Kansas dropped one spot to No. 3 in the latest Associated Press Top 25 Poll, released earlier today.

Big 12 Conference newcomer Houston moved up one spot to No. 2, replacing the Jayhawks.&nbsp;

The Big 12 has six schools in the Top 25.

The top 25 teams in The Associated Press' college basketball poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, and total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote and previous ranking.

Record Pts Prv 1. Purdue (54) 14-1 1566 1 2. Houston (7) 14-0 1486 3 3. Kansas (2) 13-1 1481 2 4. UConn 13-2 1335 4 5. Tennessee 11-3 1291 5 6. Kentucky 11-2 1253 6 7. North Carolina 11-3 1213 8 8. Arizona 12-3 1107 10 9. Oklahoma 13-1 1023 11 10. Illinois 11-3 924 9 11. Marquette 11-4 869 7 11. Duke 11-3 869 14 13. Memphis 13-2 843 15 14. Baylor 12-2 787 18 15. Wisconsin 11-3 663 21 16. Auburn 12-2 559 25 17. Colorado St. 13-2 436 13 18. BYU 12-2 426 12 19. San Diego St. 13-2 386 - 20. Utah St. 14-1 241 - 21. Clemson 11-3 219 16 22. Creighton 11-4 187 - 23. Gonzaga 11-4 185 24 24. FAU 11-4 165 17 25. Texas 11-3 148 20

Others receiving votes: Dayton 126, Mississippi 125, James Madison 98, Cincinnati 79, Nevada 77, Texas Tech 62, Wake Forest 38, Grand Canyon 35, Seton Hall 34, South Carolina 29, Miami 27, St. John's 18, Iowa St. 16, Colorado 8, NC State 7, Michigan St. 7, Alabama 7, Providence 6, Oregon 4, TCU 3, Northwestern 3, Princeton 2, Utah 2.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693941910870.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas dropped one spot to No. 3 in the latest Associated Press Top 25 Poll, released earlier today.Big 12 Conference newcomer Houston moved up one spot to No. 2, replacing the Jayhawks.&nbsp;The Big 12 has six schools in the Top 25.The top 25 teams in The Associated Press' college basketball poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, and total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote and previous ranking.Record Pts Prv 1. Purdue (54) 14-1 1566 1 2. Houston (7) 14-0 1486 3 3. Kansas (2) 13-1 1481 2 4. UConn 13-2 1335 4 5. Tennessee 11-3 1291 5 6. Kentucky 11-2 1253 6 7. North Carolina 11-3 1213 8 8. Arizona 12-3 1107 10 9. Oklahoma 13-1 1023 11 10. Illinois 11-3 924 9 11. Marquette 11-4 869 7 11. Duke 11-3 869 14 13. Memphis 13-2 843 15 14. Baylor 12-2 787 18 15. Wisconsin 11-3 663 21 16. Auburn 12-2 559 25 17. Colorado St. 13-2 436 13 18. BYU 12-2 426 12 19. San Diego St. 13-2 386 - 20. Utah St. 14-1 241 - 21. Clemson 11-3 219 16 22. Creighton 11-4 187 - 23. Gonzaga 11-4 185 24 24. FAU 11-4 165 17 25. Texas 11-3 148 20Others receiving votes: Dayton 126, Mississippi 125, James Madison 98, Cincinnati 79, Nevada 77, Texas Tech 62, Wake Forest 38, Grand Canyon 35, Seton Hall 34, South Carolina 29, Miami 27, St. John's 18, Iowa St. 16, Colorado 8, NC State 7, Michigan St. 7, Alabama 7, Providence 6, Oregon 4, TCU 3, Northwestern 3, Princeton 2, Utah 2.

🏀 MBB: KU wins, but drops a spot in AP Top 25

Wild-card Playoffs Saturday, Jan. 13

Cleveland at Houston, 4:30 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)

Miami at Kansas City, 8 p.m. (Peacock-B104)

L.A. Rams at Detroit, 8 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)

Philadelphia at Tampa Bay, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN/ABC)

Saturday, Jan. 20 and Sunday, Jan. 21

NFC lowest remaining seed at San Franciso, TBD

AFC lowest remaining seed at Baltimore, TBD

NFC two remaining seeds at higher seed, TBD

AFC two remaining seeds at higher seed, TBD

Conference Championships Sunday, Jan. 28

Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 11 At Las Vegas

All Times ESTWild-card Playoffs Saturday, Jan. 13Cleveland at Houston, 4:30 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)Miami at Kansas City, 8 p.m. (Peacock-B104)Sunday, Jan. 14Pittsburgh at Buffalo, 1 p.m. (CBS)Green Bay at Dallas, 4:30 p.m. (FOX)L.A. Rams at Detroit, 8 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)Monday, Jan. 15Philadelphia at Tampa Bay, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN/ABC)Divisional PlayoffsSaturday, Jan. 20 and Sunday, Jan. 21NFC lowest remaining seed at San Franciso, TBDAFC lowest remaining seed at Baltimore, TBDNFC two remaining seeds at higher seed, TBDAFC two remaining seeds at higher seed, TBDConference Championships Sunday, Jan. 28Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 11 At Las Vegas

NFL Playoff Matchups

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher.png" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher.png</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="January 8th, 2024 Eagle Media Sports" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=v5svk-1543f4b-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: 🏈 Chiefs edge Bolts 🏀 Temple beats WSU;  🏈 Falcons fire coach

Falcons fire coach Arthur Smith hours after completing 3rd straight 7-10 season

ATLANTA (AP) — Arthur Smith has been fired by the Atlanta Falcons after completing his third straight losing season. Smith inherited a rebuilding project in his first NFL head coaching job and failed to lift the Falcons from their playoff drought. The 41-year-old son of FedEx founder Fred Smith went 7-10 in each of his three seasons. Atlanta closed the season with an ugly 48-17 loss at New Orleans, its second consecutive lopsided defeat. That sealed Smith's fate. He was hired by the Falcons in 2021 after a decade-long stint as an assistant with the Tennessee Titans in which he moved up to offensive coordinator.

Josh Allen rallies Bills for 21-14 win over Dolphins. Buffalo secures No. 2 seed in AFC

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Josh Allen threw a go-ahead touchdown pass to Dawson Knox midway through the fourth quarter, and the Buffalo Bills won their fourth straight AFC East title, rallying past the Miami Dolphins 21-14. Allen made things difficult for the Bills with three turnovers in Miami territory, but he came through at the end to help Buffalo earn the No. 2 seed in the conference. The Bills will host seventh-seeded Pittsburgh in the wild-card round on Sunday. Buffalo went 6-1 down the stretch. Miami fell to the sixth seed and will play at AFC West champion Kansas City on Saturday night.

Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys win the NFC East by beating the Commanders 38-10

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Dak Prescott threw two of his four touchdown passes to CeeDee Lamb and the Dallas Cowboys won the NFC East and secured the No. 2 seed in the conference by closing the regular season with a 38-10 victory over the Washington Commanders. Prescott finished 31 for 36 for 279 yards as Dallas finished 12-5 for the third year in a row. The Cowboys assured themselves of playing at home to open the postseason. That's a big deal for a club that went 8-0 in Dallas this season and has won 16 straight games there. Ron Rivera is expected to be fired as coach of Washington after going 4-13 to tie a franchise record for losses in a season.

No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 2 Washington for CFP title caps season of realignment, transfers and Harbaugh

HOUSTON (AP) — No. 1 Michigan and No. 2 Washington playing for the College Football Playoff national championship on Monday night is just about the perfect way to close the 2023 season. The matchup of unbeatens hits all the major themes of the past five months from conference realignment to the transfer portal — with Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh as the main character. Michael Penix Jr., the sixth-year quarterback who revived his career by transferring to Washington, and the Huskies will try to deliver the Pac-12 its first championship since 2004 in their last football game before joining Michigan in the Big Ten.

Lawrence stopped short of goal line as Jags eliminated from playoff race in 28-20 loss to Titans

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Trevor Lawrence had every chance to play the Jacksonville Jaguars into the playoffs for a second straight year as the AFC South champs. He wound up stopped short of the goal line with 7:13 left. He also threw incomplete as the Jaguars turned the ball over on downs with 1:47 left as the Tennessee Titans eliminated the Jaguars 28-20 Sunday in their regular-season finale. The Jaguars came in needing a win to clinch a second straight AFC South title for the first back-to-back crowns since 1998 and 1999. Their loss makes Houston the division champs and cost the Jaguars their only way into the postseason after Pittsburgh also won Saturday. Lawrence threw for two touchdowns but also had two interceptions.

Bill Belichick loses in possible finale as Patriots coach. Jets snap 15-game skid vs New England

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Breece Hall rushed for a career-high 178 yards and a late touchdown and the New York Jets snapped a 15-game losing streak against the Patriots with a 17-3 win in what could have been Bill Belichick's final game as New England's coach. Greg Zuerlein kicked three field goals to help the Jets earn their first victory over the Patriots since an overtime win on Dec. 27, 2015. The Patriots' 4-13 record is the worst finish in Belichick's 29-year NFL coaching career. Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft are expected to meet Monday to discuss the coach's future with the franchise after 24 seasons.

LeBron James scores 25 points, Lakers hold off Clippers 106-103 to snap 4-game losing streak

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers snapped their four-game losing streak with a 106-103 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. LeBron James had 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, and Taurean Prince hit a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 1:17 to play. Anthony Davis had 22 points and 10 rebounds for the Lakers, who beat the Clippers for the second straight time after losing 11 straight to their hallway rivals. Paul George scored 22 points and Ivica Zubac had 22 points and 19 rebounds for the Clippers, whose five-game winning streak ended.

Chris Kirk makes late birdie to take PGA Tour season opener at Kapalua

KAPALUA, Hawaii (AP) — Chris Kirk continues his inspiring comeback. He opened the PGA Tour season with a victory at The Sentry, beating Sahith Theegala by one shot. Kirk was tied for the lead when he hit 5-iron to 2 feet on the 17th for birdie. That allowed him to play it safe down the 18th to get par and a 65 for his sixth career victory. Kirk had to step away from golf in 2019 because of alcoholism and depression. He capped his comeback by winning the Honda Classic last year. And it looks as if he's just getting started.

Draymond Green back on the practice floor with Warriors after suspension

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Draymond Green returned to the practice floor in a walk-through scenario with the Golden State Warriors, one day after being reinstated by the NBA following a 12-game suspension. Coach Steve Kerr wasn't sure when Green might be ready to play in a game again after the prolonged time away working on himself in the wake of hitting Phoenix center Jusuf Nurkic in the face on Dec. 12. Green will resume his shooting routine and other work under the direction of the medical staff.

