MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;— Former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard will transfer to the University of Southern California, and become the starting quarterback for the Trojans.

Howard entered the transfer portal on December 4, and visited the USC campus recently.&nbsp;

Howard threw for 2,643 yards with 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions over a 12-game span for the Wildcats this fall. He completed just over 61 percent of his passes.

He will play for head coach Lincoln Riley, who has a proven track record with quarterbacks. Riley was the head coach at Oklahoma from 2017-21, and would have coached against Howard during the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/eagle-media-broadcast-calendar" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the EAGLE Media Sports Broadcast Calendar. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697944013214.jpeg" alt="Kansas State quarterback Will Howard passes under pressure from TCU linebacker Namdi Obiazor (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State quarterback Will Howard passes under pressure from TCU linebacker Namdi Obiazor (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;— Former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard will transfer to the University of Southern California, and become the starting quarterback for the Trojans.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 | BREAKING: Kansas State QB Will Howard will be transferring to USC Howard started all 12 games for KSU this past season, throwing for 2,600 yards with 24 TDs-10 INTs Player announcement soon, Trojans found their QB1! (Via <a href="https://twitter.com/247Sports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@247Sports</a>) (📸 | <a href="https://twitter.com/kansasdotcom?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kansasdotcom</a>, The Wichita Eagle) <a href="https://t.co/hQylKMPJV4">pic.twitter.com/hQylKMPJV4</a>&mdash; Blue Bloods Bias (@bluebloodsbias) <a href="https://twitter.com/bluebloodsbias/status/1736752425568981052?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Howard entered the transfer portal on December 4, and visited the USC campus recently.&nbsp;Howard threw for 2,643 yards with 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions over a 12-game span for the Wildcats this fall. He completed just over 61 percent of his passes.He will play for head coach Lincoln Riley, who has a proven track record with quarterbacks. Riley was the head coach at Oklahoma from 2017-21, and would have coached against Howard during the 2020 and 2021 seasons.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/eagle-media-broadcast-calendar" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the EAGLE Media Sports Broadcast Calendar. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 K-State's Howard will transfer to USC

Courtesy of the Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs will begin selling tickets to a potential AFC Divisional home game for the 2023 Playoffs presented by Hy-Vee beginning Wednesday.

Single-game tickets for a potential AFC Divisional home game will go on sale to the public at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 20. Single-game tickets for a potential AFC Wild Card home game are currently on sale. All tickets will be sold online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chiefs.com/tickets/">www.chiefs.com/tickets/</a>.

In continuation of the club's long-standing policy that honors the commitment of the residents of Jackson County, Missouri, Jackson County taxpayers will have a presale opportunity to purchase single-game postseason tickets from 8 to 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 20. The Jackson County taxpayer presale will take place online only and purchasers must use a credit card with a billing zip code within Jackson County to participate.

Chiefs Season Ticket Members have been provided an opportunity to opt-in to their playoff tickets on a pay-as-we-play basis, with accounts only being charged once each home postseason game is confirmed. Season Ticket Members will have an exclusive opportunity to purchase additional single-game tickets beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 20. Information on how to participate will be communicated directly to Season Ticket Members via email.

Non-Season Ticket Members interested in securing tickets for all potential home playoff games can do so through a new season ticket purchase, available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chiefs.com/tickets/">www.chiefs.com/tickets/</a>. A deposit for 2024 Season Ticket Membership will secure exclusive STM pricing for the 2023 postseason on a pay-as-we-play basis.

All ticket delivery will be mobile only and the ticket office will not be open for any walk-up sales for postseason tickets.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669408667473.png" alt="A red-clad crowd packs Arrowhead Stadium to watch the Kansas City Chiefs play (Eric Thomas/Kansas Reflector)." />
 <figcaption>A red-clad crowd packs Arrowhead Stadium to watch the Kansas City Chiefs play (Eric Thomas/Kansas Reflector).</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of the Kansas City ChiefsThe Kansas City Chiefs will begin selling tickets to a potential AFC Divisional home game for the 2023 Playoffs presented by Hy-Vee beginning Wednesday.Single-game tickets for a potential AFC Divisional home game will go on sale to the public at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 20. Single-game tickets for a potential AFC Wild Card home game are currently on sale. All tickets will be sold online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chiefs.com/tickets/">www.chiefs.com/tickets/</a>.In continuation of the club's long-standing policy that honors the commitment of the residents of Jackson County, Missouri, Jackson County taxpayers will have a presale opportunity to purchase single-game postseason tickets from 8 to 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 20. The Jackson County taxpayer presale will take place online only and purchasers must use a credit card with a billing zip code within Jackson County to participate.Chiefs Season Ticket Members have been provided an opportunity to opt-in to their playoff tickets on a pay-as-we-play basis, with accounts only being charged once each home postseason game is confirmed. Season Ticket Members will have an exclusive opportunity to purchase additional single-game tickets beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 20. Information on how to participate will be communicated directly to Season Ticket Members via email.Non-Season Ticket Members interested in securing tickets for all potential home playoff games can do so through a new season ticket purchase, available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chiefs.com/tickets/">www.chiefs.com/tickets/</a>. A deposit for 2024 Season Ticket Membership will secure exclusive STM pricing for the 2023 postseason on a pay-as-we-play basis.All ticket delivery will be mobile only and the ticket office will not be open for any walk-up sales for postseason tickets.2023 NFL Postseason Game Schedule<ul>
 <li>Super Wild Card Weekend – Saturday, Jan. 13 – Monday, Jan. 15, 2024</li><li>Divisional Weekend – Saturday, Jan. 20 – Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024</li><li>AFC/NFC Championship Games – Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024</li>
 </ul>

🏈 Tickets for Chiefs potential AFC Divisional Game go on sale this week

WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;— The Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame has announced its newest Hall of Fame class, which will be inducted on January 27, 2024 at the LaVela in Wichita. For more information on purchasing tickets for the event, <a href="https://ksbaseballhof.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2024-Flyer.pdf">click here</a>.

Hutchinson native, Haven High School graduate and former HutchCC Blue Dragon, Andy Dirks will be inducted in the class of 2024.

The class of 2024 features Andy Dirks, Aaron Crow, Ron Gardenhire, Braden Looper, Ted Power, Ronn Reynolds, Joe Ruocco, and the 1887 Topeka Golden Giants.

Information below courtesy of the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame

ANDY DIRKS Born in Hutchinson, Andy Dirks graduated from Haven High School in 2004 after lettering four years each in football, basketball and baseball.&nbsp; He was all-state in baseball three times and was named the Male Athlete of the Year by the&nbsp;Hutchinson News&nbsp;in 2004.

Dirks went on to play at Hutchinson Community College for two seasons, then Wichita State.&nbsp; At WSU, he hit .354 over two seasons and twice received the team’s Charlie Hustle Award.&nbsp; In his senior season, Dirks hit .388 with a thirty-game hitting streak.&nbsp; His on base percentage was .498 and he slugged .697.&nbsp; Dirks was named the Shockers’ Most Valuable Player and Most Inspirational Player, in addition to being named third team All-American by the American Baseball Coaches Association.

Selected in the eighth round of the 2008 MLB draft by Detroit, Dirks made his major league debut with the Tigers in May of 2011.&nbsp; He appeared in 78 games for the American League Central champions, hitting .251 with seven home runs as a rookie.

In 2013, Dirks was the Tigers’ regular leftfielder, hitting .256 with nine home runs and was a finalist for a Gold Glove award.&nbsp; He missed the entire 2014 season after back surgery.&nbsp; A second back surgery in 2015 ended his playing career.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dirks and his family live in the Detroit area where he is a real estate broker and part-time member of the Tigers broadcast team.

AARON CROW Aaron Crow was born in Topeka, grew up in nearby Wakarusa and graduated from Topeka’s Washburn Rural High School in 2005.&nbsp; He went on to pitch at the University of Missouri, where he went 23-8 in three years and was Big 12 Pitcher of the Year in 2008.

Following his junior season, Crow was drafted ninth overall by Washington.&nbsp; He did not sign with the Nationals and pitched for the independent Fort Worth Cats in 2009.&nbsp; He was again drafted in the first round, this time by Kansas City with the twelfth overall pick.

Crow made the Royals roster as a reliever in 2011 and was selected to the American League All-Star team.&nbsp; Between 2011-2014, Crow was a workhorse out of the Royals bullpen, appearing in 254 games from 2011-2014.&nbsp; He was 20-11 with a 3.43 earned run average, striking out 208 hitters in 233 innings.

Following the 2014 season, Crow was traded to Miami for former Wichita State pitcher Brian Flynn.&nbsp; Before the 2015 season, Crow hurt his arm and had Tommy John surgery.&nbsp; He would pitch only three innings of professional ball in 2016-17.&nbsp; Unable to regain his full velocity, Crow’s final season was with the Acereros de Monclova&nbsp;of the&nbsp;Mexican Baseball League in 2018.

RON GARDENHIRE While playing for Wichita Coors in the summers of 1977 and 1978, Ron Gardenhire played in the NBC World Series and met his future wife at Pogos, a legendary Wichita disco.&nbsp; The couple made their home in Wichita for several years.

Born on an Army base in West Germany, Gardenhire played high school baseball in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.&nbsp; Recruited by Wichita State, Gardenhire instead played collegiately at the University of Texas.

He was a sixth-round draft pick of the New York Mets in 1979 and played five seasons for them.&nbsp; A middle infielder, Gardenhire was the Mets’ starting shortstop in 1982 in which he hit .240 with three home runs.

After his playing career ended in 1985, Gardenhire managed teams in Minnesota’s minor league system.&nbsp; He was promoted to become the Twins’ third base coach in 1991, the same year in which the Twins won the World Series.

After 11 seasons as a coach, Gardenhire succeeded Tom Kelly as manager.&nbsp; The Twins won 90+ games in four of Gardenhire’s first five seasons.&nbsp; All told, he led the Twins to six American League Central titles and 1,039 wins in 13 seasons, ending in 2014.&nbsp; He was named American League manager of the year in 2010 and was runner-up five times for the award.

In 2017, Gardenhire served as bench coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks.&nbsp; During that season, he battled prostate cancer and was given a clean bill of health.

The following year, Gardenhire took over as manager in Detroit.&nbsp; He led the Tigers for three seasons, retiring with 1,280 career managerial wins.

Gardenhire and his wife, Carol, make their home in Florida.

BRADEN LOOPER After a promising freshman year at Wichita State, Braden Looper became a dominant relief pitcher as a sophomore, saving thirteen games with a 1.77 earned run average.

A preseason All-American as a junior, Looper lived up to the billing, recording twelve saves with a 2.09 ERA on a Shocker team that made the College World Series field.&nbsp; Looper was a consensus All-American and pitched for the bronze medal-winning Team USA in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

Drafted third overall by St. Louis, Looper signed with the Cardinals after his junior year.&nbsp; He made his major league debut in 1998 but was traded to Florida after just one season.

Looper quickly established himself in the Marlins’ bullpen, appearing in 70+ games for five straight seasons.&nbsp; He assumed the closer role in 2002 and had 28 saves for the World Series Champions in 2003.

In 2004, Looper signed with the New York Mets and saved 29 games in his first season, followed by 28 saves in 2005.

In 2006, he went back to the Cardinals as a set-up man.&nbsp; In 2007, he became a starter for the first time in his career.&nbsp; He started 30 games, posting a 12-12 record with a 4.94 ERA.&nbsp; He again won twelve games in 2008, then fourteen games in his final season, pitching for Milwaukee.

