PRATT, Kan. — Hutchinson (17-4, 11-4) won on the road Saturday by scoring 42 points in the paint and forcing 17 turnovers.

The Dragons got out to another fast start against the Beavers (2-15, 1-12) by finishing the first quarter with a 25-7 advantage.&nbsp;

Pratt had to settle for three-point tries as Hutchinson kept deflecting passes.

Almost half of Pratt's field goal attempts were from beyond the arc.

Nine of Pratt's 19 made field goals were threes. Those triples were not nearly enough to overcome the early deficit.&nbsp;

Hutchinson shot 54.8% for the game while holding the Beavers to 35.8%.

Four of five starters for Hutchinson registered double-digit scoring.

Kalyn Ervin scored a career-high 27 and hit a career-high five three-pointers. She never missed from distance.

Mel Kailahi posted a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds while dishing four assists.

Mya Williams stepped out of a 1 for 14 slump against Cloud County to hit 5 of 11 attempts Saturday afternoon. Williams scored 13.

Tor'e Alford added 10 points and six assists.

Natalie Payne just missed double figures with nine.

The Dragons won the rebound battle 34-21.

Karolina Juresiute hit 5 of 7 triples and finished with 16 points.&nbsp;

Over the last three games, Hutchinson has outscored opponents 243-164.

In those contests, the Dragons put up 79 points or more while allowing 59 or fewer.

The Blue Dragon men did not play Saturday and are scheduled to play Pratt on Feb. 21.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642888146024.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>PRATT, Kan. — Hutchinson (17-4, 11-4) won on the road Saturday by scoring 42 points in the paint and forcing 17 turnovers.The Dragons got out to another fast start against the Beavers (2-15, 1-12) by finishing the first quarter with a 25-7 advantage.&nbsp;Pratt had to settle for three-point tries as Hutchinson kept deflecting passes.Almost half of Pratt's field goal attempts were from beyond the arc.Nine of Pratt's 19 made field goals were threes. Those triples were not nearly enough to overcome the early deficit.&nbsp;Hutchinson shot 54.8% for the game while holding the Beavers to 35.8%.Four of five starters for Hutchinson registered double-digit scoring.Kalyn Ervin scored a career-high 27 and hit a career-high five three-pointers. She never missed from distance.Mel Kailahi posted a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds while dishing four assists.Mya Williams stepped out of a 1 for 14 slump against Cloud County to hit 5 of 11 attempts Saturday afternoon. Williams scored 13.Tor'e Alford added 10 points and six assists.Natalie Payne just missed double figures with nine.FINAL: Hutchinson 83 Pratt 56The Dragons won the rebound battle 34-21.Karolina Juresiute hit 5 of 7 triples and finished with 16 points.&nbsp;Over the last three games, Hutchinson has outscored opponents 243-164.In those contests, the Dragons put up 79 points or more while allowing 59 or fewer.The Blue Dragon men did not play Saturday and are scheduled to play Pratt on Feb. 21.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

WBB: Ervin leads Dragons with career highs at Pratt

High school roundup, Sunflower Showdown today, Chiefs could have important RB back Sunday, plus more in sports.

High school roundup, Sunflower Showdown today, Chiefs could have important RB back Sunday, plus more in sports.<div><iframe title="January 22, 2022 Saturday Sports" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=tc6np-1187046-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&btn-skin=7"></iframe></div>

January 22, 2022 Saturday Sports

MANHATTAN, Kan. – No. 7 Kansas (15-2, 4-1) concludes its two-game road trip at Kansas State (10-7, 2-4), Jan. 22, for the Dillons Sunflower Showdown. 

Tip from Bramlage Coliseum is set for 3 p.m. (Central). Coverage on My 93.1 begins at 2 p.m.

On Saturday, Kansas and Kansas State will honor two former players who broke the color barrier at each institution in 1951-52 – LaVannes Squires of Kansas and Gene Wilson of Kansas State.

Kansas leads the overall series with Kansas State, 201-94, and has won five straight and 13 of the last 14 matchups.&nbsp;The last win by K-State in the series came in a 74-67 victory at home on Feb. 5, 2019.

MANHATTAN, Kan. – No. 7 Kansas (15-2, 4-1) concludes its two-game road trip at Kansas State (10-7, 2-4), Jan. 22, for the Dillons Sunflower Showdown. Tip from Bramlage Coliseum is set for 3 p.m. (Central). Coverage on My 93.1 begins at 2 p.m.On Saturday, Kansas and Kansas State will honor two former players who broke the color barrier at each institution in 1951-52 – LaVannes Squires of Kansas and Gene Wilson of Kansas State.Kansas leads the overall series with Kansas State, 201-94, and has won five straight and 13 of the last 14 matchups.&nbsp;The last win by K-State in the series came in a 74-67 victory at home on Feb. 5, 2019.

Sunflower Showdown on hardwood Saturday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs could have running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire available for the first time in nearly a month when they play the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night for a spot in their fourth consecutive AFC championship game. 

Edwards-Helaire practiced all week for the first time since hurting his collarbone in the second half against Pittsburgh on Dec. 26. Chiefs coach Andy Reid also said that linebacker Willie Gay Jr. would play against Buffalo. He was arrested and charged with misdemeanor criminal damage to property this week. 

Gay pleaded not guilty on Thursday and practiced on Friday. 

Coverage on KWBW of the Chiefs and Bills starts Sunday at 4 p.m.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs could have running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire available for the first time in nearly a month when they play the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night for a spot in their fourth consecutive AFC championship game. Edwards-Helaire practiced all week for the first time since hurting his collarbone in the second half against Pittsburgh on Dec. 26. Chiefs coach Andy Reid also said that linebacker Willie Gay Jr. would play against Buffalo. He was arrested and charged with misdemeanor criminal damage to property this week. Gay pleaded not guilty on Thursday and practiced on Friday. Coverage on KWBW of the Chiefs and Bills starts Sunday at 4 p.m.

Chiefs could have Edwards-Helaire for Bills tilt Sunday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutch High boys basketball team lost Friday night to Blue Valley Southwest 55-35 at the Spring Hill tournament to drop to 5-6 on the season. Their next game is Friday at the SAC against Goddard Eisenhower.

Girls: Salina South 41, Buhler 21 at Salina Invitational Tournament

Boys: Andale 55, Haven 46 at Adolph Rupp Tournament in Halstead

Boys: Wichita South 54, Buhler 38 at Salina Invitational Tournament

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutch High boys basketball team lost Friday night to Blue Valley Southwest 55-35 at the Spring Hill tournament to drop to 5-6 on the season. Their next game is Friday at the SAC against Goddard Eisenhower.Other area scores:Girls: Salina South 41, Buhler 21 at Salina Invitational TournamentBoys: Lyons 33, Hutchinson Trinity 31Boys: Andale 55, Haven 46 at Adolph Rupp Tournament in HalsteadBoys: Wichita South 54, Buhler 38 at Salina Invitational Tournament

High school roundup for January 21, 2022

UNDATED (AP) — Indiana has beaten Purdue for the first time in 10 tries.

Rob Phinisee scored a season-high 17 points in the first half then made the decisive 3-pointer with 5.1 seconds left to send the Hoosiers past the fourth-ranked Boilermakers, 68-65. Phinisee finished with a career-high 20 points to help Indiana move to 12-0 at Assembly Hall this season.

Xavier Johnson added 18 points and Phinisee had four steals.

Jaden Ivey scored 19 of 21 points in the second half for Purdue but missed two shots in the final seven seconds, including a 3 at the buzzer. 