Analysis: Rafael Nadal's Australian Open withdrawal leaves plenty of questions about his future

Rafael Nadal is choosing to look on the bright side when it comes to the torn hip muscle that will keep him out of the Australian Open and extend his absence from tennis to more than a year. Nadal told the world via social media on Sunday that this is not the same part of the hip that he hurt in Melbourne last January and that required surgery last June. The 22-time Grand Slam champion explained he still can point to his main goal for 2024, which remains to be fit and ready to compete at the French Open. But there are still plenty of lingering questions about what this all means for his future in the sport.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Monday, January 8th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Monday, January 8th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="January 8th, 2024 Eagle Media Sports" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=v5svk-1543f4b-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>AP Sports Summary for January 8th, 2024.Falcons fire coach Arthur Smith hours after completing 3rd straight 7-10 seasonATLANTA (AP) — Arthur Smith has been fired by the Atlanta Falcons after completing his third straight losing season. Smith inherited a rebuilding project in his first NFL head coaching job and failed to lift the Falcons from their playoff drought. The 41-year-old son of FedEx founder Fred Smith went 7-10 in each of his three seasons. Atlanta closed the season with an ugly 48-17 loss at New Orleans, its second consecutive lopsided defeat. That sealed Smith's fate. He was hired by the Falcons in 2021 after a decade-long stint as an assistant with the Tennessee Titans in which he moved up to offensive coordinator.Josh Allen rallies Bills for 21-14 win over Dolphins. Buffalo secures No. 2 seed in AFCMIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Josh Allen threw a go-ahead touchdown pass to Dawson Knox midway through the fourth quarter, and the Buffalo Bills won their fourth straight AFC East title, rallying past the Miami Dolphins 21-14. Allen made things difficult for the Bills with three turnovers in Miami territory, but he came through at the end to help Buffalo earn the No. 2 seed in the conference. The Bills will host seventh-seeded Pittsburgh in the wild-card round on Sunday. Buffalo went 6-1 down the stretch. Miami fell to the sixth seed and will play at AFC West champion Kansas City on Saturday night.Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys win the NFC East by beating the Commanders 38-10LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Dak Prescott threw two of his four touchdown passes to CeeDee Lamb and the Dallas Cowboys won the NFC East and secured the No. 2 seed in the conference by closing the regular season with a 38-10 victory over the Washington Commanders. Prescott finished 31 for 36 for 279 yards as Dallas finished 12-5 for the third year in a row. The Cowboys assured themselves of playing at home to open the postseason. That's a big deal for a club that went 8-0 in Dallas this season and has won 16 straight games there. Ron Rivera is expected to be fired as coach of Washington after going 4-13 to tie a franchise record for losses in a season.No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 2 Washington for CFP title caps season of realignment, transfers and HarbaughHOUSTON (AP) — No. 1 Michigan and No. 2 Washington playing for the College Football Playoff national championship on Monday night is just about the perfect way to close the 2023 season. The matchup of unbeatens hits all the major themes of the past five months from conference realignment to the transfer portal — with Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh as the main character. Michael Penix Jr., the sixth-year quarterback who revived his career by transferring to Washington, and the Huskies will try to deliver the Pac-12 its first championship since 2004 in their last football game before joining Michigan in the Big Ten.Lawrence stopped short of goal line as Jags eliminated from playoff race in 28-20 loss to TitansNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Trevor Lawrence had every chance to play the Jacksonville Jaguars into the playoffs for a second straight year as the AFC South champs. He wound up stopped short of the goal line with 7:13 left. He also threw incomplete as the Jaguars turned the ball over on downs with 1:47 left as the Tennessee Titans eliminated the Jaguars 28-20 Sunday in their regular-season finale. The Jaguars came in needing a win to clinch a second straight AFC South title for the first back-to-back crowns since 1998 and 1999. Their loss makes Houston the division champs and cost the Jaguars their only way into the postseason after Pittsburgh also won Saturday. Lawrence threw for two touchdowns but also had two interceptions.Bill Belichick loses in possible finale as Patriots coach. Jets snap 15-game skid vs New EnglandFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Breece Hall rushed for a career-high 178 yards and a late touchdown and the New York Jets snapped a 15-game losing streak against the Patriots with a 17-3 win in what could have been Bill Belichick's final game as New England's coach. Greg Zuerlein kicked three field goals to help the Jets earn their first victory over the Patriots since an overtime win on Dec. 27, 2015. The Patriots' 4-13 record is the worst finish in Belichick's 29-year NFL coaching career. Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft are expected to meet Monday to discuss the coach's future with the franchise after 24 seasons.LeBron James scores 25 points, Lakers hold off Clippers 106-103 to snap 4-game losing streakLOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers snapped their four-game losing streak with a 106-103 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. LeBron James had 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, and Taurean Prince hit a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 1:17 to play. Anthony Davis had 22 points and 10 rebounds for the Lakers, who beat the Clippers for the second straight time after losing 11 straight to their hallway rivals. Paul George scored 22 points and Ivica Zubac had 22 points and 19 rebounds for the Clippers, whose five-game winning streak ended.Chris Kirk makes late birdie to take PGA Tour season opener at KapaluaKAPALUA, Hawaii (AP) — Chris Kirk continues his inspiring comeback. He opened the PGA Tour season with a victory at The Sentry, beating Sahith Theegala by one shot. Kirk was tied for the lead when he hit 5-iron to 2 feet on the 17th for birdie. That allowed him to play it safe down the 18th to get par and a 65 for his sixth career victory. Kirk had to step away from golf in 2019 because of alcoholism and depression. He capped his comeback by winning the Honda Classic last year. And it looks as if he's just getting started.Draymond Green back on the practice floor with Warriors after suspensionSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Draymond Green returned to the practice floor in a walk-through scenario with the Golden State Warriors, one day after being reinstated by the NBA following a 12-game suspension. Coach Steve Kerr wasn't sure when Green might be ready to play in a game again after the prolonged time away working on himself in the wake of hitting Phoenix center Jusuf Nurkic in the face on Dec. 12. Green will resume his shooting routine and other work under the direction of the medical staff.Analysis: Rafael Nadal's Australian Open withdrawal leaves plenty of questions about his futureRafael Nadal is choosing to look on the bright side when it comes to the torn hip muscle that will keep him out of the Australian Open and extend his absence from tennis to more than a year. Nadal told the world via social media on Sunday that this is not the same part of the hip that he hurt in Melbourne last January and that required surgery last June. The 22-time Grand Slam champion explained he still can point to his main goal for 2024, which remains to be fit and ready to compete at the French Open. But there are still plenty of lingering questions about what this all means for his future in the sport.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION Final	Cleveland	117	San Antonio	115	Final OT	Portland	134	Brooklyn	127	Final	New Orleans	133	Sacramento	100	Final OT	Orlando	117	Atlanta	110	Final	Dallas	115	Minnesota	108	Final	Denver	131	Detroit	114	Final	Memphis	121	Phoenix	115	Final	Toronto	133	Golden State	118	Final	L.A. Lakers	106	L.A. Clippers	103	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Final	Washington	4	Los Angeles	3	Final	Chicago	4	Calgary	3	Final	Winnipeg	6	Arizona	2	Final	Detroit	3	Anaheim	2	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE Final	Cincinnati	31	Cleveland	14	Final	Detroit	30	Minnesota	20	Final	N-Y Jets	17	New England	3	Final	New Orleans	48	Atlanta	17	Final	Tampa Bay	9	Carolina	0	Final	Tennessee	28	Jacksonville	20	Final	Dallas	38	Washington	10	Final	Green Bay	17	Chicago	9	Final	Kansas City	13	L.A. Chargers	12	Final	L.A. Rams	21	San Francisco	20	Final	Las Vegas	27	Denver	14	Final	N-Y Giants	27	Philadelphia	10	Final	Seattle	21	Arizona	20	Final	Buffalo	21	Miami	14	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL Final	(15)Memphis	62	SMU	59	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION Boston	at	Indiana	7 p.m.	Chicago	at	Charlotte	7 p.m.	Oklahoma City	at	Washington	7 p.m.	Houston	at	Miami	7:30 p.m.	Utah	at	Milwaukee	8 p.m.	Phoenix	at	L.A. Clippers	10:30 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Pittsburgh	at	Philadelphia	7 p.m.	Vancouver	at	N-Y Rangers	7 p.m.	Dallas	at	Minnesota	8 p.m.	Boston	at	Colorado	9 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALL (2)Washington	at	(1)Michigan	7:30 p.m.	___

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Monday

By W.G. RAMIREZ Associated Press

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Sean Payton senses a feeling of disappointment but not discouragement from his Denver Broncos.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/broncos-raiders-score-oconnell-17932e43be5c84cdba7067939184d325">27-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders</a>&nbsp;on Sunday dropped the Broncos to 8-9 to finish Payton's first season as coach in Denver. And now there's plenty to be done before they play a game again.

“I reminded them: ‘Just remember how this feels,'" Payton said. "Because it’s something that you spend so much time in working towards a common goal, and then when you fall short of that, it just doesn’t sit right, it can’t with anyone. You are what your record is. In our league, that’s just the truth. Like I said, you’re disappointed, not discouraged ... because you do have an expectation and then we go from there.

“We begin this offseason, which is going to involve a lot of work.”

The Broncos struggled to find consistency with their offense under the guidance of a coach long known for his offensive X's and O's.

Denver started the season 1-5, including winnable games it lost to Las Vegas and Washington, and one in which it was pummeled for 70 points by Miami. The Broncos finished the season losing three of their last four while being outscored 104-70.

While there was nothing to play for Sunday and the Broncos had their backup quarterback in the game, it was still another indication of exactly how much work Payton is in for during the offseason.

Jarrett Stidham was 20 of 34 for 272 yards with a touchdown and an interception, while not one running back tallied more than 32 yards.

The Broncos finished with 286 yards on offense, marking the 10th straight week they finished with no more than 322. Last year, under highly scrutinized former coach Nathaniel Hackett, the Broncos finished with 323 yards or more in eight games.

“There’s a lot that goes into that,” Payton said. “We’ve had different quarterbacks play. We’ve had different running backs over the years and part of our job is to build the offense around the ingredients that are in the building, and we’ll continue to do that.”

Moving forward, the Broncos must decide what they’re doing with Russell Wilson, whom Payton benched two weeks ago in favor of Stidham, who was victorious against the Los Angeles Chargers in his first start.

Payton, whom Denver acquired in a trade from New Orleans for a first- and second-round pick, bolstered the offensive line by investing in guard Ben Powers and tackle Mike McGlinchey to big-money contracts, in addition to others, surrounding Wilson with the tools and weapons he’d need.

