NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The NCAA will abandon a rule that stopped athletes from negotiating potentially lucrative name, image and likeness deals before enrolling in a specific college, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said Monday as he announced a settlement in a lawsuit over the policy.

Skrmetti and a handful of attorneys general had sued the NCAA over its name, image and likeness recruiting ban, arguing the rule violated antitrust laws.

The proposed settlement must still be approved by a federal judge.

In a statement, Skrmetti said “With a multi-billion-dollar entertainment industry rising from the foundation of college sports, the kids who make it all happen should not be the only people denied an opportunity to prosper.”

An NCAA spokesperson said the proposed settlement “underscores our support for student-athletes benefiting from their NIL and our commitment to provide increased benefits to student-athletes at every stage in their collegiate experience, creating a sustainable model for the future of college sports.”

The agreement, if approved by the court, will allow college athletes to negotiate compensation for name, image and likeness deals before enrolling in a specific school, and it will allow third parties to negotiate name, image and likeness deals during recruitment windows.

The NCAA will also have to publicize any proposed name, image and likeness changes for the next five years and meet with states before the proposals can take effect.

Attorneys general in New York, Virginia, Florida and the District of Columbia were part of the coalition that sued over the policy.

The judge handling the case had previously ordered the NCAA to temporarily halt the policy while the case played out.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742305399084.jpeg" alt="A Wilson basketball is shown during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game between Michigan State and Oregon in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Conference tournament in Indianapolis, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)" />
 <figcaption>A Wilson basketball is shown during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game between Michigan State and Oregon in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Conference tournament in Indianapolis, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)</figcaption>
 </figure>NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The NCAA will abandon a rule that stopped athletes from negotiating potentially lucrative name, image and likeness deals before enrolling in a specific college, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said Monday as he announced a settlement in a lawsuit over the policy.Skrmetti and a handful of attorneys general had sued the NCAA over its name, image and likeness recruiting ban, arguing the rule violated antitrust laws.The proposed settlement must still be approved by a federal judge.In a statement, Skrmetti said “With a multi-billion-dollar entertainment industry rising from the foundation of college sports, the kids who make it all happen should not be the only people denied an opportunity to prosper.”An NCAA spokesperson said the proposed settlement “underscores our support for student-athletes benefiting from their NIL and our commitment to provide increased benefits to student-athletes at every stage in their collegiate experience, creating a sustainable model for the future of college sports.”The agreement, if approved by the court, will allow college athletes to negotiate compensation for name, image and likeness deals before enrolling in a specific school, and it will allow third parties to negotiate name, image and likeness deals during recruitment windows.The NCAA will also have to publicize any proposed name, image and likeness changes for the next five years and meet with states before the proposals can take effect.Attorneys general in New York, Virginia, Florida and the District of Columbia were part of the coalition that sued over the policy.The judge handling the case had previously ordered the NCAA to temporarily halt the policy while the case played out.

NCAA agrees to lift name, image and likeness recruitment ban

The Pittsburg State University women's basketball team came from behind to win the Central Region title on Monday evening at John Lance Arena over Southwest Minnesota State, 85-82. 

The Gorillas punch their ticket into the NCAA Division II Elite Eight on March 24 in Pittsburgh, Pa.

The two leading scorers for the Gorillas each hail from the Hutch Post area. Halstead High School alum Karenna Gerber went off for a game-high 34 points and 10 rebounds in 35 minutes of action. She was named the eight-team regional's Most Outstanding Player. Gerber helped block and secure the final shot of the game, a 3-point attempt that would have tied the game.&nbsp;

McPherson High School alum Grace Pyle scored 20 points to go along with six rebounds and team-high five assists.&nbsp;

Gerber has started all 35 games, averaging a team-high 17.2 points and 8.3 rebounds.&nbsp;Pyle has started all 35 games and is averaging 16.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists.

The Gorillas are 32-3 on the season and finished 18-1 in the MIAA, claiming the regular season and tournament titles.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742304949462.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Derek Livingston, Pittsburg State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Derek Livingston, Pittsburg State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostThe Pittsburg State University women's basketball team came from behind to win the Central Region title on Monday evening at John Lance Arena over Southwest Minnesota State, 85-82. The Gorillas punch their ticket into the NCAA Division II Elite Eight on March 24 in Pittsburgh, Pa.The two leading scorers for the Gorillas each hail from the Hutch Post area. Halstead High School alum Karenna Gerber went off for a game-high 34 points and 10 rebounds in 35 minutes of action. She was named the eight-team regional's Most Outstanding Player. Gerber helped block and secure the final shot of the game, a 3-point attempt that would have tied the game.&nbsp;McPherson High School alum Grace Pyle scored 20 points to go along with six rebounds and team-high five assists.&nbsp;Gerber has started all 35 games, averaging a team-high 17.2 points and 8.3 rebounds.&nbsp;Pyle has started all 35 games and is averaging 16.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists.The Gorillas are 32-3 on the season and finished 18-1 in the MIAA, claiming the regular season and tournament titles.

🏀 Halstead and McPherson alums guide Pitt State to NCAA DII Elite Eight

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742304283490.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
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DALLAS &ndash;&nbsp;Kansas baseball received its first ranking since the 2014 season this week with the Jayhawks coming in at No. 22 in the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) poll that was released on Monday. &nbsp; Kansas is off to its best 20-game start in program history with a 17-3 overall record. The Jayhawks have won each of their first five weekend series for the first time since 2003. &nbsp; The Jayhawks won their opening Big 12 series this past weekend by taking two out of three games against Baylor. The Jayhawks outscored the Bears, who were 13-3 coming into the weekend, by a combined score of 30-17 and hit nine home runs over the weekend. Kansas has won its opening conference series in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2013 and 2014. &nbsp; KU leads the Big 12 and is third in the nation with 46 home runs this season.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/jackson-hauge/16155" rel="smarttag" rev="16155" data-airgap-id="71">Jackson Hauge</a></dfn>, who leads the team with 11 home runs this season, which is tied for third in the nation, was named Big 12 Player of the Week on Monday. &nbsp; Kansas (17-3, 2-1 Big 12) will play four games in Arizona this week, beginning on Tuesday at Arizona in a non-conference game at 8 p.m. CT and then a three-game conference series at Arizona State from March 21-23. &nbsp;
<div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" class="" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=%40KUBaseball&amp;dnt=false&amp;embedId=twitter-widget-0&amp;features=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%3D%3D&amp;frame=false&amp;hideCard=false&amp;hideThread=false&amp;id=1901769972692787420&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fkuathletics.com%2Fnews%2F2025%2F3%2F17%2Fbaseball-kansas-ranked-no-22-in-ncbwa-top-25-poll.aspx&amp;sessionId=b31f340cb27ddcbb1e5d61e12ba66ddcb02fea68&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&amp;width=550px" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-tweet-id="1901769972692787420"></iframe></div></div>

⚾ KU ranked No. 22, first ranking since 2014 season

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742242371516.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas State Athletics
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MANHATTAN, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;For the fourth straight week, K-State baseball picked up a Big 12 Conference weekly award, as&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/aj-evasco/12312" rel="smarttag" rev="12312">AJ Evasco</a></dfn>&nbsp;was named the Newcomer of the Week on Monday afternoon. &nbsp; The true freshman from Lincoln, Nebraska, becomes the third Wildcat to earn the honor this season, joining left-handed pitcher&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/lincoln-sheffield/12332" rel="smarttag" rev="12332">Lincoln Sheffield</a></dfn>&nbsp;and shortstop&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/maximus-martin/12314" rel="smarttag" rev="12314">Maximus Martin</a></dfn>. For the week, Evasco recorded a team-high 12 RBI and raised his batting average to .429, the third-best in the league and highest among all freshmen. His slugging percentage climbed to .796, ranking fourth overall in the conference. Evasco drove in a team-leading eight RBI against Utah, helping K-State open Big 12 play with its first series sweep since 2010. &nbsp;Evasco ended the weekend hitting .583 (7-for-12), compiling a 1.488 OPS with a double and home run. In the series finale against Utah, Evasco went 3-for-4 and launched his fourth home run of the year &ndash; a walk-off three-run shot that sealed a run-rule victory and extended the Cats' home winning streak to six. &nbsp;It marked his second walk-off homer of the season, as the freshman belted a three-run homer in K-State's 17-5 run-rule victory over William &amp; Mary (March 8). He blasted his first collegiate grand slam against Creighton, cutting a five-run deficit to one. The Wildcats (12-7, 3-0 Big 12) will head to Stephenville, Texas for a midweek non-conference matchup against Tarleton State (9-12) on Wednesday, March 19. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Tarleton Baseball Complex. Wednesday's game will broadcast on ESPN+, while a free live streaming audio available for all games at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Live=3268&amp;type=Archive">KStateSports.com/watch</a>&nbsp;and on the K-State Sports app. Season and single-game tickets are now available. To purchase tickets, fans can visit&nbsp;<a name="_Hlk192492882"></a>KStateSports.com, call 1-800-221-CATS (2287), or stop by the K-State Athletics Ticket Office in Bramlage Coliseum.</div>

⚾ K-State's Evasco garners Big 12 Newcomer of the Week honors

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742242476049.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
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LAWRENCE, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;Kansas graduate outfielder&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/jackson-hauge/16155" rel="smarttag" rev="16155" data-airgap-id="69">Jackson Hauge</a></dfn>&nbsp;was named Big 12 Player of the Week, the conference office announced on Monday. The Big 12 award is the first of Hauge's career.&nbsp; &nbsp; Hauge hit .421/.593/1.263 (8-for-19), with four doubles, four home runs, 14 RBIs, six runs scored, seven walks and a 1.856 OPS in five games last week. He had two multi-homer games, on Wednesday at Minnesota and on Saturday against Baylor.&nbsp; &nbsp; All eight of Hauge's hits last week were extra-base hits. Hauge hit the fifth of five consecutive home runs at Minnesota to tie an NCAA record for most consecutive home runs. He finished Wednesday's game with a career-high seven RBIs at Minnesota. &nbsp; The Ramsey, Minnesota, native currently has 11 home runs this season, which is tied for third in the nation and leads the Big 12. He also leads the Big 12 with 32 RBI (15th nationally) and total bases with 63 (23rd nationally). &nbsp; Hauge is the 21st player in Kansas history to win Big 12 Player of the Week. He is the second Jayhawk this season to earn a Big 12 weekly honor, following&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/tommy-barth/16141" rel="smarttag" rev="16141" data-airgap-id="70">Tommy Barth</a></dfn>&nbsp;who earned Big 12 Newcomer of the Week on March 3. &nbsp; Kansas (17-3, 2-1 Big 12) will play four games in Arizona this week, beginning on Tuesday at Arizona in a non-conference game at 8 p.m. CT and then a three-game conference series at Arizona State from March 21-23.</div>

⚾ KU's Hauge named Big 12 Player of the Week

The Kansas City Royals announced Cole Ragans will get the Opening Day starting pitching nod against the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday, March 27 at Kauffman Stadium.

This marks the second straight season Ragans has toed the rubber on Opening Day for KC. He finished the 2024 season with an 11-9 record and a 3.14 ERA. Ragans pitched in 32 games, making 32 starts and going 186.1 innings pitched, striking out 223 and walking 67.

So far in Spring Training, Ragans has made five starts with a 2-1 record and has 21 strikeouts and five walks in 14 innings of action.

The Royals and Guardians will open the season next Thursday with a 3:10 p.m. first pitch.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716411828410.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Cole Ragans throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Cole Ragans throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas City Royals announced Cole Ragans will get the Opening Day starting pitching nod against the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday, March 27 at Kauffman Stadium.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Rollin&#39; with Ragans. <a href="https://t.co/WRxHtlrxVy">pic.twitter.com/WRxHtlrxVy</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1901415695629627892?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>This marks the second straight season Ragans has toed the rubber on Opening Day for KC. He finished the 2024 season with an 11-9 record and a 3.14 ERA. Ragans pitched in 32 games, making 32 starts and going 186.1 innings pitched, striking out 223 and walking 67.So far in Spring Training, Ragans has made five starts with a 2-1 record and has 21 strikeouts and five walks in 14 innings of action.The Royals and Guardians will open the season next Thursday with a 3:10 p.m. first pitch.