Also on Thursday's college basketball schedule:

— Drew Timme delivered 23 points and Chet Holmgren added 22 for top-ranked Gonzaga in a 78-62 win against San Francisco. Anton Watson scored 11 points and Andrew Nembhard 10 as the Zags earned their eighth straight win overall and 62nd in a row at home.

— Oumar Ballo provided 21 points and third-ranked Arizona dominated Stanford in an 85-57 blowout. Bennedict Mathurin and Pelle Larsson each added 13 for the 15-1 Wildcats, who are off to their best starting since opening the 20-13-14 with 21 straight wins. 

— Ninth-ranked UCLA was a 63-58 winner over Utah as Johnny Juzang dropped in 28 points. Jules Bernard had 14 points and seven boards for the Bruins.

— No. 16 Southern California ended three years of frustration against Colorado with a 61-58 victory. Chevez Goodwin scored all 18 of his points in the second half and grabbed 14 rebounds to lead the Trojans.

— Ed Croswell scored 15 points and Noah Horchler had 14 with seven rebounds as 21st-ranked Providence defeated Georgetown, 83-75. Al Durham had 15 points and Nate Watson 10 for the 15-2 Friars.

— Tyrese Martin scored 25 of his career-high 27 points in the second half to guide No. 25 UConn to its second win over Butler this week, 75-66.

Arbitrator rules UConn coach Kevin Ollie improperly fired

UNDATED (AP) — An arbitrator has ruled that UConn improperly fired former men's basketball coach Kevin Ollie and must pay him more than $11 million, according to Ollie's attorney.

Ollie was fired in March 2018 after the school reported numerous NCAA violations in his program. His attorney said UConn has 10 business days to comply with the arbitration order. 

The school called the decision "nonsensical" but did not say whether it would seek to have the award vacated.

UConn was placed on probation for two years and Ollie was sanctioned individually for those violations, which occurred between 2013 and 2018. 

— The Nebraska men's basketball game at No. 19 Ohio State on Saturday has been postponed because of a COVID-19 outbreak in the Cornhuskers' program. Nebraska said in a statement it would not have the Big Ten minimum of seven scholarship players available. 

NCAA ratifies new constitution, paving way to restructuring

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — NCAA member schools have ratified a new, pared-down constitution. It clears the way for a decentralized approach to governing college sports that will hand more power to schools and conferences. 

The NCAA's three divisions will now be empowered to govern themselves, a move that college sports leaders hope will reduce legal exposure after a resounding rebuke from the Supreme Court last year. 

It means little change for Division II and III, But there could be a massive overhaul in Division I, which has hundreds of big schools and millions of dollars tied closely to football and basketball. 

UNDATED (AP) — The Phoenix Suns were able to improve on their NBA-best record by winning a matchup of hot teams.

The Suns have completed a perfect five-game road trip with a 109-101 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Devin Booker dropped in 28 points and Chris Paul had 20 with 11 assists, helping Phoenix improve to 35-9. Paul's 3-pointer with 19 seconds left gave the Suns a 107-99 lead.

Luka Doncic (DAHN'-chich) had 28 points, Jalen Brunson added 19 and Kristaps Porzingis (KRIHS'-tahps pohr-ZIHN'-gihs) had 18 points and 11 rebounds for the Mavericks. Doncic has scored 20 or more points in nine straight games.

— Keifer Sykes hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:41 left in overtime and a layup the next possession to push the Indiana Pacers past the Golden State Warriors, 121-117. Chris Duarte scored 27 points and the Pacers became the first Eastern Conference team to beat the Warriors. Steph Curry scored 39 but none in overtime, missing a 3 from the top of the arc with 16.5 seconds left.

— Jonas Valanciunas had 18 points and 10 rebounds as the Pelicans dumped the Knicks, 102-91. Josh Hart added 17 points for New Orleans, which opened the second half on a 32-12 run to take a 24-point lead.

UNDATED (AP) — The Chicago Bulls say guard Lonzo Ball will have arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and is expected to be out six to eight weeks. 

Ball has missed three games since a 42-point loss to Golden State last week. He had the same knee scoped in 2018 when he was with the Lakers. 

Ball has been a major contributor in Chicago's rise to the top of the Eastern Conference this season, averaging 13 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists. 

— Nets guard Kyrie Irving has been fined $25,000 by the NBA for cursing at a fan in Cleveland on Monday. He used profanity in reminding the fan that he helped the Cavaliers win the NBA championship in 2016. 

— Brooklyn assistant coach David Vanterpool was fined $10,000 and the Nets were penalized $25,000 by the league for interfering with play in a victory at Washington. Vanterpool reached across the sideline and deflected a pass with 5:42 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Nets' 119-118 victory on Wednesday. 

UNDATED (AP) — The Boston Bruins returned to their winning ways following their 7-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday.

Charlie McAvoy's power-play goal with 45 seconds left was the difference as the Bruins won for the ninth time in their last 11 games, 4-3 versus the Capitals. The man advantage was created when Washington's Nic Dowd was called for throwing his stick with just 2:34 left in the third. 

David Pastrnak scored twice and Patrice Bergeron (pah-TREES' BEHR-zhuh-rahn) also had a goal for the Bruins.

The Capitals rallied from a pair of one-goal deficits but took just 17 shots on Linus (LEE'-nuhs) Ullmark. 

The Panthers are as hot as the Bruins, improving to 9-1-1 in their last 11 with a 6-0 thrashing of the Oilers. Aleksander Barkov had two goals and an assist to back Sergei Bobrovsky, who handled 40 shots in his first shutout of the season. 

Carter Verhaeghe, Anthony Duclair, Sam Bennett and Owen Tippett also scored as Florida handed Edmonton its seventh consecutive loss.

Even hotter are the Avalanche, who rolled to a 4-1 win over the Kings to move to 10-0-1 in their last 11 games. Kiefer Sherwood scored for the first time in nearly three years, and Mikko Rantanen had a power-play goal. Darcy Kuemper made 40 saves as Colorado won the second game back-to-back after defeating Anaheim 2-0.

— Mike Matheson had two goals and an assist as the Penguins won for the 14th time in their last 16 games, 6-4 against the Senators. Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby also scored while the Pens were building a 5-1 lead, but Ottawa got within one before Jake Guentzel (GEHNT'-sul) scored an empty-netter. 

— Ryan Johansen and Mikael Granlund each scored a goal and assisted on another to lead the Predators' first win in five games, 5-2 versus the Jets. Eeli Tolvanen, Luke Kunin and Tanner Jeannot also scored for Nashville, Roman Josi had two assists and Juuse Saros made 36 saves. Josi became the team's all-time assist leader with 357, surpassing David Legwand.

— The Golden Knights pulled out a 4-3 win over the Canadiens on Shea Theodore's overtime goal. The Golden Knights outshot the Canadiens 53-27, with Montreal's Sam Montembeault making 49 saves.

— The Flyers have their second 10-game losing streak of the season after Oliver Bjorkstrand and Patrik Laine scored for the Blue Jackets in a 2-1 victory at Philadelphia. Elvis Merzlikins (murz-LEE'-kihnz) stopped 33 shots and blanked the Flyers until Garrett Mayhew beat him in the third period.

— The Stars ended their seven-game road losing streak by getting two goals and an assist from both Jason Robertson and Tyler Seguin in a 5-4 comeback over the Sabres. Roope Hintz added a goal and an assist, John Klingberg set up three tallies and Braden Holtby made 20 saves as Dallas sent Buffalo to its ninth consecutive home loss.

— Carson Soucy had the first two-goal game of his career and Calle Jarnkrok scored in the third period of the Kraken's 3-2 victory against the Sharks. Seattle won consecutive games for the first time since Nov. 27 and 29. Seattle snapped a nine-game losing streak with a shootout victory over Chicago on Monday. 