Wilson, who signed a five-year, $242.6 million contract last year, threw for 3,070 yards and 26 touchdowns with eight interceptions and a 98.0 passer rating in 15 starts this season.

If the Broncos are indeed moving on from Wilson, who was 11-19 in two seasons in Denver, they’ll need to find a franchise quarterback, to go along with a No. 1 receiver. Collectively, they’ll need players who can impact the scoreboard and know how to win games.

That includes defensively, with a possible bookend for two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Surtain II, who said he has confidence in what Payton built in his first year.

“There were some games that we should have won, but the main emphasis that we always talk about is finishing key games and that’s something we can improve on moving forward," Surtain said. "Especially in this league, there’s always going to be tough games. But the most important part of games is finishing the right way, for sure.

"Sean brought in that winning culture, his résumé speaks for itself. And we've got the utmost belief in him to lead this team to the promised land, and that’s what we’re looking forward to. The next step is to make it to that next step, which is playoffs and even more.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704713779774.jpeg" alt="Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton talks to reporters following an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024 in Las Vegas. The Raiders won 27-14. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt)" />
 <figcaption>Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton talks to reporters following an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024 in Las Vegas. The Raiders won 27-14. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt)</figcaption>
 </figure>By W.G. RAMIREZ Associated PressLAS VEGAS (AP) — Sean Payton senses a feeling of disappointment but not discouragement from his Denver Broncos.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/broncos-raiders-score-oconnell-17932e43be5c84cdba7067939184d325">27-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders</a>&nbsp;on Sunday dropped the Broncos to 8-9 to finish Payton's first season as coach in Denver. And now there's plenty to be done before they play a game again.“I reminded them: ‘Just remember how this feels,'" Payton said. "Because it’s something that you spend so much time in working towards a common goal, and then when you fall short of that, it just doesn’t sit right, it can’t with anyone. You are what your record is. In our league, that’s just the truth. Like I said, you’re disappointed, not discouraged ... because you do have an expectation and then we go from there.“We begin this offseason, which is going to involve a lot of work.”The Broncos struggled to find consistency with their offense under the guidance of a coach long known for his offensive X's and O's.Denver started the season 1-5, including winnable games it lost to Las Vegas and Washington, and one in which it was pummeled for 70 points by Miami. The Broncos finished the season losing three of their last four while being outscored 104-70.While there was nothing to play for Sunday and the Broncos had their backup quarterback in the game, it was still another indication of exactly how much work Payton is in for during the offseason.Jarrett Stidham was 20 of 34 for 272 yards with a touchdown and an interception, while not one running back tallied more than 32 yards.The Broncos finished with 286 yards on offense, marking the 10th straight week they finished with no more than 322. Last year, under highly scrutinized former coach Nathaniel Hackett, the Broncos finished with 323 yards or more in eight games.“There’s a lot that goes into that,” Payton said. “We’ve had different quarterbacks play. We’ve had different running backs over the years and part of our job is to build the offense around the ingredients that are in the building, and we’ll continue to do that.”Moving forward, the Broncos must decide what they’re doing with Russell Wilson, whom Payton benched two weeks ago in favor of Stidham, who was victorious against the Los Angeles Chargers in his first start.Payton, whom Denver acquired in a trade from New Orleans for a first- and second-round pick, bolstered the offensive line by investing in guard Ben Powers and tackle Mike McGlinchey to big-money contracts, in addition to others, surrounding Wilson with the tools and weapons he’d need.Wilson, who signed a five-year, $242.6 million contract last year, threw for 3,070 yards and 26 touchdowns with eight interceptions and a 98.0 passer rating in 15 starts this season.If the Broncos are indeed moving on from Wilson, who was 11-19 in two seasons in Denver, they’ll need to find a franchise quarterback, to go along with a No. 1 receiver. Collectively, they’ll need players who can impact the scoreboard and know how to win games.That includes defensively, with a possible bookend for two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Surtain II, who said he has confidence in what Payton built in his first year.“There were some games that we should have won, but the main emphasis that we always talk about is finishing key games and that’s something we can improve on moving forward," Surtain said. "Especially in this league, there’s always going to be tough games. But the most important part of games is finishing the right way, for sure."Sean brought in that winning culture, his résumé speaks for itself. And we've got the utmost belief in him to lead this team to the promised land, and that’s what we’re looking forward to. The next step is to make it to that next step, which is playoffs and even more.”

🏈 Broncos coach Sean Payton expresses disappointment but not discouragement after 8-9 season

By DAN GREENSPAN Associated Press

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Chris Jones got what he needed, picking up a sack in the third quarter of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-chargers-score-a2a7d7cc00886055cda31d1d9c3f3808">Kansas City Chiefs’ 13-12 win over the Los Angeles Chargers</a>&nbsp;on Sunday to collect a $1.25 million bonus written into his contract.

Jones came into the game with 9 1/2 sacks and needed a half-sack to earn the bonus.

An&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1744138263164862820?s=20">exuberant Jones ran to the sideline</a>&nbsp;and was swarmed by his teammates after dropping Easton Stick for an 11-yard loss to finish with 10 1/2 sacks. Jones had clearly been going after his money, generating 12 pressures on 31 pass rush snaps,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NextGenStats?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">according to NFL Next Gen Stats</a>.

“Man, the whole team knew the only reason I was playing was for a sack, OK. And 46 plays later,” Jones said.

It was Jones’ third time reaching double-digit sacks in eight seasons with the Chiefs (11-6).

Coach Andy Reid agreed early in the week to give Jones the chance to chase the incentive.

“I think he had eight hurries getting there, so he really played a good game but it took him a while to get the actual sack,” Reid said.

Jones admitted he had tested Reid’s patience with the workload needed to finally take down Stick, having nearly been taken out before he got the sack.

“I was only supposed to play for one quarter,” Jones said. “One quarter turned to two quarters. Two quarters turned to ‘Please, coach, let me get one more drive,’ you know what I mean? So thankful to coach Reid.”

The 29-year-old anchor of the Chiefs defensive front came into the game with plans for the money, intending to reward his fellow defensive linemen, position coaches and coordinator Steve Spagnuolo with luxury watches as gifts. After giving his own interview a soundtrack by playing the Empire of the Sun song “Walking on a Dream,” Jones enthusiastically discussed what would soon be reality.

“Yeah, the D block know that this was all for them,” Jones said. “The only reason I played for them ’cause I want them to get a Rolex, and I get to buy myself a Rolex without spending my own money.”

Spagnuolo was as invested as Jones’ teammates in the pursuit, giving Jones play calls intended to get him to the quarterback.

“I haven’t had this many one-on-ones all year collectively, and we laughed about that, but I love Spags, man,” Jones said, recalling his sideline conversation with his coordinator after the decisive play.

Whether Jones would get the half-sack needed to claim the bonus was one of the few storylines worth watching in a mostly unimportant game. The Chiefs had already locked up the AFC West and the No. 3 seed in the conference, allowing them to rest quarterback Patrick Mahomes and other key players.

Travis Kelce was inactive, ending the star tight end’s chance to reach the 1,000-yard mark for the eighth straight season. And with Kelce not playing, there was no reason for his girlfriend, pop superstar Taylor Swift, to make the trip to SoFi Stadum before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-golden-globes-awards-show-b684b6e3d6b0ddf07b74a0370413fb7a">attending the Golden Globes in Beverly Hills on Sunday night</a>.

It was Kelce’s decision not to play, according to Reid, who would have gladly made sure Kelce got the 16 yards he needed.

“He didn’t want to be selfish or come across as selfish,” Reid said. “All the players wanted him to play. But he goes, ‘You know what? I don’t like the way it feels.’ He’s not into that. So he chose not to play. I completely understand it, but that’s him. Most guys probably would have gone out and done it, but he said, ‘I’ve got a lot of records. This one here, I’m not gonna do it this way.’”

That left everyone watching Jones and his pursuit of a seven-figure bonus.

“It’s just one of those things that we knew going into the game he needed point-five,” receiver Mecole Hardman said. “So finally he get it, and it was like, ‘Yes!’”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704683730718.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, left, celebrates with teammates after sacking Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Easton Stick during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. The sack earned Jones a $1.25 million contract incentive. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, left, celebrates with teammates after sacking Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Easton Stick during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. The sack earned Jones a $1.25 million contract incentive. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAN GREENSPAN Associated PressINGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Chris Jones got what he needed, picking up a sack in the third quarter of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-chargers-score-a2a7d7cc00886055cda31d1d9c3f3808">Kansas City Chiefs’ 13-12 win over the Los Angeles Chargers</a>&nbsp;on Sunday to collect a $1.25 million bonus written into his contract.Jones came into the game with 9 1/2 sacks and needed a half-sack to earn the bonus.An&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1744138263164862820?s=20">exuberant Jones ran to the sideline</a>&nbsp;and was swarmed by his teammates after dropping Easton Stick for an 11-yard loss to finish with 10 1/2 sacks. Jones had clearly been going after his money, generating 12 pressures on 31 pass rush snaps,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NextGenStats?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">according to NFL Next Gen Stats</a>.“Man, the whole team knew the only reason I was playing was for a sack, OK. And 46 plays later,” Jones said.It was Jones’ third time reaching double-digit sacks in eight seasons with the Chiefs (11-6).Coach Andy Reid agreed early in the week to give Jones the chance to chase the incentive.“I think he had eight hurries getting there, so he really played a good game but it took him a while to get the actual sack,” Reid said.Jones admitted he had tested Reid’s patience with the workload needed to finally take down Stick, having nearly been taken out before he got the sack.“I was only supposed to play for one quarter,” Jones said. “One quarter turned to two quarters. Two quarters turned to ‘Please, coach, let me get one more drive,’ you know what I mean? So thankful to coach Reid.”The 29-year-old anchor of the Chiefs defensive front came into the game with plans for the money, intending to reward his fellow defensive linemen, position coaches and coordinator Steve Spagnuolo with luxury watches as gifts. After giving his own interview a soundtrack by playing the Empire of the Sun song “Walking on a Dream,” Jones enthusiastically discussed what would soon be reality.“Yeah, the D block know that this was all for them,” Jones said. “The only reason I played for them ’cause I want them to get a Rolex, and I get to buy myself a Rolex without spending my own money.”Spagnuolo was as invested as Jones’ teammates in the pursuit, giving Jones play calls intended to get him to the quarterback.“I haven’t had this many one-on-ones all year collectively, and we laughed about that, but I love Spags, man,” Jones said, recalling his sideline conversation with his coordinator after the decisive play.Whether Jones would get the half-sack needed to claim the bonus was one of the few storylines worth watching in a mostly unimportant game. The Chiefs had already locked up the AFC West and the No. 3 seed in the conference, allowing them to rest quarterback Patrick Mahomes and other key players.Travis Kelce was inactive, ending the star tight end’s chance to reach the 1,000-yard mark for the eighth straight season. And with Kelce not playing, there was no reason for his girlfriend, pop superstar Taylor Swift, to make the trip to SoFi Stadum before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-golden-globes-awards-show-b684b6e3d6b0ddf07b74a0370413fb7a">attending the Golden Globes in Beverly Hills on Sunday night</a>.It was Kelce’s decision not to play, according to Reid, who would have gladly made sure Kelce got the 16 yards he needed.“He didn’t want to be selfish or come across as selfish,” Reid said. “All the players wanted him to play. But he goes, ‘You know what? I don’t like the way it feels.’ He’s not into that. So he chose not to play. I completely understand it, but that’s him. Most guys probably would have gone out and done it, but he said, ‘I’ve got a lot of records. This one here, I’m not gonna do it this way.’”That left everyone watching Jones and his pursuit of a seven-figure bonus.“It’s just one of those things that we knew going into the game he needed point-five,” receiver Mecole Hardman said. “So finally he get it, and it was like, ‘Yes!’”