In twelve major league seasons, Looper appeared in 670 games, winning 72 and saving 103.

Originally from Mangum, Oklahoma, Looper and his family make their home in Chicago.

TED POWER Ted Power graduated from Abilene High School, which did not field a baseball team while he was in school.&nbsp; Still, Power went on to set strikeout records at Kansas State University and pitched thirteen years in the major leagues.

Power joined the K-State rotation as a freshman, starting nine games and striking out 48 in 43 innings of work.&nbsp; The 1974 Wildcats won 31 games and were runners-up in the Big 8, their highest conference finish until the 2013 team won the Big 12.&nbsp; Besides Power, the 1974 team had future big league pitcher Andy Replogle and future College Basketball Hall of Fame coach Lon Kruger.

After arm injuries limited his sophomore year, Power won six games the next season&nbsp; with a 2.34 earned run average.&nbsp; He struck out a then-season record 99 batters, including a still-standing record 19 against Wayne State.&nbsp; Power was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fifth round of the 1976 MLB draft.

Power broke in with the Dodgers in 1981 and was traded to Cincinnati following the 1982 season.&nbsp; He pitched out of the Reds bullpen and led the National League in appearances in 1984 with 78.&nbsp; In 1985, he saved 27 games.&nbsp; In 1986 and 1987, Power moved to the rotation and won ten games each season.

Following the 1987 season, Power was traded to Kansas City, along with Kurt Stilwell in return for Danny Jackson and Angel Salazar.&nbsp; He was a reliever and spot starter for one season for the Royals and pitched for six teams in seven years.&nbsp; Power pitched in the National League Championship Series for Pittsburgh, starting game six.

Over thirteen major league seasons, Power won 69 games.&nbsp; For nearly two decades, he served as a minor and major league coach for Cincinnati.&nbsp; In 2023, he was the pitching coach for the collegiate summer league Bristol (VA) State Liners.

In 2000, Power was named to the K-State All-Century baseball team.

RONN REYNOLDS Born in Wichita, Ronn Reynolds caught and led Southeast High School to a state championship in 1976.&nbsp; From there, he attended Garden City Community College on a football scholarship and would later become the first Broncbuster to play in the major leagues.

After Garden City, Reynolds went to Arkansas and led the Razorbacks to a runner-up finish in their first-ever College World Series.&nbsp; On a team that included future major leaguers Kevin McReynolds and Johnny Ray, Reynolds hit .347, was named all-Southwest Conference and All-American.&nbsp; He was drafted by Oakland in the fifth round but elected to return to Arkansas for his senior season.

After his senior year, Reynolds was again drafted in the fifth round, this time by the New York Mets.&nbsp; He signed with the Mets and made his major league debut with them in 1982.&nbsp; Reynolds served as a back-up to John Stearns and, later, Hall of Fame member Gary Carter.

While with the Mets, Reynolds took part of one of the most famous and elaborate pranks in sports history.&nbsp; In George Plimpton’s&nbsp;Sports Illustrated&nbsp;story on April 1, 1985, Reynolds is quoted and pictured with his hand in pain from catching the 168-mph fastball of Sidd Finch.&nbsp; Finch was concocted by Plimpton as an April Fool’s joke.

Reynolds played for Philadelphia, Houston and San Diego over the final three seasons of his career.&nbsp; In all, he played in 143 games over six major league seasons.

Reynolds began working in the construction industry following his baseball career.&nbsp; He held project manager and business development positions with Key Construction in Wichita.

JOE RUOCCO There is hardly a sports fan who grew up in Wichita in the past 40 years who hasn’t visited – and delighted in – Rock’s Dugout and its owner, Joe Ruocco.

Ruocco grew up in The Bronx as a Yankees fan collecting baseball cards.&nbsp; He left New York to attend college at St. Mary’s of the Plains in Dodge City.&nbsp; He planned to return to New York but was offered a job while student teaching in Wichita.&nbsp; Ruocco taught elementary school in Wichita from 1969 until he retired in 2003.

In 1977, Ruocco, a lifelong bowler, opened Rock’s Dugout in the basement of Rose Bowl East in Wichita.&nbsp; His original inventory was his own personal collection.

In 2003, Rose Bowl East closed so Rock’s Dugout moved to another bowling alley, Northrock Lanes.&nbsp; Like its predecessor, Rock’s Dugout has bats, balls and sports gear hanging from the ceiling.&nbsp; Memorabilia adorns every wall with one wall dominated by a photo collage that once hung in Yankee Stadium.&nbsp; And, most of all, there are hundreds of thousands of sports cards.

Known for his honesty and integrity, Ruocco regularly hosts card and memorabilia shows.&nbsp; He hired national sports figures – like Stan Musial, Phil Rizzuto and both Bobby Thomson and Ralph Branca – to come to Wichita to sign autographs.

In 2022, Ruocco retired a second time, this time from Rock’s Dugout after 45 years of business.&nbsp; He sold Rock’s Dugout to a long-time customer, so it continues to be the oldest-running card shop in Kansas.

Ruocco and his wife, Cathy, live in Wichita.

1887 TOPEKA GOLDEN GIANTS Led by a remarkable ten future major league players, the Topeka Golden Giants dominated the Western League in 1887.&nbsp; The Golden Giants finished with a 90-25 (.785) record, easily finishing 15 games ahead of the Lincoln Tree-Planters.

They also beat the defending World Series champion St. Louis Browns, 12-9, in an exhibition game.

In Western League play, the team batting average was .390, led by Jimmy Macullar’s league-leading .464 and Dan Stearns’ .438.&nbsp; Stearns led the team in hits and runs.&nbsp; Outfielder Bug Holliday hit 16 home runs to lead the league.

Pitcher Tom Sullivan led the Western Association with 36 wins.