⚾ Royals name Ragans Opening Day starter

The American League Central was a surprisingly strong division last season, with four teams finishing above .500.

Then there was the Chicago White Sox —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-sox-loss-record-f573fcb00e937db68255eeeae2262949">who racked up 121 losses for the most defeats</a>&nbsp;in modern Major League Baseball history.

Expect more of the same in 2025. The defending champion Cleveland Guardians, along with the Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals all have reason to believe they’ll emerge at the top of the division.

As for the White Sox, there’s pretty much nowhere to go but up, though it still looks like another tough season for Chicago’s South Side.

1. Detroit Tigers. The Tigers are aiming to pick up where they did last season, keeping the key players that put together a late-season surge to end a decade-long playoff drought. Detroit’s rotation is led by AL Cy Young and Triple Crown winner Tarik Skubal and Jack Flaherty, who returned as a free agent after being dealt at the last trade deadline. Two-time All-Star second baseman Gleyber Torres was signed, shifting 23-year-old Colt Keith to first base. The Tigers had four banged-up outfielders in spring training and will possibly start the season without Matt Vierling, Parker Meadows, Wenceel Perez and Akil Baddoo. Spencer Torkelson, the No. 1 pick overall in 2020, is getting a chance to revive his career as a designated hitter and is a potentially pivotal player in a lineup that could get a boost with his bat.

2. Kansas City Royals. The long-suffering club nearly went from worst-to-first last year, earning a wild card and beating the Orioles in the playoffs before losing to the Yankees in four games in the Division Series. They re-signed Michael Wacha and Michael Lorenzen to keep intact the majority of a stellar rotation that includes All-Stars Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo. Their biggest move of the offseason came when they dealt homegrown starter Brady Singer to Cincinnati to land infielder Jonathan India, whom they hope can improve their on-base percentage at the top of the lineup. Kansas City was unable to land the outfield bat that it coveted in free agency, so it will be important for MJ Melendez, Kyle Isbel and Hunter Renfroe to show improvement for the offense to take a step forward. If they can stay as healthy as last year, and All-Star SS Bobby Witt Jr. comes close to matching his near-MVP season, the Royals should be in the mix for their first AL Central title since 2015.

3. Cleveland Guardians. What can Stephen Vogt do for an encore? In his first season, Vogt took the Guardians to the ALCS and won AL Manager of the Year honors. Vogt has one of the best bullpens in the majors led by closer Emmanuel Clase, who was second the majors with 47 saves. The top of the lineup is strong with third baseman José Ramírez, outfielder Steven Kwan and first baseman Carlos Santana back for a third stint in Cleveland. The rotation has some questions until Shane Bieber returns possibly after the All-Star break after having Tommy John surgery last year. The bottom of the lineup also lacks power. Catcher Bo Naylor needs to bounce back after batting only .201 with 13 home runs last season.

4. Minnesota Twins. The Twins had another quiet winter with their payroll in a holding pattern after it was slashed last year in response to the loss of regional television revenue that several of their peers across the game have been grappling with. That raised the collective angst within the fan base following a 12-27 finish to the 2024 season that cost them a spot in the postseason. While they’ll roll out largely the same lineup as last year, banking on better health for stars Carlos Correa and Royce Lewis — the latter was dealing with a hamstring issue in spring training — they did overhaul their entire hitting staff. Matt Borgschulte was hired away from the Baltimore Orioles to be the new hitting coach. The Twins were 10th in the major leagues in runs in each of the last two years despite the series of injuries to several of their key hitters, and their flame-throwing pitching staff that ranked second in baseball in strikeouts in 2024 and first in 2023 features a potentially dominant late-inning trio with Cole Sands and Griffin Jax setting up Jhoan Durán.

5. Chicago White Sox. The team has new leadership in the dugout with Will Venable taking over for Pedro Grifol, who was fired last August in the midst of a brutal 41-121 season. Venable was an associate manager under Bruce Bochy in Texas for the past two years. Chicago dealt pitcher Garrett Crochet to Boston, but the White Sox hung onto Luis Robert Jr. for now coming off an injury-riddled season. Outfielder Andrew Benintendi was expected to miss four to six weeks after breaking his right hand when he was hit by a pitch during a spring training game in late February. It’s going to be another rebuilding year for the franchise. Chicago has restocked its minor league system, but help still appears to be a couple years away.

Detroit’s Skubal emerged as one of the game’s elite pitchers with a brilliant season in 2024, going 18-4 with a 2.39 ERA and 228 strikeouts. The 28-year-old should just be entering his prime years, boasting a 100 mph fastball that’s tough to square up.

If spring training is any indication, he’s primed for another great season. He had a 2.70 ERA with 15 strikeouts in 13 1/3 innings through his first four Grapefruit League outings.

Lewis’ quest for a healthy season in Minnesota is not off to a good start. The third baseman strained his left hamstring on March 16, which could affect his ability for opening day.

The 25-year-old Lewis made his big league debut in 2022, but his development has been slowed by injuries. He missed the 2021 season after he tore his right ACL when he slipped on ice during a winter storm at his Texas home and had ACL surgery on the same knee on June 21, 2022.

He opened the 2023 season on the 60-day injured list while he recovered from his June knee surgery. He also had IL stints that year with a strained left oblique and a left hamstring strain.

Lewis hit .233 with 16 homers and 47 RBIs last year, but played in just 82 games. He had IL stints for a strained right quad and a right adductor strain.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728356969506.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Associated PressThe American League Central was a surprisingly strong division last season, with four teams finishing above .500.Then there was the Chicago White Sox —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-sox-loss-record-f573fcb00e937db68255eeeae2262949">who racked up 121 losses for the most defeats</a>&nbsp;in modern Major League Baseball history.Expect more of the same in 2025. The defending champion Cleveland Guardians, along with the Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals all have reason to believe they’ll emerge at the top of the division.As for the White Sox, there’s pretty much nowhere to go but up, though it still looks like another tough season for Chicago’s South Side.<h2>How they project</h2>1. Detroit Tigers. The Tigers are aiming to pick up where they did last season, keeping the key players that put together a late-season surge to end a decade-long playoff drought. Detroit’s rotation is led by AL Cy Young and Triple Crown winner Tarik Skubal and Jack Flaherty, who returned as a free agent after being dealt at the last trade deadline. Two-time All-Star second baseman Gleyber Torres was signed, shifting 23-year-old Colt Keith to first base. The Tigers had four banged-up outfielders in spring training and will possibly start the season without Matt Vierling, Parker Meadows, Wenceel Perez and Akil Baddoo. Spencer Torkelson, the No. 1 pick overall in 2020, is getting a chance to revive his career as a designated hitter and is a potentially pivotal player in a lineup that could get a boost with his bat.2. Kansas City Royals. The long-suffering club nearly went from worst-to-first last year, earning a wild card and beating the Orioles in the playoffs before losing to the Yankees in four games in the Division Series. They re-signed Michael Wacha and Michael Lorenzen to keep intact the majority of a stellar rotation that includes All-Stars Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo. Their biggest move of the offseason came when they dealt homegrown starter Brady Singer to Cincinnati to land infielder Jonathan India, whom they hope can improve their on-base percentage at the top of the lineup. Kansas City was unable to land the outfield bat that it coveted in free agency, so it will be important for MJ Melendez, Kyle Isbel and Hunter Renfroe to show improvement for the offense to take a step forward. If they can stay as healthy as last year, and All-Star SS Bobby Witt Jr. comes close to matching his near-MVP season, the Royals should be in the mix for their first AL Central title since 2015.3. Cleveland Guardians. What can Stephen Vogt do for an encore? In his first season, Vogt took the Guardians to the ALCS and won AL Manager of the Year honors. Vogt has one of the best bullpens in the majors led by closer Emmanuel Clase, who was second the majors with 47 saves. The top of the lineup is strong with third baseman José Ramírez, outfielder Steven Kwan and first baseman Carlos Santana back for a third stint in Cleveland. The rotation has some questions until Shane Bieber returns possibly after the All-Star break after having Tommy John surgery last year. The bottom of the lineup also lacks power. Catcher Bo Naylor needs to bounce back after batting only .201 with 13 home runs last season.4. Minnesota Twins. The Twins had another quiet winter with their payroll in a holding pattern after it was slashed last year in response to the loss of regional television revenue that several of their peers across the game have been grappling with. That raised the collective angst within the fan base following a 12-27 finish to the 2024 season that cost them a spot in the postseason. While they’ll roll out largely the same lineup as last year, banking on better health for stars Carlos Correa and Royce Lewis — the latter was dealing with a hamstring issue in spring training — they did overhaul their entire hitting staff. Matt Borgschulte was hired away from the Baltimore Orioles to be the new hitting coach. The Twins were 10th in the major leagues in runs in each of the last two years despite the series of injuries to several of their key hitters, and their flame-throwing pitching staff that ranked second in baseball in strikeouts in 2024 and first in 2023 features a potentially dominant late-inning trio with Cole Sands and Griffin Jax setting up Jhoan Durán.5. Chicago White Sox. The team has new leadership in the dugout with Will Venable taking over for Pedro Grifol, who was fired last August in the midst of a brutal 41-121 season. Venable was an associate manager under Bruce Bochy in Texas for the past two years. Chicago dealt pitcher Garrett Crochet to Boston, but the White Sox hung onto Luis Robert Jr. for now coming off an injury-riddled season. Outfielder Andrew Benintendi was expected to miss four to six weeks after breaking his right hand when he was hit by a pitch during a spring training game in late February. It’s going to be another rebuilding year for the franchise. Chicago has restocked its minor league system, but help still appears to be a couple years away.<h2>Skubal’s encore</h2>Detroit’s Skubal emerged as one of the game’s elite pitchers with a brilliant season in 2024, going 18-4 with a 2.39 ERA and 228 strikeouts. The 28-year-old should just be entering his prime years, boasting a 100 mph fastball that’s tough to square up.If spring training is any indication, he’s primed for another great season. He had a 2.70 ERA with 15 strikeouts in 13 1/3 innings through his first four Grapefruit League outings.<h2>Lewis hurt again</h2>Lewis’ quest for a healthy season in Minnesota is not off to a good start. The third baseman strained his left hamstring on March 16, which could affect his ability for opening day.The 25-year-old Lewis made his big league debut in 2022, but his development has been slowed by injuries. He missed the 2021 season after he tore his right ACL when he slipped on ice during a winter storm at his Texas home and had ACL surgery on the same knee on June 21, 2022.He opened the 2023 season on the 60-day injured list while he recovered from his June knee surgery. He also had IL stints that year with a strained left oblique and a left hamstring strain.Lewis hit .233 with 16 homers and 47 RBIs last year, but played in just 82 games. He had IL stints for a strained right quad and a right adductor strain.

⚾ AL Central Preview: Four solid teams, and then the White Sox

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It's that time of year again where the NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship tournament returns to the Salt City, as 24 teams travel to the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

The tournament runs Saturday, March 22 through Saturday, March 29 with 23 games taking place over the week-long national tournament.

The action tips off at noon on March 22 with No. 17 Connors State (Okla.) facing No. 16 John A. Logan (Ill.). The championship game will tipoff at noon on March 29.

All 23 games will be broadcasted on EAGLE Media radio stations, between <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5)</a> and <a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9)</a>. The day games will be on KWBW, while the evening games will be broadcasted both on KWBW-AM/FM and KHUT-FM.

The first 22 games will be streamed on ESPN+ with a paid subscription, and the national championship game will be live on ESPNU.&nbsp;

Automatic Qualifiers: Columbia State (Tenn.),&nbsp;Brunswick (NC), Columbia State (Tenn.), Connors State (Okla.), Cowley (Kan.), Indian Hills (Iowa), John A. Logan (Ill.), Jones (Miss.), Monroe University (NY), Panola (Texas), Pensacola State (Fla.), Snow (Utah), South Georgia State, South Plains (Texas), Three Rivers (Mo.), Trinidad State (Colo.), Wallace State-Hanceville (Ala.).

At-Large Selections: Angelina (Texas), Barton (Kan.), Chipola (Fla.), Daytona State (Fla.), Frank Phillips (Texas), Trinity Valley (Texas), Triton (Ill.), Vincennes (Ind.).

