The American Athletic Conference will add UAB, Texas-San Antonio, Rice, North Texas, Charlotte and Florida Atlantic to the league. 

The AAC is replacing three schools that are scheduled to depart for the Big 12 Conference and is growing to 14 teams for football. The conference hopes the move will stabilize the league in the short term and prepare it to withstand future poaching of its members. 

The additions all come from Conference USA, leaving that league both searching for new members and trying to fend off other poachers. 

The Sun Belt has said it is interested in expanding beyond its current 10 football members and some of C-USA’s remaining eight schools would be geographic fits.

Wichita State is a basketball-only member of the AAC.

The American Athletic Conference will add UAB, Texas-San Antonio, Rice, North Texas, Charlotte and Florida Atlantic to the league. The AAC is replacing three schools that are scheduled to depart for the Big 12 Conference and is growing to 14 teams for football. The conference hopes the move will stabilize the league in the short term and prepare it to withstand future poaching of its members. The additions all come from Conference USA, leaving that league both searching for new members and trying to fend off other poachers. The Sun Belt has said it is interested in expanding beyond its current 10 football members and some of C-USA’s remaining eight schools would be geographic fits.Wichita State is a basketball-only member of the AAC.

AAC to add six teams

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

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Vladimir Tarasenko broke a tie midway through the third period in the St. Louis Blues' 3-1 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. Jordan Binnington made 42 saves, and Brandon Saad and Ivan Barbashev added goals for the Blues. St. Louis won all three games on its season-opening trip, also beating Colorado 5-3 and Arizona 7-4. William Karlsson opened the scoring for the Golden Knights, and Robin Lehner made 35 saves.

LAWRENCE, Kan (AP) — The question of is Caleb Williams the starting quarterback at No. 3 Oklahoma is over and now the freshman can go out and be himself. &nbsp;Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley put Williams in during the 55-48 win over Texas two weeks ago which propelled the Sooners to a late game comeback victory. After replacing Spencer Rattler, Williams has thrown for 661 yards, and has eight touchdowns. &nbsp;Williams shined in his first start for the Sooners throwing for 295 yards and four touchdown passes in a 21-point win over TCU last week. He's also had some big runs rushing for 66 yards and a touchdown on Saturday.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa basketball coach Fran McCaffery goes into this season without two players who combined to average nearly 40 points and 15 rebounds per game last season. Luka Garza and Joe Wieskamp were NBA draft picks and Garza was national player of the year. The Hawkeyes also lost CJ Fredrick and Jack Nunge. Both transferred. McCaffery says he has a deep and versatile roster. Forward Keegan Murray might be the next standout. He was on the Big Ten's all-freshman team. The Hawkeyes open the season Nov. 9 at home against Longwood.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Fred Hoiberg's first two teams at Nebraska combined for just 14 wins. He says this is the season the Cornhuskers should begin showing progress. He brings back key pieces from last season's team and brings in the highest-ranked recruiting class in program history. The top incoming player is guard Bryce McGowens. He'll join players with starting experience in his older brother Trey McGowens, Kobe Webster, Lat Mayen and Derrick Walker. The season opens Nov. 9 against Western Illinois in Lincoln.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Oklahoma and Texas will leave the Big 12 for the Southeastern Conference in a few seasons. It led to various discussions at Big 12 basketball Media Day. New Texas coach Chris Beard says his Longhorns will have a target on their backs for fans eager to jeer them when they go on the road this season. New Oklahoma coach Porter Moser says the same thing. He says road trips to hostile venues will just be that much more exciting. The league will be tough again: Three teams are ranked in the top 10: Kansas, Texas and defending national champion Baylor.

UNDATED (AP) — Georgia and Alabama could be heading for another showdown in the Southeastern Conference championship game. Halfway through the season the Bulldogs are ranked first in the Top 25 and the Crimson Tide fourth. Eight of the past nine SEC title games have featured either Alabama or Georgia or both. The Crimson Tide and Bulldogs have met twice in Atlanta for the league crown since 2012. The best of the rest in the SEC during the first half of the season have been No. 12 Mississippi and No. 15 Kentucky. Rebels quarterback Matt Corral is a Heisman candidate and coach Mark Stoops has the Wildcats on track for one their best seasons ever.

Astros, Braves on verge of series appearances.

UNDATED (AP) — The Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves are both one victory away from meeting in the World Series.

Yordan (yohr-DAHN') Alvarez had three hits and three RBIs as the Astros hammered the Red Sox, 9-1 in Game 5 of the AL Championship Series. Alvarez opened the scoring with a second-inning blast and added a two-run double that ignited Houston's five-run sixth. 

Framber Valdez was superb over eight innings, limiting the Bosox to a run and three hits while striking out five. Valdez blanked the Red Sox until Rafael Devers (DEH'-vurz) homered in the seventh. He also became the first pitcher of the postseason to work eight innings.

Yuli Gurriel (YOO'-lee gur-ee-EHL') also had three ribbies for the Astros.

Chris Sale absorbed the loss, allowing four runs and three hits with seven strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings. Two of the runs were unearned, thanks to an error by first baseman Kyle Schwarber in the sixth.

The Astros can advance to the World Series on Friday in Houston.

The Braves are up three games to one in their NL Championship Series after throttling the Dodgers, 9-2 in Los Angeles. 

Eddie Rosario homered twice in his second four-hit game of the series. Adam Duvall and Freddie Freeman also went deep for Atlanta, which bounced right back from blowing a late lead in an agonizing loss Tuesday.

The Braves tagged Julio Urias (oo-REE'-uhs) for three home runs over the first three innings. Urias was reached for five runs and eight hits in five innings. He was baseball's only 20-game winner this season.

The Dodgers finally broke through on AJ Pollock's two-run single in the fifth, but that was one of just four hits allowed by six Atlanta hurlers on what became a bullpen game.

The Braves can finish up the series on Thursday in LA.

Mets' Carrasco has surgery to remove bone fragment in elbow

NEW YORK (AP) — New York Mets right-hander Carlos Carrasco has had surgery to remove a bone fragment from his pitching elbow and is projected to resume baseball activities this winter. 

The 34-year-old Carrasco was obtained by the Mets from Cleveland in January along with shortstop Francisco Lindor. He tore his right hamstring during spring training and didn't make his season debut until July 30. 

Carrasco went 1-5 with a 6.04 ERA in 12 starts.

UNDATED (AP) — The Philadelphia 76ers had little trouble winning their season opener while guard Ben Simmons stayed home.

Joel Embiid (joh-EHL' ehm-BEED') and Furkan Korkmaz (fur-KAHN' KOHRK'-mahz) each scored 22 points as the Sixers coasted to a 117-97 win at New Orleans. Embiid also finished with 12 rebounds and Korkmaz drained four 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to help Philadelphia pull away.

Korkmaz nailed three 3s in less than a minute to put the Sixers up, 92-79. That was part of a 20-2 run that iced the victory.

The Sixers traveled without Simmons, who was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team. 

— Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic (nee-KOH'-lah YOH'-kihch) had 27 points on 13 of 22 from the field and grabbed 13 rebounds in leading the Nuggets past the Suns, 110-98. Will Barton scored 20 points and Michael Porter Jr. added 15 to help the Nuggets avenge their playoff series loss to the Suns last season. Mikal Bridges led Phoenix with 16 points, while Chris Paul had 15 with 10 assists. 

— The Jazz opened with a 107-86 rout of the Thunder as Rudy Gobert (goh-BEHR') contributed 16 points and 21 rebounds. Bojan (BOY'-ahn) Bogdanovic led Utah with 22 points and Jordan Clarkson added 18.

