AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Markquis Nowell had 36 points and nine assists as Kansas State beat No. 6 Texas 116-103 on Tuesday night, setting a school scoring record with a stunning offensive outburst that gave first-year Wildcats coach Jerome Tang his biggest victory.

The Wildcats poured in 58 points in the first half behind 64% shooting and eight 3-pointers. Kansas State then held off a Texas rally as the Longhorns made 11 consecutive shots in the second half and shaved a 20-point deficit under 10 with just under five minutes left.

“We wanted to be aggressive the first five minutes,” said Nowell, who was one assist shy of being the first Kansas State player with at least 30 points and 10 assists. “We’re a really dangerous team when we get it going downhill.”

And they never let up, especially in the second half as the teams traded basket after basket.

Nowell and Kansas State also showed enough poise to get the big shots they needed late to close out the win. Nowell's two free throws with 3:23 remaining made it 100-88 before he swished a step-back 3-pointer on the next possession to put an exclamation point on the night for the Wildcats.

Keyontae Johnson added 28 points and nine rebounds for the Wildcats (13-1, 2-0 Big 12), whose free-flowing offense with Nowell leading the way found just about any open shot the team wanted. Nowell came into the game No. 2 nationally in assists, and his shifty drives and nifty passing had Texas defenders looking for the ball all game.

“People who complain about scoring in college basketball, I think they got to see a whole bunch of scoring tonight. Those of us who consider ourselves defensive coaches? It was a headache,” Tang said. “But it was a lot of fun.”

The scoring display is sure to grab the attention of the rest of the Big 12.

“Every game is a statement game for us," Johnson said. “We were picked last in the conference. We have to keep proving people wrong.”

Tyrese Hunter scored 29 points and Marcus Carr had 27 for the Longhorns, handed their first loss in their new arena, the Moody Center.

Kansas State also sent the Longhorns (12-2, 1-1) to their first loss since head coach Chris Beard was suspended indefinitely without pay following his Dec. 12 arrest on a felony family violence charge. Assistant coach Rodney Terry has been acting head coach since then and had led Texas to five straight wins, including a victory at Oklahoma in the Big 12 opener.

The 116 points were the most Texas has permitted in a Big 12 game.

“We'll work hard to get a lot better defensively,” Terry said. “(Nowell) put his will on the game.”

Sir’Jabari Rice’s three-point play pulled Texas to 77-65 with 11:28 to play and a Longhorns rally was on. A block by Rice against Nowell set up another Longhorns 3-pointer. But the Wildcats kept answering, usually behind Nowell.

“Every time the crowd got into it, our guys were able to silence it,” Tang said. “That was huge.”

Texas has smothered a lot of opponents with aggressive defense that often leads to turnovers and points in transition. Kansas State committed just 12 turnovers, though, and only three in the second half. That sort of ball control kept the Longhorns from getting extra possessions. Texas scored just nine points off K-State turnovers.

“This was a game where both teams' players were making big shots," Tang said. “As long as you don’t turn it over, the ball is going in the hole.”

Kansas State: Made 31 of 33 free throws to maintain a comfortable cushion in the second half.

Texas: School officials have provided no updates on Beard's status with the program. His legal case is scheduled for its first court hearing on Jan. 18.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-texas-chris-beard-top-25-college-basketball-today-99133534a0645c7318c6557d425d5dcf">His fiancée issued a Dec. 23 statement saying he did not choke her during the Dec. 12 incident</a>, contradicting what the arrest warrant affidavit said she initially told police. Beard's attorney has said the coach is innocent.

BY JIM VERTUNO AP Sports WriterAUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Markquis Nowell had 36 points and nine assists as Kansas State beat No. 6 Texas 116-103 on Tuesday night, setting a school scoring record with a stunning offensive outburst that gave first-year Wildcats coach Jerome Tang his biggest victory.The Wildcats poured in 58 points in the first half behind 64% shooting and eight 3-pointers. Kansas State then held off a Texas rally as the Longhorns made 11 consecutive shots in the second half and shaved a 20-point deficit under 10 with just under five minutes left.“We wanted to be aggressive the first five minutes,” said Nowell, who was one assist shy of being the first Kansas State player with at least 30 points and 10 assists. “We’re a really dangerous team when we get it going downhill.”And they never let up, especially in the second half as the teams traded basket after basket.Nowell and Kansas State also showed enough poise to get the big shots they needed late to close out the win. Nowell's two free throws with 3:23 remaining made it 100-88 before he swished a step-back 3-pointer on the next possession to put an exclamation point on the night for the Wildcats.Keyontae Johnson added 28 points and nine rebounds for the Wildcats (13-1, 2-0 Big 12), whose free-flowing offense with Nowell leading the way found just about any open shot the team wanted. Nowell came into the game No. 2 nationally in assists, and his shifty drives and nifty passing had Texas defenders looking for the ball all game.“People who complain about scoring in college basketball, I think they got to see a whole bunch of scoring tonight. Those of us who consider ourselves defensive coaches? It was a headache,” Tang said. “But it was a lot of fun.”The scoring display is sure to grab the attention of the rest of the Big 12.“Every game is a statement game for us," Johnson said. “We were picked last in the conference. We have to keep proving people wrong.”Tyrese Hunter scored 29 points and Marcus Carr had 27 for the Longhorns, handed their first loss in their new arena, the Moody Center.Kansas State also sent the Longhorns (12-2, 1-1) to their first loss since head coach Chris Beard was suspended indefinitely without pay following his Dec. 12 arrest on a felony family violence charge. Assistant coach Rodney Terry has been acting head coach since then and had led Texas to five straight wins, including a victory at Oklahoma in the Big 12 opener.The 116 points were the most Texas has permitted in a Big 12 game.“We'll work hard to get a lot better defensively,” Terry said. “(Nowell) put his will on the game.”Sir’Jabari Rice’s three-point play pulled Texas to 77-65 with 11:28 to play and a Longhorns rally was on. A block by Rice against Nowell set up another Longhorns 3-pointer. But the Wildcats kept answering, usually behind Nowell.“Every time the crowd got into it, our guys were able to silence it,” Tang said. “That was huge.”KEEPING IT CLEANTexas has smothered a lot of opponents with aggressive defense that often leads to turnovers and points in transition. Kansas State committed just 12 turnovers, though, and only three in the second half. That sort of ball control kept the Longhorns from getting extra possessions. Texas scored just nine points off K-State turnovers.“This was a game where both teams' players were making big shots," Tang said. “As long as you don’t turn it over, the ball is going in the hole.”BIG PICTUREKansas State: Made 31 of 33 free throws to maintain a comfortable cushion in the second half.Texas: School officials have provided no updates on Beard's status with the program. His legal case is scheduled for its first court hearing on Jan. 18.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-texas-chris-beard-top-25-college-basketball-today-99133534a0645c7318c6557d425d5dcf">His fiancée issued a Dec. 23 statement saying he did not choke her during the Dec. 12 incident</a>, contradicting what the arrest warrant affidavit said she initially told police. Beard's attorney has said the coach is innocent.UP NEXTKansas State plays at No. 19 Baylor.Texas visits Oklahoma State.

🏀 MBB: Nowell scores 36 as K-State rolls over No. 6 Texas 116-103

Coming off back-to-back victories to close the first semester, the Hutchinson Community College men’s basketball team returns from its holiday break to open the second half of the 2022-23 season with a road trip to face the Northwest Tech Mavericks on Wednesday.

Playing for the first time in 23 days, the 10-5 Blue Dragons will tip off against the Mavericks at 8:30 p.m. CT (7:30 p.m. MT) at the Max Jones Fieldhouse in Goodland. The Blue Dragon Sports Network will provide audio on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning around 8:15 p.m. CT. Northwest Tech will provide a pay-per-view stream on the Northwest Tech web site.

The Blue Dragons (10-5) start the second half of the season tied for eighth place in the Jayhawk Conference at 4-5. The Dragons are tied with Seward County - Hutchinson’s opponent Saturday in the Sports Arena. The Blue Dragons trail first-place Dodge City by 3.5 games.

A 113-112 victory over now-No. 8 Dodge City on December 10 and a 96-81 victory two days later over Colby is hoping to be the spark that re-ignites a Blue Dragon team that started the season 7-0 and was ranked as high as No. 4 in the national rankings.

Before the consecutive wins over Dodge City and Colby, the Dragons went through a stretch of one win in six games.

The Blue Dragons remain second in the nation in scoring at 104.1 points per game and redshirt freshman guard Aaron Franklin is tied for fourth in the nation in individual scoring at 24.1 points per game. The Blue Dragons also have knocked down 169 3-pointers this season, which is fourth-most in the NJCAA this season.

Northwest Tech (7-6) is tied for 10th in the KJCCC standings, tied with Cowley entering the second half of the season with a 3-5 league record. The Mavericks earned an 88-80 victory over Colby on December 3, but has since lost at Garden City (94-67) and Seward County (74-71).

Northwest Tech has a new head coach in Jay Bradley.

Tech point guard Taiden Conner is the 10th leading scorer in the KJCCC this season at 16.2 points per game. He is also fourth in the league in steals with 32.

Wednesday’s game features the Nos. 1 and 2 teams in the nation in steals. The Blue Dragons are No. 1 in the country with 15.7 steals per game. Northwest Tech is second in the NJCAA with 13.8 steals per contest.

