LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks fought off the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks, 80-72, inside Allen Fieldhouse on Saturday night, led by 21 points from junior Christian Braun.

Kansas improves to 9-1 on the season while Stephen F. Austin falls to 8-4, including their second-straight loss. The Jayhawks shot 48.1 percent (26-of-54) from the floor in the game, while the Lumberjacks shot a season-high 53.4 percent (31-of-58).

Kansas outlasted Stephen F. Austin down the stretch, led by Braun’s 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting from the field. Braun was joined in double-figures by senior Ochai Agbaji (18 points), senior Remy Martin (15 points) and Jalen Wilson (10 points).

Agbaji started the scoring with a 3-pointer on Kansas’ opening possession, and the Jayhawks would use his hot hand throughout the first half.

Leading 9-7 in the opening minutes, Agbaji received a pass from junior Christian Braun in transition, which Agbaji nailed for his second 3-pointer of the game. On the next possession, Agbaji would sink his third of the game from deep, giving KU a 15-7 lead. The Jayhawks would build on the momentum and go on a 10-0 run to give KU a 19-7 advantage with 11:13 remaining.

Despite Kansas’ lead, they were unable to pull away as the Lumberjacks went on a 10-0 run to bring the game to a tie at 23 a-piece with 5:35 to go in the first half. The Jayhawks would go on a 9-0 run of their own late in the half to take a halftime lead of 38-31. Agbaji led all scorers at the break with 11 points.

The second half remained tight until the Jayhawks reclaimed its advantage by as many as nine at 65-57, when they went on a 9-2 run with 7:33 remaining. The two teams would trade punches over the next four minutes, with Stephen F. Austin clawing to within one point at 67-66 with 3:46 to go.

With the Jayhawks leading 73-70, Martin connected on a 3-pointer with the shot clock running down to put KU ahead, 76-70 with 34 seconds remaining.

Following a Lumberjacks fast-break layup, redshirt sophomore Dajuan Harris was sent to the line where he connected on a pair of free throws to make it 78-72 with 26 seconds remaining in the game. The Jayhawks would go on to defeat the Lumberjacks, 80-72.

The Jayhawks will hit the road for one last road contest of 2021, taking on the Colorado Buffaloes on December 21 in Boulder, Colorado. Kansas will return home to host Harvard on December 29 at Allen Fieldhouse.

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LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks fought off the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks, 80-72, inside Allen Fieldhouse on Saturday night, led by 21 points from junior Christian Braun.Kansas improves to 9-1 on the season while Stephen F. Austin falls to 8-4, including their second-straight loss. The Jayhawks shot 48.1 percent (26-of-54) from the floor in the game, while the Lumberjacks shot a season-high 53.4 percent (31-of-58).Kansas outlasted Stephen F. Austin down the stretch, led by Braun’s 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting from the field. Braun was joined in double-figures by senior Ochai Agbaji (18 points), senior Remy Martin (15 points) and Jalen Wilson (10 points).Agbaji started the scoring with a 3-pointer on Kansas’ opening possession, and the Jayhawks would use his hot hand throughout the first half.Leading 9-7 in the opening minutes, Agbaji received a pass from junior Christian Braun in transition, which Agbaji nailed for his second 3-pointer of the game. On the next possession, Agbaji would sink his third of the game from deep, giving KU a 15-7 lead. The Jayhawks would build on the momentum and go on a 10-0 run to give KU a 19-7 advantage with 11:13 remaining.Despite Kansas’ lead, they were unable to pull away as the Lumberjacks went on a 10-0 run to bring the game to a tie at 23 a-piece with 5:35 to go in the first half. The Jayhawks would go on a 9-0 run of their own late in the half to take a halftime lead of 38-31. Agbaji led all scorers at the break with 11 points.The second half remained tight until the Jayhawks reclaimed its advantage by as many as nine at 65-57, when they went on a 9-2 run with 7:33 remaining. The two teams would trade punches over the next four minutes, with Stephen F. Austin clawing to within one point at 67-66 with 3:46 to go.With the Jayhawks leading 73-70, Martin connected on a 3-pointer with the shot clock running down to put KU ahead, 76-70 with 34 seconds remaining.Following a Lumberjacks fast-break layup, redshirt sophomore Dajuan Harris was sent to the line where he connected on a pair of free throws to make it 78-72 with 26 seconds remaining in the game. The Jayhawks would go on to defeat the Lumberjacks, 80-72.The Jayhawks will hit the road for one last road contest of 2021, taking on the Colorado Buffaloes on December 21 in Boulder, Colorado. Kansas will return home to host Harvard on December 29 at Allen Fieldhouse.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Kansas Outlasts Stephen F. Austin, 80-72

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;No. 7/7 Kansas (8-1) Kansas men’s basketball will play host to Stephen F. Austin (8-3) on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m. (Central) inside historic Allen Fieldhouse. The contest will be televised on Big 12 NOW on ESPN+.

Kansas is coming off a 102-65 win against Missouri in the HyVee Hoops Border Showdown on Dec. 11. Stephen F. Austin looks to rebound from an 82-69 loss to Louisiana-Monroe on Dec. 14. The Lumberjacks are coached by former Kansas staffer Kyle Keller.

Kansas is No. 4 in the first NET released by the NCAA for 2021-22 through games played Dec. 16. Kansas is second among Big 12 teams with Baylor at No. 2.

KU has won 22 straight games against non-league foes in Allen Fieldhouse and is 136-5 versus non-Big 12 foes in the building under Bill Self.

Kansas leads the Big 12 in scoring offense (86.4 ppg), which is fifth nationally, field goal percentage (52.2%, third nationally), assist-to-turnover ratio (1.6, 12th nationally) and three-point field goal percentage (37.6, 39th).

Senior Ochai Agbaji leads the nation in scoring at 22.4 points per game. He also leads the Big 12 in three-point field goals made per game (3.0), and three-point field goal percentage (49.1). Agbaji has scored 20 or more points in seven of nine games this season.

Kansas is the only Big 12 school that has two players ranked in the top five in the Big 12 in scoring with Agbaji first at 22.4 ppg and junior Christian Braun fifth at 16.3 ppg. Braun has scored 64 points in his last three games.

Kansas plays at former conference foe Colorado on Tuesday, Dec. 21, at the CU Events Center in Boulder, Colorado. The game will be televised on ESPN2 and start at 8 p.m. (Central). The Buffaloes are coached by former Kansas forward Tad Boyle.

The KU-CU series dates back to 1931 and the two schools were members of the Big Eight and Big 12 conferences until CU moved to the Pac-12 following the 2010-11 season. Kansas leads the overall series with Colorado, 124-40, and the Jayhawks have won 20 of the last 21 meetings, including a 72-58 win in the last meeting, Dec. 7, 2019, in Lawrence. The Colorado win in the span was the last matchup in Boulder, a 75-72 CU win on Dec. 7, 2013.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;No. 7/7 Kansas (8-1) Kansas men’s basketball will play host to Stephen F. Austin (8-3) on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m. (Central) inside historic Allen Fieldhouse. The contest will be televised on Big 12 NOW on ESPN+.Kansas is coming off a 102-65 win against Missouri in the HyVee Hoops Border Showdown on Dec. 11. Stephen F. Austin looks to rebound from an 82-69 loss to Louisiana-Monroe on Dec. 14. The Lumberjacks are coached by former Kansas staffer Kyle Keller.Kansas is No. 4 in the first NET released by the NCAA for 2021-22 through games played Dec. 16. Kansas is second among Big 12 teams with Baylor at No. 2.KU has won 22 straight games against non-league foes in Allen Fieldhouse and is 136-5 versus non-Big 12 foes in the building under Bill Self.Kansas leads the Big 12 in scoring offense (86.4 ppg), which is fifth nationally, field goal percentage (52.2%, third nationally), assist-to-turnover ratio (1.6, 12th nationally) and three-point field goal percentage (37.6, 39th).Senior Ochai Agbaji leads the nation in scoring at 22.4 points per game. He also leads the Big 12 in three-point field goals made per game (3.0), and three-point field goal percentage (49.1). Agbaji has scored 20 or more points in seven of nine games this season.Kansas is the only Big 12 school that has two players ranked in the top five in the Big 12 in scoring with Agbaji first at 22.4 ppg and junior Christian Braun fifth at 16.3 ppg. Braun has scored 64 points in his last three games.Kansas plays at former conference foe Colorado on Tuesday, Dec. 21, at the CU Events Center in Boulder, Colorado. The game will be televised on ESPN2 and start at 8 p.m. (Central). The Buffaloes are coached by former Kansas forward Tad Boyle.The KU-CU series dates back to 1931 and the two schools were members of the Big Eight and Big 12 conferences until CU moved to the Pac-12 following the 2010-11 season. Kansas leads the overall series with Colorado, 124-40, and the Jayhawks have won 20 of the last 21 meetings, including a 72-58 win in the last meeting, Dec. 7, 2019, in Lawrence. The Colorado win in the span was the last matchup in Boulder, a 75-72 CU win on Dec. 7, 2013.