— The Knicks and Celtics opened their seasons by playing double overtime before New York eked out a 138-134 victory. Former Celtic Evan Fournier hit four 3-pointers in the overtime and finished with 32 points. Julius Randle had a team-high 35 points to help the Knicks overcome Jaylen Brown's career-high 46 points for Boston.

— Harrison Barnes furnished 36 points and De'Aaron Fox added 27 for the Kings in a 124-121 victory over the Trail Blazers. Richaun Holmes had 21 points and 11 rebounds for the Kings, who led by as many as 18 points in the third quarter. 

— Bradley Beal scored 23 points and Montrezl (MAHN'-trehz) Harrell had 22 in his Wizards debut to lead a 98-83 victory over Toronto, spoiling the Raptors' return to Canada. Kyle Kuzma (KOOOZ'-mah) had 11 points and 14 rebounds for the Wizards, who led by as many as 29 in winning Wes Unseld Jr.'s first game as an NBA head coach.

— Ja (jah) Morant had 37 points and the Grizzlies pulled away in the fourth quarter to beat the Cavaliers, 132-121. De'Anthony Melton added 20 points and Memphis opened the final period on a 10-0 run to go ahead by 14.

— The Spurs crushed the Magic, 123-97 as Devin Vassell scored 19 points and Lonnie Walker added 17. Derrick White had 16 points for San Antonio, which is 23-2 in season openers under coach Gregg Popovich.

— The Timberwolves were 124-106 winners over the Rockets behind Anthony Edwards' 29 points in 31 minutes. Karl-Anthony Towns furnished 30 points and 10 rebounds to the victory, while D'Angelo Russell added 22 points and seven assists.

— LaMelo Ball drained seven 3-pointers while scoring 31 points as the Hornets rallied past the Pacers, 123-122. Indiana led, 84-63 until Ball scored 10 points during a 24-0 spurt.

— Zach LaVine (lah-VEEN') scored 15 of his 34 points in the third quarter to lead the Bulls to a 94-88 victory over the Pistons. DeMar DeRozan had 17 points, and Lonzo Ball had 12 points in their Bulls debut. 

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas (YOH'-nuhs val-ehn-CHOO'-nuhs) has agreed to a two-year extension worth a reported $30.1 million.

Valanciunas' extension was first reported by ESPN, which received financial terms from the center's representative.

New Orleans acquired the 29-year-old in a trade with Memphis this past offseason. The Pelicans sent Steven Adams and Eric Bledsoe to the Grizzlies for the nine-year veteran.

Valanciunas averaged 17.1 points and 12.5 rebounds with Memphis last season.

UNDATED (AP) — Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield will sit out Thursday's game against the Denver Broncos with a painful left shoulder injury.

Cleveland announced that backup Case Keenum will start, ending speculation about whether Mayfield would try to push through an injury to his non-throwing shoulder that he suffered last month and has worsened in recent weeks. 

Keenum has made 62 career NFL starts, most recently for Washington in 2019.

— The 49ers are optimistic starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo can return this week from a right calf injury but don't expect backup Trey Lance back for another week. Coach Kyle Shanahan says Garoppolo will be limited at practice after missing one game with the injury and is on target to play Sunday night against Indianapolis. Lance sprained his left knee when he started in place of Garoppolo.

— Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has a quadriceps injury in addition to his sore left foot and is questionable for the game at Cleveland on Thursday night. Bridgewater got hit 17 times in Denver's third consecutive loss Sunday, two weeks after he was knocked out of a game against the Ravens with a concussion. What left him limping was right guard Graham Glasgow stepping on his left foot just as he delivered a touchdown throw to Noah Fant in the closing minutes.

— The Texans have released veteran defensive end Whitney Mercilus. Mercilus was one of the longest-tenured players on the team after most of the team's stars have been traded or released in recent years. 

— Washington has released longtime kicker Dustin Hopkins and signed Chris Blewitt as his replacement. Hopkins missed two extra point attempts in a win over the Falcons, but he's 12-for-14 on field goals. He was in his seventh season with the team. 

— The league has agreed to end race-based adjustments in dementia testing that critics said made it difficult for Black retirees to qualify for awards in the $1 billion settlement of concussion claims. That's according to a proposed deal filed Wednesday in federal court. The revised testing plan follows public outrage over the use of "race-norming," a practice that came to light only after two former NFL players filed a civil rights lawsuit over it in 2019. Critics of race-norming say the adjustments may have prevented hundreds of Black players suffering from dementia to win awards that average $500,000 or more.

T25 FOOTBALL-APPALACHIAN STATE/COASTAL CAROLINA

Appalachian State ends Coastal Carolina's win streak

BOONE, N.C. (AP) — Appalachian State sent a reminder that there's more to Sun Belt football that Coastal Carolina.

Chandler Staton hit a 24-yard field goal as time expired, giving Appalachian State a stunning 30-27 win over the 14th-ranked Chanticleers. Chase Brice threw for 347 yards and two touchdowns, with Malik Williams catching 10 passes for 206 yards. 

Camerun Peoples ran for two touchdowns for the Mountaineers, who have never lost to the Chanticleers at home. 

Grayson McCall threw for 291 yards and one touchdown for Coastal Carolina, which had earned 11 straight Sun Belt Conference wins. 

AP sources: 6 C-USA schools apply for AAC membership

UNDATED (AP) — Six schools from Conference USA, including UAB, Texas-San Antonio and Florida Atlantic, have applied for membership to the American Athletic Conference and are expected to be accepted by the end of the week, according to two people with knowledge of the process.

The two people tell The Associated Press that Rice, North Texas and Charlotte also have applied for membership. 

The American was in the market for new members after three of its most successful schools, Cincinnati, Houston and Central Florida, announced in September they would be joining the Big 12. The comings and goings will leave the American with 14 members, likely for the 2023 football season.

Attorney says Rolovich ready to fight dismissal

UNDATED (AP) — The attorney for fired Washington State football coach Nick Rolovich says his client is prepared to take legal action.

Attorney Brian Fahling says Rolovich's termination for refusing to get a COVID-19 vaccination was unlawful and an attack on his Catholic faith. 

Rolovich and four of his assistants were fired Monday for not complying with the governor's mandate that all state employees be vaccinated against the coronavirus. 

Rolovich had requested a religious exemption but it was denied Monday, the state's vaccination deadline.

Atkinson scores twice as Flyers double up B's

UNDATED (AP) — One of the newest members of the Philadelphia Flyers played a major role in their 6-3 win over the Boston Bruins on Wednesday.

Cam Atkinson provided two goals, including the go-ahead score that sent him tumbling into the boards. The former Blue Jacket had the crowd going wild on his hustle-and-tumble goal only 58 seconds into the third for a 4-3 lead. 

Sean Couturier (koo-TUR'-ee-ay) and Joel Farabee added a goal and an assist for the Flyers, who also received goals from Travis Konecny (kah-NEHK'-nee) and Scott Laughton.

Martin Jones handled 37 shots for Philadelphia.

In Wednesday's other NHL game, Vladimir Tarasenko broke a tie midway through the third period of the Blues' 3-1 victory over Golden Knights. Jordan Binnington made 42 saves, and Brandon Saad (sahd) and Ivan Barbashev (BAHR'-bah-shehv) added goals to help St. Louis open the season with a 3-0 road trip.

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — The Edmonton Oilers have placed goalie Mike Smith on injured reserve because of a lower-body injury. 

The 39-year-old Smith was hurt in the second period of Tuesday's 6-5 victory over the Ducks. He was replaced in the net by Mikko Koskinen.

