Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs have rarely met and never in the playoffs despite their long and storied histories. They certainly are familiar with each other headed into their divisional-round showdown Sunday. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski was once a summer intern for Chiefs counterpart Andy Reid. The Browns' Baker Mayfield and the Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes were college rivals. John Dorsey has his thumbprint on both rosters after stints as general manager for both organizations. One difference is the upstart Browns are aiming for back-to-back playoff wins for the first time since 1950. The Chiefs are aiming for back-to-back Super Bowl triumphs.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Eric Bieniemy spent last week speaking to just about every NFL franchise with a vacant head coaching job. The Chiefs offensive coordinator doesn't want to waste a second on it this week. Bieniemy said Thursday when asked about the coaching carousel that he would only discuss the Cleveland Browns. They are the Chiefs' opponent in the divisional-round of the playoffs on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium. Bieniemy was among at least seven to interview with the Falcons and Lions where he remains one of the front-runners for the job. He spoke with the Jets and was among at least four to interview with the Jaguars.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Kareem Hunt is ready for an emotional football reunion. On Sunday Cleveland's running back will face the Kansas City Chiefs for the first time since the team released him in 2018. The Super Bowl champions moved on from Hunt after a video surfaced of him shoving and kicking a woman. Hunt was signed by the Browns and he's straightened out his career and life since being back in his hometown. Hunt said he doesn't hold any grudge against the Chiefs and he's looking forward to facing former teammates and good fiends Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.&nbsp;

NEW YORK (AP) — St. Louis Blues forward Sammy Blais was suspended for two games without pay by the NHL on Thursday for an illegal check to the head of Colorado Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews. Blais received a minor penalty for elbowing in first-period incident in the Blues' 4-1 victory at Colorado on Wednesday night in the opener for both teams. The suspension will cost Blais $25,862. He had six goals and seven assists in 40 games last season.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Caitlin Clark already is a star for the Iowa women's basketball team. The freshman guard from West Des Moines, Iowa, is third in the nation with just under 26 points a game. She's been named Big Ten player of the week three times and conference freshman of the week six times. Teammates say Clark has picked up where 2020 Big Ten player of the year Kathleen Doyle left off. Clark has had four games with 30 or more points and she leads the Big Ten in assists.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Charli Collier had 28 points and 14 rebounds and No. 21 Texas bounced back from its worst Big 12 loss since 2012-13 to beat Kansas 79-72. Celeste Taylor added 23 points for the Longhorns (9-2, 3-1 Big 12) and tied a career high with four 3-pointers, all in the first half. Holly Kersgieter had 20 points on 9-of-15 shooting and grabbed nine rebounds for the Jayhawks, who had eight available players in Kansas' first completed game of 2021. Zakiyah Franklin added 15 points, five rebounds and six assists, and Chandler Prater had 14 points. Julie Brosseau had 10 points.

Milton sparks 76ers past undermanned Heat 125-108

UNDATED (AP) — Shake Milton scored 31 points and Ben Simmons had 10 points, 10 assists and 12 rebounds to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 125-108 win over the Miami Heat. The Sixers swept the two-game home set against a Heat team that continues to play with a depleted roster because of COVID-related issues. Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic again sat out for the Heat. Duncan Robinson led the Heat with 22 points, and Gabe Vincent had 21.

—Domantas Sabonis had 23 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Indiana Pacers past the Portland Trail Blazers 111-87. Malcolm Brogdon added 25 points and seven assists for the Pacers, who improved to 4-1 on the road this season and snapped an 11-game losing streak in Portland. The loss was costly: During the third quarter, center Jusuf Nurkic left the court holding his right wrist and the Trail Blazers later announced he had sustained a fracture. 

—Nikola Jokic scored 18 of his 23 points in the second half to help Denver overcome the blazing shooting of Stephen Curry as the Nuggets beat the Golden State Warriors 114-104. Jokic also had 14 rebounds and 10 assists for his 46th career triple-double. Curry finished with 35 points on 14-of-23 shooting. He hit five 3-pointers to give him 2,545 for his career. Curry is 15 from tying Reggie Miller for second place on the league's all-time list. 

—Chris Boucher had 25 points and 10 rebounds, Kyle Lowry had 16 points and 12 assists, and the Toronto Raptors beat the Charlotte Hornets 111-108. Pascal Siakam (see-A'-kam) added 15 points and seven rebounds as Toronto ended a two-game skid and improved to 3-8. Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 22 points and P.J. Washington had 20 points and 11 rebounds. LaMelo Ball had 14 points and 11 assists as Charlotte played without leading scorer Gordon Heyward, who strained his left hip in Wednesday night's 104-93 loss to Dallas that ended a four-game winning streak. 

—Christian Wood had 27 points and 15 rebounds, and the Houston Rockets rallied to beat the San Antonio Spurs 109-105 in their first game since trading away franchise cornerstone James Harden. Sterling Brown, who took Harden's spot in the starting lineup, had 23 points, seven rebounds and three assists in 36 minutes. Spurs forward Keldon Johnson had a career-high 29 points and Lonnie Walker IV added 16 points while tying a career-high with four 3-pointers. Houston staged a 15-2 run to lead 105-101 with 1:46 left.

Portland's Nurkic fractures right wrist against Indiana

PORTLAND (AP) — Portland Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic fractured his right wrist Thursday night during a game against the Indiana Pacers. 

Nurkic could be seen holding the wrist after swiping at the ball, before falling on it during the third quarter. At a timeout he went to to the locker room and did not return. 

—The Celtics expect their weeklong coronavirus break to end Friday when they're scheduled to host the Orlando Magic. Three of Boston's games were postponed. In all, eight NBA games since Sunday have been postponed. 

—The NBA is considering even more testing if teams can enlist local labs to save time. Teams in all 28 NBA cities have been told to investigate if there is a local lab that can process PCR tests relatively quickly; the extra tests would be conducted on game-day mornings and turn in results no later than one hour before tip-off. The league regimen already includes daily PCR tests for players and coaches, and rapid tests on game days.

No. 1 Gonzaga beats Pepperdine 95-70, runs win streak to 17

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Corey Kispert had 23 points and eight rebounds as top-ranked and undefeated Gonzaga beat Pepperdine 95-70 for its 17th consecutive victory over the past two seasons. 

Drew Timme scored 20, Joel Ayayi 19 and Jalen Suggs 18 for Gonzaga), which has defeated Pepperdine in 40 straight games dating to 2002. That includes 23 straight wins in Spokane. Gonzaga has also won 46 straight home games, the longest streak in the nation. Kessler Edwards scored 14 for Pepperdine, which was playing its first game since Dec. 23 because of COVID-19 protocols.

Villanova returns from 10-day COVID break

UNDATED (AP) — The No. 3 Villanova Wildcats have ended a 10-day break for COVID-related reasons and returned to practice on Thursday.

Coach Jay Wright said he hoped he could field a full roster when the Wildcats play Seton Hall on Tuesday at the Pavilion. Villanova hasn't played since a Dec. 23 win at Marquette. Wright said he hoped Caleb Daniels and Jermaine Samuels would get cleared in time for next week's game. The Wildcats are 8-1 overall but just 3-0 in the Big East. The Wildcats need to play the scheduled Big East minimum of 20 games to qualify for the NCAA Tournament. 

—The Atlantic 10 Conference is pulling its men's basketball championship out of Barclays Center in Brooklyn because of concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. The new location of the championship, which will be played March 10-14, is under review. This marks the first time since 2004 that the full championship will be contested on a campus. Barclays Center has served as the conference championship home for six years.

—Michigan State is postponing a second straight men's basketball game due to a COVID-19 outbreak within its basketball program. The school says it will not host Indiana on Sunday as scheduled. The Spartans previously postponed a game at No. 5 Iowa because three players tested positive for the coronavirus. 

—Two more Georgetown men's basketball games -- against Providence and Marquette -- have been postponed after the Hoyas reported a positive COVID-19 test. Georgetown was supposed to play at Providence on Saturday and host Marquette on Jan. 20. Those will make it three consecutive postponements for Georgetown and five overall this season. 

—Georgia State has postponed its third straight game because of COVID-19. The Panthers halted all team activities for a week after multiple positive tests within the program, including athletes, coaches and support staff. That forced the postponement of two games against Sun Belt Conference rival Troy. Georgia State was scheduled to play back-to-back games against Coastal Carolina this weekend, but the Friday contest was called off. The teams are still set to play on Saturday. 

—South Carolina basketball coach Frank Martin and two other staffers will not travel with the Gamecocks for a game Saturday night at LSU. The school said Martin, assistant coach Chuck Martin and Doug Edwards, who's in charge of student-athlete development, are staying home because of COVID-19 "health and safety protocols."

Urban Hire: Meyer returns to sidelines with NFL's Jaguars

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Urban Meyer has agreed to become head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

He leaves the broadcast booth and returns to the sidelines after a two-year absence that followed a health scare. The 56-year-old Meyer was team owner Shad Khan's top target. Khan waited nearly a week to get it done. They met last Friday on Khan's yacht in Miami, again Wednesday and one final time at the facility Thursday. 

Meyer has won three college national championships with a staggering winning percentage of more than 85%. Hiring the longtime college coach with three national championships signifies a new direction for a franchise that has lost 105 of 144 games since Khan took over in 2012.