🏀 Jayhawks to Host Lumberjacks Saturday in Men’s Hoops

Little Rock, AR - No. 2 New Mexico Military Institute maintained a dominant offense to capture the 2021 NJCAA Division I Football Championship Friday night in Little Rock.

Under first-year head coach and former New Mexico Military player, Kurt Taufa'asau, the Broncos defeated Iowa Western, 31-13, marking the first national title in the school's football program history.

Despite early jitters, the Broncos dominated offensively by taking a 24-0 lead at the half. New Mexico extended their advantage to 31-0 in the third before giving up 13 points in the final quarter.

New Mexico Military running back Anthony Grant was named the 2021 Most Valuable Player of the national championship game.

The sophomore running back concluded the title bout with a game-high 34 carries for 192 yards and two touchdowns.

Little Rock, AR - No. 2 New Mexico Military Institute maintained a dominant offense to capture the 2021 NJCAA Division I Football Championship Friday night in Little Rock.Under first-year head coach and former New Mexico Military player, Kurt Taufa'asau, the Broncos defeated Iowa Western, 31-13, marking the first national title in the school's football program history.Despite early jitters, the Broncos dominated offensively by taking a 24-0 lead at the half. New Mexico extended their advantage to 31-0 in the third before giving up 13 points in the final quarter.New Mexico Military running back Anthony Grant was named the 2021 Most Valuable Player of the national championship game.The sophomore running back concluded the title bout with a game-high 34 carries for 192 yards and two touchdowns.

New Mexico Military Institute wins NJCAA football title

Rawlins County 41, Hitchcock County, Neb. 29

St. John's Beloit-Tipton 61, Southern Cloud 9

Topeka Heritage Christian 45, KC Christian 25

Wheatland-Grinnell 65, Northern Valley 38

Bishop Miege 73, Kauffman Charter, Mo. 40

GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=Andale 47, Clearwater 39Andover 49, Arkansas City 10Ashland 40, Pawnee Heights 24BV Northwest 46, BV North 38BV West 46, BV North 38Beloit 45, Ellsworth 43Bishop Miege 73, Park Hill, Mo. 47Bluestem 58, Burden Central 33Burlington 74, Wellsville 27Cedar Vale/Dexter Co-op 51, Oswego 24Central Plains 46, Haven 26Circle 35, Augusta 29Columbus 31, Riverton 28Concordia 39, Abilene 36Derby 47, Goddard-Eisenhower 21Dewey, Okla. 41, Caney Valley 24Dexter 51, Oswego 24Dighton 51, Wallace County 38Ellinwood 58, Ellis 41Emporia 47, Great Bend 39Fairfield 45, Burrton 41Fort Scott 43, Girard 30Fredonia 39, West Elk 37Goddard 44, Valley Center 39Goessel 47, Udall 22Goodland 71, Holcomb 38Hays-TMP-Marian 75, Stockton 39Herington 45, Wakefield 23Hesston 44, St. John 34Hodgeman County 48, Meade 36Hugoton 66, Cimarron 44Hutchinson 56, Salina South 31KC Bishop Ward 43, KC Turner 27La Crosse 36, Otis-Bison 35Lakeside 56, Chase 31Lawrence 66, SM North 40Liberal 62, Hays 39Lyndon 34, Chase County 29Macksville 71, Stafford 22Manhattan 69, Topeka West 52Marysville 45, Chapman 30Minneapolis 37, Salina Sacred Heart 27Minneola 54, Ingalls 36Mulvane 51, Wichita Collegiate 39Nemaha Central 35, Royal Valley 25Nickerson 56, Pratt 40Olathe North 60, Gardner-Edgerton 20Osborne 47, Tescott 32Ottawa 48, Paola 39Phillipsburg 71, Plainville 10Quinter 61, Greeley County 43Rawlins County 41, Hitchcock County, Neb. 29Riverside 41, Perry-Lecompton 30Rock Creek 48, Wabaunsee 29Rossville 63, Atchison 25Rural Vista 48, Centre 27Russell 52, Norton 44Scott City 42, Colby 38Smith Center 44, Oakley 30Smoky Valley 60, Halstead 28Southeast Saline 49, Hillsboro 36Spring Hill 43, Baldwin 40St. John's Beloit-Tipton 61, Southern Cloud 9Sublette 34, Satanta 23Sylvan-Lucas 55, Pike Valley 22Topeka 86, Highland Park 16Topeka Hayden 42, Junction City 16Topeka Heritage Christian 45, KC Christian 25Trego 55, Oberlin-Decatur 40Ulysses 44, Southwestern Hts. 32Wamego 38, Clay Center 28Wellington 64, Rose Hill 17Wheatland-Grinnell 65, Northern Valley 38Wichita Campus 40, Newton 10Wichita Life Prep 48, Garden City 34Winfield 57, El Dorado 20POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS=Attica vs. Oxford, ppd.Kinsley vs. Ness City, ppd. to Feb 14th.Logan/Palco vs. Natoma, ppd.Wilson vs. Lincoln, ppd.BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=Andale 45, Clearwater 31Andover 71, Arkansas City 42Atchison 49, Rossville 40Augusta 61, Circle 57BV Northwest 69, BV North 54Belle Plaine 71, Ell-Saline 58Beloit 55, Ellsworth 52Berean Academy 48, Medicine Lodge 40Bishop Miege 73, Kauffman Charter, Mo. 40Bluestem 57, Burden Central 47Burrton 75, Fairfield 73, 3OTCedar Vale/Dexter Co-op 84, Oswego 28Colby 43, Scott City 40Columbus 46, Riverton 45Concordia 53, Abilene 50Conway Springs 39, Remington 36Derby 57, Goddard-Eisenhower 52Dewey, Okla. 46, Caney Valley 35Dighton 53, Wallace County 34El Dorado 77, Winfield 59Ellinwood 50, Ellis 49Flinthills 81, Eureka 46Garden City 65, Wichita Life Prep 62Girard 61, Fort Scott 49Goessel 50, Udall 46Great Bend 46, Emporia 38Greeley County 72, Quinter 57Haven 71, Central Plains 22Hays 73, Liberal 33Hesston 53, St. John 16Hillsboro 66, Southeast Saline 57Holcomb 74, Goodland 43Hutchinson 55, Salina South 38Hutchinson Central Christian 62, Caldwell 61Immanuel Lutheran, Okla. 59, Tyro Community Christian 49Independence 67, Coffeyville 37Junction City 66, Topeka Hayden 49KC Bishop Ward 50, KC Turner 25Kingman 68, Hutchinson Trinity 57La Crosse 58, Otis-Bison 29Labette County 56, Chanute 44Lakeside 68, Chase 30Lakin 69, Stanton County 56Lawrence 64, SM North 52Lawrence Free State 80, SM Northwest 52Macksville 51, Stafford 39Minneola 48, Ingalls 39Moundridge 62, Garden Plain 35Northern Valley 80, Wheatland-Grinnell 66Norton 45, Russell 41Norwich 60, South Haven 37Oakley 53, Smith Center 28Osborne 56, Tescott 22Oskaloosa 29, McLouth 27Paola 46, Ottawa 42Pawnee Heights 65, Ashland 37Perry-Lecompton 65, Riverside 55Phillipsburg 65, Plainville 58Pittsburg 72, Parsons 59Pratt 68, Nickerson 46Salina Sacred Heart 62, Minneapolis 40Satanta 61, Sublette 44Sedgwick 61, Chaparral 51Smoky Valley 68, Halstead 29Southwestern Hts. 63, Ulysses 53St. James Academy 70, St. Thomas Aquinas 55St. John's Beloit-Tipton 53, Southern Cloud 29St. Mary's 63, Silver Lake 30Sterling 55, Wichita Trinity 46Sylvan-Lucas 62, Pike Valley 26Topeka 86, Highland Park 16Topeka West 78, Manhattan 65Triplains-Brewster 63, Weskan 53Valley Center 48, Goddard 39Wabaunsee 64, Rock Creek 50Wakefield 26, Herington 22Wamego 64, Clay Center 51Washburn Rural 51, Topeka Seaman 34Wellington 64, Rose Hill 17Wellsville 52, Burlington 45West Elk 51, Fredonia 33Wichita Campus 77, Newton 51Wichita Collegiate 51, Mulvane 49, OTWichita Home School 78, Bucklin 57Wichita Independent 56, Bennington 54Wichita Sunrise 56, Destiny Christian, Okla. 34POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS=Chapman vs. Marysville, ppd. to Jan 25th.Inman vs. Cheney, ppd. to Jan 25th.Kinsley vs. Ness City, ppd. to Feb 14th.Logan/Palco vs. Natoma, ppd.Northern Heights vs. Central Heights, ppd.Wilson vs. Lincoln, ppd.

