<a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/WBB-box-score.pdf">BOXSCORE</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/22-23-WBB-Stats-691.pdf">SEASON STATS</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Big-12-9-at-Bay.pdf">POSTGAME NOTES</a>

WACO, Texas –&nbsp;Kansas trailed by as many as 11 points in the third quarter, but closed to within two twice in the fourth, before falling 77-73 at Baylor on Wednesday evening at the Ferrell Center.

The Jayhawks fell to 14-6 on the year and 4-5 in Big 12 play, while Baylor improved to 15-6 (6-3 Big 12) on the year.

“I thought Baylor was really good out of timeouts in key moments and we made mistakes that they were good enough to capitalize on,” Kansas Coach Brandon Schneider said. “I thought when we got back and set on defense, we were tough to score against. If you go on the road anywhere in this league and you don’t play really well, you can get beat.”

The Jayhawks started slow offensively, missing the first five field goal attempts before getting three-pointers from Holly Kersgieter and Sanna Strom to take an early 8-6 lead. The low-scoring quarter would finish with Kansas holding Baylor to 4-of-14 shooting to lead 12-8. Scoring picked up in the second quarter as the teams went back and forth, with the score tied five times. KU used a 6-0 run to take a 26-22 lead with 3:08 to play in the quarter, but Baylor answered with an 8-0 run to regain the lead. Kersgieter scored on KU’s final possession of the half, cutting Baylor’s lead down to 30-28 at the break.

Baylor hit its first seven field goals of the second half, including three three-pointers, to take its biggest lead of the game at 47-36 with 6:01 to play in the third. The Jayhawks would continue to claw back, getting within six on three occasions, including late in the quarter on a driving basket by Zsofia Telegdy which made it 51-45. Baylor scored on its final possession and led 53-45 at the end of three.

KU again chipped away at the deficit throughout the fourth quarter, getting within two at 68-66 with 1:42 to play following a pair of free throws from Kersgieter. It was the closest the Jayhawks had been since early in the second half, but Baylor scored the next four points and closed out the game by outscoring KU 11-7 to secure the 77-73 victory.

Kansas was led by Kersgieter, who scored 20 points and added seven rebounds, four steals and two assists. Wyvette Mayberry and Zakiyah Franklin added 13 points apiece while Taiyanna Jackson was one rebound shy of a double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds.

The Jayhawks outrebounded Baylor 44-32 outscored the Bears 38-32 in the paint. Baylor had the advantage from the field, shooting 44.6 percent compared to 42.2 percent by KU, and both teams hit five three-pointers in the contest.

Up Next Kansas plays consecutive home games at Allen Fieldhouse, beginning on Saturday, Feb. 4, against No. 24 Texas. That game tips off at 4 p.m. CT and will be televised on Big 12 NOW.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675337397906.jpeg" alt="KU WBB vs Baylor.jpg" />
 <figcaption>KU WBB vs Baylor.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/WBB-box-score.pdf">BOXSCORE</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/22-23-WBB-Stats-691.pdf">SEASON STATS</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Big-12-9-at-Bay.pdf">POSTGAME NOTES</a>WACO, Texas –&nbsp;Kansas trailed by as many as 11 points in the third quarter, but closed to within two twice in the fourth, before falling 77-73 at Baylor on Wednesday evening at the Ferrell Center.The Jayhawks fell to 14-6 on the year and 4-5 in Big 12 play, while Baylor improved to 15-6 (6-3 Big 12) on the year.“I thought Baylor was really good out of timeouts in key moments and we made mistakes that they were good enough to capitalize on,” Kansas Coach Brandon Schneider said. “I thought when we got back and set on defense, we were tough to score against. If you go on the road anywhere in this league and you don’t play really well, you can get beat.”The Jayhawks started slow offensively, missing the first five field goal attempts before getting three-pointers from Holly Kersgieter and Sanna Strom to take an early 8-6 lead. The low-scoring quarter would finish with Kansas holding Baylor to 4-of-14 shooting to lead 12-8. Scoring picked up in the second quarter as the teams went back and forth, with the score tied five times. KU used a 6-0 run to take a 26-22 lead with 3:08 to play in the quarter, but Baylor answered with an 8-0 run to regain the lead. Kersgieter scored on KU’s final possession of the half, cutting Baylor’s lead down to 30-28 at the break.Baylor hit its first seven field goals of the second half, including three three-pointers, to take its biggest lead of the game at 47-36 with 6:01 to play in the third. The Jayhawks would continue to claw back, getting within six on three occasions, including late in the quarter on a driving basket by Zsofia Telegdy which made it 51-45. Baylor scored on its final possession and led 53-45 at the end of three.KU again chipped away at the deficit throughout the fourth quarter, getting within two at 68-66 with 1:42 to play following a pair of free throws from Kersgieter. It was the closest the Jayhawks had been since early in the second half, but Baylor scored the next four points and closed out the game by outscoring KU 11-7 to secure the 77-73 victory.Kansas was led by Kersgieter, who scored 20 points and added seven rebounds, four steals and two assists. Wyvette Mayberry and Zakiyah Franklin added 13 points apiece while Taiyanna Jackson was one rebound shy of a double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds.The Jayhawks outrebounded Baylor 44-32 outscored the Bears 38-32 in the paint. Baylor had the advantage from the field, shooting 44.6 percent compared to 42.2 percent by KU, and both teams hit five three-pointers in the contest.Up Next Kansas plays consecutive home games at Allen Fieldhouse, beginning on Saturday, Feb. 4, against No. 24 Texas. That game tips off at 4 p.m. CT and will be televised on Big 12 NOW.

🏀 WBB: Kansas comeback falls short at Baylor

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Aaron Franklin and Aaron Potter powered the Blue Dragons (15-8, 9-8) against the Tigers (13-10, 7-10) with 48 combined points Wednesday night.

The 91-65 win stopped a two-game slide as the Dragons were just 2-3 in their last five matchups.

Franklin notched 26 points and grabbed eight rebounds as "the other Aaron," Aaron Potter, caught fire in the second half and knocked down four-consecutive treys.

Potter finished with a career-high 22 points on 7 of 11 shooting (5 of 8 overall from distance).

Kieran Carr also scored in double digits with 13.

The Dragons erased an early six-point Cowley lead and went into the break with a 45-28 advantage.

Hutchinson scored 22 second-chance points on 16 offensive rebounds.

The Dragons outrebounded the Tigers 46-27.

The Dragon lead bulged to 31 with just over three minutes to play.

Two Tigers, led by Xavier Washington's 15, scored in double figures.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile 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/2023/2/1675310859859.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Aaron Franklin and Aaron Potter powered the Blue Dragons (15-8, 9-8) against the Tigers (13-10, 7-10) with 48 combined points Wednesday night.The 91-65 win stopped a two-game slide as the Dragons were just 2-3 in their last five matchups.Franklin notched 26 points and grabbed eight rebounds as "the other Aaron," Aaron Potter, caught fire in the second half and knocked down four-consecutive treys.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675310904438.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Potter finished with a career-high 22 points on 7 of 11 shooting (5 of 8 overall from distance).Kieran Carr also scored in double digits with 13.The Dragons erased an early six-point Cowley lead and went into the break with a 45-28 advantage.Hutchinson scored 22 second-chance points on 16 offensive rebounds.The Dragons outrebounded the Tigers 46-27.The Dragon lead bulged to 31 with just over three minutes to play.Two Tigers, led by Xavier Washington's 15, scored in double figures.FINAL: Hutchinson 91 Cowley 65<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile 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;

🏀 MBB: 'The Aarons' power Dragons at home

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson (18-5, 12-5) bounced back from a Saturday road loss at No. 17 Barton by outscoring Cowley (12-11, 7-10) 58-30 in the paint Wednesday night.

The Dragons also avenged a road loss to the Tigers from the first half of the season.

Monae Duffy scored 16 points in the first half to lead Hutchinson into the locker room with a 47-34 advantage.

Duffy finished the night with 24 points and seven rebounds (five on the offensive glass). Duffy started the game 8 of 11 from the field before finishing 12 of 19.

Mya Williams scored eight unanswered to begin the second half. Eight of her 10 in the second half came in the first three minutes of the third quarter and were part of a 12-0 Dragon run.

Leata Te Nana-Williams scored 12 points and Morgan Browning had 10 for Hutchinson.

Three Tigers, led by Carson Dean's 17, scored in double figures.

The Dragons outscored the Tigers 26-2 in fast break points.

Hutchinson scored 25 points off 21 Cowley turnovers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675310793508.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson (18-5, 12-5) bounced back from a Saturday road loss at No. 17 Barton by outscoring Cowley (12-11, 7-10) 58-30 in the paint Wednesday night.The Dragons also avenged a road loss to the Tigers from the first half of the season.Monae Duffy scored 16 points in the first half to lead Hutchinson into the locker room with a 47-34 advantage.Duffy finished the night with 24 points and seven rebounds (five on the offensive glass). Duffy started the game 8 of 11 from the field before finishing 12 of 19.Mya Williams scored eight unanswered to begin the second half. Eight of her 10 in the second half came in the first three minutes of the third quarter and were part of a 12-0 Dragon run.Leata Te Nana-Williams scored 12 points and Morgan Browning had 10 for Hutchinson.Three Tigers, led by Carson Dean's 17, scored in double figures.FINAL: Hutchinson 91 Cowley 70The Dragons outscored the Tigers 26-2 in fast break points.Hutchinson scored 25 points off 21 Cowley turnovers.The Dragons are now 12-0 at home.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile 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;

🏀 WBB: Dragons bounce back at home

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Jalen Wilson had 20 points, Kevin McCullar Jr. added 16 points and 13 rebounds, and No. 8 Kansas avenged a loss to Kansas State just a couple of weeks ago with a 90-78 victory over the seventh-ranked Wildcats. Dajuan Harris Jr. scored 18 for the Jayhawks, who built a 12-point halftime lead before coasting to their 17th straight home win over Kansas State in the 10th matchup of top-10 teams in series history. Markquis Nowell scored 23 points and Keyontae Johnson had 22 to lead the Wildcats, who were trying for their first regular-season sweep of their biggest rival in four decades.

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Damion Baugh had 16 points and 10 assists, big man Eddie Lampkin Jr. made an unexpected return from injury and 15th-ranked TCU overcame the absence of top scorer Mike Miles Jr. to beat West Virginia 76-72. JaKobe Coles had 17 points, Shahada Wells 16 points and Xavier Cork 15 for the 17-5 Horned Frogs. Erik Stevenson had 17 points and Tre Mitchell 15 for West Virginia, which is 13-9.

IRVING, Texas (AP) — The Big 12 has released its long-anticipated 14-team football schedule. It includes its four new members for 2023 along with Oklahoma and Texas before their eventual departures to the Southeastern Conference. Houston will be the first of the new teams to play a conference game, on September 16 when the Cougars host former Southwest Conference rival and national champion runner-up TCU. The other newcomers play their Big 12 openers the following week, when BYU is at Kansas, Central Florida goes to defending champion Kansas State, and Cincinnati hosts Oklahoma. After playing a round-robin schedule as a 10-team league since 2011, the Big 12 will still have a nine-game conference schedule without divisions.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Donna Kelce is going to have to pull out her custom jersey — the one with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce’s front stitched to Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce’s back — one more time this season. For the first time in Super Bowl history, a pair of siblings will square off on the NFL’s biggest stage. Kelce helped the Chiefs return to their third championship game in four seasons on Sunday night when they beat the Bengals for the AFC title. Jason has the Eagles back for the second time in six years after their NFC title win over the 49ers.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — A person with knowledge of the pact tells The Associated Press that the Denver Broncos have agreed to a deal with the New Orleans Saints to hire Sean Payton as their head coach. The person says the Broncos will send a first-round pick in this year's draft and a future second-rounder to the Saints in order to get Payton in Denver. The Saints will send a third-round pick to the Broncos. Payton stepped down as the Saints' coach last year but remained under contract with the team. The person spoke to The AP on condition of anonymity because the teams hadn't announced the agreement.