Besides Macullar, Stearns, Holliday and Sullivan, major league players from that team were player-manager Walt Goldsby, Joe “Old Hoss” Ardner, Jim Conway, Perry Werden, Joe Gunson and Buster Hoover.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702915411200.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;— The Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame has announced its newest Hall of Fame class, which will be inducted on January 27, 2024 at the LaVela in Wichita. For more information on purchasing tickets for the event, <a href="https://ksbaseballhof.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2024-Flyer.pdf">click here</a>.Hutchinson native, Haven High School graduate and former HutchCC Blue Dragon, Andy Dirks will be inducted in the class of 2024.The class of 2024 features Andy Dirks, Aaron Crow, Ron Gardenhire, Braden Looper, Ted Power, Ronn Reynolds, Joe Ruocco, and the 1887 Topeka Golden Giants.Information below courtesy of the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702916137260.jpeg" alt="Andy Dirks. Photo Courtesy Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame." />
 <figcaption>Andy Dirks. Photo Courtesy Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame.</figcaption>
 </figure>ANDY DIRKS Born in Hutchinson, Andy Dirks graduated from Haven High School in 2004 after lettering four years each in football, basketball and baseball.&nbsp; He was all-state in baseball three times and was named the Male Athlete of the Year by the&nbsp;Hutchinson News&nbsp;in 2004.Dirks went on to play at Hutchinson Community College for two seasons, then Wichita State.&nbsp; At WSU, he hit .354 over two seasons and twice received the team’s Charlie Hustle Award.&nbsp; In his senior season, Dirks hit .388 with a thirty-game hitting streak.&nbsp; His on base percentage was .498 and he slugged .697.&nbsp; Dirks was named the Shockers’ Most Valuable Player and Most Inspirational Player, in addition to being named third team All-American by the American Baseball Coaches Association.Selected in the eighth round of the 2008 MLB draft by Detroit, Dirks made his major league debut with the Tigers in May of 2011.&nbsp; He appeared in 78 games for the American League Central champions, hitting .251 with seven home runs as a rookie.In 2013, Dirks was the Tigers’ regular leftfielder, hitting .256 with nine home runs and was a finalist for a Gold Glove award.&nbsp; He missed the entire 2014 season after back surgery.&nbsp; A second back surgery in 2015 ended his playing career.&nbsp;&nbsp;Dirks and his family live in the Detroit area where he is a real estate broker and part-time member of the Tigers broadcast team.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702916163354.jpeg" alt="Aaron Crow. Photo Courtesy Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame." />
 <figcaption>Aaron Crow. Photo Courtesy Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame.</figcaption>
 </figure>AARON CROW Aaron Crow was born in Topeka, grew up in nearby Wakarusa and graduated from Topeka’s Washburn Rural High School in 2005.&nbsp; He went on to pitch at the University of Missouri, where he went 23-8 in three years and was Big 12 Pitcher of the Year in 2008.Following his junior season, Crow was drafted ninth overall by Washington.&nbsp; He did not sign with the Nationals and pitched for the independent Fort Worth Cats in 2009.&nbsp; He was again drafted in the first round, this time by Kansas City with the twelfth overall pick.Crow made the Royals roster as a reliever in 2011 and was selected to the American League All-Star team.&nbsp; Between 2011-2014, Crow was a workhorse out of the Royals bullpen, appearing in 254 games from 2011-2014.&nbsp; He was 20-11 with a 3.43 earned run average, striking out 208 hitters in 233 innings.Following the 2014 season, Crow was traded to Miami for former Wichita State pitcher Brian Flynn.&nbsp; Before the 2015 season, Crow hurt his arm and had Tommy John surgery.&nbsp; He would pitch only three innings of professional ball in 2016-17.&nbsp; Unable to regain his full velocity, Crow’s final season was with the Acereros de Monclova&nbsp;of the&nbsp;Mexican Baseball League in 2018.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702916191787.jpeg" alt="Ron Gardenhire. Photo Courtesy Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame." />
 <figcaption>Ron Gardenhire. Photo Courtesy Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame.</figcaption>
 </figure>RON GARDENHIRE While playing for Wichita Coors in the summers of 1977 and 1978, Ron Gardenhire played in the NBC World Series and met his future wife at Pogos, a legendary Wichita disco.&nbsp; The couple made their home in Wichita for several years.Born on an Army base in West Germany, Gardenhire played high school baseball in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.&nbsp; Recruited by Wichita State, Gardenhire instead played collegiately at the University of Texas.He was a sixth-round draft pick of the New York Mets in 1979 and played five seasons for them.&nbsp; A middle infielder, Gardenhire was the Mets’ starting shortstop in 1982 in which he hit .240 with three home runs.After his playing career ended in 1985, Gardenhire managed teams in Minnesota’s minor league system.&nbsp; He was promoted to become the Twins’ third base coach in 1991, the same year in which the Twins won the World Series.After 11 seasons as a coach, Gardenhire succeeded Tom Kelly as manager.&nbsp; The Twins won 90+ games in four of Gardenhire’s first five seasons.&nbsp; All told, he led the Twins to six American League Central titles and 1,039 wins in 13 seasons, ending in 2014.&nbsp; He was named American League manager of the year in 2010 and was runner-up five times for the award.In 2017, Gardenhire served as bench coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks.&nbsp; During that season, he battled prostate cancer and was given a clean bill of health.The following year, Gardenhire took over as manager in Detroit.&nbsp; He led the Tigers for three seasons, retiring with 1,280 career managerial wins.Gardenhire and his wife, Carol, make their home in Florida.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702916213400.jpeg" alt="Braden Looper. Photo Courtesy Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame." />
 <figcaption>Braden Looper. Photo Courtesy Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame.</figcaption>
 </figure>BRADEN LOOPER After a promising freshman year at Wichita State, Braden Looper became a dominant relief pitcher as a sophomore, saving thirteen games with a 1.77 earned run average.A preseason All-American as a junior, Looper lived up to the billing, recording twelve saves with a 2.09 ERA on a Shocker team that made the College World Series field.&nbsp; Looper was a consensus All-American and pitched for the bronze medal-winning Team USA in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.Drafted third overall by St. Louis, Looper signed with the Cardinals after his junior year.&nbsp; He made his major league debut in 1998 but was traded to Florida after just one season.Looper quickly established himself in the Marlins’ bullpen, appearing in 70+ games for five straight seasons.&nbsp; He assumed the closer role in 2002 and had 28 saves for the World Series Champions in 2003.In 2004, Looper signed with the New York Mets and saved 29 games in his first season, followed by 28 saves in 2005.In 2006, he went back to the Cardinals as a set-up man.&nbsp; In 2007, he became a starter for the first time in his career.&nbsp; He started 30 games, posting a 12-12 record with a 4.94 ERA.&nbsp; He again won twelve games in 2008, then fourteen games in his final season, pitching for Milwaukee.In twelve major league seasons, Looper appeared in 670 games, winning 72 and saving 103.Originally from Mangum, Oklahoma, Looper and his family make their home in Chicago.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702916237941.jpeg" alt="Ted Power. Photo Courtesy Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame." />
 <figcaption>Ted Power. Photo Courtesy Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame.</figcaption>
 </figure>TED POWER Ted Power graduated from Abilene High School, which did not field a baseball team while he was in school.&nbsp; Still, Power went on to set strikeout records at Kansas State University and pitched thirteen years in the major leagues.Power joined the K-State rotation as a freshman, starting nine games and striking out 48 in 43 innings of work.&nbsp; The 1974 Wildcats won 31 games and were runners-up in the Big 8, their highest conference finish until the 2013 team won the Big 12.&nbsp; Besides Power, the 1974 team had future big league pitcher Andy Replogle and future College Basketball Hall of Fame coach Lon Kruger.After arm injuries limited his sophomore year, Power won six games the next season&nbsp; with a 2.34 earned run average.&nbsp; He struck out a then-season record 99 batters, including a still-standing record 19 against Wayne State.&nbsp; Power was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fifth round of the 1976 MLB draft.Power broke in with the Dodgers in 1981 and was traded to Cincinnati following the 1982 season.&nbsp; He pitched out of the Reds bullpen and led the National League in appearances in 1984 with 78.&nbsp; In 1985, he saved 27 games.&nbsp; In 1986 and 1987, Power moved to the rotation and won ten games each season.Following the 1987 season, Power was traded to Kansas City, along with Kurt Stilwell in return for Danny Jackson and Angel Salazar.&nbsp; He was a reliever and spot starter for one season for the Royals and pitched for six teams in seven years.&nbsp; Power pitched in the National League Championship Series for Pittsburgh, starting game six.Over thirteen major league seasons, Power won 69 games.&nbsp; For nearly two decades, he served as a minor and major league coach for Cincinnati.&nbsp; In 2023, he was the pitching coach for the collegiate summer league Bristol (VA) State Liners.In 2000, Power was named to the K-State All-Century baseball team.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702916258472.jpeg" alt="Ronn Reynolds. Photo Courtesy Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame." />
 <figcaption>Ronn Reynolds. Photo Courtesy Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame.</figcaption>
 </figure>RONN REYNOLDS Born in Wichita, Ronn Reynolds caught and led Southeast High School to a state championship in 1976.&nbsp; From there, he attended Garden City Community College on a football scholarship and would later become the first Broncbuster to play in the major leagues.After Garden City, Reynolds went to Arkansas and led the Razorbacks to a runner-up finish in their first-ever College World Series.&nbsp; On a team that included future major leaguers Kevin McReynolds and Johnny Ray, Reynolds hit .347, was named all-Southwest Conference and All-American.&nbsp; He was drafted by Oakland in the fifth round but elected to return to Arkansas for his senior season.After his senior year, Reynolds was again drafted in the fifth round, this time by the New York Mets.&nbsp; He signed with the Mets and made his major league debut with them in 1982.&nbsp; Reynolds served as a back-up to John Stearns and, later, Hall of Fame member Gary Carter.While with the Mets, Reynolds took part of one of the most famous and elaborate pranks in sports history.&nbsp; In George Plimpton’s&nbsp;Sports Illustrated&nbsp;story on April 1, 1985, Reynolds is quoted and pictured with his hand in pain from catching the 168-mph fastball of Sidd Finch.&nbsp; Finch was concocted by Plimpton as an April Fool’s joke.Reynolds played for Philadelphia, Houston and San Diego over the final three seasons of his career.&nbsp; In all, he played in 143 games over six major league seasons.Reynolds began working in the construction industry following his baseball career.&nbsp; He held project manager and business development positions with Key Construction in Wichita.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702916279798.jpeg" alt="Joe Ruocco. Photo Courtesy Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame." />
 <figcaption>Joe Ruocco. Photo Courtesy Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOE RUOCCO There is hardly a sports fan who grew up in Wichita in the past 40 years who hasn’t visited – and delighted in – Rock’s Dugout and its owner, Joe Ruocco.Ruocco grew up in The Bronx as a Yankees fan collecting baseball cards.&nbsp; He left New York to attend college at St. Mary’s of the Plains in Dodge City.&nbsp; He planned to return to New York but was offered a job while student teaching in Wichita.&nbsp; Ruocco taught elementary school in Wichita from 1969 until he retired in 2003.In 1977, Ruocco, a lifelong bowler, opened Rock’s Dugout in the basement of Rose Bowl East in Wichita.&nbsp; His original inventory was his own personal collection.In 2003, Rose Bowl East closed so Rock’s Dugout moved to another bowling alley, Northrock Lanes.&nbsp; Like its predecessor, Rock’s Dugout has bats, balls and sports gear hanging from the ceiling.&nbsp; Memorabilia adorns every wall with one wall dominated by a photo collage that once hung in Yankee Stadium.&nbsp; And, most of all, there are hundreds of thousands of sports cards.Known for his honesty and integrity, Ruocco regularly hosts card and memorabilia shows.&nbsp; He hired national sports figures – like Stan Musial, Phil Rizzuto and both Bobby Thomson and Ralph Branca – to come to Wichita to sign autographs.In 2022, Ruocco retired a second time, this time from Rock’s Dugout after 45 years of business.&nbsp; He sold Rock’s Dugout to a long-time customer, so it continues to be the oldest-running card shop in Kansas.Ruocco and his wife, Cathy, live in Wichita.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702916300338.jpeg" alt="1887 Topeka Golden Giants. Photo Courtesy Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame." />
 <figcaption>1887 Topeka Golden Giants. Photo Courtesy Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame.</figcaption>
 </figure>1887 TOPEKA GOLDEN GIANTS Led by a remarkable ten future major league players, the Topeka Golden Giants dominated the Western League in 1887.&nbsp; The Golden Giants finished with a 90-25 (.785) record, easily finishing 15 games ahead of the Lincoln Tree-Planters.They also beat the defending World Series champion St. Louis Browns, 12-9, in an exhibition game.In Western League play, the team batting average was .390, led by Jimmy Macullar’s league-leading .464 and Dan Stearns’ .438.&nbsp; Stearns led the team in hits and runs.&nbsp; Outfielder Bug Holliday hit 16 home runs to lead the league.Pitcher Tom Sullivan led the Western Association with 36 wins.Besides Macullar, Stearns, Holliday and Sullivan, major league players from that team were player-manager Walt Goldsby, Joe “Old Hoss” Ardner, Jim Conway, Perry Werden, Joe Gunson and Buster Hoover.

⚾ Former Haven Wildcat, HutchCC Blue Dragon to be inducted into KS Baseball HOF

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Monday Morning, December 18th, 2023." />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Monday Morning, December 18th, 2023.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="December 18th, 2023 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=krqb8-152aed6-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: 🏈 Chiefs snap losing streak; 🏈 SNF Ravens roll; 🏀 K-State drops game to Nebraska

AP Sports Summary for December 18th, 2023.

Ravens beat mistake-prone Jaguars 23-7 for 4th consecutive victory and clinch AFC playoff spot

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Lamar Jackson threw a touchdown pass and made the play of night when he avoided a sack and threw to Isaiah Likely near the goal line, and the Baltimore Ravens clinched a postseason berth with a 23-7 victory at Jacksonville. The Ravens won their fourth in a row and moved a step closer to securing the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. The Jaguars lost their third straight — all against AFC North teams — and are now tied with Houston and Indianapolis atop the AFC South. Self-inflicted mistakes were a common thread in Jacksonville's skid.

James Cook leads dominant rushing attack as Bills trample Cowboys 31-10

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — James Cook had a career-best 179 yards rushing and scored twice as Buffalo dominated on the ground, and the Bills beat Dallas 31-10, ending the Cowboys' five-game winning streak. Josh Allen threw for just 94 yards for the Bills, who won consecutive games for the first time since a three-game winning streak ended on Oct. 1. Buffalo gained ground in the AFC playoff race, moving one game ahead of Denver and Pittsburgh. The Cowboys clinched their third playoff berth before kickoff thanks to other results around the league. But nothing else went right for Dallas. The Bills rushed for 266 yards and had 28 first downs to the Cowboys' 14.

That's a wrap: Bryant Gumbel and HBO's 'Real Sports' air their last episode after 29 years

NEW YORK (AP) — Bryant Gumbel's "Real Sports" airs its final episode on HBO after 29 years this week, and an era in sports journalism ends with it. The newsmagazine used sports as a lens to look through all manners of social issues, and won awards for stories on concussions, camel jockeys and labor abuses in Qatar. For its last few years of operation, it taped episodes on the same Manhattan block that houses the offices of CBS' "60 Minutes," with which it shares a sensibility. At age 75, Gumbel takes pride in never having missed a taping and, like many athletes, he said he'd rather leave the field too early than too late.

McCaffrey scores 3 TDs and 49ers clinch NFC West with 45-29 rout of Cardinals for 6th straight win

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Christian McCaffrey scored three touchdowns, Charvarius Ward had two interceptions, including a pick-6, and the San Francisco 49ers clinched the NFC West while pushing their winning streak to six games with a 45-29 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Brock Purdy completed 16 of 25 passes for 242 yards and tied a career high with four touchdowns, shaking off a hard hit in the second quarter that caused him to miss a few plays. The 49ers have won all their games during the winning streak by at least 12 points. They have also won 12 straight against divisional opponents in the NFC West.

Eagles' Jalen Hurts questionable for Monday night vs Seahawks because of illness, AP source says

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is questionable for Monday night's game at Seattle because of an illness, a person familiar with his status told The Associated Press on Sunday. The person, speaking on condition of anonymity because the injury report hasn't been released yet, said Hurts will travel separately from the team. The Eagles have lost two straight games but would secure the NFC East title if they beat the Seahawks and win their final three games.

Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase day to day with shoulder injury. DT Reader and CB Ivey lost for the season

CINCINNATI (AP) — Bengals receiver Ja'Marr Chase is day to day with a shoulder injury suffered in Saturday's win over the Vikings. Coach Zac Taylor said Sunday that Chase has a sprained shoulder joint. The Bengals will be without defensive tackle DJ Reader and cornerback DJ Ivey for the rest of the season. Cincinnati will play at Pittsburgh on Saturday as both teams fight to stay in the playoff race. Bengals quarterback Jake Browning won his third consecutive start after being pushed into service when franchise quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a season-ending wrist injury Nov. 16.