The Oilers recalled goalie Stuart Skinner from the Bakersfield Condors in the American Hockey League.

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<h2>Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press</h2>LAS VEGAS (AP) — Vladimir Tarasenko broke a tie midway through the third period in the St. Louis Blues' 3-1 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. Jordan Binnington made 42 saves, and Brandon Saad and Ivan Barbashev added goals for the Blues. St. Louis won all three games on its season-opening trip, also beating Colorado 5-3 and Arizona 7-4. William Karlsson opened the scoring for the Golden Knights, and Robin Lehner made 35 saves.LAWRENCE, Kan (AP) — The question of is Caleb Williams the starting quarterback at No. 3 Oklahoma is over and now the freshman can go out and be himself. &nbsp;Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley put Williams in during the 55-48 win over Texas two weeks ago which propelled the Sooners to a late game comeback victory. After replacing Spencer Rattler, Williams has thrown for 661 yards, and has eight touchdowns. &nbsp;Williams shined in his first start for the Sooners throwing for 295 yards and four touchdown passes in a 21-point win over TCU last week. He's also had some big runs rushing for 66 yards and a touchdown on Saturday.IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa basketball coach Fran McCaffery goes into this season without two players who combined to average nearly 40 points and 15 rebounds per game last season. Luka Garza and Joe Wieskamp were NBA draft picks and Garza was national player of the year. The Hawkeyes also lost CJ Fredrick and Jack Nunge. Both transferred. McCaffery says he has a deep and versatile roster. Forward Keegan Murray might be the next standout. He was on the Big Ten's all-freshman team. The Hawkeyes open the season Nov. 9 at home against Longwood.LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Fred Hoiberg's first two teams at Nebraska combined for just 14 wins. He says this is the season the Cornhuskers should begin showing progress. He brings back key pieces from last season's team and brings in the highest-ranked recruiting class in program history. The top incoming player is guard Bryce McGowens. He'll join players with starting experience in his older brother Trey McGowens, Kobe Webster, Lat Mayen and Derrick Walker. The season opens Nov. 9 against Western Illinois in Lincoln.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Oklahoma and Texas will leave the Big 12 for the Southeastern Conference in a few seasons. It led to various discussions at Big 12 basketball Media Day. New Texas coach Chris Beard says his Longhorns will have a target on their backs for fans eager to jeer them when they go on the road this season. New Oklahoma coach Porter Moser says the same thing. He says road trips to hostile venues will just be that much more exciting. The league will be tough again: Three teams are ranked in the top 10: Kansas, Texas and defending national champion Baylor.UNDATED (AP) — Georgia and Alabama could be heading for another showdown in the Southeastern Conference championship game. Halfway through the season the Bulldogs are ranked first in the Top 25 and the Crimson Tide fourth. Eight of the past nine SEC title games have featured either Alabama or Georgia or both. The Crimson Tide and Bulldogs have met twice in Atlanta for the league crown since 2012. The best of the rest in the SEC during the first half of the season have been No. 12 Mississippi and No. 15 Kentucky. Rebels quarterback Matt Corral is a Heisman candidate and coach Mark Stoops has the Wildcats on track for one their best seasons ever.LCS-SCHEDULEAstros, Braves on verge of series appearances.UNDATED (AP) — The Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves are both one victory away from meeting in the World Series.Yordan (yohr-DAHN') Alvarez had three hits and three RBIs as the Astros hammered the Red Sox, 9-1 in Game 5 of the AL Championship Series. Alvarez opened the scoring with a second-inning blast and added a two-run double that ignited Houston's five-run sixth. Framber Valdez was superb over eight innings, limiting the Bosox to a run and three hits while striking out five. Valdez blanked the Red Sox until Rafael Devers (DEH'-vurz) homered in the seventh. He also became the first pitcher of the postseason to work eight innings.Yuli Gurriel (YOO'-lee gur-ee-EHL') also had three ribbies for the Astros.Chris Sale absorbed the loss, allowing four runs and three hits with seven strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings. Two of the runs were unearned, thanks to an error by first baseman Kyle Schwarber in the sixth.The Astros can advance to the World Series on Friday in Houston.The Braves are up three games to one in their NL Championship Series after throttling the Dodgers, 9-2 in Los Angeles. Eddie Rosario homered twice in his second four-hit game of the series. Adam Duvall and Freddie Freeman also went deep for Atlanta, which bounced right back from blowing a late lead in an agonizing loss Tuesday.The Braves tagged Julio Urias (oo-REE'-uhs) for three home runs over the first three innings. Urias was reached for five runs and eight hits in five innings. He was baseball's only 20-game winner this season.The Dodgers finally broke through on AJ Pollock's two-run single in the fifth, but that was one of just four hits allowed by six Atlanta hurlers on what became a bullpen game.The Braves can finish up the series on Thursday in LA.MLB-NEWSMets' Carrasco has surgery to remove bone fragment in elbowNEW YORK (AP) — New York Mets right-hander Carlos Carrasco has had surgery to remove a bone fragment from his pitching elbow and is projected to resume baseball activities this winter. The 34-year-old Carrasco was obtained by the Mets from Cleveland in January along with shortstop Francisco Lindor. He tore his right hamstring during spring training and didn't make his season debut until July 30. Carrasco went 1-5 with a 6.04 ERA in 12 starts.NBA-SCHEDULE76ers win without SimmonsUNDATED (AP) — The Philadelphia 76ers had little trouble winning their season opener while guard Ben Simmons stayed home.Joel Embiid (joh-EHL' ehm-BEED') and Furkan Korkmaz (fur-KAHN' KOHRK'-mahz) each scored 22 points as the Sixers coasted to a 117-97 win at New Orleans. Embiid also finished with 12 rebounds and Korkmaz drained four 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to help Philadelphia pull away.Korkmaz nailed three 3s in less than a minute to put the Sixers up, 92-79. That was part of a 20-2 run that iced the victory.The Sixers traveled without Simmons, who was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team. In Wednesday's other NBA action:— Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic (nee-KOH'-lah YOH'-kihch) had 27 points on 13 of 22 from the field and grabbed 13 rebounds in leading the Nuggets past the Suns, 110-98. Will Barton scored 20 points and Michael Porter Jr. added 15 to help the Nuggets avenge their playoff series loss to the Suns last season. Mikal Bridges led Phoenix with 16 points, while Chris Paul had 15 with 10 assists. — The Jazz opened with a 107-86 rout of the Thunder as Rudy Gobert (goh-BEHR') contributed 16 points and 21 rebounds. Bojan (BOY'-ahn) Bogdanovic led Utah with 22 points and Jordan Clarkson added 18.— The Knicks and Celtics opened their seasons by playing double overtime before New York eked out a 138-134 victory. Former Celtic Evan Fournier hit four 3-pointers in the overtime and finished with 32 points. Julius Randle had a team-high 35 points to help the Knicks overcome Jaylen Brown's career-high 46 points for Boston.