HutchCC Sports InformationComing off back-to-back victories to close the first semester, the Hutchinson Community College men’s basketball team returns from its holiday break to open the second half of the 2022-23 season with a road trip to face the Northwest Tech Mavericks on Wednesday.Playing for the first time in 23 days, the 10-5 Blue Dragons will tip off against the Mavericks at 8:30 p.m. CT (7:30 p.m. MT) at the Max Jones Fieldhouse in Goodland. The Blue Dragon Sports Network will provide audio on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning around 8:15 p.m. CT. Northwest Tech will provide a pay-per-view stream on the Northwest Tech web site.The Blue Dragons (10-5) start the second half of the season tied for eighth place in the Jayhawk Conference at 4-5. The Dragons are tied with Seward County - Hutchinson’s opponent Saturday in the Sports Arena. The Blue Dragons trail first-place Dodge City by 3.5 games.A 113-112 victory over now-No. 8 Dodge City on December 10 and a 96-81 victory two days later over Colby is hoping to be the spark that re-ignites a Blue Dragon team that started the season 7-0 and was ranked as high as No. 4 in the national rankings.Before the consecutive wins over Dodge City and Colby, the Dragons went through a stretch of one win in six games.The Blue Dragons remain second in the nation in scoring at 104.1 points per game and redshirt freshman guard Aaron Franklin is tied for fourth in the nation in individual scoring at 24.1 points per game. The Blue Dragons also have knocked down 169 3-pointers this season, which is fourth-most in the NJCAA this season.Northwest Tech (7-6) is tied for 10th in the KJCCC standings, tied with Cowley entering the second half of the season with a 3-5 league record. The Mavericks earned an 88-80 victory over Colby on December 3, but has since lost at Garden City (94-67) and Seward County (74-71).Northwest Tech has a new head coach in Jay Bradley.Tech point guard Taiden Conner is the 10th leading scorer in the KJCCC this season at 16.2 points per game. He is also fourth in the league in steals with 32.Wednesday’s game features the Nos. 1 and 2 teams in the nation in steals. The Blue Dragons are No. 1 in the country with 15.7 steals per game. Northwest Tech is second in the NJCAA with 13.8 steals per contest.

🏀MBB: Blue Dragons look to continue surge at NW Tech Wed.

The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team returns from a 23-day holiday break as the Blue Dragons make their longest road trip of the season on Wednesday to play at Northwest Tech.

Tipoff for the Jayhawk Conference contest will be at 6:30 p.m. CT (6:30 p.m. MT) from the Max Jones Fieldhouse in Goodland. The Blue Dragon Sports Network will have audio only on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 6:15 p.m. CT. Northwest Tech will provide a pay-per-view video stream.

The Blue Dragons (11-4) start the second half of the season three games out of first place in the Jayhawk Conference with a 5-4 league record. The Dragons are currently in sixth place in the league.

Hutchinson hopes a strong outing in the final game of the first semester will start a second-semester surge. The Blue Dragons had five players score in double figures, including a double-double from&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/duffy_monae_4kqq">Monae Duffy</a>, in an 87-47 victory over Colby on December 12 at the Sports Arena.

The Blue Dragons are 13-1 under head coach John Ontjes in first games following holiday breaks.

Northwest Tech (5-8) is 1-7 in conference play, its lone KJCCC win coming against Colby on December 7. The Mavericks dropped games to Garden City and Seward County entering the holiday break.

The Blue Dragons also look to turn their fortunes around when not playing in the Sports Arena, where they are 8-0 this season. The Blue Dragons are 1-4 in five true road games this season, having dropped three straight road games. Hutchinson was right in each of those games, either leading or trailing by as few as two points late in the third quarter in road losses to Cowley, Butler and No. 21 Dodge City.

While ranking in the middle of the pack offensively, the Blue Dragons continue to be one of the stellar defensive teams in the Jayhawk Conference this season. The Dragons currently rank No. 2 in the KJCCC in scoring defense at 55.5 points per game, No. 2 in 3-point defense (25.0 percent) and No. 5 in field-goal defense (35.7 percent).

HutchCC Sports InformationThe Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team returns from a 23-day holiday break as the Blue Dragons make their longest road trip of the season on Wednesday to play at Northwest Tech.Tipoff for the Jayhawk Conference contest will be at 6:30 p.m. CT (6:30 p.m. MT) from the Max Jones Fieldhouse in Goodland. The Blue Dragon Sports Network will have audio only on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 6:15 p.m. CT. Northwest Tech will provide a pay-per-view video stream.The Blue Dragons (11-4) start the second half of the season three games out of first place in the Jayhawk Conference with a 5-4 league record. The Dragons are currently in sixth place in the league.Hutchinson hopes a strong outing in the final game of the first semester will start a second-semester surge. The Blue Dragons had five players score in double figures, including a double-double from&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/duffy_monae_4kqq">Monae Duffy</a>, in an 87-47 victory over Colby on December 12 at the Sports Arena.The Blue Dragons are 13-1 under head coach John Ontjes in first games following holiday breaks.Northwest Tech (5-8) is 1-7 in conference play, its lone KJCCC win coming against Colby on December 7. The Mavericks dropped games to Garden City and Seward County entering the holiday break.The Blue Dragons also look to turn their fortunes around when not playing in the Sports Arena, where they are 8-0 this season. The Blue Dragons are 1-4 in five true road games this season, having dropped three straight road games. Hutchinson was right in each of those games, either leading or trailing by as few as two points late in the third quarter in road losses to Cowley, Butler and No. 21 Dodge City.While ranking in the middle of the pack offensively, the Blue Dragons continue to be one of the stellar defensive teams in the Jayhawk Conference this season. The Dragons currently rank No. 2 in the KJCCC in scoring defense at 55.5 points per game, No. 2 in 3-point defense (25.0 percent) and No. 5 in field-goal defense (35.7 percent).

🏀 WBB: HutchCC travel to NW KS Tech Wed.

HUTCHINSON, Kan.:&nbsp;(Transcript from KWBW Sports)&nbsp;7:10am on BW Radio, time to turn to sports,&nbsp; Football bowl games. Yesterday, Penn State beat Utah 35-21 in a shocker. Tulane upset USC 46-45 in a terrific game. LSU blows at Purdue 63-7 and it was Mississippi State beating Illinois 19-10.

After  wrapping up another consensus all-American season, K-State running back Deuce Vaughn announcing that he is entering the NFL draft. Vaughn thanked K-State coaching staff, his teammates and the Wildcat fan base with his decision. He finished his career at K-State with a very incredible junior year. He ran for 1,580 yards on the ground while hauling in 42 receptions for 378 yards and 12 total touchdowns. He is going to be an NFL draft pick. 

Fort State football player Daniel Howard has died. There have not been any details about the death from Fort Hays state officials other than a tweet from their football team's account. Howard, a native of Oklahoma City and after two seasons at Northeastern Oklahoma, transferred to Fort Hays, where he played in all 11 games and made nine starts at safety this fall.

NFL yesterday announcing the Chiefs season finale against the Raiders will take place Saturday afternoon at 3 pm. We'll have pregame coverage with the guys who know the chiefs the best here on BW, starting at 2 pm.

The AP top 25 basketball poll Purdue is # one. Then they turn around and get upset. Last night by Rutgers. 65-64. Houston #2. KU is #3Texas of the Big 12. #6. #7 Iowa State nis # 25. 

KU In action tonight at Texas Tech Jayhawks 12 and 1, Tech 10 and 3. That's an 8:00 tip off on ESPN.

12 and 1, K-State at 12 and 1Texas. That is going to be a really good matchup. It's on the Longhorn Sports Network. Catch it on our sister station. My 93.1 FM with the kickoff, or excuse me the tip off at 8pm. 

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Eagle Media Sports for January 3rd, 2023" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=p867h-1352b0e-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=7"></iframe></div>HUTCHINSON, Kan.:&nbsp;(Transcript from KWBW Sports)&nbsp;7:10am on BW Radio, time to turn to sports,&nbsp; Football bowl games. Yesterday, Penn State beat Utah 35-21 in a shocker. Tulane upset USC 46-45 in a terrific game. LSU blows at Purdue 63-7 and it was Mississippi State beating Illinois 19-10. After wrapping up another consensus all-American season, K-State running back Deuce Vaughn announcing that he is entering the NFL draft. Vaughn thanked K-State coaching staff, his teammates and the Wildcat fan base with his decision. He finished his career at K-State with a very incredible junior year. He ran for 1,580 yards on the ground while hauling in 42 receptions for 378 yards and 12 total touchdowns. He is going to be an NFL draft pick. Fort State football player Daniel Howard has died. There have not been any details about the death from Fort Hays state officials other than a tweet from their football team's account. Howard, a native of Oklahoma City and after two seasons at Northeastern Oklahoma, transferred to Fort Hays, where he played in all 11 games and made nine starts at safety this fall.NFL yesterday announcing the Chiefs season finale against the Raiders will take place Saturday afternoon at 3 pm. We'll have pregame coverage with the guys who know the chiefs the best here on BW, starting at 2 pm.The AP top 25 basketball poll Purdue is # one. Then they turn around and get upset. Last night by Rutgers. 65-64. Houston #2. KU is #3Texas of the Big 12. #6. #7 Iowa State nis # 25. KU In action tonight at Texas Tech Jayhawks 12 and 1, Tech 10 and 3. That's an 8:00 tip off on ESPN.12 and 1, K-State at 12 and 1Texas. That is going to be a really good matchup. It's on the Longhorn Sports Network. Catch it on our sister station. My 93.1 FM with the kickoff, or excuse me the tip off at 8pm. That's sports for this morning.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 📰 Eagle Media Sports for Monday Morning

MANHATTAN, Kan.—Kansas State junior running back Deuce Vaughn has officially entered the 2023 NFL Draft in an announcement he released via Twitter.

"First and foremost I want to thank God for blessing me with the ability to play this game and the platform to inspire,"&nbsp;Vaughn said. "Kansas State University is a special place and I am honored to have represented the Powercat over the past three years."

"To all of my teammates over the years, y'all are my brothers and have impacted my life in a way that i will never forget. I am not the person I am today without y'all. We have a bond that can never be broken and relationships that will last a lifetime.

"To my coaches and support staff, you believed in an undersized kid coming out of high school and for that I am forever grateful. Not only have I learned so much about this game but also what it means to be a man. i am blessed to have been a part of a culture that will win championships for years to come.

"To the best fans in the country, I can't thank you enough for the support throughout my journey here at K-State. The love y'all give to not only myself but this program does not go unnoticed. The impact you all have had on my life is hard to put into words, all I can say is I am so thankful.

"With that being said after much thought and consideration, I have decided to forego my senior season and declare for the 2023 NFL Draft. I am excited to embark on this next chapter of my career and chase my life long dream."