HOUSTON (AP) — DeMeco Ryans has been hired as coach of the Houston Texans, giving him his first head coaching job and bringing him back to the place where he started his playing career. Ryans joins the Texans from the San Francisco 49ers, where he spent the past two seasons as their defensive coordinator.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers head into another offseason with major questions at quarterback after a season filled with injuries to the most important position ended without any of them physically able to throw the the ball downfield. Week 1 starter Trey Lance is close to being fully cleared following two operations on his broken right ankle. Brock Purdy is figuring out how to treat the injured elbow that prevented him from throwing the ball more than a few yards in the NFC title game loss to Philadelphia. Jimmy Garoppolo is set to become an unrestricted free agent in six weeks.

UNDATED (AP) — Dexter Fowler says he is retiring at age 36 after 14 major league seasons. An All-Star outfielder in 2016 when he won a World Series title with the Chicago Cubs, Fowler hit .259 with 127 homers and 517 RBIs. A 14th-round pick by Colorado in the 2004 amateur draft, Fowler played for the Rockies, Houston, the Cubs, St. Louis and the Los Angeles Angels. Fowler signed a minor league contract with Toronto last March 31. He went 5 for 12 (.417) with three RBIs in three games for Triple-A Buffalo from April 28-30, then was released on May 3.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Jalen Wilson had 20 points, Kevin McCullar Jr. added 16 points and 13 rebounds, and No. 8 Kansas avenged a loss to Kansas State just a couple of weeks ago with a 90-78 victory over the seventh-ranked Wildcats. Dajuan Harris Jr. scored 18 for the Jayhawks, who built a 12-point halftime lead before coasting to their 17th straight home win over Kansas State in the 10th matchup of top-10 teams in series history. Markquis Nowell scored 23 points and Keyontae Johnson had 22 to lead the Wildcats, who were trying for their first regular-season sweep of their biggest rival in four decades.FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Damion Baugh had 16 points and 10 assists, big man Eddie Lampkin Jr. made an unexpected return from injury and 15th-ranked TCU overcame the absence of top scorer Mike Miles Jr. to beat West Virginia 76-72. JaKobe Coles had 17 points, Shahada Wells 16 points and Xavier Cork 15 for the 17-5 Horned Frogs. Erik Stevenson had 17 points and Tre Mitchell 15 for West Virginia, which is 13-9.IRVING, Texas (AP) — The Big 12 has released its long-anticipated 14-team football schedule. It includes its four new members for 2023 along with Oklahoma and Texas before their eventual departures to the Southeastern Conference. Houston will be the first of the new teams to play a conference game, on September 16 when the Cougars host former Southwest Conference rival and national champion runner-up TCU. The other newcomers play their Big 12 openers the following week, when BYU is at Kansas, Central Florida goes to defending champion Kansas State, and Cincinnati hosts Oklahoma. After playing a round-robin schedule as a 10-team league since 2011, the Big 12 will still have a nine-game conference schedule without divisions.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Donna Kelce is going to have to pull out her custom jersey — the one with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce’s front stitched to Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce’s back — one more time this season. For the first time in Super Bowl history, a pair of siblings will square off on the NFL’s biggest stage. Kelce helped the Chiefs return to their third championship game in four seasons on Sunday night when they beat the Bengals for the AFC title. Jason has the Eagles back for the second time in six years after their NFC title win over the 49ers.ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — A person with knowledge of the pact tells The Associated Press that the Denver Broncos have agreed to a deal with the New Orleans Saints to hire Sean Payton as their head coach. The person says the Broncos will send a first-round pick in this year's draft and a future second-rounder to the Saints in order to get Payton in Denver. The Saints will send a third-round pick to the Broncos. Payton stepped down as the Saints' coach last year but remained under contract with the team. The person spoke to The AP on condition of anonymity because the teams hadn't announced the agreement.HOUSTON (AP) — DeMeco Ryans has been hired as coach of the Houston Texans, giving him his first head coaching job and bringing him back to the place where he started his playing career. Ryans joins the Texans from the San Francisco 49ers, where he spent the past two seasons as their defensive coordinator.SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers head into another offseason with major questions at quarterback after a season filled with injuries to the most important position ended without any of them physically able to throw the the ball downfield. Week 1 starter Trey Lance is close to being fully cleared following two operations on his broken right ankle. Brock Purdy is figuring out how to treat the injured elbow that prevented him from throwing the ball more than a few yards in the NFC title game loss to Philadelphia. Jimmy Garoppolo is set to become an unrestricted free agent in six weeks.UNDATED (AP) — Dexter Fowler says he is retiring at age 36 after 14 major league seasons. An All-Star outfielder in 2016 when he won a World Series title with the Chicago Cubs, Fowler hit .259 with 127 homers and 517 RBIs. A 14th-round pick by Colorado in the 2004 amateur draft, Fowler played for the Rockies, Houston, the Cubs, St. Louis and the Los Angeles Angels. Fowler signed a minor league contract with Toronto last March 31. He went 5 for 12 (.417) with three RBIs in three games for Triple-A Buffalo from April 28-30, then was released on May 3.TUESDAY SCORESTOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal (4)Alabama 101 Vanderbilt 44Final (8)Kansas 90 (7)Kansas St. 78Final (15)TCU 76 West Virginia 72Final Boston College 62 (20)Clemson 54Final Maryland 66 (21)Indiana 55Final Nevada 75 (22)San Diego St. 66Final (23)Miami 92 Virginia Tech 83Final (24)UConn 90 DePaul 76NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal Miami 100 Cleveland 97Final L.A. Clippers 108 Chicago 103Final Milwaukee 124 Charlotte 115Final OT L.A. Lakers 129 New York 123Final Denver 122 New Orleans 113NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal Ottawa 5 Montreal 4Final OT Carolina 5 Los Angeles 4Final OT Washington 4 Columbus 3

Sports Headlines for Wednesday

Northern Valley 74, Triplains-Brewster 42

Norwich 55, Hutchinson Central Christian 27

Osborne 56, Glasco/Miltonvale-Southern Cloud 50

Southeast Saline 66, Salina Sacred Heart 48

St. John's Beloit-Tipton 57, Thunder Ridge 50

Wichita Bishop Carroll 70, Wichita East 33

Wichita Home School 60, Central Christian 23

Tuesday's ScoresThe Associated Press<h2>BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>Andale 76, Winfield 52Andover 60, Goddard-Eisenhower 30Andover Central 79, Valley Center 46Arkansas City 54, Salina Central 48Augusta 57, Wellington 51Axtell 44, Doniphan West 21Basehor-Linwood 37, Shawnee Heights 33Beloit 66, Republic County 31Buhler 66, Rose Hill 48Burden Central 60, Argonia 43Burlington 64, Anderson County 46Central Heights 70, Uniontown 38Central Plains 39, Otis-Bison 10Cheney 69, Garden Plain 48Cheylin 63, Golden Plains 22Clifton-Clyde 46, Concordia 42Colby 51, Norton 42Cunningham 71, Fairfield 55Deerfield 44, Walsh, Colo. 36Derby 67, Maize 59Ellinwood 65, Victoria 34Ellis 50, Stockton 24Garden City 66, Dodge City 37Goessel 54, Centre 34Haven 66, Hillsboro 37Hays 51, Scott City 38Heritage Christian 56, Tonganoxie 41Hesston 53, Hoisington 37Highland Park 76, KC Washington 42Hill City 76, Ness City 50Hooker, Okla. 55, Liberal 43Hoxie 42, Smith Center 27Hugoton 68, Holcomb 62Hutchinson 63, Newton 37Inman 54, Berean Academy 32KC Piper 73, Topeka Seaman 60Kapaun Mount Carmel 56, Wichita South 48Kingman 49, Conway Springs 35Kiowa County 60, Spearville 56Larned 49, Nickerson 35Lincoln 59, Chase 21Logan/Palco 58, Western Plains-Healy 28Macksville 69, La Crosse 37Maize South 71, Salina South 48Marysville 54, Riley County 34Moundridge 62, Ell-Saline 48Northern Valley 74, Triplains-Brewster 42Norwich 55, Hutchinson Central Christian 27Osage City 55, Silver Lake 36Osborne 56, Glasco/Miltonvale-Southern Cloud 50Pawnee Heights 66, Ashland 50Pittsburg 57, Ottawa 44Pittsburg Colgan 58, Baxter Springs 34Pratt 59, Halstead 55Rockhurst, Mo. 62, St. James Academy 47Royal Valley 62, Holton 45Russell 68, Plainville 56Santa Fe Trail 61, Iola 21Southeast Saline 66, Salina Sacred Heart 48St. John's Beloit-Tipton 57, Thunder Ridge 50St. Mary's 64, Rossville 56Stanton County 51, Elkhart 46Sterling 58, Remington 39Sylvan-Lucas 48, Rock Hills 28Topeka West 73, Lansing 44Troy 47, Centralia 43Washburn Rural 65, Blue Valley 60Wellsville 56, Prairie View 22Weskan 43, Logan/Palco 33Wetmore 50, Onaga 46, 2OTWichita Bishop Carroll 70, Wichita East 33Wichita Collegiate 65, Mulvane 44Wichita Home School 60, Central Christian 23Wichita Northwest 77, Wichita North 56<h2>GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>Andale 46, Winfield 26Andover Central 46, Valley Center 20Argonia 37, Burden Central 30Ashland 42, Pawnee Heights 30Beloit 42, Republic County 33Bennington 46, Hutchinson Trinity 43Berean Academy 37, Inman 18Bluestem 44, Caney Valley 27Bonner Springs 59, Leavenworth 26Buhler 55, Rose Hill 33Canton-Galva 46, Herington 42Central Plains 67, Otis-Bison 22Cimarron 51, Sublette 20Circle 54, El Dorado 22Colby 38, Norton 37Columbus 39, Riverton 38Concordia 46, Clifton-Clyde 45Deerfield 44, Walsh, Colo. 36Derby 66, Maize 15Dodge City 47, Garden City 45Doniphan West 76, Axtell 33Ellinwood 44, Victoria 35Elyria Christian 31, Wakefield 13Garden Plain 51, Cheney 27Goddard-Eisenhower 49, Andover 46Goessel 59, Centre 23Golden Plains 75, Western Plains-Healy 12Halstead 46, Pratt 29Hartford 45, Wichita Classical 40Hays 46, Scott City 32Hays-TMP-Marian 47, Trego 41Heritage Christian 46, Tonganoxie 36Highland Park 65, KC Washington 23Hillsboro 39, Haven 32Hodgeman County 62, South Gray 47Holton 51, Royal Valley 44Hutchinson 45, Newton 21Kingman 56, Conway Springs 47Lawrence 61, Olathe West 58Liberal 57, Hooker, Okla. 47Lincoln 59, Chase 34Little River 82, Solomon 22Macksville 45, La Crosse 43Madison/Hamilton 50, Mission Valley 42Maize South 36, Salina South 24Nickerson 45, Larned 39Northeast Christian Homeschool 44, Topeka Heritage Christian 12Northeast-Arma 61, Jayhawk Linn 30Northern Valley 64, Triplains-Brewster 24Norwich 50, Hutchinson Central Christian 35Oberlin-Decatur 44, Dighton 23Onaga 54, Wetmore 11Osborne 57, Glasco/Miltonvale-Southern Cloud 22Ottawa 60, Pittsburg 42Prairie View 53, Wellsville 21Rawlins County 53, Hitchcock County, Neb. 24Remington 57, Sterling 39Riley County 48, Marysville 18Rural Vista 59, Peabody-Burns 18SM East 43, Gardner-Edgerton 42SM South 40, Olathe North 24Salina Central 41, Arkansas City 33Santa Fe Trail 61, Iola 21Sedgwick 51, Marion 37Silver Lake 68, Osage City 40Smith Center 57, Hoxie 55Southeast Saline 48, Salina Sacred Heart 44Spearville 43, Kiowa County 37Sylvan-Lucas 44, Rock Hills 29Topeka Seaman 56, KC Piper 43Veritas Christian 46, Bishop Seabury Academy 15Waverly 53, West Franklin 22Wellington 56, Augusta 22Weskan 43, Logan/Palco 33Wichita Bishop Carroll 70, Wichita East 33Wichita Home School 60, Central Christian 23Wichita Northwest 59, Wichita North 47Wichita South 67, Kapaun Mount Carmel 53Wichita Trinity 55, Belle Plaine, Minn. 33

🏀 High School Scores from Tuesday

NEWTON, Kan.—Both Salthawk Basketball teams hauled out the brooms on Tuesday night and swept the Railers in both game with the Girls winning the early game 45 to 27. The Hutch High&nbsp; Boys stayed undefeated with a 63 to 37 win in the night cap.