🏈 Chiefs' Chris Jones picks up $1.25 million bonus with sack against Chargers

By JOE REEDY AP Sports Writer

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Mike Edwards returned a fumble 97 yards for a touchdown, Harrison Butker made a 41-yard field goal with 49 seconds remaining, and the AFC West champion Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 13-12 on Sunday while resting most of their starters.

With the Chiefs (11-6) locked into the AFC’s No. 3 seed for the playoffs, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were inactive. Kelce finished with 984 receiving yards, ending the All-Pro tight end’s bid for an eighth straight 1,000-yard season.

Kansas City will host either Buffalo or Miami in next weekend's wild card round.

The Chargers (5-12) closed the season with five straight losses, the last three after coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco were fired on Dec. 15.

Easton Stick, who started the last four games after Justin Herbert suffered a season-ending finger injury, was 28 of 47 passing for 258 yards and had 77 yards rushing on 13 carries. Donald Parham had five receptions for 83 yards.

Cameron Dicker kicked four field goals for the Chargers. Los Angeles ended the season without a touchdown in its last 10 quarters.

Blaine Gabbert, making his first start since 2018 with Tennessee, completed 15 of 30 passes for 154 yards. Gabbert had scrambles of 25 and 14 yards during a nine-play, 51-yard drive late in the fourth quarter that resulted in Butker's second field goal.

Kansas City's go-ahead drive followed Dicker's 20-yard field goal with 4:06 remaining that put the Chargers on top for the first time.

The Chargers were on the 18th play of their opening possession when Stick was sacked by Chiefs defensive lineman Charles Omenihu at the Kansas City 5-yard line and fumbled. Edwards scooped the ball at the 3 and went 97 yards for the fourth touchdown of his five-year career.

It was the longest scoop-and-score in the NFL this season and the third-longest in Chiefs history.

According to Sportradar, it was the seventh time since 2000 a team had a drive of at least 18 plays and turned it over. It was the first of those on which a defensive touchdown was scored.

Butker extended the lead to 10-0 in the second quarter when he connected from 22 yards. The Chargers got field goals from Dicker on their final two drives of the half.

Dicker's 43-yarder with 4:11 remaining in the third quarter got Los Angeles within 10-9.

Chiefs: OL Wanya Morris left in the second quarter with a concussion. ... WR Justyn Ross suffered a hamstring injury in the third quarter and did not return. ... WR Rashee Rice (hamstring), WR Kadarius Toney (hip/ankle) and CB L’Jarius Sneed (calf) were inactive.

Chargers: TE Gerald Everett (first quarter) and OT Trey Pipkins III (third quarter) suffered knee injuries and did not return. ... WR Keenan Allen (heel), LB Kenneth Murray Jr. (shoulder) and OG Zion Johnson (neck) were inactive.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704675979856.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs safety Mike Edwards (21) picks up a fumble before running it back for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs safety Mike Edwards (21) picks up a fumble before running it back for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOE REEDY AP Sports WriterINGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Mike Edwards returned a fumble 97 yards for a touchdown, Harrison Butker made a 41-yard field goal with 49 seconds remaining, and the AFC West champion Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 13-12 on Sunday while resting most of their starters.With the Chiefs (11-6) locked into the AFC’s No. 3 seed for the playoffs, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were inactive. Kelce finished with 984 receiving yards, ending the All-Pro tight end’s bid for an eighth straight 1,000-yard season.Kansas City will host either Buffalo or Miami in next weekend's wild card round.The Chargers (5-12) closed the season with five straight losses, the last three after coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco were fired on Dec. 15.Easton Stick, who started the last four games after Justin Herbert suffered a season-ending finger injury, was 28 of 47 passing for 258 yards and had 77 yards rushing on 13 carries. Donald Parham had five receptions for 83 yards.Cameron Dicker kicked four field goals for the Chargers. Los Angeles ended the season without a touchdown in its last 10 quarters.Blaine Gabbert, making his first start since 2018 with Tennessee, completed 15 of 30 passes for 154 yards. Gabbert had scrambles of 25 and 14 yards during a nine-play, 51-yard drive late in the fourth quarter that resulted in Butker's second field goal.Kansas City's go-ahead drive followed Dicker's 20-yard field goal with 4:06 remaining that put the Chargers on top for the first time.The Chargers were on the 18th play of their opening possession when Stick was sacked by Chiefs defensive lineman Charles Omenihu at the Kansas City 5-yard line and fumbled. Edwards scooped the ball at the 3 and went 97 yards for the fourth touchdown of his five-year career.It was the longest scoop-and-score in the NFL this season and the third-longest in Chiefs history.According to Sportradar, it was the seventh time since 2000 a team had a drive of at least 18 plays and turned it over. It was the first of those on which a defensive touchdown was scored.Butker extended the lead to 10-0 in the second quarter when he connected from 22 yards. The Chargers got field goals from Dicker on their final two drives of the half.Dicker's 43-yarder with 4:11 remaining in the third quarter got Los Angeles within 10-9.INJURIESChiefs: OL Wanya Morris left in the second quarter with a concussion. ... WR Justyn Ross suffered a hamstring injury in the third quarter and did not return. ... WR Rashee Rice (hamstring), WR Kadarius Toney (hip/ankle) and CB L’Jarius Sneed (calf) were inactive.Chargers: TE Gerald Everett (first quarter) and OT Trey Pipkins III (third quarter) suffered knee injuries and did not return. ... WR Keenan Allen (heel), LB Kenneth Murray Jr. (shoulder) and OG Zion Johnson (neck) were inactive.

🏈 Mike Edwards' scoop-and-score, Harrison Butker's field goals propel Chiefs past Chargers

By MARK ANDERSON AP Sports Writer

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Aidan O'Connell passed for 244 yards and two touchdowns, Zamir White rushed for 112 yards and a relentless Las Vegas pass rush helped the Raiders continue their dominance over the Denver Broncos with a 27-14 victory Sunday.

This was the Raiders' eighth consecutive victory over their AFC West rivals and 10th in 11 games. That included a 4-0 record in Las Vegas.

Both teams ended their season at 8-9 and out of the playoffs with a number of questions facing both franchises. That includes whether Raiders own Mark Davis makes interim Antonio Pierce the full-time coach or searches for someone outside the organization. Las Vegas went 5-4 since Pierce replaced Josh McDaniels on Halloween night, and fans chanted “AP!” toward the end of the game.

O'Connell overcame a injury to the index finger on his throwing hand — he didn't play the Raiders' first drive of the second half — to complete a 33-yard touchdown pass to Jakobi Meyers on the first play of the fourth quarter to put the Raiders ahead 24-7.

Meyers also scored a TD in the second quarter, turning what was designed to be a wide receiver pass to a 5-yard run when the play broke down.

Teammate Davante Adams reached 100 catches for the fourth straight season, joining Buffalo’s Stefon Diggs as the only players to accomplish that over the same span. Antonio Brown, who had six such consecutive seasons with Pittsburgh from 2013-18, holds the NFL record.

Las Vegas committed no penalties, the second time that has happened this season. The Raiders also weren't penalized Nov. 26 against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham made his second start in a row in favor of the benched Russell Wilson. Stidham passed for 272 yards with a TD and interception and was sacked five times and hit 11 times. He quarterbacked the Raiders over their final two games last season in place of Derek Carr, who also was benched.

After the teams traded lengthy first-half touchdown drives, Las Vegas took the lead for good on a 49-yard field goal by Daniel Carlson and a 3-yard touchdown pass from O'Connell to Adams. The TD occurred with 7 seconds left and capped a 12-play, 98-yard drive that took just 1:36.

Broncos: RT Mike McGlinchey (ribs) was placed on injured reserve on Saturday. ... WR Courtland Sutton (ankle), TE Nate Adkins (concussion), LB Nik Bonitto (calf) and RB Jaleel McLaughlin (calf) were injured during the game. Raiders: RB Josh Jacobs (quadriceps), TE Michael Mayer (toe) and T Thayer Munford (knee/illness) did not play. Jacobs missed the last four games of the season and Mayer the final three. Munford was injured last week at Indianapolis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704675746760.jpeg" alt="Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham runs a play against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024 in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)" />
 <figcaption>Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham runs a play against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024 in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARK ANDERSON AP Sports WriterLAS VEGAS (AP) — Aidan O'Connell passed for 244 yards and two touchdowns, Zamir White rushed for 112 yards and a relentless Las Vegas pass rush helped the Raiders continue their dominance over the Denver Broncos with a 27-14 victory Sunday.This was the Raiders' eighth consecutive victory over their AFC West rivals and 10th in 11 games. That included a 4-0 record in Las Vegas.Both teams ended their season at 8-9 and out of the playoffs with a number of questions facing both franchises. That includes whether Raiders own Mark Davis makes interim Antonio Pierce the full-time coach or searches for someone outside the organization. Las Vegas went 5-4 since Pierce replaced Josh McDaniels on Halloween night, and fans chanted “AP!” toward the end of the game.O'Connell overcame a injury to the index finger on his throwing hand — he didn't play the Raiders' first drive of the second half — to complete a 33-yard touchdown pass to Jakobi Meyers on the first play of the fourth quarter to put the Raiders ahead 24-7.Meyers also scored a TD in the second quarter, turning what was designed to be a wide receiver pass to a 5-yard run when the play broke down.Teammate Davante Adams reached 100 catches for the fourth straight season, joining Buffalo’s Stefon Diggs as the only players to accomplish that over the same span. Antonio Brown, who had six such consecutive seasons with Pittsburgh from 2013-18, holds the NFL record.Las Vegas committed no penalties, the second time that has happened this season. The Raiders also weren't penalized Nov. 26 against the Kansas City Chiefs.Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham made his second start in a row in favor of the benched Russell Wilson. Stidham passed for 272 yards with a TD and interception and was sacked five times and hit 11 times. He quarterbacked the Raiders over their final two games last season in place of Derek Carr, who also was benched.After the teams traded lengthy first-half touchdown drives, Las Vegas took the lead for good on a 49-yard field goal by Daniel Carlson and a 3-yard touchdown pass from O'Connell to Adams. The TD occurred with 7 seconds left and capped a 12-play, 98-yard drive that took just 1:36.INJURIESBroncos: RT Mike McGlinchey (ribs) was placed on injured reserve on Saturday. ... WR Courtland Sutton (ankle), TE Nate Adkins (concussion), LB Nik Bonitto (calf) and RB Jaleel McLaughlin (calf) were injured during the game. Raiders: RB Josh Jacobs (quadriceps), TE Michael Mayer (toe) and T Thayer Munford (knee/illness) did not play. Jacobs missed the last four games of the season and Mayer the final three. Munford was injured last week at Indianapolis.