Vaughn leaves Kansas State with 3604 career rushing yards, 34 rushing touchdowns, 1280 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658248339751.jpeg" alt="KSU fball Vaughn to declare for 2023 NFL Draft" />
 <figcaption>KSU fball Vaughn to declare for 2023 NFL Draft</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan.—Kansas State junior running back Deuce Vaughn has officially entered the 2023 NFL Draft in an announcement he released via Twitter."First and foremost I want to thank God for blessing me with the ability to play this game and the platform to inspire,"&nbsp;Vaughn said. "Kansas State University is a special place and I am honored to have represented the Powercat over the past three years.""To all of my teammates over the years, y'all are my brothers and have impacted my life in a way that i will never forget. I am not the person I am today without y'all. We have a bond that can never be broken and relationships that will last a lifetime."To my coaches and support staff, you believed in an undersized kid coming out of high school and for that I am forever grateful. Not only have I learned so much about this game but also what it means to be a man. i am blessed to have been a part of a culture that will win championships for years to come."To the best fans in the country, I can't thank you enough for the support throughout my journey here at K-State. The love y'all give to not only myself but this program does not go unnoticed. The impact you all have had on my life is hard to put into words, all I can say is I am so thankful."With that being said after much thought and consideration, I have decided to forego my senior season and declare for the 2023 NFL Draft. I am excited to embark on this next chapter of my career and chase my life long dream."Vaughn leaves Kansas State with 3604 career rushing yards, 34 rushing touchdowns, 1280 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns.

🏈 FB: Kansas State running back Deuce Vaughn declares for 2023 NFL Draft

HAYS, Kan. — Fort Hays State football player Daniel Howard has died. There have not been any details about the death from FHSU officials other than a tweet on the football team's account.

We are deeply saddened to say that we have lost a member of our family, Daniel Howard. We are so grateful to have been able to be a part of his life and he will be missed greatly. Please keep Daniel's family in your prayers as they go through this difficult time.

Howard was a native of Oklahoma City and attended Milwood High School where he was a member of two state championship teams.

After two seasons at Northeastern Oklahoma A&amp;M, Howard transferred to Fort Hays State where he played in all 11 games and made nine starts at safety this fall. Howard recorded 53 tackles and had one interception.

HAYS, Kan. — Fort Hays State football player Daniel Howard has died. There have not been any details about the death from FHSU officials other than a tweet on the football team's account.Tiger Family,We are deeply saddened to say that we have lost a member of our family, Daniel Howard. We are so grateful to have been able to be a part of his life and he will be missed greatly. Please keep Daniel's family in your prayers as they go through this difficult time.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Tiger Family, We are deeply saddened to say that we have lost a member of our family, Daniel Howard. We are so grateful to have been able to be a part of his life and he will be missed greatly. Please keep Daniel&#39;s family in your prayers as they go through this difficult time. <a href="https://t.co/BqLfWP4NJK">pic.twitter.com/BqLfWP4NJK</a>&mdash; FHSU Football (@FHSUFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/FHSUFootball/status/1610006504484048901?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Howard was a native of Oklahoma City and attended Milwood High School where he was a member of two state championship teams.After two seasons at Northeastern Oklahoma A&amp;M, Howard transferred to Fort Hays State where he played in all 11 games and made nine starts at safety this fall. Howard recorded 53 tackles and had one interception.

🏈 Fort Hays State's Daniel Howard dies

CINCINNATI (AP) — Buffalo defensive back Damar Hamlin was in critical condition early Tuesday after the Bills say he suffered a cardiac arrest on the field following a tackle hours earlier, leading to the indefinite postponement of Buffalo’s pivotal Monday night showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bills said in a statement: “Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals. His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition.”

EXPLAINER: What happened to Damar Hamlin?

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest after making a tackle during Monday night’s game, causing the NFL to suspend a pivotal game against the Cincinnati Bengals that quickly lost significance in the aftermath of a scary scene that unfolded in front of a national television audience. The 24-year-old Hamlin was administered CPR on the field, ESPN reported during the broadcast. Teammates surrounded Hamlin, shielding him from public view. Many were weeping and praying while Hamlin was treated on the field by team and independent medical personnel and local paramedics. He was taken by ambulance to University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Teammate Stefon Diggs later went to visit Hamlin at the hospital while fans of both teams gathered outside.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs keep winning and Patrick Mahomes keeps making history and both are doing so despite some difficult offseason decisions that have prolonged their ability to do so. The biggest, of course, was the decision to trade Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins. Rather than lavish on the game-breaking wide receiver a massive contract that would have made it difficult to maneuver financially for years to come, they traded him for a package of draft picks. Those have helped to fortify the roster while giving the Chiefs salary cap flexibility for years to come.

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — No. 9 Penn State rallied past No. 7 Utah 35-21 in the 109th edition of the Rose Bowl. Nicholas Singleton broke a tiebreaking 87-yard touchdown run and KeAndre Lambert-Smith had the longest touchdown reception in Rose Bowl history on an 88-yard pass from Sean Clifford. Clifford passed for 279 yards and two touchdowns in an impressive farewell to Penn State, and Singleton rushed for 120 yards and two more scores on a day of spectacular big plays by the Nittany Lions. Two-time Pac-12 champion Utah couldn’t rally with quarterback Cameron Rising sidelined by a second-half injury.

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Tulane tight end Alex Bauman caught a 6-yard touchdown from Michael Pratt with 9 seconds left to finish off a frantic finish by the 14th-ranked Green Wave in a 46-45 win over No. 8 Southern California in the Cotton Bowl. Bauman’s contested catch was part of 16 points in the final 4:07 for the Green Wave. The game-winning touchdown by the true freshman came after they got the ball back following a safety. Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams was 37-for-52 passing for 462 yards and a Cotton Bowl-record five touchdowns for USC, which finished 11-3. Tyjae Spears ran for 205 yards and a career-best four touchdowns for Tulane. The American Athletic Conference champions finished 12-2, an FBS-record 10-win turnaround after going 2-10 last season.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Massimo Biscardi made a 27-yard tiebreaking field goal with four seconds left, Marcus Banks returned a fumble 60 yards for a touchdown on the game's last play and No. 24 Mississippi State rallied to beat Illinois 19-10 in the ReliaQuest Bowl. It was the Bulldogs’ first game since coach Mike Leach died on Dec. 12 due to complications from a heart condition. Banks’ score came on Illinois’ fifth lateral following a completed pass after the Fighting Illini got the ball at their own 29. Will Rogers was 29 of 44 yards for 261 yards for Mississippi State. It was an emotional game full of tributes to Leach, who led the program for three years.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - No. 17 LSU (10-4) captured win No. 10 in Brian Kelly’s first season at the helm, as the Tigers dominated Purdue (8-6) in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Monday, Jan. 2. LSU roared to a 63-7 win. The Tigers set new Citrus Bowl records for most points scored, largest margin of victory, and total yards. Malik Nabers had a monster day and was named MVP of the game. He had nine catches for 163 yards and a 75-yard touchdown. He also threw two passes for 50 yards and a touchdown. One of his passes was to Kyren Lacy for 45 yards and the other was a 5-yard touchdown toss to Jayden Daniels.

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Top-ranked and defending national champion Georgia is looking for improvement despite sitting one win away from back-to-back titles. Quarterback Stetson Bennett and the Bulldogs weren't satisfied with their play in their dramatic 42-41 win over Ohio State in the Peach Bowl's College Football Playoff semifinal. Georgia is motivated to play better against No. 3 TCU in next week's national championship game in Englewood, California. Bennett threw for a career-high 398 yards with three touchdowns against Ohio State. He was critical of what he described as 30 minutes of bad football before he led the fourth-quarter comeback. The Bulldogs escaped with the win after Ohio State missed a 50-yard field goal with three seconds left in the game.

UNDATED (AP) — ESPN says the most competitive pair of semifinals in the nine-year history of the College Football Playoff drew the largest New Year’s Eve viewership for games by the network. Dramatic victories by TCU over Michigan in the Fiesta Bowl and Georgia over Ohio State in Peach Bowl on Saturday drew an average of 21.7 million viewers for ESPN. The seven-point combined margin was the smallest since the postseason system started in the 2014 season. ESPN says it was the third-most watched CFP semifinals, only surpassed by the first one played on Jan. 1, 2015 and the semifinals on New Year’s Day 2018.

UNDATED (AP) — Purdue solidified its No. 1 ranking in The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll following UConn’s first loss of the season while No. 23 Charleston moved into the rankings for the first time in 20 years. The Boilermakers remained No. 1 for the fourth straight week. They received all but one first-place vote from a 61-person media panel in the poll released Monday. No. 2 Houston and No. 3 Kansas each moved up a spot, and No. 4 UConn dropped two spots after losing to Xavier. Arizona rounded out the top five.