— Harrison Barnes furnished 36 points and De'Aaron Fox added 27 for the Kings in a 124-121 victory over the Trail Blazers. Richaun Holmes had 21 points and 11 rebounds for the Kings, who led by as many as 18 points in the third quarter. — Bradley Beal scored 23 points and Montrezl (MAHN'-trehz) Harrell had 22 in his Wizards debut to lead a 98-83 victory over Toronto, spoiling the Raptors' return to Canada. Kyle Kuzma (KOOOZ'-mah) had 11 points and 14 rebounds for the Wizards, who led by as many as 29 in winning Wes Unseld Jr.'s first game as an NBA head coach.— Ja (jah) Morant had 37 points and the Grizzlies pulled away in the fourth quarter to beat the Cavaliers, 132-121. De'Anthony Melton added 20 points and Memphis opened the final period on a 10-0 run to go ahead by 14.— The Spurs crushed the Magic, 123-97 as Devin Vassell scored 19 points and Lonnie Walker added 17. Derrick White had 16 points for San Antonio, which is 23-2 in season openers under coach Gregg Popovich.— The Timberwolves were 124-106 winners over the Rockets behind Anthony Edwards' 29 points in 31 minutes. Karl-Anthony Towns furnished 30 points and 10 rebounds to the victory, while D'Angelo Russell added 22 points and seven assists.— LaMelo Ball drained seven 3-pointers while scoring 31 points as the Hornets rallied past the Pacers, 123-122. Indiana led, 84-63 until Ball scored 10 points during a 24-0 spurt.— Zach LaVine (lah-VEEN') scored 15 of his 34 points in the third quarter to lead the Bulls to a 94-88 victory over the Pistons. DeMar DeRozan had 17 points, and Lonzo Ball had 12 points in their Bulls debut. NBA-NEWSValanciunas extendedNEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas (YOH'-nuhs val-ehn-CHOO'-nuhs) has agreed to a two-year extension worth a reported $30.1 million.Valanciunas' extension was first reported by ESPN, which received financial terms from the center's representative.New Orleans acquired the 29-year-old in a trade with Memphis this past offseason. The Pelicans sent Steven Adams and Eric Bledsoe to the Grizzlies for the nine-year veteran.Valanciunas averaged 17.1 points and 12.5 rebounds with Memphis last season.NFL-NEWSBrowns' Mayfield out, Keenum startingUNDATED (AP) — Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield will sit out Thursday's game against the Denver Broncos with a painful left shoulder injury.Cleveland announced that backup Case Keenum will start, ending speculation about whether Mayfield would try to push through an injury to his non-throwing shoulder that he suffered last month and has worsened in recent weeks. Keenum has made 62 career NFL starts, most recently for Washington in 2019.In other NFL news:— The 49ers are optimistic starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo can return this week from a right calf injury but don't expect backup Trey Lance back for another week. Coach Kyle Shanahan says Garoppolo will be limited at practice after missing one game with the injury and is on target to play Sunday night against Indianapolis. Lance sprained his left knee when he started in place of Garoppolo.— Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has a quadriceps injury in addition to his sore left foot and is questionable for the game at Cleveland on Thursday night. Bridgewater got hit 17 times in Denver's third consecutive loss Sunday, two weeks after he was knocked out of a game against the Ravens with a concussion. What left him limping was right guard Graham Glasgow stepping on his left foot just as he delivered a touchdown throw to Noah Fant in the closing minutes.— The Texans have released veteran defensive end Whitney Mercilus. Mercilus was one of the longest-tenured players on the team after most of the team's stars have been traded or released in recent years. — Washington has released longtime kicker Dustin Hopkins and signed Chris Blewitt as his replacement. Hopkins missed two extra point attempts in a win over the Falcons, but he's 12-for-14 on field goals. He was in his seventh season with the team. — The league has agreed to end race-based adjustments in dementia testing that critics said made it difficult for Black retirees to qualify for awards in the $1 billion settlement of concussion claims. That's according to a proposed deal filed Wednesday in federal court. The revised testing plan follows public outrage over the use of "race-norming," a practice that came to light only after two former NFL players filed a civil rights lawsuit over it in 2019. Critics of race-norming say the adjustments may have prevented hundreds of Black players suffering from dementia to win awards that average $500,000 or more.T25 FOOTBALL-APPALACHIAN STATE/COASTAL CAROLINAAppalachian State ends Coastal Carolina's win streakBOONE, N.C. (AP) — Appalachian State sent a reminder that there's more to Sun Belt football that Coastal Carolina.Chandler Staton hit a 24-yard field goal as time expired, giving Appalachian State a stunning 30-27 win over the 14th-ranked Chanticleers. Chase Brice threw for 347 yards and two touchdowns, with Malik Williams catching 10 passes for 206 yards. Camerun Peoples ran for two touchdowns for the Mountaineers, who have never lost to the Chanticleers at home. Grayson McCall threw for 291 yards and one touchdown for Coastal Carolina, which had earned 11 straight Sun Belt Conference wins. COLLEGE FOOTBALL-NEWSAP sources: 6 C-USA schools apply for AAC membershipUNDATED (AP) — Six schools from Conference USA, including UAB, Texas-San Antonio and Florida Atlantic, have applied for membership to the American Athletic Conference and are expected to be accepted by the end of the week, according to two people with knowledge of the process.The two people tell The Associated Press that Rice, North Texas and Charlotte also have applied for membership. The American was in the market for new members after three of its most successful schools, Cincinnati, Houston and Central Florida, announced in September they would be joining the Big 12. The comings and goings will leave the American with 14 members, likely for the 2023 football season.COLLEGE FOOTBALL-ROLOVICHAttorney says Rolovich ready to fight dismissalUNDATED (AP) — The attorney for fired Washington State football coach Nick Rolovich says his client is prepared to take legal action.Attorney Brian Fahling says Rolovich's termination for refusing to get a COVID-19 vaccination was unlawful and an attack on his Catholic faith. Rolovich and four of his assistants were fired Monday for not complying with the governor's mandate that all state employees be vaccinated against the coronavirus. Rolovich had requested a religious exemption but it was denied Monday, the state's vaccination deadline.NHL-SCHEDULEAtkinson scores twice as Flyers double up B'sUNDATED (AP) — One of the newest members of the Philadelphia Flyers played a major role in their 6-3 win over the Boston Bruins on Wednesday.Cam Atkinson provided two goals, including the go-ahead score that sent him tumbling into the boards. The former Blue Jacket had the crowd going wild on his hustle-and-tumble goal only 58 seconds into the third for a 4-3 lead. Sean Couturier (koo-TUR'-ee-ay) and Joel Farabee added a goal and an assist for the Flyers, who also received goals from Travis Konecny (kah-NEHK'-nee) and Scott Laughton.Martin Jones handled 37 shots for Philadelphia.In Wednesday's other NHL game, Vladimir Tarasenko broke a tie midway through the third period of the Blues' 3-1 victory over Golden Knights. Jordan Binnington made 42 saves, and Brandon Saad (sahd) and Ivan Barbashev (BAHR'-bah-shehv) added goals to help St. Louis open the season with a 3-0 road trip.NHL-NEWSOilers' Smith on IREDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — The Edmonton Oilers have placed goalie Mike Smith on injured reserve because of a lower-body injury. The 39-year-old Smith was hurt in the second period of Tuesday's 6-5 victory over the Ducks. He was replaced in the net by Mikko Koskinen.The Oilers recalled goalie Stuart Skinner from the Bakersfield Condors in the American Hockey League.<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 Thursday