—The New York Jets reached an agreement in principle with San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh (SAH'-luh) to hire him as their head coach. Saleh replaces Adam Gase who was fired on Jan. 3 after going 9-23 in two seasons. The 41-year-old Saleh is recognized as an energetic leader who is well liked by his players and had been the 49ers' defensive coordinator under Kyle Shanahan since 2017.

—Quarterback Jared Goff will start the Los Angeles Rams' playoff game at Green Bay on Saturday, and John Wolford will be inactive. Coach Sean McVay announced his decision Thursday ahead of the final workout for the Rams before they travel to face the top-seeded Packers at Lambeau Field. Wolford started the Rams' last two games, but the second-year pro was injured early in Los Angeles' 30-20 win at Seattle last Saturday. 

—Browns coach Kevin Stefanski is back with his team after having COVID-19. Stefanski returned to the team's facility Thursday, 10 days after he tested positive with the virus and after he missed Cleveland's playoff win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. He'll make his playoff debut Sunday when Browns play the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. 

—The Pittsburgh Steelers are shaking up their coaching staff. The team announced offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner and assistants Shaun Sarrett and Tom Bradley will not be back following a first-round playoff loss to Cleveland. The decision to not retain Fichtner could impact whether quarterback Ben Roethlisberger returns in 2021. Roethlisberger and Fichtner have a close relationship dating back to 2010.

—The Detroit Lions have agreed to terms with Brad Holmes to be their general manager. Holmes led the Rams' college scouting department for eight years and started his 18-year career with them as a public relations intern in 2003. 

—Four stars from Alabama's national championship team, including Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback Mac Jones, are leaving early to enter the NFL draft. Jones, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, cornerback Patrick Surtain II and defensive lineman Christian Barmore announced their intentions to leave. All are considered potential first-round picks. 

Olympic swimmer released but ordered to stay away from DC

DENVER (AP) — A five-time Olympic swimming medalist charged with participating in a deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol was released from federal custody Thursday but ordered to stay away from Washington, D.C. until after next week's inauguration.

Klete Keller, who lives in Colorado, appeared during a brief hearing in Denver federal court following his arrest on charges brought by prosecutors in Washington. At the insistence of prosecutors, Keller cannot travel to Washington before Jan. 21. After that, Keller is allowed to travel to Washington for court appearances and to meet with his lawyers.

Keller was charged Wednesday in federal court in Washington after a video emerged that appeared to show him among those storming the Capitol last week.

Olympic champion Rollins-McNeal suspended in doping case

MONACO (AP) — Olympic hurdles champion Brianna Rollins-McNeal has been provisionally suspended for a doping rules violation. Rollins-McNeal won gold in the 100-meter hurdles at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. The 29-year-old American was also world champion in 2013. 

The Athletics Integrity Unit says it charged Rollins-McNeal with "tampering within the results management process." It did not specify details of the case. 

Oshie has 3 points, Capitals open with 6-4 win at Buffalo

UNDATED (AP) — T.J. Oshie had a goal and two assists in Peter Laviolette's debut as Washington's coach and the Capitals opened the season with a 6-4 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night. Jakub Vrana stripped Eric Staal of the puck in front of Buffalo's net and scored 46 seconds into the third period to preserve the win after the Capitals were in jeopardy of squandering a 4-1 lead. Vrana's goal came 26 seconds after defenseman Jake McCabe cut Buffalo's deficit to 4-3 by roofing a shot from the right point. John Carlson and Nicklas Backstrom had a goal and assist each and Brenden Dillon also scored for the Capitals.

—Mark Stone scored the tiebreaking goal early in the third period, Robin Lehner made 20 saves and the Vegas Golden Knights beat the Anaheim Ducks 4-2 in the season opener for both teams. The Golden Knights improved to 9-2-2 against Anaheim since they entered the league in 2017. Jonathan Marchessault, Tomas Nosek, Max Pacioretty and Alex Tuch also scored for Vegas. Maxime Comtois scored Anaheim's goals, both in the first 7:58 of the game, marking the fastest two goals by an NHL player to start a season in more than 15 years. 

—Kirill Kaprizov scored his first NHL goal with 1:13 remaining in overtime and finished with three points as the Minnesota Wild rallied for a 4-3 victory over the Los Angeles Kings in the season opener for both teams. The 23-year-old Russian scored on a breakaway, putting the puck past Los Angeles goaltender Jonathan Quick. Kaprizov is the third Russian-born player to make his NHL debut with the Wild.

—Patrik Laine scored his second goal of the game in overtime to give the Winnipeg Jets a 4-3 victory over the Calgary Flames on Thursday night in the opener for both teams. Mark Schiefele and Kyle Connor also scored for the Jets, and Connor Hellebuyck stopped 23 shots. Elias Lindholm, Matthew Tkachuk and Johnny Gaudreau scored for Calgary. Markstrom made 30 saves in his Calgary debut after signing a six-year, $36 million deal in free agency.

—Nino Niederreiter scored early and Petr Mrazek had to make just 14 saves for a shutout, helping the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Detroit Red Wings 3-0 in the season opener for both teams. Detroit goalie Thomas Greiss stopped 40 shots to give his offensively challenged team a chance for two-plus periods. The Red Wings played for the first time since they lost to Carolina at home on March 10, 2020. Carolina's layoff was less than half as long because it swept the New York Rangers in the playoffs after the pause before being eliminated by Boston.

—Brad Marchand had a goal and an assist, then scored the only goal in the shootout as the Boston Bruins beat New Jersey 3-2 to spoil Lindy Ruff's debut as Devils coach. Marchand scored a power-play goal and set up another by Nick Ritchie for the Bruins, who won the Presidents' Trophy for having the best record in the NHL during the 2019-20 regular season. The teams play again in New Jersey on Saturday afternoon. 

—Brock Nelson, Anders Lee and Mathew Barzal scored in the opening period and the New York Islanders beat the New York Rangers 4-0 at Madison Square Garden. Semyon Varlamov stopped 24 shots for his 28th career shutout and third with the Islanders. Defenseman Nick Leddy added two assists. Igor Shesterkin made 29 saves as the Rangers fell in the first of eight games between the rivals. 

—Connor McDavid had a hat trick and an assist, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored twice and added an assist and the Edmonton Oilers beat the Vancouver Canucks 5-2 on Thursday night. Leon Draisaitl, the NHL's top scorer last season, had four assists to help the Oilers rebound from a 5-3 loss to the Canucks a night earlier in the opener for both teams. Mikko Koskinen made 38 saves for the Oilers. Nate Schmidt and Tyler Motte scored for Vancouver, and Thatcher Demko stopped 41 shots.

—Filip Forsberg scored the tiebreaking goal at 5:48 of the third period to lead the Nashville Predators over the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-1 in their season opener. Luke Kunin and Calle Jarnkrok also scored for the Predators, who have won 11 of their last 14 home openers. Juuse Saros made 29 saves. Boone Jenner had the goal for Columbus. 

Blackhawks place Jonathan Toews on long-term injured reserve

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews (tayvz) will miss at least 10 games and 24 days after the team placed him on long-term injured reserve Thursday because of an unspecified illness.

The 32-year-old Toews announced prior to the start of training camp last month he was experiencing symptoms that left him feeling "drained and lethargic" and there is no timetable for his return. The veteran center has asked for privacy while he focuses on his health. Toews helped lead the Blackhawks to three Stanley Cup championships from 2010 to 2015.

—St. Louis Blues forward Sammy Blais was suspended for two games without pay by the NHL on Thursday for an illegal check to the head of Colorado Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews. Blais received a minor penalty for elbowing in the first-period incident in the Blues' 4-1 victory at Colorado on Wednesday night in the opener for both teams. The suspension will cost Blais $25,862. He had six goals and seven assists in 40 games last season.

UNDATED (AP) — New Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Corey Knebel has agreed to a $5.25 million, one-year contract that avoided salary arbitration. The 29-year-old was acquired from Milwaukee on Dec. 2. Knebel was an All-Star in 2017 and a key part of the Brewers' bullpen during their run to the 2018 NL Championship Series. The right-hander missed the 2019 season with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow and struggled after returning.

—Left-hander Alex Wood has agreed to a $3 million, one-year contract with the San Francisco Giants. The 30-year-old Wood can make an additional $3 million in performance bonuses for games in which he gets 10 or more outs. An All-Star in 2017, Wood went 0-1 with a 6.39 ERA in two starts and seven relief appearances last year, striking out 15 in 12 2/3 innings.

—Right-handed reliver Mychal Givens and the Colorado Rockies agreed to a $4.05 million, one-year contract. Colorado acquired Givens in a deal with Baltimore on Aug. 30. He allowed at least a run in five of 10 appearances for the Rockies. Givens appeared in 12 game for the Orioles before the trade and allowed two runs over 13 innings. Combined, he was 1-1 with a 3.61 ERA with Colorado and Baltimore. He turns 31 on May 13. 

— José Martínez and the New York Mets agreed Thursday to a one-year contract that pays $1 million while he is in the major leagues and $225,000 while he's in the minors. The 32-year-old first baseman and outfielder hit .182 with four doubles, two homers and 10 RBIs last year for the Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago Cubs.

— Left-hander Nik Turley has been traded to the Athletics from the Pittsburgh Pirates for cash, giving Oakland a reliable reliever for late in games after losing closer Liam Hendriks in free agency. Turley went 0-3 with a 4.98 ERA and one save over 25 relief outings — the most by any big-league rookie — spanning 21 2/3 innings for the Pirates in the coronavirus-shortened 2020 season. 