🏀 High school basketball scores from December 17, 2021

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs' Melvin Ingram correctly called the pre-game coin flip against his former team Thursday night. He then did the same trick at the beginning of overtime. 

That gave Kansas City the ball, and Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce did the rest, driving for the winning touchdown in a victory over the Chargers that kept them in first place in the AFC West. 

The Chiefs are now a half-game ahead of New England and Tennessee, both of whom play this weekend, for the best record in the AFC. 

Perhaps more importantly, they now have a two-game edge on the Chargers in the division race.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs' Melvin Ingram correctly called the pre-game coin flip against his former team Thursday night. He then did the same trick at the beginning of overtime. That gave Kansas City the ball, and Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce did the rest, driving for the winning touchdown in a victory over the Chargers that kept them in first place in the AFC West. The Chiefs are now a half-game ahead of New England and Tennessee, both of whom play this weekend, for the best record in the AFC. Perhaps more importantly, they now have a two-game edge on the Chargers in the division race.

Coin tosses key in Chiefs overtime win

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🎙 Eagle Radio Sports for Friday Morning

HUTCHINSON, Kan.—The Hutchinson Salthawk Basketball teams close out the pre-Christmas part of the season by hosting&nbsp; Salina South at the SAC tonight.

The Girls game will tip at 6pm followed by boys action at 7:30pm on KWBW 1450am/98.5fm.

Take your radio to the game and tune in to 89.3 fm to hear the BW broadcast in the SAC.

Video stream will be on the Hutch High Channel at <a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/search/?query=hutch">nfhsnetwork.com</a>.

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HUTCHINSON, Kan.—The Hutchinson Salthawk Basketball teams close out the pre-Christmas part of the season by hosting&nbsp; Salina South at the SAC tonight.The Girls game will tip at 6pm followed by boys action at 7:30pm on KWBW 1450am/98.5fm.<h2>Take your radio to the game and tune in to 89.3 fm to hear the BW broadcast in the SAC.</h2>Video stream will be on the Hutch High Channel at <a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/search/?query=hutch">nfhsnetwork.com</a>.<div><iframe src="https://player.nfhsnetwork.com/#/events/hutchinson-high-school-hutchinson-ks/gama4fbaf20a3" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" width="640" height="360"></iframe>

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🎥 🏀 Hutch High Basketball vs Salina South tonight

Bethune, Colo. 60, Christian Family Educators 43

Burlingame 64, Marais des Cygnes Valley 38

Kapaun Mount Carmel 60, Wichita Southeast 47

Bethune, Colo. 37, Christian Family Educators 24

Burlingame 82, Marais des Cygnes Valley 26

<h2>Thursday's Scores</h2>The Associated PressBOYS PREP BASKETBALL=Andover Central 61, Salina Central 31Bethune, Colo. 60, Christian Family Educators 43Burlingame 64, Marais des Cygnes Valley 38DeSoto 56, Bonner Springs 49Douglass 53, Marion 22KC Piper 65, Louisburg 42Kapaun Mount Carmel 60, Wichita Southeast 47Lebo 63, Hartford 39Maize 55, Maize South 39Osage City 48, Council Grove 42Prairie View 40, Iola 39Wheatland-Grinnell 53, St. Francis 50Wichita East 57, Wichita West 53Wichita Heights 58, Wichita North 26Wichita Life Prep 67, Reno County 22Wichita Northwest 53, Wichita South 49___<h2>GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>Anderson County 35, Osawatomie 25Belle Plaine 43, Inman 40Bennington 40, Kingman 36Berean Academy 39, Garden Plain 36Bethune, Colo. 37, Christian Family Educators 24Burlingame 82, Marais des Cygnes Valley 26Council Grove 40, Osage City 27DeSoto 73, Bonner Springs 49Douglass 48, Hutchinson Trinity 24Ell-Saline 43, Wichita Independent 33Lebo 52, Hartford 25Louisburg 29, KC Piper 26Maize 55, Maize South 39Marion 57, Conway Springs 54Medicine Lodge 57, Sedgwick 54Prairie View 39, Iola 27Remington 56, Wichita Trinity 47Salina Central 70, Andover Central 51Sterling 61, Cheney 50Wichita Heights 58, Wichita North 26___<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 High School Scores from Thursday

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

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Travis Kelce scored on a 34-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes in overtime and the Kansas City Chiefs rallied for a 34-28 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Kelce caught a tying 7-yard touchdown pass with 1:16 left in the fourth quarter, then ended the game with his catch-and-run in overtime. On first-and-10, Kelce pulled in Mahomes' pass at the 30 and eluded two tackles en route to the end zone, where he was swarmed by teammates. Mahomes finished 31 of 47 for a season-high 410 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Kelce had 10 receptions for a career-best 191 yards and two touchdowns.&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Adrian Martinez is heading from Nebraska to Kansas State. The four-year starting quarterback for the Cornhuskers announced on Twitter he would transfer to K-State. He is immediately eligible to play for the Wildcats. Martinez was a three-time captain at Nebraska but went just 14-25 as the starter. He completed 62% of his passes for more than 2,800 yards with 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this past season. Martinez could play two more college seasons because the NCAA granted players an extra year of eligibility during last year's shortened COVID-19 season.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Madi Kubik had 13 kills, three aces and two blocks, Lauren Stivrins had nine kills and six blocks — the last of which came on match points — and Nebraska rallied to beat No. 3 seed Pittsburgh 16-25, 25-17, 25-20, 25-22 in the semifinals of the NCAA volleyball tournament. No. 10 seed Nebraska (26-7) — 40th consecutive NCAA tournament appearance, second nationally to Penn State (41) — plays Wisconsin in Saturday's championship game. The fourth-seeded Badgers won both regular-season matchups between the teams, losing just one set. Leketor Member-Meneh led the Panthers with 13 kills but had seven errors and hit just .150. Serena Gray added 11 kills. Nebraska, which advanced to its 10th title game, is 13-0 all-time against Pitt — 4-0 in the NCAA tournament.&nbsp;

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Los Angeles Chargers tight end Donald Parham was in stable condition and being evaluated for a head injury after being removed on a stretcher during a game against Kansas City. Parham appeared to lose consciousness and was helped off the field on a stretcher early in the first quarter. He was taken to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where he was undergoing further tests and imaging. Parham, in his second year with Los Angeles, got his hands on a 5-yard pass from Justin Herbert in the back of the end zone on fourth-and-goal, but he dropped the ball when the back of his head slammed into the ground.&nbsp;

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are closer to another AFC West title after outlasting the Los Angeles Chargers in overtime.