CINCINNATI (AP) — Buffalo defensive back Damar Hamlin was in critical condition early Tuesday after the Bills say he suffered a cardiac arrest on the field following a tackle hours earlier, leading to the indefinite postponement of Buffalo’s pivotal Monday night showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bills said in a statement: “Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals. His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition.”EXPLAINER: What happened to Damar Hamlin?Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest after making a tackle during Monday night’s game, causing the NFL to suspend a pivotal game against the Cincinnati Bengals that quickly lost significance in the aftermath of a scary scene that unfolded in front of a national television audience. The 24-year-old Hamlin was administered CPR on the field, ESPN reported during the broadcast. Teammates surrounded Hamlin, shielding him from public view. Many were weeping and praying while Hamlin was treated on the field by team and independent medical personnel and local paramedics. He was taken by ambulance to University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Teammate Stefon Diggs later went to visit Hamlin at the hospital while fans of both teams gathered outside.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs keep winning and Patrick Mahomes keeps making history and both are doing so despite some difficult offseason decisions that have prolonged their ability to do so. The biggest, of course, was the decision to trade Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins. Rather than lavish on the game-breaking wide receiver a massive contract that would have made it difficult to maneuver financially for years to come, they traded him for a package of draft picks. Those have helped to fortify the roster while giving the Chiefs salary cap flexibility for years to come.PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — No. 9 Penn State rallied past No. 7 Utah 35-21 in the 109th edition of the Rose Bowl. Nicholas Singleton broke a tiebreaking 87-yard touchdown run and KeAndre Lambert-Smith had the longest touchdown reception in Rose Bowl history on an 88-yard pass from Sean Clifford. Clifford passed for 279 yards and two touchdowns in an impressive farewell to Penn State, and Singleton rushed for 120 yards and two more scores on a day of spectacular big plays by the Nittany Lions. Two-time Pac-12 champion Utah couldn’t rally with quarterback Cameron Rising sidelined by a second-half injury.ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Tulane tight end Alex Bauman caught a 6-yard touchdown from Michael Pratt with 9 seconds left to finish off a frantic finish by the 14th-ranked Green Wave in a 46-45 win over No. 8 Southern California in the Cotton Bowl. Bauman’s contested catch was part of 16 points in the final 4:07 for the Green Wave. The game-winning touchdown by the true freshman came after they got the ball back following a safety. Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams was 37-for-52 passing for 462 yards and a Cotton Bowl-record five touchdowns for USC, which finished 11-3. Tyjae Spears ran for 205 yards and a career-best four touchdowns for Tulane. The American Athletic Conference champions finished 12-2, an FBS-record 10-win turnaround after going 2-10 last season.TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Massimo Biscardi made a 27-yard tiebreaking field goal with four seconds left, Marcus Banks returned a fumble 60 yards for a touchdown on the game's last play and No. 24 Mississippi State rallied to beat Illinois 19-10 in the ReliaQuest Bowl. It was the Bulldogs’ first game since coach Mike Leach died on Dec. 12 due to complications from a heart condition. Banks’ score came on Illinois’ fifth lateral following a completed pass after the Fighting Illini got the ball at their own 29. Will Rogers was 29 of 44 yards for 261 yards for Mississippi State. It was an emotional game full of tributes to Leach, who led the program for three years.ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - No. 17 LSU (10-4) captured win No. 10 in Brian Kelly’s first season at the helm, as the Tigers dominated Purdue (8-6) in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Monday, Jan. 2. LSU roared to a 63-7 win. The Tigers set new Citrus Bowl records for most points scored, largest margin of victory, and total yards. Malik Nabers had a monster day and was named MVP of the game. He had nine catches for 163 yards and a 75-yard touchdown. He also threw two passes for 50 yards and a touchdown. One of his passes was to Kyren Lacy for 45 yards and the other was a 5-yard touchdown toss to Jayden Daniels.ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Top-ranked and defending national champion Georgia is looking for improvement despite sitting one win away from back-to-back titles. Quarterback Stetson Bennett and the Bulldogs weren't satisfied with their play in their dramatic 42-41 win over Ohio State in the Peach Bowl's College Football Playoff semifinal. Georgia is motivated to play better against No. 3 TCU in next week's national championship game in Englewood, California. Bennett threw for a career-high 398 yards with three touchdowns against Ohio State. He was critical of what he described as 30 minutes of bad football before he led the fourth-quarter comeback. The Bulldogs escaped with the win after Ohio State missed a 50-yard field goal with three seconds left in the game.UNDATED (AP) — ESPN says the most competitive pair of semifinals in the nine-year history of the College Football Playoff drew the largest New Year’s Eve viewership for games by the network. Dramatic victories by TCU over Michigan in the Fiesta Bowl and Georgia over Ohio State in Peach Bowl on Saturday drew an average of 21.7 million viewers for ESPN. The seven-point combined margin was the smallest since the postseason system started in the 2014 season. ESPN says it was the third-most watched CFP semifinals, only surpassed by the first one played on Jan. 1, 2015 and the semifinals on New Year’s Day 2018.UNDATED (AP) — Purdue solidified its No. 1 ranking in The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll following UConn’s first loss of the season while No. 23 Charleston moved into the rankings for the first time in 20 years. The Boilermakers remained No. 1 for the fourth straight week. They received all but one first-place vote from a 61-person media panel in the poll released Monday. No. 2 Houston and No. 3 Kansas each moved up a spot, and No. 4 UConn dropped two spots after losing to Xavier. Arizona rounded out the top five.MONDAY SCORESNATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUECincinnati 7 Buffalo 3 (1st Quarter)TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALLFinal (9)Penn St. 35 (7)Utah 21Final (14)Tulane 46 (8)Southern Cal 45Final (24)Mississippi St. 19 Illinois 10Final (16)LSU 63 Purdue 7TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal Rutgers 65 (1)Purdue 64NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal New York 102 Phoenix 83Final Philadelphia 120 New Orleans 111Final L.A. Lakers 121 Charlotte 115Final Indiana 122 Toronto 114Final Brooklyn 139 San Antonio 103Final OT Cleveland 145 Chicago 134Final Minnesota 124 Denver 111Final Dallas 111 Houston 106Final Portland 135 Detroit 106Final 2OT Golden State 143 Atlanta 141Final Miami 110 L.A. Clippers 100NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal Boston 2 Pittsburgh 1Final Vegas 3 Colorado 2Final Philadelphia 4 Anaheim 1

Sports Headlines for Tuesday

<a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/d0cff410-fa1f-45ae-9f90-5f9a22803d08">WATCH</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.leanplayer.com/">LISTEN</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=428538&amp;vislive=kan">LIVE STATS</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/G14_KUMBB_Texas-Tech.pdf">KANSAS GAME NOTES</a>

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– No. 3 Kansas (12-1, 1-0) hits the road at Texas Tech (10-3, 0-1) on Tuesday, Jan. 3, at 8 p.m. (Central). The contest from United Supermarkets Arena will be televised on ESPN2 with Jon Sciambi, Fran Fraschilla and Kris Budden calling the action.

UP NEXT Kansas will play its second-straight road game at West Virginia on Saturday, Jan. 7. Tip from WVU Coliseum will be at 5 p.m. (Central) and the contest will be televised on Big 12 NOW via ESPN+.

Kansas leads the overall series with West Virginia, 18-6, but KU is 4-6 against WVU in Morgantown, W.Va., with all the meetings in WVU Coliseum. Kansas has won the last three meetings and eight of the last nine battles with West Virginia dating back to Feb. 16, 2019.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672739284271.png" alt="KU MBB 1-3-23" />
 <figcaption>KU MBB 1-3-23</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/d0cff410-fa1f-45ae-9f90-5f9a22803d08">WATCH</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.leanplayer.com/">LISTEN</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=428538&amp;vislive=kan">LIVE STATS</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/G14_KUMBB_Texas-Tech.pdf">KANSAS GAME NOTES</a>LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– No. 3 Kansas (12-1, 1-0) hits the road at Texas Tech (10-3, 0-1) on Tuesday, Jan. 3, at 8 p.m. (Central). The contest from United Supermarkets Arena will be televised on ESPN2 with Jon Sciambi, Fran Fraschilla and Kris Budden calling the action.TIPOFF<ul>
 <li>Kansas has a six-game winning streak after its 69-67 win against Oklahoma State on Dec. 31. The win was KU’s mind-boggling 32nd-consecutive conference opening victory dating back to 1992. Texas Tech is looking to bounce back from a 67-61 loss at No. 18 TCU on Dec. 31. The Red Raiders, who are receiving votes in the latest coaches’ poll, are 8-0 at home this season and their 29-home game winning streak ranks second nationally.</li><li>Last season, Kansas became the all-time winningest program in NCAA Division I, currently at 2,369 victories.</li><li>The Kansas-Texas Tech series dates back to 1959 with KU holding a 41-7 all-time advantage. KU has won two straight and six of the last seven versus TTU.</li><li>Kansas has appeared in the Associated Press top 10 in each of the last 28 polls dating back to the 2021-22 preseason poll. The 28 consecutive is the longest active streak in men’s college basketball.</li><li>Kansas is No. 7 in the NET rankings through games played on Jan. 1. Kansas is first among Big 12 teams with Texas at No. 9 and West Virginia at No. 15. KU’s four Quadrant 1 wins are tied for the second most nationally.</li><li>Kansas ranks in the top three in seven Big 12 statistical categories, including second in steals per game (9.6) and second in three-point field goals made per game (7.8).</li><li>Redshirt-junior Jalen Wilson leads the conference in scoring at 21.0 ppg, which is 11th nationally. He also leads the Big 12 with six double-doubles, which is 14th nationally.</li><li>Redshirt-junior Dajuan Harris Jr. lead the Big 12 in assist-to-turnover ratio at 3.52, which is ninth nationally. His 6.8 assists per game are second in the league and sixth nationally.</li><li>Redshirt-senior Kevin McCullar Jr. leads the Big 12 in steals (2.7), which is eighth nationally.</li><li>Kansas is celebrating 125 years of men’s basketball in 2022-23.</li>
 </ul>UP NEXT Kansas will play its second-straight road game at West Virginia on Saturday, Jan. 7. Tip from WVU Coliseum will be at 5 p.m. (Central) and the contest will be televised on Big 12 NOW via ESPN+.Kansas leads the overall series with West Virginia, 18-6, but KU is 4-6 against WVU in Morgantown, W.Va., with all the meetings in WVU Coliseum. Kansas has won the last three meetings and eight of the last nine battles with West Virginia dating back to Feb. 16, 2019.

🏀 MBB: No. 3 Kansas Plays at Texas Tech Tuesday

MANHATTAN, Kan.—K-State is off its best start (12-1) since the 2016-17 season after opening Big 12 play with an 82-76 overtime win over No. 24/24 West Virginia on New Year’s Eve. It was just the second win in the last 5 Big 12 openers, including the first in a home conference opener since 2016. The team has now defeated at least one Top 25 opponent in each of the last 16 seasons. The win came on the heels of an 11-1 start to non-conference play, which was the best since 2011-12. The 11 non-conference wins are only eclipsed by the 13 in 2009-10 and 12 in 2008-09 and 2010-11.

Nowell this season after his 29-point, 11-assist performance against Nevada on Nov. 22.

Date&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rank&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Result&nbsp;&nbsp; Score&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Location

2/7/2018&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; —/—&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 67-64&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Austin

2/21/2018&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; —/—&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 58-48&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Manhattan

1/2/2019&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; —/—&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 47-67&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Manhattan

2/12/2019&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 18/—&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 71-64&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Austin

1/11/2020&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; —/—&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 50-64&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Austin

2/22/2020&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; —/—&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 59-70&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Manhattan

1/16/2021&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; —/4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 67-82&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Austin

2/9/2021&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; —/13&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 77-80&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Manhattan

1/4/2022&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; —/14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 57-70&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Manhattan

1/18/2022&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; —23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 66-65&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Austin

LAST MEETING: K-STATE 66, 23/22 TEXAS 65

LAST TIME OUT: K-STATE 82, 24/24 WEST VIRGINIA 76 [OT]

K-STATE WINS CAYMAN ISLANDS CLASSIC

Baylor’s&nbsp;James Akinjo) to rank in the top-15 in scoring and top-5 in assists, steals and assist/turnover ratio. In addition to leading the team in assists and steals, he was second in double-doubles (3) and 3-point field goals (43), third in scoring, double-digit scoring games (19) and 20-point games (3).