Stephen Curry's 3-pointer streak ends at 268 games in Warriors' win in Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Stephen Curry's NBA-record 3-pointer streak ended at 268 games Sunday night in the Golden State Warriors' 118-114 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Curry was 0 for 8 from 3-point range, 2 for 12 overall and scored seven points. He began the streak Dec. 1, 2018, at Detroit. Curry, the NBA career leader who recently made his 3,500th 3-pointer, last went without one in a regular-season game on Nov. 8, 2018, when he went 0 for 4 against Milwaukee. He also owns the second-longest NBA streak at 157 games.

Antetokounmpo passes Abdul-Jabbar for Bucks' career rebounding record in victory over Rockets

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 26 points and 17 rebounds, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the Bucks' career rebounding leader, and Damian Lillard scored 39 points in Milwaukee's 128-119 victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday night. Antetokounmpo's highest rebounding total of the season allowed him to pass Abdul-Jabbar after he had already moved past the Hall of Famer for the team's scoring record. He is also the Bucks' career leader in assists, joining Michael Jordan (Chicago), LeBron James (Cleveland) and Kevin Garnett (Minnesota) as the only players to lead a franchise in all three categories.

Bernhard Langer and son win PNC Championship. Woods finishes hopeful for next year

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Bernhard Langer capped off a magical year by winning the PNC Championship for the fifth time with his son. Never mind the 30 mph wind. Langer and Jason Langer put together a 59 with 10 birdies on the opening 11 holes. They won by two shots over David Duval and his son. Tiger Woods and 14-year-old son Charlie tied for fifth after a 61. Charlie delivered a big moment when he chipped for birdie and Woods couldn't help but smile. The 66-year-old Langer earlier this year set the PGA Tour Champions record with his 46th win.

Former Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord commits to transfer to Syracuse and new coach Fran Brown

Quarterback Kyle McCord, who started every game this season for Ohio State, has announced he is transferring to Syracuse. McCord passed for 3,170 yards, 24 touchdowns and six interceptions in his third season at Ohio Sate, but first as a starter. He was a four-star recruit out of Philadelphia. McCord is the latest transfer addition for new Syracuse coach Fran Brown. The former Georgia assistant coach has also received transfer commits from former Bulldogs receivers Jackson Meeks and Zeed Haynes. Brown is a New Jersey native who previously worked at Temple and Rutgers before spending two seasons with Georgia.

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, December 18th, 2023." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Monday, December 18th, 2023.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="December 18th, 2023 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=krqb8-152aed6-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>AP Sports Summary for December 18th, 2023.Ravens beat mistake-prone Jaguars 23-7 for 4th consecutive victory and clinch AFC playoff spotJACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Lamar Jackson threw a touchdown pass and made the play of night when he avoided a sack and threw to Isaiah Likely near the goal line, and the Baltimore Ravens clinched a postseason berth with a 23-7 victory at Jacksonville. The Ravens won their fourth in a row and moved a step closer to securing the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. The Jaguars lost their third straight — all against AFC North teams — and are now tied with Houston and Indianapolis atop the AFC South. Self-inflicted mistakes were a common thread in Jacksonville's skid.James Cook leads dominant rushing attack as Bills trample Cowboys 31-10ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — James Cook had a career-best 179 yards rushing and scored twice as Buffalo dominated on the ground, and the Bills beat Dallas 31-10, ending the Cowboys' five-game winning streak. Josh Allen threw for just 94 yards for the Bills, who won consecutive games for the first time since a three-game winning streak ended on Oct. 1. Buffalo gained ground in the AFC playoff race, moving one game ahead of Denver and Pittsburgh. The Cowboys clinched their third playoff berth before kickoff thanks to other results around the league. But nothing else went right for Dallas. The Bills rushed for 266 yards and had 28 first downs to the Cowboys' 14.That's a wrap: Bryant Gumbel and HBO's 'Real Sports' air their last episode after 29 yearsNEW YORK (AP) — Bryant Gumbel's "Real Sports" airs its final episode on HBO after 29 years this week, and an era in sports journalism ends with it. The newsmagazine used sports as a lens to look through all manners of social issues, and won awards for stories on concussions, camel jockeys and labor abuses in Qatar. For its last few years of operation, it taped episodes on the same Manhattan block that houses the offices of CBS' "60 Minutes," with which it shares a sensibility. At age 75, Gumbel takes pride in never having missed a taping and, like many athletes, he said he'd rather leave the field too early than too late.McCaffrey scores 3 TDs and 49ers clinch NFC West with 45-29 rout of Cardinals for 6th straight winGLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Christian McCaffrey scored three touchdowns, Charvarius Ward had two interceptions, including a pick-6, and the San Francisco 49ers clinched the NFC West while pushing their winning streak to six games with a 45-29 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Brock Purdy completed 16 of 25 passes for 242 yards and tied a career high with four touchdowns, shaking off a hard hit in the second quarter that caused him to miss a few plays. The 49ers have won all their games during the winning streak by at least 12 points. They have also won 12 straight against divisional opponents in the NFC West.Eagles' Jalen Hurts questionable for Monday night vs Seahawks because of illness, AP source saysEagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is questionable for Monday night's game at Seattle because of an illness, a person familiar with his status told The Associated Press on Sunday. The person, speaking on condition of anonymity because the injury report hasn't been released yet, said Hurts will travel separately from the team. The Eagles have lost two straight games but would secure the NFC East title if they beat the Seahawks and win their final three games.Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase day to day with shoulder injury. DT Reader and CB Ivey lost for the seasonCINCINNATI (AP) — Bengals receiver Ja'Marr Chase is day to day with a shoulder injury suffered in Saturday's win over the Vikings. Coach Zac Taylor said Sunday that Chase has a sprained shoulder joint. The Bengals will be without defensive tackle DJ Reader and cornerback DJ Ivey for the rest of the season. Cincinnati will play at Pittsburgh on Saturday as both teams fight to stay in the playoff race. Bengals quarterback Jake Browning won his third consecutive start after being pushed into service when franchise quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a season-ending wrist injury Nov. 16.Stephen Curry's 3-pointer streak ends at 268 games in Warriors' win in PortlandPORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Stephen Curry's NBA-record 3-pointer streak ended at 268 games Sunday night in the Golden State Warriors' 118-114 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Curry was 0 for 8 from 3-point range, 2 for 12 overall and scored seven points. He began the streak Dec. 1, 2018, at Detroit. Curry, the NBA career leader who recently made his 3,500th 3-pointer, last went without one in a regular-season game on Nov. 8, 2018, when he went 0 for 4 against Milwaukee. He also owns the second-longest NBA streak at 157 games.Antetokounmpo passes Abdul-Jabbar for Bucks' career rebounding record in victory over RocketsMILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 26 points and 17 rebounds, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the Bucks' career rebounding leader, and Damian Lillard scored 39 points in Milwaukee's 128-119 victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday night. Antetokounmpo's highest rebounding total of the season allowed him to pass Abdul-Jabbar after he had already moved past the Hall of Famer for the team's scoring record. He is also the Bucks' career leader in assists, joining Michael Jordan (Chicago), LeBron James (Cleveland) and Kevin Garnett (Minnesota) as the only players to lead a franchise in all three categories.Bernhard Langer and son win PNC Championship. Woods finishes hopeful for next yearORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Bernhard Langer capped off a magical year by winning the PNC Championship for the fifth time with his son. Never mind the 30 mph wind. Langer and Jason Langer put together a 59 with 10 birdies on the opening 11 holes. They won by two shots over David Duval and his son. Tiger Woods and 14-year-old son Charlie tied for fifth after a 61. Charlie delivered a big moment when he chipped for birdie and Woods couldn't help but smile. The 66-year-old Langer earlier this year set the PGA Tour Champions record with his 46th win.Former Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord commits to transfer to Syracuse and new coach Fran BrownQuarterback Kyle McCord, who started every game this season for Ohio State, has announced he is transferring to Syracuse. McCord passed for 3,170 yards, 24 touchdowns and six interceptions in his third season at Ohio Sate, but first as a starter. He was a four-star recruit out of Philadelphia. McCord is the latest transfer addition for new Syracuse coach Fran Brown. The former Georgia assistant coach has also received transfer commits from former Bulldogs receivers Jackson Meeks and Zeed Haynes. Brown is a New Jersey native who previously worked at Temple and Rutgers before spending two seasons with Georgia.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Boston	114	Orlando	97	Final	New Orleans	146	San Antonio	110	Final	Milwaukee	128	Houston	119	Final	Phoenix	112	Washington	108	Final	Golden State	118	Portland	114	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal	Vancouver	4	Chicago	3	Final SO	Washington	2	Carolina	1	Final	Anaheim	5	New Jersey	1	Final	Colorado	6	San Jose	2	Final	Vegas	6	Ottawa	3	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUEFinal	Carolina	9	Atlanta	7	Final	Cleveland	20	Chicago	17	Final OT	Houston	19	Tennessee	16	Final	Kansas City	27	New England	17	Final	Miami	30	N-Y Jets	0	Final	New Orleans	24	N-Y Giants	6	Final	Tampa Bay	34	Green Bay	20	Final	L.A. Rams	28	Washington	20	Final	San Francisco	45	Arizona	29	Final	Buffalo	31	Dallas	10	Final	Baltimore	23	Jacksonville	7	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	(16)Illinois	74	Colgate	57	Final	(17)Colorado St.	86	CSU-Pueblo	54	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Chicago	at	Philadelphia	7 p.m.			Houston	at	Cleveland	7 p.m.			L.A. Clippers	at	Indiana	7 p.m.			Charlotte	at	Toronto	7:30 p.m.			Detroit	at	Atlanta	7:30 p.m.			Minnesota	at	Miami	7:30 p.m.			Memphis	at	Oklahoma City	8 p.m.			Brooklyn	at	Utah	9 p.m.			Dallas	at	Denver	9 p.m.			Washington	at	Sacramento	10 p.m.			New York	at	L.A. Lakers	10:30 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE		Anaheim	at	Detroit	7 p.m.			Minnesota	at	Pittsburgh	7 p.m.			Montreal	at	Winnipeg	7:30 p.m.			Seattle	at	Dallas	8 p.m.			Florida	at	Calgary	9:30 p.m.	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE		Philadelphia	at	Seattle	8:15 p.m.

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Monday

By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2023-24/newman/boxscore/12754">BOX SCORE</a>

WICHITA, Kan. - Traejon Davis scored a career-high 21 points and Kaleb Hammeke added a double-double but it couldn't overcome Newman's 12 three-pointers as the Jets defeated Fort Hays State 77-75 in overtime to Newman at Fugate Gymnasium Sunday afternoon.

Two of the Tigers (8-3, 3-2 MIAA) losses have come in overtime on the road. The loss also snapped the Tigers eight-game winning and was the Jets (6-5, 3-3 MIAA) first over FHSU in MIAA play.

Fort Hays State played the game short-handed with Conner Landell and Shaun Riley out for the game for a violation of team rules and Lucas Hammeke still in street clothes with a knee injury, but it didn't stop them from building&nbsp; a 12-point lead with a little over five and a half minutes to play in the first half, but the Jets closed the half on a 17-6 run to pull within one at 35-34.

A 10-2 Fort Hays State run&nbsp; pushed their lead to eight at 49-41 but Newman answered with a barrage of threes and used a 17-4 run to go up eight with just under six minutes to play.

The Tigers scored the next 10 points to go up 68-66. The Jets would score to tie the game and had a chance to win it in regulation but missed a corner three as time expired.