<a href="https://d2o2figo6ddd0g.cloudfront.net/m/d/vjl5ejn1yywgiw/2025_DI_MBB_Championship_Bracket_-_v1.pdf">FULL BRACKET HERE</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742176424420.png" alt="Photo Courtesy NJCAA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy NJCAA</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It's that time of year again where the NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship tournament returns to the Salt City, as 24 teams travel to the Hutchinson Sports Arena.The tournament runs Saturday, March 22 through Saturday, March 29 with 23 games taking place over the week-long national tournament.The action tips off at noon on March 22 with No. 17 Connors State (Okla.) facing No. 16 John A. Logan (Ill.). The championship game will tipoff at noon on March 29.All 23 games will be broadcasted on EAGLE Media radio stations, between <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5)</a> and <a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9)</a>. The day games will be on KWBW, while the evening games will be broadcasted both on KWBW-AM/FM and KHUT-FM.The first 22 games will be streamed on ESPN+ with a paid subscription, and the national championship game will be live on ESPNU.&nbsp;Automatic Qualifiers: Columbia State (Tenn.),&nbsp;Brunswick (NC), Columbia State (Tenn.), Connors State (Okla.), Cowley (Kan.), Indian Hills (Iowa), John A. Logan (Ill.), Jones (Miss.), Monroe University (NY), Panola (Texas), Pensacola State (Fla.), Snow (Utah), South Georgia State, South Plains (Texas), Three Rivers (Mo.), Trinidad State (Colo.), Wallace State-Hanceville (Ala.).At-Large Selections: Angelina (Texas), Barton (Kan.), Chipola (Fla.), Daytona State (Fla.), Frank Phillips (Texas), Trinity Valley (Texas), Triton (Ill.), Vincennes (Ind.).<a href="https://d2o2figo6ddd0g.cloudfront.net/m/d/vjl5ejn1yywgiw/2025_DI_MBB_Championship_Bracket_-_v1.pdf">FULL BRACKET HERE</a><h2>Saturday</h2><ul>
 <li>12 p.m. CT – No. 16 John A. Logan vs. No. 17 Connors State</li><li>2:30 p.m. CT – No. 15 Triton vs. No. 18 Columbia State</li><li>5:30 p.m. CT – No. 20 Monroe vs. No. 12 Angelina</li><li>8 p.m. CT – No. 14 Vincennes vs. No. 19 Three Rivers</li>
 </ul><h2>Sunday</h2><ul>
 <li>12 p.m. CT – No. 24 Brunswick vs. No. 13 Chipola</li><li>2:30 p.m. CT – No. 10 Pensacola State vs. No. 23 Trinidad State</li><li>5:30 p.m. CT – No. 21 South Georgia State vs. No. 9 Barton</li><li>8 p.m. CT – No. 11 Frank Phillips vs. No. 22 Wallace State</li>
 </ul><h2>Second Round (Monday-Tuesday)</h2><h2>Monday</h2><ul>
 <li>12 p.m. CT – No. 1 Snow vs. John A. Logan/Connors State winner</li><li>2:30 p.m. CT – No. 2 Cowley vs. Triton/Columbia State winner</li><li>5:30 p.m. CT – No. 4 South Plains vs. Chipola/Monroe winner</li><li>8 p.m. CT – No. 3 Indian Hills vs. Vincennes/Three Rivers winner</li>
 </ul><h2>Tuesday</h2><ul>
 <li>12 p.m. CT – No. 8 Daytona State vs. Barton/Brunswick winner</li><li>2:30 p.m. CT – No. 7 Trinity Valley vs. Pensacola State/Trinidad State winner</li><li>5:30 p.m. CT – No. 5 Jones vs. Angelina/South Georgia State winner</li><li>8 p.m. CT – No. 6 Panola vs. Frank Phillips/Wallace State winner</li>
 </ul><h2>Quarterfinals (Wednesday)</h2><ul>
 <li>12 p.m. CT – Game 17</li><li>2:30 p.m. CT – Game 18</li><li>5:30 p.m. CT – Game 19</li><li>8 p.m. CT – Game 20</li>
 </ul><h2>Semifinals (Friday)</h2><ul>
 <li>5:30 p.m. CT – Game 21</li><li>8 p.m. CT – Game 22</li>
 </ul><h2>Championship (Saturday)</h2><ul>
 <li>Noon CT – NJCAA Championship Game</li>
 </ul>

🏀 EAGLE to broadcast all 23 games of NJCAA DI Men's Basketball Championship

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725282945901.png" alt="EAGLE Media" />
 <figcaption>EAGLE Media</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">KHMY-FM (93.1)</a> <a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9)</a> <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5)</a><div><h2>Monday,&nbsp;March&nbsp;17</h2>
&nbsp;
<h2>Tuesday,&nbsp;March&nbsp;18</h2>
&nbsp;
<h2>Wednesday,&nbsp;March&nbsp;19</h2>
&nbsp;
<h2>Thursday, March&nbsp;20</h2>
Reno County Coaches Show, 6 p.m. (KWBW)
&nbsp;
<h2>Friday, March&nbsp;21</h2>
&nbsp;
<h2>Saturday, March&nbsp;22</h2>
NJCAA Tournament G1: (17) Connors State vs. (16) John A. Logan, noon (KWBW)
NJCAA Tournament G2: (18) Columbia State vs. (15) Triton, 2:30 p.m. (KWBW)
NJCAA Tournament G3: (20) Monroe vs. (13) Chipola, 5:30 p.m. (KWBW, KHUT)
NJCAA Tournament G4: (19) Three Rivers vs. (14) Vincennes, 8 p.m. (KWBW, KHUT)
&nbsp;
<h2>Sunday, March&nbsp;23</h2>
NJCAA Tournament G5: (24) Brunswick vs. (9) Barton, noon (KWBW)
NJCAA Tournament G6: (23) Trinidad State vs. (10) Pensacola State, 2:30 p.m. (KWBW)
NJCAA Tournament G7: (21) South Georgia State vs. (12) Angelina, 5:30 p.m. (KWBW, KHUT)
NJCAA Tournament G8: (22) Wallace State vs. (11) Frank Phillips, 8 p.m. (KWBW, KHUT)</div>

🎧 EAGLE Media Sports Broadcast Calendar (March 17-March 23)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742218732174.jpeg" alt="Tailor Golly smashes four home runs - two two-home run games - in the Blue Dragons' doubleheader sweep of Colby on Sunday at Colby. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Tailor Golly smashes four home runs - two two-home run games - in the Blue Dragons' doubleheader sweep of Colby on Sunday at Colby. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Hutchinson CC Sports Information
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
COLBY &ndash; Freshman catcher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/golly_taylor_l19d">Tailor Golly</a>&nbsp;had back-to-back two-home run games to lead a day were the Hutchinson Community College softball team's seven home-run day in a KJCCC doubleheader sweep of the Colby Trojans on Sunday at Adams Field.
The Blue Dragons opened the day with a 10-run first inning, which included three home runs, in a 20-4 Game 1 victory of the Trojans. The Dragons finished off the sweep with a 9-1 six-inning run-rule victory.
Hutchinson improved to 15-5 overall and 9-1 in the KJCCC. The Blue Dragons will now play host to Garden City at 2 p.m. on Tuesday at Fun Valley. The Blue Dragons and Broncbusters switched home dates. The games in Garden City will be April 17.
For the doubleheader, Golly &ndash; the Blue Dragons' freshman catcher &ndash; was a combined 5 for 7 with four home runs, five RBIs and five runs scored.
Joining Golly in the Dragons' home run binge was sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/brawner_brie_hldl">Brie Brawner</a>, whose first career home run was a grand slam in Hutchinson's Game 1 10-run inning.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/dice_emily_75aj">Emily Dice</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/thomas_aubree_o0p2">Aubree Thomas</a>&nbsp;also homered on Sunday.
GAME 1 RECAP &ndash; Hutchinson 20, Colby 4 (5 innings) The Blue Dragons tied a season high with 22 hits.
<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;tied her own single-game record for hits, going 5 for 5 with three runs scored, three RBIs and two stolen bases.
<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/stauffer_gabby_t8qf">Gabby Stauffer</a>&nbsp;went 3 for 4 with two RBIs. Dice went 3 for 4.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/kruger_kaibryn_wwcp">Kaibryn Kruger</a>, Golly,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_brooke_ngsp">Brooke Backhaus</a>, Brawner and Addi Lutz all had two hits each.
Brawner had a career-high five RBIs with her first career home run. She also scored three runs.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/brawner_brie_hldl">Brie Brawner</a>&nbsp;and Golly had three RBIs each. Stauffer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_brooke_ngsp">Brooke Backhaus</a>&nbsp;and Dice had two RBIs each.
<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/tomlinson_morgan_0v0v">Morgan Tomlinson</a>&nbsp;earned her seventh win of the season with her third complete game of the season. Tomlinson tied a career high with eight strikeouts. She allowed six hits and four runs with one walk.
The Blue Dragons' 10-run inning started with a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch to Stauffer and an RBI single by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_brooke_ngsp">Brooke Backhaus</a>. Brawner then followed with her grand slam to center field to build a 6-0 lead. The Dragons weren't done yet. With two out and bases empty, Dice homered for a 7-0 lead. Kruger laces an RBI single and Golly launched a two-run home run to complete a 10-run first inning.
The Blue Dragons also had a seven-run third inning. Golly led off the inning with her second home run of the game.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/kruger_haley_h3bo">Haley Kruger</a>&nbsp;was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, Dice and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;and Stauffer all had RBI singles for a 19-1 Blue Dragon lead.
GAME 2 RECAP &ndash; Hutchinson 9, Colby 1 (6 innings) In addition to Golly's two home runs and two RBIs,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/thomas_aubree_o0p2">Aubree Thomas</a>&nbsp;was 2 for 3 at the plate and tossed a complete game in the pitching circle.
Thomas improved to 6-2 with a six-inning complete game in the circle. She struck out a season high eight batters while allowing only three hits and one unearned run. Thomas surrendered no walks.
Thomas' home run came in the top of the fifth inning, a one-out solo home run to left field to give the Dragons an 8-1 lead.
<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;completed an eight-hit day, going 3 for 5 in Game 2 with two RBIs and two runs scored. She also had a stolen base.
Thomas and Dice each had two hits.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/kruger_kaibryn_wwcp">Kaibryn Kruger</a>&nbsp;and Golly had two RBIs each.
The Blue Dragons scored in each of their six at-bats in Game 2, including a four-run second inning.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;had an RBI single.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/kruger_kaibryn_wwcp">Kaibryn Kruger</a>&nbsp;singled in one run and Thomas scores on an error on the same play. Stauffer had a bases-loaded walk.</div>

🥎 Golly launches 4 of Dragons' 7 home runs in sweep of Colby

Eagle Radio Hutchinson Sportscaster Glen Grunwald received the KSHSAA Oscar Stauffer Sportscaster of the Year Award for 2025 Saturday evening at the 3A State Basketball tournament at the Sports Arena. This is the second time that Grunwald has been given this award, winning it for the first time in 2020.

Grunwald is the voice of the Hutchinson High Salthawks and formerly was the lead sportscaster for the Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragon football and men's basketball team broadcasts until stepping away last March after 26 years which included being on the call for the Blue Dragons NJCAA Men's D1 Basketball Championship in 2017 and their first NJCAA Football Championship in 2021.

Grunwald joins a fraternity of the state's finest broadcasters, including former winners, longtime KU voice Bob Davis (1975, current KU voice Brian Hanni (2010 and 2012) and K-State voice Wyatt Thompson (1989).

"To win it once was a thrill, to win it a second time with so many great broadcasters in Kansas....I am just so blessed to be even mentioned in the same breath as Bob, Wyatt an Brian is such a blessing this late in my career. I mean these guys are legends in Kansas Sportscasting history." Grunwald said on winning the award.

Eagle Radio as a company currently employs six winners. Junction City's Dewey Terrill won in 1991, 1995 and 1998. Gerard Wellbrock from Hays won in 1996, 1997 and 2000. Dustin Armbruster from Hays won in 2013 and 2022, Cole Reif from Great Bend won in 2018 and Devin Hanney from Salina won in 2019 prior to Grunwald's 2020 win and again in 2021.