Hutch High got off to a slow start and actually trailed after the first quarter 9-8 and then only lead at the half 13-12 before taking over in the second half to put the Railers away with 28 second half points.

Hutchinson was led in scoring by Grace Posch with 13 points followed in double figure scoring by Josie McLean. Aliyah Green had 9 and Libby Jackson added 6.

Newton was led in scoring by Olivia Antonowich with 8 points.&nbsp; The Railers were held to only one 4th quarter field goal and 4 free throws.

The Salthawk Girls travel to Salina to take on Salina South on Friday night as all the teams in the AVCT League start the 2nd half of their league season.

A confident group of Salthawks Boys Basketball players continue to march through the season with another dominate win Friday night in Newton winning 63 to 37.

Hutch let Newton hang around early before exploding to lead 17 to 11 after one quarter and holding newton to only 1 3 point basket in the second quarter to go up 35-14 at the half.

Hutch allowed Newton to rally in the 3rd, but not by much as the Salthawks cleared to bench early and cruised home.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It was the Salthawks 2nd double digit win over Newton after defeating them in the Dodge City Tournament of Champions in the opening round 2 weeks ago 53 to 25.

Hutchinson (13-0) travel to Salina South (1-12) on Friday night for another road test before being back home again next Tuesday.

NEWTON, Kan.—Both Salthawk Basketball teams hauled out the brooms on Tuesday night and swept the Railers in both game with the Girls winning the early game 45 to 27. The Hutch High&nbsp; Boys stayed undefeated with a 63 to 37 win in the night cap.GIRLS RECAPHutch High got off to a slow start and actually trailed after the first quarter 9-8 and then only lead at the half 13-12 before taking over in the second half to put the Railers away with 28 second half points.Hutchinson was led in scoring by Grace Posch with 13 points followed in double figure scoring by Josie McLean. Aliyah Green had 9 and Libby Jackson added 6.Newton was led in scoring by Olivia Antonowich with 8 points.&nbsp; The Railers were held to only one 4th quarter field goal and 4 free throws.The Salthawk Girls travel to Salina to take on Salina South on Friday night as all the teams in the AVCT League start the 2nd half of their league season.BOYS RECAPA confident group of Salthawks Boys Basketball players continue to march through the season with another dominate win Friday night in Newton winning 63 to 37.Hutch let Newton hang around early before exploding to lead 17 to 11 after one quarter and holding newton to only 1 3 point basket in the second quarter to go up 35-14 at the half.Hutch allowed Newton to rally in the 3rd, but not by much as the Salthawks cleared to bench early and cruised home.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was the Salthawks 2nd double digit win over Newton after defeating them in the Dodge City Tournament of Champions in the opening round 2 weeks ago 53 to 25.Hutchinson (13-0) travel to Salina South (1-12) on Friday night for another road test before being back home again next Tuesday.

🏀 Salthawk Basketball sweeps Newton Girls and Boys

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Basketball Writer

&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2193205.pdf">BOXSCORE</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/22-Kansas-State-1.pdf">POSTGAME NOTES</a>

LAWRENCE — Jalen Wilson had 20 points, Kevin McCullar Jr. added 16 points and 13 rebounds, and No. 8 Kansas avenged a loss to Kansas State just a couple of weeks ago with a 90-78 victory over the seventh-ranked Wildcats on Tuesday night.

Dajuan Harris Jr. scored 18 for the Jayhawks (18-4, 6-3 Big 12), who built a 12-point halftime lead before coasting to their 17th straight home win over the Wildcats in the 10th matchup of top-10 teams in series history.

Kansas has rebounded nicely from a rare three-game skid that included the overtime loss to Kansas State, and made sure to avoid taking back-to-back losses in its storied home for the first time since the 1988-89 season.

Markquis Nowell scored 23 points and Keyontae Johnson had 22 to lead the Wildcats (18-4, 6-3), who were trying for their first regular-season sweep of their biggest rival in four decades. Nae'Qwan Tomlin added 11 points and David N'Guessan had 10.

In their first meeting on Jan. 17, the Wildcats raced to a big early lead and controlled the game until late in the second half, when the Jayhawks forced overtime — only for Kansas State to win on Johnson's alley-oop dunk.

It was the Jayhawks who controlled the rematch.

They used a 16-7 run in the first half that included a technical foul on Kansas State coach Jerome Tang to build a 32-19 lead. And when Johnson answered with eight straight points for the Wildcats, and the lead was eventually trimmed to four, the reigning national champs pulled away again down the stretch.

It was 37-32 when Wilson hit back-to-back 3-pointers and Zach Clemence added one of his own. And by the time Wilson made two foul shots with about 10 seconds left, Kansas had built a 49-37 lead that it took to the break.

The Wildcats briefly got within six in the second half before the Jayhawks stretched their lead to as many as 16.

Johnson had to sit with two fouls just 2 1/2 minutes into the game. Only problem? The crew of John Higgins, Kip Kissinger and Marques Pettigrew gave one to the wrong player. By the time they corrected their mistake, the Wildcats' leading scorer had unnecessarily ridden the bench for several minutes.

For the first time in more than 15 years, more Kansas students redeemed tickets than there was space available inside Allen Fieldhouse. The overflow had to watch the game on screens in the adjacent Horejsi Family Athletics Center, where the Jayhawks play volleyball games. Those students also got refunds and concessions vouchers.

Kansas State's three losses in league play have been to ranked teams on the road: TCU, Iowa State and Kansas. And with a more forgiving second half to the Big 12 schedule, the Wildcats remain firmly in the conference title hunt.

Kansas got its mojo back with its win over Kentucky last weekend. This victory over another bunch of Wildcats was crucial because the road doesn't get any easier for the Jayhawks, who are in the midst of three straight games against teams ranked 13th or better.

Kansas State returns home for another top-10 showdown Saturday against No. 10 Texas.

Kansas hits the road for the third time in four games against No. 13 Iowa State on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675223067626.jpeg" alt="Kansas forward K.J. Adams Jr. (24) dunks the ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Kansas State Tuesday in Lawrence.(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kansas forward K.J. Adams Jr. (24) dunks the ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Kansas State Tuesday in Lawrence.(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Basketball Writer&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2193205.pdf">BOXSCORE</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/22-Kansas-State-1.pdf">POSTGAME NOTES</a>LAWRENCE — Jalen Wilson had 20 points, Kevin McCullar Jr. added 16 points and 13 rebounds, and No. 8 Kansas avenged a loss to Kansas State just a couple of weeks ago with a 90-78 victory over the seventh-ranked Wildcats on Tuesday night.Dajuan Harris Jr. scored 18 for the Jayhawks (18-4, 6-3 Big 12), who built a 12-point halftime lead before coasting to their 17th straight home win over the Wildcats in the 10th matchup of top-10 teams in series history.Kansas has rebounded nicely from a rare three-game skid that included the overtime loss to Kansas State, and made sure to avoid taking back-to-back losses in its storied home for the first time since the 1988-89 season.Markquis Nowell scored 23 points and Keyontae Johnson had 22 to lead the Wildcats (18-4, 6-3), who were trying for their first regular-season sweep of their biggest rival in four decades. Nae'Qwan Tomlin added 11 points and David N'Guessan had 10.In their first meeting on Jan. 17, the Wildcats raced to a big early lead and controlled the game until late in the second half, when the Jayhawks forced overtime — only for Kansas State to win on Johnson's alley-oop dunk.It was the Jayhawks who controlled the rematch.They used a 16-7 run in the first half that included a technical foul on Kansas State coach Jerome Tang to build a 32-19 lead. And when Johnson answered with eight straight points for the Wildcats, and the lead was eventually trimmed to four, the reigning national champs pulled away again down the stretch.It was 37-32 when Wilson hit back-to-back 3-pointers and Zach Clemence added one of his own. And by the time Wilson made two foul shots with about 10 seconds left, Kansas had built a 49-37 lead that it took to the break.The Wildcats briefly got within six in the second half before the Jayhawks stretched their lead to as many as 16.OFFICIATING OOPSJohnson had to sit with two fouls just 2 1/2 minutes into the game. Only problem? The crew of John Higgins, Kip Kissinger and Marques Pettigrew gave one to the wrong player. By the time they corrected their mistake, the Wildcats' leading scorer had unnecessarily ridden the bench for several minutes.SELLOUT ... AND THEN SOMEFor the first time in more than 15 years, more Kansas students redeemed tickets than there was space available inside Allen Fieldhouse. The overflow had to watch the game on screens in the adjacent Horejsi Family Athletics Center, where the Jayhawks play volleyball games. Those students also got refunds and concessions vouchers.BIG PICTUREKansas State's three losses in league play have been to ranked teams on the road: TCU, Iowa State and Kansas. And with a more forgiving second half to the Big 12 schedule, the Wildcats remain firmly in the conference title hunt.Kansas got its mojo back with its win over Kentucky last weekend. This victory over another bunch of Wildcats was crucial because the road doesn't get any easier for the Jayhawks, who are in the midst of three straight games against teams ranked 13th or better.UP NEXTKansas State returns home for another top-10 showdown Saturday against No. 10 Texas.Kansas hits the road for the third time in four games against No. 13 Iowa State on Saturday.

🏀 MBB: Kansas takes down K-State 90-78

LOS ANGELES&nbsp;– Kansas redshirt-junior Jalen Wilson has been named to the John R. Wooden Award Late Season Top 20 Watch List, the Los Angeles Athletic Club announced Monday on ESPN2. Chosen by a poll of national college basketball experts based on their performances during the 2022-23 season thus far, the list is comprised of 20 student-athletes who are front-runners for the John R. Wooden Award. Wilson is looking to become the third Jayhawk to win the Wooden Award, joining Danny Manning (1988) and Frank Mason III (2017). Wilson leads the Big 12 in scoring at 21.4 points per game, which is 11th nationally, and double-doubles with eight, which is 31st nationally. The Denton, Texas, forward is second in the conference in rebound average with 8.6 boards per contest. In his last four games, Wilson scored a career-high 38 points at Kansas State (1/17), 30 points versus TCU (1/21), 23 points at Baylor (1/23) and 22 at Kentucky (1/28). His 113 points in four-consecutive games are the most in the Bill Self 20-season era (since 2003-04). In fact, Wilson has three of the top four in the stat with all three occurring during the 2022-23 season. Historically, Wilson ranks 41st on the Kansas career scoring list with 1,201 points. His 685 career rebounds are tied for 18th with Udoka Azubuike (2017-20) and his 24 double-doubles are ninth all-time at Kansas. The players on the list are considered strong candidates for the 2023 John R. Wooden Award Men’s Player of the Year. Players not chosen to the late season list are still eligible for the Wooden Award National Ballot. The National Ballot consists of 15 top players who have proven to their universities that they meet or exceed the qualifications of the Wooden Award. Nearly 1,000 voters will rank in order 10 of those 15 players when voting opens prior to the NCAA Tournament and will allow voters to take into consideration performance during early round games. The Wooden Award All American Team™ will be announced the week of the “Elite Eight” round of the NCAA Tournament. The winner of the 2022 John R. Wooden Award will be presented by Wendy’s following the NCAA Tournament in April. 2022-23 John R. Wooden Award Late Season Top 20 Watch List Armando Bacot (North Carolina) Antoine Davis (Detroit Mercy) Kendric Davis (Memphis) Zach Edey (Purdue) Kyle Filipowski (Duke) Trayce Jackson-Davis (Indiana) Jaime Jaquez Jr. (UCLA) Keyontae Johnson (Kansas State) Mike Miles Jr. (TCU) Brandon Miller (Alabama) Kris Murray (Iowa) Markquis Nowell (Kansas State) Jalen Pickett (Penn State) Marcus Sasser (Houston) Terquavion Smith (NC State) Drew Timme (Gonzaga) Oscar Tshiebwe (Kentucky) Azuolas Tubelis (Arizona) JALEN WILSON (KANSAS) Isaiah Wong (Miami, Fla.)&nbsp;&nbsp;