Nadal advances to 4th round...Osaka doesn't

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Rafael Nadal has advanced to the fourth round at the Australian Open with a 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 victory over Karen Khachanov. 

The sixth-seeded Nadal is aiming for a men's record 21st Grand Slam singles title. He was facing his first seeded opponent and dropped his first set of the tournament. Nadal struggled in the third set when the 6-foot-6 Russian broke to go up 3-1 before taking the set in 57 minutes on Rod Laver Arena. But the 35-year-old Nadal quickly regained control with two service breaks in the fourth set against the Olympic silver medalist. 

Defending women's champion Naomi Osaka didn't make it to a much-anticipated fourth-round contest against top-ranked Ash Barty. Amanda Anisimova ensured that the so-called final-before-the-final didn't happen when she beat the four-time major champion 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (5). Barty will now face Anisimova for a spot in the quarterfinals after beating 30th-seeded Camila Giorgi 6-2, 6-3. She has conceded only eight games in the first three rounds. 

Two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka reached the fourth round at Melbourne Park for the first time since 2016 after overpowering 15th-seeded Elina Svitolina 6-0, 6-2. She will next play French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova.

Also at the first Grand Slam of the year:

— Fifth seed Maria Sakkari beat Veronika Kudermetova, 6-4, 6-1 to move into a fourth-round match against American Jessica Pegula, who beat Nuria Parrizas Diaz, 7-6, 6-2.

— French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova rallied from a set and a break down against Jelena Ostapenko to win 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 and advance to the fourth round at Melbourne for the first time.

— Olympic gold medalist Alexander Zverev advanced to the fourth round with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 win over Radu Albot, a No. 124-ranked qualifier from Moldova. The third-seeded Zverev finished it off with his third match point in just under two hours. 

— Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini fended off 18-year-old Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz 6-2, 7-6 (3), 4-6, 2-6, 7-6 (5) to reach the fourth round.

MLB's snail-paced lockout talks to resume with union offer

UNDATED (AP) — Locked-out baseball players plan to make a counteroffer to management on Monday, 11 days after clubs gave the union a proposal when snail-paced negotiations resumed following a 42-day break. 

The sides differ on luxury tax thresholds and rates, arbitration eligibility, revenue-sharing level, postseason size, amateur draft changes and other ways to address the union's allegation of improper service time manipulation by clubs.

— The Rays' proposed plan to split the season between Florida and Montreal has been rejected by Major League Baseball. Despite reaching the World Series in 2008 and 2020, the Rays have ranked near the bottom in attendance annually.

— Major League Baseball is expanding its automated strike zone experiment to Triple-A. MLB's website posted a hiring notice seeking seasonal employees to operate the Automated Ball and Strike system. 

UNDATED (AP) — San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan is hopeful that star edge rusher Nick Bosa will be cleared to play in Saturday's NFC playoff game against the Packers in Green Bay.

Bosa left last week's wild-card win at Dallas in the first half with a concussion but has made good progress in his recovery. Bosa returned to practice on a limited basis on Wednesday and was a full participant on Thursday.

— Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay has been charged with criminal damage to property after authorities say he broke some items during an argument. The Kansas City Star reports that an Overland Park, Kansas, police report says Gay broke a vacuum and other items with a total value of $225. The report says no alcohol, drugs or weapons were involved and no one was injured. 

— A woman who had a son with former NFL defensive lineman Norman Hand has been arrested on allegations of defrauding a healthcare fund for retired players and their dependents out of about $60,000. Louisiana State Police spokesman Katherine Stegall says 53-year-old Toni Charles is accused of submitting false claims for Hand's son to the Gene Upshaw NFL Player Reimbursement Account Plan. 

UNDATED (AP) — California football coach Justin Wilcox has signed an extension through the 2027 season. 

Wilcox has a 26-28 record and led the Bears to back-to-back winning seasons and bowl games in 2018 and 2019 for the first time in a decade. 

Cal went 5-7 this season but beat rivals Stanford and Southern California down the stretch.

— Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall will miss spring football practice after offseason surgery. The school announced Thursday that McCall, defensive end Josaiah Stewart and tight end TJ Ivy Jr. will be absent from the workouts that are scheduled to start Feb. 8. All three players are expected to be ready for the regular season. 

ASPEN, Colo. (AP) — The U.S. Olympic team's top doctor says all of the 200-plus athletes heading to Beijing for the Winter Games next month are fully vaccinated, and not a single one asked for a medical exemption.

Chief Medical Officer Jonathan Finnoff told The Associated Press the 21-day quarantine period the IOC is requiring for unvaccinated participants, combined with the education the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee provided, "really resonated with the athletes."

— ESPN has joined the increasing number of media companies that will not be sending reporters to next month's Beijing Games. The network cites continued concerns about rising COVID-19 cases worldwide and China's strict policy about those who test positive. 

— China is limiting the torch relay for the Winter Olympics to only three days amid coronavirus worries. Officials say the flame will be displayed only in enclosed venues that are deemed "safe and controllable." The relay will run from Feb. 2-4. China says only selected spectators will be allowed to attend the events. 

Sports Headlines for Friday

SPRING Hill, Kan.-The Hutchinson Salthawk Boy's Basketball team will match up agains Blue Valley Southwest in the Championship game of the Spring Hill Invitational Friday night at 8:15pm.

This the first Championship game that Hutch High has competed in since 2002 when Hutchinson faced Wichita East in the Tournament of Champions in Dodge City

Join the Eagle Radio broadcast team with the pre-game scheduled to begin at 8:00pm on KWBW radio 1450AM and 98.5 FM or stream audio at <a href="http://kwbwradio.com">kwbwradio.com</a> or with the KWBW app.&nbsp; Video stream of the game will be available on the Hutchinson Channel on the NFHS Network at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/">nfhsnetwork.com.</a>

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

SPRING Hill, Kan.-The Hutchinson Salthawk Boy's Basketball team will match up agains Blue Valley Southwest in the Championship game of the Spring Hill Invitational Friday night at 8:15pm.This the first Championship game that Hutch High has competed in since 2002 when Hutchinson faced Wichita East in the Tournament of Champions in Dodge City<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642751106339.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Join the Eagle Radio broadcast team with the pre-game scheduled to begin at 8:00pm on KWBW radio 1450AM and 98.5 FM or stream audio at <a href="http://kwbwradio.com">kwbwradio.com</a> or with the KWBW app.&nbsp; Video stream of the game will be available on the Hutchinson Channel on the NFHS Network at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/">nfhsnetwork.com.</a><div><iframe src="https://player.nfhsnetwork.com/#/events/hutchinson-high-school-hutchinson-ks/gam6597cc2ad9" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" width="640" height="360"></iframe>
</div><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">C</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">LICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update. &nbsp;&nbsp;

🎥 🏀 Game Day! Hutch High Boy's Basketball vs Blue Valley Southwest for Spring Hill invitational championship