—The Philadelphia Phillies and reliever Archie Bradley have agreed on a $6 million, one-year contract, according to a person familiar with the deal. The deal is pending Bradley passing a physical. The right-hander was 2-0 with a 2.95 ERA and six saves in 16 games last season with Arizona and Cincinnati. Bradley had a career-best 18 saves in 2019.

Niemann finishes with eagle and shares the lead at Sony Open

HONOLULU (AP) — Joaquin Niemann finished a lot better four days later and on a different Hawaiian island. 

Niemann chipped in from 50 feet for eagle on the 18th hole for an 8-under 62. That gave him a share of the lead in the Sony Open with Jason Kokrak (KOHK'-rak) and Peter Malnati. Niemann had to settle for a pair of pars on the par-5 18th hole at Kapalua last week. That led to a playoff loss to Harris English and he stewed about it for two days. Niemann took the positives from the week and put it to good use at Waialae.

Sports Headlines for Friday

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

		Michigan St.	at	(5)Iowa	9 p.m.	(Postponed)

		(11)Houston	at	South Florida	7 p.m.	(Postponed)

		Arizona St.	at	(22)Oregon	9 p.m.	(Postponed)

		Washington	at	Detroit	7 p.m.	(Postponed)

		Golden State	at	Phoenix	9 p.m.	(Postponed)

		(3)Villanova	at	(25)UConn	9 p.m.	(Postponed)

		Davidson	at	(24)Saint Louis	7 p.m.	(Postponed)

AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Philadelphia	125	Miami	108	Final	Toronto	111	Charlotte	108	Final	Houston	109	San Antonio	105	Final	Indiana	111	Portland	87	Final	Denver	114	Golden State	104	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE		Dallas	at	Florida	7 p.m.	(Postponed)Final	Washington	6	Buffalo	4	Final SO	Boston	3	New Jersey	2	Final	Carolina	3	Detroit	0	Final	Nashville	3	Columbus	1	Final OT	Winnipeg	4	Calgary	3	Final	Edmonton	5	Vancouver	2	Final SO	San Jose	4	Arizona	3	Final	Vegas	5	Anaheim	2	Final OT	Minnesota	4	Los Angeles	3	Final	N-Y Islanders	4	N-Y Rangers	0	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL		Michigan St.	at	(5)Iowa	9 p.m.	(Postponed)		(11)Houston	at	South Florida	7 p.m.	(Postponed)		Arizona St.	at	(22)Oregon	9 p.m.	(Postponed)Final	(1)Gonzaga	95	Pepperdine	70	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Washington	at	Detroit	7 p.m.	(Postponed)		Dallas	at	Milwaukee	7:30 p.m.			New York	at	Cleveland	7:30 p.m.			Orlando	at	Boston	7:30 p.m.			Chicago	at	Oklahoma City	8 p.m.			Memphis	at	Minnesota	8 p.m.			Atlanta	at	Utah	9 p.m.			Golden State	at	Phoenix	9 p.m.	(Postponed)		L.A. Clippers	at	Sacramento	10 p.m.			New Orleans	at	L.A. Lakers	10 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE		Chicago	at	Tampa Bay	7 p.m.			Dallas	at	Florida	7 p.m.	(Postponed)		Pittsburgh	at	Philadelphia	7 p.m.			Toronto	at	Ottawa	7 p.m.			Washington	at	Buffalo	7 p.m.			St. Louis	at	Colorado	9 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL		(3)Villanova	at	(25)UConn	9 p.m.	(Postponed)		(9)Wisconsin	at	Rutgers	9 p.m.			Davidson	at	(24)Saint Louis	7 p.m.	(Postponed)___

Sports Scores from Thursday

DENVER (AP) — Oskar Sundqvist scored twice, Jordan Binnington stopped 26 shots and the St. Louis Blues beat the Colorado Avalanche 4-1 in the season opener for both teams. Jordan Kyrou also had a goal after being recalled from the taxi squad, and new addition Kyle Clifford added another as the Blues scored four unanswered. Andre Burakovsky scored early for the Avalanche. Colorado's streak of season-opening wins was halted at four.&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire has practiced for the first time since getting hurt in a game against New Orleans in Week 15. That's raising hopes the first-round draft pick can play in the divisional round of the playoffs against Cleveland on Sunday. Edwards-Helaire had been out with a high-ankle sprain. The only players to miss practice Wednesday were wide receiver Sammy Watkins, who missed the final game of the regular-season with a calf injury; rookie linebacker Willie Gay Jr., who has been dealing with an ankle injury; and cornerback Rashad Fenton, who hurt both of his ankles in the Chiefs' meaningless Week 17 loss to the Chargers.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — It doesn't take Andy Reid long when he pops on film of the Browns for the head coach of the Chiefs to see the unmistakable thumbprint of former general manager John Dorsey in their style and personnel. Probably because Reid still sees it on his own team. It was Dorsey who joined Reid in overhauling a Chiefs franchise that was 2-14 prior to their arrival and as GM was crucial to draft-day decisions that brought Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill to Kansas City. And it was Dorsey who, after he was let go by the Chiefs, helped turn around a Browns organization that was 0-16 the year before he arrived.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Madison Greene had 20 points and a career-high six steals, Jacy Sheldon and Braxtin Miller each added 18 points and No. 15 Ohio State beat Iowa 84-82 in overtime to snap the Hawkeyes' 42-game home winning streak. Iowa had not lost in Carver-Hawkeye Arena since a 92-74 defeat against Nebraska on Jan. 28, 2018. It was the second-longest active streak at home behind Baylor's 61. Aaliyah Patty had 12 points and nine rebounds for Ohio State. Caitlin Clark had 27 points, 10 rebounds and five assists for Iowa.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Morris Udeze and Tyson Etienne scored 20 points apiece as Wichita State topped Tulsa 72-53. Darien Jackson led the Golden Hurricane with 12 points and nine rebounds.

AP source: James Harden traded to Brooklyn Nets

UNDATED (AP) — Disgruntled All-Star guard James Harden is joining the Brooklyn Nets following a four-team deal involving the Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers. 

A person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity says Harden is leaving the Rockets just a day after saying the team wasn't good enough to beat elite competition. The AP also learned that Victor Oladipo (oh-lah-DEE'-poh) is going from Indiana to Houston, Caris Levert is heading from Brooklyn to Indiana and the Cavaliers are getting Jarrett Allen and Taurean Prince from the Nets. The deal includes at least four draft picks and additional pick swaps.

Harden is the NBA's three-time reigning scoring champion who has been dissatisfied with the team's direction since the offseason. He missed the start of training camp and entered the day ranked just 18th among all league scorers.

The move gives the Nets a "Big 3" of Harden, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving as soon as Irving returns to the team. Irving has missed five games for what the team says are personal reasons.

UNDATED (AP) — The Milwaukee Bucks have gotten hot since a 5-4 start.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (YAH'-nihs an-teh-toh-KOON'-poh) had a triple-double and the Bucks picked up their third straight win by topping the Pistons for the third time this month, 110-101. Antetokounmpo delivered 22 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in what started as a laugher before the Pistons rallied.

Milwaukee led 52-29 at one point and had more 3-pointers than Detroit had field goals. Brook Lopez connected three times from beyond the arc in the first quarter, when the Bucks were 7 of 11 from long distance. 

— LeBron James scored 26 points and the Lakers stayed perfect on the road by ripping the Thunder, 128-99. James delivered nine points in a 66-second stretch of the third quarter. Montrezl (MAHN'-trehz) Harrell added 21 points, and Anthony Davis had 18 for the Lakers, who have opened the season 7-0 on the road for the first time in franchise history.

— Playing hours after reportedly acquiring James Harden, the Nets had four starters and three reserves score in double-figures in a 116-109 victory over the Knicks. Kevin Durant pumped in 26 points and Bruce Brown finished with 15 and 14 rebounds to help the Nets move back over .500 at 7-6.

— The Mavericks picked up a 104-93 win over the Hornets as Luka Doncic (DAHN'-kihch) had 34 points, 13 rebounds, nine assists and a career-high four blocks. Kristaps Porzingis scored 16 points in his season debut after recovering from knee surgery.

— Damian Lillard scored eight of his season-high 40 points in the final four minutes of the Trail Blazers' 132-126 shooting win over the Kings. Portland tied a franchise record with 23 3-pointers, including six apiece from Lillard and CJ McCollum. 

— The Grizzlies earned their third win in a row as Jonas Valanciunas (YOH'-nuhs val-ehn-CHOO'-nuhs) had 24 points and 16 rebounds in a 118-107 win against the Timberwolves. Grayson Allen scored a season-high 20 off the bench for Memphis, which outscored Minnesota 38-17 in the fourth quarter.

— Kawhi (kah-WY') Leonard provided 28 points and Paul George added 27 for the Clippers in a 111-106 downing of the Pelicans. Leonard and George combined to score 16 consecutive points for Los Angeles after New Orleans got within four in the fourth quarter.

UNDATED (AP) — The Phoenix Suns are dealing with contact tracing that has forced the postponement of Wednesday's game against Atlanta and Friday's contest versus Golden State. 

In addition, Friday's game between the Pistons and Washington in Detroit has been postponed amid contact tracing among the Wizards. 

Neither the Wizards nor the Suns would have enough available personnel to meet the minimum 8-player requirement.

Eight NBA games have been scrubbed since Sunday. Three of those games were slated for Wednesday.

Also sidelined Wednesday was Zion Williamson, who was ruled out by the Pelicans for their game at the Clippers because of the league's health and safety protocols. That doesn't mean he tested positive and simply could mean he was potentially exposed to someone who has.