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🎙 Eagle Radio Sports for Thursday Morning

3A- Nickerson will play Haven Saturday at 2 p.m. in Nickerson. Cheney is the #1 seed.

1A Division I-Pretty Prairie earns a bye as the top seed in its substate.

IA Division II-Central Christian plays Caldwell in Argonia Saturday around 2:30 p.m.

3A- Nickerson will play Haven Saturday at 2 p.m. in Nickerson. Cheney is the #1 seed.1A Division I-Pretty Prairie earns a bye as the top seed in its substate.IA Division II-Central Christian plays Caldwell in Argonia Saturday around 2:30 p.m.

Small school volleyball substates released

Hutchinson won over Emporia and swept Maize on Senior Night to improve to 31-5 on the season.

Nickerson swept Chapman and was swept by Smoky Valley.

Buhler 3, Winfield 1 Hutchinson 2, Maize 1

Volleyball:Hutchinson won over Emporia and swept Maize on Senior Night to improve to 31-5 on the season.Nickerson swept Chapman and was swept by Smoky Valley.Soccer:&nbsp;Buhler 3, Winfield 1 Hutchinson 2, Maize 1

Volleyball, Soccer results from Tuesday

SALINA — 
Buhler's Callie Cooper finished 3rd as an individual at the Class 4A state golf tournament in Salina Tuesday. She shot a two-round 169, including 85 on Tuesday. Marlie Cooper tied for 27th. 

Avery Blasi of Pratt was 4th. Hayden York of Tonganoxie won the individual crown, while Wamego nipped Winfield by one shot for the team title.

SALINA — 
Buhler's Callie Cooper finished 3rd as an individual at the Class 4A state golf tournament in Salina Tuesday. She shot a two-round 169, including 85 on Tuesday. Marlie Cooper tied for 27th. Avery Blasi of Pratt was 4th. Hayden York of Tonganoxie won the individual crown, while Wamego nipped Winfield by one shot for the team title.

Callie Cooper 3rd at 4A State Golf

6A: Hutchinson to host Wichita Heights at 2 p.m. Saturday

4A: Buhler to play at McPherson vs. Wellington at 1 p.m. Saturday

3A and under brackets will be released Wednesday

6A: Hutchinson to host Wichita Heights at 2 p.m. Saturday4A: Buhler to play at McPherson vs. Wellington at 1 p.m. Saturday3A and under brackets will be released Wednesday

Volleyball substate pairings

Through the first day of state girls' golf in Class 4A, Buhler's Callie Cooper is the area's lowest scorer. Callie Cooper carded an 84 at Salina Municipal to tie her for first after one round with Kate Roeder and Joellen Vogt. Pratt's Avery Blasi is one shot back. Buhler's Marlie Cooper shot a 99 and will also play on Tuesday, though Buhler is out of the team race.

Wamego is 11 shots clear of the field after one round at 358. Buhler shot 401 and is done as a team after the first day.

In Class 6A, Sarah Schwartz and Zoe Tomac both shot 110 at Emporia Municipal. The leader in that class is Shawnee Mission East's Tess Roman, who shot a 72.

Through the first day of state girls' golf in Class 4A, Buhler's Callie Cooper is the area's lowest scorer. Callie Cooper carded an 84 at Salina Municipal to tie her for first after one round with Kate Roeder and Joellen Vogt. Pratt's Avery Blasi is one shot back. Buhler's Marlie Cooper shot a 99 and will also play on Tuesday, though Buhler is out of the team race.Wamego is 11 shots clear of the field after one round at 358. Buhler shot 401 and is done as a team after the first day.In Class 6A, Sarah Schwartz and Zoe Tomac both shot 110 at Emporia Municipal. The leader in that class is Shawnee Mission East's Tess Roman, who shot a 72.

State Girls Golf scores

New Hutchinson Community College men’s basketball coach Tommy DeSalme will see his first Blue Dragon team start the season outside of the NJCAA Top 25, but within striking distance of an early-season entry.

The NJCAA releases its preseason basketball rankings for all three divisions on Monday. The Blue Dragons are one of 12 teams in the receiving votes column of the Division I Men’s Preseason rankings. The Blue Dragons had started the season inside the Top 25 for 10 consecutive seasons.

DeSalme and the Blue Dragons open the season on November 3 against Fort Scott before playing host to the BSN/Blue Dragon Classic. Barton, No. 12 Odessa and NOC-Tonkawa are in that Classic field.

The Blue Dragons were 19-7 last season. Despite a quarterfinal exit in the Region VI Tournament, the Blue Dragons earned an at-large bid to the NJCAA Tournament, where they won an opening-round game, but were eliminated in the second round.

DeSalme and his former team, the Cowley Tigers, were Region VI champions and advanced all the way to the NJCAA Tournament championship game where it lost to Jayhawk East rival Coffeyville.

DeSalme has no returning players from last season’s Blue Dragon team, but five members of his Cowley team followed him to Hutchinson this season.

There are four teams from the Jayhawk Conference earning preseason notoriety. Defending national champion Coffeyville is seventh and Dodge City is ranked 10th. Hutchinson and Colby are receiving votes.

Salt Lake is the unanimous pick for No. 1 with all nine first-place votes. Indian Hills, Florida Southwestern State, South Plains and Mineral Area round out the Top 5.

NJCAA DIVISION I PRESEASON MEN'S BASKETBALL RANKINGS

1. Salt Lake (9)                                 225

2. Indian Hills                                  216

3. Florida Southwestern State                    207

4. South Plains                                  198

5. Mineral Area                                  189

6. John A. Logan                                 180

7. Coffeyville                                   171

8. Shelton State                                 162

9. Kilgore                                       153

10. Dodge City                                   144

11. Northwest Florida State                      135

12. Odessa                                       126

13. Chipola                                      117

14. Eastern Florida State                        108

15. Southern Idaho                                99

16. Northeastern Oklahoma A&amp;M                     90

17. Navarro                                       81

18. New Mexico JC                                 72

19. Moberly Area                                  63

20. Harcum                                        54

21. South Georgia State                           45

22. Northeast Mississippi                         36

23. Georgia Highlands                             27

24. Northeastern JC                               18

25. Columbia State                                 9

   Receiving Votes: Arizona Western, Brunswick, Colby, Hutchinson, Indian River State, Jones, Motlow State, Pearl River, Snow, Triton, Vincennes, Western Wyoming

STEVE CARPENTERHutchCC Sports InformationNew Hutchinson Community College men’s basketball coach Tommy DeSalme will see his first Blue Dragon team start the season outside of the NJCAA Top 25, but within striking distance of an early-season entry.The NJCAA releases its preseason basketball rankings for all three divisions on Monday. The Blue Dragons are one of 12 teams in the receiving votes column of the Division I Men’s Preseason rankings. The Blue Dragons had started the season inside the Top 25 for 10 consecutive seasons.DeSalme and the Blue Dragons open the season on November 3 against Fort Scott before playing host to the BSN/Blue Dragon Classic. Barton, No. 12 Odessa and NOC-Tonkawa are in that Classic field.The Blue Dragons were 19-7 last season. Despite a quarterfinal exit in the Region VI Tournament, the Blue Dragons earned an at-large bid to the NJCAA Tournament, where they won an opening-round game, but were eliminated in the second round.DeSalme and his former team, the Cowley Tigers, were Region VI champions and advanced all the way to the NJCAA Tournament championship game where it lost to Jayhawk East rival Coffeyville.DeSalme has no returning players from last season’s Blue Dragon team, but five members of his Cowley team followed him to Hutchinson this season.There are four teams from the Jayhawk Conference earning preseason notoriety. Defending national champion Coffeyville is seventh and Dodge City is ranked 10th. Hutchinson and Colby are receiving votes.Salt Lake is the unanimous pick for No. 1 with all nine first-place votes. Indian Hills, Florida Southwestern State, South Plains and Mineral Area round out the Top 5.NJCAA DIVISION I PRESEASON MEN'S BASKETBALL RANKINGS1. Salt Lake (9) 2252. Indian Hills 2163. Florida Southwestern State 2074. South Plains 1985. Mineral Area 1896. John A. Logan 1807. Coffeyville 1718. Shelton State 1629. Kilgore 15310. Dodge City 14411. Northwest Florida State 13512. Odessa 12613. Chipola 11714. Eastern Florida State 10815. Southern Idaho 9916. Northeastern Oklahoma A&amp;M 9017. Navarro 8118. New Mexico JC 7219. Moberly Area 6320. Harcum 5421. South Georgia State 4522. Northeast Mississippi 3623. Georgia Highlands 2724. Northeastern JC 1825. Columbia State 9 Receiving Votes: Arizona Western, Brunswick, Colby, Hutchinson, Indian River State, Jones, Motlow State, Pearl River, Snow, Triton, Vincennes, Western Wyoming

Blue Dragon men receiving votes in preseason poll

For the 13th-straight season, the Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball team is part of the NJCAA Division I Preseason Rankings.