UP NEXT: AT 19/16 BAYLOR (10-3, 0-1 Big 12)

🏀 MBB: K-State Begins Road Trip at Texas 

CINCINNATI (AP) — Buffalo defensive back Damar Hamlin was in critical condition early Tuesday after the Bills say he suffered a cardiac arrest on the field following a tackle hours earlier, leading to the indefinite postponement of Buffalo's pivotal Monday night showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals.

“Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals. His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment,” the Bills said in a statement. “He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/damar-hamlin">In a chilling scene</a>, Hamlin was administered CPR on the field, ESPN reported, while surrounded by teammates, some of them in tears, while they shielded him from public view. He was hurt while tackling Bengals receiver Tee Higgins on a seemingly routine play that didn't appear unusually violent.

The NFL announced Hamlin's condition shortly after he was taken to a hospital, but neither the league nor the hospital released any other details about the 24-year-old's medical condition. The team's statement was released before its flight arrived back in Buffalo early Tuesday. There was no immediate update about the future status of the game.

On the play the 6-foot, 200-pound Hamlin was injured, Higgins led with his right shoulder, which hit the defensive back in the chest. Hamlin then wrapped his arms around Higgins' shoulders and helmet to drag him down. Hamlin quickly got to his feet, appeared to adjust his face mask with his right hand, and then fell backward about three seconds later and lay motionless.

Hamlin was treated on the field by team and independent medical personnel and local paramedics, and he was taken by ambulance to University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Teammate Stefon Diggs later joined Hamlin at the hospital.

About 100 Bills fans and a few Bengals fans gathered on a corner one block from the emergency room entrance, some of them holding candles.

Jeff Miller, an NFL executive vice president, told reporters on a conference call early Tuesday that the league had made no plans at this time to play the game, adding that Hamlin's health was the main focus.

An ambulance was on the field four minutes after Hamlin collapsed while many players embraced, including quarterbacks Buffalo’s Josh Allen and Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow.

“Please pray for our brother,”&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/JoshAllenQB/status/1610128591458652160">Allen tweeted</a>.

Hamlin collapsed at 8:55 p.m., and when he was taken off the field about 19 minutes later in what seemed like an eternity, the Bills gathered in prayer. A few minutes after the ambulance left the field, the game was suspended, and players walked off the field slowly and into their locker rooms where they awaited word on Hamlin and the game.

“I’ve never seen anything like it since I was playing,” NFL executive Troy Vincent, a six-time Pro Bowl cornerback during his career, said in the conference call early Tuesday morning. “Immediately, my player hat went on, like, how do you resume playing after seeing a traumatic event in front of you?”

Hamlin’s uniform was cut off as he was attended to by medical personnel. ESPN reported on its telecast that Hamlin was also given oxygen.

Vincent said the league took no steps toward restarting the game and did not ask players to begin a five-minute warmup period as ESPN's broadcasters had announced.

“It never crossed our mind to talk about warming up to resume play," Vincent said. "That’s ridiculous. That’s insensitive. That’s not a place we should ever be in.”

Vincent said the Bills were returning early Tuesday morning to the team facility in Orchard Park, New York, with the exception of a few players who stayed behind with Hamlin.

There was a heavy police presence at Buffalo Niagara International Airport when the team arrived at about 2:45 a.m. A small group of fans gathered across the street from the players' parking area near the airport. Police blocked off the road to allow the players to leave.

The Bengals led 7-3 in the first quarter of a game between teams vying for the top playoff seed in the AFC. Cincinnati entered at 11-4 and leading the AFC North by one game over Baltimore, while AFC East champion Buffalo was 12-3.

“The NFLPA and everyone in our community is praying for Damar Hamlin,” the players' union said in a statement. “We have been in touch with Bills and Bengals players, and with the NFL. The only thing that matters at this moment is Damar’s health and well being.”

The unfinished game has major playoff implications as the NFL enters the final week of the regular season, with the wild-card playoff round scheduled to begin on Jan. 14.

The aftermath of the injury was reminiscent of when Bills tight end Kevin Everett lay motionless on the field after making a tackle on the second-half opening kickoff in Buffalo’s 2007 season-opening game against the Denver Broncos.

Everett sustained a spinal cord injury that initially left him partially paralyzed.

Hamlin spent five years of college at Pittsburgh — his hometown — and appeared in 48 games for the Panthers over that span. He was a second-team All-ACC performer as a senior, was voted a team captain and was picked to play in the Senior Bowl.

He was drafted in the sixth round by the Bills in 2021, played in 14 games as a rookie and then became a starter this year once Micah Hyde was lost for the season to injury.

By late Monday night,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/mxksc-the-chasing-ms-foundation-community-toy-drive">a community toy drive organized by Hamlin</a>&nbsp;had surged to more than $1.2 million in donations. His stated goal was $2,500.

Kathryn Bersani and her mother, Gayle, were among the Bills fans who traveled from Buffalo for the game and went to the hospital from the stadium.

“This is our family Christmas,” Kathryn Bersani said. "We thought it would be a great game. Joe (Burrow) and Josh (Allen) are such great men. Sad, sad time. Such a shock. I just hope he can live a normal life. It stunned us.”

Chuck and Janet Kohl went to the hospital after watching the game at home.

“This is much more important than football,” Chuck Kohl said. “Had to come and pray for Mr. Hamlin.”

Entering the game, Hamlin had 91 tackles, including 63 solo tackles, and 1 1/2 sacks.

A tweet from the Pitt football account was simple and clear: “Damar Hamlin is the best of us. We love you, 3,” the tweet said, referring to Hamlin by his college jersey number. “Praying for you.”

By MITCH STACY AP Sports WriterUPDATE at 3:08 ET:CINCINNATI (AP) — Buffalo defensive back Damar Hamlin was in critical condition early Tuesday after the Bills say he suffered a cardiac arrest on the field following a tackle hours earlier, leading to the indefinite postponement of Buffalo’s pivotal Monday night showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bills said in a statement: “Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals. His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition.”CINCINNATI (AP) — Buffalo defensive back Damar Hamlin was in critical condition early Tuesday after the Bills say he suffered a cardiac arrest on the field following a tackle hours earlier, leading to the indefinite postponement of Buffalo's pivotal Monday night showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals.“Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals. His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment,” the Bills said in a statement. “He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition.”<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/damar-hamlin">In a chilling scene</a>, Hamlin was administered CPR on the field, ESPN reported, while surrounded by teammates, some of them in tears, while they shielded him from public view. He was hurt while tackling Bengals receiver Tee Higgins on a seemingly routine play that didn't appear unusually violent.The NFL announced Hamlin's condition shortly after he was taken to a hospital, but neither the league nor the hospital released any other details about the 24-year-old's medical condition. The team's statement was released before its flight arrived back in Buffalo early Tuesday. There was no immediate update about the future status of the game.On the play the 6-foot, 200-pound Hamlin was injured, Higgins led with his right shoulder, which hit the defensive back in the chest. Hamlin then wrapped his arms around Higgins' shoulders and helmet to drag him down. Hamlin quickly got to his feet, appeared to adjust his face mask with his right hand, and then fell backward about three seconds later and lay motionless.Hamlin was treated on the field by team and independent medical personnel and local paramedics, and he was taken by ambulance to University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Teammate Stefon Diggs later joined Hamlin at the hospital.About 100 Bills fans and a few Bengals fans gathered on a corner one block from the emergency room entrance, some of them holding candles.Jeff Miller, an NFL executive vice president, told reporters on a conference call early Tuesday that the league had made no plans at this time to play the game, adding that Hamlin's health was the main focus.An ambulance was on the field four minutes after Hamlin collapsed while many players embraced, including quarterbacks Buffalo’s Josh Allen and Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow.“Please pray for our brother,”&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/JoshAllenQB/status/1610128591458652160">Allen tweeted</a>.Hamlin collapsed at 8:55 p.m., and when he was taken off the field about 19 minutes later in what seemed like an eternity, the Bills gathered in prayer. A few minutes after the ambulance left the field, the game was suspended, and players walked off the field slowly and into their locker rooms where they awaited word on Hamlin and the game.“I’ve never seen anything like it since I was playing,” NFL executive Troy Vincent, a six-time Pro Bowl cornerback during his career, said in the conference call early Tuesday morning. “Immediately, my player hat went on, like, how do you resume playing after seeing a traumatic event in front of you?”Hamlin’s uniform was cut off as he was attended to by medical personnel. ESPN reported on its telecast that Hamlin was also given oxygen.Vincent said the league took no steps toward restarting the game and did not ask players to begin a five-minute warmup period as ESPN's broadcasters had announced.“It never crossed our mind to talk about warming up to resume play," Vincent said. "That’s ridiculous. That’s insensitive. That’s not a place we should ever be in.”Vincent said the Bills were returning early Tuesday morning to the team facility in Orchard Park, New York, with the exception of a few players who stayed behind with Hamlin.There was a heavy police presence at Buffalo Niagara International Airport when the team arrived at about 2:45 a.m. A small group of fans gathered across the street from the players' parking area near the airport. Police blocked off the road to allow the players to leave.The Bengals led 7-3 in the first quarter of a game between teams vying for the top playoff seed in the AFC. Cincinnati entered at 11-4 and leading the AFC North by one game over Baltimore, while AFC East champion Buffalo was 12-3.“The NFLPA and everyone in our community is praying for Damar Hamlin,” the players' union said in a statement. “We have been in touch with Bills and Bengals players, and with the NFL. The only thing that matters at this moment is Damar’s health and well being.”The unfinished game has major playoff implications as the NFL enters the final week of the regular season, with the wild-card playoff round scheduled to begin on Jan. 14.The aftermath of the injury was reminiscent of when Bills tight end Kevin Everett lay motionless on the field after making a tackle on the second-half opening kickoff in Buffalo’s 2007 season-opening game against the Denver Broncos.Everett sustained a spinal cord injury that initially left him partially paralyzed.Hamlin spent five years of college at Pittsburgh — his hometown — and appeared in 48 games for the Panthers over that span. He was a second-team All-ACC performer as a senior, was voted a team captain and was picked to play in the Senior Bowl.He was drafted in the sixth round by the Bills in 2021, played in 14 games as a rookie and then became a starter this year once Micah Hyde was lost for the season to injury.By late Monday night,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/mxksc-the-chasing-ms-foundation-community-toy-drive">a community toy drive organized by Hamlin</a>&nbsp;had surged to more than $1.2 million in donations. His stated goal was $2,500.Kathryn Bersani and her mother, Gayle, were among the Bills fans who traveled from Buffalo for the game and went to the hospital from the stadium.“This is our family Christmas,” Kathryn Bersani said. "We thought it would be a great game. Joe (Burrow) and Josh (Allen) are such great men. Sad, sad time. Such a shock. I just hope he can live a normal life. It stunned us.”Chuck and Janet Kohl went to the hospital after watching the game at home.“This is much more important than football,” Chuck Kohl said. “Had to come and pray for Mr. Hamlin.”Entering the game, Hamlin had 91 tackles, including 63 solo tackles, and 1 1/2 sacks.A tweet from the Pitt football account was simple and clear: “Damar Hamlin is the best of us. We love you, 3,” the tweet said, referring to Hamlin by his college jersey number. “Praying for you.”