College Heights Christian, Mo. 44, Baxter Springs 39

Uniontown Kenny Holt Memorial Tournament=

Heartland, Mo. 42, Christ Preparatory Academy 33

Topeka Heritage Christian 80, Shawnee Mission Christian 52

Berean Academy 40, Hutchinson Central Christian 29

Wichita Heights 61, Goddard-Eisenhower 22

Lawrence Free State 73, Wichita Bishop Carroll 34

Thursday's ScoresThe Associated Press<h2>GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>BV Northwest 40, Willard, Mo. 27Baldwin 77, Wellsville 9Bluestem 32, Bennington 31Central Plains 59, Macksville 29Erie 48, McAuley Catholic, Mo. 45Hill City 33, Stockton 25Hoxie 60, Ellis 54, 2OTLebo 45, Burlingame 33Norton 64, Plainville 33Oakley 35, Trego 30, OTOxford 46, Caldwell 26South Haven 44, Sedan 35Topeka 59, Topeka Hayden 33Colby Orange and Black Tournament=Colby 35, Ulysses 10Goodland 53, Beloit 15Hays 48, Chanute 32Wichita Life Prep 59, Lamar, Mo. 28Hi-Plains League Tournament=Consolation=Southwestern Hts. 58, Sublette 43Semifinal=Lakin 63, Wichita County 33Hoisington Winter Jam=Victoria 55, Ellinwood 47Pleasanton Invitational=Northeast-Arma 46, Heritage Christian 30Royal Valley Panther Classic=Royal Valley 48, Santa Fe Trail 44Wabaunsee 39, Chapman 30Salina Invitational Tournament=Andover 50, Buhler 18Concordia 41, Wichita West 39Liberal 46, Salina South 22Salina Central 67, Abilene 34Southeast Lancer Classic=Parsons 46, Columbus 27Consolation=College Heights Christian, Mo. 44, Baxter Springs 39Sterling Invitational=Consolation=Kingman 41, Lyons 34Semifinal=Southeast Saline 61, Hugoton 58, OTSterling 63, Scott City 49Uniontown Kenny Holt Memorial Tournament=Prairie View 31, KC Christian 10Uniontown 73, Altoona-Midway 25Yates Center Mid-Season Classic=Iola 20, Crest 18<h2>BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>Hays 63, Liberty, Colo. 34Heartland, Mo. 42, Christ Preparatory Academy 33Hill City 55, Hoxie 27Lebo 40, Burlingame 38Nickerson 45, Larned 32Olathe Northwest 49, Leavenworth 42Russell 73, Smith Center 36SM Northwest 63, BV North 56Topeka Heritage Christian 80, Shawnee Mission Christian 52Vashon, Mo. 75, Wichita West 36Burrton Invitational=Berean Academy 40, Hutchinson Central Christian 29Inman 46, Little River 38Chanute Ralph Miller Classic=Bishop Miege 83, Emporia 41Carthage, Mo. 62, Andover Central 54Chaparral Roadrunner Classic=Circle 53, Wellington 38Clearwater 62, Belle Plaine 40Colby Orange and Black Tournament=Beloit 42, Goodland 23Colby 63, Ulysses 48Olathe North 50, Pine Creek, Colo. 37Dodge City Tournament of Champions=Dodge City 76, Wichita East 47Maize 62, Manhattan 40Wichita Campus 41, Olathe East 40Wichita Heights 61, Goddard-Eisenhower 22El Dorado Bluestem Classic=Great Bend 63, El Dorado 52Halstead Adolph Rupp Invitational=Consolation=Minneapolis 42, Halstead 27Winfield 70, Garden Plain 44Hoisington Winter Jam=Consolation Semifinal=Cimarron 61, La Crosse 37Victoria 42, Otis-Bison 38McPherson Invitational=Lawrence Free State 73, Wichita Bishop Carroll 34McPherson 51, Derby 48St. James Academy 68, Wichita North 31Topeka Seaman 63, Blue Valley 55Nemaha Central Thunder Classic=Atchison 58, St. Mary's Academy 41Nemaha Central 49, Hiawatha 45Royal Valley Panther Classic=Royal Valley 73, Santa Fe Trail 47Wabaunsee 73, Chapman 31Salina Invitational Tournament=Andover 74, Liberal 45Buhler 60, Salina South 38Wichita South 59, Concordia 43Salina South Invitational=Wichita South 59, Concordia 43SM West Viking Classic=Consolation=Grandview, Mo. 57, SM West 47Semifinal=Shawnee Heights 73, Lansing 54Spring Hill Invitational Tournament=Semi-final=Hutchinson 50, Olathe South 35Blue Valley SW 67, Glendale 34St. John Mid-Winter Classic=Consolation=Reno County 59, Central Plains 45Sterling Invitational=Consolation=Smoky Valley 49, Hutchinson Trinity 38Semifinal=Hugoton 64, Southeast Saline 53Sterling 57, Kingman 53Tonganoxie Invitational=Consolation=Tonganoxie 53, Wamego 52, OTSemifinal=Bonner Springs 50, Holton 38DeSoto 52, Eudora 33Tony Dubray (Mo.) Classic=Semifinal=Pittsburg Colgan 57, Thomas Jefferson, Mo. 36Topeka Invitational Tournament=Highland Park 65, SM North 57St. Mary's 52, Topeka 51Topeka West 59, Lawrence 57Wichita Northwest 63, Topeka Hayden 46Twin Valley Tournament=Axtell 60, Blue Valley 31Centralia 52, Frankfort 43Clifton-Clyde 68, Wetmore 51Hanover 48, Troy 40Uniontown Tournament=KC Christian 66, Prairie View 54Uniontown 46, Altoona-Midway 31Valley Center January Jam=Garden City 73, Coffeyville 53Maize South 64, Wichita Southeast 57Wilson County Classic=Fredonia 50, Eureka 34Yates Center Mid-Season Classic=Semifinal=Humboldt 43, Anderson County 35

🏀 Prep Scores from Thursday

SPRING HILL, Kan.-The Hutchinson Salthawks Boy's basketball team built a big lead in the 1st quarter 15-9, then saw it disappear to trail 22-20 to Olathe South, but got a big 3pt. basked right before half to lead 23-22. &nbsp;That was the wake-up call that the Salthawks needed as they pulled away from the Falcons in the 2nd half to win their 3rd game in a row 50-35 over Olathe South in the 2nd round of the Spring Hill Invitational Thursday night.

Hutchinson was led by Nic Langeand Garrett Robertson &nbsp;with 14 points each. Lange's big night included 6 straight free throws in the 2nd half. Dauntay King with another strong performance with 10 points.

Hutchinson is now 5-5 on the season while Olathe South falls to 7-3.

Hutchinson will play Blue Valley South West who defeated Glendale, Missouri 67 to 34 in the other semi-final game. That game will tip off at 8:15pm on Friday night.

SPRING HILL, Kan.-The Hutchinson Salthawks Boy's basketball team built a big lead in the 1st quarter 15-9, then saw it disappear to trail 22-20 to Olathe South, but got a big 3pt. basked right before half to lead 23-22. &nbsp;That was the wake-up call that the Salthawks needed as they pulled away from the Falcons in the 2nd half to win their 3rd game in a row 50-35 over Olathe South in the 2nd round of the Spring Hill Invitational Thursday night.Hutchinson was led by Nic Langeand Garrett Robertson &nbsp;with 14 points each. Lange's big night included 6 straight free throws in the 2nd half. Dauntay King with another strong performance with 10 points.Hutchinson is now 5-5 on the season while Olathe South falls to 7-3.Hutchinson will play Blue Valley South West who defeated Glendale, Missouri 67 to 34 in the other semi-final game. That game will tip off at 8:15pm on Friday night.

🏀 Hutch High 50, Olathe South 35. Hutch advances to Spring Hill Invitational Championship

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay was charged with misdemeanor criminal damage to property after he broke a vacuum and other items during an argument, putting his status for Sunday's divisional round playoff game against the Buffalo Bills in question

Gay pleaded not guilty Thursday and was expected to be released from jail later in the day.

Police in the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park, Kansas, said the 23-year-old Gay was arrested Wednesday night. The total of damaged property amounted to $225, police said.