The Blue Dragons were ranked No. 21 on Monday when the NJCAA released its preseason national rankings. The two-time defending Jayhawk West champions open their season on Tuesday, November 2 against the Bethany College Junior Varsity at the Sports Arena.

Blue Dragon head coach John Ontjes begins his 15th season at Hutchinson with a record of 394-82.

Ontjes has four returning players from a 19-5 team that won the Jayhawk West outright. But Blue Dragons’ season came to an end in the Region VI Tournament semifinals.

Hutchinson is one of three KJCCC teams ranked in the Top 25. Defending Jayhawk East champion Butler starts at No. 17. Defending Region VI champion opens at No. 25.

Northwest Florida State is the preseason pick at No. 2 for the 2021-22 season. Tyler is second, Chipola third, Jones fourth and New Mexico Junior College is ranked fifth.

NJCAA DIVISION I PRESEASON WOMEN'S BASKETBALL RANKINGS

STEVE CARPENTERHutchCC Sports InformationFor the 13th-straight season, the Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball team is part of the NJCAA Division I Preseason Rankings.The Blue Dragons were ranked No. 21 on Monday when the NJCAA released its preseason national rankings. The two-time defending Jayhawk West champions open their season on Tuesday, November 2 against the Bethany College Junior Varsity at the Sports Arena.Blue Dragon head coach John Ontjes begins his 15th season at Hutchinson with a record of 394-82.Ontjes has four returning players from a 19-5 team that won the Jayhawk West outright. But Blue Dragons’ season came to an end in the Region VI Tournament semifinals.Hutchinson is one of three KJCCC teams ranked in the Top 25. Defending Jayhawk East champion Butler starts at No. 17. Defending Region VI champion opens at No. 25.Northwest Florida State is the preseason pick at No. 2 for the 2021-22 season. Tyler is second, Chipola third, Jones fourth and New Mexico Junior College is ranked fifth.NJCAA DIVISION I PRESEASON WOMEN'S BASKETBALL RANKINGS1. Northwest Florida State (8) 2002. Tyler JC 1923. Chipola 1844. Jones 1765. New Mexico JC 1686. Shelton State 1607. South Plains 1528. Three Rivers 1449. South Georgia Tech 13610. Casper 12811. Trinity Valley 12012. Georgia Highlands 11213. Wabash Valley 10414. Western Nebraska 9615. Weatherford 8816. Eastern Arizona 8017. Butler 7218. Hill 6419. Florida Southwestern State 5620. Moberly Area 4821. Hutchinson 4022. Walters State 3223. Southern Idaho 2424. Eastern Oklahoma State 1625. Independence 8

Blue Dragon women's basketball starts No. 21 in NJCAA Rankings

DODGE CITY – Despite 13 team blocks, the Hutchinson Community College volleyball team suffered a tough four-set Jayhawk West loss on Monday night at Dodge City.

The Blue Dragons won the opening set over Dodge City, but the Conquistador block and strong serve turned things around as Hutchinson lost 25-20, 20-25, 19-25, 25-23.

Hutchinson suffered a tough blow to its chances of playing host to a Region VI Tournament opening-round match with the loss. The Blue Dragons slip to 17-13 overall and 6-7 in the Jayhawk West. The Dragons are tied with Dodge City for fifth, but the Conquistadors swept the season series with Hutchinson for the first time since 2010 and own the head-to-head tiebreaker.

The Blue Dragons had six team blocks in the opening set and got three kills each from Kristina Head and Blondie Penaflor to win the opening set 25-20.

After that, the Dragons continually had service reception errors and Dodge City stepped up its game defensively. The Conquistadors had 12 blocks and six service aces in the final three sets. Dodge had 14 team blocks for the match.

Sophomore Zoe Schmidt had a career-high nine blocks to lead Hutchinson at the end. Schmidt and freshman Aubreigh Haxtun had a double block to close out the first set. Dodge City immediately turned the tables on Hutchinson with a 13-2 run to open the second set. The Dragons scored on 8 of the final 12 rallies to make it close, but lost 25-20 to even the match.

Dodge City opened a 12-7 lead in the third set and Hutchinson couldn’t close the gap in dropping the third set.

Trailing 16-12 in the fourth, the Blue Dragons overcame a controversial replay on a point that would have given them the lead. Despite momentarily losing that point, the Dragons put together a 10-2 run to lead 22-18 on a Schmidt/Penaflor double block. Dodge City responded after a timeout to pull within 23-21. Sophie Connor had a kill for a two-point Dragon lead, but Dodge City scored the final four points of the match to stun Hutchinson.

Connor finished with 12 kills and six digs. Head and Penaflor had seven kills each.

Penaflor had five blocks and Haxtun added four blocks for Hutchinson’s 13-block performance.

Andrea Serrano had 22 assists. McKinley Johnson had 17 assists and three aces.

The Blue Dragons play host to No. 4 Butler on Wednesday for Dig Pink Night for Cancer Awareness. Match time at the Sports Arena is 6 p.m.

STEVE CARPENTERHutchCC Sports InformationDODGE CITY – Despite 13 team blocks, the Hutchinson Community College volleyball team suffered a tough four-set Jayhawk West loss on Monday night at Dodge City.The Blue Dragons won the opening set over Dodge City, but the Conquistador block and strong serve turned things around as Hutchinson lost 25-20, 20-25, 19-25, 25-23.Hutchinson suffered a tough blow to its chances of playing host to a Region VI Tournament opening-round match with the loss. The Blue Dragons slip to 17-13 overall and 6-7 in the Jayhawk West. The Dragons are tied with Dodge City for fifth, but the Conquistadors swept the season series with Hutchinson for the first time since 2010 and own the head-to-head tiebreaker.The Blue Dragons had six team blocks in the opening set and got three kills each from Kristina Head and Blondie Penaflor to win the opening set 25-20.After that, the Dragons continually had service reception errors and Dodge City stepped up its game defensively. The Conquistadors had 12 blocks and six service aces in the final three sets. Dodge had 14 team blocks for the match.Sophomore Zoe Schmidt had a career-high nine blocks to lead Hutchinson at the end. Schmidt and freshman Aubreigh Haxtun had a double block to close out the first set. Dodge City immediately turned the tables on Hutchinson with a 13-2 run to open the second set. The Dragons scored on 8 of the final 12 rallies to make it close, but lost 25-20 to even the match.Dodge City opened a 12-7 lead in the third set and Hutchinson couldn’t close the gap in dropping the third set.Trailing 16-12 in the fourth, the Blue Dragons overcame a controversial replay on a point that would have given them the lead. Despite momentarily losing that point, the Dragons put together a 10-2 run to lead 22-18 on a Schmidt/Penaflor double block. Dodge City responded after a timeout to pull within 23-21. Sophie Connor had a kill for a two-point Dragon lead, but Dodge City scored the final four points of the match to stun Hutchinson.Connor finished with 12 kills and six digs. Head and Penaflor had seven kills each.Penaflor had five blocks and Haxtun added four blocks for Hutchinson’s 13-block performance.Andrea Serrano had 22 assists. McKinley Johnson had 17 assists and three aces.Shelby Reeder tallies 16 digs.The Blue Dragons play host to No. 4 Butler on Wednesday for Dig Pink Night for Cancer Awareness. Match time at the Sports Arena is 6 p.m.