Grunwald was
honored by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters (KAB) in 2017 as the recipient of
the Hod Humiston Award for Broadcast excellence. He was also named the Kansas
Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (KIAAA) Sportscaster of the
Year in 2022 and received an honorable mention award along with his broadcast partner Dan Naccarato in 2023 by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters for medium market play-by-play.

Grunwald has
also been honored to be chosen as one of three finalist for the National Sports
Media Association organization as Sportscaster of the Year in Kansas for 2023 and again was in the top five finalist this past December for 2024.

Grunwald will receive his award at one of the KSHSAA state basketball championship events in March.

<a href="https://www.kshsaachamps.org/Shared/FullList/?i=4">KSHSAA Oscar Stauffer Award List of past winners</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742139988205.jpeg" alt="Mark Lenz of the KSHSAA (left) with Glen Grunwald" />
 <figcaption>Mark Lenz of the KSHSAA (left) with Glen Grunwald</figcaption>
 </figure>Eagle Radio Hutchinson Sportscaster Glen Grunwald received the KSHSAA Oscar Stauffer Sportscaster of the Year Award for 2025 Saturday evening at the 3A State Basketball tournament at the Sports Arena. This is the second time that Grunwald has been given this award, winning it for the first time in 2020.Grunwald is the voice of the Hutchinson High Salthawks and formerly was the lead sportscaster for the Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragon football and men's basketball team broadcasts until stepping away last March after 26 years which included being on the call for the Blue Dragons NJCAA Men's D1 Basketball Championship in 2017 and their first NJCAA Football Championship in 2021.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=319&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fggrunwald1%2Fvideos%2F1333790864337468%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="319" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Grunwald joins a fraternity of the state's finest broadcasters, including former winners, longtime KU voice Bob Davis (1975, current KU voice Brian Hanni (2010 and 2012) and K-State voice Wyatt Thompson (1989)."To win it once was a thrill, to win it a second time with so many great broadcasters in Kansas....I am just so blessed to be even mentioned in the same breath as Bob, Wyatt an Brian is such a blessing this late in my career. I mean these guys are legends in Kansas Sportscasting history." Grunwald said on winning the award.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739404084721.jpeg" alt="Glen Grunwald and Dan "Coach Nac" Naccarato at the 2024 NJCAA National Tournament" />
 <figcaption>Glen Grunwald and Dan "Coach Nac" Naccarato at the 2024 NJCAA National Tournament</figcaption>
 </figure>Eagle Radio as a company currently employs six winners. Junction City's Dewey Terrill won in 1991, 1995 and 1998. Gerard Wellbrock from Hays won in 1996, 1997 and 2000. Dustin Armbruster from Hays won in 2013 and 2022, Cole Reif from Great Bend won in 2018 and Devin Hanney from Salina won in 2019 prior to Grunwald's 2020 win and again in 2021.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739404143237.jpeg" alt="NJCAA Tourney 2024" />
 <figcaption>NJCAA Tourney 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>Grunwald was
honored by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters (KAB) in 2017 as the recipient of
the Hod Humiston Award for Broadcast excellence. He was also named the Kansas
Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (KIAAA) Sportscaster of the
Year in 2022 and received an honorable mention award along with his broadcast partner Dan Naccarato in 2023 by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters for medium market play-by-play.Grunwald has
also been honored to be chosen as one of three finalist for the National Sports
Media Association organization as Sportscaster of the Year in Kansas for 2023 and again was in the top five finalist this past December for 2024.Grunwald will receive his award at one of the KSHSAA state basketball championship events in March.<div><iframe title="2025 Oscar Stauffer KSHSAA Award Call_ Glen Grunwald KWBW Radio" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=rzt5k-17f8b1d-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><a href="https://www.kshsaachamps.org/Shared/FullList/?i=4">KSHSAA Oscar Stauffer Award List of past winners</a>

Grunwald receives KSHSAA Oscar Stauffer award at 3A tournament

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742179465662.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas State Athletics
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
MANHATTAN, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;Following its second straight 26-win season, Kansas State women's basketball was rewarded with an at-large bid and a five-seed in the Spokane 4 Regional in the 2025 NCAA Tournament during Sunday night's NCAA Women's Basketball Selection Show on ESPN. This is the program's 19th NCAA Tournament appearance in school history and the sixth under the direction of head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/2524" rel="smarttag" rev="2524">Jeff Mittie</a></dfn>. K-State (26-7, 13-5 Big 12) was chosen as a No. 5 seed in the Spokane 4 regional and will be opposed by No. 12 seed Fairfield (28-4, 19-1 MAAC). The game will be played on Friday with a time and broadcast information announced on Monday. The contest will be available on the K-State Sports Network, including the flagship stations Sunny 102.5 and 1350 KMAN and free live audio on kstatesports.com and on the K-State Sports app. K-State and Fairfield will meet for the first time. The Wildcats are 2-0 against members of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, as K-State defeated Marist, 57-56, in Poughkeepsie, New York, on Dec. 29, 2011, and downed Saint Peter's (N.J.), 72-64, in Jersey City, New Jersey, on Dec. 30, 2005. The winner of the Kansas State-Fairfield game will play the winner of the No. 4 Kentucky-No. 13 Liverty matchup on Sunday, March 23. The top four seeds in the Spokane 4 region are: No. 1 USC (28-3), No. 2 UConn (31-3), No. 3 Oklahoma (25-7) and No. 4 Kentucky (22-7). K-State is 15-18 in its previous 18 NCAA Tournament bids. The Wildcats took part in the 2024 NCAA Tournament in Manhattan, as K-State entered the tournament as the No. 4 seed in the Albany 2 region. K-State defeated the No. 13 seed Portland, 78-65, in the first round and fell to five-seed Colorado, 63-50, in the second round. Under Mittie's guidance in his 11th season, Kansas State has registered the program's most wins since the 2008-09 season. K-State recorded 13 Big 12 wins for the fifth time since the formation of the league in 1996-97. On the floor this season, Kansas State features 2025 All-America candidate&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/serena-sundell/11858" rel="smarttag" rev="11858">Serena Sundell</a></dfn>,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ayoka-lee/11852" rel="smarttag" rev="11852">Ayoka Lee</a></dfn>,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/temira-poindexter/11861" rel="smarttag" rev="11861">Temira Poindexter</a></dfn>,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaelyn-glenn/11850" rel="smarttag" rev="11850">Jaelyn Glenn</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/zyanna-walker/11859" rel="smarttag" rev="11859">Zyanna Walker</a></dfn>. Sundell, a 2025 All-Big 12 First Team selection, is second in the nation with a career-high for total assists (233), is second in the nation and paces the Big 12 with a career-high for assists per game (7.06 apg) and fourth in the Big 12 for assist-turnover ratio (2.38). She owns a league-best eight games with 10 or more assists. The product of Maryville, Missouri, is second on the team in scoring average with 13.6 points per game and leads the Wildcats with 449 points, which is the second-highest total of her career on a .493 field goal percentage. Her 170 made field goals this season is a new career-high. She has registered a career-high 30 blocked shots (0.91 bpg) and has pulled in 148 rebounds (4.5 rpg), which is the second-highest rebound total in her career. Sundell is the only player in the nation to register 400 or more points, 200 or more assists, 125 or more rebounds and 30 or more blocks. She has registered a career-high seven double-doubles this season. She was the first Big 12 player since the 2022-23 season and the fifth player in program history to register a triple-double with 26 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds against USC Upstate on Dec. 5, 2024. With her point (449) and assist (233) totals this season, Sundell is the first player in Big 12 history to record four seasons with 350 or more points and 150 or more assists. In her career, Sundell holds the school records for career starts (136) and games played (136). She is second in school history and sixth in Big 12 history for career assists with 782 and is second in program history for career assists per game (5.75 apg). She ranks seventh on the K-State career scoring list with 1,712 points. She ranks eighth in school history for career blocks (103).&nbsp; She is the only player in school history with 1,500 or more career points, 700 or more career assists and 100 or more career blocked shots. This season, Lee, a 2025 All-Big 12 Second Team honoree, is averaging a team-high 15.5 points on a career-high .656 field goal percentage. She is also averaging team-highs with 6.1 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game. In her career, Lee holds the school record and ranks sixth in Big 12 history for points scored with 2,488 and holds the school record for career scoring average at 18.8. She also owns the school records for career rebounds and ranks fifth in Big 12 history with 1,233 and career rebounding average at 9.3.&nbsp; Lee is also the school record holder and ranks fourth in Big 12 history for career blocks with 351 and owns the school record and ranks tied for third in Big 12 history for career double-doubles with 63. She is the first player in program history with 300 or more career blocks and 100 or more career steals. In her first season in Manhattan, Poindexter garnered All-Big 12 Third Team honors. She has registered 12.5 points per game on a career-high .467 field goal percentage. The product of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, owns a career-high .407 three-point field goal percentage and has made the second-most 3-pointers in her career (81-of-199). She has also notched a career-high 340 steals this season. Glenn, an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention recipient, has tallied her second career season with 300 or more points and has dished out a career-high 99 assists this season. She is averaging 9.7 points on a career-best field goal percentage (.488), including a career-high effort from 3-point range (.439), and 3.0 assists per game. Glenn leads the league and ranks eigth in the nation in assist to turnover ratio (3.00). She is 14th in the Big 12 in 3-point field goals made per game (1.97) and is tied for 15th in steals per game (1.67). In her career, Glenn is the second player in program history (Carlisa Thomas, 1983-87) with 1,000 or more points, 500 or more rebounds, 300 or more assists and 250 or more steals. She ranks 28th in program history for career points (1,174), 20th for career rebounds (603), 15th for career assists (309) and tied for fourth in program history for career steals with 260. Her 260 steals are the most by a Wildcat in the Big 12 era (1996-present). Walker was the fourth Wildcat in program history to earn All-Big 12 Defensive Team honors. This season, Walker owns career-highs of 57 steals, 20 blocks and 3.8 rebounds per game. The sophomore from Wichita, Kansas, ranks 13th in the Big 12 for steals per game (1.73). She has tallied 15 games with two or more steals including three games with five or more.&nbsp; Fairfield enters the NCAA Tournament with 22 wins in their last 23 games, capturing its second straight MAAC title and MAAC tournament crown for the league's automatic bid. The Stags have registered a record of 59-6 over the last two seasons. This will be the seventh NCAA Tournament appearance for the Stags and the second straight after making the 2024 NCAA Tournament. On the floor, Fairfield is led by the duo of Meghan Andersen and Kaety L'Amoreaux. Andersen, a sophomore from Wantagh, New York, leads the squad in scoring at 15.1 points per game on a .485 field goal percentage. L'Amoreaux, a sophomore from Endwell, New York, is second on the team at 12.5 points and a team-best 4.7 rebounds. Andersen was an All-MAAC First Team selection for the second straight season, while L'Amoreaux collected All-MAAC Second Team honors.</div>

🏀 K-State women is No. 5 seed in Spokane 4 Regional

The NCAA DI Men's Basketball Championship tips off on Tuesday with First Four action in Dayton, Ohio. The first and second rounds will take place Thursday through Sunday.