No drugs, alcohol or weapons were involved and no one was injured, police said.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay has been charged with misdemeanor criminal damage to property after he broke a vacuum and other items during an argument, authorities said.

Gay, 23, was arrested Wednesday night in Overland Park, Kansas, and had a court date scheduled for Thursday afternoon.

Overland Park police said in an offense report that Gay damaged a vacuum and other property, causing total property damage of $225, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article257529423.html">reported</a>.

Gay's agents, Maxx Lepsettler and Ryan Rubin, said in a statement that Gay was visiting his son when he got into an argument with the child's mother, who called police.

The agents said Gay would likely pay a fine and replace the vacuum and “all should be resolved today with no further issues.”

The Chiefs, who play the Buffalo Bills in the playoffs on Sunday, said they were aware of the incident but did not plan to make further comment.

Gay, in his second season with the Chiefs, has played in 12 games this season, totaling 48 tackles and two interceptions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642726509970.png" alt="Gay-photo Johnson County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Gay-photo Johnson County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay was charged with misdemeanor criminal damage to property after he broke a vacuum and other items during an argument, putting his status for Sunday's divisional round playoff game against the Buffalo Bills in questionGay pleaded not guilty Thursday and was expected to be released from jail later in the day.Police in the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park, Kansas, said the 23-year-old Gay was arrested Wednesday night. The total of damaged property amounted to $225, police said.No drugs, alcohol or weapons were involved and no one was injured, police said.----------OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay has been charged with misdemeanor criminal damage to property after he broke a vacuum and other items during an argument, authorities said.Gay, 23, was arrested Wednesday night in Overland Park, Kansas, and had a court date scheduled for Thursday afternoon.Overland Park police said in an offense report that Gay damaged a vacuum and other property, causing total property damage of $225, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article257529423.html">reported</a>.No drugs, alcohol or weapons were involved and no one was injured, police said.Gay's agents, Maxx Lepsettler and Ryan Rubin, said in a statement that Gay was visiting his son when he got into an argument with the child's mother, who called police.The agents said Gay would likely pay a fine and replace the vacuum and “all should be resolved today with no further issues.”The Chiefs, who play the Buffalo Bills in the playoffs on Sunday, said they were aware of the incident but did not plan to make further comment.Gay, in his second season with the Chiefs, has played in 12 games this season, totaling 48 tackles and two interceptions.

Chiefs linebacker enters plea for misdemeanor criminal damage

SPRING Hill, Kan.-The Hutchinson Salthawk Boy's Basketball team will travel back to Spring Hill, Kansas to take on the Olathe South Falcons in the semi-final action from the Spring Hill Invitational today at 6:30pm.

Join the Eagle Radio broadcast team with the pre-game scheduled to begin at 6:15pm.&nbsp; Video stream of the game will be available on the Hutchinson Channel on the NFHS Network at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/">nfhsnetwork.com.</a>

SPRING Hill, Kan.-The Hutchinson Salthawk Boy's Basketball team will travel back to Spring Hill, Kansas to take on the Olathe South Falcons in the semi-final action from the Spring Hill Invitational today at 6:30pm.Join the Eagle Radio broadcast team with the pre-game scheduled to begin at 6:15pm.&nbsp; Video stream of the game will be available on the Hutchinson Channel on the NFHS Network at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/">nfhsnetwork.com.</a><div><iframe src="https://player.nfhsnetwork.com/#/events/hutchinson-high-school-hutchinson-ks/gamb0f483ed50" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" width="640" height="360"></iframe>
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🎥 🏀 Game Day! Hutch High Boy's Basketball vs Olathe South  in semi-finals of Spring Hill Invitational

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<div><iframe title="Eagle Radio Sports for Thursday Morning" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=h6bax-1184200-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=auto&btn-skin=7"></iframe></div><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">C</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">LICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Eagle Radio Sports for Thursday Morning

KC Bishop Ward 49, Bishop Seabury Academy 47

Southeast Saline 62, Hutchinson Trinity 33

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Wednesday's ScoresThe Associated Press<h2>BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>Baldwin Invitational=KC Bishop Ward 49, Bishop Seabury Academy 47KC Harmon 84, Wellsville 52Chanute Ralph Miller Classic=Bishop Miege 72, Chanute 47Carthage, Mo. 80, SM South 72Chaparral Roadrunner Classic=Chaparral 50, Mulvane 43Oskaloosa Invitational=Perry-Lecompton 70, Oskaloosa 46Sterling Invitational=Hugoton 51, Smoky Valley 49Southeast Saline 62, Hutchinson Trinity 33Twin Valley League Tournament=Consolation=Doniphan West 57, Valley Heights 54Onaga 45, Washington County 42<h2>GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>Blue Valley 58, KC Piper 23Smoky Valley 43, Hutchinson Trinity 23Spring Hill 40, Louisburg 32Bobcat Classic=First Round=Olathe North 83, Northeast-Arma 12Sterling Invitational=Hugoton 61, Lyons 31Southeast Saline 52, Kingman 39Twin Valley League Tournament=Consolation=Blue Valley 46, Onaga 37Washington County 57, Wetmore 34___<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">C</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">LICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

🏀 Prep scores from Wednesday

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

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) — Ron Harper Jr. scored 15 points including two free throws with two seconds remaining to lift Rutgers to a 48-46 win over Iowa. Harper was fouled by Keegan Murray as he tried to find a way through the Hawkeyes' perimeter defense. After his free throws and a timeout, Connor McCaffery threw a long inbounds pass to Murray, who made the catch in a crowd but had his 3-point try fall short. Clifford Omoruyi grabbed 14 rebounds for Rutgers. Murray finished with 13 points but on 5-of-14 shooting and had 13 rebounds. Patrick McCaffery was 4 of 12 from the floor for 11 points. Filip Rebraca had 10 rebounds with eight points.&nbsp;

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Alex O'Connell scored a career-high 28 points on 6-for-9 shooting and grabbed seven rebounds and Creighton beat St. John's 87-64. The Blue Jays scored a season-high 49 points before halftime. Julian Champagnie had 17 points for the Red Storm.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Terry Roberts had 18 points and Rienk Mast scored 17 and grabbed eight rebounds and Bradley beat Drake 83-71. Tucker DeVries had 17 points for the Bulldogs.

AMES, Iowa (AP) — DeYona Gaston scored 14 points and No. 15 Texas rolled to a 66-48 victory over short-handed No. 7 Iowa State. The Cyclones were missing sisters Aubrey and Ashley Joens due to Big 12 health and safety protocols. Ashley Jones is Iowa State's leading scorer, with 20.3 points per game, and rebounder, 9.5. Aubrey contributes 9.4 points and 6.9 rebounds. Texas (13-3, 3-2 Big 12) took advantage, holding the Cyclones (16-2, 5-1) to 28% shooting. Gaston hit six of nine shots and also grabbed five rebounds. Emily Ryan led Iowa State with 19 points. Lexi Donarski added 14 points.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — Isiaih Mosley tossed in 24 points and Gaige Prim added a double-double as Missouri State rolled past Illinois State 88-63. Prim finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Bears (14-6, 5-2 Missouri Valley Conference). Mark Freeman had 19 points for the Redbirds (9-9, 2-3).&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jerick McKinnon probably shouldn't have been surprised to spend all season buried on the Chiefs depth chart. The journeyman running back had been passed over plenty of times before. But he also wasn't surprised when he finally made the most of his chance in a wild-card win over the Steelers. He carried 12 times for 61 yards, caught six passes for 81 yards and a score and gained more yards from scrimmage than anybody else in the playoffs last weekend. It was the latest starring turn for an unsung player on a team that has plenty of high-profile talent.