The NBA also revealed Wednesday that 16 players returned positive COVID-19 tests between Jan. 6 and Tuesday. That's by far the most in a one-week period since training camps started. With 497 players tested, that reflects a positivity rate of 3.2%.

UNDATED (AP) — Mac McClung has led 15th-ranked Texas Tech to victory over one of the Red Raiders' archrivals.

McClung scored 22 points, including a long, tiebreaking jumper with three seconds left to give Tech a 79-77 win over fourth-ranked Texas. 

The 10-2 Longhorns led almost the entire game following a blistering start against one of the nation's top defensive teams. But a flurry of late 3-pointers and a game-ending, 7-0 run snatched the win for the 11-3 Red Raiders.

Texas had a final chance, but Matt Coleman's desperation 3-pointer was way off target. 

Andrew Jones had 20 for Texas, with just two coming in the second half.

— Carlik Jones scored a season-high 23 points and Louisville opened its ACC schedule 4-0 for the first time by defeating Wake Forest, 77-65. Samuell Williamson added 15 points and 11 rebounds for the 16th-ranked Cardinals, who blew nearly all of a 16-point second-half lead before pulling away in the final six minutes.

— Jay Huff scored 18 points and 18th-ranked Virginia led by 12 at halftime before coasting to an 80-68 victory against Notre Dame. Sam Hauser had 15 points and nine rebounds for the Cavs, who have won four straight and are 4-0 in the conference.

— No. 21 Ohio State earned an 81-71 win over Northwestern behind Duane Washington Jr.'s career-high 23 points. Justin Ahrens scored all of his 12 points on 3-pointers, including a timely one late in the second half to help preserve the Buckeyes lead.

Flyers open NHL season with win over Pens

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Flyers have won the first NHL game of the 2021 season.

Joel Farabee had a goal and three assists in the Flyers' 6-3 decision over the Penguins. The game was tied 3-3 until Michael Raffl tallied 5:37 into the third period to begin a flurry of scoring for Philadelphia. Oskar Lindblom and Kevin Hayes scored 20 seconds apart to turn this one into a rout.

Nolan Patrick also scored in his first game since April 2, 2019. The 22-year-old center and No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 draft was stricken with debilitating migraines that caused him to miss all of last season.

— Steven Stamkos had a goal and two assists in his return to the Lightning lineup, leading a 5-1 thrashing of the Blackhawks. Brayden Point, Anthony Cirelli, Ondrej Palat (pah-LAHT') and Mathieu Joseph also scored to help the defending Stanley Cup champs get their seventh consecutive season-opening win. 

— The Blues were 4-1 winners over the Avalanche as Oskar Sundqvist scored twice and blocked four shots. Jordan Kyrou also found the net after being recalled from the taxi squad, and new addition Kyle Clifford added another goal for St. Louis.

— Morgan Rielly scored 3:24 into overtime to complete the Maple Leafs' 5-4 decision over the Canadiens. William Nylander (NEE'-lan-dur) had two goals and an assist for Toronto, while John Tavares provided a goal and two assists.

— Brock Boeser (BEH'-sur) had two goals, including the winner, as the Canucks topped the Oilers, 5-3. Bo Horvat, Adam Gaudette, and rookie Nils Hoglander also scored, and Braden Holtby made 28 saves in his Vancouver debut. 

UNDATED (AP) — Browns top cornerback Denzel Ward is back with the team after missing Cleveland's past two games with COVID-19. 

Ward was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list along with cornerback Kevin Johnson as the Browns began practicing for Sunday's playoff game at Kansas City against the top-seeded Chiefs. If he can play, Ward would give Cleveland's secondary a major boost as it faces Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his numerous offensive weapons. 

Offensive line coach Bill Callahan also returned to the team after being one of four assistants sidelined by the virus. Head coach Kevin Stefanski says he's on track to return Thursday after missing Sunday's wild-card win in Pittsburgh with COVID-19. 

Pro Bowl left guard Joel Bitonio remains in isolation, and the Browns are hoping to get him back in the next day or two.

— Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire has practiced for the first time since suffering a high ankle sprain in a game against New Orleans in Week 15. That's raising hopes the first-round draft pick can play in the divisional round of the playoffs against Cleveland on Sunday. 

— Two people familiar with the decision say the Eagles won't be penalized after the NFL looked into the way the team handled its quarterback decisions in the final regular-season game against Washington. Coach Doug Pederson removed Jalen Hurts for third-string quarterback Nate Sudfeld in the fourth quarter with Philadelphia trailing by just three points against Washington. Washington secured the NFC East title with the win, the Giants were eliminated and the Eagles moved up to sixth overall in the upcoming NFL draft instead of the ninth.

— The Broncos have hired longtime Vikings executive George Paton as their new general manager. Paton spent the last 14 seasons with Minnesota, including the last six as vice president of player personnel and assistant general manager. Paton will report to John Elway, who shed his GM duties and is keeping his role as president of football operations. 

— The Bears plan to keep general manager Ryan Pace and coach Matt Nagy for at least another season. Chairman George McCaskey says the team opted against sweeping changes in leadership after the Bears slipped into the playoffs despite going 8-8 for the second year in a row. Nagy is 28-20 in four years with the Bears.

Mark Shapiro gets 5-year extension as Blue Jays' CEO

TORONTO (AP) — Mark Shapiro (shuh-PY'-roh) has been given a five-year contract extension as the Toronto Blue Jays' president and chief executive officer.

Rogers Communications chairman Edward Rogers said Shapiro's leadership and commitment over the last five years have been critical to the team's growth and development.

The Blue Jays returned to the playoffs last season for the first time since 2016. Toronto was 32-28 during the pandemic-shortened season, earning a wild card in the expanded playoffs. 