Fort Hays State opened the extra period on a 7-3 run to lead 75-71 with 1:20 to go, but a 3-point play from Newman's Stevie Strong&nbsp; and then a layup by Devin Walker&nbsp;pushed the Jets back in front. Walker then hit one of two free throws with three seconds left to give the Jets a 2-point lead. Kaleb Hammeke then missed a running 3-point try at the buzzer.

Davis hit three 3-pointers and led the Tigers with a career-high 21 points which came on the heals of a then career-best 17 points in Wednesday's win over Bethel College. &nbsp;Hammeke finished with 19 points and a team-high 13 rebounds. He also led the team with five assists. Jahiem Holden scored&nbsp;16 points.

Strong led the Jets with 25 points and hit five of their 12 threes. He also dished out a team-high eight assists. Thomas Zevgaras had a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds. The pair combined for over 50 percent of the scoring for Newman.

Fort Hays State returns to action after the holiday break at nationally ranked Central Oklahoma on Sunday, December 31 at 3:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702872037325.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State forard forward Traejon Davis (2) drives in for a layup in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Newman on Sunday, December 17, 2023 in Wichita, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett(" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State forard forward Traejon Davis (2) drives in for a layup in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Newman on Sunday, December 17, 2023 in Wichita, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett(</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2023-24/newman/boxscore/12754">BOX SCORE</a>WICHITA, Kan. - Traejon Davis scored a career-high 21 points and Kaleb Hammeke added a double-double but it couldn't overcome Newman's 12 three-pointers as the Jets defeated Fort Hays State 77-75 in overtime to Newman at Fugate Gymnasium Sunday afternoon.Two of the Tigers (8-3, 3-2 MIAA) losses have come in overtime on the road. The loss also snapped the Tigers eight-game winning and was the Jets (6-5, 3-3 MIAA) first over FHSU in MIAA play.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1692927879&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-mbkb-coach-johnson-interview-v-newman-12-17-23" title="Mark Johnson Postgame at Newman (Dec. 17, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Mark Johnson Postgame at Newman (Dec. 17, 2023)</a></div></div>Fort Hays State played the game short-handed with Conner Landell and Shaun Riley out for the game for a violation of team rules and Lucas Hammeke still in street clothes with a knee injury, but it didn't stop them from building&nbsp; a 12-point lead with a little over five and a half minutes to play in the first half, but the Jets closed the half on a 17-6 run to pull within one at 35-34.A 10-2 Fort Hays State run&nbsp; pushed their lead to eight at 49-41 but Newman answered with a barrage of threes and used a 17-4 run to go up eight with just under six minutes to play.The Tigers scored the next 10 points to go up 68-66. The Jets would score to tie the game and had a chance to win it in regulation but missed a corner three as time expired.Fort Hays State opened the extra period on a 7-3 run to lead 75-71 with 1:20 to go, but a 3-point play from Newman's Stevie Strong&nbsp; and then a layup by Devin Walker&nbsp;pushed the Jets back in front. Walker then hit one of two free throws with three seconds left to give the Jets a 2-point lead. Kaleb Hammeke then missed a running 3-point try at the buzzer.Davis hit three 3-pointers and led the Tigers with a career-high 21 points which came on the heals of a then career-best 17 points in Wednesday's win over Bethel College. &nbsp;Hammeke finished with 19 points and a team-high 13 rebounds. He also led the team with five assists. Jahiem Holden scored&nbsp;16 points.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1692926064&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-mbkb-vs-newman-12-17-23" title="Fort Hays State MBB Highlights at Newman (Dec. 17, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State MBB Highlights at Newman (Dec. 17, 2023)</a></div></div>Strong led the Jets with 25 points and hit five of their 12 threes. He also dished out a team-high eight assists. Thomas Zevgaras had a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds. The pair combined for over 50 percent of the scoring for Newman.UP NEXTFort Hays State returns to action after the holiday break at nationally ranked Central Oklahoma on Sunday, December 31 at 3:30 p.m.

🏀 Tiger men fall to Jets in overtime

By JIMMY GOLEN AP Sports Writer

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — This was a surprise look, even for the always unpredictable Patrick Mahomes.

The quarterback with a highlight reel full of left-handed throws, contortionist arm angles and no-look passes got down in a three-point stance in the single wing formation on Sunday to served as a decoy for running back Jerick McKinnon's touchdown pass.

“That was sweet,” said Mahomes, who guessed that hadn't lined up with his hand on the turf since running the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine before he was drafted seven years ago. “That play was awesome. That’s a hard team to score on in the red zone. One of the best.”

Mahomes passed for 305 yards and threw two TD passes of his own to help the defending Super Bowl champions snap a two-game losing streak, thrilling Chiefs superfan Taylor Swift and all the Swifties in New England with a 27-17 victory.

With the pop star in a luxury suite watching current beau Travis Kelce — and a whole bunch of her fans at the stadium just to see her — the Kansas City tight end caught five passes for 28 yards, but also had a potential touchdown bounce off his hands.

McKinnon also ran for a touchdown and Rashee Rice caught nine passes for 91 yards and one touchdown. Clyde Edwards-Helaire had a season-high 101 yards from scrimmage and leaped in the back of the end zone to bring down a high Mahomes TD pass as the Chiefs (9-5) opened a two-game lead in the AFC West over the Broncos, who lost on Saturday to Detroit.

“When you're as close as the AFC is right now, wins are hard to get. And they’re important,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said, noting that New England (3-11) has lost seven games by one score. “This Patriots team is so close. They’re doing a nice job with their defense. They’re salty.”

Bailey Zappe, making his third straight start in place of benched first-round draft pick Mac Jones, completed 23 of 31 passes for 180 yards for the Patriots. New England (3-11) lost for the sixth time in seven games and — with Carolina's victory — moved just one game back in the race for the No. 1 overall draft pick.

Flexed out of “Monday Night Football” because of their ineptitude — an NFL first — the Patriots seemed to have third billing on the day, behind Swift and her beau’s team, which has won two of the past four NFL titles and has all of the star power New England once claimed.

In what could be the penultimate home game of coach Bill Belichick’s tenure, the six-time Super Bowl champions took a 10-7 lead before allowing 20 straight points.

“It's wild to even think about. But I've got a feeling that guy still has some football left in him," Kelce said. I’ve got all the respect in the world for that guy. Every single time I go up against him, it’s the toughest job in the NFL, to go up against a Belichick defense."

Fans filed in carrying signs shouting out to Swift; others lined up along the ramps and walkways hoping she would pass by on her way to the luxury boxes. Kelce himself walked past a Swift poster commemorating top acts that have come to Gillette Stadium.

Swift, who is on a break from her Eras Tour, was shown on the scoreboard early in the second quarter, wearing a Chiefs knit cap and sweatshirt. The crowd shrieked; she stuck out her tongue playfully, waved and blew the fans a kiss.

The Chiefs (9-5) improved to 5-2 with Swift in attendance. The best the Patriots could offer was Belichick friend Jon Bon Jovi, who rang the lighthouse bell before the game and was greeted with tepid applause when he was shown on the scoreboard during the game.

Harrison Butker missed a 39-yard field goal on Kansas City’s opening drive, snapping a string of 61 straight made kicks that was one short of his own franchise record. New England’s Chad Ryland matched him, missing from 41 yards out on his first try.

On the next play, Mahomes connected with Edwards-Helaire for 48 yards to the New England 15. Two plays later, McKinnon took a direct snap and flipped it to Rashee Rice for the 4-yard touchdown pass.

Zappe completed a 16-yard touchdown to Hunter Henry, and New England capitalized on Mahomes' first interception for a field goal that made it 10-7 lead late in the second quarter. Mahomes hit McKinnon from 8 yards to give Kansas City the lead and converted from 29 yards to make it 17-10.

On the Patriots’ next play, Willie Gay intercepted Zappe and ran it back 24 yards to the New England 7. Two plays later, Mahomes lofted one to Edwards-Helaire in the back of the end zone to give the Chiefs a 24-10 lead.

Kansas City led 27-10 when Mahomes’ pass bounced off Kadarius Toney’s hands and was intercepted by Jahlani Tavai. Two plays later, Kevin Harris scampered 18 yards for the touchdown.

After the Chiefs were stopped, Ekow Boye-Doe downed Tommy Townsend's punt at the 1 inch-line. The Patriots could not make any progress, turning the ball over on downs at their 7 after Zappe's pass was incomplete on a fourth-and-4.

“That was pretty amazing. That was close,” Reid said. “I’ve never been that fast, but I know it’s tough to control.”

Chiefs WR Skyy Moore came out of the game with a swollen left knee. ... Patriots OL Cole Strange injured his knee early in the second quarter and was taken off on a cart. He was ruled out a few minutes later. … DB Jonathan Jones was announced with a knee injury at halftime. … OL Conor McDermott left the game with a head injury. … TE Hunter Henry left the game in the second half with a knee injury.

Chiefs: Host the Raiders on Christmas Day.

Patriots: Play Broncos in Denver on Sunday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702851920621.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) enters the end zone for a touchdown as wide receiver Justin Watson (84) celebrates during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) enters the end zone for a touchdown as wide receiver Justin Watson (84) celebrates during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JIMMY GOLEN AP Sports WriterFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — This was a surprise look, even for the always unpredictable Patrick Mahomes.The quarterback with a highlight reel full of left-handed throws, contortionist arm angles and no-look passes got down in a three-point stance in the single wing formation on Sunday to served as a decoy for running back Jerick McKinnon's touchdown pass.“That was sweet,” said Mahomes, who guessed that hadn't lined up with his hand on the turf since running the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine before he was drafted seven years ago. “That play was awesome. That’s a hard team to score on in the red zone. One of the best.”Mahomes passed for 305 yards and threw two TD passes of his own to help the defending Super Bowl champions snap a two-game losing streak, thrilling Chiefs superfan Taylor Swift and all the Swifties in New England with a 27-17 victory.With the pop star in a luxury suite watching current beau Travis Kelce — and a whole bunch of her fans at the stadium just to see her — the Kansas City tight end caught five passes for 28 yards, but also had a potential touchdown bounce off his hands.McKinnon also ran for a touchdown and Rashee Rice caught nine passes for 91 yards and one touchdown. Clyde Edwards-Helaire had a season-high 101 yards from scrimmage and leaped in the back of the end zone to bring down a high Mahomes TD pass as the Chiefs (9-5) opened a two-game lead in the AFC West over the Broncos, who lost on Saturday to Detroit.“When you're as close as the AFC is right now, wins are hard to get. And they’re important,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said, noting that New England (3-11) has lost seven games by one score. “This Patriots team is so close. They’re doing a nice job with their defense. They’re salty.”Bailey Zappe, making his third straight start in place of benched first-round draft pick Mac Jones, completed 23 of 31 passes for 180 yards for the Patriots. New England (3-11) lost for the sixth time in seven games and — with Carolina's victory — moved just one game back in the race for the No. 1 overall draft pick.Flexed out of “Monday Night Football” because of their ineptitude — an NFL first — the Patriots seemed to have third billing on the day, behind Swift and her beau’s team, which has won two of the past four NFL titles and has all of the star power New England once claimed.In what could be the penultimate home game of coach Bill Belichick’s tenure, the six-time Super Bowl champions took a 10-7 lead before allowing 20 straight points.“It's wild to even think about. But I've got a feeling that guy still has some football left in him," Kelce said. I’ve got all the respect in the world for that guy. Every single time I go up against him, it’s the toughest job in the NFL, to go up against a Belichick defense."Fans filed in carrying signs shouting out to Swift; others lined up along the ramps and walkways hoping she would pass by on her way to the luxury boxes. Kelce himself walked past a Swift poster commemorating top acts that have come to Gillette Stadium.Swift, who is on a break from her Eras Tour, was shown on the scoreboard early in the second quarter, wearing a Chiefs knit cap and sweatshirt. The crowd shrieked; she stuck out her tongue playfully, waved and blew the fans a kiss.The Chiefs (9-5) improved to 5-2 with Swift in attendance. The best the Patriots could offer was Belichick friend Jon Bon Jovi, who rang the lighthouse bell before the game and was greeted with tepid applause when he was shown on the scoreboard during the game.Harrison Butker missed a 39-yard field goal on Kansas City’s opening drive, snapping a string of 61 straight made kicks that was one short of his own franchise record. New England’s Chad Ryland matched him, missing from 41 yards out on his first try.On the next play, Mahomes connected with Edwards-Helaire for 48 yards to the New England 15. Two plays later, McKinnon took a direct snap and flipped it to Rashee Rice for the 4-yard touchdown pass.Zappe completed a 16-yard touchdown to Hunter Henry, and New England capitalized on Mahomes' first interception for a field goal that made it 10-7 lead late in the second quarter. Mahomes hit McKinnon from 8 yards to give Kansas City the lead and converted from 29 yards to make it 17-10.On the Patriots’ next play, Willie Gay intercepted Zappe and ran it back 24 yards to the New England 7. Two plays later, Mahomes lofted one to Edwards-Helaire in the back of the end zone to give the Chiefs a 24-10 lead.Kansas City led 27-10 when Mahomes’ pass bounced off Kadarius Toney’s hands and was intercepted by Jahlani Tavai. Two plays later, Kevin Harris scampered 18 yards for the touchdown.After the Chiefs were stopped, Ekow Boye-Doe downed Tommy Townsend's punt at the 1 inch-line. The Patriots could not make any progress, turning the ball over on downs at their 7 after Zappe's pass was incomplete on a fourth-and-4.“That was pretty amazing. That was close,” Reid said. “I’ve never been that fast, but I know it’s tough to control.”INJURIESChiefs WR Skyy Moore came out of the game with a swollen left knee. ... Patriots OL Cole Strange injured his knee early in the second quarter and was taken off on a cart. He was ruled out a few minutes later. … DB Jonathan Jones was announced with a knee injury at halftime. … OL Conor McDermott left the game with a head injury. … TE Hunter Henry left the game in the second half with a knee injury.UP NEXTChiefs: Host the Raiders on Christmas Day.Patriots: Play Broncos in Denver on Sunday night.