Travis Kelce scored on a 34-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes in OT to send the Chiefs past the Chargers, 34-28. Kelce caught a tying 7-yard touchdown pass with 1:16 left in the fourth quarter, then ended the game with his catch-and-run in overtime. 

Justin Herbert gave the Chargers a 28-21 lead with 2:19 remaining on a 8-yard TD pass to Keenan Allen.

Mahomes finished 31 of 47 for a season-high 410 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Kelce had 10 receptions for a career-best 191 yards and two touchdowns. 

Los Angeles' defeat came after a terrifying injury to tight end Donald Parham. The 24-year-old appeared to lose consciousness after slamming his head on the turf in the first quarter. He was helped off on a stretcher and taken to a hospital, where the team said he is in stable condition.

NFL updates protocols in response to COVID-19 cases

UNDATED (AP) — The NFL has updated its protocols in reaction to an increase in COVID-19 cases around the league, and it is pushing booster shots as the most effective protection against the coronavirus. 

As part of its protocol changes, the NFL is requiring masks regardless of vaccination status, and remote or outdoor meetings. It also is stopping in-person meals and prohibiting outside visitors while on team travel. Chief medical officer Allen Sills cited the omicron strain for the uptick in positive tests. 

The league is also making some changes to its protocols that would allow vaccinated players who test positive to return sooner.

Approximately 100 NFL players across the 32 teams have tested positive this week.

— Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson missed another practice on Thursday because of his sprained ankle suffered in last weekend's loss at Cleveland. The Ravens have remained hopeful Jackson can play Sunday against Green Bay, but he continues to miss preparation time. Tyler Huntley will start if Jackson is sidelined.

— A person familiar with the situation tells the AP that Browns backup quarterback Case Keenum has tested positive for the coronavirus. Keenum was slotted to start Saturday with Baker Mayfield sidelined after testing positive with COVID-19. Cleveland placed eight players on the COVID-19 reserve list Tuesday and six more Wednesday, including Mayfield.

— Washington has placed three more players on the COVID-19 list. That brings the team total to 21, including two players on injured reserve and two on the practice squad. Safety Sam Curl was the only starter added to the list Thursday and was joined by centers Keith Ismael and Tyler Larsen. 

— Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett was put on the COVID-19 list along with running back Alex Collins. Lockett has a team-high 62 receptions for 1,023 yards and six touchdowns. 

— The Bears were missing all three of their coordinators because of COVID-19 protocols Thursday as they prepared for Monday night's home game against the Minnesota Vikings. Bears coach Matt Nagy said offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, defensive coordinator Sean Desai and special teams coordinator Chris Tabor were participating remotely in meetings this week. Chicago has put five players on the COVID-19 reserve list since Monday and have six on it overall, plus the three coordinators. 

— Browns tight end David Njoku has been activated from the COVID-19 list, adding a playmaker heading into Saturday's game against Las Vegas. On Wednesday, the virus shelved coach Kevin Stefanski and quarterback Baker Mayfield, whose status for this week remains in question. The Browns had 17 players, including 10 starters, on the COVID-19 list.

— Saints coach Sean Payton returned to practice on Thursday after staying home on Wednesday. The team said the coach was "under the weather," but had tested negative for COVID-19. 

— Miami rookie receiver Jaylen Waddle has been placed in the coronavirus protocol. The sixth overall draft pick already set a franchise record for receptions by a rookie with 86. 

— Researchers have diagnosed former NFL receiver Vincent Jackson as suffering from stage 2 chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Jackson was found dead in a Florida hotel room at age 38 in February. He played 12 seasons with the Chargers and Buccaneers before retiring in 2018.

— Former NFL offensive lineman Len Hauss has died at 79. Hauss was a five-time Pro Bowl selection at center during a 14-year football career with Washington from 1964-77. He started every game over his last 13 NFL seasons and helped Washington reach the Super Bowl after the 1972 season.

UNDATED (AP) — The Golden State Warriors have company atop the NBA overall standings.

The Suns scored 58 points in the paint and rolled to a 118-98 rout of the Wizards. JaVale McGee dropped in 17 points and Deandre Ayton added 15 as the two big men helped Phoenix pull even with the Warriors for the NBA's best record at 23-5. Cam Johnson had 13 points on 4 of 6 shooting, including 3 of 5 from 3-point range. That helped the Suns win for the 22nd time in their last 24 games since a 1-3 start.

Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 26 points on 11 of 18 shooting. Washington has dropped four straight and seven of eight to fall to .500 at 15-15.

Checking out Thursday's other NBA action:

— Kevin Durant highlighted his 34-point night by making a game-tying, four-point play with 1:46 remaining in the Nets' 114-105 downing of the 76ers. Durant also had 11 rebounds and eight assists for Brooklyn, which was missing seven players due to coronavirus health and safety protocols. Blake Griffin and Nic Claxton both added a season-high 17 points in the Nets' fourth straight win and Sixers' third consecutive loss.

— The Knicks' four-game losing streak is over after Immanuel Quickly hit seven 3-pointers and scored 24 points in their 116-103 win over the Rockets. The Knicks were 17 of 36 from beyond the arc, with Quickly going 7-for-10. Evan Fournier dropped in 23 points and Julius Randle had 21 for the Knicks, who were without four players because of health and safety protocols. 

— Caris LeVert scored 20 of his 31 points in the first half and was 12 of 18 from the field as the Pacers sent the Pistons to their 13th straight loss, 122-113. Justin Holiday added 17 points for Indiana, which shot 50% in taking a 70-64 halftime lead. Saddiq Bey (sah-DEEK' bay) led the Pistons with 28 points and 10 rebounds, while first overall pick Cade Cunningham added 19 points for Detroit.

NBA's COVID-19 list now includes Lakers' Westbrook

UNDATED (AP) — Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook has entered the NBA's health and safety protocols, joining Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo (YAH'-nihs an-teh-toh-KOON'-poh) and Brooklyn's James Harden as past league MVP's currently sidelined by coronavirus concerns.

Westbrook played 42 minutes in the Lakers' overtime win at Dallas on Wednesday. The Lakers said he would not play Friday night in Minnesota, along with four other players because of virus issues and two more because of injuries.

All that means that the Lakers would have no more than 10 available players on their roster for the game against the Timberwolves. 

— The Nets have signed well-traveled guard Langston Galloway as the team deals with the NBA's coronavirus protocol. The move gave the Nets nine players for Thursday's game against the 76ers, one over the minimum. Galloway has played for five teams in seven NBA seasons. The Nets have nine players listed as out on their injury report, including those in COVID-19 protocols. 

— Cavaliers swingman Isaac Okoro (oh-KOH'-roh) has entered the NBA's health and safety protocols, one day after scoring 23 points in a win over the Rockets. The 20-year-old Okoro has scored at least 16 points in his last four games while helping the surprising Cavs reel off five straight wins and improve to 18-12. The Cavaliers said his status will be updated "at the appropriate time." 

— Pelicans forward Zion Williamson has received a biologic injection that is meant to promote bone healing in the area of his right foot that he fractured this past offseason. The team says Williamson will be "limited to low-impact, partial weight-bearing activities for an extended period." The Pelicans say another round of imaging on Williamson's foot is expected in four to six weeks to measure his progress. 

UNDATED (AP) — The Florida Panthers are in a funk right now after tying the best 11-game start in NHL history.

The Panthers absorbed their third straight regulation loss as Jonathan Quick turned back 40 shots in the Kings' 4-1 win at Florida. Anze Kopitar (AHN'-zhay KOH'-pih-tahr) and Dustin Brown scored second-period goals, and Olli Maata tallied for the first time in 75 games.