🏈 Bills' Hamlin collapses on field, gets CPR; game suspended

&nbsp; HUTCHINSON, Kan.:&nbsp;(Transcript from KWBW Sports)&nbsp;7:11am on BW Radio, time to turn to sports,&nbsp;&nbsp;Patrick Mahomes threw for 328 yards and three touchdowns, two of them to Jerick McKinnon and the Chiefs, overcame another sloppy start to hold off the Broncos. 27-24. Isaiah Pacheco and Blake Bell also scored for the Chiefs, who beat the Broncos for the 15th consecutive time while keeping alive their hopes for the AFC Number one seed and lone post-season by Kansas City began the day tied with Buffalo for the AFC West for the best record.

Patrick Mahomes also moved into the rarest of a company Sunday joining Tom Brady and Drew Brees as the only quarterbacks with multiple 5,000 yard passing seasons. With the years Mahomes has left, he's going to rewrite every record that has ever been in existence, with maybe the exception of Super Bowl wins by Tom Brady. We will see. 

Chiefs  Kingdome show comes your way tonight from 7pm until 8pm. 

Sunday Night Football it was Pittsburgh winning over Baltimore 16-13 and the Monday Night football match up Buffalo at Cincinnati. That is a game Chiefs fans will be watching because if Buffalo were to lose, Kansas City has the number one seed to themselves. That's a 7:15 kick off.

 It was not a good year for the big 12 in bowl action, with the exception of TCU as playing for a national championship. The Big 12 went 2 and 6, the only teams to win. Texas Tech and TCU.&nbsp; They punch their ticket to play Georgia now for the national championship game one week from today at Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

 That is good news, at least for the Big 12. 

Kansas Shrine Bowl board of directors announcing the East and West teams for the 2023 Kansas Shrine Bowl yesterday. This year's Shrine Bowl will be played at Lewis Field Stadium at Forte State University on Saturday, July 15th at 7 pm. 2023 will mark the 50th year of the Shrine Bowl. 

Players  from the area that were chosen this year, highlighted by Hutchinson high standout Noah Khokhar.

Also selected on the West Squad. Eli Brock from Inman, Sam Becker of McPherson and Jake Proctor of Hesston.

 First  Dragon talk shows of the 2023 season come your way tonight from AJ's At the Alley. Steve Carpenter chats with John. Anxious. At 6:00, Glen Grunwald catches up with Tommy DeSalme at 6:30 as the Hutchinson men and women open up the post-holiday break coming up Wednesday in Goodland against Northwest KS Tech. 

<div><iframe title="Eagle Media Sports for January 2nd, 2023" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=k8kz7-13514f4-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=7"></iframe></div>&nbsp; HUTCHINSON, Kan.:&nbsp;(Transcript from KWBW Sports)&nbsp;7:11am on BW Radio, time to turn to sports,&nbsp;&nbsp;Patrick Mahomes threw for 328 yards and three touchdowns, two of them to Jerick McKinnon and the Chiefs, overcame another sloppy start to hold off the Broncos. 27-24. Isaiah Pacheco and Blake Bell also scored for the Chiefs, who beat the Broncos for the 15th consecutive time while keeping alive their hopes for the AFC Number one seed and lone post-season by Kansas City began the day tied with Buffalo for the AFC West for the best record. Patrick Mahomes also moved into the rarest of a company Sunday joining Tom Brady and Drew Brees as the only quarterbacks with multiple 5,000 yard passing seasons. With the years Mahomes has left, he's going to rewrite every record that has ever been in existence, with maybe the exception of Super Bowl wins by Tom Brady. We will see. Chiefs Kingdome show comes your way tonight from 7pm until 8pm. Sunday Night Football it was Pittsburgh winning over Baltimore 16-13 and the Monday Night football match up Buffalo at Cincinnati. That is a game Chiefs fans will be watching because if Buffalo were to lose, Kansas City has the number one seed to themselves. That's a 7:15 kick off. It was not a good year for the big 12 in bowl action, with the exception of TCU as playing for a national championship. The Big 12 went 2 and 6, the only teams to win. Texas Tech and TCU.&nbsp; They punch their ticket to play Georgia now for the national championship game one week from today at Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, California. That is good news, at least for the Big 12. Kansas Shrine Bowl board of directors announcing the East and West teams for the 2023 Kansas Shrine Bowl yesterday. This year's Shrine Bowl will be played at Lewis Field Stadium at Forte State University on Saturday, July 15th at 7 pm. 2023 will mark the 50th year of the Shrine Bowl. Players from the area that were chosen this year, highlighted by Hutchinson high standout Noah Khokhar.Also selected on the West Squad. Eli Brock from Inman, Sam Becker of McPherson and Jake Proctor of Hesston. First Dragon talk shows of the 2023 season come your way tonight from AJ's At the Alley. Steve Carpenter chats with John. Anxious. At 6:00, Glen Grunwald catches up with Tommy DeSalme at 6:30 as the Hutchinson men and women open up the post-holiday break coming up Wednesday in Goodland against Northwest KS Tech. Join us tonight for that. That's sports for this morning.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

BALDWIN CITY, Kan.—The 2023 Shrine Bowl rosters were released on New Year's day by the Kansas Shrine Bowl officials.&nbsp; Hutchinson's senior running back Noah Khokhar was selected to represent the Salthawks. Locally, Braxton Lafferty was also selected from Little River, Sam Becker - McPherson, Eli Brunk-Inman, Jack Kraus-Andale, John Martinez-Pratt, Riley Marx-Andale, Ricky Parga-Newton, and Jake Proctor-Hesston.&nbsp;

The Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors would like to announce the East and West teams for the 2023 Kansas Shrine Bowl. These players have been invited to participate in the 50th&nbsp;Kansas Shrine Bowl Presented by Mammoth to be played at Lewis Field Stadium, Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kansas on Saturday, July 15th&nbsp;at 7 p.m.

The 2023 Head Coaches, as selected by votes from the 2022 coaching staff, trainers, managers, and camp directors, are Blue Valley Northwest’s Clint Rider for the East and Hays High’s Tony Crough for the West.

Players are selected each year by a combination of media votes and selections from the Kansas Shrine Bowl Coaching Staff. Players must be nominated by their high school coach or athletic director. The players selected to the 2023 Kansas Shrine Bowl join the just over 3,000 players who have participated in the annual event since 1974.

&nbsp;“This is an incredibly impressive group of young men,” said B.J. Harris, Executive Director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. “These players and coaches now have a wonderful opportunity ahead of them, one that is sure to have a lasting impact on their life.”

“There’s a lot of good players out there and we feel like we were able to get some of the best in the state,” said West Head Coach Tony Crough. “We’re confident we have the guys that will represent the West really well.”

“These guys have been unbelievable players for their teams, and I know it&nbsp;means so much for them to be able to play in this game,” said East Head Coach Clint Rider. “We’re excited about the East Squad and the opportunity we have to compete in July.”

The Assistant coaches for the East team are&nbsp;Lorne Clark (6A – Olathe Northwest), Josh Lattimer (5A – Pittsburg), Weston Moody (4A – Wamego), Bill Arnold (3A – Hayden Catholic), Michael Glatczak (2A – Nemaha Central) and Kyle Schenk (1A – St. Marys).

Assistant coaches for the West team are Joe Schartz (6A – Manhattan), Mark Sandbo (5A – Salina Central), Jace Pavlovich (4A – McPherson), Marc Henry (3A – Clay Center), Tanner Hageman (2A – Kingman), and Matt Biehler (1A – Conway Springs).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch the selection show here where they talk about all 80 picks:

BALDWIN CITY, Kan.—The 2023 Shrine Bowl rosters were released on New Year's day by the Kansas Shrine Bowl officials.&nbsp; Hutchinson's senior running back Noah Khokhar was selected to represent the Salthawks. Locally, Braxton Lafferty was also selected from Little River, Sam Becker - McPherson, Eli Brunk-Inman, Jack Kraus-Andale, John Martinez-Pratt, Riley Marx-Andale, Ricky Parga-Newton, and Jake Proctor-Hesston.&nbsp;PRESS RELEASE:The Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors would like to announce the East and West teams for the 2023 Kansas Shrine Bowl. These players have been invited to participate in the 50th&nbsp;Kansas Shrine Bowl Presented by Mammoth to be played at Lewis Field Stadium, Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kansas on Saturday, July 15th&nbsp;at 7 p.m.The 2023 Head Coaches, as selected by votes from the 2022 coaching staff, trainers, managers, and camp directors, are Blue Valley Northwest’s Clint Rider for the East and Hays High’s Tony Crough for the West.Players are selected each year by a combination of media votes and selections from the Kansas Shrine Bowl Coaching Staff. Players must be nominated by their high school coach or athletic director. The players selected to the 2023 Kansas Shrine Bowl join the just over 3,000 players who have participated in the annual event since 1974.&nbsp;“This is an incredibly impressive group of young men,” said B.J. Harris, Executive Director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. “These players and coaches now have a wonderful opportunity ahead of them, one that is sure to have a lasting impact on their life.”“There’s a lot of good players out there and we feel like we were able to get some of the best in the state,” said West Head Coach Tony Crough. “We’re confident we have the guys that will represent the West really well.”“These guys have been unbelievable players for their teams, and I know it&nbsp;means so much for them to be able to play in this game,” said East Head Coach Clint Rider. “We’re excited about the East Squad and the opportunity we have to compete in July.”The Assistant coaches for the East team are&nbsp;Lorne Clark (6A – Olathe Northwest), Josh Lattimer (5A – Pittsburg), Weston Moody (4A – Wamego), Bill Arnold (3A – Hayden Catholic), Michael Glatczak (2A – Nemaha Central) and Kyle Schenk (1A – St. Marys).Assistant coaches for the West team are Joe Schartz (6A – Manhattan), Mark Sandbo (5A – Salina Central), Jace Pavlovich (4A – McPherson), Marc Henry (3A – Clay Center), Tanner Hageman (2A – Kingman), and Matt Biehler (1A – Conway Springs).&nbsp;&nbsp;Watch the selection show here where they talk about all 80 picks:<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4yBy2rwiw_g" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672664066582.jpeg" alt="Shrine Bowl Roster 2023.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Shrine Bowl Roster 2023.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥🏈Salthawks Noah Khokhar selected to play in 2023 Shrine Bowl

Steelers still alive after last-minute 16-13 win over Ravens

BALTIMORE (AP) — Kenny Pickett threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Najee Harris with 56 seconds remaining, giving the Pittsburgh Steelers a 16-13 victory over the Baltimore Ravens and improbably keeping their playoff hopes alive for another week. It was the first touchdown allowed by Baltimore at home in four games, and the Steelers needed it to avoid elimination. Just like they needed Miami to lose to New England earlier in the day, which also happened. Pittsburgh can now make the playoffs by beating Cleveland next weekend — if Miami and New England both lose. The Ravens' chances of winning the AFC North took a hit.