🏈 Chiefs snap 2-game skid with win over Patriots

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Rienk Mast and Juwan Gary finished with double-doubles to power Nebraska to a 62-46 victory over Kansas State on Sunday.

Mast sank 8 of 15 shots with three 3-pointers, scoring 19 with 12 rebounds for the Cornhuskers (9-2), who snapped a seven-game losing streak to the Wildcats (8-3) dating to when both were members of the Big 12 Conference. It was Mast's fourth double-double of the season. Gary totaled 13 points and a career-high 18 rebounds for his second double-double of the campaign.

Brice Williams contributed 10 points and nine rebounds for Nebraska. Keisei Tominaga hit three 3-pointers, scoring nine with five steals and four assists.

Cam Carter had 12 points to lead Kansas State, which saw a five-game win streak end. Tylor Perry pitched in with 11 points and six assists.

Perry hit three 3-pointers and scored nine, Carter added eight points and Kansas State took a 34-31 lead into halftime. The Wildcats led despite shooting just 34.3% overall and 22% from 3-point range (4 of 18). Mast hit all three of his shots from distance and scored 11 to keep Nebraska close. The Cornhuskers shot 35% overall but made 7 of 18 from distance (39%).

Nebraska opened the second half with an 11-4 run, capped by Gary's layup, for a 39-38 lead. The Cornhuskers' advantage grew to 52-41 on back-to-back baskets by Mast with 9:13 remaining in the game. K-State didn't top double figures in the second half until Perry made two free throws with 2:07 left. The Wildcats were outscored 31-12 after the break.

K-State saw a 15-game win streak against nonconference opponents at home come to an end. The Wildcats are 22-2 at home under second-year coach Jerome Tang.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702870078048.jpeg" alt="Kansas State guard Cam Carter drives towards the basket in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Nebraska on Sunday, December 17, 2020 in Manhattan, Kan. (Kansas State Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State guard Cam Carter drives towards the basket in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Nebraska on Sunday, December 17, 2020 in Manhattan, Kan. (Kansas State Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Rienk Mast and Juwan Gary finished with double-doubles to power Nebraska to a 62-46 victory over Kansas State on Sunday.Mast sank 8 of 15 shots with three 3-pointers, scoring 19 with 12 rebounds for the Cornhuskers (9-2), who snapped a seven-game losing streak to the Wildcats (8-3) dating to when both were members of the Big 12 Conference. It was Mast's fourth double-double of the season. Gary totaled 13 points and a career-high 18 rebounds for his second double-double of the campaign.Brice Williams contributed 10 points and nine rebounds for Nebraska. Keisei Tominaga hit three 3-pointers, scoring nine with five steals and four assists.Cam Carter had 12 points to lead Kansas State, which saw a five-game win streak end. Tylor Perry pitched in with 11 points and six assists.Perry hit three 3-pointers and scored nine, Carter added eight points and Kansas State took a 34-31 lead into halftime. The Wildcats led despite shooting just 34.3% overall and 22% from 3-point range (4 of 18). Mast hit all three of his shots from distance and scored 11 to keep Nebraska close. The Cornhuskers shot 35% overall but made 7 of 18 from distance (39%).Nebraska opened the second half with an 11-4 run, capped by Gary's layup, for a 39-38 lead. The Cornhuskers' advantage grew to 52-41 on back-to-back baskets by Mast with 9:13 remaining in the game. K-State didn't top double figures in the second half until Perry made two free throws with 2:07 left. The Wildcats were outscored 31-12 after the break.K-State saw a 15-game win streak against nonconference opponents at home come to an end. The Wildcats are 22-2 at home under second-year coach Jerome Tang.

🏀 Shooting woes hamper K-State in loss to Nebraska

AP Sports Summary for December 17th, 2023.

Jared Goff throws 5 TD passes as NFC North-leading Lions bounce back, beat Broncos 42-17

DETROIT (AP) — Jared Goff matched a career high with five touchdown passes, three to rookie tight end Sam LaPorta, and the Detroit Lions routed the Denver Broncos 42-17. The NFC North-leading Lions could clinch a playoff berth for the first time since the 2016 if other results go their way the rest of this weekend. Goff threw three TD passes in the second quarter as the Lions took a 21-0 lead at halftime. Russell Wilson and the Broncos had just 75 yards of offense in the first half. The Broncos fell to 7-7 and their chances of making the playoffs took a hit.

Jake Browning shines again for Bengals, rallying them to 27-24 overtime win over Vikings

CINCINNATI (AP) — Tee Higgins made a savvy goal-line move to score a touchdown and force overtime and Evan McPherson made a 29-yard field goal to seal a 27-24 victory for Cincinnati over the Minnesota Vikings, keeping the Bengals' playoff hopes alive even with star quarterback Joe Burrow out for the season. Higgins caught a 21-yard pass from Jake Browning with under a minute remaining and pulled off an acrobatic move to stretch the ball over the goal line and tie the game. In overtime, a 44-yard catch by Tyler Boyd helped set up a chip shot from McPherson.

Gardner Minshew, Colts bolster playoff chances, beat fading Steelers 30-13

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Gardner Minshew threw three touchdown passes and the Indianapolis Colts rushed for 170 yards, improving their playoff prospects with a 30-13 win over the sagging Pittsburgh Steelers. Minshew was 18 of 28 for 215 yards and matched his career high for TD passes while leading a Colts offense lacking its usual complement of playmakers. The Colts have won five of six to improve to 8-6 and temporarily moved a half-game ahead of three teams for the AFC's seventh and final playoff spot. The Steelers dropped their third straight to fall to 7-7 and into last place in the rugged AFC North.

Loyer, Smith lead No. 3 Purdue past No. 1 Arizona 92-84 in NCAA showdown

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Fletcher Loyer tied a career high with 27 points, Braden Smith added 26 and No. 3 Purdue beat No. 1 Arizona 92-84 on Saturday. Loyer was 5 of 9 on 3-pointers and Smith was 4 of 7 while falling one point shy of his career high. Zach Edey added 22 points and nine rebounds, with the 7-foot-4 All-American handling the middle while Smith and Loyer supplied the outside firepower in the Indy Classic. The Boilermakers (10-1) handed the Wildcats their first loss while defeating a No. 1-ranked team for the first time since beating Arizona 72-69 on Nov. 25, 2000, which also was played in Indianapolis.

Keegan Murray makes 12 3-pointers, scores career-high 47 points to lead Kings past Jazz, 125-104

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Keegan Murray made 12 3-pointers, two shy of the NBA record, and scored a career-high 47 points to lead the Sacramento Kings to a 125-104 victory over the Utah Jazz on Saturday night. Murray had a franchise-record 26 points in the third quarter and had Klay Thompson's NBA record of 14 3-pointers in his sights after making 12 of his first 13 attempts. But the second-year forward missed his final two attempts from behind the arc while becoming the seventh player to make 12 or more 3s in a game. Domantas Sabonis added 20 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, his seventh straight double-double and 20th this season.

Leon Edwards retains welterweight belt with unanimous decision over Colby Covington at UFC 296

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Leon Edwards successfully defended his welterweight belt, unanimously outpointing Colby Covington at UFC 296. In a bout that hardly lived up to its billing, Edwards (22-3) showed poise and patience as he picked his spots to outclass Covington (17-4), beating the former interim champion at his own game. Rather than using his strengths on his feet as a striker, Edwards chose to grapple and counter whenever Covington took shots for a takedown. After entering the arena draped in an American flag, Covington made a pit stop to share a quick word with former President Donald Trump before stepping into the octagon. In the co-main event, Alexandre Pantoja successfully defended his flyweight belt in his first title defense, winning a unanimous decision over Brandon Royval.

Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes fined a combined $150,000 for criticizing officials, AP source says

A person familiar with the decision tells The Associated Press that Chiefs coach Andy Reid was fined $100,000 and quarterback Patrick Mahomes was fined $50,000 for criticizing officials following a 20-17 loss to Buffalo last week. Reid and Mahomes violated the NFL's policy about public criticism of game officials for comments about an offside penalty that negated a touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Kadarius Toney clearly lined up offside on a play in which he caught a lateral from Travis Kelce and ran for a score. Reid said officials normally warn players about being offside and called the penalty "a bit embarrassing" for the NFL.

Tyler Glasnow traded to Dodgers from Rays after agreeing to $136.5 million, 5-year contract

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers finalized their second major move this offseason, acquiring Tyler Glasnow from the Tampa Bay Rays in a four-player trade after the pitcher agreed to a $136.5 million, five-year contract. Los Angeles also received outfielder Manuel Margot and sent the Rays young right-hander Ryan Pepiot and outfielder Jonny DeLuca. A week after signing free agent Shohei Ohtani to a record $700 million, 10-year contract to bolster an already potent lineup, the Dodgers addressed a need for pitching help with the addition of an often-injured, hard-throwing right-hander with a track record of being a dominant performer when healthy.