Florida was without seven players because of COVID-19 protocols. The Panthers had to recall four players from their AHL affiliate after Aaron Ekblad and Frank Vatrano were ruled out earlier in the day.

— Nino Niederreiter's (NEE'-dur-eye-turz) second goal of the night broke a third-period tie in the Hurricanes' 5-3 victory over the Red Wings. Niederreiter snapped a 3-3 deadlock 18 seconds into the final period to lead the short-handed Hurricanes. Carolina was without team scoring leader Sebastian Aho (AH'-hoh), second-leading scorer Andrei Svechnikov (SVECH'-nih-kahv), captain Jordan Staal, Ian Cole, Seth Jarvis and Steven Lorentz due to COVID-19 protocol. 

— The Lightning knocked off the Senators, 2-1 as Andrei Vasilevskiy (va-sih-LEHV'-skee) set an NHL record for wins in a calendar year. Vasilevskiy stopped 25 shots in his 62 win of 2021, breaking the mark set by Marc-Andre Fleury with the Penguins in 2009. Steven Stamkos picked up his 900th career point for Tampa Bay, which also got a goal and an assist out of Victor Hedman.

— The Predators were 5-2 winners over the Avalanche behind Filip Forsberg's two goals and an assist. Tanner Jeannot scored and added an assist as Nashville extended its season-high winning streak to six games. Mikko Rantanen had a goal and an assist for Colorado, which had won five in a row.

— The Oilers' six-game losing streak is over after Jesse Puljujarvi (pool-YAHR'-vee) had two goals and an assist in their 5-2 verdict over the Blue Jackets. Derek Ryan, Brendan Perlini and Warren Foegele (FOH'-gul) also scored to help Edmonton win for the first time in six home games. Gustav Nyquist and Justin Danforth scored for Columbus, which has lost eight of its last 10.

— Tage (tayj) Thompson scored the only goal in a shootout, sending the Sabres to a 3-2 decision over the Wild. Dylan Cozens and Mark Pysyk scored for the Sabres, who handed Minnesota its third straight loss since an eight-game winning streak. Cam Talbot made 38 saves for the Wild.

— Brock Boeser (BEH'-sur) scored twice and the Canucks improved to 6-0 under head coach Bruce Boudreau with a 5-2 victory over the Sharks. Bo Horvat, J.T. Miller and Jason Dickinson also scored as the Canucks extended their resurgence since Boudreau replaced the fired Travis Green less than two weeks ago. Thatcher Demko made 34 saves for Vancouver.

— Cal Clutterbuck scored twice and the Islanders improved to 3-3-3 in their last nine by downing the depleted Bruins, 3-1. Semyon Varlamov (EHM'-yahn vahr-LAH'-mahv) stopped 40 shots for his first win of the season, helping New York claim its second straight home victory after opening UBS Arena with second consecutive losses. Anthony Beauvillier (boh-VIH'-lee-ay) also scored against the Bruins, who were missing seven players due to COVID protocols.

— The Devils grabbed a quick 1-0 lead before the Golden Knights scored four straight to earn their third straight win, 5-3 at New Jersey. Dylan Coghlan, William Carrier, William Karlsson and Nicolas Roy tallied after Jack Hughes opened the scoring 1:41 after the opening faceoff. The Devils lost their fourth in a row and fell to 2-8-2 in their last 12 games. 

— The Canadiens picked up a 3-2 win over the Flyers as Jonathan Drouin (DROO'-an) provided the only shootout goal. Artturi Lehkonen and Laurent Dauphin scored in regulation for Montreal. Cayden Primeau (PREE'-moh), son of former Philadephia player Keith Primeau, allowed two goals on 38 shots. 

Bruins put 3 more players in COVID-19 protocol, no fans for Montreal tonight

UNDATED (AP) — The Boston Bruins have placed forwards Anton Blidh and Trent Frederic and goalie Jeremy Swayman in the NHL's COVID-19 protocol.

The Bruins now have six players in the protocol. Coach Bruce Cassidy tested positive Nov. 30, and just rejoined the team on Monday.

The Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers played in an empty Bell Centre at request of Quebec public health officials. 

— Canucks president and interim general manager Jim Rutherford has named Stan Smyl (smeel) vice president of hockey operations. The 62-year-old Smyl as a star player for the Canucks from 1978-91. He will work closely with Rutherford on all hockey operations matters, including player personnel decisions and internal operations. 

T25 MEN'S BASKETBALL-DUKE/APPALACHIAN STATE

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Second-ranked Duke is 8-1 after earning its seventh straight home win.

Wendell Moore Jr. had 21 points and Paolo Banchero (bahn-KEHR'-oh) had 16 as the Blue Devils rolled past Appalachian State, 92-67. Moore made 8 of 11 shots and had five rebounds and six assists for Duke, which ended the first half on a 20-9 run for a 13-point lead.

The Mountaineers got within five before the Blue Devils nailed three straight 3-pointers to bring the lead back to double-digits.

No. 15-Ohio St-No. 21 Kentucky men's game canceled by COVID

UNDATED (AP) — Saturday's men's basketball showdown between No. 15 Ohio State and No. 21 Kentucky has been canceled because of positive COVID-19 results within the Buckeyes program. 

The Wildcats are still scheduled to travel to Las Vegas and are working with Classic officials to find a possible replacement for Saturday to fill the void. 

It's unclear whether fourth-ranked UCLA's game Saturday against North Carolina in Las Vegas will be impacted after the Bruins had to cancel Wednesday's home game against Alabama State due to COVID-19 protocols.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Quarterback Adrian Martinez is heading to Kansas State from Nebraska.

The four-year starting quarterback for the Cornhuskers has announced his transfer. He is immediately eligible.

Martinez was a three-time captain at Nebraska but went just 14-25 as the starter. He completed 61.8% of his passes for 2,863 yards with 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this past season.

— Michigan State All-America running back Kenneth Walker is skipping the Peach Bowl and his senior season to enter the NFL draft. 

— Fifth-year senior quarterback Myles Brennan has decided to exit the transfer portal and return to LSU under new head coach Brian Kelly. 

Freddy Galvis signs 2-year deal with Japan's SoftBank Hawks

UNDATED (AP) — Veteran MLB infielder Freddy Galvis has signed a two-year deal with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in Japanese baseball. 

Galvis played for the Philadelphia Phillies and Baltimore Orioles this year. The shortstop has also played for the San Diego, Toronto and Cincinnati. Last season marked his second stint with the Phillies.