UNDATED (AP) — Joel Embiid tied his career high for points in a game despite playing just 27 minutes.

Embiid torched the Orlando Magic for 50 points as the Philadelphia 76ers coasted to a 123-110 victory. He also had 12 rebounds and three blocks while making 17 of 23 field goals and 15 of 17 free throws. The four-time All-Star and MVP candidate played just 58 seconds of the fourth quarter.

Tobias Harris added 21 points in the 76ers' ninth win in 11 games.

Checking out Wednesday's other NBA action:

— Giannis Antetokounmpo had 33 points and 15 rebounds for the Bucks in a 126-114 decision over the Grizzlies. Khris Middleton chipped in 27 points against the short-handed Grizzlies, who were without Dillon Brooks and Desmond Bane in losing for the second time in 14 games. Ja Morant had 33 points and 14 assists, and Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 29 for Memphis in the opener of a four-game road swing.

— The Bulls halted their four-game skid by closing on a 14-2 run to beat the Cavaliers, 117-104. DeMar DeRozan scored 30 points and Nikola Vucevic added 24 points and 12 rebounds to the victory. Cleveland pulled within 103-102 on a 3-pointer by former Bulls player Lauri Markkanen and free throw by Isaac Okoro.

— Kyrie Irving scored 22 of his 30 points in the first half of the Nets' 119-118 win at Washington. LaMarcus Aldridge added 27 points for Brooklyn, which led by as many as 16. James Harden had 18 in helping the Nets win for only the fifth time in their last 12 games and snap a four-game losing streak at Washington.

— Caleb Martin dropped in 26 points and Bam Adebayo added 20 with 11 rebounds in the Heat's 104-92 victory over the Trail Blazers. Max Strus scored 15 points for Miami, including a 3-pointer that put the Heat up 10 with 2:01 remaining. Kyle Lowry missed the game for personal reasons and Tyler Herro entered the NBA's health and safety protocols on Wednesday.

— Garrison Mathews furnished 23 points, including five 3-pointers in the Rockets' third win in four games, 116-111 versus the Jazz. Jae'sean Tate contributed 18 points and Eric Gordon scored 16. Bojan Bogdanovic had a team-high 29 points and Rudy Gobert had 23 points and nine rebounds for Utah.

— Luka Doncic scored a season-high 41 points, including a clutch 3-pointer with 1:01 to play in the Mavericks' 102-98 downing of the Raptors. Doncic also tied a season best with 14 rebounds and Kristaps Porzingis contributed 18 points and seven boards. Dallas has won four straight and 10 of 11.

— Nikola Jokic notched his third straight triple-double with 49 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists as the Nuggets outlasted the Clippers, 130-128 in overtime. Jokic completed his 10th triple-double of the season by feeding Aaron Gordon for a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 1.9 seconds left. Gordon made his fourth 3 of the game to give him 28 points.

— The Hornets earned a 111-102 win over the Celtics as LaMelo Ball recorded a triple double with 15 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Terry Rozier had a team-high 28 points, Miles Bridges had 22 and Kelly Oubre Jr. added 18 in the Hornets' ninth win in 12 games. Dennis Schröder paced Boston with 24 points, but Jayson Tatum had just 12 on 5 of 19 shooting.

— The Pacers won for just the second time in 12 games as Caris LeVert provided 22 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter of a 111-104 victory against the Lakers. Domantas Sabonis had 20 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists as the Pacers snapped their four-game losing streak. LeBron James finished with 30 points and 12 boards, including the 10,000th rebound of his career.

— Dejounte Murray recorded his eighth triple-double of the season by delivering 23 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds in the Spurs' 118-96 rout of the Thunder. McDermott scored 20 points and Devin Vassell had 19 for San Antonio, which hit 15 3-pointers.

— Trae Young scored 23 of his 37 points in the third quarter to sparking the Hawks' comeback in a 134-122 decision over the Timberwolves. Young also had 14 assists and Atlanta opened the second half with a 20-2 run after Minnesota carried a 73-61 lead into halftime. De'Andre Hunter had 22 points for Atlanta and D'Angelo Russell led Minnesota with 31 points.

— Cory Joseph made a 14-foot jumper with 25.9 seconds remaining to cap a game-ending 11-0 run that rallied the Pistons past the Kings. 133-131. Saddiq Bey had 30 points and seven rebounds to help the Pistons (11-33) win their fourth in seven games. 

Nuggets to get Forbes from Spurs in 3-team trade 

UNDATED (AP) — Three NBA teams shuffled their rosters through one trade that was completed on Wednesday.

The Nuggets acquired veteran wing player Bryn Forbes from San Antonio, the Spurs received Juancho Hernangomez from Boston and the Celtics picked up injured players Bol Bol and P.J. Dozier from Denver.

UNDATED (AP) — Wednesday's top-25 men's basketball schedule included a pair of upsets.

Justin Lewis buried a 3 from the top of the arc with 11.5 seconds left to send Marquette to a 57-54 win over No. 11 Villanova. The bucket ended the Wildcats' 29-game on-campus winning streak. 

Lewis hit five 3s and scored 21 points for the Golden Eagles.

Alabama has handed 13th-ranked LSU its second straight loss.

Keon Ellis made two free throws with 5 seconds left as the Crimson Tide held off the Tigers, 70-67. The Tide led by eight with 1:08 remaining, but Brandon Murray hit two free throws and a 3-pointer to help LSU get within 68-67.

Jaden Shackelford led the 12-6 Crimson Tide with 26 points, while Jahvon Quinerly scored 17.

Also on the top-25 men's basketball slate:

— Walker Kessler had 15 points and six blocked shots to lead a half-dozen scorers in double figures for No. 2 Auburn in an 83-60 rout of Georgia. The 17-1 Tigers built a 25-point halftime lead and earned their 14th straight win, tying David for the nation's longest current streak. Auburn is 6-0 in the SEC for the first time in 63 years.

— Sahvir Wheeler scored 12 points and No. 12 Kentucky used a strong second half to outlast Texas A&amp;M, 64-58. The victory extends Kentucky's winning streak to four games and snaps an eight-game winning streak for the Aggies.

— Jack Nunge provided 15 of his 23 points in the second half, and No. 20 Xavier rallied for a 68-67 victory over DePaul. Colby Jones had 13 points for the 14-3 Musketeers, who trailed by as many as 12. Paul Scruggs finished with eight points and seven assists.

NBC keeping announcers, most hosts home for Olympics

UNDATED (AP) — NBC will have a smaller presence in Beijing next month.

The network will not be sending its announcers and most hosts to the Beijing Olympics due to continued concerns about rising COVID-19 cases worldwide and China's strict policy about those who test positive.

NBC Sports spokesman Greg Hughes said in a phone interview the network no longer plans to send announcing teams for alpine skiing, figure skating and snowboarding to China. Those had been among the handful of announcers expected to travel, but NBC's plans changed over the past couple of weeks.

It is the second straight Games for which the broadcast teams will work mostly out of NBC Sports headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, rather than the host city.

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett is returning for another season after leading the Bulldogs to their first national championship in 41 years.