Rodgers, Packers rout Vikings 41-17, control playoff fate

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers threw a touchdown pass and ran for a score, and the Green Bay Packers continued their improbable playoff push by shutting down Justin Jefferson and the Minnesota Vikings in a 41-17 blowout. Keisean Nixon scored on a 105-yard kickoff return and Darnell Savage had a 75-yard pick-6 of Kirk Cousins to help Green Bay build a 27-3 halftime lead. Aaron Jones rushed for 111 yards on 14 carries and A.J. Dillon had a 2-yard touchdown run as the Packers won their fourth straight. Green Bay would make the playoffs with a win over Detroit in its regular-season finale.

Brady, Bucs rally to beat Panthers 30-24, clinch NFC South

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Tom Brady threw for 432 yards and three long touchdowns to Mike Evans, helping the Tampa Bay Buccaneers clinch their second straight NFC South championship with a 30-24 come-from-behind win over the Carolina Panthers. Evans finished with 10 catches for 207 yards while scoring on receptions of 63, 57, and 30 yards and becoming the first player in NFL history to begin a career with nine consecutive seasons with 1,000-plus yards receiving. The Panthers led 14-0 early and 21-10 after Sam Darnold's third TD pass of the day, 10 seconds into the fourth quarter. It was all Bucs from there.

Giants rout Colts, reach playoffs for 1st time since 2016

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Daniel Jones threw two touchdown passes and ran for two more and the New York Giants routed the Indianapolis Colts 38-10 to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Landon Collins, one of two players from the '16 team, broke the game open late in the second quarter with a 52-yard pick-6 as the Giants put a final stamp on a surprising playoff run. The Giants are the third team from the NFC East to make the playoffs, joining the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys.

Jokic has triple-double, Nuggets top Celtics after rim delay

DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic had 30 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists, and the hot-shooting Denver Nuggets beat the Boston Celtics 123-111 in a matchup of NBA conference leaders that was delayed about 35 minutes because a powerful dunk bent one of the rims. Denver won for the 10th time in 12 games, snapped a six-game skid against Boston and opened a one-game lead in the Western Conference. Jaylen Brown scored 30 points and Jayson Tatum added 25 for the Celtics, who had their four-game winning streak snapped. The Nuggets led by as many as 18 and waited out a long delay with 6:43 left as a crew struggled to re-level the rim after a dunk by Boston's Robert Williams III.

Big dunk leaves rim crooked, delays Celtics-Nuggets game

DENVER (AP) — The rim was bent, nobody seemed to know how to fix it and for 35 minutes Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets players struggled to stay warm in a bizarre scene that left Celtics star Jaylen Brown fuming. Boston's Robert Williams III seemed to be the culprit, after he hung on the rim following a thunderous dunk with 8:06 left in the fourth quarter in Denver. Soon after, that rim was leaning a bit to the left. Finally, after a long delay, a worker put the rim back up and it appeared it was level. The crowd roared as the teams ran through layup lines to get loose again in the middle of the fourth quarter. Soon play resumed and the Nuggets won 123-111.

Analysis: NFC is wide open heading into final weekend

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Tom Brady again was at his best when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers needed him most. The 45-year-old, seven-time Super Bowl champion had one of the best statistical games of his legendary 23-year career in a 30-24 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday that clinched Tampa's second straight NFC South title. Another old quarterback who also wears No. 12 is one way win away from joining Brady in the playoffs. Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay Packers routed Minnesota 41-17 for their fourth straight win. One more next week at home against Detroit secures a wild-card spot that seemed improbable when the Packers were 4-8. On a day where the NFC's top teams struggled, the Buccaneers and Packers proved they can't be counted out despite mediocre records.

Duggan vs. Bennett: 2 onetime underdogs fight for CFP title

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — TCU thought so much of Max Duggan at the beginning of the season that he lost his job. Georgia seemed like it spent years trying to give its starting quarterback job to anyone not named Stetson Bennett. If they gave out five stars for resiliency, these two guys would have been some of the highest-rated recruits in the country. Now the underdogs-turned-legends at their respective schools will fight it out for the national championship on Jan. 9 in Inglewood, California. No. 3 TCU upset No. 2 Michigan 51-45 and No. 1 Georgia rallied to beat No. 4 Ohio State 42-41 in a pair of semifinal games that were among the best the College Football Playoff ever has produced.

Bills, Bengals AFC showdown highlighted by Allen vs. Burrow

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — The Bills showdown at the Bengals on Monday night features the first of what's expected to be many more quarterback matchups between Buffalo's Josh Allen and Cincinnati's Joe Burrow. The two have established themselves as being among the NFL's top young stars and transformed their respective teams into contenders. The matchup alone is must-watch TV for many, with the outcome playing a big role in determining who finishes first in the AFC.

Defending champion Georgia vs. Cinderella TCU for CFP title

After the best semifinal day in the nine-year history of the College Football Playoff, the title game will match the defending national champion against the closest thing the sport has had in years to a Cinderella team. It will be No. 1 Georgia, looking for its second straight championship, against upstart and No. 3 TCU on Jan. 9 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The four-team playoff has been littered with lopsided semifinal games, but these were both thrillers. The Bulldogs came from 14 points down to beat No. 4 Ohio State 42-41 in the Peach Bowl. TCU upset No. 2 Michigan 51-45 in the Fiesta Bowl.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

		(24)Mississippi St.	at	Illinois	12 p.m.	

		(24)West Virginia	at	Oklahoma St.	7 p.m.	