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

<h2>Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press</h2>INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Travis Kelce scored on a 34-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes in overtime and the Kansas City Chiefs rallied for a 34-28 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Kelce caught a tying 7-yard touchdown pass with 1:16 left in the fourth quarter, then ended the game with his catch-and-run in overtime. On first-and-10, Kelce pulled in Mahomes' pass at the 30 and eluded two tackles en route to the end zone, where he was swarmed by teammates. Mahomes finished 31 of 47 for a season-high 410 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Kelce had 10 receptions for a career-best 191 yards and two touchdowns.&nbsp;MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Adrian Martinez is heading from Nebraska to Kansas State. The four-year starting quarterback for the Cornhuskers announced on Twitter he would transfer to K-State. He is immediately eligible to play for the Wildcats. Martinez was a three-time captain at Nebraska but went just 14-25 as the starter. He completed 62% of his passes for more than 2,800 yards with 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this past season. Martinez could play two more college seasons because the NCAA granted players an extra year of eligibility during last year's shortened COVID-19 season.COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Madi Kubik had 13 kills, three aces and two blocks, Lauren Stivrins had nine kills and six blocks — the last of which came on match points — and Nebraska rallied to beat No. 3 seed Pittsburgh 16-25, 25-17, 25-20, 25-22 in the semifinals of the NCAA volleyball tournament. No. 10 seed Nebraska (26-7) — 40th consecutive NCAA tournament appearance, second nationally to Penn State (41) — plays Wisconsin in Saturday's championship game. The fourth-seeded Badgers won both regular-season matchups between the teams, losing just one set. Leketor Member-Meneh led the Panthers with 13 kills but had seven errors and hit just .150. Serena Gray added 11 kills. Nebraska, which advanced to its 10th title game, is 13-0 all-time against Pitt — 4-0 in the NCAA tournament.&nbsp;INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Los Angeles Chargers tight end Donald Parham was in stable condition and being evaluated for a head injury after being removed on a stretcher during a game against Kansas City. Parham appeared to lose consciousness and was helped off the field on a stretcher early in the first quarter. He was taken to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where he was undergoing further tests and imaging. Parham, in his second year with Los Angeles, got his hands on a 5-yard pass from Justin Herbert in the back of the end zone on fourth-and-goal, but he dropped the ball when the back of his head slammed into the ground.&nbsp;<h2>Update on the latest sports</h2>NFL-CHIEFS/CHARGERSChiefs top Chargers in OTINGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are closer to another AFC West title after outlasting the Los Angeles Chargers in overtime.Travis Kelce scored on a 34-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes in OT to send the Chiefs past the Chargers, 34-28. Kelce caught a tying 7-yard touchdown pass with 1:16 left in the fourth quarter, then ended the game with his catch-and-run in overtime. Justin Herbert gave the Chargers a 28-21 lead with 2:19 remaining on a 8-yard TD pass to Keenan Allen.Mahomes finished 31 of 47 for a season-high 410 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Kelce had 10 receptions for a career-best 191 yards and two touchdowns. Los Angeles' defeat came after a terrifying injury to tight end Donald Parham. The 24-year-old appeared to lose consciousness after slamming his head on the turf in the first quarter. He was helped off on a stretcher and taken to a hospital, where the team said he is in stable condition.VIRUS OUTBREAK-NFLNFL updates protocols in response to COVID-19 casesUNDATED (AP) — The NFL has updated its protocols in reaction to an increase in COVID-19 cases around the league, and it is pushing booster shots as the most effective protection against the coronavirus. As part of its protocol changes, the NFL is requiring masks regardless of vaccination status, and remote or outdoor meetings. It also is stopping in-person meals and prohibiting outside visitors while on team travel. Chief medical officer Allen Sills cited the omicron strain for the uptick in positive tests. The league is also making some changes to its protocols that would allow vaccinated players who test positive to return sooner.Approximately 100 NFL players across the 32 teams have tested positive this week.Elsewhere around the NFL:— Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson missed another practice on Thursday because of his sprained ankle suffered in last weekend's loss at Cleveland. The Ravens have remained hopeful Jackson can play Sunday against Green Bay, but he continues to miss preparation time. Tyler Huntley will start if Jackson is sidelined.— A person familiar with the situation tells the AP that Browns backup quarterback Case Keenum has tested positive for the coronavirus. Keenum was slotted to start Saturday with Baker Mayfield sidelined after testing positive with COVID-19. Cleveland placed eight players on the COVID-19 reserve list Tuesday and six more Wednesday, including Mayfield.— Washington has placed three more players on the COVID-19 list. That brings the team total to 21, including two players on injured reserve and two on the practice squad. Safety Sam Curl was the only starter added to the list Thursday and was joined by centers Keith Ismael and Tyler Larsen. — Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett was put on the COVID-19 list along with running back Alex Collins. Lockett has a team-high 62 receptions for 1,023 yards and six touchdowns. — The Bears were missing all three of their coordinators because of COVID-19 protocols Thursday as they prepared for Monday night's home game against the Minnesota Vikings. Bears coach Matt Nagy said offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, defensive coordinator Sean Desai and special teams coordinator Chris Tabor were participating remotely in meetings this week. Chicago has put five players on the COVID-19 reserve list since Monday and have six on it overall, plus the three coordinators. — Browns tight end David Njoku has been activated from the COVID-19 list, adding a playmaker heading into Saturday's game against Las Vegas. On Wednesday, the virus shelved coach Kevin Stefanski and quarterback Baker Mayfield, whose status for this week remains in question. The Browns had 17 players, including 10 starters, on the COVID-19 list.— Saints coach Sean Payton returned to practice on Thursday after staying home on Wednesday. The team said the coach was "under the weather," but had tested negative for COVID-19. — Miami rookie receiver Jaylen Waddle has been placed in the coronavirus protocol. The sixth overall draft pick already set a franchise record for receptions by a rookie with 86. — Researchers have diagnosed former NFL receiver Vincent Jackson as suffering from stage 2 chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Jackson was found dead in a Florida hotel room at age 38 in February. He played 12 seasons with the Chargers and Buccaneers before retiring in 2018.— Former NFL offensive lineman Len Hauss has died at 79. Hauss was a five-time Pro Bowl selection at center during a 14-year football career with Washington from 1964-77. He started every game over his last 13 NFL seasons and helped Washington reach the Super Bowl after the 1972 season.NBA-SCHEDULESuns clobber WizardsUNDATED (AP) — The Golden State Warriors have company atop the NBA overall standings.The Suns scored 58 points in the paint and rolled to a 118-98 rout of the Wizards. JaVale McGee dropped in 17 points and Deandre Ayton added 15 as the two big men helped Phoenix pull even with the Warriors for the NBA's best record at 23-5. Cam Johnson had 13 points on 4 of 6 shooting, including 3 of 5 from 3-point range. That helped the Suns win for the 22nd time in their last 24 games since a 1-3 start.Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 26 points on 11 of 18 shooting. Washington has dropped four straight and seven of eight to fall to .500 at 15-15.Checking out Thursday's other NBA action:— Kevin Durant highlighted his 34-point night by making a game-tying, four-point play with 1:46 remaining in the Nets' 114-105 downing of the 76ers. Durant also had 11 rebounds and eight assists for Brooklyn, which was missing seven players due to coronavirus health and safety protocols. Blake Griffin and Nic Claxton both added a season-high 17 points in the Nets' fourth straight win and Sixers' third consecutive loss.