Wichita State will host First/Second Round action at INTRUST Bank Arena in downtown Wichita. The eight teams coming to Wichita include — Drake, Georgia, Gonzaga, Houston, Missouri, SIU Edwardsville, Texas Tech and UNC-Wilmington.&nbsp;

Below you will see the entire First/Second Round schedule with tipoff times and TV designations. The games highlighted and in bold are the games that will be played in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741021637501.jpeg" alt="FILE - March Madness branding is displayed (AP Photo/Michael Caterina, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - March Madness branding is displayed (AP Photo/Michael Caterina, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>The NCAA DI Men's Basketball Championship tips off on Tuesday with First Four action in Dayton, Ohio. The first and second rounds will take place Thursday through Sunday.Wichita State will host First/Second Round action at INTRUST Bank Arena in downtown Wichita. The eight teams coming to Wichita include — Drake, Georgia, Gonzaga, Houston, Missouri, SIU Edwardsville, Texas Tech and UNC-Wilmington.&nbsp;Below you will see the entire First/Second Round schedule with tipoff times and TV designations. The games highlighted and in bold are the games that will be played in Wichita.<div><div class="embedded-entity" data-align="none" data-caption="" data-embed-button="embed_media" data-entity-embed-display="view_mode:media.embedded" data-entity-id="79077" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-uuid="a4f36019-e590-4159-9f37-cf693f15ed74" data-langcode="" data-entity-embed-display-settings="[]">
<div>
<div>
<h3>2025 NCAA tournament schedule, scores, highlights</h3>
All times ET
Tuesday, March 18 (First Four in Dayton, Ohio)
<ul>
<li>(16) Alabama State vs. (16) Saint Francis, 6:40 p.m. | truTV</li>
<li>(11) San Diego State vs. (11) North Carolina, 9:10 p.m. | truTV</li>
</ul>
Wednesday, March 19 (First Four in Dayton, Ohio)
<ul>
<li>(16) American University vs. (16) Mount St. Mary's, 6:40 p.m. | truTV</li>
<li><a href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_102" target="_blank">(11) Texas vs. (11) Xavier, 9:10 p.m. | truTV</a></li>
</ul>
Thursday, March 20 (First Round/Round of 64)
<ul>
<li><a href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_202" target="_blank">(8) Louisville vs. (9) Creighton, 12:15 p.m. | CBS</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_228" target="_blank">(4) Purdue vs. (13) High Point, 12:40 p.m. | truTV</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_222" target="_blank">(3) Wisconsin vs. (14) Montana, 1:30 p.m. | TNT</a></li>
<li><a style="background-color: #ffff00;" href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_225" target="_blank">(1) Houston vs. (16) SIU Edwardsville, 2 p.m. | TBS</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_201" target="_blank">(1) Auburn vs. (16) Saint Francis/Alabama St., 2:50 p.m. | CBS</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_227" target="_blank">(5) Clemson vs. (12) McNeese, 3:15 p.m. | truTV</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_221" target="_blank">(6) BYU vs. (11) VCU, 4:05 p.m. | TNT</a></li>
<li><a style="background-color: #ffff00;" href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_226" target="_blank">(8) Gonzaga vs. (9) Georgia, 4:35 p.m. | TBS</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_232" target="_blank">(2) Tennessee vs. (15) Wofford, 6:50 p.m. | TNT</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_215" target="_blank">(7) Kansas vs. (10) Arkansas, 7:10 p.m. | CBS</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_204" target="_blank">(4) Texas A&amp;M vs. (13) Yale, 7:25 p.m. | TBS</a></li>
<li><a style="background-color: #ffff00;" href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_213" target="_blank">(6) Missouri vs. (11) Drake, 7:35 p.m. | truTV</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_231" target="_blank">(7) UCLA vs. (10) Utah State, 9:25 p.m. | TNT</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_216" target="_blank">(2) St. John's vs. (15) Omaha, 9:45 p.m. | CBS</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_203" target="_blank">(5) Michigan vs. (12) UC San Diego, 10 p.m. | TBS</a></li>
<li><a style="background-color: #ffff00;" href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_214" target="_blank">(3) Texas Tech&nbsp;vs. (14) UNC Wilmington, 10:10 p.m. | truTV</a></li>
</ul>
Friday, March 21 (First Round/Round of 64)
<ul>
<li><a href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_218" target="_blank">(8) Mississippi State vs. (9) Baylor, 12:15 p.m. | CBS</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_224" target="_blank">(2) Alabama vs. (15) Robert Morris, 12:40 p.m. | truTV</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_206" target="_blank">(3) Iowa State vs. (14) Lipscomb, 1:30 p.m. | TNT</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_211" target="_blank">(5) Memphis vs. (12) Colorado State, 2 p.m. | TBS</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_217" target="_blank">(1) Duke vs. (16) Mount St. Mary's/American, 2:50 p.m. | CBS</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_223" target="_blank">(7) Saint Mary's vs. (10) Vanderbilt, 3:15 p.m. | truTV</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_205" target="_blank">(6) Ole Miss vs. (11) North Carolina/San Diego State, 4:05 p.m. | TNT</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_212" target="_blank">(4) Maryland vs. (13) Grand Canyon, 4:35 p.m. | TBS</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_209" target="_blank">(1) Florida vs. (16) Norfolk State, 6:50 p.m. | TNT</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_230" target="_blank">(3) Kentucky vs. (14) Troy, 7:10 p.m. | CBS</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_207" target="_blank">(7) Marquette vs. (10) New Mexico, 7:25 p.m. | TBS</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_220" target="_blank">(4) Arizona vs. (13) Akron, 7:35 p.m. | truTV</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_210" target="_blank">(8) UConn vs. (9) Oklahoma, 9:25 p.m. | TNT</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_229" target="_blank">(6) Illinois vs. (11) Xavier/Texas, 9:45 p.m. | TNT</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_208" target="_blank">(2) Michigan State vs. (15) Bryant, 10 p.m. | TBS</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_lbun_game_219" target="_blank">(5) Oregon vs. (12) Liberty, 10:10 p.m. | truTV</a></li>
</ul>
Saturday, March 22 (Second Round/Round of 32)
<ul>
<li>TBA</li>
</ul>
Sunday, March 23 (Second Round/Round of 32)
<ul>
<li>TBA</li>
</ul>
Thursday, March 27 (Sweet 16)
<ul>
<li>TBA</li>
</ul>
Friday, March 28 (Sweet 16)
<ul>
<li>TBA</li>
</ul>
Saturday, March 29 (Elite Eight)
<ul>
<li>TBA</li>
</ul>
Sunday, March 30 (Elite Eight)
<ul>
<li>TBA</li>
</ul>
Saturday, April 5 (Final Four in San Antonio)
<ul>
<li>6:09 p.m. on CBS</li>
<li>8:49 p.m. on CBS</li>
</ul>
Monday, April 7 (National championship game in San Antonio)
<ul>
<li><a title="" href="https://mml.app.link/ncaa_art_game_701" target="_blank">8:50 p.m. on CBS</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Here is the schedule for this year's tournament.
<ul>
<li>Selection Sunday: 6 p.m. ET Sunday, March 16 on CBS</li>
<li>First Four: March 18-19</li>
<li>First round: March 20-21</li>
<li>Second round: March 22-23</li>
<li>Sweet 16: March 27-28</li>
<li>Elite Eight: March 29-30</li>
<li>Final Four: April 5&nbsp;at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas</li>
<li>NCAA championship game: April 7&nbsp;at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas</li>
</ul></div>

🏀 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament daily schedule with tipoff times and TV designations

<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/_flysystem/public-s3/files/NIT%20Bracket%20FOR%20RLEASE%203_16_2025.pdf">CLICK HERE FOR FULL BRACKET</a>

The Wichita State men's basketball team will continue it's 2024-25 season on Tuesday night in Stillwater, Okla. against Oklahoma State in the first round of the National Invitational Tournament (NIT). The Shockers and Cowboys will play at 8 p.m. CT from Gallagher-Iba Arena.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742178605566.png" alt="Photo Courtesy National Invitation Tournament" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy National Invitation Tournament</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.ncaa.com/_flysystem/public-s3/files/NIT%20Bracket%20FOR%20RLEASE%203_16_2025.pdf">CLICK HERE FOR FULL BRACKET</a>The Wichita State men's basketball team will continue it's 2024-25 season on Tuesday night in Stillwater, Okla. against Oklahoma State in the first round of the National Invitational Tournament (NIT). The Shockers and Cowboys will play at 8 p.m. CT from Gallagher-Iba Arena.<div><h2>2025 NIT schedule, TV channels</h2>
All times ET
<ul>
<li>Selections: Sunday, March 16, 9 p.m. ET</li>
<li>Tuesday, March 18 &mdash; First Round
<ul>
<li>No. 3 St. Bonaventure vs. Kent St., 7 p.m.&nbsp;on ESPNU</li>
<li>No. 4 Georgia Tech vs. Jacksonville St., 7 p.m.&nbsp;on ESPN2</li>
<li>No. 4 Middle Tenn. vs. Chattanooga, 8 p.m.&nbsp;on ESPN+</li>
<li>No. 3 Arkansas St. vs. Saint Louis, 9 p.m.&nbsp;on ESPNU</li>
<li>No. 4 Oklahoma St. vs. Wichita St., 9 p.m. on ESPN2</li>
<li>No. 2 Santa Clara vs. UC Riverside, 11 p.m.&nbsp;on ESPNU</li>
<li>No. 2 Stanford vs. CSUN, 11 p.m.&nbsp;on ESPN2</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Wednesday, March 19 &mdash; First Round
<ul>
<li>No. 1 Dayton vs. Fla. Atlantic, 7 p.m. on ESPN2&nbsp;</li>
<li>No. 2 George Mason vs. Samford, 7 p.m. on ESPN+</li>
<li>No. 3 Saint Joseph's vs. UAB, 7 p.m. on ESPN+</li>
<li>No. 2 North Texas vs. Furman, 8 p.m. on ESPN+</li>
<li>No. 3 Bradley vs. North Ala., 8 p.m. on ESPN+</li>
<li>No. 1 SMU vs. UNI, 9 p.m.&nbsp;on ESPN2</li>
<li>No. 1 UC Irvine vs. Northern Colorado, 10 p.m. on ESPN+</li>
<li>No. 1 San Francisco vs. Utah Valley, 11 p.m. on ESPNU</li>
<li>No. 4 San Jose State vs. Loyola Chicago, 11 p.m. on ESPN2</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr />
<ul>
<li>Second round&nbsp;games are Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23</li>
<li>The quarterfinal&nbsp;games are Tuesday, March 25 and Wednesday, March 26</li>
<li>The 2025&nbsp;NIT semifinals are at 7 p.m. (ESPN) and 9:30 p.m. (ESPN2) on Tuesday, April 1 at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis</li>
<li>The 2025&nbsp;NIT championship game is at 9&nbsp;p.m. ET&nbsp;on ESPN on Thursday, April 3 at Hinkle Fieldhouse</li>
</ul></div>

🏀 Wichita State to play at Oklahoma State Tuesday in NIT

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742176424420.png" alt="Photo Courtesy NJCAA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy NJCAA</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://d2o2figo6ddd0g.cloudfront.net/m/d/vjl5ejn1yywgiw/2025_DI_MBB_Championship_Bracket_-_v1.pdf">FULL BRACKET HERE</a><h2>First Round (Saturday-Sunday)</h2><h2>Saturday</h2><ul>
 <li>12 p.m. CT – No. 16 John A. Logan vs. No. 17 Connors State</li><li>2:30 p.m. CT – No. 15 Triton vs. No. 18 Columbia State</li><li>5:30 p.m. CT – No. 20 Monroe vs. No. 12 Angelina</li><li>8 p.m. CT – No. 14 Vincennes vs. No. 19 Three Rivers</li>
 </ul><h2>Sunday</h2><ul>
 <li>12 p.m. CT – No. 24 Brunswick (NC) vs. No. 9 Barton (Kan.)</li><li>2:30 p.m. CT – 23 Trinidad State (Colo.) vs. No. 10 Pensacola State (Fla.)</li><li>5:30 p.m. CT – No. 21 South Georgia State vs. No. 12 Angelina (Texas)</li><li>8 p.m. CT – No. 22 Wallace State (Ala.) vs. No. 11 Frank Phillips (Texas)</li>
 </ul><h2>Second Round (Monday-Tuesday)</h2><h2>Monday</h2><ul>
 <li>12 p.m. CT – No. 1 Snow vs. John A. Logan/Connors State winner</li><li>2:30 p.m. CT – No. 2 Cowley vs. Triton/Columbia State winner</li><li>5:30 p.m. CT – No. 4 South Plains vs. Chipola/Monroe winner</li><li>8 p.m. CT – No. 3 Indian Hills vs. Vincennes/Three Rivers winner</li>
 </ul><h2>Tuesday</h2><ul>
 <li>12 p.m. CT – No. 8 Daytona State vs. Barton/Brunswick winner</li><li>2:30 p.m. CT – No. 7 Trinity Valley vs. Pensacola State/Trinidad State winner</li><li>5:30 p.m. CT – No. 5 Jones vs. Angelina/South Georgia State winner</li><li>8 p.m. CT – No. 6 Panola vs. Frank Phillips/Wallace State winner</li>
 </ul><h2>Quarterfinals (Wednesday)</h2><ul>
 <li>12 p.m. CT – Game 17</li><li>2:30 p.m. CT – Game 18</li><li>5:30 p.m. CT – Game 19</li><li>8 p.m. CT – Game 20</li>
 </ul><h2>Semifinals (Friday)</h2><ul>
 <li>5:30 p.m. CT – Game 21</li><li>8 p.m. CT – Game 22</li>
 </ul><h2>Championship (Saturday)</h2><ul>
 <li>12 p.m. CT / 11 a.m. MT – NJCAA Championship Game</li>
 </ul>