Dragons drop 4 setter at Dodge City

October 18, 2021 Afternoon Sports

A new-look Kansas with Big XII Preseason Player of the Year Remy Martin is in the Top 5. Gonzaga is the preseason No. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25 men's college basketball poll. The Bulldogs held the No. 1 ranking all last season and reached the national championship game. 

Gonzaga earned 55 of 63 first-place votes. UCLA is No. 2 and received the other eight first-place votes after reaching last year's Final Four. Kansas, Villanova and Texas round out the top five. 

Reigning national champion Baylor is ranked No. 8. The Big Ten and Southeastern conferences have the most teams in the Top 25, with five each.

The top 25 teams in The Associated Press' preseason 2021-22 college basketball poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, final 2020-21 records, total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote and last year's final ranking.

Others receiving votes: Michigan St. 87, Indiana 41, Southern Cal 30, Arizona 26, Virginia Tech 25, Oklahoma St. 25, Xavier 22, Texas Tech 17, Richmond 13, Rutgers 11, Colorado St. 11, LSU 7, Belmont 7, St. John's 5, Syracuse 5, San Diego St. 5, Mississippi St. 5, Drake 4, Colorado 4, BYU 3, Notre Dame 3, Louisville 3.

A new-look Kansas with Big XII Preseason Player of the Year Remy Martin is in the Top 5. Gonzaga is the preseason No. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25 men's college basketball poll. The Bulldogs held the No. 1 ranking all last season and reached the national championship game. Gonzaga earned 55 of 63 first-place votes. UCLA is No. 2 and received the other eight first-place votes after reaching last year's Final Four. Kansas, Villanova and Texas round out the top five. Reigning national champion Baylor is ranked No. 8. The Big Ten and Southeastern conferences have the most teams in the Top 25, with five each.The top 25 teams in The Associated Press' preseason 2021-22 college basketball poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, final 2020-21 records, total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote and last year's final ranking.Record Pts Pvs1. Gonzaga (55) 0-0 1,562 12. UCLA (8) 0-0 1,459 -3. Kansas 0-0 1,427 124. Villanova 0-0 1,332 185. Texas 0-0 1,315 96. Michigan 0-0 1,255 47. Purdue 0-0 1,213 208. Baylor 0-0 992 39. Duke 0-0 963 -10. Kentucky 0-0 894 -11. Illinois 0-0 861 212. Memphis 0-0 831 -13. Oregon 0-0 775 -14. Alabama 0-0 713 515. Houston 0-0 694 616. Arkansas 0-0 673 1017. Ohio St. 0-0 581 718. Tennessee 0-0 563 -19. North Carolina 0-0 547 -20. Florida St. 0-0 381 1421. Maryland 0-0 294 -22. Auburn 0-0 267 -23. St. Bonaventure 0-0 238 -24. UConn 0-0 161 -25. Virginia 0-0 125 15Others receiving votes: Michigan St. 87, Indiana 41, Southern Cal 30, Arizona 26, Virginia Tech 25, Oklahoma St. 25, Xavier 22, Texas Tech 17, Richmond 13, Rutgers 11, Colorado St. 11, LSU 7, Belmont 7, St. John's 5, Syracuse 5, San Diego St. 5, Mississippi St. 5, Drake 4, Colorado 4, BYU 3, Notre Dame 3, Louisville 3.

KU #3 in AP men's basketball Top 25

WICHITA — March Madness is returning to Wichita in 2022 and the game dates are now set. The regional rounds of the 2022 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship will take place on Saturday, March 26 and Monday, March 28 at INTRUST Bank Arena. Tickets for the regional rounds go on sale to the general public tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 19 at 9 a.m. CT. All session tickets are priced at $45 for adults and $30 for youth and seniors. Single session tickets are priced at $25 for adults and $15 for youth and seniors. Groups of 10 or more are also eligible for a discount. Tickets can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="https://intrustbankarena.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8e5ce254a703b5917e393aac0&amp;id=e609592677&amp;e=3bc53ff00e" target="_blank">NCAA.com/WBBtickets</a>, by phone at 855-755-SEAT or in person at the Select-A-Seat Box Office at INTRUST Bank Arena. All tickets issued for this event will be mobile tickets. For additional event information and group sales pricing, fans can visit&nbsp;<a href="https://intrustbankarena.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8e5ce254a703b5917e393aac0&amp;id=5c40222a08&amp;e=3bc53ff00e" target="_blank">intrustbankarena.com/marchmadness</a>. Wichita State University will serve as the host for the event, which will take place at&nbsp;INTRUST Bank Arena, in partnership with Visit Wichita, Sedgwick County and the City of Wichita. The last time Wichita served as host for the women’s tournament was for rounds one and two in 2011. In 2018, Wichita hosted Division I men’s basketball first and second rounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;

WICHITA — March Madness is returning to Wichita in 2022 and the game dates are now set. The regional rounds of the 2022 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship will take place on Saturday, March 26 and Monday, March 28 at INTRUST Bank Arena. Tickets for the regional rounds go on sale to the general public tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 19 at 9 a.m. CT. All session tickets are priced at $45 for adults and $30 for youth and seniors. Single session tickets are priced at $25 for adults and $15 for youth and seniors. Groups of 10 or more are also eligible for a discount. Tickets can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="https://intrustbankarena.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8e5ce254a703b5917e393aac0&amp;id=e609592677&amp;e=3bc53ff00e" target="_blank">NCAA.com/WBBtickets</a>, by phone at 855-755-SEAT or in person at the Select-A-Seat Box Office at INTRUST Bank Arena. All tickets issued for this event will be mobile tickets. For additional event information and group sales pricing, fans can visit&nbsp;<a href="https://intrustbankarena.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8e5ce254a703b5917e393aac0&amp;id=5c40222a08&amp;e=3bc53ff00e" target="_blank">intrustbankarena.com/marchmadness</a>. Wichita State University will serve as the host for the event, which will take place at&nbsp;INTRUST Bank Arena, in partnership with Visit Wichita, Sedgwick County and the City of Wichita. The last time Wichita served as host for the women’s tournament was for rounds one and two in 2011. In 2018, Wichita hosted Division I men’s basketball first and second rounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dates set for regional rounds of women's NCAA in Wichita

HUTCHINSON, Kan.—The Hutch High Freshman and JV teams will host Campus High at 4 and 6 pm today at Gowans Stadium.&nbsp; This video stream will be video only.

HUTCHINSON, Kan.—The Hutch High Freshman and JV teams will host Campus High at 4 and 6 pm today at Gowans Stadium.&nbsp; This video stream will be video only.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UhIW7nxiJ9A" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><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;

LIVE VIDEO TV: Hutch High Freshman/JV vs Campus

<div><iframe title="Eagle Radio Sports for Monday 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=aqbpk-1108ebe-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&btn-skin=7"></iframe></div><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;

🎙 Eagle Radio Sports for Monday Morning

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes threw for 397 yards and engineered three second-half touchdown drives to compensate for a pair of interceptions, leading the Kansas City Chiefs to a 31-13 comeback victory at Washington that got them back to .500. After throwing two picks before halftime, Mahomes connected with Tyreek Hill on a 2-yard touchdown pass late in the third quarter and put the game out of reach with a 24-yarder to Demarcus Robinson with 3:14 left in the fourth. In between, new starting running back Darrel Williams rushed for his second TD of the game to help Kansas City (3-3) avoid what would have been an embarrassing loss.