🏈 O'Connell, White and pass rush lead Raiders to win over Broncos in season finale

Courtesy of Hutchinson CC Sports Information

The No. 21-ranked Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team shot nearly 53 percent and held Northwest Tech to a conference-season low offensive output to roll to a 33-point Jayhawk Conference victory on Saturday at the Sports Arena.

Five Blue Dragons scored in double figures as Hutchinson defeated Northwest Tech for the eighth-consecutive game after an 89-56 victory.

Hutchinson improved to 12-2 overall and 7-1 in the Jayhawk Conference. The Blue Dragons play host to Seward County at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the Sports Arena. Northwest Tech fell to 5-10 overall and 0-8 in the Jayhawk Conference.

Hutchinson shot 50 percent in the first half and built a 42-31 halftime lead. The Blue Dragons dominated the second half, outshooting the Mavericks 52.4-30.4 percent to outscore Northwest Tech 47-25.

For the game, the Blue Dragons shot 52.4 percent (33 of 63), hitting 8 of 20 from 3-point range and 15 of 22 from the free-throw line.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/thomas_kamryn_j9zm">Kamryn Thomas</a>&nbsp;came off the bench to lead Hutchinson with 16 points on 6 of 11 shooting, including two 3-point goals. Thomas added seven rebounds.

Dre Weathers finished with 13 points and rebounds.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/whiteney_dallas_ktg5">Dallas Whitney</a>&nbsp;also had 13 points, hitting 5 of 6 overall shots, going 3 of 3 from 3-point range.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/simon_valentino_8svq">Valentino Simon</a>&nbsp;closed with 12 points and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/holman_zoe_o8t4">Zoe Holman</a>&nbsp;had 11 points with a career-high seven rebounds.

The Blue Dragon defense forced 23 Maverick turnovers, getting 16 by steals. Holman and Whitney had five steals each.

The Blue Dragons outrebounded Northwest Tech 43-25.

Defensively, the Blue Dragons held Northwest Tech 26 points under its 81.0 scoring average. Tech shot 38.3 percent (18 of 47), hitting 6 of 13 3-pointers and 14 of 21 from the foul line. Charles Fofanah had a game-high 22 points to lead Northwest Tech.

The Blue Dragons led 9-8 about 5 1/2 minutes into the game and took charge 15-4 run.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/smith_kobe_csmn">Kobe Smith</a>'s jumper with 10:06 to play in the half capped the run and gave the Dragons a 24-12 lead. Leading 27-21, the Dragons scored nine unanswered points over a stretch of 1:50 to lead 36-21 after a Holman layup.

Holding a 45-35 lead just a minute into the second half, the Blue Dragons scored nine unanswered points and led 54-35 after a J.P. Ricks layup with 16:34 to play. Leading by 17 points, two Simon free throws capped an 8-0 run to help Hutchinson build a 69-44 lead with 11:45 to play in the second half.

The Blue Dragons continued to stretch out the lead through the remainder of the game, building a game-high 36-point lead at 87-51.

GAME NOTES&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/wagler_landon_xlpj">Landon Wagler</a>&nbsp;made his first career start and had five points and a career-high four rebounds. … The Blue Dragons are now 14-1 all-time against Northwest Tech. … This was all-time win No. 1,906. … The plus-18 rebounding margin was a season high for the Blue Dragons. … The 25 rebounds by Tech were an opponent season low. … The Blue Dragons shot 50 percent for the fourth time this season. …&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/whiteney_dallas_ktg5">Dallas Whitney</a>&nbsp;scored in double figures for the first time in six games.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704635827610.jpeg" alt="Kamryn Thomas goes to the hoop for two of his team-high 16 points as No. 21 Hutchinson defeated Northwest Tech 89-56 on Saturday at the Sports Arena. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information) " />
 <figcaption>Kamryn Thomas goes to the hoop for two of his team-high 16 points as No. 21 Hutchinson defeated Northwest Tech 89-56 on Saturday at the Sports Arena. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information) </figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThe No. 21-ranked Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team shot nearly 53 percent and held Northwest Tech to a conference-season low offensive output to roll to a 33-point Jayhawk Conference victory on Saturday at the Sports Arena.Five Blue Dragons scored in double figures as Hutchinson defeated Northwest Tech for the eighth-consecutive game after an 89-56 victory.Hutchinson improved to 12-2 overall and 7-1 in the Jayhawk Conference. The Blue Dragons play host to Seward County at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the Sports Arena. Northwest Tech fell to 5-10 overall and 0-8 in the Jayhawk Conference.Hutchinson shot 50 percent in the first half and built a 42-31 halftime lead. The Blue Dragons dominated the second half, outshooting the Mavericks 52.4-30.4 percent to outscore Northwest Tech 47-25.For the game, the Blue Dragons shot 52.4 percent (33 of 63), hitting 8 of 20 from 3-point range and 15 of 22 from the free-throw line.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/thomas_kamryn_j9zm">Kamryn Thomas</a>&nbsp;came off the bench to lead Hutchinson with 16 points on 6 of 11 shooting, including two 3-point goals. Thomas added seven rebounds.Dre Weathers finished with 13 points and rebounds.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/whiteney_dallas_ktg5">Dallas Whitney</a>&nbsp;also had 13 points, hitting 5 of 6 overall shots, going 3 of 3 from 3-point range.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/simon_valentino_8svq">Valentino Simon</a>&nbsp;closed with 12 points and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/holman_zoe_o8t4">Zoe Holman</a>&nbsp;had 11 points with a career-high seven rebounds.The Blue Dragon defense forced 23 Maverick turnovers, getting 16 by steals. Holman and Whitney had five steals each.The Blue Dragons outrebounded Northwest Tech 43-25.Defensively, the Blue Dragons held Northwest Tech 26 points under its 81.0 scoring average. Tech shot 38.3 percent (18 of 47), hitting 6 of 13 3-pointers and 14 of 21 from the foul line. Charles Fofanah had a game-high 22 points to lead Northwest Tech.The Blue Dragons led 9-8 about 5 1/2 minutes into the game and took charge 15-4 run.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/smith_kobe_csmn">Kobe Smith</a>'s jumper with 10:06 to play in the half capped the run and gave the Dragons a 24-12 lead. Leading 27-21, the Dragons scored nine unanswered points over a stretch of 1:50 to lead 36-21 after a Holman layup.The Dragons led 42-31 at halftime.Holding a 45-35 lead just a minute into the second half, the Blue Dragons scored nine unanswered points and led 54-35 after a J.P. Ricks layup with 16:34 to play. Leading by 17 points, two Simon free throws capped an 8-0 run to help Hutchinson build a 69-44 lead with 11:45 to play in the second half.The Blue Dragons continued to stretch out the lead through the remainder of the game, building a game-high 36-point lead at 87-51.GAME NOTES&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/wagler_landon_xlpj">Landon Wagler</a>&nbsp;made his first career start and had five points and a career-high four rebounds. … The Blue Dragons are now 14-1 all-time against Northwest Tech. … This was all-time win No. 1,906. … The plus-18 rebounding margin was a season high for the Blue Dragons. … The 25 rebounds by Tech were an opponent season low. … The Blue Dragons shot 50 percent for the fourth time this season. …&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/whiteney_dallas_ktg5">Dallas Whitney</a>&nbsp;scored in double figures for the first time in six games.

🏀 MBB: Blue Dragons use dominant performance to roll by Mavs

MAIZE, Kan. — Back in the '60s, the Shirelles sang a hit entitled "Mama Said" with the lyrics being, "there'll be days like this, there'll be days like this, mama said." That was 1961. It was also a hit by Van Morrison in 1995 with his "Days Like This" release.

The Shirelles lyrics serve as the best words to use for the results of both Salthawk games at Maize South on Saturday afternoon. The Maize South girls took advantage of poor Hutch Salthawk shooting to win 46-30 in the first game of the AVCTL double-header postponed from Friday due to poor road conditions around the Wichita and Hutchinson area.

In the boys game, poor Salthawk shooting and turnovers allowed Maize South to pour it on the Salthawks, winning 64-37. Perhaps a little revenge in the eyes of the Mavericks after dropping three games to Hutchinson last season, the only losses the Mavericks suffered in the 2022-23 season.

Both teams wished the Van Morrison lyrics fit Saturday's results better, but it didn't. It was more like the Shirelles' hit.

In the girl's contest, Hutch had pulled within four points for a Maize South 24-20 lead at half-time to see the wheels come off in the third quarter. The Maverick girls pulled away for a 34 to 22 lead going into the fourth quarter. Hutch high was held without a field goal in the third quarter and went 2 for 4 from the line. That set the stage for Maize South to control the tempo of the game in the fourth quarter to outscore the Salthawks 12 to 8 to take the first match of of these two teams 46 to 30.

Hutch High was lead in scoring by Junior Kaia Smith's 11 first half points. The Mavericks shut down Smith to keep her scoreless in the second half. Grace Posch had 9, Kohlbie Craft 5, Azariah Dawes 3 and Lilly Rodriquez 2.

Ava Howie led the Mavericks with 13, Aliyah Singhateh chipped in 11 off the bench, Ashley Singhateh had 9.

Hutch High falls to 4-2 and hosts Maize on Tuesday at the Salthawk Activity Center, while Maize South goes to 5-1. The Mavericks travel to Valley Center on Tuesday.