🏀 NJCAA DI Men's Basketball Championship daily schedule

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742176555844.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
&nbsp;
LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;&ndash; The Kansas Jayhawks have secured the No. 7 seed in the West Region for the 2025 NCAA Tournament, marking their 52nd all-time appearance. They are set to face the No. 10 seed Arkansas Razorbacks on March 20 in Providence, Rhode Island. &nbsp; Kansas (21-12, 11-9 Big 12) will take on No. 10 seed Arkansas (20-13, 8-10 SEC) in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday, March 20. Tipoff is set for 6:10 p.m. CT at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island, with the game airing on CBS. &nbsp; Kansas enters the NCAA Tournament as a No. 7 seed for just the second time in program history, the first being in 1981 when the Jayhawks went 2-1 and advanced to the Sweet 16. &nbsp; Kansas returns to the NCAA West Region for the first time since the 2021 season. The Jayhawks have a strong history in the NCAA Tournament, holding a 47-5 record in first-round games and an all-time tournament record of 113-50. &nbsp; Kansas holds a narrow 8-7 lead in the all-time series against Arkansas, including an exhibition game prior to the 2024-25 season, where Arkansas claimed an 85-69 victory on October 25 in Fayetteville. Their most recent official matchup came in the second round of the 2023 NCAA Tournament, where Arkansas edged Kansas 72-71 in Des Moines. This will mark the third NCAA Tournament meeting between the two programs, with Kansas winning the 1991 Elite Eight showdown 93-81 in Charlotte en route to a Final Four appearance and a runner-up finish to Duke.</div>

🏀 KU earns No. 7 seed in West Region, open with No. 10 Arkansas

(AP) — Auburn is the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, with Duke, Houston and Florida joining the Tigers on the No. 1 line in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">March Madness brackets</a>&nbsp;released Sunday.

The NCAA selection committee favored the regular-season champs of the record-setting Southeastern Conference despite three losses in their last four games, along with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/auburn-duke-basketball-score-14ea6fd696d93d62d6edc4b47073d608">a loss to Duke</a>&nbsp;back in December.

The Tigers (28-5) and Gators were two of the 14 SEC teams to make the field, which are the most for a conference in the history of the tournament.&nbsp;

It’s Florida, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tennessee-florida-score-49478f25c45a901113aef95e22911f58">captured the SEC tournament</a>&nbsp;by winning three games with an average margin of 15 points, that opens as a slight favorite to win it all at the Final Four in San Antonio on April 5 and 7, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.

In something of a surprise, both North Carolina and Texas slid in off the bubble, while Indiana, West Virginia and Boise State did not.

The 68-team bracket starts whittling down on Tuesday with preliminary games, and the main draw kicks off on Thursday and Friday, with 32 games at eight sites around the country.

A tribute, then a bracket with plenty to talk about

The selection show began with a heartfelt tribute to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greg-gumbel-died-ace2925dbb23282079fb2dba06efe9bb">the late Greg Gumbel,</a>&nbsp;the CBS stalwart who oversaw the bracket unveiling for decades.

Then, just as Gumbel would have preferred, it was about the basketball – and this time there was plenty to talk about.&nbsp;

North Carolina looked all but out, a victim of a 1-12 record against so-called Quad 1 opponents and part of a conference (ACC) teetering on the verge of a historically bad season. But the Tar Heels made it, thanks maybe to a strong nonconference slate, while Texas was also in — its seven wins against Quad 1 teams outweighing its overall 15 losses.

The SEC’s 14 teams were followed by the Big Ten with eight and Big 12 with seven. The ACC, meanwhile, ended up with four teams, barely avoiding its worst showing since 2000, back when the conference was half the size it is now.&nbsp;

Even in a down cycle, the ACC has Duke, and Duke has arguably the best player in the country in freshman Cooper Flagg, a 19-point, 7.5-rebound-a-game freshman whose ankle injury, the school says, will not keep him out of March Madness.

Bracket gives Pitino and St. John’s a long and interesting road&nbsp;

Elsewhere in the bracket, coach Rick Pitino leads his unprecedented sixth program into the tournament, and what a road he would have to take to get to the Final Four.

First, he will travel to Providence, the same building where the coach led the Friars to a surprise Final Four trip back in 1987, to lead St. John’s in a first-round game against Omaha. Pitino’s second game could come against Arkansas and John Calipari in what would be a titanic matchup between two of the game’s biggest coaching names.&nbsp;

Another coaching icon, Tom Izzo, leads Michigan State to its 27th straight tournament. The Spartans are seeded second and will face America East champion Bryant in its opener.&nbsp;

And Gonzaga is in for the 26th time, though extending its streak of making the second weekend to 10 years will be tough. The Bulldogs, after an “off” year in which they still won the West Coast Conference, are seeded eighth and could face Houston in the second round.

AP March Madness bracket:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket">https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket</a>and coverage:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741021637501.jpeg" alt="FILE - March Madness branding is displayed (AP Photo/Michael Caterina, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - March Madness branding is displayed (AP Photo/Michael Caterina, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>(AP) — Auburn is the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, with Duke, Houston and Florida joining the Tigers on the No. 1 line in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">March Madness brackets</a>&nbsp;released Sunday.The NCAA selection committee favored the regular-season champs of the record-setting Southeastern Conference despite three losses in their last four games, along with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/auburn-duke-basketball-score-14ea6fd696d93d62d6edc4b47073d608">a loss to Duke</a>&nbsp;back in December.The Tigers (28-5) and Gators were two of the 14 SEC teams to make the field, which are the most for a conference in the history of the tournament.&nbsp;It’s Florida, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tennessee-florida-score-49478f25c45a901113aef95e22911f58">captured the SEC tournament</a>&nbsp;by winning three games with an average margin of 15 points, that opens as a slight favorite to win it all at the Final Four in San Antonio on April 5 and 7, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.In something of a surprise, both North Carolina and Texas slid in off the bubble, while Indiana, West Virginia and Boise State did not.The 68-team bracket starts whittling down on Tuesday with preliminary games, and the main draw kicks off on Thursday and Friday, with 32 games at eight sites around the country.<h2>A tribute, then a bracket with plenty to talk about</h2>The selection show began with a heartfelt tribute to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greg-gumbel-died-ace2925dbb23282079fb2dba06efe9bb">the late Greg Gumbel,</a>&nbsp;the CBS stalwart who oversaw the bracket unveiling for decades.Then, just as Gumbel would have preferred, it was about the basketball – and this time there was plenty to talk about.&nbsp;North Carolina looked all but out, a victim of a 1-12 record against so-called Quad 1 opponents and part of a conference (ACC) teetering on the verge of a historically bad season. But the Tar Heels made it, thanks maybe to a strong nonconference slate, while Texas was also in — its seven wins against Quad 1 teams outweighing its overall 15 losses.The SEC’s 14 teams were followed by the Big Ten with eight and Big 12 with seven. The ACC, meanwhile, ended up with four teams, barely avoiding its worst showing since 2000, back when the conference was half the size it is now.&nbsp;Even in a down cycle, the ACC has Duke, and Duke has arguably the best player in the country in freshman Cooper Flagg, a 19-point, 7.5-rebound-a-game freshman whose ankle injury, the school says, will not keep him out of March Madness.<h2>Bracket gives Pitino and St. John’s a long and interesting road&nbsp;</h2>Elsewhere in the bracket, coach Rick Pitino leads his unprecedented sixth program into the tournament, and what a road he would have to take to get to the Final Four.First, he will travel to Providence, the same building where the coach led the Friars to a surprise Final Four trip back in 1987, to lead St. John’s in a first-round game against Omaha. Pitino’s second game could come against Arkansas and John Calipari in what would be a titanic matchup between two of the game’s biggest coaching names.&nbsp;Another coaching icon, Tom Izzo, leads Michigan State to its 27th straight tournament. The Spartans are seeded second and will face America East champion Bryant in its opener.&nbsp;And Gonzaga is in for the 26th time, though extending its streak of making the second weekend to 10 years will be tough. The Bulldogs, after an “off” year in which they still won the West Coast Conference, are seeded eighth and could face Houston in the second round.AP March Madness bracket:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket">https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket</a>and coverage:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness</a>

🏀 March Madness brackets have Auburn as the overall No. 1 followed by Duke, Houston, Florida