AP Sports Headlines for Monday MorningSteelers still alive after last-minute 16-13 win over RavensBALTIMORE (AP) — Kenny Pickett threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Najee Harris with 56 seconds remaining, giving the Pittsburgh Steelers a 16-13 victory over the Baltimore Ravens and improbably keeping their playoff hopes alive for another week. It was the first touchdown allowed by Baltimore at home in four games, and the Steelers needed it to avoid elimination. Just like they needed Miami to lose to New England earlier in the day, which also happened. Pittsburgh can now make the playoffs by beating Cleveland next weekend — if Miami and New England both lose. The Ravens' chances of winning the AFC North took a hit.Rodgers, Packers rout Vikings 41-17, control playoff fateGREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers threw a touchdown pass and ran for a score, and the Green Bay Packers continued their improbable playoff push by shutting down Justin Jefferson and the Minnesota Vikings in a 41-17 blowout. Keisean Nixon scored on a 105-yard kickoff return and Darnell Savage had a 75-yard pick-6 of Kirk Cousins to help Green Bay build a 27-3 halftime lead. Aaron Jones rushed for 111 yards on 14 carries and A.J. Dillon had a 2-yard touchdown run as the Packers won their fourth straight. Green Bay would make the playoffs with a win over Detroit in its regular-season finale.Brady, Bucs rally to beat Panthers 30-24, clinch NFC SouthTAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Tom Brady threw for 432 yards and three long touchdowns to Mike Evans, helping the Tampa Bay Buccaneers clinch their second straight NFC South championship with a 30-24 come-from-behind win over the Carolina Panthers. Evans finished with 10 catches for 207 yards while scoring on receptions of 63, 57, and 30 yards and becoming the first player in NFL history to begin a career with nine consecutive seasons with 1,000-plus yards receiving. The Panthers led 14-0 early and 21-10 after Sam Darnold's third TD pass of the day, 10 seconds into the fourth quarter. It was all Bucs from there.Giants rout Colts, reach playoffs for 1st time since 2016EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Daniel Jones threw two touchdown passes and ran for two more and the New York Giants routed the Indianapolis Colts 38-10 to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Landon Collins, one of two players from the '16 team, broke the game open late in the second quarter with a 52-yard pick-6 as the Giants put a final stamp on a surprising playoff run. The Giants are the third team from the NFC East to make the playoffs, joining the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys.Jokic has triple-double, Nuggets top Celtics after rim delayDENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic had 30 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists, and the hot-shooting Denver Nuggets beat the Boston Celtics 123-111 in a matchup of NBA conference leaders that was delayed about 35 minutes because a powerful dunk bent one of the rims. Denver won for the 10th time in 12 games, snapped a six-game skid against Boston and opened a one-game lead in the Western Conference. Jaylen Brown scored 30 points and Jayson Tatum added 25 for the Celtics, who had their four-game winning streak snapped. The Nuggets led by as many as 18 and waited out a long delay with 6:43 left as a crew struggled to re-level the rim after a dunk by Boston's Robert Williams III.Big dunk leaves rim crooked, delays Celtics-Nuggets gameDENVER (AP) — The rim was bent, nobody seemed to know how to fix it and for 35 minutes Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets players struggled to stay warm in a bizarre scene that left Celtics star Jaylen Brown fuming. Boston's Robert Williams III seemed to be the culprit, after he hung on the rim following a thunderous dunk with 8:06 left in the fourth quarter in Denver. Soon after, that rim was leaning a bit to the left. Finally, after a long delay, a worker put the rim back up and it appeared it was level. The crowd roared as the teams ran through layup lines to get loose again in the middle of the fourth quarter. Soon play resumed and the Nuggets won 123-111.Analysis: NFC is wide open heading into final weekendTAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Tom Brady again was at his best when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers needed him most. The 45-year-old, seven-time Super Bowl champion had one of the best statistical games of his legendary 23-year career in a 30-24 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday that clinched Tampa's second straight NFC South title. Another old quarterback who also wears No. 12 is one way win away from joining Brady in the playoffs. Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay Packers routed Minnesota 41-17 for their fourth straight win. One more next week at home against Detroit secures a wild-card spot that seemed improbable when the Packers were 4-8. On a day where the NFC's top teams struggled, the Buccaneers and Packers proved they can't be counted out despite mediocre records.Duggan vs. Bennett: 2 onetime underdogs fight for CFP titleGLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — TCU thought so much of Max Duggan at the beginning of the season that he lost his job. Georgia seemed like it spent years trying to give its starting quarterback job to anyone not named Stetson Bennett. If they gave out five stars for resiliency, these two guys would have been some of the highest-rated recruits in the country. Now the underdogs-turned-legends at their respective schools will fight it out for the national championship on Jan. 9 in Inglewood, California. No. 3 TCU upset No. 2 Michigan 51-45 and No. 1 Georgia rallied to beat No. 4 Ohio State 42-41 in a pair of semifinal games that were among the best the College Football Playoff ever has produced.Bills, Bengals AFC showdown highlighted by Allen vs. BurrowORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — The Bills showdown at the Bengals on Monday night features the first of what's expected to be many more quarterback matchups between Buffalo's Josh Allen and Cincinnati's Joe Burrow. The two have established themselves as being among the NFL's top young stars and transformed their respective teams into contenders. The matchup alone is must-watch TV for many, with the outcome playing a big role in determining who finishes first in the AFC.Defending champion Georgia vs. Cinderella TCU for CFP titleAfter the best semifinal day in the nine-year history of the College Football Playoff, the title game will match the defending national champion against the closest thing the sport has had in years to a Cinderella team. It will be No. 1 Georgia, looking for its second straight championship, against upstart and No. 3 TCU on Jan. 9 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The four-team playoff has been littered with lopsided semifinal games, but these were both thrillers. The Bulldogs came from 14 points down to beat No. 4 Ohio State 42-41 in the Peach Bowl. TCU upset No. 2 Michigan 51-45 in the Fiesta Bowl.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Washington	118	Milwaukee	95	Final	Memphis	118	Sacramento	108	Final	Denver	123	Boston	111	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal SO	Carolina	5	New Jersey	4	Final	N-Y Rangers	5	Florida	3	Final	San Jose	5	Chicago	2	Final	Ottawa	3	Buffalo	1	Final	Seattle	4	N-Y Islanders	1	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUEFinal	Atlanta	20	Arizona	19	Final	Cleveland	24	Washington	10	Final	Detroit	41	Chicago	10	Final	Jacksonville	31	Houston	3	Final	Kansas City	27	Denver	24	Final	N-Y Giants	38	Indianapolis	10	Final	New England	23	Miami	21	Final	New Orleans	20	Philadelphia	10	Final	Tampa Bay	30	Carolina	24	Final OT	San Francisco	37	Las Vegas	34	Final	Seattle	23	N-Y Jets	6	Final	Green Bay	41	Minnesota	17	Final	L.A. Chargers	31	L.A. Rams	10	Final	Pittsburgh	16	Baltimore	13	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	(11)UCLA	74	Washington	49	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Phoenix	at	New York	3 p.m.			Chicago	at	Cleveland	7 p.m.			L.A. Lakers	at	Charlotte	7 p.m.			New Orleans	at	Philadelphia	7 p.m.			Toronto	at	Indiana	7 p.m.			San Antonio	at	Brooklyn	7:30 p.m.			Dallas	at	Houston	8 p.m.			Denver	at	Minnesota	8 p.m.			Atlanta	at	Golden State	10 p.m.			Detroit	at	Portland	10 p.m.			Miami	at	L.A. Clippers	10:30 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE		Pittsburgh	at	Boston	2 p.m.			Vegas	at	Colorado	9 p.m.			Philadelphia	at	Anaheim	10 p.m.	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE		Buffalo	at	Cincinnati	8:30 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALL		(9)Penn St.	at	(7)Utah	5 p.m.			(14)Tulane	at	(8)Southern Cal	1 p.m.			(24)Mississippi St.	at	Illinois	12 p.m.			(16)LSU	at	Purdue	1 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL		Rutgers	at	(1)Purdue	7 p.m.			(24)West Virginia	at	Oklahoma St.	7 p.m.	___

Sports Headlines for Monday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes threw for 328 yards and three touchdowns, two of them to Jerick McKinnon, and the Kansas City Chiefs overcame another sloppy start to hold off the Denver Broncos 27-24 on Sunday.

Isiah Pacheco and Blake Bell also scored for the Chiefs (13-3), who overcame a 17-13 third-quarter deficit to beat the Broncos for the 15th consecutive time while keeping alive their hopes for the AFC's No. 1 seed and lone postseason bye.

The Chiefs began the day tied with the Bills, who play Cincinnati on Monday night, for the conference's best record.

For a while the Broncos (4-12) looked as if they would cap a chaotic week that began with the firing of first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett in a stunning victory. But a late letdown by one of the league's best defenses, and another interception by embattled quarterback Russell Wilson, resulted in the first loss for interim coach Jerry Rosburg.

Wilson threw for 222 yards and a touchdown while also running for a pair of scores, the second of them — after two costly penalties on the Kansas City defense — pulling Denver within 27-24 with 6:14 left in the game.

The Broncos got the ball back with just under four minutes to go, too, and picked up a quick first down. But the Kansas City defense stiffened near midfield, and Chris Jones sacked Wilson on fourth-and-2 to effectively end the game.

The Chiefs' sluggish start against the downtrodden Broncos wasn't all that surprising. For all their success this season, they have habitually played down to the opposition, whether it was in their overtime win at Houston or their 34-28 victory over the Broncos just three weeks ago.

Kansas City fumbled a hold on an early PAT. Mahomes threw an interception in the end zone. And Kadarius Toney fumbled a punt return deep in Kansas City territory, setting up Wilson's touchdown run that gave Denver a 10-6 lead.

But the Chiefs also have proven over the years their ability to strike quickly, and they did that after falling behind for the first time Sunday. Mahomes answered with long passes to Toney and McKinnon, a penalty on third down gave them a fresh set of downs, and McKinnon turned a screen pass into a touchdown reception for the fifth straight game.

That streak is the longest for an NFL running back since Bill Dudley of the Lions in 1947.

The Chiefs struggled to maintain momentum after halftime, though, going three-and-out on their first three possessions. And the Broncos, with their third play-caller of the season in offensive coordinator Justin Outten, capitalized with a 63-yard touchdown drive that gave them a 17-13 lead late in the third quarter.

Then the Chiefs began looking like the Chiefs. And the Broncos like the Broncos.

Mahomes led the AFC West champs briskly downfield before hitting Bell from 17 yards for his first regular-season touchdown catch. And on the very next play, Wilson threw a wobbler under pressure that L'Jarius Sneed picked off, setting up McKinnon's second touchdown catch of the day and his eighth in the past five games.

The Broncos scored in the fourth quarter to give themselves a chance before Kansas City put the game away.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes threw for 328 yards and three touchdowns, two of them to Jerick McKinnon, and the Kansas City Chiefs overcame another sloppy start to hold off the Denver Broncos 27-24 on Sunday.Isiah Pacheco and Blake Bell also scored for the Chiefs (13-3), who overcame a 17-13 third-quarter deficit to beat the Broncos for the 15th consecutive time while keeping alive their hopes for the AFC's No. 1 seed and lone postseason bye.The Chiefs began the day tied with the Bills, who play Cincinnati on Monday night, for the conference's best record.For a while the Broncos (4-12) looked as if they would cap a chaotic week that began with the firing of first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett in a stunning victory. But a late letdown by one of the league's best defenses, and another interception by embattled quarterback Russell Wilson, resulted in the first loss for interim coach Jerry Rosburg.Wilson threw for 222 yards and a touchdown while also running for a pair of scores, the second of them — after two costly penalties on the Kansas City defense — pulling Denver within 27-24 with 6:14 left in the game.The Broncos got the ball back with just under four minutes to go, too, and picked up a quick first down. But the Kansas City defense stiffened near midfield, and Chris Jones sacked Wilson on fourth-and-2 to effectively end the game.The Chiefs' sluggish start against the downtrodden Broncos wasn't all that surprising. For all their success this season, they have habitually played down to the opposition, whether it was in their overtime win at Houston or their 34-28 victory over the Broncos just three weeks ago.Kansas City fumbled a hold on an early PAT. Mahomes threw an interception in the end zone. And Kadarius Toney fumbled a punt return deep in Kansas City territory, setting up Wilson's touchdown run that gave Denver a 10-6 lead.But the Chiefs also have proven over the years their ability to strike quickly, and they did that after falling behind for the first time Sunday. Mahomes answered with long passes to Toney and McKinnon, a penalty on third down gave them a fresh set of downs, and McKinnon turned a screen pass into a touchdown reception for the fifth straight game.That streak is the longest for an NFL running back since Bill Dudley of the Lions in 1947.The Chiefs struggled to maintain momentum after halftime, though, going three-and-out on their first three possessions. And the Broncos, with their third play-caller of the season in offensive coordinator Justin Outten, capitalized with a 63-yard touchdown drive that gave them a 17-13 lead late in the third quarter.Then the Chiefs began looking like the Chiefs. And the Broncos like the Broncos.Mahomes led the AFC West champs briskly downfield before hitting Bell from 17 yards for his first regular-season touchdown catch. And on the very next play, Wilson threw a wobbler under pressure that L'Jarius Sneed picked off, setting up McKinnon's second touchdown catch of the day and his eighth in the past five games.The Broncos scored in the fourth quarter to give themselves a chance before Kansas City put the game away.INJURIESBroncos: RB Marlon Mack (hamstring) left in the first quarter and LG Dalton Risner (elbow) in the third. CB Damarri Mathis went into the concussion protocol in the second. LB Baron Browning (back) and DL D.J. Jones (knee) were inactive.Chiefs: LG Joe Thuney (ankle) left late in the third quarter and WR Skyy Moore (hand) in the fourth. Sneed also hurt his hip on his interception return in the fourth.UP NEXTThe Broncos conclude their season next Sunday against the Chargers.The Chiefs visit the Raiders on Sunday in their regular-season finale.