<h2>Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press</h2>PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) — Ron Harper Jr. scored 15 points including two free throws with two seconds remaining to lift Rutgers to a 48-46 win over Iowa. Harper was fouled by Keegan Murray as he tried to find a way through the Hawkeyes' perimeter defense. After his free throws and a timeout, Connor McCaffery threw a long inbounds pass to Murray, who made the catch in a crowd but had his 3-point try fall short. Clifford Omoruyi grabbed 14 rebounds for Rutgers. Murray finished with 13 points but on 5-of-14 shooting and had 13 rebounds. Patrick McCaffery was 4 of 12 from the floor for 11 points. Filip Rebraca had 10 rebounds with eight points.&nbsp;OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Alex O'Connell scored a career-high 28 points on 6-for-9 shooting and grabbed seven rebounds and Creighton beat St. John's 87-64. The Blue Jays scored a season-high 49 points before halftime. Julian Champagnie had 17 points for the Red Storm.DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Terry Roberts had 18 points and Rienk Mast scored 17 and grabbed eight rebounds and Bradley beat Drake 83-71. Tucker DeVries had 17 points for the Bulldogs.AMES, Iowa (AP) — DeYona Gaston scored 14 points and No. 15 Texas rolled to a 66-48 victory over short-handed No. 7 Iowa State. The Cyclones were missing sisters Aubrey and Ashley Joens due to Big 12 health and safety protocols. Ashley Jones is Iowa State's leading scorer, with 20.3 points per game, and rebounder, 9.5. Aubrey contributes 9.4 points and 6.9 rebounds. Texas (13-3, 3-2 Big 12) took advantage, holding the Cyclones (16-2, 5-1) to 28% shooting. Gaston hit six of nine shots and also grabbed five rebounds. Emily Ryan led Iowa State with 19 points. Lexi Donarski added 14 points.SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — Isiaih Mosley tossed in 24 points and Gaige Prim added a double-double as Missouri State rolled past Illinois State 88-63. Prim finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Bears (14-6, 5-2 Missouri Valley Conference). Mark Freeman had 19 points for the Redbirds (9-9, 2-3).&nbsp;KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jerick McKinnon probably shouldn't have been surprised to spend all season buried on the Chiefs depth chart. The journeyman running back had been passed over plenty of times before. But he also wasn't surprised when he finally made the most of his chance in a wild-card win over the Steelers. He carried 12 times for 61 yards, caught six passes for 81 yards and a score and gained more yards from scrimmage than anybody else in the playoffs last weekend. It was the latest starring turn for an unsung player on a team that has plenty of high-profile talent.<h2>Update on the latest sports</h2>NBA-SCHEDULESixers win behind Embiid's 50 UNDATED (AP) — Joel Embiid tied his career high for points in a game despite playing just 27 minutes.Embiid torched the Orlando Magic for 50 points as the Philadelphia 76ers coasted to a 123-110 victory. He also had 12 rebounds and three blocks while making 17 of 23 field goals and 15 of 17 free throws. The four-time All-Star and MVP candidate played just 58 seconds of the fourth quarter.Tobias Harris added 21 points in the 76ers' ninth win in 11 games.Checking out Wednesday's other NBA action:— Giannis Antetokounmpo had 33 points and 15 rebounds for the Bucks in a 126-114 decision over the Grizzlies. Khris Middleton chipped in 27 points against the short-handed Grizzlies, who were without Dillon Brooks and Desmond Bane in losing for the second time in 14 games. Ja Morant had 33 points and 14 assists, and Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 29 for Memphis in the opener of a four-game road swing.— The Bulls halted their four-game skid by closing on a 14-2 run to beat the Cavaliers, 117-104. DeMar DeRozan scored 30 points and Nikola Vucevic added 24 points and 12 rebounds to the victory. Cleveland pulled within 103-102 on a 3-pointer by former Bulls player Lauri Markkanen and free throw by Isaac Okoro.— Kyrie Irving scored 22 of his 30 points in the first half of the Nets' 119-118 win at Washington. LaMarcus Aldridge added 27 points for Brooklyn, which led by as many as 16. James Harden had 18 in helping the Nets win for only the fifth time in their last 12 games and snap a four-game losing streak at Washington.— Caleb Martin dropped in 26 points and Bam Adebayo added 20 with 11 rebounds in the Heat's 104-92 victory over the Trail Blazers. Max Strus scored 15 points for Miami, including a 3-pointer that put the Heat up 10 with 2:01 remaining. Kyle Lowry missed the game for personal reasons and Tyler Herro entered the NBA's health and safety protocols on Wednesday.— Garrison Mathews furnished 23 points, including five 3-pointers in the Rockets' third win in four games, 116-111 versus the Jazz. Jae'sean Tate contributed 18 points and Eric Gordon scored 16. Bojan Bogdanovic had a team-high 29 points and Rudy Gobert had 23 points and nine rebounds for Utah.— Luka Doncic scored a season-high 41 points, including a clutch 3-pointer with 1:01 to play in the Mavericks' 102-98 downing of the Raptors. Doncic also tied a season best with 14 rebounds and Kristaps Porzingis contributed 18 points and seven boards. Dallas has won four straight and 10 of 11.— Nikola Jokic notched his third straight triple-double with 49 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists as the Nuggets outlasted the Clippers, 130-128 in overtime. Jokic completed his 10th triple-double of the season by feeding Aaron Gordon for a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 1.9 seconds left. Gordon made his fourth 3 of the game to give him 28 points.— The Hornets earned a 111-102 win over the Celtics as LaMelo Ball recorded a triple double with 15 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Terry Rozier had a team-high 28 points, Miles Bridges had 22 and Kelly Oubre Jr. added 18 in the Hornets' ninth win in 12 games. Dennis Schröder paced Boston with 24 points, but Jayson Tatum had just 12 on 5 of 19 shooting.— The Pacers won for just the second time in 12 games as Caris LeVert provided 22 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter of a 111-104 victory against the Lakers. Domantas Sabonis had 20 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists as the Pacers snapped their four-game losing streak. LeBron James finished with 30 points and 12 boards, including the 10,000th rebound of his career.— Dejounte Murray recorded his eighth triple-double of the season by delivering 23 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds in the Spurs' 118-96 rout of the Thunder. McDermott scored 20 points and Devin Vassell had 19 for San Antonio, which hit 15 3-pointers.— Trae Young scored 23 of his 37 points in the third quarter to sparking the Hawks' comeback in a 134-122 decision over the Timberwolves. Young also had 14 assists and Atlanta opened the second half with a 20-2 run after Minnesota carried a 73-61 lead into halftime. De'Andre Hunter had 22 points for Atlanta and D'Angelo Russell led Minnesota with 31 points.— Cory Joseph made a 14-foot jumper with 25.9 seconds remaining to cap a game-ending 11-0 run that rallied the Pistons past the Kings. 133-131. Saddiq Bey had 30 points and seven rebounds to help the Pistons (11-33) win their fourth in seven games. NBA-NEWSNuggets to get Forbes from Spurs in 3-team trade UNDATED (AP) — Three NBA teams shuffled their rosters through one trade that was completed on Wednesday.The Nuggets acquired veteran wing player Bryn Forbes from San Antonio, the Spurs received Juancho Hernangomez from Boston and the Celtics picked up injured players Bol Bol and P.J. Dozier from Denver.T25 MEN'S BASKETBALL-SCHEDULEVillanova, LSU fallUNDATED (AP) — Wednesday's top-25 men's basketball schedule included a pair of upsets.Justin Lewis buried a 3 from the top of the arc with 11.5 seconds left to send Marquette to a 57-54 win over No. 11 Villanova. The bucket ended the Wildcats' 29-game on-campus winning streak. Lewis hit five 3s and scored 21 points for the Golden Eagles.Eric Dixon led Villanova with 15 points.Alabama has handed 13th-ranked LSU its second straight loss.Keon Ellis made two free throws with 5 seconds left as the Crimson Tide held off the Tigers, 70-67. The Tide led by eight with 1:08 remaining, but Brandon Murray hit two free throws and a 3-pointer to help LSU get within 68-67.Jaden Shackelford led the 12-6 Crimson Tide with 26 points, while Jahvon Quinerly scored 17.Murray scored 19 points for the Tigers.Also on the top-25 men's basketball slate:— Walker Kessler had 15 points and six blocked shots to lead a half-dozen scorers in double figures for No. 2 Auburn in an 83-60 rout of Georgia. The 17-1 Tigers built a 25-point halftime lead and earned their 14th straight win, tying David for the nation's longest current streak. Auburn is 6-0 in the SEC for the first time in 63 years.