In the boys contest, muck the same as the girls only the cold shooting started early in the first quarter as the Salthawks only scored one field goal along with four free throws in the first quarter. Maize South led 16-6 after one, 33-18 at the half then exploded in the third quarter with 22 to take a 55 to 29 lead in the 4th quarter.&nbsp;

That led to a running clock as the Salthawks were again held to only one field goal in the final quarter.

Hutch was led in scoring by Terrell King's 13 points. Julian Smith added 9, Tai Clark had 7, Jax Henna came off the bench to score 4 and Taishaun Govain aded 2.

The Mavericks seniors are strong and used balanced scoring led by the hot hand of Michael Kates with 16, Tory Holman 12, Sammie Dresie came off the bench to add 9, Jeron Askren also scored 9, Sam Kemp chipped in 8, sophomore Cy Stucky had 6 and Darius Felton had 3.

Hutch High (5-1) hosts Maize on Tuesday, Maize South (6-0) travels to Valley Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648640359585.jpeg" alt="Salthawks drop 2 to Maize South" />
 <figcaption>Salthawks drop 2 to Maize South</figcaption>
 </figure>MAIZE, Kan. — Back in the '60s, the Shirelles sang a hit entitled "Mama Said" with the lyrics being, "there'll be days like this, there'll be days like this, mama said." That was 1961. It was also a hit by Van Morrison in 1995 with his "Days Like This" release.The Shirelles lyrics serve as the best words to use for the results of both Salthawk games at Maize South on Saturday afternoon. The Maize South girls took advantage of poor Hutch Salthawk shooting to win 46-30 in the first game of the AVCTL double-header postponed from Friday due to poor road conditions around the Wichita and Hutchinson area.In the boys game, poor Salthawk shooting and turnovers allowed Maize South to pour it on the Salthawks, winning 64-37. Perhaps a little revenge in the eyes of the Mavericks after dropping three games to Hutchinson last season, the only losses the Mavericks suffered in the 2022-23 season.Both teams wished the Van Morrison lyrics fit Saturday's results better, but it didn't. It was more like the Shirelles' hit.In the girl's contest, Hutch had pulled within four points for a Maize South 24-20 lead at half-time to see the wheels come off in the third quarter. The Maverick girls pulled away for a 34 to 22 lead going into the fourth quarter. Hutch high was held without a field goal in the third quarter and went 2 for 4 from the line. That set the stage for Maize South to control the tempo of the game in the fourth quarter to outscore the Salthawks 12 to 8 to take the first match of of these two teams 46 to 30.Hutch High was lead in scoring by Junior Kaia Smith's 11 first half points. The Mavericks shut down Smith to keep her scoreless in the second half. Grace Posch had 9, Kohlbie Craft 5, Azariah Dawes 3 and Lilly Rodriquez 2.Ava Howie led the Mavericks with 13, Aliyah Singhateh chipped in 11 off the bench, Ashley Singhateh had 9.Hutch High falls to 4-2 and hosts Maize on Tuesday at the Salthawk Activity Center, while Maize South goes to 5-1. The Mavericks travel to Valley Center on Tuesday.In the boys contest, muck the same as the girls only the cold shooting started early in the first quarter as the Salthawks only scored one field goal along with four free throws in the first quarter. Maize South led 16-6 after one, 33-18 at the half then exploded in the third quarter with 22 to take a 55 to 29 lead in the 4th quarter.&nbsp;That led to a running clock as the Salthawks were again held to only one field goal in the final quarter.Hutch was led in scoring by Terrell King's 13 points. Julian Smith added 9, Tai Clark had 7, Jax Henna came off the bench to score 4 and Taishaun Govain aded 2.The Mavericks seniors are strong and used balanced scoring led by the hot hand of Michael Kates with 16, Tory Holman 12, Sammie Dresie came off the bench to add 9, Jeron Askren also scored 9, Sam Kemp chipped in 8, sophomore Cy Stucky had 6 and Darius Felton had 3.Hutch High (5-1) hosts Maize on Tuesday, Maize South (6-0) travels to Valley Center.

🏀Salthawks stampeded by Maize South Mavericks

AP Sports Summary for Sunday, January 7th, 2024.

Texans wrap up playoff spot with 23-19 victory over Colts

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans wrapped up a playoff spot with a 23-19 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday night, with Devin Singletary scoring the go-ahead touchdown on a 3-yard run with 6:20 left. The Texans (10-7) are going to the postseason for the first time since 2019. They won seven of their final 10 games and still could win the AFC South if Jacksonville loses at Tennessee on Sunday. Indianapolis (9-8) was eliminated from the playoff chase with its third loss in five weeks. Stroud was 20 of 26 with 264 yards and two touchdowns, and Nico Collins had nine catches for 195 yards and a score. Jonathan ran for 188 yards and a TD for the Colts.

Dropped 4th-down pass costly as Colts squander playoff chance with 23-19 loss to Texans

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew tried to console Tyler Goodson after the running back dropped a fourth-down pass with 1:06 seconds left in a win-or-go home game against Houston on Saturday night. Heck, Minshew even said after the after the 23-19, playoff-eliminating loss he should have made a better throw. Regardless of who was to blame, Goodson, Minshew and the Colts had no choice but to accept the cold, hard reality — their season is over because on a night they converted only one of third-down chance, they also blew their only fourth-down attempt of the game. Goodson was wide open. And had they connected, Goodson had blockers and a possible lane to the end zone for a go-ahead touchdown.

Steelers top Lamar-less Ravens 17-10, will make the playoffs if Buffalo or Jacksonville loses

BALTIMORE (AP) — Mason Rudolph threw a 71-yard touchdown pass to Diontae Johnson on the first play of the fourth quarter, and the Pittsburgh Steelers took a step toward the postseason with a 17-10 win over the Baltimore Ravens. Rudolph led Pittsburgh to three straight wins to close the season, and now the Steelers wait. They would make the playoffs Sunday if Buffalo loses to Miami or Jacksonville loses to Tennessee. There was some bad news for the Steelers. The Ravens have already locked up the No. 1 seed in the AFC and held Lamar Jackson out of this game.

Harbaugh's future at Michigan is subplot to CFP title game as Washington tries to lock up DeBoer

HOUSTON (AP) — With NFL franchises apparently intrigued with Michigan's Jim Harbaugh again, the question hanging over the College Football Playoff national championship game Monday night between the top-ranked Wolverines and No. 2 Washington is: Could this be his last as the coach of his alma mater? Harbaugh was having none of the speculation at media day. What makes the latest round of will-he-or-won't-he with Harbaugh and the NFL unique is how it has reverberated all the way out to Seattle, where Washington has been working on a new contract for Kalen DeBoer since November.

Experience abounds in CFP title game. 14 starters for Huskies, 9 for Wolverines in 5th or 6th years

HOUSTON (AP) — That extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA because of the pandemic-shortened 2020 season is paying off for the teams playing in the College Football Playoff championship game Monday night. Among Washington's 22 offensive and defensive starters, seven are in their sixth seasons and seven are in their fifth. Michigan has one starter in his sixth season and eight in their fifth. Michigan co-defensive coordinator Jesse Minter says all that experience was a factor in both teams making it to Houston.

Draymond Green reinstated from suspension by NBA after missing 12 games

NEW YORK (AP) — Draymond Green has been reinstated by the NBA from his suspension after the Golden State star missed 12 games for hitting Phoenix center Jusuf Nurkic in the face on Dec. 12. The league says Green "demonstrated his commitment to conforming his conduct to standards expected of NBA players" during his suspension, which began Dec. 14. He has met with a counselor as well as had multiple joint meetings with representatives of the league, the Warriors and the National Basketball Players Association. Those meetings, the league added, will continue throughout the season. The Warriors have gone 7-5 without Green, who was also suspended five games in November for placing Minnesota center Rudy Gobert in a headlock.

Nadal withdraws from the Australian Open with an injury just one tournament into his comeback

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the Australian Open with an injury after playing just one tournament in his comeback from 12 months on the sidelines. Nadal said he had concerns over his surgically repaired hip after needing a medical timeout in the third set of his Brisbane International quarterfinal loss to Jordan Thompson on Friday. The 22-time major winner posted on social media on Sunday that scans in Melbourne revealed a small tear in the muscle and he was flying back to Spain for treatment. He says: "Right now I am not ready to compete at the maximum level."

South Dakota State seeking FCS title repeat, Montana in first championship game since '09

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — South Dakota State is seeking to repeat as NCAA champions in the Football Championship Subdivision. The top-seeded undefeated Jackrabbits take a 28-game winning streak into Sunday's title game against No. 2 seed Montana in Frisco, Texas. This is Jimmy Rogers' first year as the Jackrabbits head coach. He was their defensive coordinator for last year's championship, and was a linebacker and captain for their first playoff team in 2009. Montana is playing in its first title game since 2009. The Grizzlies are two-time champions in the second-tier of Division I football. They won titles in 1995 and 2001.

Chris Kirk takes Kapalua lead with final birdie. A dozen players are lined up behind him

KAPALUA, Hawaii (AP) — Chris Kirk takes a one-shot lead into the final round of The Sentry in the PGA Tour season opener. And he has plenty of company. Kirk escaped a tee shot into the weeds for a par on the 15th and birdied the final hole for a 66. He leads by one over 21-year-old Akshay Bhatia. Two shots behind were Xander Schauffele and Jordan Spieth Both have won at Kapalua before and know to expect anything in the final round. There were 12 players within four shots of the lead. The Plantation course is renowned for wild finishes of low scoring.

Shiffrin straddles gate as Slovakian skier Vlhova takes lead in 1st run of women's World Cup slalom

KRANJSKA GORA, Slovenia (AP) — Mikaela Shiffrin has straddled a gate and did not finish the first run of a women's World Cup slalom with Slovakian skier Petra Vlhova leading the race. Shiffrin trailed her main rival by 0.47 seconds at the first checkpoint before the American's left ski went the wrong side of a gate 24 seconds into her run. Shiffrin last straddled a gate in a World Cup race on the same hill in Slovenia in January 2022. Shiffrin has been fighting a cold this week and finished in only ninth position in Saturday's giant slalom. All five slaloms this season have been won by either Shiffrin or Vlhova.