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742177141367.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas State Athletics
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MANHATTAN, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;Behind a complete game from&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/lincoln-sheffield/12332" rel="smarttag" rev="12332">Lincoln Sheffield</a></dfn>, K-State opened Big 12 play with a series sweep for the first time since 2010, cruising to a 14-2, seven-inning victory over Utah Sunday afternoon at Tointon Family Stadium. &nbsp; Leading 8-2 heading into the final frame, K-State erupted for six runs, capped by home runs from&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kyan-lodice/12298" rel="smarttag" rev="12298">Kyan Lodice</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/aj-evasco/12312" rel="smarttag" rev="12312">AJ Evasco</a></dfn>&nbsp;to secure the run-rule victory and extend the Wildcats' home winning streak to six. With the win, K-State improves to 12-7 on the year and 3-0 in conference play, while Utah fell to 11-8 and 0-3 in its inaugural Big 12 season. "We got to build an in-conference resume now, and to start out that way was great for our program and gets us off to a good start in Big 12 play," commented seventh-year head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/2603" rel="smarttag" rev="2603">Pete Hughes</a></dfn>. "We beat a good team, and it started with late inning heroics on Friday, and we kept that momentum in our dugout for three days." In K-State's first Big 12 opening weekend sweep in 15 years, the Wildcats out-scored the Utes, 34-10 in the series and hit .360 (36-for-100) with 15 extra-base hits, including seven home runs to end the weekend. The pitching staff boasted a 3.60 ERA and issued just five walks against 24 strikeouts. "Utah was 11-5 coming in here and without playing a home game. So, they're tough and talented. We beat two really good arms, I thought, on Friday and Saturday, and they looked like they ran a little thin in their bullpen, and we took advantage of it," Hughes added. In his fifth start of the year, Sheffield (4-1) was awarded his fourth consecutive victory. The left-hander from Flowood, Mississippi, finished his outing with a season-high nine strikeouts, including striking out the side in the fifth. &nbsp; "Lincoln's just efficient, he never beats himself, he's always way ahead on counts, he's always 0-2 or 1-2, and that's an advantage for him most of the time, because that keeps guys off balance. He works super-fast. He walked one guy today and when you can have no errors at the end of your box score, and one walk, you have a pretty good chance of winning the ball game. Lincoln is always going to give us that opportunity." Sheffield produced his third quality start, and after allowing a leadoff single in the first, he retired nine consecutive batters to allow the Cats to build a 4-0 lead. He surrendered two earned runs in the fourth and scattered three hits over the next three frames as he registered his first complete game at K-State. All nine position players recorded a hit led by three-hit days from Evasco and Lodice, while true freshman&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/donte-lewis/12313" rel="smarttag" rev="12313">Donte Lewis</a></dfn>&nbsp;turned in his first collegiate multi-hit game. Evasco, who delivered his second walk-off homer of the season, ended the day 3-for-4 and drove in a game-leading four RBI. Shortstop&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/maximus-martin/12314" rel="smarttag" rev="12314">Maximus Martin</a></dfn>&nbsp;drove in a pair of runs to turn in his team-high eighth game with multiple RBI, while Evasco's four RBI moved him to second on the team (6). Sunday's win marks the 18th&nbsp;Big 12 sweep for K-State and 37th&nbsp;overall series victory in a three or more-game series in the Hughes era, HOW IT HAPPENED After a scoreless first inning, catcher&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/bear-madliak/12309" rel="smarttag" rev="12309">Bear Madliak</a></dfn>&nbsp;delivered a two-out double into right center to score Martin from first. K-State capitalized on two throwing errors in the third to take a 4-0 lead. A two-run homer from Utah's Kaden Carpenter trimmed the Cats' lead to two, 4-2, in the fourth. The Wildcats recovered the runs handed over in the top of the inning, as Evasco and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/seth-dardar/12320" rel="smarttag" rev="12320">Seth Dardar</a></dfn>&nbsp;both walked and scored on Martin's two-out double into center field. Leading 8-2, K-State used a six-run seventh inning to put the game away. Lodice hit a towering two-run homer off the scoreboard in right field to stretch the Cats lead to eight until an RBI-single by&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/dee-kennedy/12308" rel="smarttag" rev="12308">Dee Kennedy</a></dfn>&nbsp;tacked on the 11th&nbsp;run. With no outs, and runners on first and second, Evasco shelled his fourth home run of the year to center to secure the run-rule victory. INSIDE THE BOX
<ul>
<li>K-State scored 14 runs on 14 hits, committed no errors, and stranded seven on base.</li>
<li>UU was held to two runs on six hits and committed four errors with four left on base.</li>
<li>Two Wildcats homered in the win &ndash; Lodice, Evasco.</li>
<li>Evasco hit a three-run homer to walk off the Utes in the seventh, securing a run-rule victory.</li>
<li>Lodice and Evasco were each 3-for-4, combining for six RBI.</li>
<li>Each of the Wildcats nine batters contributed a hit with five recording an RBI.</li>
<li>Sheffield (4-1) was awarded the win, striking out nine in his first complete game. &nbsp;</li>
<li>UU's Boesen (1-1) took the loss, allowing four runs (one earned) on five hits in 2 2/3 innings of work.</li>
<li>Six different players recorded a hit for Utah, with Carpenter driving in both runs with a two-run homer in the fourth.</li>
</ul>
TEAM NOTES
<ul>
<li>K-State opened Big 12 play with a sweep for the first time since 2010 (vs. Oklahoma State).</li>
<li>Under Hughes, K-State has won 18 Big 12 series &ndash; 37 overall in three or more-game series.</li>
<li>Evasco's homer marked the third walk-off homer of the season and second of the series.</li>
<li>K-State leads the all-time series 8-1, with a 3-0 edge in games played in Big 12 action and in Manhattan.</li>
<li>The Cats move to 6-0 at home during the 2025 season &ndash; 106-42 all-time under Hughes.</li>
<li>K-State held UU scoreless in the first inning for the first time in the series Sunday.</li>
<li>In 19 games, K-State has homered in 13 of those, and registering multiple in 10.</li>
</ul>
PLAYER NOTES
<ul>
<li>Sheffield threw his first complete game at K-State and recorded a season-high nine strikeouts. He matched a K-State career-long seven innings (Last: vs. TCU, February 23).</li>
<li>Evasco turned in his third three-hit day of the season, and Lodice his second.</li>
<li>Evasco hit his second walk-off homer of the season and stretched his hitting streak to a team-leading 10.</li>
<li>Lodice registered his second homer of the year and ninth career.</li>
<li>Lewis had two hits, recording his first collegiate multi-hit game.</li>
<li>Martin leads the team with eight multi-RBI games, followed by Evasco (6). &nbsp;</li>
<li>O'Connor stretched his on-base streak to 11, followed by Evasco (10) and Kennedy (10).</li>
</ul>
UP NEXT The Wildcats will head to Texas for a midweek non-conference matchup against Tarleton State (9-11) on March 19, before heading back into conference play with a three-game series at Baylor (14-5), starting March 21. All four road games can be seen on ESPN+, while a free live streaming audio available for all games at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Live=3268&amp;type=Archive">KStateSports.com/watch</a>&nbsp;and on the K-State Sports app. Season and single-game tickets are now available. To purchase tickets, fans can visit&nbsp;<a name="_Hlk192492882"></a>KStateSports.com, call 1-800-221-CATS (2287), or stop by the K-State Athletics Ticket Office in Bramlage Coliseum.</div>

⚾ Sheffield tosses complete game in historic win for 'Cats

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742177006742.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State Athletics
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WICHITA, Kan. --&nbsp;After scoring 27 runs through the first two games of the series against Louisiana Tech, Wichita State was limited to just one run on seven hits in the finale as the Bulldogs claimed a 7-1 win on Sunday afternoon at Eck Stadium. The Shockers (7-13) were stymied by Louisiana Tech starter&nbsp;Brooks Roberson (1-1), who worked 7.1 innings while allowing just the one run. Roberson struck out four and walked one, exiting with two on in the bottom of the eighth after&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/camden-johnson/9183" rel="smarttag" rev="9183" data-airgap-id="61">Camden Johnson</a></dfn>&nbsp;broke up the shutout with an RBI single. Bulldogs closer Blake Hooks got the final two outs of the eighth and then struck out three in the ninth to nail down the win. Wichita State starter&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jace-miner/9423" rel="smarttag" rev="9423" data-airgap-id="62">Jace Miner</a></dfn>&nbsp;(1-3) matched Roberson pitch-for-pitch through four innings, holding the Bulldogs (11-9) without a hit. But the southpaw ran into command problems in the fifth, hitting two batters and walking two more to force in the game's first run. It appeared the Shockers would get out of the inning with just one run across, but a two-out fly ball off the bat of&nbsp;Garrison Berkley was dropped in center field, scoring three more runs for a 4-0 Louisiana Tech lead. Brody Drost provided insurance for the Bulldogs in the top of the eighth, lining a two-run single to left for a 6-0 cushion. Michael Ballard plated the final run of the day with an RBI double in the top of the ninth. Wichita State out-hit Louisiana Tech, 7-5, led by&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/mauricio-millan/9186" rel="smarttag" rev="9186" data-airgap-id="63">Mauricio Millan's</a></dfn>&nbsp;two hits. Millan also threw out two Louisiana Tech baserunners behind the plate. The Shockers do not have a midweek game next week, but will open up American Athletic Conference play next Friday at Tulane. First pitch of the series opener is scheduled for 6:30 pm CT.</div>

⚾ Shockers drop series finale to Bulldogs

The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team received an at-large bid into the NJCAA DI Basketball National Tournament during the selection show on Sunday evening.

The Blue Dragons are the No. 11-seed and will face No. 22-seed South Georgia Tech in the first round on Wednesday, March 26 at 4:45 p.m. MST (5:45 p.m. CST) at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper, Wyo.

The Hutchinson-South Georgia Tech winner will face Three Rivers (Mo.), the 6-seed in the second round on Friday, March 28 at 4:45 p.m. MST.

The Blue Dragons are the defending national champions and will enter the tournament with a 28-4 record. 

The Jets enter the tournament with a 25-6 record and earned an automatic bid following their victory in the Southeast District championship game over East Georgia State.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The complete bracket can be found <a href="https://www.njcaa.org/sports/wbkb/2024-25/div1/national_championship/2025_DI_WBB_Championship_Bracket_-_Blank.pdf">here</a>. More information on the tournament itself can be found <a href="https://www.njcaa.org/championships/sports/wbkb/div1/index">here</a>.&nbsp;

All Blue Dragon games in the national tournament can be heard on KHMY-FM (93.1).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742163782362.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy NJCAA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy NJCAA</figcaption>
 </figure>The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team received an at-large bid into the NJCAA DI Basketball National Tournament during the selection show on Sunday evening.The Blue Dragons are the No. 11-seed and will face No. 22-seed South Georgia Tech in the first round on Wednesday, March 26 at 4:45 p.m. MST (5:45 p.m. CST) at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper, Wyo.The Hutchinson-South Georgia Tech winner will face Three Rivers (Mo.), the 6-seed in the second round on Friday, March 28 at 4:45 p.m. MST.The Blue Dragons are the defending national champions and will enter the tournament with a 28-4 record. The Jets enter the tournament with a 25-6 record and earned an automatic bid following their victory in the Southeast District championship game over East Georgia State.&nbsp;&nbsp;The complete bracket can be found <a href="https://www.njcaa.org/sports/wbkb/2024-25/div1/national_championship/2025_DI_WBB_Championship_Bracket_-_Blank.pdf">here</a>. More information on the tournament itself can be found <a href="https://www.njcaa.org/championships/sports/wbkb/div1/index">here</a>.&nbsp;All Blue Dragon games in the national tournament can be heard on KHMY-FM (93.1).

🏀 HutchCC women earn at-large bid in national tournament

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742176667801.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
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LAWRENCE, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;Kansas baseball suffered its first loss in conference play this season as Baylor defeated Kansas 9-7 on Sunday afternoon at Hoglund Ballpark.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-counsell/16135" rel="smarttag" rev="16135" data-airgap-id="70">Brady Counsell</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/derek-cerda/16140" rel="smarttag" rev="16140" data-airgap-id="71">Derek Cerda</a></dfn>&nbsp;each homered despite the loss. &nbsp; Kansas took a 5-0 lead in the game before Baylor scored seven runs to take a 7-5 lead. The Jayhawks were then able to even up the game at 7-7 after six innings. However, Baylor would score two runs in the eighth inning to take a 9-7 lead that would stand for the remainder of the game. Kansas moved to 17-3 on the season and 2-1 in conference play. &nbsp; HOW IT HAPPENED &bull; For a second day in a row, Kansas broke through offensively in the third inning. The Jayhawks scored five runs in the frame, all coming with two outs. KU loaded the bases and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/dariel-osoria/16146" rel="smarttag" rev="16146" data-airgap-id="72">Dariel Osoria</a></dfn>&nbsp;worked a bases loaded walk to score the first run. Counsell came up next and connected on a grand slam to left-center field to make it a 5-0 game. &bull; Baylor (14-5, 1-2 Big 12) responded over the next two innings with seven runs to take a 7-5 lead. The Bears scored two runs in the fourth inning and put up five more in the fifth. &bull; The Jayhawks were able to get one of those runs back in the bottom of the fifth with a solo home run from Cerda on the first pitch of the inning. That made it a 7-6 Baylor advantage. &bull; In the sixth inning, Kansas evened up the game with an RBI double off the bat of&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/michael-brooks/16122" rel="smarttag" rev="16122" data-airgap-id="73">Michael Brooks</a></dfn>. At the end of six innings, Kansas and Baylor were tied 7-7. &bull; The Bears took back the lead in the eighth inning. Four consecutive singles to start the inning by Baylor allowed two runs to score and break the tie game. &bull; Kansas was unable to get a runner on base in the eighth or ninth innings. &nbsp; PITCHERS OF RECORD Win: Will Glatch 1-0) Final line: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 SO Loss:&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/eric-lin/16158" rel="smarttag" rev="16158" data-airgap-id="74">Eric Lin</a></dfn>&nbsp;(1-1) Final line: 2.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO Save: Gabe Craig (4) Final line: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 SO &nbsp; SOCIAL POST OF THE GAME
<div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" class="" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=%40KUBaseball&amp;dnt=false&amp;embedId=twitter-widget-0&amp;features=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%3D%3D&amp;frame=false&amp;hideCard=false&amp;hideThread=false&amp;id=1901349594274931161&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fkuathletics.com%2Fnews%2F2025%2F3%2F16%2Fbaseball-kansas-wins-first-conference-series-drops-series-finale-9-7-to-baylor.aspx&amp;sessionId=69395a3203555ac0125475035aea42826b56cc5d&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&amp;width=550px" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-tweet-id="1901349594274931161"></iframe></div>
&nbsp; QUOTABLES &amp; NOTABLES "We let it slip away a lot. That was the frustrating part. You come back out (after the grand slam) and give up a two-spot and then limit the damage and it's 5-2&hellip;I think sometimes the seventh, eighth and ninth can get overplayed in the bullpen, meaning sometimes games are lost in the seventh, eighth and ninth, or won in the seventh, eighth and ninth, but often times it's in the middle. Our choice to bring in Breckheimer there was he's best available and Breck just didn't have it today, and that happens. I mean Breck has been so good. He had not allowed a run&hellip;So yeah, it was frustrating that we jumped out to that lead and couldn't hold it." &ndash; Head Coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/dan-fitzgerald/871" rel="smarttag" rev="871" data-airgap-id="76">Dan Fitzgerald</a></dfn> &nbsp; "I think&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/jackson-hauge/16155" rel="smarttag" rev="16155" data-airgap-id="77">Jackson Hauge</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/dariel-osoria/16146" rel="smarttag" rev="16146" data-airgap-id="78">Dariel Osoria</a></dfn>&nbsp;had some good at-bats in front of me and then just built off of that. [Their pitcher] threw a couple good pitches, but I got one to hit with two strikes and put a good swing on it." &ndash;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-counsell/16135" rel="smarttag" rev="16135" data-airgap-id="79">Brady Counsell</a></dfn> &nbsp; &bull; Kansas fell to 17-3 overall and 2-1 in conference play this season. &bull; Kansas has hit 46 home runs this season through the first 20 games. The program record for home runs is 75 in 2006 and 2023. &bull; Kansas has hit four grand slams this season. &bull; Counsell hit his fifth home run of the year. He currently has a six-game hitting streak and a nine-game on-base streak. &bull; Cerda has hit a home run in back-to-back games and has four home runs this season. Cerda has reached base safely in all 10 games he has played this season. &bull; Ballinger had his streak of 19 straight games of reaching base and scoring a run to start the season snapped. &bull;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/tommy-barth/16141" rel="smarttag" rev="16141" data-airgap-id="80">Tommy Barth</a></dfn>&nbsp;currently has a 14-game on-base streak. &bull; Osoria has reached base safely in all 13 games he has played this season. &bull;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/ian-francis/16139" rel="smarttag" rev="16139" data-airgap-id="81">Ian Francis</a></dfn>&nbsp;has a seven-game hitting streak. &nbsp; UP NEXT Kansas will head to the state of Arizona for the next week. The Jayhawks will play Arizona in a non-conference midweek matchup on Tuesday, March 18 and then have a three-game conference series at Arizona State from March 21-23.</div>