— Sahvir Wheeler scored 12 points and No. 12 Kentucky used a strong second half to outlast Texas A&amp;M, 64-58. The victory extends Kentucky's winning streak to four games and snaps an eight-game winning streak for the Aggies.— Jack Nunge provided 15 of his 23 points in the second half, and No. 20 Xavier rallied for a 68-67 victory over DePaul. Colby Jones had 13 points for the 14-3 Musketeers, who trailed by as many as 12. Paul Scruggs finished with eight points and seven assists.OLYMPICS-NBCNBC keeping announcers, most hosts home for OlympicsUNDATED (AP) — NBC will have a smaller presence in Beijing next month.The network will not be sending its announcers and most hosts to the Beijing Olympics due to continued concerns about rising COVID-19 cases worldwide and China's strict policy about those who test positive.NBC Sports spokesman Greg Hughes said in a phone interview the network no longer plans to send announcing teams for alpine skiing, figure skating and snowboarding to China. Those had been among the handful of announcers expected to travel, but NBC's plans changed over the past couple of weeks.It is the second straight Games for which the broadcast teams will work mostly out of NBC Sports headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, rather than the host city.COLLEGE FOOTBALL-GEORGIA-BENNETTBennett staying in AthensATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett is returning for another season after leading the Bulldogs to their first national championship in 41 years.Bennett began his Georgia career as a walk-on. He then transferred to a Mississippi junior college before returning to the Bulldogs. As a senior in 2021, Bennett replaced JT Daniels as the starter and then kept the job.Bennett will take advantage of the NCAA's "Super Senior" rule to use the added year of eligibility granted in 2020 because of the pandemic.NFL-NEWSMayfield has surgeryUNDATED (AP) — Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield had successful surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Mayfield initially was hurt in Week 2 and continued to play while wearing a protective harness. His uneven season has led to speculation the Browns might look for another quarterback. However, last week general manager Andrew Berry said the team is confident Mayfield will bounce back. Mayfield said the surgery "went great" and that he's looking forward to "the road to recovery.In other NFL news:— Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians says he'll appeal a $50,000 fine imposed by the NFL for slapping the helmet of one of his players during last Sunday's 31-15 NFC wild-card playoff victory over the Eagles. Arians said he was trying to prevent safety Andrew Adams from drawing a penalty for pulling players out of a pile when he stepped a short distance off the sideline and struck the player's helmet with his hand before trying to push Adams away from Eagles players. Arians said on Monday that he didn't feel he had done anything wrong.NHL-SCHEDULEBlueshirts top LeafsUNDATED (AP) — The New York Rangers won for the seventh time in nine games by erasing a pair of two-goal deficits against Toronto. Ryan Strome scored the tiebreaking goal midway through the third period of the Rangers' 6-3 victory over the Maple Leafs. Ryan Reaves scored twice and Adam Fox had two goals and an assist as the Rangers reclaimed the Metropolitan Division lead by two points over Carolina. The Hurricanes have four games in hand.Mitch Marner had a goal and an assist for the Leafs, who are 2-2-1 since a four-game winning streak.Elsewhere on NHL ice:— The Avalanche ran their point streak to 10 games as Pavel Francouz made 34 saves for his second career shutout, a 2-0 decision over the Ducks. Nazem Kadri had a goal and an assist as Colorado moved to 15-1-2 in its last 18 games.— The Coyotes posted a 4-1 win over the Devils as Lawson Crouse scored a goal and added an assist. Dysin Mayo, Travis Boyd and Johan Larsson also scored Karel Vejmelka made 35 saves in Arizona's third win in five games.NHL-NEWSNHL reschedules games, season set to end on time April 29UNDATED (AP) — Despite postponing more than 100 games for coronavirus-related reasons, the NHL is still on track to complete the regular season on time by the end of April.While it came at the expense of players competing in the Beijing Olympics, the new schedule keeps the top hockey league in the world on pace to award the Stanley Cup before July 1.The NHL has revealed new dates for 98 postponed games, keeping the initial target date of April 29 for the end of the regular season. A total of 104 games have been postponed this season, including dozens linked to attendance restrictions in Canada.In other NHL news:— Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov has been suspended two games for kneeing Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers (nih-koh-ly EE'-lurz) during Tuesday's game. Orlov was not penalized for the knee-on-knee hit late in regulation of the Capitals' game against the Jets. Ehlers was injured on the play and is considered out indefinitely. TENNIS-AUSTRALIAN OPENMuguruza knocked out in MelbourneMELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu has lost 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 to Danka Kovinic in the second round of the Australian Open. Raducanu won the U.S. Open as a qualifier last September in just her second main draw appearance at a major. She entered the Australian Open as the 17th seed and beat 2017 U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens in the first round. Raducanu had treatment for what appeared to be blisters on her right hand after five games and against after the second set. No. 98 Kovinic took full advantage and reached the third round of a major for the first time.Also at Melbourne:— Andy Murray is out of the Australian Open two days after posting his first win at the season-opening tennis Grand Slam tournament in five years. The former No. 1-ranked Murray lost to 120th-ranked Taro Daniel 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in the second round.— Fourth-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas has advanced to the third round of the Australian Open with a 7-6 (1), 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4 win over Sebastian Baez in a match featuring two former junior world No. 1 players.— Sam Stosur has finished her 20th and last Australian Open in the singles main draw. The 2011 U.S. Open champion lost her second-round match 6-2, 6-2 to No. 10-seeded Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, her sometimes doubles partner.— Second-seeded Aryna Sabalenka shrugged off a shaky serve and 19 double-faults to beat Wang Xinyu 1-6, 6-4, 6-2 and advance to the third round of the Australian Open. — No. 3 Garbiñe Muguruza has become the highest-seeded player to lose a match at this year's Australian Open, bounced in the second round by Alize Cornet 6-3, 6-3. Muguruza is a two-time Grand Slam champion and was the runner-up at Melbourne Park in 2020.UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN-DOCTOR ASSAULT SETTLEMENTU. of Michigan reaches $490M settlement over sexual abuseUNDATED (AP) — The University of Michigan has announced a $490 million settlement with more than 1,000 people who say they were sexually assaulted by a sports doctor during his nearly four-decade career at the school.The university said 1,050 people will share in the financial settlement, the latest in several large payouts made by American universities following accusations of repeated sexual abuse by employees. Individuals and their attorneys will determine how to split $460 million, with no input from the university, the school said in a statement. An additional $30 million will be set aside for future claims.Board of Regents Chair Jordan Acker told reporters that the settlement reached Tuesday night will resolve all survivor claims.NCAA-TRANSGENDER ATHLETESNCAA maps out approach for transgender athletesUNDATED (AP) — The NCAA has adopted a sport-by-sport approach for transgender athletes, bringing the organization in line with the U.S. and International Olympic Committees.Under the new guidelines, approved by the NCAA Board of Governors on Wednesday, transgender participation for each sport will be determined by the policy for the sport's national governing body, subject to review and recommendation by an NCAA committee to the Board of Governors.When there is no national governing body, that sport's international federation policy would be in place. 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