LOS ANGELES&nbsp;– Kansas redshirt-junior Jalen Wilson has been named to the John R. Wooden Award Late Season Top 20 Watch List, the Los Angeles Athletic Club announced Monday on ESPN2. Chosen by a poll of national college basketball experts based on their performances during the 2022-23 season thus far, the list is comprised of 20 student-athletes who are front-runners for the John R. Wooden Award. Wilson is looking to become the third Jayhawk to win the Wooden Award, joining Danny Manning (1988) and Frank Mason III (2017). Wilson leads the Big 12 in scoring at 21.4 points per game, which is 11th nationally, and double-doubles with eight, which is 31st nationally. The Denton, Texas, forward is second in the conference in rebound average with 8.6 boards per contest. In his last four games, Wilson scored a career-high 38 points at Kansas State (1/17), 30 points versus TCU (1/21), 23 points at Baylor (1/23) and 22 at Kentucky (1/28). His 113 points in four-consecutive games are the most in the Bill Self 20-season era (since 2003-04). In fact, Wilson has three of the top four in the stat with all three occurring during the 2022-23 season. Historically, Wilson ranks 41st on the Kansas career scoring list with 1,201 points. His 685 career rebounds are tied for 18th with Udoka Azubuike (2017-20) and his 24 double-doubles are ninth all-time at Kansas. The players on the list are considered strong candidates for the 2023 John R. Wooden Award Men’s Player of the Year. Players not chosen to the late season list are still eligible for the Wooden Award National Ballot. The National Ballot consists of 15 top players who have proven to their universities that they meet or exceed the qualifications of the Wooden Award. Nearly 1,000 voters will rank in order 10 of those 15 players when voting opens prior to the NCAA Tournament and will allow voters to take into consideration performance during early round games. The Wooden Award All American Team™ will be announced the week of the “Elite Eight” round of the NCAA Tournament. The winner of the 2022 John R. Wooden Award will be presented by Wendy’s following the NCAA Tournament in April. 2022-23 John R. Wooden Award Late Season Top 20 Watch List Armando Bacot (North Carolina) Antoine Davis (Detroit Mercy) Kendric Davis (Memphis) Zach Edey (Purdue) Kyle Filipowski (Duke) Trayce Jackson-Davis (Indiana) Jaime Jaquez Jr. (UCLA) Keyontae Johnson (Kansas State) Mike Miles Jr. (TCU) Brandon Miller (Alabama) Kris Murray (Iowa) Markquis Nowell (Kansas State) Jalen Pickett (Penn State) Marcus Sasser (Houston) Terquavion Smith (NC State) Drew Timme (Gonzaga) Oscar Tshiebwe (Kentucky) Azuolas Tubelis (Arizona) JALEN WILSON (KANSAS) Isaiah Wong (Miami, Fla.)&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 KU MBB: Wilson named to Wooden Award late season Top 20 watch list

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Seniors&nbsp;Keyontae Johnson&nbsp;and&nbsp;Markquis Nowell&nbsp;were among 20 candidates selected to the Late Season Watch List for the John R. Wooden Award presented by Wendy’s on Monday night (January 30) as announced by ESPN and the Los Angeles Athletic Club.

Johnson and Nowell, along with Penn State’s&nbsp;Jalen Pickett, made their debut on the Wooden Watch List, while the duo is only nominees from the same school. The list also includes North Carolina’s&nbsp;Armando Bacot, Detroit Mercy’s&nbsp;Antoine Davis, Memphis’&nbsp;Kendric Davis, Purdue’s&nbsp;Zach Edey, Duke’s&nbsp;Kyle Filipowski, Indiana’s&nbsp;Trayce Jackson-Davis, UCLA’s&nbsp;Jaime Jaquez, Jr., TCU’s&nbsp;Mike Miles, Jr., Alabama’s&nbsp;Brandon Miller, Iowa’s&nbsp;Kris Murray, Houston’s&nbsp;Marcus Sasser, N.C. State’s&nbsp;Terquavion Smith, Gonzaga’s&nbsp;Drew Timme, Kentucky’s&nbsp;Oscar Tshiebwe, Arizona’s&nbsp;Azuolas Tubelis, Kansas’&nbsp;Jalen Wilson&nbsp;and Miami’s&nbsp;Isaiah Wong.

Both Johnson and Nowell were recently named to Oscar Robertson Trophy Midseason Watch List by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) on January 19.

Voting for the 2023 John R. Wooden Award and Wooden Award All-American Team will open prior to the NCAA Tournament with the All-American Team being announced during the Elite Eight round and Player of the Year award announced following the NCAA Championship in April.

Johnson and Nowell have been one of the most prolific tandems in the country, as they combine to average 34.9 points per game on 47.1 percent (236-of-501) shooting, including 38.7 percent (72-of-186) from 3-point range, and 80.8 percent (189-of-234) from the free throw line. They have combined for 13 games of 20 or more points, including a collective 120 points in the 2 wins at No. 6/6 Texas and No. 19/16 Baylor during the week of Jan. 3-7. It was the most combined points by 2 players over a 2-game span in the last 50 seasons, surpassing the 113 scored by&nbsp;Askia Jones&nbsp;and&nbsp;Anthony Beane&nbsp;between March 24-28, 1994.

A 5-foot-8, 160-pound point guard from Harlem, N.Y., Nowell is averaging 16.9 points on 40.8 percent (100-of-245) from the field, including 38.9 percent (49-of-126) from 3-point range, and 86.8 percent (105-of-121) from the free throw line to go along with a Big 12-best 8.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 steals in 35.7 minutes per game. He is one of just two active Division I players to total more than 1,500 points, 500 assists and 200 steals in a career.

Nowell ranks among top-3 nationally in assists/game (8.2 apg./2nd) and total assists (173/3rd), while he is among the top-35 in 4 other categories, including 14th&nbsp;in steals/game (2.3 spg.), 15th&nbsp;in total steals (49), 18th&nbsp;in free throws made (105) and 32nd&nbsp;in assist/turnover ratio (2.66). He has six games of 10 or more assists this season, while he has five double-doubles (points/assists), including the school’s first 30-10 double-double with 32 points and 14 assists in the win at No. 19/16 Baylor on Jan. 7. He became the first Wildcat to post consecutive 30-point games since&nbsp;Michael Beasley&nbsp;in 2008 with his 36 and 32-point efforts at No. 6/6 Texas and No. 19/16 Baylor.

A 6-foot-6, 230-pound forward from Norfolk, Va., Johnson is averaging a team-best 18 points on 53.1 percent (136-of-256) from the field, including 38.3 percent (23-of-60) from 3-point range, and 74.3 percent (84-of-113) from the free throw line, to go with 7.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.3 steals in 33.7 minutes per game. He ranks among the top-10 in 6 categories in the Big 12, while he and Kansas’&nbsp;Jalen Wilson&nbsp;are the only players in the conference to rank in the top-5 in both scoring and rebounding in both overall and Big 12-only games.

No. 7/6 K-State (18-3, 6-2) returns to action on Tuesday night when they travel to Lawrence, Kan., to take on No. 8/8 Kansas (17-4, 5-3 Big 12) in the Dillon Sunflower Showdown at 7 p.m., CT on Big 12 Now.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Seniors&nbsp;Keyontae Johnson&nbsp;and&nbsp;Markquis Nowell&nbsp;were among 20 candidates selected to the Late Season Watch List for the John R. Wooden Award presented by Wendy’s on Monday night (January 30) as announced by ESPN and the Los Angeles Athletic Club.Johnson and Nowell, along with Penn State’s&nbsp;Jalen Pickett, made their debut on the Wooden Watch List, while the duo is only nominees from the same school. The list also includes North Carolina’s&nbsp;Armando Bacot, Detroit Mercy’s&nbsp;Antoine Davis, Memphis’&nbsp;Kendric Davis, Purdue’s&nbsp;Zach Edey, Duke’s&nbsp;Kyle Filipowski, Indiana’s&nbsp;Trayce Jackson-Davis, UCLA’s&nbsp;Jaime Jaquez, Jr., TCU’s&nbsp;Mike Miles, Jr., Alabama’s&nbsp;Brandon Miller, Iowa’s&nbsp;Kris Murray, Houston’s&nbsp;Marcus Sasser, N.C. State’s&nbsp;Terquavion Smith, Gonzaga’s&nbsp;Drew Timme, Kentucky’s&nbsp;Oscar Tshiebwe, Arizona’s&nbsp;Azuolas Tubelis, Kansas’&nbsp;Jalen Wilson&nbsp;and Miami’s&nbsp;Isaiah Wong.Both Johnson and Nowell were recently named to Oscar Robertson Trophy Midseason Watch List by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) on January 19.Voting for the 2023 John R. Wooden Award and Wooden Award All-American Team will open prior to the NCAA Tournament with the All-American Team being announced during the Elite Eight round and Player of the Year award announced following the NCAA Championship in April.Johnson and Nowell have been one of the most prolific tandems in the country, as they combine to average 34.9 points per game on 47.1 percent (236-of-501) shooting, including 38.7 percent (72-of-186) from 3-point range, and 80.8 percent (189-of-234) from the free throw line. They have combined for 13 games of 20 or more points, including a collective 120 points in the 2 wins at No. 6/6 Texas and No. 19/16 Baylor during the week of Jan. 3-7. It was the most combined points by 2 players over a 2-game span in the last 50 seasons, surpassing the 113 scored by&nbsp;Askia Jones&nbsp;and&nbsp;Anthony Beane&nbsp;between March 24-28, 1994.A 5-foot-8, 160-pound point guard from Harlem, N.Y., Nowell is averaging 16.9 points on 40.8 percent (100-of-245) from the field, including 38.9 percent (49-of-126) from 3-point range, and 86.8 percent (105-of-121) from the free throw line to go along with a Big 12-best 8.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 steals in 35.7 minutes per game. He is one of just two active Division I players to total more than 1,500 points, 500 assists and 200 steals in a career.Nowell ranks among top-3 nationally in assists/game (8.2 apg./2nd) and total assists (173/3rd), while he is among the top-35 in 4 other categories, including 14th&nbsp;in steals/game (2.3 spg.), 15th&nbsp;in total steals (49), 18th&nbsp;in free throws made (105) and 32nd&nbsp;in assist/turnover ratio (2.66). He has six games of 10 or more assists this season, while he has five double-doubles (points/assists), including the school’s first 30-10 double-double with 32 points and 14 assists in the win at No. 19/16 Baylor on Jan. 7. He became the first Wildcat to post consecutive 30-point games since&nbsp;Michael Beasley&nbsp;in 2008 with his 36 and 32-point efforts at No. 6/6 Texas and No. 19/16 Baylor.A 6-foot-6, 230-pound forward from Norfolk, Va., Johnson is averaging a team-best 18 points on 53.1 percent (136-of-256) from the field, including 38.3 percent (23-of-60) from 3-point range, and 74.3 percent (84-of-113) from the free throw line, to go with 7.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.3 steals in 33.7 minutes per game. He ranks among the top-10 in 6 categories in the Big 12, while he and Kansas’&nbsp;Jalen Wilson&nbsp;are the only players in the conference to rank in the top-5 in both scoring and rebounding in both overall and Big 12-only games.No. 7/6 K-State (18-3, 6-2) returns to action on Tuesday night when they travel to Lawrence, Kan., to take on No. 8/8 Kansas (17-4, 5-3 Big 12) in the Dillon Sunflower Showdown at 7 p.m., CT on Big 12 Now.