<h2>Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press</h2>DENVER (AP) — Oskar Sundqvist scored twice, Jordan Binnington stopped 26 shots and the St. Louis Blues beat the Colorado Avalanche 4-1 in the season opener for both teams. Jordan Kyrou also had a goal after being recalled from the taxi squad, and new addition Kyle Clifford added another as the Blues scored four unanswered. Andre Burakovsky scored early for the Avalanche. Colorado's streak of season-opening wins was halted at four.&nbsp;KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire has practiced for the first time since getting hurt in a game against New Orleans in Week 15. That's raising hopes the first-round draft pick can play in the divisional round of the playoffs against Cleveland on Sunday. Edwards-Helaire had been out with a high-ankle sprain. The only players to miss practice Wednesday were wide receiver Sammy Watkins, who missed the final game of the regular-season with a calf injury; rookie linebacker Willie Gay Jr., who has been dealing with an ankle injury; and cornerback Rashad Fenton, who hurt both of his ankles in the Chiefs' meaningless Week 17 loss to the Chargers.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — It doesn't take Andy Reid long when he pops on film of the Browns for the head coach of the Chiefs to see the unmistakable thumbprint of former general manager John Dorsey in their style and personnel. Probably because Reid still sees it on his own team. It was Dorsey who joined Reid in overhauling a Chiefs franchise that was 2-14 prior to their arrival and as GM was crucial to draft-day decisions that brought Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill to Kansas City. And it was Dorsey who, after he was let go by the Chiefs, helped turn around a Browns organization that was 0-16 the year before he arrived.IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Madison Greene had 20 points and a career-high six steals, Jacy Sheldon and Braxtin Miller each added 18 points and No. 15 Ohio State beat Iowa 84-82 in overtime to snap the Hawkeyes' 42-game home winning streak. Iowa had not lost in Carver-Hawkeye Arena since a 92-74 defeat against Nebraska on Jan. 28, 2018. It was the second-longest active streak at home behind Baylor's 61. Aaliyah Patty had 12 points and nine rebounds for Ohio State. Caitlin Clark had 27 points, 10 rebounds and five assists for Iowa.WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Morris Udeze and Tyson Etienne scored 20 points apiece as Wichita State topped Tulsa 72-53. Darien Jackson led the Golden Hurricane with 12 points and nine rebounds.<h2>Update on the latest sports</h2>NBA-HARDEN TRADEAP source: James Harden traded to Brooklyn NetsUNDATED (AP) — Disgruntled All-Star guard James Harden is joining the Brooklyn Nets following a four-team deal involving the Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers. A person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity says Harden is leaving the Rockets just a day after saying the team wasn't good enough to beat elite competition. The AP also learned that Victor Oladipo (oh-lah-DEE'-poh) is going from Indiana to Houston, Caris Levert is heading from Brooklyn to Indiana and the Cavaliers are getting Jarrett Allen and Taurean Prince from the Nets. The deal includes at least four draft picks and additional pick swaps.Harden is the NBA's three-time reigning scoring champion who has been dissatisfied with the team's direction since the offseason. He missed the start of training camp and entered the day ranked just 18th among all league scorers.The move gives the Nets a "Big 3" of Harden, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving as soon as Irving returns to the team. Irving has missed five games for what the team says are personal reasons.NBA-SCHEDULEBucks top Pistons againUNDATED (AP) — The Milwaukee Bucks have gotten hot since a 5-4 start.Giannis Antetokounmpo (YAH'-nihs an-teh-toh-KOON'-poh) had a triple-double and the Bucks picked up their third straight win by topping the Pistons for the third time this month, 110-101. Antetokounmpo delivered 22 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in what started as a laugher before the Pistons rallied.Milwaukee led 52-29 at one point and had more 3-pointers than Detroit had field goals. Brook Lopez connected three times from beyond the arc in the first quarter, when the Bucks were 7 of 11 from long distance. Jerami Grant led Detroit with 22 points.Also on Wednesday's NBA schedule:— LeBron James scored 26 points and the Lakers stayed perfect on the road by ripping the Thunder, 128-99. James delivered nine points in a 66-second stretch of the third quarter. Montrezl (MAHN'-trehz) Harrell added 21 points, and Anthony Davis had 18 for the Lakers, who have opened the season 7-0 on the road for the first time in franchise history.— Playing hours after reportedly acquiring James Harden, the Nets had four starters and three reserves score in double-figures in a 116-109 victory over the Knicks. Kevin Durant pumped in 26 points and Bruce Brown finished with 15 and 14 rebounds to help the Nets move back over .500 at 7-6.— The Mavericks picked up a 104-93 win over the Hornets as Luka Doncic (DAHN'-kihch) had 34 points, 13 rebounds, nine assists and a career-high four blocks. Kristaps Porzingis scored 16 points in his season debut after recovering from knee surgery.— Damian Lillard scored eight of his season-high 40 points in the final four minutes of the Trail Blazers' 132-126 shooting win over the Kings. Portland tied a franchise record with 23 3-pointers, including six apiece from Lillard and CJ McCollum. — The Grizzlies earned their third win in a row as Jonas Valanciunas (YOH'-nuhs val-ehn-CHOO'-nuhs) had 24 points and 16 rebounds in a 118-107 win against the Timberwolves. Grayson Allen scored a season-high 20 off the bench for Memphis, which outscored Minnesota 38-17 in the fourth quarter.— Kawhi (kah-WY') Leonard provided 28 points and Paul George added 27 for the Clippers in a 111-106 downing of the Pelicans. Leonard and George combined to score 16 consecutive points for Los Angeles after New Orleans got within four in the fourth quarter.VIRUS OUTBREAK-NBAThree more games postponed amid COVID-19UNDATED (AP) — The Phoenix Suns are dealing with contact tracing that has forced the postponement of Wednesday's game against Atlanta and Friday's contest versus Golden State. In addition, Friday's game between the Pistons and Washington in Detroit has been postponed amid contact tracing among the Wizards. Neither the Wizards nor the Suns would have enough available personnel to meet the minimum 8-player requirement.Eight NBA games have been scrubbed since Sunday. Three of those games were slated for Wednesday.Also sidelined Wednesday was Zion Williamson, who was ruled out by the Pelicans for their game at the Clippers because of the league's health and safety protocols. That doesn't mean he tested positive and simply could mean he was potentially exposed to someone who has.The NBA also revealed Wednesday that 16 players returned positive COVID-19 tests between Jan. 6 and Tuesday. That's by far the most in a one-week period since training camps started. With 497 players tested, that reflects a positivity rate of 3.2%.T25 MEN'S BASKETBALL-SCHEDULERed Raiders rally past LonghornsUNDATED (AP) — Mac McClung has led 15th-ranked Texas Tech to victory over one of the Red Raiders' archrivals.McClung scored 22 points, including a long, tiebreaking jumper with three seconds left to give Tech a 79-77 win over fourth-ranked Texas. The 10-2 Longhorns led almost the entire game following a blistering start against one of the nation's top defensive teams. But a flurry of late 3-pointers and a game-ending, 7-0 run snatched the win for the 11-3 Red Raiders.Texas had a final chance, but Matt Coleman's desperation 3-pointer was way off target. Andrew Jones had 20 for Texas, with just two coming in the second half.In other top-25 men's basketball action:— Carlik Jones scored a season-high 23 points and Louisville opened its ACC schedule 4-0 for the first time by defeating Wake Forest, 77-65. Samuell Williamson added 15 points and 11 rebounds for the 16th-ranked Cardinals, who blew nearly all of a 16-point second-half lead before pulling away in the final six minutes.— Jay Huff scored 18 points and 18th-ranked Virginia led by 12 at halftime before coasting to an 80-68 victory against Notre Dame. Sam Hauser had 15 points and nine rebounds for the Cavs, who have won four straight and are 4-0 in the conference.— No. 21 Ohio State earned an 81-71 win over Northwestern behind Duane Washington Jr.'s career-high 23 points. Justin Ahrens scored all of his 12 points on 3-pointers, including a timely one late in the second half to help preserve the Buckeyes lead.NHL-SCHEDULEFlyers open NHL season with win over PensPHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Flyers have won the first NHL game of the 2021 season.Joel Farabee had a goal and three assists in the Flyers' 6-3 decision over the Penguins. The game was tied 3-3 until Michael Raffl tallied 5:37 into the third period to begin a flurry of scoring for Philadelphia. Oskar Lindblom and Kevin Hayes scored 20 seconds apart to turn this one into a rout.Nolan Patrick also scored in his first game since April 2, 2019. The 22-year-old center and No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 draft was stricken with debilitating migraines that caused him to miss all of last season.In other NHL season-opening games:— Steven Stamkos had a goal and two assists in his return to the Lightning lineup, leading a 5-1 thrashing of the Blackhawks. Brayden Point, Anthony Cirelli, Ondrej Palat (pah-LAHT') and Mathieu Joseph also scored to help the defending Stanley Cup champs get their seventh consecutive season-opening win. — The Blues were 4-1 winners over the Avalanche as Oskar Sundqvist scored twice and blocked four shots. Jordan Kyrou also found the net after being recalled from the taxi squad, and new addition Kyle Clifford added another goal for St. Louis.— Morgan Rielly scored 3:24 into overtime to complete the Maple Leafs' 5-4 decision over the Canadiens. William Nylander (NEE'-lan-dur) had two goals and an assist for Toronto, while John Tavares provided a goal and two assists.— Brock Boeser (BEH'-sur) had two goals, including the winner, as the Canucks topped the Oilers, 5-3. Bo Horvat, Adam Gaudette, and rookie Nils Hoglander also scored, and Braden Holtby made 28 saves in his Vancouver debut. NFL-NEWSBrowns get Denzel Ward back UNDATED (AP) — Browns top cornerback Denzel Ward is back with the team after missing Cleveland's past two games with COVID-19. Ward was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list along with cornerback Kevin Johnson as the Browns began practicing for Sunday's playoff game at Kansas City against the top-seeded Chiefs. If he can play, Ward would give Cleveland's secondary a major boost as it faces Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his numerous offensive weapons. Offensive line coach Bill Callahan also returned to the team after being one of four assistants sidelined by the virus. Head coach Kevin Stefanski says he's on track to return Thursday after missing Sunday's wild-card win in Pittsburgh with COVID-19. Pro Bowl left guard Joel Bitonio remains in isolation, and the Browns are hoping to get him back in the next day or two.In other NFL news: — Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire has practiced for the first time since suffering a high ankle sprain in a game against New Orleans in Week 15. That's raising hopes the first-round draft pick can play in the divisional round of the playoffs against Cleveland on Sunday. — Two people familiar with the decision say the Eagles won't be penalized after the NFL looked into the way the team handled its quarterback decisions in the final regular-season game against Washington. Coach Doug Pederson removed Jalen Hurts for third-string quarterback Nate Sudfeld in the fourth quarter with Philadelphia trailing by just three points against Washington. Washington secured the NFC East title with the win, the Giants were eliminated and the Eagles moved up to sixth overall in the upcoming NFL draft instead of the ninth.— The Broncos have hired longtime Vikings executive George Paton as their new general manager. Paton spent the last 14 seasons with Minnesota, including the last six as vice president of player personnel and assistant general manager. Paton will report to John Elway, who shed his GM duties and is keeping his role as president of football operations. — The Bears plan to keep general manager Ryan Pace and coach Matt Nagy for at least another season. Chairman George McCaskey says the team opted against sweeping changes in leadership after the Bears slipped into the playoffs despite going 8-8 for the second year in a row. Nagy is 28-20 in four years with the Bears.— The Broncos have hired longtime Vikings executive George Paton as their new general manager. Paton spent the last 14 seasons with Minnesota, including the last six as vice president of player personnel and assistant general manager. Paton will report to John Elway, who shed his GM duties and is keeping his role as president of football operations. MLB-NEWSMark Shapiro gets 5-year extension as Blue Jays' CEOTORONTO (AP) — Mark Shapiro (shuh-PY'-roh) has been given a five-year contract extension as the Toronto Blue Jays' president and chief executive officer.Rogers Communications chairman Edward Rogers said Shapiro's leadership and commitment over the last five years have been critical to the team's growth and development.The Blue Jays returned to the playoffs last season for the first time since 2016. Toronto was 32-28 during the pandemic-shortened season, earning a wild card in the expanded playoffs.

Sports Headlines for Thursday

MANHATTAN, Kansas –&nbsp;Kansas State will kick off the 2021 season on September 4 against Stanford at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, as the two teams have been chosen for the 2021 Allstate Kickoff Classic, which annually hosts the premier season-opening contest in college football.

“We were honored when AT&amp;T Stadium contacted us about potentially playing in this prestigious game,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. “The idea of taking a home game away from Manhattan and Bill Snyder Family Stadium is a big decision, and as a staff and university, we feel that it is an opportunity that we could not pass up.

“Our student-athletes will have the opportunity to play in one of the world’s finest venues, and Kansas State University and our football program will be in the national spotlight. Our fans have always enjoyed traveling to Arlington, and of course the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex is one of our top markets for out of state graduates, and the 7,000-plus alums in the area will have the opportunity to support our team in person.”