— The Knicks' four-game losing streak is over after Immanuel Quickly hit seven 3-pointers and scored 24 points in their 116-103 win over the Rockets. The Knicks were 17 of 36 from beyond the arc, with Quickly going 7-for-10. Evan Fournier dropped in 23 points and Julius Randle had 21 for the Knicks, who were without four players because of health and safety protocols. — Caris LeVert scored 20 of his 31 points in the first half and was 12 of 18 from the field as the Pacers sent the Pistons to their 13th straight loss, 122-113. Justin Holiday added 17 points for Indiana, which shot 50% in taking a 70-64 halftime lead. Saddiq Bey (sah-DEEK' bay) led the Pistons with 28 points and 10 rebounds, while first overall pick Cade Cunningham added 19 points for Detroit.NBA-NEWSNBA's COVID-19 list now includes Lakers' WestbrookUNDATED (AP) — Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook has entered the NBA's health and safety protocols, joining Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo (YAH'-nihs an-teh-toh-KOON'-poh) and Brooklyn's James Harden as past league MVP's currently sidelined by coronavirus concerns.Westbrook played 42 minutes in the Lakers' overtime win at Dallas on Wednesday. The Lakers said he would not play Friday night in Minnesota, along with four other players because of virus issues and two more because of injuries.All that means that the Lakers would have no more than 10 available players on their roster for the game against the Timberwolves. In other NBA news:— The Nets have signed well-traveled guard Langston Galloway as the team deals with the NBA's coronavirus protocol. The move gave the Nets nine players for Thursday's game against the 76ers, one over the minimum. Galloway has played for five teams in seven NBA seasons. The Nets have nine players listed as out on their injury report, including those in COVID-19 protocols. — Cavaliers swingman Isaac Okoro (oh-KOH'-roh) has entered the NBA's health and safety protocols, one day after scoring 23 points in a win over the Rockets. The 20-year-old Okoro has scored at least 16 points in his last four games while helping the surprising Cavs reel off five straight wins and improve to 18-12. The Cavaliers said his status will be updated "at the appropriate time." — Pelicans forward Zion Williamson has received a biologic injection that is meant to promote bone healing in the area of his right foot that he fractured this past offseason. The team says Williamson will be "limited to low-impact, partial weight-bearing activities for an extended period." The Pelicans say another round of imaging on Williamson's foot is expected in four to six weeks to measure his progress. NHL-SCHEDULEAiling Panthers fall to KingsUNDATED (AP) — The Florida Panthers are in a funk right now after tying the best 11-game start in NHL history.The Panthers absorbed their third straight regulation loss as Jonathan Quick turned back 40 shots in the Kings' 4-1 win at Florida. Anze Kopitar (AHN'-zhay KOH'-pih-tahr) and Dustin Brown scored second-period goals, and Olli Maata tallied for the first time in 75 games.Florida was without seven players because of COVID-19 protocols. The Panthers had to recall four players from their AHL affiliate after Aaron Ekblad and Frank Vatrano were ruled out earlier in the day.Elsewhere on NHL ice:— Nino Niederreiter's (NEE'-dur-eye-turz) second goal of the night broke a third-period tie in the Hurricanes' 5-3 victory over the Red Wings. Niederreiter snapped a 3-3 deadlock 18 seconds into the final period to lead the short-handed Hurricanes. Carolina was without team scoring leader Sebastian Aho (AH'-hoh), second-leading scorer Andrei Svechnikov (SVECH'-nih-kahv), captain Jordan Staal, Ian Cole, Seth Jarvis and Steven Lorentz due to COVID-19 protocol. — The Lightning knocked off the Senators, 2-1 as Andrei Vasilevskiy (va-sih-LEHV'-skee) set an NHL record for wins in a calendar year. Vasilevskiy stopped 25 shots in his 62 win of 2021, breaking the mark set by Marc-Andre Fleury with the Penguins in 2009. Steven Stamkos picked up his 900th career point for Tampa Bay, which also got a goal and an assist out of Victor Hedman.— The Predators were 5-2 winners over the Avalanche behind Filip Forsberg's two goals and an assist. Tanner Jeannot scored and added an assist as Nashville extended its season-high winning streak to six games. Mikko Rantanen had a goal and an assist for Colorado, which had won five in a row.— The Oilers' six-game losing streak is over after Jesse Puljujarvi (pool-YAHR'-vee) had two goals and an assist in their 5-2 verdict over the Blue Jackets. Derek Ryan, Brendan Perlini and Warren Foegele (FOH'-gul) also scored to help Edmonton win for the first time in six home games. Gustav Nyquist and Justin Danforth scored for Columbus, which has lost eight of its last 10.— Tage (tayj) Thompson scored the only goal in a shootout, sending the Sabres to a 3-2 decision over the Wild. Dylan Cozens and Mark Pysyk scored for the Sabres, who handed Minnesota its third straight loss since an eight-game winning streak. Cam Talbot made 38 saves for the Wild.— Brock Boeser (BEH'-sur) scored twice and the Canucks improved to 6-0 under head coach Bruce Boudreau with a 5-2 victory over the Sharks. Bo Horvat, J.T. Miller and Jason Dickinson also scored as the Canucks extended their resurgence since Boudreau replaced the fired Travis Green less than two weeks ago. Thatcher Demko made 34 saves for Vancouver.— Cal Clutterbuck scored twice and the Islanders improved to 3-3-3 in their last nine by downing the depleted Bruins, 3-1. Semyon Varlamov (EHM'-yahn vahr-LAH'-mahv) stopped 40 shots for his first win of the season, helping New York claim its second straight home victory after opening UBS Arena with second consecutive losses. Anthony Beauvillier (boh-VIH'-lee-ay) also scored against the Bruins, who were missing seven players due to COVID protocols.— The Devils grabbed a quick 1-0 lead before the Golden Knights scored four straight to earn their third straight win, 5-3 at New Jersey. Dylan Coghlan, William Carrier, William Karlsson and Nicolas Roy tallied after Jack Hughes opened the scoring 1:41 after the opening faceoff. The Devils lost their fourth in a row and fell to 2-8-2 in their last 12 games. — The Canadiens picked up a 3-2 win over the Flyers as Jonathan Drouin (DROO'-an) provided the only shootout goal. Artturi Lehkonen and Laurent Dauphin scored in regulation for Montreal. Cayden Primeau (PREE'-moh), son of former Philadephia player Keith Primeau, allowed two goals on 38 shots. VIRUS OUTBREAK-NHLBruins put 3 more players in COVID-19 protocol, no fans for Montreal tonightUNDATED (AP) — The Boston Bruins have placed forwards Anton Blidh and Trent Frederic and goalie Jeremy Swayman in the NHL's COVID-19 protocol.The Bruins now have six players in the protocol. Coach Bruce Cassidy tested positive Nov. 30, and just rejoined the team on Monday.The Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers played in an empty Bell Centre at request of Quebec public health officials. In other NHL news:— Canucks president and interim general manager Jim Rutherford has named Stan Smyl (smeel) vice president of hockey operations. The 62-year-old Smyl as a star player for the Canucks from 1978-91. He will work closely with Rutherford on all hockey operations matters, including player personnel decisions and internal operations. T25 MEN'S BASKETBALL-DUKE/APPALACHIAN STATEBlue Devils rip Appalachian StateDURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Second-ranked Duke is 8-1 after earning its seventh straight home win.Wendell Moore Jr. had 21 points and Paolo Banchero (bahn-KEHR'-oh) had 16 as the Blue Devils rolled past Appalachian State, 92-67. Moore made 8 of 11 shots and had five rebounds and six assists for Duke, which ended the first half on a 20-9 run for a 13-point lead.The Mountaineers got within five before the Blue Devils nailed three straight 3-pointers to bring the lead back to double-digits.COLLEGE BASKETBALL-GAME CANCELED No. 15-Ohio St-No. 21 Kentucky men's game canceled by COVIDUNDATED (AP) — Saturday's men's basketball showdown between No. 15 Ohio State and No. 21 Kentucky has been canceled because of positive COVID-19 results within the Buckeyes program. The Wildcats are still scheduled to travel to Las Vegas and are working with Classic officials to find a possible replacement for Saturday to fill the void. It's unclear whether fourth-ranked UCLA's game Saturday against North Carolina in Las Vegas will be impacted after the Bruins had to cancel Wednesday's home game against Alabama State due to COVID-19 protocols.COLLEGE FOOTBALL-NEWSQB Martinez leaves Huskers for K-StateMANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Quarterback Adrian Martinez is heading to Kansas State from Nebraska.The four-year starting quarterback for the Cornhuskers has announced his transfer. He is immediately eligible.Martinez was a three-time captain at Nebraska but went just 14-25 as the starter. He completed 61.8% of his passes for 2,863 yards with 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this past season.Also around college football:— Michigan State All-America running back Kenneth Walker is skipping the Peach Bowl and his senior season to enter the NFL draft. — Fifth-year senior quarterback Myles Brennan has decided to exit the transfer portal and return to LSU under new head coach Brian Kelly. MLB-NEWSFreddy Galvis signs 2-year deal with Japan's SoftBank HawksUNDATED (AP) — Veteran MLB infielder Freddy Galvis has signed a two-year deal with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in Japanese baseball. Galvis played for the Philadelphia Phillies and Baltimore Orioles this year. The shortstop has also played for the San Diego, Toronto and Cincinnati. Last season marked his second stint with the Phillies.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Sports Headlines for Friday