🏀 MBB: K-State's Johnson, Nowell Named to Wooden Late Season Watch List

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

Others receiving votes: Illinois 45, Colorado 40, Southern Cal 17, Tennessee 13, Purdue 12, UNLV 9, Oregon 1, Columbia 1, Baylor 1.

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSThe top 25 teams in The Associated Press' women's college basketball poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, and total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote and previous ranking.Record/Points/Previous1. South Carolina (28) 21-0 700 12. Stanford 21-2 635 33. LSU 20-0 628 44. Indiana 20-1 627 65. UConn 20-2 623 56. Iowa 17-4 522 107. Utah 18-2 520 98. Maryland 17-4 492 109. Notre Dame 17-3 480 710. Ohio St. 19-3 443 211. North Carolina 16-5 399 1512. Iowa St. 15-4 345 1813. Virginia Tech 17-4 317 1214. UCLA 17-5 310 815. NC State 16-5 291 2016. Duke 18-3 279 1617. Gonzaga 21-2 270 1718. Michigan 17-5 266 1319. Villanova 18-4 171 2120. Oklahoma 16-4 151 1421. Middle Tennessee 18-2 119 2322. Arizona 16-5 114 1923. Florida St. 19-5 113 2424. Texas 16-6 94 -25. South Florida 20-4 52 -Others receiving votes: Illinois 45, Colorado 40, Southern Cal 17, Tennessee 13, Purdue 12, UNLV 9, Oregon 1, Columbia 1, Baylor 1.

🏀 AP Top 25 women's basketball poll

<a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/player/_/id/226f1322-9c73-49d2-b155-027c2023fc6b">WATCH</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.leanplayer.com/">LISTEN</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=426071">LIVE STATS</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/G22_KUMBB_Kansas-State2.pdf">KANSAS GAME NOTES</a>

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– No. 8 Kansas (17-4, 5-3) returns home to host No. 7 Kansas State (18-3, 6-2) in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown on Jan. 31. The game from Allen Fieldhouse will begin at 7 p.m. (Central) and be televised on Big 12 NOW via ESPN+ with Jon Sciambi, Jay Bilas and Kris Budden on the call.

Kansas will play at No. 13 Iowa State on Saturday, February 4. Tip from Hilton Coliseum will be at 11 a.m. (Central) and the game will be televised on ESPN. Kansas leads the overall series with Iowa State, 189-66, including a 73-40 record in meetings in Ames and 29-22 mark in Hilton Coliseum. KU has won the last seven meetings with ISU dating back to Jan. 8, 2020, including a 62-60 win in Allen Fieldhouse on Jan. 14, 2023.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675162712723.png" alt="KU vs K-State Men" />
 <figcaption>KU vs K-State Men</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/player/_/id/226f1322-9c73-49d2-b155-027c2023fc6b">WATCH</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.leanplayer.com/">LISTEN</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=426071">LIVE STATS</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/G22_KUMBB_Kansas-State2.pdf">KANSAS GAME NOTES</a>LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– No. 8 Kansas (17-4, 5-3) returns home to host No. 7 Kansas State (18-3, 6-2) in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown on Jan. 31. The game from Allen Fieldhouse will begin at 7 p.m. (Central) and be televised on Big 12 NOW via ESPN+ with Jon Sciambi, Jay Bilas and Kris Budden on the call.TIPOFF<ul>
 <li>This contest is KU’s Team IMPACT game honoring teammate Jonathan Phog “JP” Bemberger, who has been a part of the Kansas men’s basketball program for the past three seasons.</li><li>At halftime of the game there will be a Folds of Honor recognition that includes Folds of Honor CEO Dan Rooney, a KU graduate and former Jayhawk golfer.</li><li>The Naismith Trophy, which tours top venues, will be in Allen Fieldhouse in the Booth Family Hall of Athletics prior to the KSU-KU contest.</li><li>Last season, Kansas became the all-time winningest program in NCAA Division I, currently at 2,374 victories.</li><li>Kansas leads the overall series with Kansas State, 203-95, including a 52-18 record in Allen Fieldhouse.</li><li>Kansas is No. 8 in the NET Rankings through games played on Jan. 29. Kansas is No. 1 in NET Strength of Schedule and its eight Quadrant 1 wins are the most in NCAA Division I.</li><li>Redshirt-junior Jalen Wilson leads the Big 12 in scoring at 21.4 ppg, which is ninth nationally. Wilson also leads the Big 12 with eight double-doubles, which is 29th nationally. Wilson has scored 113 points over his last four games, which marks the most points by a Kansas player in a four-game stretch since the inception of the Big 12 in 1996-97.</li><li>Redshirt-junior Dajuan Harris Jr. leads the Big 12 in assist-to-turnover ratio at 3.11 (seventh nationally). His 6.5 assists per game are second in the league and fifth nationally.</li><li>Named to the 2023 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year watch list, redshirt-senior Kevin McCullar Jr. leads the Big 12 in steals (2.5), which is ninth nationally.</li><li>Freshman Gradey Dick leads the Big 12 and is 18th nationally in three-point field goal percentage at 42.7%.</li><li>Kansas is celebrating 125 years of men’s basketball in 2022-23.</li>
 </ul>UP NEXTKansas will play at No. 13 Iowa State on Saturday, February 4. Tip from Hilton Coliseum will be at 11 a.m. (Central) and the game will be televised on ESPN. Kansas leads the overall series with Iowa State, 189-66, including a 73-40 record in meetings in Ames and 29-22 mark in Hilton Coliseum. KU has won the last seven meetings with ISU dating back to Jan. 8, 2020, including a 62-60 win in Allen Fieldhouse on Jan. 14, 2023.

🏀 MBB: No. 8 Jayhawks to host No. 7 Wildcats Tuesday in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes deserved the game ball from the AFC title game. Travis Kelce probably did, too. But behind the scenes were Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder and his staff. They had to get their star QB ready for the Bengals and help their star tight end when back spasms nearly kept him from playing, too. Their work is just beginning. The Chiefs lost cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, linebacker Willie Gay Jr. and wide receivers Kadarius Toney, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman to injuries in their 23-20 win Sunday night. They have two weeks to get healthy for the Eagles in the Super Bowl.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Eagles can win their second Super Bowl in franchise history if they beat the Kansas City Chiefs. The Eagles will face their former coach in Andy Reid. The Eagles are the fourth team to reach three Super Bowls since 2004. They also are the fourth franchise to appear in multiple Super Bowls since 2017. Hurts and Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes will be the first Black QBs to face off in a Super Bowl. The Eagles are in their fourth Super Bowl in franchise history.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy tore a ligament in his throwing elbow, putting his status for the start of next season in question. A person familiar with the injury confirmed the diagnosis of the injury Purdy sustained in the NFC title game. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team has not released details on the injury. NFL Network first reported that Purdy tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right arm and said he will seek a second opinion on whether he needs a repair or a reconstruction.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A person familiar with the deal says the Royals and Zach Greinke have agreed to a contract for the coming season. That makes it nine seasons over two stints in Kansas City for the six-time All-Star pitcher. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the 39-year-old Greinke still needs to pass a physical. The financial terms of the deal first reported by Kansas City sports radio host Bob Fescoe weren't immediately available. Greinke was paid $13 million last season by the Royals. He spent the first seven seasons with them before returning last year and going 3-9 with a 3.68 ERA.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Sir’Jabari Rice scored 21 points and Timmy Allen added 18 to send No. 10 Texas to a 76-71 win over No. 11 Baylor. Texas ended Baylor's six-game win streak, and the Longhorns kept a share of first place in the Big 12. Rice made four 3-pointers in the second half and his two free throws with 16 seconds left put Texas ahead by five with the final points. LJ Cryer scored 19 points to lead four Baylor players in double figures.

UNDATED (AP) — Purdue is this season's first unanimous No. 1 team in the AP men’s college basketball poll. The Boilermakers have won eight straight games since a one-point loss to Rutgers on Jan. 2. They were followed in the AP Top 25 by Tennessee, Houston, Alabama and Arizona in the top five. No. 11 Baylor and No. 17 Providence made the biggest jumps, each climbing six spots. Auburn had the biggest drop, falling 10 spots to No. 25. No. 21 Indiana and No. 22 San Diego State rejoined the poll at the expense of Charleston and New Mexico.

UNDATED (AP) — South Carolina, Stanford and LSU are the top teams in the latest women's AP Top 25 college basketball rankings. South Carolina is No. 1 for the 32nd consecutive week. Only UConn (51 and 34 weeks) and Louisiana Tech (36) have had longer runs at No. 1. Indiana and UConn round out top five. Ohio State lost all three of its games last week and dropped from No. 2 to No. 10.

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — TCU leading scorer Mike Miles Jr. will miss Tuesday night’s home game against West Virginia because of a hyperextended right knee. Miles got hurt less than four minutes into 15th ranked TCU’s overtime loss at Mississippi State on Saturday in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge. A subsequent MRI showed no serious issues for the Big 12′s second-leading scorer. The timetable for his return is still uncertain, but coach Jamie Dixon says Miles didn’t have an ACL or MCL injury. Miles is still second in the Big 12 averaging 18.1 points a game even after not scoring Saturday.

UNDATED (AP) — Using name, image and likeness compensation to recruit college athletes is still very much against NCAA rules. The recent de-commitment from Florida by blue chip quarterback Jaden Rashada shows that NIL is definitely a factor in decisions. Booster-funded collectives are taking on a big role in compensating athletes. Schools can only hope they are acting within the rules and in their best interest. Inserting a third-party in the recruiting process between coaches and recruits has only complicated things. Experts say the collectives should focus on athletes who are already on campus.