The game will be the 12th contest to kick-off the college football season, the first as the Allstate Kickoff Classic and will mark the Wildcats’ second appearance at the venue.&nbsp;Past kickoff games in AT&amp;T Stadium have included some of the nation’s best programs such as Alabama, Michigan, Auburn, Wisconsin, LSU, Oklahoma, Oregon and Florida, among others.&nbsp; “We’re very excited to welcome a terrific new partner in Allstate as the premier sponsor of this iconic game that will kick off the 2021 college football season,” said Stephen Jones, Chief Operating Officer of the Dallas Cowboys. “Here in Texas and across the country, the return of college football each year is a very special time. Because of Allstate’s enthusiastic support and partnership, the Allstate Kickoff Classic will continue to be a yearly must-see event. And given all that has happened in 2020, there can be no question that in 2021 this game will have special significance as together we bring back the great fans, pageantry, history and traditions of college football as we’ve always known it.”

The Wildcats will be making their fourth appearance in the DFW area in non-conference games following Cotton Bowl appearances in 1997, 2001 and 2012.

“We are excited to be able to play a high-profile football game in one of our top recruiting markets,” said Richard B. Myers, president of Kansas State University. “K-State has nearly 15,000 alumni and friends in Texas, with half of those in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Our fans are familiar with the area and will, no doubt, turn out to support the Wildcats.”

With the season opener being moved to Arlington, the Wildcats will still have seven additional home games in Manhattan in 2021, including non-conference matchups with Southern Illinois (9/11) and Nevada (9/18), and five Big 12 home contests. The full schedule with dates and ticket information will be announced in the coming months. “Playing a quality opponent such as Stanford in one of the world’s top sporting venues is a chance for us to showcase our program to recruits all over the country,” Head Coach Chris Klieman said. “I know our players are excited for the challenge and the opportunity that it presents.”

2021 Non-Conference Schedule Sept. 4 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; vs. Stanford&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Arlington, Texas Sept. 11&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Southern Illinois&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Manhattan, Kansas Sept. 18&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nevada&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Manhattan, Kansas

MANHATTAN, Kansas –&nbsp;Kansas State will kick off the 2021 season on September 4 against Stanford at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, as the two teams have been chosen for the 2021 Allstate Kickoff Classic, which annually hosts the premier season-opening contest in college football.“We were honored when AT&amp;T Stadium contacted us about potentially playing in this prestigious game,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. “The idea of taking a home game away from Manhattan and Bill Snyder Family Stadium is a big decision, and as a staff and university, we feel that it is an opportunity that we could not pass up.“Our student-athletes will have the opportunity to play in one of the world’s finest venues, and Kansas State University and our football program will be in the national spotlight. Our fans have always enjoyed traveling to Arlington, and of course the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex is one of our top markets for out of state graduates, and the 7,000-plus alums in the area will have the opportunity to support our team in person.”The game will be the 12th contest to kick-off the college football season, the first as the Allstate Kickoff Classic and will mark the Wildcats’ second appearance at the venue.&nbsp;Past kickoff games in AT&amp;T Stadium have included some of the nation’s best programs such as Alabama, Michigan, Auburn, Wisconsin, LSU, Oklahoma, Oregon and Florida, among others.&nbsp; “We’re very excited to welcome a terrific new partner in Allstate as the premier sponsor of this iconic game that will kick off the 2021 college football season,” said Stephen Jones, Chief Operating Officer of the Dallas Cowboys. “Here in Texas and across the country, the return of college football each year is a very special time. Because of Allstate’s enthusiastic support and partnership, the Allstate Kickoff Classic will continue to be a yearly must-see event. And given all that has happened in 2020, there can be no question that in 2021 this game will have special significance as together we bring back the great fans, pageantry, history and traditions of college football as we’ve always known it.”The Wildcats will be making their fourth appearance in the DFW area in non-conference games following Cotton Bowl appearances in 1997, 2001 and 2012.“We are excited to be able to play a high-profile football game in one of our top recruiting markets,” said Richard B. Myers, president of Kansas State University. “K-State has nearly 15,000 alumni and friends in Texas, with half of those in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Our fans are familiar with the area and will, no doubt, turn out to support the Wildcats.”With the season opener being moved to Arlington, the Wildcats will still have seven additional home games in Manhattan in 2021, including non-conference matchups with Southern Illinois (9/11) and Nevada (9/18), and five Big 12 home contests. The full schedule with dates and ticket information will be announced in the coming months. “Playing a quality opponent such as Stanford in one of the world’s top sporting venues is a chance for us to showcase our program to recruits all over the country,” Head Coach Chris Klieman said. “I know our players are excited for the challenge and the opportunity that it presents.”2021 Non-Conference Schedule Sept. 4 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; vs. Stanford&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Arlington, Texas Sept. 11&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Southern Illinois&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Manhattan, Kansas Sept. 18&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nevada&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Manhattan, Kansas

K-State to open 2021 Football Season in Allstate Kickoff Classic

AUDIO: Eagle Radio Sports for Wednesday

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Cade Cunningham scored 18 points, and Oklahoma State held off a late rally to defeat No. 6 Kansas 75-70. Kansas trailed by three in the closing seconds and had possession. Oklahoma State's Bryce Williams stole the ball, drove the length of the floor and and dunked as time expired. The Cowboys blew a 19-point lead in a loss to West Virginia eight days earlier and squandered a 16-point lead in the second half of this one before scoring the game's final eight points. David McCormack scored a season-high 24 points for Kansas.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Running back Markese Stepp has transferred from Southern California to Nebraska. His arrival strengthens an area of need for the Cornhuskers following the departure of Dedrick Mills and Wan'Dale Robinson. Stepp made the announcement on Twitter. The 6-foot, 235-pounder appeared in five of the Trojans' six games. He was the team's third-leading rusher with 45 carries for 165 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught three passes for 28 yards. He was a four-star prospect coming out of high school in Indianapolis in 2018.

UNDATED (AP) — The Philadelphia 76ers were able to win a battle of undermanned teams.

Joel Embiid (joh-EHL' ehm-BEED') had 45 points and 16 rebounds as the Sixers outlasted the Heat, 137-134 in overtime. Dakota Mathias' only basket of the game was a go-ahead 3-pointer with 26.1 seconds left. Ben Simmons had five points and 12 assists in his return from injury, but the 76ers continued to play without Tobias Harris, Seth Curry and Shake Milton due to heath and safety protocols involving COVID-19.

With Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo (ad-eh-BY'-oh) and Goran Dragic (DRAH'-gihch) among the Heat sitting out for COVID-related reasons, Tyler Herro (HEE'-roh) paced the team with 34 points while Duncan Robinson had 26.

— LeBron James scored 26 points in just more than three quarters of the Lakers' 117-100 rout of the Rockets. Anthony Davis added 19 points and 10 rebounds in three quarters to help Los Angeles clobber Houston for the second time in three days. The Lakers led by 20 or more for most of the game on a night James Harden made just 5 of 16 shots and the Rockets were outrebounded 55-42.

— Kevin Durant's 34 points, 13 assists and nine rebounds keyed the Nets' 122-116 comeback over the Nuggets. Brown scored 16 points, including the tying and go-ahead baskets down the stretch after Brooklyn trailed by as many as 18. Nikola Jokic (nih-KOH'-lah YOH'-kihch) had 23 points, 11 assists and eight boards for Denver, which was trying to sweep a three-game road trip before being outscored 68-46 in the second half. 

— The Jazz completed a 4-2 road trip as Donovan Mitchell scored 27 points in a 117-87 pounding of the Cavaliers. Jordan Clarkson had 21 points and eight rebounds off the bench and Bojan (BOY'-ahn) Bogdanovic added 20 points for Utah. Mitchell and Clarkson each made five 3s as Utah went 24 of 45 beyond the arc.

— Myles Turner's 22-point effort included a go-ahead 3-pointer with 2:59 to play in the Pacers' 104-95 verdict over the Warriors. Turner also had 11 rebounds and four blocks for Indiana, playing a back-to-back following a 127-122 loss to the Kings that kicked off a five-game road trip out West. Golden State guard Stephen Curry had 20 points on 7 of 17 shooting, one game after missing 14 of 16 attempts.

— Lonnie Walker IV scored 24 points and the Spurs finished 4-1 on their road trip by topping the Thunder, 112-102. Keldon Johnson added 18 points for the Spurs, committed a season-low four turnovers and earned their 2,200th victory since joining the NBA in 1976. Patty Mils chipped in 17 points, including a 3-pointer that gave San Antonio its largest lead at 85-75 with 10:49 left.

UNDATED (AP) — With five games called off this week already and more teams dealing with virus-related issues, the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association have enacted additional rules in the hope of keeping the season going safely.

Among the new policies: for "at least the next two weeks," the league and union said Tuesday, players and team staff will have to remain at their residence when in their home markets and will be prohibited from leaving their hotels or having outside guests when on the road.

Tonight's matchup in Chicago between the Bulls and the Boston Celtics has been postponed because of coronavirus concerns. Tomorrow's Wizards-Jazz game in Washington is the latest to be scrubbed.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Wizards say two of their players are going on the NBA's health and safety protocols list. 

The Wizards canceled their Tuesday practice, saying that decision was made "out of an abundance of caution." They beat the Suns on Monday and are scheduled to host the Jazz on Wednesday. The Wizards did not identify the two players.