Final	(5)Tennessee	90	(22)Mississippi	64	

Final	(8)North Carolina	65	(16)Clemson	55	

Final	Southern Miss.	81	(19)James Madison	71	

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE (Eastern Time Zone)

Kansas City	at	L.A. Chargers	4:25 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Sunday, January 7th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Sunday, January 7th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for Sunday, January 7th, 2024.Texans wrap up playoff spot with 23-19 victory over ColtsINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans wrapped up a playoff spot with a 23-19 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday night, with Devin Singletary scoring the go-ahead touchdown on a 3-yard run with 6:20 left. The Texans (10-7) are going to the postseason for the first time since 2019. They won seven of their final 10 games and still could win the AFC South if Jacksonville loses at Tennessee on Sunday. Indianapolis (9-8) was eliminated from the playoff chase with its third loss in five weeks. Stroud was 20 of 26 with 264 yards and two touchdowns, and Nico Collins had nine catches for 195 yards and a score. Jonathan ran for 188 yards and a TD for the Colts.Dropped 4th-down pass costly as Colts squander playoff chance with 23-19 loss to TexansINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew tried to console Tyler Goodson after the running back dropped a fourth-down pass with 1:06 seconds left in a win-or-go home game against Houston on Saturday night. Heck, Minshew even said after the after the 23-19, playoff-eliminating loss he should have made a better throw. Regardless of who was to blame, Goodson, Minshew and the Colts had no choice but to accept the cold, hard reality — their season is over because on a night they converted only one of third-down chance, they also blew their only fourth-down attempt of the game. Goodson was wide open. And had they connected, Goodson had blockers and a possible lane to the end zone for a go-ahead touchdown.Steelers top Lamar-less Ravens 17-10, will make the playoffs if Buffalo or Jacksonville losesBALTIMORE (AP) — Mason Rudolph threw a 71-yard touchdown pass to Diontae Johnson on the first play of the fourth quarter, and the Pittsburgh Steelers took a step toward the postseason with a 17-10 win over the Baltimore Ravens. Rudolph led Pittsburgh to three straight wins to close the season, and now the Steelers wait. They would make the playoffs Sunday if Buffalo loses to Miami or Jacksonville loses to Tennessee. There was some bad news for the Steelers. The Ravens have already locked up the No. 1 seed in the AFC and held Lamar Jackson out of this game.Harbaugh's future at Michigan is subplot to CFP title game as Washington tries to lock up DeBoerHOUSTON (AP) — With NFL franchises apparently intrigued with Michigan's Jim Harbaugh again, the question hanging over the College Football Playoff national championship game Monday night between the top-ranked Wolverines and No. 2 Washington is: Could this be his last as the coach of his alma mater? Harbaugh was having none of the speculation at media day. What makes the latest round of will-he-or-won't-he with Harbaugh and the NFL unique is how it has reverberated all the way out to Seattle, where Washington has been working on a new contract for Kalen DeBoer since November.Experience abounds in CFP title game. 14 starters for Huskies, 9 for Wolverines in 5th or 6th yearsHOUSTON (AP) — That extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA because of the pandemic-shortened 2020 season is paying off for the teams playing in the College Football Playoff championship game Monday night. Among Washington's 22 offensive and defensive starters, seven are in their sixth seasons and seven are in their fifth. Michigan has one starter in his sixth season and eight in their fifth. Michigan co-defensive coordinator Jesse Minter says all that experience was a factor in both teams making it to Houston.Draymond Green reinstated from suspension by NBA after missing 12 gamesNEW YORK (AP) — Draymond Green has been reinstated by the NBA from his suspension after the Golden State star missed 12 games for hitting Phoenix center Jusuf Nurkic in the face on Dec. 12. The league says Green "demonstrated his commitment to conforming his conduct to standards expected of NBA players" during his suspension, which began Dec. 14. He has met with a counselor as well as had multiple joint meetings with representatives of the league, the Warriors and the National Basketball Players Association. Those meetings, the league added, will continue throughout the season. The Warriors have gone 7-5 without Green, who was also suspended five games in November for placing Minnesota center Rudy Gobert in a headlock.Nadal withdraws from the Australian Open with an injury just one tournament into his comebackMELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the Australian Open with an injury after playing just one tournament in his comeback from 12 months on the sidelines. Nadal said he had concerns over his surgically repaired hip after needing a medical timeout in the third set of his Brisbane International quarterfinal loss to Jordan Thompson on Friday. The 22-time major winner posted on social media on Sunday that scans in Melbourne revealed a small tear in the muscle and he was flying back to Spain for treatment. He says: "Right now I am not ready to compete at the maximum level."South Dakota State seeking FCS title repeat, Montana in first championship game since '09FRISCO, Texas (AP) — South Dakota State is seeking to repeat as NCAA champions in the Football Championship Subdivision. The top-seeded undefeated Jackrabbits take a 28-game winning streak into Sunday's title game against No. 2 seed Montana in Frisco, Texas. This is Jimmy Rogers' first year as the Jackrabbits head coach. He was their defensive coordinator for last year's championship, and was a linebacker and captain for their first playoff team in 2009. Montana is playing in its first title game since 2009. The Grizzlies are two-time champions in the second-tier of Division I football. They won titles in 1995 and 2001.Chris Kirk takes Kapalua lead with final birdie. A dozen players are lined up behind himKAPALUA, Hawaii (AP) — Chris Kirk takes a one-shot lead into the final round of The Sentry in the PGA Tour season opener. And he has plenty of company. Kirk escaped a tee shot into the weeds for a par on the 15th and birdied the final hole for a 66. He leads by one over 21-year-old Akshay Bhatia. Two shots behind were Xander Schauffele and Jordan Spieth Both have won at Kapalua before and know to expect anything in the final round. There were 12 players within four shots of the lead. The Plantation course is renowned for wild finishes of low scoring.Shiffrin straddles gate as Slovakian skier Vlhova takes lead in 1st run of women's World Cup slalomKRANJSKA GORA, Slovenia (AP) — Mikaela Shiffrin has straddled a gate and did not finish the first run of a women's World Cup slalom with Slovakian skier Petra Vlhova leading the race. Shiffrin trailed her main rival by 0.47 seconds at the first checkpoint before the American's left ski went the wrong side of a gate 24 seconds into her run. Shiffrin last straddled a gate in a World Cup race on the same hill in Slovenia in January 2022. Shiffrin has been fighting a cold this week and finished in only ninth position in Saturday's giant slalom. All five slaloms this season have been won by either Shiffrin or Vlhova.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION Final	New York	121	Washington	105	Final	Boston	118	Indiana	101	Final	Utah	120	Philadelphia	109	Final	Houston	112	Milwaukee	108	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Final	Philadelphia	3	Calgary	2	Final	Florida	8	Colorado	4	Final	Boston	7	Tampa Bay	3	Final	Buffalo	3	Pittsburgh	1	Final	Toronto	4	San Jose	1	Final SO	Montreal	4	N-Y Rangers	3	Final OT	Minnesota	4	Columbus	3	Final	Vancouver	6	New Jersey	4	Final	Nashville	4	Dallas	3	Final SO	St. Louis	2	Carolina	1	Final	Edmonton	3	Ottawa	1	Final	Vegas	5	N-Y Islanders	2	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE Final	Pittsburgh	17	Baltimore	10	Final	Houston	23	Indianapolis	19	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL Final	(2)Kansas	83	TCU	81	Final	(3)Houston	89	West Virginia	55	Final	(5)Tennessee	90	(22)Mississippi	64	Final	(6)Kentucky	87	Florida	85	Final	Seton Hall	78	(7)Marquette	75	Final	(8)North Carolina	65	(16)Clemson	55	Final	(10)Arizona	92	Utah	73	Final	(11)Oklahoma	71	Iowa St.	63	Final	Cincinnati	71	(12)BYU	60	Final	Utah St.	77	(13)Colorado St.	72	Final	(14)Duke	67	Notre Dame	59	Final	Charlotte	70	(17)FAU	68	Final	(18)Baylor	75	Oklahoma St.	70	Final	Southern Miss.	81	(19)James Madison	71	Final	Texas Tech	78	(20)Texas	67	Final	(21)Wisconsin	88	Nebraska	72	Final	Creighton	69	(23)Providence	60	Final	(24)Gonzaga	101	San Diego	74	Final	(25)Auburn	83	Arkansas	51	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION San Antonio	at	Cleveland	1 p.m.	Portland	at	Brooklyn	3 p.m.	Atlanta	at	Orlando	6 p.m.	New Orleans	at	Sacramento	6 p.m.	Minnesota	at	Dallas	7:30 p.m.	Detroit	at	Denver	8 p.m.	Memphis	at	Phoenix	8 p.m.	Toronto	at	Golden State	8:30 p.m.	L.A. Clippers	at	L.A. Lakers	9:30 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Calgary	at	Chicago	3 p.m.	Los Angeles	at	Washington	3 p.m.	Winnipeg	at	Arizona	7 p.m.	Detroit	at	Anaheim	8 p.m.	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE (Eastern Time Zone)Atlanta	at	New Orleans	1 p.m.	Cleveland	at	Cincinnati	1 p.m.	Jacksonville	at	Tennessee	1 p.m.	Minnesota	at	Detroit	1 p.m.	N-Y Jets	at	New England	1 p.m.	Tampa Bay	at	Carolina	1 p.m.	Chicago	at	Green Bay	4:25 p.m.	Dallas	at	Washington	4:25 p.m.	Denver	at	Las Vegas	4:25 p.m.	Kansas City	at	L.A. Chargers	4:25 p.m.	L.A. Rams	at	San Francisco	4:25 p.m.	Philadelphia	at	N-Y Giants	4:25 p.m.	Seattle	at	Arizona	4:25 p.m.	Buffalo	at	Miami	8:20 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL SMU	at	(15)Memphis	5 p.m.	___

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Sunday

North Kansas City, Mo. 57, Mill Valley 50

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701785757574.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Saturday's ScoresThe Associated Press<h2>BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>BV Northwest 64, Staley, Mo. 53BV Southwest 53, Center, Mo. 35BV West 69, Hogan, Mo. 46KC Piper 70, Raytown South, Mo. 43Maize South 64, Hutchinson 37North Kansas City, Mo. 57, Mill Valley 50Olathe South 55, Pembroke Hill, Mo. 47Victoria 62, Golden Plains 27Weskan 78, Moscow 27Saturday's ScoresThe Associated Press<h2>GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>BV North 63, Link, Mo. 59BV Southwest 52, Pembroke Hill, Mo. 37Bishop Miege 71, Vashon, Mo. 60Golden Plains 50, Victoria 44Maize South 46, Hutchinson 30Rawlins County 47, Wallace County 44

🏀 EAGLE Media Scoreboard from Saturday games

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/smith_kiki_x1vf">Kiki Smith</a>&nbsp;scored 19 of her game-high 25 points in the first half as the No. 11-ranked Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team extended its season-opening winning streak to 14 games on Saturday at the Sports Arena.

Smith's fourth game of 25 or more points this season powered the Blue Dragons to a 92-44 Jayhawk Conference victory over Northwest Tech.