CHICAGO (AP) — Hall of Fame forward Bobby Hull, who helped the Chicago Blackhawks win the 1961 Stanley Cup Final, has died. Hull was 84. The two-time MVP was one of the most prolific scorers in NHL history, leading the league in goals seven times. Nicknamed “The Golden Jet” for his speed and blond hair, he posted 13 consecutive seasons with 30 goals or more from 1959-72. Hull and Stan Mikita powered Chicago to the NHL title in 1961. Hull remains the Blackhawks’ career leader with 62 playoff goals. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983 and his No. 9 sweater was retired by Chicago that same year.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes deserved the game ball from the AFC title game. Travis Kelce probably did, too. But behind the scenes were Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder and his staff. They had to get their star QB ready for the Bengals and help their star tight end when back spasms nearly kept him from playing, too. Their work is just beginning. The Chiefs lost cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, linebacker Willie Gay Jr. and wide receivers Kadarius Toney, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman to injuries in their 23-20 win Sunday night. They have two weeks to get healthy for the Eagles in the Super Bowl.PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Eagles can win their second Super Bowl in franchise history if they beat the Kansas City Chiefs. The Eagles will face their former coach in Andy Reid. The Eagles are the fourth team to reach three Super Bowls since 2004. They also are the fourth franchise to appear in multiple Super Bowls since 2017. Hurts and Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes will be the first Black QBs to face off in a Super Bowl. The Eagles are in their fourth Super Bowl in franchise history.SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy tore a ligament in his throwing elbow, putting his status for the start of next season in question. A person familiar with the injury confirmed the diagnosis of the injury Purdy sustained in the NFC title game. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team has not released details on the injury. NFL Network first reported that Purdy tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right arm and said he will seek a second opinion on whether he needs a repair or a reconstruction.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A person familiar with the deal says the Royals and Zach Greinke have agreed to a contract for the coming season. That makes it nine seasons over two stints in Kansas City for the six-time All-Star pitcher. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the 39-year-old Greinke still needs to pass a physical. The financial terms of the deal first reported by Kansas City sports radio host Bob Fescoe weren't immediately available. Greinke was paid $13 million last season by the Royals. He spent the first seven seasons with them before returning last year and going 3-9 with a 3.68 ERA.AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Sir’Jabari Rice scored 21 points and Timmy Allen added 18 to send No. 10 Texas to a 76-71 win over No. 11 Baylor. Texas ended Baylor's six-game win streak, and the Longhorns kept a share of first place in the Big 12. Rice made four 3-pointers in the second half and his two free throws with 16 seconds left put Texas ahead by five with the final points. LJ Cryer scored 19 points to lead four Baylor players in double figures.UNDATED (AP) — Purdue is this season's first unanimous No. 1 team in the AP men’s college basketball poll. The Boilermakers have won eight straight games since a one-point loss to Rutgers on Jan. 2. They were followed in the AP Top 25 by Tennessee, Houston, Alabama and Arizona in the top five. No. 11 Baylor and No. 17 Providence made the biggest jumps, each climbing six spots. Auburn had the biggest drop, falling 10 spots to No. 25. No. 21 Indiana and No. 22 San Diego State rejoined the poll at the expense of Charleston and New Mexico.UNDATED (AP) — South Carolina, Stanford and LSU are the top teams in the latest women's AP Top 25 college basketball rankings. South Carolina is No. 1 for the 32nd consecutive week. Only UConn (51 and 34 weeks) and Louisiana Tech (36) have had longer runs at No. 1. Indiana and UConn round out top five. Ohio State lost all three of its games last week and dropped from No. 2 to No. 10.FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — TCU leading scorer Mike Miles Jr. will miss Tuesday night’s home game against West Virginia because of a hyperextended right knee. Miles got hurt less than four minutes into 15th ranked TCU’s overtime loss at Mississippi State on Saturday in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge. A subsequent MRI showed no serious issues for the Big 12′s second-leading scorer. The timetable for his return is still uncertain, but coach Jamie Dixon says Miles didn’t have an ACL or MCL injury. Miles is still second in the Big 12 averaging 18.1 points a game even after not scoring Saturday.UNDATED (AP) — Using name, image and likeness compensation to recruit college athletes is still very much against NCAA rules. The recent de-commitment from Florida by blue chip quarterback Jaden Rashada shows that NIL is definitely a factor in decisions. Booster-funded collectives are taking on a big role in compensating athletes. Schools can only hope they are acting within the rules and in their best interest. Inserting a third-party in the recruiting process between coaches and recruits has only complicated things. Experts say the collectives should focus on athletes who are already on campus.CHICAGO (AP) — Hall of Fame forward Bobby Hull, who helped the Chicago Blackhawks win the 1961 Stanley Cup Final, has died. Hull was 84. The two-time MVP was one of the most prolific scorers in NHL history, leading the league in goals seven times. Nicknamed “The Golden Jet” for his speed and blond hair, he posted 13 consecutive seasons with 30 goals or more from 1959-72. Hull and Stan Mikita powered Chicago to the NHL title in 1961. Hull remains the Blackhawks’ career leader with 62 playoff goals. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983 and his No. 9 sweater was retired by Chicago that same year.MONDAY SCORESTOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal (6)Virginia 67 Syracuse 62Final (10)Texas 76 (11)Baylor 71Final Texas Tech 80 (13)Iowa St. 77NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal Orlando 119 Philadelphia 109Final Brooklyn 121 L.A. Lakers 104Final Golden State 128 Oklahoma City 120Final Washington 127 San Antonio 106Final OT Sacramento 118 Minnesota 111Final Dallas 111 Detroit 105Final Phoenix 114 Toronto 106Final Portland 129 Atlanta 125NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal Winnipeg 4 St. Louis 2

Sports Headlines for Tuesday

Purdue is this season's first unanimous No. 1 team in the AP men’s college basketball poll. The Boilermakers have won eight straight games since a one-point loss to Rutgers on Jan. 2. They were followed in the AP Top 25 by Tennessee, Houston, Alabama and Arizona in the top five. No. 11 Baylor and No. 17 Providence made the biggest jumps, each climbing six spots. Auburn had the biggest drop, falling 10 spots to No. 25. No. 21 Indiana and No. 22 San Diego State rejoined the poll at the expense of Charleston and New Mexico.

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

Others receiving votes: Missouri 74, Coll of Charleston 68, Illinois 56, Creighton 51, New Mexico 47, North Carolina 47, NC State 39, Boise St. 31, Duke 24, Rutgers 17, Texas A&amp;M 16, Northwestern 13, Memphis 10, Pittsburgh 9, Arkansas 9, Nevada 2, Oral Roberts 2,&nbsp;West Virginia 2, Saint Louis 1, Southern Cal 1.

Purdue is this season's first unanimous No. 1 team in the AP men’s college basketball poll. The Boilermakers have won eight straight games since a one-point loss to Rutgers on Jan. 2. They were followed in the AP Top 25 by Tennessee, Houston, Alabama and Arizona in the top five. No. 11 Baylor and No. 17 Providence made the biggest jumps, each climbing six spots. Auburn had the biggest drop, falling 10 spots to No. 25. No. 21 Indiana and No. 22 San Diego State rejoined the poll at the expense of Charleston and New Mexico.The top 25 teams in The Associated Press' college basketball poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, and total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote and previous ranking.Record Pts Prv1. Purdue (62) 21-1 1550 12. Tennessee 18-3 1443 43. Houston 20-2 1415 34. Alabama 18-3 1312 25. Arizona 19-3 1310 66. Virginia 16-3 1258 77. Kansas St 18-3 1190 58. Kansas 17-4 1034 99. UCLA 17-4 993 810. Texas 17-4 939 1011. Baylor 16-5 905 1712. Gonzaga 18-4 837 1413. Iowa St. 15-5 832 1214. Marquette 17-5 769 1615. TCU 16-5 752 1116. Xavier 17-5 689 1317. Providence 17-5 438 2318. Saint Mary's 19-4 419 2219. FAU 21-1 392 2120. Clemson 18-4 340 2421. Indiana 15-6 250 -22. San Diego St. 17-4 170 -23. Miami 16-5 146 2024. UConn 16-6 131 1925. Auburn 16-5 117 15Others receiving votes: Missouri 74, Coll of Charleston 68, Illinois 56, Creighton 51, New Mexico 47, North Carolina 47, NC State 39, Boise St. 31, Duke 24, Rutgers 17, Texas A&amp;M 16, Northwestern 13, Memphis 10, Pittsburgh 9, Arkansas 9, Nevada 2, Oral Roberts 2,&nbsp;West Virginia 2, Saint Louis 1, Southern Cal 1.

🏀 MBB: Purdue a unanimous No. 1 in AP Top 25; Vols up to No. 2

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Royals and Zach Greinke have agreed to a contract for the coming season, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Monday, making it nine seasons over two stints in Kansas City for the six-time All-Star pitcher.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the 39-year-old Greinke still needed to pass a physical.

The financial terms of the deal, which was first reported by Kansas City sports radio host Bob Fescoe, were not immediately available. Greinke was paid $13 million last season by the Royals, where he spent the first seven season before returning last year and going 3-9 with a 3.68 ERA and striking out 73 over 137 innings for the rebuilding club.

Greinke did spend two stints on the injured list but allowed two runs or fewer in 17 of his 26 starts last season.

Perhaps most importantly, Greinke provided veteran leadership to one of baseball's younger rotations. Brady Singer, at just 26, flourished into the staff ace, while fellow 20-somethings Daniel Lynch and Kris Bubic also made progress.

Greinke, who will turn 40 in October, began his career in Kansas City as a mercurial first-round pick in the 2002 amateur draft. He nearly walked away from the game before making it to the big leagues two years later, beginning a 20-year career that included stints with the Brewers, Angels, Dodgers, Diamondbacks and Astros.

The 2009 Cy Young winner is first among active pitchers with 514 career starts and 3,247 innings pitched. Greinke is second to Justin Verlander with 223 wins, third in strikeouts (2,882) and has six Gold Gloves and two Silver Slugger awards.

The Royals had been quiet much of the offseason but have been busy in the weeks leading up to spring training.

Just recently, they sent starting outfielder Michael A. Taylor to the Twins and injury-prone shortstop Adalberto Mondesi to the Red Sox, netting three pitching prospects in the deals. They also signed reliever Aroldis Chapman to a $3.75 million deal for 2023 in the hopes the seven-time All-Star can bounce back from a disappointing season with the Yankees.

Earlier in the offseason, the Royals signed pitchers Ryan Yarbrough and Jordan Lyles. Both of them are candidates for the starting rotation, though Yarbrough's value most likely will be found in the bullpen.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Royals and Zach Greinke have agreed to a contract for the coming season, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Monday, making it nine seasons over two stints in Kansas City for the six-time All-Star pitcher.The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the 39-year-old Greinke still needed to pass a physical.The financial terms of the deal, which was first reported by Kansas City sports radio host Bob Fescoe, were not immediately available. Greinke was paid $13 million last season by the Royals, where he spent the first seven season before returning last year and going 3-9 with a 3.68 ERA and striking out 73 over 137 innings for the rebuilding club.Greinke did spend two stints on the injured list but allowed two runs or fewer in 17 of his 26 starts last season.Perhaps most importantly, Greinke provided veteran leadership to one of baseball's younger rotations. Brady Singer, at just 26, flourished into the staff ace, while fellow 20-somethings Daniel Lynch and Kris Bubic also made progress.Greinke, who will turn 40 in October, began his career in Kansas City as a mercurial first-round pick in the 2002 amateur draft. He nearly walked away from the game before making it to the big leagues two years later, beginning a 20-year career that included stints with the Brewers, Angels, Dodgers, Diamondbacks and Astros.The 2009 Cy Young winner is first among active pitchers with 514 career starts and 3,247 innings pitched. Greinke is second to Justin Verlander with 223 wins, third in strikeouts (2,882) and has six Gold Gloves and two Silver Slugger awards.The Royals had been quiet much of the offseason but have been busy in the weeks leading up to spring training.Just recently, they sent starting outfielder Michael A. Taylor to the Twins and injury-prone shortstop Adalberto Mondesi to the Red Sox, netting three pitching prospects in the deals. They also signed reliever Aroldis Chapman to a $3.75 million deal for 2023 in the hopes the seven-time All-Star can bounce back from a disappointing season with the Yankees.Earlier in the offseason, the Royals signed pitchers Ryan Yarbrough and Jordan Lyles. Both of them are candidates for the starting rotation, though Yarbrough's value most likely will be found in the bullpen.

⚾ Royals agree with RHP Greinke on deal for 2023

Patrick Mahomes finally got the best of Joe Burrow.

Harrison Butker made a 45-yard field goal with 3 seconds left — after Cincinnati's Joseph Ossai was flagged for a 15-yard penalty for shoving Mahomes after he was out of bounds — and the Chiefs beat the Bengals 23-20 in the AFC championship game to make it back to the Super Bowl.

Kansas City will face the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl on Feb. 12 in Glendale, Arizona.

The Eagles opened as a 1 1/2-point favorite, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

There are no shortage of storylines: Kansas City coach Andy Reid goes against his old team — which he led to Super Bowl 39 — in a game that's also the first matchup of Black starting quarterbacks in the Super Bowl with Mahomes and Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts.

On top of that, there's a brother-against-brother showdown between Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and Philadelphia center Jason Kelce.

“ Officially done being a Chiefs fan this season!! ” Jason Kelce tweeted immediately after the Chiefs won.

The Chiefs have been making deep postseason runs on a regular basis ever since Mahomes came to town as the franchise quarterback.

This was their fifth straight trip to the AFC title game and will be their third Super Bowl appearance in that span. They beat the 49ers for the NFL title in the 2019 season, but lost to the Bucs the following season.

The Eagles clobbered the Niners 31-7 in the NFC title game earlier Sunday. They've looked dominant in the playoffs so far, also beating the New York Giants 38-7 in the divisional round.

Philadelphia is back in the Super Bowl five years after beating the New England Patriots 41-33 on Feb. 4, 2018.