— The Nets and the NBA are looking into Kyrie Irving's actions after a video showed the point guard at an indoor gathering while not wearing a mask. Irving missed Tuesday's game against Denver, his fourth straight for what the Nets are calling personal reasons. He will likely face a quarantine period upon his return and could be fined if the NBA determines he violated the rules in place during the coronavirus pandemic.

UNDATED (AP) — A top-10, Big Ten matchup became a mismatch as Michigan stayed unbeaten.

The seventh-ranked Wolverines are 11-0 following a 77-54 drubbing of No. 9 Wisconsin.

The Wolverines turned it into a blowout by reeling off a 43-6 run bridging the two halves. Michigan led just 26-23 before scoring the last 14 points of the first half.

Mike Smith had 16 points and six assists, while Franz Wagner added 15 points and 10 boards. 

Michigan became the first team in college basketball history to beat three ranked teams in a row by at least 19 points.

The Badgers had won seven of their previous 10 visits to Ann Arbor. D'Mitrik Trice had a game-high 20 points for Wisconsin, which fell to 10-3.

— Cade Cunningham scored 18 points and Oklahoma State held off a late rally to beat No. 6 Kansas, 75-70. The Cowboys squandered a 16-point lead in the second half before scoring the final eight points. Bryce Williams scored 17 points and Avery Anderson III added 14 for Oklahoma State. 

— Tyrece Radford had 18 points and 12 rebounds to carry 20th-ranked Virginia Tech to a 74-67 victory over No. 19 Duke. The Hokies jump to an 18-point, first-half lead and hold off Duke's second-half rally to win for the sixth time in seven games. Keve Aluma added 17 points and seven rebounds, and Jalen Cone finished with 14 points for Tech.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Southeastern Conference has postponed the Tuesday night basketball game between in-state rivals Tennessee and Vanderbilt. It's because of a combination of positive coronavirus tests, contact tracing and quarantining within the Commodores' program.

The game was a late addition to the schedule because of COVID-19 issues at Missouri, where Vanderbilt had been scheduled to play, and at South Carolina, Tennessee's originally scheduled opponent.

Vanderbilt is still set to visit Tennessee on Saturday night as originally scheduled.

In other virus-related developments in college basketball:

— The Big 12 announced Tuesday that West Virginia has postponed its next two men's basketball home games due to COVID-19 concerns. The announcement came a day after the 13th-ranked Mountaineers called off their game Tuesday night at No. 2 Baylor.

— No. 22 Oregon has paused all team-related activities because of COVID-19 protocols. The Ducks won't play planned games at home against Arizona State on Thursday and Arizona on Saturday. The games will be rescheduled. 

— The Nebraska men's basketball game at Maryland scheduled for Saturday has been postponed because of a COVID-19 outbreak in the Cornhuskers' program. 

Alabama fans ignore precautions for celebration

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Thousands of excited football fans ignored pandemic precautions and partied in streets around the University of Alabama after the Crimson Tide defeated Ohio State for the national championship. 

City officials had urged people to watch the game at home and celebrate privately to prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. But students and others poured out of jam-packed bars near campus as time expired in Miami. 

The massive crowd that resulted was recorded by traffic cameras and images posted on social media. Many of the fans screaming and cheering in the middle of the street didn't take basic precautions like wearing face masks.

UNDATED (AP) — Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow expects to start running on his surgically repaired left knee next month and is confident he'll be ready to start next season. The timetable is based on zero setbacks in the rigorous rehab of his knee. 

The rookie quarterback suffered torn ligaments in a Nov. 22 loss to Washington and had surgery in early December. 

— Offensive tackle Jared Veldheer is back with the Packers. The move gives the 33-year-old veteran an opportunity to compete in playoff games for different teams on back-to-back weekends. Veldheer was the Colts' starting left tackle for their 27-24 AFC first-round playoff loss to the Bills last weekend. Green Bay plays the Rams on Saturday.

— As they wait for Pro Bowl guard Joel Bitonio and top cornerback Denzel Ward to return from COVID-19 and join their playoff run, the Browns have lost their replacements to injuries. Cleveland placed guard Michael Dunn and cornerback Robert Jackson on injured reserve, losing two players who started Sunday's playoff win at Pittsburgh. Bitonio and Ward remain sidelined with the virus. 

— The Bills have reached an agreement to sign running back Devonta Freeman to their practice squad. However, he must first undergo the NFL's COVID-19 protocols before being allowed to practice, making it unlikely he'll be available for this weekend's playoff game against the Ravens.

— Colts left tackle Anthony Castonzo has announced his retirement after 10 NFL seasons. His decision came three days after the Colts were eliminated from the playoffs with a 27-24 wild-card round loss at Buffalo and less than two weeks after he had season-ending ankle surgery. 

— Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers says he will be a guest host on "Jeopardy!" during the offseason. The show is currently using a series of interim hosts to replace Alex Trebek, who died of cancer on Nov. 8. Rodgers was a winning "Celebrity Jeopardy!" contestant in 2015. 

UNDATED (AP) — Marcus Foligno (foh-LEE'-noh) has a new contract following the best season of his career.

The Minnesota Wild have worked out a three-year, $9.3 million extension with the forward, who had 25 points, a plus-8 rating and a team-high 184 hits last season despite playing in only 59 games. He is ninth in the league with 1,446 hits since the start of the 2013-14 season.

— The league says 17 of the 27 players that have tested positive for the coronavirus are on the Stars. The NHL says most of the 17 Stars players are asymptomatic and all are recovering without complication. Commissioner Gary Bettman on Monday said the testing numbers so far were very good.

— Blackhawks coach Jeremy Colliton has agreed to a two-year contract extension on the eve of his third season with the team. Colliton is 62-58-17 since he replaced Joel Quenneville in November 2018. He guided Chicago into the postseason last year, winning a four-game series against Edmonton before being eliminated by Vegas. 

— The Bruins say they will retire Willie O'Ree's jersey No. 22 prior to their Feb. 18 game against the Devils. O'Ree became the league's first Black player when he suited up for Boston on Jan. 18, 1958, against Montreal. Legally blind in one eye, he played two seasons for the Bruins and retired as a player at age 44 in 1979 following long stints with the San Diego Gulls and Los Angeles Blades of the Western Hockey League.

DENVER (AP) — Antonio Senzatela and the Colorado Rockies has avoided salary arbitration by working out a one-year, $3 million contract.

Senzatela was 5-3 with a 3.44 ERA in 12 starts last year. He earned $212,407 prorated from a $573,500 salary and had been eligible for arbitration for the first time.

Masters plans for a limited number of spectators in April

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Augusta National Club chairman Fred Ridley says the Masters intends to have a limited number of spectators when it is played April 8-11. 

He says the club still plans to operate the tournament the way it did in November with healthy and safety standards set because of the coronavirus pandemic. Those standards included mandatory COVID-19 testing for everyone on site, along with CDC guidelines such as social distancing and wearing masks. 