NFL bans Eagles security chief Dom DiSandro from sideline for rest of regular season, AP sources say

Two people familiar with the league's decision told The Associated Press the NFL has banned Eagles security chief Dom DiSandro from being on the sideline for the remainder of the regular season after he was ejected from a game for a scuffle with 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw. One of the people said Saturday that DiSandro is still allowed to travel with the team and perform all other work duties but he is not permitted on the sideline while the league is continuing its investigation. Both people, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the league hasn't announced its decision, said DiSandro can return to the sideline for the playoffs.

Bucks roll to 146-114 blowout as Pistons suffer their 23rd consecutive loss

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Damian Lillard scored 33 points, Bobby Portis had a season-high 31 and the Milwaukee Bucks trounced Detroit 146-114 on Saturday to hand the Pistons their 23rd consecutive loss. Giannis Antetokounmpo had 22 points, eight rebounds and six assists while shooting 7 of 9 in his first game since scoring a franchise-record 64 points Wednesday. Detroit has matched the NBA's third-longest skid within the same season. The 1995-96 Vancouver Grizzlies, 1997-98 Denver Nuggets and 2011-12 Charlotte Bobcats also lost 23 straight.

Final	(14)Kentucky	87	(9)North Carolina	83	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Sunday, December 17th, 2023." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Sunday, December 17th, 2023.</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for December 17th, 2023.Jared Goff throws 5 TD passes as NFC North-leading Lions bounce back, beat Broncos 42-17DETROIT (AP) — Jared Goff matched a career high with five touchdown passes, three to rookie tight end Sam LaPorta, and the Detroit Lions routed the Denver Broncos 42-17. The NFC North-leading Lions could clinch a playoff berth for the first time since the 2016 if other results go their way the rest of this weekend. Goff threw three TD passes in the second quarter as the Lions took a 21-0 lead at halftime. Russell Wilson and the Broncos had just 75 yards of offense in the first half. The Broncos fell to 7-7 and their chances of making the playoffs took a hit.Jake Browning shines again for Bengals, rallying them to 27-24 overtime win over VikingsCINCINNATI (AP) — Tee Higgins made a savvy goal-line move to score a touchdown and force overtime and Evan McPherson made a 29-yard field goal to seal a 27-24 victory for Cincinnati over the Minnesota Vikings, keeping the Bengals' playoff hopes alive even with star quarterback Joe Burrow out for the season. Higgins caught a 21-yard pass from Jake Browning with under a minute remaining and pulled off an acrobatic move to stretch the ball over the goal line and tie the game. In overtime, a 44-yard catch by Tyler Boyd helped set up a chip shot from McPherson.Gardner Minshew, Colts bolster playoff chances, beat fading Steelers 30-13INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Gardner Minshew threw three touchdown passes and the Indianapolis Colts rushed for 170 yards, improving their playoff prospects with a 30-13 win over the sagging Pittsburgh Steelers. Minshew was 18 of 28 for 215 yards and matched his career high for TD passes while leading a Colts offense lacking its usual complement of playmakers. The Colts have won five of six to improve to 8-6 and temporarily moved a half-game ahead of three teams for the AFC's seventh and final playoff spot. The Steelers dropped their third straight to fall to 7-7 and into last place in the rugged AFC North.Loyer, Smith lead No. 3 Purdue past No. 1 Arizona 92-84 in NCAA showdownINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Fletcher Loyer tied a career high with 27 points, Braden Smith added 26 and No. 3 Purdue beat No. 1 Arizona 92-84 on Saturday. Loyer was 5 of 9 on 3-pointers and Smith was 4 of 7 while falling one point shy of his career high. Zach Edey added 22 points and nine rebounds, with the 7-foot-4 All-American handling the middle while Smith and Loyer supplied the outside firepower in the Indy Classic. The Boilermakers (10-1) handed the Wildcats their first loss while defeating a No. 1-ranked team for the first time since beating Arizona 72-69 on Nov. 25, 2000, which also was played in Indianapolis.Keegan Murray makes 12 3-pointers, scores career-high 47 points to lead Kings past Jazz, 125-104SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Keegan Murray made 12 3-pointers, two shy of the NBA record, and scored a career-high 47 points to lead the Sacramento Kings to a 125-104 victory over the Utah Jazz on Saturday night. Murray had a franchise-record 26 points in the third quarter and had Klay Thompson's NBA record of 14 3-pointers in his sights after making 12 of his first 13 attempts. But the second-year forward missed his final two attempts from behind the arc while becoming the seventh player to make 12 or more 3s in a game. Domantas Sabonis added 20 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, his seventh straight double-double and 20th this season.Leon Edwards retains welterweight belt with unanimous decision over Colby Covington at UFC 296LAS VEGAS (AP) — Leon Edwards successfully defended his welterweight belt, unanimously outpointing Colby Covington at UFC 296. In a bout that hardly lived up to its billing, Edwards (22-3) showed poise and patience as he picked his spots to outclass Covington (17-4), beating the former interim champion at his own game. Rather than using his strengths on his feet as a striker, Edwards chose to grapple and counter whenever Covington took shots for a takedown. After entering the arena draped in an American flag, Covington made a pit stop to share a quick word with former President Donald Trump before stepping into the octagon. In the co-main event, Alexandre Pantoja successfully defended his flyweight belt in his first title defense, winning a unanimous decision over Brandon Royval.Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes fined a combined $150,000 for criticizing officials, AP source saysA person familiar with the decision tells The Associated Press that Chiefs coach Andy Reid was fined $100,000 and quarterback Patrick Mahomes was fined $50,000 for criticizing officials following a 20-17 loss to Buffalo last week. Reid and Mahomes violated the NFL's policy about public criticism of game officials for comments about an offside penalty that negated a touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Kadarius Toney clearly lined up offside on a play in which he caught a lateral from Travis Kelce and ran for a score. Reid said officials normally warn players about being offside and called the penalty "a bit embarrassing" for the NFL.Tyler Glasnow traded to Dodgers from Rays after agreeing to $136.5 million, 5-year contractST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers finalized their second major move this offseason, acquiring Tyler Glasnow from the Tampa Bay Rays in a four-player trade after the pitcher agreed to a $136.5 million, five-year contract. Los Angeles also received outfielder Manuel Margot and sent the Rays young right-hander Ryan Pepiot and outfielder Jonny DeLuca. A week after signing free agent Shohei Ohtani to a record $700 million, 10-year contract to bolster an already potent lineup, the Dodgers addressed a need for pitching help with the addition of an often-injured, hard-throwing right-hander with a track record of being a dominant performer when healthy.NFL bans Eagles security chief Dom DiSandro from sideline for rest of regular season, AP sources sayTwo people familiar with the league's decision told The Associated Press the NFL has banned Eagles security chief Dom DiSandro from being on the sideline for the remainder of the regular season after he was ejected from a game for a scuffle with 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw. One of the people said Saturday that DiSandro is still allowed to travel with the team and perform all other work duties but he is not permitted on the sideline while the league is continuing its investigation. Both people, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the league hasn't announced its decision, said DiSandro can return to the sideline for the playoffs.Bucks roll to 146-114 blowout as Pistons suffer their 23rd consecutive lossMILWAUKEE (AP) — Damian Lillard scored 33 points, Bobby Portis had a season-high 31 and the Milwaukee Bucks trounced Detroit 146-114 on Saturday to hand the Pistons their 23rd consecutive loss. Giannis Antetokounmpo had 22 points, eight rebounds and six assists while shooting 7 of 9 in his first game since scoring a franchise-record 64 points Wednesday. Detroit has matched the NBA's third-longest skid within the same season. The 1995-96 Vancouver Grizzlies, 1997-98 Denver Nuggets and 2011-12 Charlotte Bobcats also lost 23 straight.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Milwaukee	146	Detroit	114	Final	Philadelphia	135	Charlotte	82	Final	Cleveland	127	Atlanta	119	Final	Miami	118	Chicago	116	Final	Minnesota	127	Indiana	109	Final	Golden State	124	Brooklyn	120	Final	Dallas	131	Portland	120	Final	Oklahoma City	118	Denver	117	Final	Sacramento	125	Utah	104	Final	L.A. Clippers	144	New York	122	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal SO	Minnesota	2	Vancouver	1	Final	New Jersey	6	Columbus	3	Final	Philadelphia	1	Detroit	0	Final	Montreal	5	N-Y Islanders	3	Final	Winnipeg	6	Colorado	2	Final	Toronto	7	Pittsburgh	0	Final OT	N-Y Rangers	2	Boston	1	Final	Nashville	3	Washington	1	Final OT	St. Louis	4	Dallas	3	Final	Arizona	2	Buffalo	0	Final	Calgary	4	Tampa Bay	2	Final	Florida	5	Edmonton	1	Final SO	Los Angeles	3	Seattle	2	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUEFinal OT	Cincinnati	27	Minnesota	24	Final	Indianapolis	30	Pittsburgh	13	Final	Detroit	42	Denver	17	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	(3)Purdue	92	(1)Arizona	84	Final	(2)Kansas	75	Indiana	71	Final	(4)Houston	70	Texas A&amp;M	66	Final	Michigan St.	88	(6)Baylor	64	Final	(8)Creighton	85	Alabama	82	Final	(14)Kentucky	87	(9)North Carolina	83	Final	(11)Oklahoma	81	Green Bay	47	Final	(12)Tennessee	79	NC State	70	Final	Memphis	79	(13)Clemson	77	Final	(15)FAU	64	St. Bonaventure	54	Final	(18)BYU	86	Georgia St.	54	Final	(19)Texas	96	LSU	85	Final	(20)James Madison	88	Hampton	71	Final	(22)Virginia	56	Northeastern	54	Final	(24)Miami	84	La Salle	77	Final	(25)Northwestern	56	DePaul	46	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Orlando	at	Boston	3 p.m.			New Orleans	at	San Antonio	3:30 p.m.			Houston	at	Milwaukee	7 p.m.			Washington	at	Phoenix	8 p.m.			Golden State	at	Portland	9 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE		Vancouver	at	Chicago	3 p.m.			Washington	at	Carolina	6 p.m.			Anaheim	at	New Jersey	7 p.m.			Ottawa	at	Vegas	8 p.m.			San Jose	at	Colorado	8 p.m.	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE		Atlanta	at	Carolina	1 p.m.			Chicago	at	Cleveland	1 p.m.			Houston	at	Tennessee	1 p.m.			Kansas City	at	New England	1 p.m.			N-Y Giants	at	New Orleans	1 p.m.			N-Y Jets	at	Miami	1 p.m.			Tampa Bay	at	Green Bay	1 p.m.			San Francisco	at	Arizona	4:05 p.m.			Washington	at	L.A. Rams	4:05 p.m.			Dallas	at	Buffalo	4:25 p.m.			Baltimore	at	Jacksonville	8:20 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL		Colgate	at	(16)Illinois	1 p.m.			CSU-Pueblo	at	(17)Colorado St.	6 p.m.	___

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Sunday

WICHITA, Kan. –&nbsp;Wichita State escaped with a 69-68 win over Southern Illinois behind a game-saving block as time expired Saturday night in Charles Koch Arena.

Wichita State (8-3) snapped a two-game losing streak and won its 10th straight over the Salukis.

SIU had the ball on the final possession with 5 seconds left and the ball in Xavier Johnson's hands. The nation's leading scorer entering the game drove down the lane with the clock winding down and had his shot erased by&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/quincy-ballard/7586">Quincy Ballard</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/ronnie-degray-iii/7581">Ronnie DeGray III</a>.

After sitting out the first 10 games due to NCAA transfer rules, DeGray made his Wichita State debut, and found himself in the right position at the end of the game to help secure the win.