Now a mostly new generation of Eagles — led by coach Nick Sirianni and Hurts — will come to Arizona to try and win another title.

The Chiefs-Bengals game looked as if it was going to overtime before Ossai's ill-advised play. Mahomes — who was playing on a badly sprained ankle — was running to get a first down in the final seconds as Ossai desperately tried to track him down.

Mahomes was out of bounds when Ossai gave him a shove, sending both players tumbling to the turf. The ensuing 15-yard penalty was enough to push Butker into field-goal range and the kick split the uprights.

A distraught Ossai sat on the bench with his head in his hands, well after the game was over.

The Bengals and Chiefs were playing for the fourth time in less than 400 days and Cincinnati had won the previous three meetings — all by three points. This one was decided by a field goal, too, and all Burrow could do was watch.

The Bengals lost to the Rams in last year's Super Bowl and they just missed another chance at returning to the title game.

Oddsmakers thought fans were in for some close conference championship games.

They'll have to settle for a 50% success rate.

The NFC title game was a blowout. Niners rookie quarterback Brock Purdy was injured in the first quarter when Eagles linebacker Haason Reddick drilled his right arm on a play that was ruled a fumble. The Eagles recovered that fumble and the injury proved to be a game-changer.

With Purdy hurt, San Francisco turned to 36-year-old journeyman Josh Johnson, who couldn't do much before eventually leaving with a concussion. Purdy came back into the game, but could barely throw, and the Eagles cruised to the win.

The 49ers dealt with quarterback injuries all season, losing Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo before turning to Purdy, a seventh-round draft pick out of Iowa State. Purdy stepped into a starter's role in December and won his first seven games before Sunday's injury.

Here's a few things to know about the upcoming Super Bowl:

Pro Bowl flag-football game, 3 p.m. EST, ABC/ESPN

Super Bowl LVII, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 6:30 p.m. EST, Fox

Rihanna will take center stage as the headline act for this year's Super Bowl halftime show.

With sales of more than 250 million records worldwide, Rihanna ranks as one of the best-selling female artists ever. Her most recent album was 2016′s “Anti.” Rihanna last performed publicly at the Grammy Awards in 2018.

The singer said she turned down a similar opportunity for the 2019 Super Bowl that was ultimately headlined by Maroon 5. At the time, many artists voiced support for Colin Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback who protested police brutality against Black people and minorities by kneeling during the national anthem in 2016.

Country music star Chris Stapleton will sing the national anthem, while R&amp;B legend Babyface will perform “America the Beautiful.”

The Pro Bowl is getting a major makeover this year after the NFL eliminated its full-contact all-star game and replaced it with weeklong skills competitions and a flag football game.

The flag football contest is Feb. 5 in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium, one week before the Super Bowl.

The Pro Bowl debuted in January 1951 in Los Angeles and stayed there for 21 seasons before the game moved to different cities from 1972-80. Hawaii hosted from 1980-2009, and the game has had several homes in the years since, including Miami, Phoenix, Orlando and Las Vegas.

“The game was kind of silly, I guess,” Saints two-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman Ryan Ramczyk said back in September when the news was announced. “Guys weren’t out there playing true football. Hopefully, there’ll be a lot of interactions with the fans and guys will get their opportunity to go out there and show some skills. I could see that being a good change.”

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/category/sports">Sports</a>

Patrick Mahomes finally got the best of Joe Burrow.All he needed was a little shove.Harrison Butker made a 45-yard field goal with 3 seconds left — after Cincinnati's Joseph Ossai was flagged for a 15-yard penalty for shoving Mahomes after he was out of bounds — and the Chiefs beat the Bengals 23-20 in the AFC championship game to make it back to the Super Bowl.Kansas City will face the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl on Feb. 12 in Glendale, Arizona.The Eagles opened as a 1 1/2-point favorite, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.There are no shortage of storylines: Kansas City coach Andy Reid goes against his old team — which he led to Super Bowl 39 — in a game that's also the first matchup of Black starting quarterbacks in the Super Bowl with Mahomes and Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts.On top of that, there's a brother-against-brother showdown between Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and Philadelphia center Jason Kelce.“ Officially done being a Chiefs fan this season!! ” Jason Kelce tweeted immediately after the Chiefs won.The Chiefs have been making deep postseason runs on a regular basis ever since Mahomes came to town as the franchise quarterback.This was their fifth straight trip to the AFC title game and will be their third Super Bowl appearance in that span. They beat the 49ers for the NFL title in the 2019 season, but lost to the Bucs the following season.The Eagles clobbered the Niners 31-7 in the NFC title game earlier Sunday. They've looked dominant in the playoffs so far, also beating the New York Giants 38-7 in the divisional round.Philadelphia is back in the Super Bowl five years after beating the New England Patriots 41-33 on Feb. 4, 2018.Now a mostly new generation of Eagles — led by coach Nick Sirianni and Hurts — will come to Arizona to try and win another title.The Chiefs-Bengals game looked as if it was going to overtime before Ossai's ill-advised play. Mahomes — who was playing on a badly sprained ankle — was running to get a first down in the final seconds as Ossai desperately tried to track him down.Mahomes was out of bounds when Ossai gave him a shove, sending both players tumbling to the turf. The ensuing 15-yard penalty was enough to push Butker into field-goal range and the kick split the uprights.A distraught Ossai sat on the bench with his head in his hands, well after the game was over.The Bengals and Chiefs were playing for the fourth time in less than 400 days and Cincinnati had won the previous three meetings — all by three points. This one was decided by a field goal, too, and all Burrow could do was watch.The Bengals lost to the Rams in last year's Super Bowl and they just missed another chance at returning to the title game.NO DRAMA IN NFCOddsmakers thought fans were in for some close conference championship games.They'll have to settle for a 50% success rate.The NFC title game was a blowout. Niners rookie quarterback Brock Purdy was injured in the first quarter when Eagles linebacker Haason Reddick drilled his right arm on a play that was ruled a fumble. The Eagles recovered that fumble and the injury proved to be a game-changer.With Purdy hurt, San Francisco turned to 36-year-old journeyman Josh Johnson, who couldn't do much before eventually leaving with a concussion. Purdy came back into the game, but could barely throw, and the Eagles cruised to the win.The 49ers dealt with quarterback injuries all season, losing Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo before turning to Purdy, a seventh-round draft pick out of Iowa State. Purdy stepped into a starter's role in December and won his first seven games before Sunday's injury.Here's a few things to know about the upcoming Super Bowl:WHAT'S THE UPCOMING SCHEDULE?FEB. 5Pro Bowl flag-football game, 3 p.m. EST, ABC/ESPNFEB. 12Super Bowl LVII, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 6:30 p.m. EST, FoxRIHANNA AT HALFTIMERihanna will take center stage as the headline act for this year's Super Bowl halftime show.With sales of more than 250 million records worldwide, Rihanna ranks as one of the best-selling female artists ever. Her most recent album was 2016′s “Anti.” Rihanna last performed publicly at the Grammy Awards in 2018.The singer said she turned down a similar opportunity for the 2019 Super Bowl that was ultimately headlined by Maroon 5. At the time, many artists voiced support for Colin Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback who protested police brutality against Black people and minorities by kneeling during the national anthem in 2016.Country music star Chris Stapleton will sing the national anthem, while R&amp;B legend Babyface will perform “America the Beautiful.”PRO BOWL MAKEOVERThe Pro Bowl is getting a major makeover this year after the NFL eliminated its full-contact all-star game and replaced it with weeklong skills competitions and a flag football game.The flag football contest is Feb. 5 in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium, one week before the Super Bowl.The Pro Bowl debuted in January 1951 in Los Angeles and stayed there for 21 seasons before the game moved to different cities from 1972-80. Hawaii hosted from 1980-2009, and the game has had several homes in the years since, including Miami, Phoenix, Orlando and Las Vegas.“The game was kind of silly, I guess,” Saints two-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman Ryan Ramczyk said back in September when the news was announced. “Guys weren’t out there playing true football. Hopefully, there’ll be a lot of interactions with the fans and guys will get their opportunity to go out there and show some skills. I could see that being a good change.”<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/category/sports">Sports</a>

🏈 Super Bowl 57: Chiefs, Eagles meet for title in Arizona

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes scrambled for a first down on his badly sprained right ankle and then was shoved late out of bounds by Joseph Ossai, giving Harrison Butker a chance to kick a 45-yard field goal with 3 seconds left that gave the Kansas City Chiefs a 23-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC title game. The Chiefs finally beat the Bengals after three straight losses, including a three-point overtime defeat in last year’s conference championship game. They advanced to play the Philadelphia Eagles in their third Super Bowl in four years.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs lost cornerback L’Jarius Sneed to the concussion protocol and versatile linebacker Willie Gay Jr. to a shoulder injury, depriving their defense of two key playmakers in their AFC title game against the Bengals. The Chiefs also lost wide receivers Kadarius Toney to a twisted ankle and Mecole Hardman while getting tackled early in the second half Sunday night. Bengals counterpart Tyler Boyd went down early in the second half with a quad injury.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jalen Hurts had one of Philadelphia’s four rushing touchdowns and the Eagles soared into the Super Bowl, forcing both of San Francisco’s quarterbacks out of the game with injuries and beating the wounded 49ers 31-7 in the NFC championship game. The Eagles won the Super Bowl five years ago with a different coach and quarterback. They'll try to do it again behind the formidable duo of Hurts and Nick Sirianni. Philadelphia will play either the Cincinnati Bengals or former Eagles coach Andy Reid’s Kansas City Chiefs. Miles Sanders ran for two touchdowns and linebacker Haason Reddick made the hit that forced 49ers rookie quarterback Brock Purdy out of the game with an elbow injury.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Joe Burrow couldn't carry the Cincinnati Bengals to a second consecutive Super Bowl on Sunday night. The brilliant quarterback was sacked five times, threw two interceptions and was wobbly by the end of Cincinnati's 23-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game. Burrow finished with 270 yards passing and a touchdown. But he also was hit with a costly intentional grounding penalty late in the fourth quarter, and he was sacked by Chris Jones with 41 seconds left, forcing Cincinnati to punt the ball back to the Chiefs. Harrison Butker kicked a field goal with 3 seconds left to win the game for Kansas City.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Brock Purdy’s magical run from last pick in the NFL draft to winning his first seven starts for the San Francisco 49ers ended when Haason Reddick knocked him out of the NFC championship game in the first quarter. Purdy was forced to return in the second half despite an elbow injury after Josh Johnson left with a concussion. But he threw only two passes and handed off the rest of the game. By that time, the 49ers already trailed the Eagles 21-7 and couldn’t get anything going. From Trey Lance to Jimmy Garoppolo to Purdy, the 49ers overcame quarterback injuries throughout the season, winning 12 straight games to reach their third conference title game in four years.

