Texas Tech forward Lejuan Watts (3) drives to the basket ahead of Kansas State guard Mobi Ikegwuruka during the first half in an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)</figcaption>
 </figure>LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Donovan Atwell had 26 points with six 3-pointers, Christian Anderson scored 21 and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">No. 13</a>&nbsp;Texas Tech beat Kansas State 100-72 on Saturday in the first game for the Red Raiders since standout post JT Toppin's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/toppin-texas-tech-acl-db87460d6a72580c11c7fc256156061f">season-ending knee injury</a>.Texas Tech (20-7, 10-4 Big 12) maintained a double-digit lead after making nine consecutive shots, including three 3s in a row by Atwell, during a 26-10 run in just under seven minutes for a 40-20 lead with 6:20 left in the first half.Anderson, who also had nine assists, scored 16 of his points after halftime, when LeJuan Watts had 13 of his 19.The Red Raiders reached 20 wins for the third season in a row. The school record is four, with coach Bob Knight from 2001-02 to 2004-05.PJ Haggerty had 17 points and Nate Johnson 15 points for Kansas State (11-16, 2-12), which was playing its second game since a coaching change. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/baylor-kansas-state-0697fac96a6dbedd6e199b0b1ebfe789">Wildcats beat Baylor 90-74</a>&nbsp;at home Tuesday, two days after coach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-state-basketball-jerome-tang-fired-661654e2e421d697212fcdfb30a3f534">Jerome Tang was fired</a>.The Wildcats led only twice at Tech, when Johnson made their first two shots of the game, a 3 and then a jumper that made it 5-3.Toppin, the preseason AP All-America selection, averaged 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds a game while having 16 double-doubles before tearing the ACL in his right knee in a 72-67 loss at Arizona State on Tuesday night. He sat at the end of the Tech bench Saturday.Sophomore forward Luke Bamgboye, a 6-foot-11 transfer from VCU, made his fifth start for the Red Raiders, his first since Dec. 7. He scored 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting while also having six rebounds and three blocked shots in 21 minutes.

🏀Atwell, Anderson lead Texas Tech to win over K-State

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Moustapha Thiam had a career-high 28 points and led Cincinnati to an 84-68 upset of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">No. 8</a>&nbsp;Kansas on Saturday.

This was the second win of the season for Cincinnati (15-12, 7-7 Big 12) against a ranked team, having taken down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-state-cincinnati-basketball-score-ec0d2a1a062988a0f4f2707e609fdd92">then-No. 2 Iowa State 79-70</a>&nbsp;on Jan. 17.

The 7-footer Thiam made 11 of 17 shots from the field and had eight rebounds. Baba Miller added 18 points, eight assists and seven rebounds.

Jalen Celeste had 14 points and eight rebounds, shooting 4 of 8 on 3-pointers. Day Day Thomas scored 10.

Cincinnati held a 36-34 lead after a tumultuous first half that saw nine ties and 10 lead changes. The Bearcats kept the Jayhawks (20-7, 10-4) at arm’s length with timely shots to kill momentum throughout the second, only allowing Kansas to pull ahead for one possession before retaking the lead.

They delivered the final blows with a 20-8 run, surging ahead by double digits for the first time with less than five minutes to go.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771717691408.jpeg" alt="Kansas forward Flory Bidunga, left, attempts to score as Cincinnati forward Baba Miller (18) defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas forward Flory Bidunga, left, attempts to score as Cincinnati forward Baba Miller (18) defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Moustapha Thiam had a career-high 28 points and led Cincinnati to an 84-68 upset of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">No. 8</a>&nbsp;Kansas on Saturday.This was the second win of the season for Cincinnati (15-12, 7-7 Big 12) against a ranked team, having taken down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-state-cincinnati-basketball-score-ec0d2a1a062988a0f4f2707e609fdd92">then-No. 2 Iowa State 79-70</a>&nbsp;on Jan. 17.The 7-footer Thiam made 11 of 17 shots from the field and had eight rebounds. Baba Miller added 18 points, eight assists and seven rebounds.Jalen Celeste had 14 points and eight rebounds, shooting 4 of 8 on 3-pointers. Day Day Thomas scored 10.Cincinnati held a 36-34 lead after a tumultuous first half that saw nine ties and 10 lead changes. The Bearcats kept the Jayhawks (20-7, 10-4) at arm’s length with timely shots to kill momentum throughout the second, only allowing Kansas to pull ahead for one possession before retaking the lead.They delivered the final blows with a 20-8 run, surging ahead by double digits for the first time with less than five minutes to go.The Bearcats were particularly effective from behind the 3-point line, where they made 12 of 21 attempts.The Jayhawks were 4 of 18 on 3s.Flory Bidunga led the Jayhawks with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Freshman star Darryn Peterson had 17 points in 32 minutes after leaving&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-oklahoma-st-score-dfb47c76d8ff123cd71b6782fe130097">Kansas’ last game against Oklahoma State</a>&nbsp;early in the second half. Tre White scored 11.