<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/xavier-bell/7579">Xavier Bell</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/colby-rogers/7582">Colby Rogers</a>&nbsp;led the way, scoring 20 points apiece. The duo has scored 10 or more in all but one game this season. Rogers upped his streak of consecutive games with multiple three-pointers to seven.

Bell scored 14 of his 20 after halftime and Rogers scored 18 of his 20 in the second half.

<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kenny-pohto/7584">Kenny Pohto</a>&nbsp;grabbed 12 rebounds, his fifth game with 10 or more this season.

Xavier Johnson came in averaging 25.0 points per game and finished with a game-high 23 on 8-of-15 shooting and dished out nine assists.Wichita State committed only six turnovers on the night and grabbed 15 offensive rebounds. They scored 22 points off those second chance opportunities.

Wichita State shot out to a 19-4 lead in the game's first 8:23 behind efficient offense and SIU misfiring on 13 of its first 16 field goal attempts.

SIU chipped away, cutting it to 19-11 behind a 7-0 run with five of those points coming from Xavier Johnson.

With 4:30 left in the half, Wichita State pushed the margin back to 12 on an&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/isaac-abidde/7583">Isaac Abidde</a>&nbsp;putback.

SIU had another first half spurt in them, pulling within five at the 1:30 mark thanks to a 10-3 run. A DeGray offensive rebound and layup with 21 seconds sent the Shockers into the locker room with a 34-27 lead.

A balanced scoring attack saw seven of the eight Shockers that played, score in the half. Both teams shot just under 40 percent over the first 20 minutes after Wichita State came out on fire and SIU couldn't find the basket in the first 10 minutes.

Just over six minutes into the second half, the game tightened up the rest of the way. SIU cut it to a one-point game and then took the lead on its next possession with 12:41 remaining.

The two teams traded the lead before Rogers went into takeover mode. Trailing 56-54, Rogers hit three straight triples sandwiched around a Xavier Johnson three-pointer to put Wichita State back in front, 63-59, and 5:56 left on the clock.

Rogers made it 66-61 on a pull-up jumper with the shot clock about to expire with 4:09 left. Neither team would score for more than 2:00 minutes until a Trent Brown corner three-pointer pulled the Salukis within two, 66-64.Bell came right back and completed an acrobatic three-point play to increase the margin back to five.

Four straight points from Johnson again had the Salukis back within a point and a chance to leave the Roundhouse with a win. After an SIU timeout with 5 seconds to go, Johnson received the inbounds pass near half-court and immediately turned up court to the basket. He was able to get by&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/harlond-beverly/7587">Harlond Beverly</a>, but waiting at the rim were Ballard and DeGray to turn the game-winner away.

Wichita State heads up the turnpike for the first of two straight games at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. The Shockers face Kansas State on Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN+.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702816241527.jpeg" alt="Shockers clip Illinois State" />
 <figcaption>Shockers clip Illinois State</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. –&nbsp;Wichita State escaped with a 69-68 win over Southern Illinois behind a game-saving block as time expired Saturday night in Charles Koch Arena.Wichita State (8-3) snapped a two-game losing streak and won its 10th straight over the Salukis.SIU had the ball on the final possession with 5 seconds left and the ball in Xavier Johnson's hands. The nation's leading scorer entering the game drove down the lane with the clock winding down and had his shot erased by&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/quincy-ballard/7586">Quincy Ballard</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/ronnie-degray-iii/7581">Ronnie DeGray III</a>.After sitting out the first 10 games due to NCAA transfer rules, DeGray made his Wichita State debut, and found himself in the right position at the end of the game to help secure the win.<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/xavier-bell/7579">Xavier Bell</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/colby-rogers/7582">Colby Rogers</a>&nbsp;led the way, scoring 20 points apiece. The duo has scored 10 or more in all but one game this season. Rogers upped his streak of consecutive games with multiple three-pointers to seven.Bell scored 14 of his 20 after halftime and Rogers scored 18 of his 20 in the second half.<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kenny-pohto/7584">Kenny Pohto</a>&nbsp;grabbed 12 rebounds, his fifth game with 10 or more this season.Xavier Johnson came in averaging 25.0 points per game and finished with a game-high 23 on 8-of-15 shooting and dished out nine assists.Wichita State committed only six turnovers on the night and grabbed 15 offensive rebounds. They scored 22 points off those second chance opportunities.Wichita State shot out to a 19-4 lead in the game's first 8:23 behind efficient offense and SIU misfiring on 13 of its first 16 field goal attempts.SIU chipped away, cutting it to 19-11 behind a 7-0 run with five of those points coming from Xavier Johnson.With 4:30 left in the half, Wichita State pushed the margin back to 12 on an&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/isaac-abidde/7583">Isaac Abidde</a>&nbsp;putback.SIU had another first half spurt in them, pulling within five at the 1:30 mark thanks to a 10-3 run. A DeGray offensive rebound and layup with 21 seconds sent the Shockers into the locker room with a 34-27 lead.A balanced scoring attack saw seven of the eight Shockers that played, score in the half. Both teams shot just under 40 percent over the first 20 minutes after Wichita State came out on fire and SIU couldn't find the basket in the first 10 minutes.Just over six minutes into the second half, the game tightened up the rest of the way. SIU cut it to a one-point game and then took the lead on its next possession with 12:41 remaining.The two teams traded the lead before Rogers went into takeover mode. Trailing 56-54, Rogers hit three straight triples sandwiched around a Xavier Johnson three-pointer to put Wichita State back in front, 63-59, and 5:56 left on the clock.Rogers made it 66-61 on a pull-up jumper with the shot clock about to expire with 4:09 left. Neither team would score for more than 2:00 minutes until a Trent Brown corner three-pointer pulled the Salukis within two, 66-64.Bell came right back and completed an acrobatic three-point play to increase the margin back to five.Four straight points from Johnson again had the Salukis back within a point and a chance to leave the Roundhouse with a win. After an SIU timeout with 5 seconds to go, Johnson received the inbounds pass near half-court and immediately turned up court to the basket. He was able to get by&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/harlond-beverly/7587">Harlond Beverly</a>, but waiting at the rim were Ballard and DeGray to turn the game-winner away.Up NextWichita State heads up the turnpike for the first of two straight games at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. The Shockers face Kansas State on Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN+.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 MBB: Shockers clip Salukis in first meeting since 2017

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Travis Kelce could be spending some more time on the road in 2024 — and not just to see Taylor Swift in concert.

The diva-dating tight end and the rest of the Kansas City Chiefs (8-5) are in an unexpected fight for the division title and might have to play their first AFC playoff road game of the Patrick Mahomes era. The Chiefs are the No. 3 seed in the conference heading into Sunday’s game against New England (3-10), which could force them to play twice on the road to defend their Super Bowl title.

“The division is tight. The AFC is tight,” Mahomes said this week as he prepared to try and snap a two-game losing streak. “We have to go out there and play our best football and try to get better this week and try to find a way to get a win.”

With the Denver Broncos winning six of their last seven games, Kansas City is down to a one-game lead in the division — closer than it's been in more than two months. Even if the Chiefs hold on to win the AFC West for the eighth straight year, the NFL’s 14-team playoff bracket could force them onto the road for the first time since 2015.

The good news: Their remaining schedule pits them against New England, Las Vegas (5-8), Cincinnati (7-6) and the Chargers (5-8).

“It’s week-to-week in the league. I think our players understand that,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “They know what they need to do. We just have to get it done.”

There's been no word on whether Swift,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-chiefs-packers-2a1a9e791afbf7a3cb86ec458b1aae67">who has been watching Kelce's games</a>&nbsp;when she isn't on tour, will attend. Swift is familiar with Gillette Stadium, having played three nights there on her current Eras Tour and in other concerts as far back as 2010.

The pop icon and Time magazine Person of the Year does not head back on tour until February.

The Patriots have already been eliminated from the playoffs with four games remaining — the first time that’s happened for New England since 2000. In the ensuing 22 seasons — combined — they only took the field twice with no hope of reaching the postseason.

The poor showing led to Sunday’s game being flexed out of “Monday Night Football” — an NFL first. But that doesn’t mean the rest of the season is meaningless.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701047671044.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) runs in front of Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)." />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) runs in front of Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker).</figcaption>
 </figure>By JIMMY GOLEN AP Sports WriterFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Travis Kelce could be spending some more time on the road in 2024 — and not just to see Taylor Swift in concert.The diva-dating tight end and the rest of the Kansas City Chiefs (8-5) are in an unexpected fight for the division title and might have to play their first AFC playoff road game of the Patrick Mahomes era. The Chiefs are the No. 3 seed in the conference heading into Sunday’s game against New England (3-10), which could force them to play twice on the road to defend their Super Bowl title.“The division is tight. The AFC is tight,” Mahomes said this week as he prepared to try and snap a two-game losing streak. “We have to go out there and play our best football and try to get better this week and try to find a way to get a win.”With the Denver Broncos winning six of their last seven games, Kansas City is down to a one-game lead in the division — closer than it's been in more than two months. Even if the Chiefs hold on to win the AFC West for the eighth straight year, the NFL’s 14-team playoff bracket could force them onto the road for the first time since 2015.The good news: Their remaining schedule pits them against New England, Las Vegas (5-8), Cincinnati (7-6) and the Chargers (5-8).“It’s week-to-week in the league. I think our players understand that,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “They know what they need to do. We just have to get it done.”SWIFT SIGHTING?There's been no word on whether Swift,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-chiefs-packers-2a1a9e791afbf7a3cb86ec458b1aae67">who has been watching Kelce's games</a>&nbsp;when she isn't on tour, will attend. Swift is familiar with Gillette Stadium, having played three nights there on her current Eras Tour and in other concerts as far back as 2010.The pop icon and Time magazine Person of the Year does not head back on tour until February.OUT AND ABOUTThe Patriots have already been eliminated from the playoffs with four games remaining — the first time that’s happened for New England since 2000. In the ensuing 22 seasons — combined — they only took the field twice with no hope of reaching the postseason.The poor showing led to Sunday’s game being flexed out of “Monday Night Football” — an NFL first. But that doesn’t mean the rest of the season is meaningless.With the worst record in the AFC — and tied with Arizona for the second-worst in the league — New England is on track for the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 draft. The Patriots are two games better than Carolina (1-12), which has traded its first-rounder to the Bears.Many Patriots fans have turned their attention to the draft, where the six-time Super Bowl champions could begin with a top pick like Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams, North Carolina QB Drake Maye or Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.But that’s not the mood in the locker room.“We ain’t here to give games up,” defensive lineman Christian Barmore said. “We’re here to play football.”CLOSE CALLSOne thing the Chiefs have lacked this season is the killer instinct they displayed during Mahomes’ first six seasons as the starting quarterback. They have had eight games decided by one possession, including four of the past five — and three of those were losses. In fact, four of the Chiefs’ five losses this season have been by a touchdown or less.“We all want to win. We all believe in each other,” Chiefs safety Justin Reid said. “We just have to pull a little bit harder and find one or two plays to go out and get the win.”GETTING DEFENSIVEWith so much anxiety surrounding the Kansas City offense these days, it is easy to overlook just how well its defense has played, especially in the secondary.Defensive back L’Jarius Sneed held Buffalo star Stefon Diggs to four catches on 11 targets for 24 yards last week. Trent McDuffie has been one of the best cornerbacks in the league when he hasn’t been a terror on the blitz — he has three sacks — and as a whole, the secondary held the Bills’ Josh Allen to 233 yards on 42 attempts.“We have everything we need to go be great out there,” McDuffie said. “I think it’s just a little details thing.”