Now 14-0 to start the season, the Blue Dragons (8-0 in the KJCCC) tied the 2001-02 Blue Dragons for the eighth-best start in program history. Hutchinson plays host to Seward County at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Sports Arena. Northwest Tech fell to 1-11 overall and 0-8 in league play.

Smith hit 9 of 15 overall shots and tied a season high with four 3-pointers on nine attempts to lead the Blue Dragons, who surpassed the 90-point mark for the first time since scoring 92 against Pratt on December 2. The freshman guard hit 7 of 10 shots, including three 3-pointers, in a 19-point first half that helped Hutchinson build a 48-21 halftime lead. Smith added three rebounds, three assists and two steals.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/jackson_hailey_x66o">Hailey Jackson</a>&nbsp;finished with 12 points and eight rebound. Jackson hit 6 of 8 shots.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/denison_madie_a39r">Madi Denison</a>&nbsp;came off the bench to become the third Blue Dragon to score in double figures with 12 points on 5 of 9 shooting. Denison added seven rebounds.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/duffy_monae_og8s">Monae Duffy</a>&nbsp;had eight points and nine rebounds.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/muggeridge_akaysha_rpaz">Akaysha Muggeridge</a>&nbsp;scored eight points and blocked a season-high two shots.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/horyna_bree_rg28">Bree Horyna</a>&nbsp;had eight points, eight rebounds and a career-high three steals.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/norris_kahlen_azmu">Kahlen Norris</a>&nbsp;also scored eight points with a season-high four field goals.

The Blue Dragons shot 46.7 percent overall (35 of 37), hitting 8 of 27 from 3-point range and 14 of 20 from the free-throw line. The Blue Dragons out-rebounded Northwest Tech 50-37.

Serena Lee had 17 points to lead the Mavericks, who lost their ninth-straight game. Sy Crowley had nine points. The Mavericks were held to 22.6 percent shooting (14 of 62), going 6 of 34 from 3-point range and 10 of 12 from the foul line. The Mavericks turned the ball over 27 times, which led to a 31-7 advantage in points off turnovers for the Blue Dragons.

The Blue Dragons started the game on a 10-0 run over the first 4:08 of the game. Leading 13-8, the Dragons tacked on a quick 8-0 run that was capped by two Denison free throws for a 21-9 lead with 2:13 to play. Hutchinson extended that run to 12-2 and led 25-10 after a Horyna transition layup with 1:21 to play. The Dragons shot 52.9 percent in the first quarter and led 27-15 after 10 minutes.

The Blue Dragons dominated the second quarter, outscoring Northwest Tech 21-6 – the six points allowed tied for the second fewest allowed by Hutchinson this season. The Blue Dragons led 31-17 and buried the Mavericks with a 13-0 run and held Tech scoreless for 5 minutes, 26 seconds. Duffy capped that run with a point-blank bucket with 2:48 left for a 44-17 lead. The Dragons led 48-21 at halftime.

The Blue Dragons' largest lead was the final margin of 48 points as Hutchinson closed the game with an 18-6 run over the final 7:18 of the game.

GAME NOTES&nbsp;– Blue Dragon head coach John Ontjes earned his 460th career victory. … The Blue Dragons are now 12-1 all-time against Northwest Tech. …&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/smith_kiki_x1vf">Kiki Smith</a>&nbsp;has scored in double figures and had at least one steal in all 14 games this season. … The Blue Dragons registered their seventh game of 50 or more rebounds and seventh game of 20 or more assists. …. The Dragons held their ninth opponent this season to less than 30 percent shooting. …&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/jackson_hailey_x66o">Hailey Jackson</a>&nbsp;posted her seventh game of eight or more rebounds. …&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/duffy_monae_og8s">Monae Duffy</a>&nbsp;surpassed the 400 rebound plateau for her career with 405.

<figure>
 <img src="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/photos/0004/wbb010624.jpg" alt="Kiki Smith hit four 3-pointers and finished with a game-high 25 points to lead the No. 11 Blue Dragon women to a 92-44 KJCCC victory over Northwest Tech on Saturday at the Sports Arena. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information) " />
 <figcaption>Kiki Smith hit four 3-pointers and finished with a game-high 25 points to lead the No. 11 Blue Dragon women to a 92-44 KJCCC victory over Northwest Tech on Saturday at the Sports Arena. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information) </figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Hutchinson CC Sports InformationFreshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/smith_kiki_x1vf">Kiki Smith</a>&nbsp;scored 19 of her game-high 25 points in the first half as the No. 11-ranked Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team extended its season-opening winning streak to 14 games on Saturday at the Sports Arena.Smith's fourth game of 25 or more points this season powered the Blue Dragons to a 92-44 Jayhawk Conference victory over Northwest Tech.Now 14-0 to start the season, the Blue Dragons (8-0 in the KJCCC) tied the 2001-02 Blue Dragons for the eighth-best start in program history. Hutchinson plays host to Seward County at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Sports Arena. Northwest Tech fell to 1-11 overall and 0-8 in league play.Smith hit 9 of 15 overall shots and tied a season high with four 3-pointers on nine attempts to lead the Blue Dragons, who surpassed the 90-point mark for the first time since scoring 92 against Pratt on December 2. The freshman guard hit 7 of 10 shots, including three 3-pointers, in a 19-point first half that helped Hutchinson build a 48-21 halftime lead. Smith added three rebounds, three assists and two steals.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/jackson_hailey_x66o">Hailey Jackson</a>&nbsp;finished with 12 points and eight rebound. Jackson hit 6 of 8 shots.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/denison_madie_a39r">Madi Denison</a>&nbsp;came off the bench to become the third Blue Dragon to score in double figures with 12 points on 5 of 9 shooting. Denison added seven rebounds.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/duffy_monae_og8s">Monae Duffy</a>&nbsp;had eight points and nine rebounds.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/muggeridge_akaysha_rpaz">Akaysha Muggeridge</a>&nbsp;scored eight points and blocked a season-high two shots.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/horyna_bree_rg28">Bree Horyna</a>&nbsp;had eight points, eight rebounds and a career-high three steals.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/norris_kahlen_azmu">Kahlen Norris</a>&nbsp;also scored eight points with a season-high four field goals.The Blue Dragons shot 46.7 percent overall (35 of 37), hitting 8 of 27 from 3-point range and 14 of 20 from the free-throw line. The Blue Dragons out-rebounded Northwest Tech 50-37.Serena Lee had 17 points to lead the Mavericks, who lost their ninth-straight game. Sy Crowley had nine points. The Mavericks were held to 22.6 percent shooting (14 of 62), going 6 of 34 from 3-point range and 10 of 12 from the foul line. The Mavericks turned the ball over 27 times, which led to a 31-7 advantage in points off turnovers for the Blue Dragons.The Blue Dragons started the game on a 10-0 run over the first 4:08 of the game. Leading 13-8, the Dragons tacked on a quick 8-0 run that was capped by two Denison free throws for a 21-9 lead with 2:13 to play. Hutchinson extended that run to 12-2 and led 25-10 after a Horyna transition layup with 1:21 to play. The Dragons shot 52.9 percent in the first quarter and led 27-15 after 10 minutes.The Blue Dragons dominated the second quarter, outscoring Northwest Tech 21-6 – the six points allowed tied for the second fewest allowed by Hutchinson this season. The Blue Dragons led 31-17 and buried the Mavericks with a 13-0 run and held Tech scoreless for 5 minutes, 26 seconds. Duffy capped that run with a point-blank bucket with 2:48 left for a 44-17 lead. The Dragons led 48-21 at halftime.The Blue Dragons' largest lead was the final margin of 48 points as Hutchinson closed the game with an 18-6 run over the final 7:18 of the game.GAME NOTES&nbsp;– Blue Dragon head coach John Ontjes earned his 460th career victory. … The Blue Dragons are now 12-1 all-time against Northwest Tech. …&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/smith_kiki_x1vf">Kiki Smith</a>&nbsp;has scored in double figures and had at least one steal in all 14 games this season. … The Blue Dragons registered their seventh game of 50 or more rebounds and seventh game of 20 or more assists. …. The Dragons held their ninth opponent this season to less than 30 percent shooting. …&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/jackson_hailey_x66o">Hailey Jackson</a>&nbsp;posted her seventh game of eight or more rebounds. …&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/duffy_monae_og8s">Monae Duffy</a>&nbsp;surpassed the 400 rebound plateau for her career with 405.

🏀 WBB: NO. 11 Blue Dragons roll to 14th consecutive win

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Tylor Perry scored 25 points and Kansas State beat UCF 77-52 on Saturday night in the Knights' inaugural game as a Big 12 Conference member.

Perry was 7 of 13 from the floor and made six 3-pointers and all five of his free throws. Arthur Kaluma added 14 points for Kansas State (11-3, 1-0), which has won eight of its last nine games. Cam Carter chipped in 12 points and blocked three shots. Perry and Carter combined for 11 of the Wildcats' 18 assists. Will McNair Jr. scored 11 points.

Darius Johnson scored 10 points for UCF (9-4, 0-1), which shot 34% (22 of 65) from the floor and missed 16 of 21 3-point attempts.

Kansas State scored the first 10 points of the game and led 35-19 at the break. Kaluma scored 11 first-half points and Perry chipped in eight. Perry hit a pair of 3-pointers during a 13-0 run later in the second half that stretched the Wildcats' lead to 60-25 with 12 minutes left. It was their largest of the game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704599119944.jpeg" alt="Kansas State guard Dorian Finister (3) drives to the basket in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Central Florida Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, in Manhattan, Kan. (KSU Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State guard Dorian Finister (3) drives to the basket in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Central Florida Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, in Manhattan, Kan. (KSU Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Associated PressMANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Tylor Perry scored 25 points and Kansas State beat UCF 77-52 on Saturday night in the Knights' inaugural game as a Big 12 Conference member.Perry was 7 of 13 from the floor and made six 3-pointers and all five of his free throws. Arthur Kaluma added 14 points for Kansas State (11-3, 1-0), which has won eight of its last nine games. Cam Carter chipped in 12 points and blocked three shots. Perry and Carter combined for 11 of the Wildcats' 18 assists. Will McNair Jr. scored 11 points.Darius Johnson scored 10 points for UCF (9-4, 0-1), which shot 34% (22 of 65) from the floor and missed 16 of 21 3-point attempts.Kansas State scored the first 10 points of the game and led 35-19 at the break. Kaluma scored 11 first-half points and Perry chipped in eight. Perry hit a pair of 3-pointers during a 13-0 run later in the second half that stretched the Wildcats' lead to 60-25 with 12 minutes left. It was their largest of the game.Kansas State plays at West Virginia on Tuesday.UCF hosts second-ranked Kansas on Wednesday.