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Adrian Martinez is heading from Nebraska to Kansas State. The four-year starting quarterback for the Cornhuskers announced on Twitter he would transfer to K-State. He is immediately eligible to play for the Wildcats. Martinez was a three-time captain at Nebraska but went just 14-25 as the starter. He completed 62% of his passes for more than 2,800 yards with 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this past season. Martinez could play two more college seasons because the NCAA granted players an extra year of eligibility during last year’s shortened COVID-19 season.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Adrian Martinez is heading from Nebraska to Kansas State. The four-year starting quarterback for the Cornhuskers announced on Twitter he would transfer to K-State. He is immediately eligible to play for the Wildcats. Martinez was a three-time captain at Nebraska but went just 14-25 as the starter. He completed 62% of his passes for more than 2,800 yards with 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this past season. Martinez could play two more college seasons because the NCAA granted players an extra year of eligibility during last year’s shortened COVID-19 season.

🏈 Nebraska QB coming to K-State

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Travis Kelce scored on a 34-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes in overtime and the Kansas City Chiefs rallied for a 34-28 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. 

Kelce caught a tying 7-yard touchdown pass with 1:16 left in the fourth quarter, then ended the game with his catch-and-run in overtime. On first-and-10, Kelce pulled in Mahomes’ pass at the 30 and eluded two tackles en route to the end zone, where he was swarmed by teammates. 

Mahomes finished 31 of 47 for a season-high 410 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Kelce had 10 receptions for a career-best 191 yards and two touchdowns.&nbsp;

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Travis Kelce scored on a 34-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes in overtime and the Kansas City Chiefs rallied for a 34-28 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Kelce caught a tying 7-yard touchdown pass with 1:16 left in the fourth quarter, then ended the game with his catch-and-run in overtime. On first-and-10, Kelce pulled in Mahomes’ pass at the 30 and eluded two tackles en route to the end zone, where he was swarmed by teammates. Mahomes finished 31 of 47 for a season-high 410 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Kelce had 10 receptions for a career-best 191 yards and two touchdowns.&nbsp;

🏈 Chiefs win over Chargers in overtime Thursday

2021-22 NJCAA DI Women's Basketball Poll | Week 6 - 12-13-21

Place	Name	                Record	Points	1st Place	Prev.

1	Northwest Florida 	12-0	200	8	           1

2	Chipola College	        14-0	192	0	           2

3	Three Rivers            15-0	184	0	           4

4	Trinity Valley  	11-1	176	0	           7

5	New Mexico JC           11-1	168	0	           5

6	Shelton State	         9-1	160	0	           6

7	Georgia Highlands 	 9-2	152	0	           8

8	College of Southern Idaho 11-1	144	0	           9

9	Jones College	         6-1	136	0	           3

10	Western Nebraska 	13-1	128	0	           10

11	Tyler Junior College	10-2	120	0	           12

12	Wabash Valley College	11-1	112	0	           13

13	Central Arizona College	10-0	104	0	           15

14	South Plains College	 6-3	96	0	           18

15	Pensacola State College	11-0	88	0	           19

16	South Georgia    	10-3	80	0	           21

17	Casper College	        12-3	72	0	           22

18	Moberly Area            13-2	64	0	           16

19	Gulf Coast        	10-2	56	0	           24

20	Butler                  11-2	48	0	           14

21	Eastern Arizona College	11-2	40	0	           23

22	Blinn College	        13-0	32	0	           N/A

23	Florida Southwestern 	 8-3	24	0	           11

24	Eastern Florida State 	10-2	16	0	           17

25	Kilgore College	         9-2	8	0	           22

Receiving Votes: Angelina, Eastern Oklahoma State, Hutchinson, North Dakota SCS, Panola

2021-22 NJCAA DI Women's Basketball Poll | Week 6 - 12-13-21Place	Name	 Record	Points	1st Place	Prev.1	Northwest Florida 	12-0	200	8	 12	Chipola College	 14-0	192	0	 23	Three Rivers 15-0	184	0	 44	Trinity Valley 	11-1	176	0	 75	New Mexico JC 11-1	168	0	 56	Shelton State	 9-1	160	0	 67	Georgia Highlands 	 9-2	152	0	 88	College of Southern Idaho 11-1	144	0	 99	Jones College	 6-1	136	0	 310	Western Nebraska 	13-1	128	0	 1011	Tyler Junior College	10-2	120	0	 1212	Wabash Valley College	11-1	112	0	 1313	Central Arizona College	10-0	104	0	 1514	South Plains College	 6-3	96	0	 1815	Pensacola State College	11-0	88	0	 1916	South Georgia 	10-3	80	0	 2117	Casper College	 12-3	72	0	 2218	Moberly Area 13-2	64	0	 1619	Gulf Coast 	10-2	56	0	 2420	Butler 11-2	48	0	 1421	Eastern Arizona College	11-2	40	0	 2322	Blinn College	 13-0	32	0	 N/A23	Florida Southwestern 	 8-3	24	0	 1124	Eastern Florida State 	10-2	16	0	 1725	Kilgore College	 9-2	8	0	 22Receiving Votes: Angelina, Eastern Oklahoma State, Hutchinson, North Dakota SCS, Panola

Blue Dragon women receiving votes in latest poll

2021-22 NJCAA DI Men's Basketball Poll | Week 6 - 12-13-21

Place	Name	                        Record	Points	1st Place	Prev.

1	Salt Lake Community College	12-0	400	      16	1

2	Kilgore College	                14-0	383	       0	2

3	John A. Logan College	        12-1	367	       0	5

4	Northwest Florida State College	13-1	346	       0	8

5	Dodge City Community College	11-1	315	       0	10

6	Hutchinson Community College	13-1	293	       0	4

7	Chipola College	                12-2	285	       0	3

8	Indian Hills Community College	11-3	249	       0	12

9	Collin County Community College	12-0	246	       0	13

10	College of Southern Idaho	10-2	227	       0	14

11	Harcum College	                12-1	227	       0	7

12	Indian River State College	12-2	209	       0	6

13	Jones College	                10-0	198	       0	N/A

14	Mineral Area College	        11-3	180	       0	16

15	Snow College	                 9-2	173	       0	17

16	Shelton State Community College	 8-2	160	       0	15

17	Southeastern Community College	16-2	130	       0	11

18	Colby Community College	         9-2	127	       0	9

19	East Mississippi 	         8-2	 91	       0	23

20	Florida Southwestern State 	10-2	 83	       0	25

21	Butler Community College - KS	10-3	 76	       0	19

22	Brunswick Community College	 8-0	 64	       0	21

23	Odessa College	                10-5	 63	       0	24

24	Santa Fe College	        10-2	 53	       0	18

25	Northeast Mississippi            8-2	 50	       0	22

2021-22 NJCAA DI Men's Basketball Poll | Week 6 - 12-13-21Place	Name	 Record	Points	1st Place	Prev.1	Salt Lake Community College	12-0	400	 16	12	Kilgore College	 14-0	383	 0	23	John A. Logan College	 12-1	367	 0	54	Northwest Florida State College	13-1	346	 0	85	Dodge City Community College	11-1	315	 0	106	Hutchinson Community College	13-1	293	 0	47	Chipola College	 12-2	285	 0	38	Indian Hills Community College	11-3	249	 0	129	Collin County Community College	12-0	246	 0	1310	College of Southern Idaho	10-2	227	 0	1411	Harcum College	 12-1	227	 0	712	Indian River State College	12-2	209	 0	613	Jones College	 10-0	198	 0	N/A14	Mineral Area College	 11-3	180	 0	1615	Snow College	 9-2	173	 0	1716	Shelton State Community College	 8-2	160	 0	1517	Southeastern Community College	16-2	130	 0	1118	Colby Community College	 9-2	127	 0	919	East Mississippi 	 8-2	 91	 0	2320	Florida Southwestern State 	10-2	 83	 0	2521	Butler Community College - KS	10-3	 76	 0	1922	Brunswick Community College	 8-0	 64	 0	2123	Odessa College	 10-5	 63	 0	2424	Santa Fe College	 10-2	 53	 0	1825	Northeast Mississippi 8-2	 50	 0	22Receiving Votes: Triton, Western Wyoming, Dawson, Caldwell Tech, Moberly Area, Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa, Eastern Florida State, North Dakota SCS, Navarro, Grayson, McLennan, Midland, Paris, Southwestern Illinois, Albany Tech, Mississippi Gulf Coast, Central Georgia Tech, Otero