DALLAS (AP) — Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett, who led the Bulldogs to their second straight national championship, has been arrested in Dallas after police said he was intoxicated and banging on doors. Dallas police said the 25-year-old was arrested Sunday. Police said Bennett was charged with public intoxication and taken to the city detention center. Police said that at about 6:10 a.m., officers responded to reports of a man banging on doors. Last week, Bennett told reporters that he would be training for his pro career in Fort Worth, Texas, located just west of Dallas. Bennett threw two touchdown passes and ran for two scores in the first half as No. 1 Georgia demolished No. 3 TCU 65-7 in the national championship game.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes scrambled for a first down on his badly sprained right ankle and then was shoved late out of bounds by Joseph Ossai, giving Harrison Butker a chance to kick a 45-yard field goal with 3 seconds left that gave the Kansas City Chiefs a 23-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC title game. The Chiefs finally beat the Bengals after three straight losses, including a three-point overtime defeat in last year’s conference championship game. They advanced to play the Philadelphia Eagles in their third Super Bowl in four years.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs lost cornerback L’Jarius Sneed to the concussion protocol and versatile linebacker Willie Gay Jr. to a shoulder injury, depriving their defense of two key playmakers in their AFC title game against the Bengals. The Chiefs also lost wide receivers Kadarius Toney to a twisted ankle and Mecole Hardman while getting tackled early in the second half Sunday night. Bengals counterpart Tyler Boyd went down early in the second half with a quad injury.PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jalen Hurts had one of Philadelphia’s four rushing touchdowns and the Eagles soared into the Super Bowl, forcing both of San Francisco’s quarterbacks out of the game with injuries and beating the wounded 49ers 31-7 in the NFC championship game. The Eagles won the Super Bowl five years ago with a different coach and quarterback. They'll try to do it again behind the formidable duo of Hurts and Nick Sirianni. Philadelphia will play either the Cincinnati Bengals or former Eagles coach Andy Reid’s Kansas City Chiefs. Miles Sanders ran for two touchdowns and linebacker Haason Reddick made the hit that forced 49ers rookie quarterback Brock Purdy out of the game with an elbow injury.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Joe Burrow couldn't carry the Cincinnati Bengals to a second consecutive Super Bowl on Sunday night. The brilliant quarterback was sacked five times, threw two interceptions and was wobbly by the end of Cincinnati's 23-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game. Burrow finished with 270 yards passing and a touchdown. But he also was hit with a costly intentional grounding penalty late in the fourth quarter, and he was sacked by Chris Jones with 41 seconds left, forcing Cincinnati to punt the ball back to the Chiefs. Harrison Butker kicked a field goal with 3 seconds left to win the game for Kansas City.PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Brock Purdy’s magical run from last pick in the NFL draft to winning his first seven starts for the San Francisco 49ers ended when Haason Reddick knocked him out of the NFC championship game in the first quarter. Purdy was forced to return in the second half despite an elbow injury after Josh Johnson left with a concussion. But he threw only two passes and handed off the rest of the game. By that time, the 49ers already trailed the Eagles 21-7 and couldn’t get anything going. From Trey Lance to Jimmy Garoppolo to Purdy, the 49ers overcame quarterback injuries throughout the season, winning 12 straight games to reach their third conference title game in four years.DALLAS (AP) — Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett, who led the Bulldogs to their second straight national championship, has been arrested in Dallas after police said he was intoxicated and banging on doors. Dallas police said the 25-year-old was arrested Sunday. Police said Bennett was charged with public intoxication and taken to the city detention center. Police said that at about 6:10 a.m., officers responded to reports of a man banging on doors. Last week, Bennett told reporters that he would be training for his pro career in Fort Worth, Texas, located just west of Dallas. Bennett threw two touchdown passes and ran for two scores in the first half as No. 1 Georgia demolished No. 3 TCU 65-7 in the national championship game.SUNDAY SCORESNATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal Philadelphia 31 San Francisco 7Final Kansas City 23 Cincinnati 20TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal (1)Purdue 77 Michigan St. 61Final (23)Providence 70 Villanova 65NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal Charlotte 122 Miami 117Final Memphis 112 Indiana 100Final Cleveland 122 L.A. Clippers 99Final Milwaukee 135 New Orleans 110NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal Toronto 5 Washington 1Final Carolina 4 Boston 1

Sports Headlines for Monday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes was forced to rely on his badly sprained right ankle rather than his strong right arm when the Kansas City Chiefs were desperately driving with a chance to win the AFC championship.

The All-Pro quarterback, missing three wide receivers to injuries and battered himself, took off on a third-down play near midfield in another gut-check game with the Cincinnati Bengals. Mahomes strained to reach the mark he needed and was headed out of bounds when he felt the hands of Joseph Ossai send him sprawling into the bench.

The mad dash, coupled with the 15-yard penalty for a late hit, was all Kansas City needed.

Harrison Butker strode confidently onto the field, sent a 45-yard kick through cold, gusting wind over the crossbar with 3 seconds to go, and put the Chiefs back in the Super Bowl for the third time in four years with a 23-20 victory.

“I don’t think we have any cigars,” Mahomes said with a smile, "but we’ll be ready to go in the Super Bowl.”

It was vindication for the AFC West champions, who had lost three straight to their newfound nemeses, including a three-point overtime loss to Cincinnati in last year's conference title game. All of those defeats were by three points.

Now, the Chiefs are headed back to the big game.

Awaiting them is coach Andy Reid's old team, the Eagles, in the first matchup of Black quarterbacks in the Super Bowl with Mahomes and Philadelphia's Jalen Hurts. It will also feature a brother-against-brother showdown between Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and Philadelphia center Jason Kelce.

“I’ve watched them all year," Mahomes said. “It’s going to be a great challenge for us. But I’m going to celebrate this first.”

Mahomes, who hurt his ankle against Jacksonville in the divisional round, threw for 326 yards and two touchdowns, even though he was missing three of his wide receivers to injuries by the end. Marquez Valdes-Scantling led with 116 yards and a touchdown, while Travis Kelce — bad back and all — had seven catches for 78 yards and a score.

“It’s a tough bunch. My heart goes out to them, man, they’re tough guys,” Reid said. “They worked so hard this week. Pat and Kelce were both banged up a little bit. They pushed through and great things happened."

The Chiefs also managed to shut the mouths of the Bengals, some of whom had taken to calling their home “Burrowhead” for Joe Burrow, who had never lost to Kansas City. Even Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval started in on the trash talk.

“I’ve got some wise words for that Cincinnati mayor,” Kelce said. "Know your role and shut your mouth, you jabroni!”

Burrow, who was sacked five times and wobbly by the end, finished with 270 yards passing to go with a touchdown and two interceptions for the Bengals. Tee Higgins had six catches for 83 yards and the score.

“We’re not going to make it about one play. There was plenty of plays we left on the field today that could have put us in a better position,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said. “The character of this football team, that’s never going to change. We’ve got the right people in the locker room, the right men leading this team and this organization.

“I know that this is a team that our city and our fan base can be proud of,” Taylor added. "They represent themselves the right way, and we’re going to fight, scratch and claw to be back in this position next year.”

The Chiefs were able to do early what the Buffalo Bills could not in last week’s divisional round: They ran roughshod over an ailing Bengals offensive line missing two starters to injury with another bothered by a sore knee.

Burrow was sacked three times in the first quarter alone and the Bengals offense did not gain a single yard.

Mahomes looked just fine on his sore ankle in leading Kansas City to a field goal on its opening possession. When the Chiefs got the ball back, Mahomes did it again, but only after Kadarius Toney failed to pull in a nifty throw for a would-be touchdown — the incompletion was upheld upon review.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes was forced to rely on his badly sprained right ankle rather than his strong right arm when the Kansas City Chiefs were desperately driving with a chance to win the AFC championship.The All-Pro quarterback, missing three wide receivers to injuries and battered himself, took off on a third-down play near midfield in another gut-check game with the Cincinnati Bengals. Mahomes strained to reach the mark he needed and was headed out of bounds when he felt the hands of Joseph Ossai send him sprawling into the bench.The mad dash, coupled with the 15-yard penalty for a late hit, was all Kansas City needed.Harrison Butker strode confidently onto the field, sent a 45-yard kick through cold, gusting wind over the crossbar with 3 seconds to go, and put the Chiefs back in the Super Bowl for the third time in four years with a 23-20 victory.“I don’t think we have any cigars,” Mahomes said with a smile, "but we’ll be ready to go in the Super Bowl.”It was vindication for the AFC West champions, who had lost three straight to their newfound nemeses, including a three-point overtime loss to Cincinnati in last year's conference title game. All of those defeats were by three points.Now, the Chiefs are headed back to the big game.Awaiting them is coach Andy Reid's old team, the Eagles, in the first matchup of Black quarterbacks in the Super Bowl with Mahomes and Philadelphia's Jalen Hurts. It will also feature a brother-against-brother showdown between Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and Philadelphia center Jason Kelce.“I’ve watched them all year," Mahomes said. “It’s going to be a great challenge for us. But I’m going to celebrate this first.”Mahomes, who hurt his ankle against Jacksonville in the divisional round, threw for 326 yards and two touchdowns, even though he was missing three of his wide receivers to injuries by the end. Marquez Valdes-Scantling led with 116 yards and a touchdown, while Travis Kelce — bad back and all — had seven catches for 78 yards and a score.“It’s a tough bunch. My heart goes out to them, man, they’re tough guys,” Reid said. “They worked so hard this week. Pat and Kelce were both banged up a little bit. They pushed through and great things happened."The Chiefs also managed to shut the mouths of the Bengals, some of whom had taken to calling their home “Burrowhead” for Joe Burrow, who had never lost to Kansas City. Even Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval started in on the trash talk.“I’ve got some wise words for that Cincinnati mayor,” Kelce said. "Know your role and shut your mouth, you jabroni!”Burrow, who was sacked five times and wobbly by the end, finished with 270 yards passing to go with a touchdown and two interceptions for the Bengals. Tee Higgins had six catches for 83 yards and the score.“We’re not going to make it about one play. There was plenty of plays we left on the field today that could have put us in a better position,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said. “The character of this football team, that’s never going to change. We’ve got the right people in the locker room, the right men leading this team and this organization.“I know that this is a team that our city and our fan base can be proud of,” Taylor added. "They represent themselves the right way, and we’re going to fight, scratch and claw to be back in this position next year.”The Chiefs were able to do early what the Buffalo Bills could not in last week’s divisional round: They ran roughshod over an ailing Bengals offensive line missing two starters to injury with another bothered by a sore knee.Burrow was sacked three times in the first quarter alone and the Bengals offense did not gain a single yard.Mahomes looked just fine on his sore ankle in leading Kansas City to a field goal on its opening possession. When the Chiefs got the ball back, Mahomes did it again, but only after Kadarius Toney failed to pull in a nifty throw for a would-be touchdown — the incompletion was upheld upon review.Cincinnati finally got moving in the second quarter, but it also had to settle for Evan McPherson’s chip-shot field goal.So much for two of the league’s highest-scoring offenses.The Chiefs finally reached the end zone late in the second quarter when Mahomes hit Kelce, loosely covered by Jessie Bates III, with a fourth-down throw for the touchdown. The Bengals drove 90 yards in the closing minutes, but only added a field goal to get within 13-6 at the break.Turns out their offense was just hitting its stride. And another classic was brewing.After the Chiefs went three-and-out to start the second half, Burrow led the Bengals downfield, bolting through a yawning hole in the defense for a third-down conversion before hitting Higgins from 27 yards out to knot the game 13-all.Mahomes, suddenly down three wide receivers to injuries and beginning to limp, gamely pressed on. He answered Burrow with a touchdown drive of his own, capped by a third-down throw to Valdes-Scantling to regain the lead.The Chiefs had a chance to gain some breathing room later in the third quarter, but Mahomes somehow lost control of the ball before throwing a pass and the Bengals pounced on the fumble. Six players later — including an audacious fourth-down throw from Burrow to Ja’Marr Chase — Samaje Perine ran into the end zone to tie it at 20.Burrow gave the Chiefs a chance when his deep throw to Higgins on third down was batted into the air and picked by rookie cornerback Josh Williams. Mahomes managed to move the Chiefs past midfield, but two runs went nowhere and his third-down throw to Jerick McKinnon was well short, forcing them to punt in Bengals territory.Kansas City's defense held, though, got a crucial sack from Chris Jones to force a punt with 39 seconds left, and shaky return man Skyy Moore broke free for 29 yards on the return. That gave Mahomes and the offense one more try.“It was a tough road to get here. To win 10 in a row, it was a pretty incredible feat,” Taylor said. "We came up short. We wanted to play longer than that, but really proud of these guys.”INJURIESBengals: WR Tyler Boyd left with a quadriceps injury early in the second half.Chiefs: Lost CB L’Jarius Sneed (concussion), LB Willie Gay Jr. (shoulder) and WRs Toney (ankle), Mecole Hardman (pelvis) and JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee).UP NEXTThe Chiefs are headed to their third Super Bowl in four seasons. They ended a 50-year championship drought when they rallied to beat the San Francisco 49ers in 2020, then lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the following year.