<h2>Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press</h2>STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Cade Cunningham scored 18 points, and Oklahoma State held off a late rally to defeat No. 6 Kansas 75-70. Kansas trailed by three in the closing seconds and had possession. Oklahoma State's Bryce Williams stole the ball, drove the length of the floor and and dunked as time expired. The Cowboys blew a 19-point lead in a loss to West Virginia eight days earlier and squandered a 16-point lead in the second half of this one before scoring the game's final eight points. David McCormack scored a season-high 24 points for Kansas.LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Running back Markese Stepp has transferred from Southern California to Nebraska. His arrival strengthens an area of need for the Cornhuskers following the departure of Dedrick Mills and Wan'Dale Robinson. Stepp made the announcement on Twitter. The 6-foot, 235-pounder appeared in five of the Trojans' six games. He was the team's third-leading rusher with 45 carries for 165 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught three passes for 28 yards. He was a four-star prospect coming out of high school in Indianapolis in 2018.<h2>Update on the latest sports</h2>NBA-SCHEDULESixers win battle of attritionUNDATED (AP) — The Philadelphia 76ers were able to win a battle of undermanned teams.Joel Embiid (joh-EHL' ehm-BEED') had 45 points and 16 rebounds as the Sixers outlasted the Heat, 137-134 in overtime. Dakota Mathias' only basket of the game was a go-ahead 3-pointer with 26.1 seconds left. Ben Simmons had five points and 12 assists in his return from injury, but the 76ers continued to play without Tobias Harris, Seth Curry and Shake Milton due to heath and safety protocols involving COVID-19.With Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo (ad-eh-BY'-oh) and Goran Dragic (DRAH'-gihch) among the Heat sitting out for COVID-related reasons, Tyler Herro (HEE'-roh) paced the team with 34 points while Duncan Robinson had 26.In Tuesday's other NBA action:— LeBron James scored 26 points in just more than three quarters of the Lakers' 117-100 rout of the Rockets. Anthony Davis added 19 points and 10 rebounds in three quarters to help Los Angeles clobber Houston for the second time in three days. The Lakers led by 20 or more for most of the game on a night James Harden made just 5 of 16 shots and the Rockets were outrebounded 55-42.— Kevin Durant's 34 points, 13 assists and nine rebounds keyed the Nets' 122-116 comeback over the Nuggets. Brown scored 16 points, including the tying and go-ahead baskets down the stretch after Brooklyn trailed by as many as 18. Nikola Jokic (nih-KOH'-lah YOH'-kihch) had 23 points, 11 assists and eight boards for Denver, which was trying to sweep a three-game road trip before being outscored 68-46 in the second half. — The Jazz completed a 4-2 road trip as Donovan Mitchell scored 27 points in a 117-87 pounding of the Cavaliers. Jordan Clarkson had 21 points and eight rebounds off the bench and Bojan (BOY'-ahn) Bogdanovic added 20 points for Utah. Mitchell and Clarkson each made five 3s as Utah went 24 of 45 beyond the arc.— Myles Turner's 22-point effort included a go-ahead 3-pointer with 2:59 to play in the Pacers' 104-95 verdict over the Warriors. Turner also had 11 rebounds and four blocks for Indiana, playing a back-to-back following a 127-122 loss to the Kings that kicked off a five-game road trip out West. Golden State guard Stephen Curry had 20 points on 7 of 17 shooting, one game after missing 14 of 16 attempts.— Lonnie Walker IV scored 24 points and the Spurs finished 4-1 on their road trip by topping the Thunder, 112-102. Keldon Johnson added 18 points for the Spurs, committed a season-low four turnovers and earned their 2,200th victory since joining the NBA in 1976. Patty Mils chipped in 17 points, including a 3-pointer that gave San Antonio its largest lead at 85-75 with 10:49 left.VIRUS OUTBREAK-NBANew NBA rules to combat COVIDUNDATED (AP) — With five games called off this week already and more teams dealing with virus-related issues, the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association have enacted additional rules in the hope of keeping the season going safely.Among the new policies: for "at least the next two weeks," the league and union said Tuesday, players and team staff will have to remain at their residence when in their home markets and will be prohibited from leaving their hotels or having outside guests when on the road.Tonight's matchup in Chicago between the Bulls and the Boston Celtics has been postponed because of coronavirus concerns. Tomorrow's Wizards-Jazz game in Washington is the latest to be scrubbed.NBA-NEWSTwo Wizards go on health listWASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Wizards say two of their players are going on the NBA's health and safety protocols list. The Wizards canceled their Tuesday practice, saying that decision was made "out of an abundance of caution." They beat the Suns on Monday and are scheduled to host the Jazz on Wednesday. The Wizards did not identify the two players.In other NBA news:— The Nets and the NBA are looking into Kyrie Irving's actions after a video showed the point guard at an indoor gathering while not wearing a mask. Irving missed Tuesday's game against Denver, his fourth straight for what the Nets are calling personal reasons. He will likely face a quarantine period upon his return and could be fined if the NBA determines he violated the rules in place during the coronavirus pandemic.T25 MEN'S BASKETBALL-SCHEDULEMichigan clobbers WisconsinUNDATED (AP) — A top-10, Big Ten matchup became a mismatch as Michigan stayed unbeaten.The seventh-ranked Wolverines are 11-0 following a 77-54 drubbing of No. 9 Wisconsin.The Wolverines turned it into a blowout by reeling off a 43-6 run bridging the two halves. Michigan led just 26-23 before scoring the last 14 points of the first half.Mike Smith had 16 points and six assists, while Franz Wagner added 15 points and 10 boards. Michigan became the first team in college basketball history to beat three ranked teams in a row by at least 19 points.The Badgers had won seven of their previous 10 visits to Ann Arbor. D'Mitrik Trice had a game-high 20 points for Wisconsin, which fell to 10-3.Checking out the other top-25 action:— Cade Cunningham scored 18 points and Oklahoma State held off a late rally to beat No. 6 Kansas, 75-70. The Cowboys squandered a 16-point lead in the second half before scoring the final eight points. Bryce Williams scored 17 points and Avery Anderson III added 14 for Oklahoma State. — Tyrece Radford had 18 points and 12 rebounds to carry 20th-ranked Virginia Tech to a 74-67 victory over No. 19 Duke. The Hokies jump to an 18-point, first-half lead and hold off Duke's second-half rally to win for the sixth time in seven games. Keve Aluma added 17 points and seven rebounds, and Jalen Cone finished with 14 points for Tech.VIRUS OUTBREAK-COLLEGE BASKETBALLTennessee-Vanderbilt game postponedNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Southeastern Conference has postponed the Tuesday night basketball game between in-state rivals Tennessee and Vanderbilt. It's because of a combination of positive coronavirus tests, contact tracing and quarantining within the Commodores' program.The game was a late addition to the schedule because of COVID-19 issues at Missouri, where Vanderbilt had been scheduled to play, and at South Carolina, Tennessee's originally scheduled opponent.Vanderbilt is still set to visit Tennessee on Saturday night as originally scheduled.In other virus-related developments in college basketball:— The Big 12 announced Tuesday that West Virginia has postponed its next two men's basketball home games due to COVID-19 concerns. The announcement came a day after the 13th-ranked Mountaineers called off their game Tuesday night at No. 2 Baylor.— No. 22 Oregon has paused all team-related activities because of COVID-19 protocols. The Ducks won't play planned games at home against Arizona State on Thursday and Arizona on Saturday. The games will be rescheduled. — The Nebraska men's basketball game at Maryland scheduled for Saturday has been postponed because of a COVID-19 outbreak in the Cornhuskers' program. COLLEGE FOOTBALL-ALABAMA CELEBRATIONAlabama fans ignore precautions for celebrationTUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Thousands of excited football fans ignored pandemic precautions and partied in streets around the University of Alabama after the Crimson Tide defeated Ohio State for the national championship. City officials had urged people to watch the game at home and celebrate privately to prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. But students and others poured out of jam-packed bars near campus as time expired in Miami. The massive crowd that resulted was recorded by traffic cameras and images posted on social media. Many of the fans screaming and cheering in the middle of the street didn't take basic precautions like wearing face masks.NFL-NEWSBurrow says he's on track for Week 1UNDATED (AP) — Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow expects to start running on his surgically repaired left knee next month and is confident he'll be ready to start next season. The timetable is based on zero setbacks in the rigorous rehab of his knee. The rookie quarterback suffered torn ligaments in a Nov. 22 loss to Washington and had surgery in early December. Checking out other NFL tidbits:— Offensive tackle Jared Veldheer is back with the Packers. The move gives the 33-year-old veteran an opportunity to compete in playoff games for different teams on back-to-back weekends. Veldheer was the Colts' starting left tackle for their 27-24 AFC first-round playoff loss to the Bills last weekend. Green Bay plays the Rams on Saturday.— As they wait for Pro Bowl guard Joel Bitonio and top cornerback Denzel Ward to return from COVID-19 and join their playoff run, the Browns have lost their replacements to injuries. Cleveland placed guard Michael Dunn and cornerback Robert Jackson on injured reserve, losing two players who started Sunday's playoff win at Pittsburgh. Bitonio and Ward remain sidelined with the virus. — The Bills have reached an agreement to sign running back Devonta Freeman to their practice squad. However, he must first undergo the NFL's COVID-19 protocols before being allowed to practice, making it unlikely he'll be available for this weekend's playoff game against the Ravens.— Colts left tackle Anthony Castonzo has announced his retirement after 10 NFL seasons. His decision came three days after the Colts were eliminated from the playoffs with a 27-24 wild-card round loss at Buffalo and less than two weeks after he had season-ending ankle surgery. — Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers says he will be a guest host on "Jeopardy!" during the offseason. The show is currently using a series of interim hosts to replace Alex Trebek, who died of cancer on Nov. 8. Rodgers was a winning "Celebrity Jeopardy!" contestant in 2015. NHL-NEWSWild's Foligno gets extensionUNDATED (AP) — Marcus Foligno (foh-LEE'-noh) has a new contract following the best season of his career.The Minnesota Wild have worked out a three-year, $9.3 million extension with the forward, who had 25 points, a plus-8 rating and a team-high 184 hits last season despite playing in only 59 games. He is ninth in the league with 1,446 hits since the start of the 2013-14 season.Also around the NHL:— The league says 17 of the 27 players that have tested positive for the coronavirus are on the Stars. The NHL says most of the 17 Stars players are asymptomatic and all are recovering without complication. Commissioner Gary Bettman on Monday said the testing numbers so far were very good.— Blackhawks coach Jeremy Colliton has agreed to a two-year contract extension on the eve of his third season with the team. Colliton is 62-58-17 since he replaced Joel Quenneville in November 2018. He guided Chicago into the postseason last year, winning a four-game series against Edmonton before being eliminated by Vegas. — The Bruins say they will retire Willie O'Ree's jersey No. 22 prior to their Feb. 18 game against the Devils. O'Ree became the league's first Black player when he suited up for Boston on Jan. 18, 1958, against Montreal. Legally blind in one eye, he played two seasons for the Bruins and retired as a player at age 44 in 1979 following long stints with the San Diego Gulls and Los Angeles Blades of the Western Hockey League.MLB-ROCKIES-SENZATELARockies avoid arbitration with SenzatelaDENVER (AP) — Antonio Senzatela and the Colorado Rockies has avoided salary arbitration by working out a one-year, $3 million contract.Senzatela was 5-3 with a 3.44 ERA in 12 starts last year. He earned $212,407 prorated from a $573,500 salary and had been eligible for arbitration for the first time.GOLF-MASTERS-SPECTATORSMasters plans for a limited number of spectators in AprilAUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Augusta National Club chairman Fred Ridley says the Masters intends to have a limited number of spectators when it is played April 8-11. He says the club still plans to operate the tournament the way it did in November with healthy and safety standards set because of the coronavirus pandemic. Those standards included mandatory COVID-19 testing for everyone on site, along with CDC guidelines such as social distancing and wearing masks.