⚾ KU drops Sunday game to Baylor, but still wins series over Bears

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742176868104.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State Athletics
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WICHITA, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;Wichita State homered three times to claim a 9-3 win in the series finale vs. North Texas Sunday afternoon at Wilkins Stadium. Wichita State (13-13, 2-4) secured its first conference series win of the season, winning the final two games against the Mean Green. <dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/camryn-compton/9311" rel="smarttag" rev="9311" data-airgap-id="61">Camryn Compton</a></dfn>&nbsp;drove in a career-high four RBI to go with a home run and a single.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-lucas/9314" rel="smarttag" rev="9314" data-airgap-id="62">Lauren Lucas</a></dfn>&nbsp;was 2-for-3 with a home run, two RBIs and another three runs scored.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/gabby-scott/9324" rel="smarttag" rev="9324" data-airgap-id="63">Gabby Scott</a></dfn>&nbsp;rounded out a solid weekend with her first career home run, a two-run shot to center. <dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-sedlacek/9318" rel="smarttag" rev="9318" data-airgap-id="64">Taylor Sedlacek</a></dfn>&nbsp;walked three times, tying a career high for the second straight game. <dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ryley-nihart/9325" rel="smarttag" rev="9325" data-airgap-id="65">Ryley Nihart</a></dfn>&nbsp;(1-3) recorded her first collegiate win in 5.0 innings. She allowed two runs on only four hits and one walk, while striking out a pair. Wichita State opened the scoring in the bottom of the second on&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/brookelyn-livanec/9329" rel="smarttag" rev="9329" data-airgap-id="66">Brookelyn Livanec's</a></dfn>&nbsp;sac fly to left. In the third, Wichita State broke it open on Compton's three-run shot and two batters later Scott followed suit with a two-run blast to make it 6-0. After another scoreless frame for Nihart in the top of the fourth, Wichita State went up 8-0 on Lucas' two-run home run down the left field line. Heading to the top of the fifth with the run-rule in play, North Texas put its leadoff on base via walk and then Madison Conley belted a two-run homer over the wall in center to erase the shutout and run-rule. Compton got a run back in the bottom of the sixth on a high, deep single to left, scoring Lucas. Wichita State stranded the bases loaded to end the sixth, sending the game to the seventh. The first pitch of the seventh was crushed to center off the bat of Riley McNemar, cutting it to 9-3, but that would do it for the Mean Green in the seventh. Up Next Wichita State spends the week in Texas, beginning with a midweek matchup at Texas State on Wednesday, March 19.</div>

🥎 Shockers claim series with Sunday win over North Texas

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742093351259.png" alt="Photo Courtesy @Halstead_AD on X" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy @Halstead_AD on X</figcaption>
 </figure><div><h3>KSHSAA State Basketball Championship Game Finals</h3>
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6A Girls: Blue Valley North def. Derby, 65-39
6A Boys: Shawnee Mission NW def. Olathe North, 63-56
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5A Girls: St. Thomas Aquinas def. Topeka Seaman, 68-61
5A Boys: Kapaun Mt. Carmel def. Topeka Highland Park, 58-55 (OT)
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4A Girls: Wellington def. Bishop Miege, 53-48
4A Boys: McPherson def. Rock Creek, 53-44
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3A Girls: Halstead def. Silver Lake, 48-45
3A Boys: Hesston def. Goodland, 51-46
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2A Girls: Moundridge def. Doniphan West, 62-51
2A Boys: Sterling def. Moundridge, 56-45
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1A DI Girls: Centralia def. Little River, 50-43
1A DI Boys: Olpe def. South Central, 47-34
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1A DII Girls: Hanover def. Linn, 46-35
1A DII Boys: Axtell def. Cunningham, 57-39
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&nbsp;</div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742093419926.png" alt="Photo Courtesy @BrentKSHSAA on X" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy @BrentKSHSAA on X</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742093534668.png" alt="Photo Courtesy @BrentKSHSAA on X" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy @BrentKSHSAA on X</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742093901643.png" alt="Photo Courtesy @JoelMuhs_ on X" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy @JoelMuhs_ on X</figcaption>
 </figure>

🏀 McPherson boys, Halstead girls, Hesston boys, Moundridge girls, Sterling boys claim state titles

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/boxscores/20250314_oj90.xml">BOX SCORE</a>

HAYS, Kan. — The No. 9 Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team saw its Region VI Tournament run come to an end with a 45-42 loss to No. 20 Coffeyville on Friday at Gross Memorial Coliseum in the semifinals.

The Blue Dragons fall to 28-4 on the season and now await the NJCAA selection show, on Sunday at 5 p.m. to see if they'll receive an at-large bid into the national tournament.

Hutchinson got off to another sluggish start against the Red Ravens, the same thing that doomed them in a regular season loss at Coffeyville (26-5) last month.

The Blue Dragons fell behind 15-8 after the first quarter and then down 25-14 at halftime, the lowest scoring first half by HutchCC this season.

Coffeyville grew the lead to 15 points in the third frame, as Hutchinson continued to struggle against the Red Raven defense.&nbsp;

The Blue Dragons continued to battle back in the fourth quarter and pulled within three late.&nbsp;

Hutchinson had one final chance with four seconds to play trailing 45-42. Jada Pleasant inbounded from the left sideline, which deflected off of Katie Duncan's left hand, Duncan tracked down the ball and passed it back to Pleasant who missed the contested 3-pointer from the left-wing as time expired.

Duncan scored a team-high 11 points off the bench. Hailey Jackson, the Jayhawk Conference's leading scorer was held to just four points on 2-for-8 shooting.&nbsp;

The Blue Dragons shot just 31% from the floor and were outrebounded by seven.&nbsp;

Coffeyville was led by Norika Welch with 13 points, while Karliey Parker added 11. The Red Ravens will meet No. 7 Dodge City on Saturday at 3 p.m. in the Region VI Tournament championship game.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742011144276.jpeg" alt="Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/boxscores/20250314_oj90.xml">BOX SCORE</a>HAYS, Kan. — The No. 9 Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team saw its Region VI Tournament run come to an end with a 45-42 loss to No. 20 Coffeyville on Friday at Gross Memorial Coliseum in the semifinals.The Blue Dragons fall to 28-4 on the season and now await the NJCAA selection show, on Sunday at 5 p.m. to see if they'll receive an at-large bid into the national tournament.Hutchinson got off to another sluggish start against the Red Ravens, the same thing that doomed them in a regular season loss at Coffeyville (26-5) last month.The Blue Dragons fell behind 15-8 after the first quarter and then down 25-14 at halftime, the lowest scoring first half by HutchCC this season.Coffeyville grew the lead to 15 points in the third frame, as Hutchinson continued to struggle against the Red Raven defense.&nbsp;The Blue Dragons continued to battle back in the fourth quarter and pulled within three late.&nbsp;Hutchinson had one final chance with four seconds to play trailing 45-42. Jada Pleasant inbounded from the left sideline, which deflected off of Katie Duncan's left hand, Duncan tracked down the ball and passed it back to Pleasant who missed the contested 3-pointer from the left-wing as time expired.Duncan scored a team-high 11 points off the bench. Hailey Jackson, the Jayhawk Conference's leading scorer was held to just four points on 2-for-8 shooting.&nbsp;The Blue Dragons shot just 31% from the floor and were outrebounded by seven.&nbsp;Coffeyville was led by Norika Welch with 13 points, while Karliey Parker added 11. The Red Ravens will meet No. 7 Dodge City on Saturday at 3 p.m. in the Region VI Tournament championship game.&nbsp;

🏀 Coffeyville eliminates HutchCC women in Region VI semifinal

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741966510545.jpeg" alt="Brynne Katcher and the Blue Dragon women's basketball team take on the Coffeyville Red Ravens at 5:30 p.m. on Friday at Gross Coliseum in Hays for the semifinals of the 2025 Region 6 Women's Tournament. (Andrew Carpenter/Digital Fox Photography)" />
 <figcaption>Brynne Katcher and the Blue Dragon women's basketball team take on the Coffeyville Red Ravens at 5:30 p.m. on Friday at Gross Coliseum in Hays for the semifinals of the 2025 Region 6 Women's Tournament. (Andrew Carpenter/Digital Fox Photography)</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Hutchinson CC Sports Information
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The No. 2-seed Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team makes its 22nd appearance in the Region 6 Tournament semifinals on Friday evening against the third-seeded Coffeyville Red Ravens.
Slated to be the third game of the day in the 2025 Region 6 Tournament, the NJCAA No. 9-ranked Blue Dragons (28-3) and 20th-ranked Red Ravens (25-5) are set to tip off at 5:30 p.m. at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kansas.
BLUE DRAGON WOMEN'S BASKETBALL No. 9 Hutchinson (28-3) vs. No. 20 Coffeyville (25-5) Region 6 Tournament Semifinals When: Friday March 14, 2024 Where: Gross Coliseum, Hays, KS Time: 5:30 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5), 5:15 p.m.; Sean Boston (PBP); Dan Naccarato (Analyst)</a> Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://kjccc.org/watch">KJCCC Network (PPV), 5:25 p.m.</a> X: @bluedragonsport <a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/files/Game_32_-_Coffeyville_women.pdf">CLICK FOR FULL BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>
The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and on sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 5:15 p.m. with Sean Boston (play-by-play) and Dan Naccarato (analyst) calling the action. The game will be streamed live on the NJCAA Network at 5:25 p.m. and is a pay-per-view service.
The top four seeds in this year's tournament have advanced to the semifinal round. At 1 p.m. on Friday, top-seeded Dodge City will take on No. 4-seed Butler. The two semifinal winners will play in the Region 6 Tournament championship at 3 p.m. on Saturday at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays.
After receiving an opening-round bye, the Blue Dragons advanced after a tougher-than-expected quarterback battle with Colby. Trailing by three points at halftime, the Dragons finally regained their scoring touch for a 59-49 victory to extend their home-court win streak to 33 games.
Coffeyville advanced with a 61-50 home win over Seward County on Tuesday night.
Hutchinson and Coffeyville split their season series in 2024-25.
The Blue Dragons hit a season-high 15 3-pointers - going 15 of 32 from distance - in a 66-53 victory over Coffeyville on November 24 at the Sports Arena. The Red Ravens limited the Blue Dragons to 31.0 percent shooting in the rematch on February 6 at Nellis Hall in Coffeyville. The Red Ravens won that game 64-55.
Friday will be the 11th Region 6 Tournament battle between the Dragons and Ravens.</div>