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — The Chiefs have held the Washington Football Team to 76 yards and four first downs in the second half of Kansas City's 31-13 victory. Safety Tyrann Mathieu got upset in the first half after the Chiefs allowed Washington to convert on a third-and-16 and then score on a 39-yard TD pass. That helped Washington lead 13-10 at halftime. But the Chiefs outscored Washington 21-0 the rest of the way to push their record to 3-3. The Chiefs came into Sunday with only four takeaways all season and they managed to produce two against Washington. This was the first game all season KC did not allow at least 29 points.

UNDATED (AP) — The 1950s All-Decade Team for the NBA as voted on by AP Sports staffers directly engaged with the NBA At 75 season-long series. The team members are Paul Arizin, Bob Cousy, George Mikan, Bob Pettit and Dolph Schayes.&nbsp;

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Ryan Gauld and Russell Teibert scored in the first half and the Vancouver Whitecaps beat Sporting Kansas City 2-1 on Sunday night to keep their playoff hopes alive. Eighth-place Vancouver (10-9-10) remained a point outside of a Western Conference postseason berth with five games left. Second-place Sporting (15-7-7) would have clinched a playoff spot with a victory or a tie. Gauld scored on a hard shot in the 23rd minute, and Teibert made it 2-0 in the 37th with a long left-footer. Brian White assisted on both goals. Johnny Russell scored for Kansas City in the 43rd to extend his goals streak to six. Maxime Crepeau made two saves to help Vancouver improve to 6-0-1 at B.C. Place.

UNDATED (AP) — Cincinnati has moved up to No. 2 behind Georgia in The Associated Press college football poll for the best ranking for a team from outside the traditional power conferences since 2010. The Bulldogs remained a unanimous No. 1 with 63 first-place votes in the AP Top 25 presented by Regions Bank. The Bearcats inched up a spot, taking advantage of Iowa's loss to Purdue. The Hawkeyes dropped nine places to No. 11. The Boilermakers moved into the rankings at No. 25, snapping the longest current AP poll drought for a Power Five school. Purdue was last ranked in 2007. No. 24 Texas-San Antonio is ranked for the first time in the history of the program. Oklahoma is No. 3, followed by Alabama and Ohio State.&nbsp;

UNDATED (AP) — The Arizona Cardinals remain the NFL's only unbeaten team and continue their best start since 1974.

Kyler Murray tied a career high with four touchdown passes and the Cardinals improved to 6-0 with a 37-14 dismantling of the Browns. Murray connected with DeAndre Hopkins for two TDs and finished 20 of 30 for 229 yards.

The Cardinals built a 20-0 lead in the first half and kept their perfect record intact despite not having head coach Kliff Kingsbury or star linebacker Chandler Jones, who both tested positive for COVID-19.

Cleveland's Baker Mayfield threw for two TDs and was 19 of 28 for 234 yards and an interception. 

The Browns have dropped two straight for the first time under second-year head coach Kevin Stefanski.

— Dak Prescott threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to CeeDee Lamb in overtime to give the Cowboys a 35-29 win over the Patriots. The teams traded five scores in the period, three in the final 2 1/2 minutes before Dallas beat Bill Belichick for the first time in their last six meetings. Trevon Diggs gave the Cowboys a brief lead in the fourth quarter with his seventh interception of the season, taking it 42 yards for a score.

— Aaron Rodgers passed for two touchdowns and ran for another in the Packers' fifth straight win, 24-14 at Chicago. Rodgers tossed a 1-yard touchdown to Allen Lazard in the second quarter and a 12-yarder to Aaron Jones in the third as Green Bay beat the Bears for the 20th time in 23 games counting the playoffs. Rodgers put the Bears away with a six-yard scoring run after Justin Fields threw a 5-yard touchdown to Darnell Mooney.

— Lamar Jackson threw for 167 yards and a touchdown while the Ravens frustrated Justin Herbert in a 34-6 stifling of the Chargers. Each of Baltimore's three veteran running backs — Latavius Murray, Le'Veon (LEH'-vee-ahn) Bell and Devonta Freeman — scored a touchdown. Los Angeles was held under 16 points for only the second time since drafting Herbert before last season. 

— Joe Burrow tied a career high with three scoring passes for the Bengals in a 34-11 rout of the Lions. Burrow finished 19 of 29 for 271 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown pass to rookie running back Chris Evans on the game's opening drive. The 4-2 Bengals already have matched last year's victory total.

<h2>Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press</h2>LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes threw for 397 yards and engineered three second-half touchdown drives to compensate for a pair of interceptions, leading the Kansas City Chiefs to a 31-13 comeback victory at Washington that got them back to .500. After throwing two picks before halftime, Mahomes connected with Tyreek Hill on a 2-yard touchdown pass late in the third quarter and put the game out of reach with a 24-yarder to Demarcus Robinson with 3:14 left in the fourth. In between, new starting running back Darrel Williams rushed for his second TD of the game to help Kansas City (3-3) avoid what would have been an embarrassing loss.LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — The Chiefs have held the Washington Football Team to 76 yards and four first downs in the second half of Kansas City's 31-13 victory. Safety Tyrann Mathieu got upset in the first half after the Chiefs allowed Washington to convert on a third-and-16 and then score on a 39-yard TD pass. That helped Washington lead 13-10 at halftime. But the Chiefs outscored Washington 21-0 the rest of the way to push their record to 3-3. The Chiefs came into Sunday with only four takeaways all season and they managed to produce two against Washington. This was the first game all season KC did not allow at least 29 points.UNDATED (AP) — The 1950s All-Decade Team for the NBA as voted on by AP Sports staffers directly engaged with the NBA At 75 season-long series. The team members are Paul Arizin, Bob Cousy, George Mikan, Bob Pettit and Dolph Schayes.&nbsp;VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Ryan Gauld and Russell Teibert scored in the first half and the Vancouver Whitecaps beat Sporting Kansas City 2-1 on Sunday night to keep their playoff hopes alive. Eighth-place Vancouver (10-9-10) remained a point outside of a Western Conference postseason berth with five games left. Second-place Sporting (15-7-7) would have clinched a playoff spot with a victory or a tie. Gauld scored on a hard shot in the 23rd minute, and Teibert made it 2-0 in the 37th with a long left-footer. Brian White assisted on both goals. Johnny Russell scored for Kansas City in the 43rd to extend his goals streak to six. Maxime Crepeau made two saves to help Vancouver improve to 6-0-1 at B.C. Place.UNDATED (AP) — Cincinnati has moved up to No. 2 behind Georgia in The Associated Press college football poll for the best ranking for a team from outside the traditional power conferences since 2010. The Bulldogs remained a unanimous No. 1 with 63 first-place votes in the AP Top 25 presented by Regions Bank. The Bearcats inched up a spot, taking advantage of Iowa's loss to Purdue. The Hawkeyes dropped nine places to No. 11. The Boilermakers moved into the rankings at No. 25, snapping the longest current AP poll drought for a Power Five school. Purdue was last ranked in 2007. No. 24 Texas-San Antonio is ranked for the first time in the history of the program. Oklahoma is No. 3, followed by Alabama and Ohio State.&nbsp;NFL-SCHEDULECards still perfectUNDATED (AP) — The Arizona Cardinals remain the NFL's only unbeaten team and continue their best start since 1974.Kyler Murray tied a career high with four touchdown passes and the Cardinals improved to 6-0 with a 37-14 dismantling of the Browns. Murray connected with DeAndre Hopkins for two TDs and finished 20 of 30 for 229 yards.The Cardinals built a 20-0 lead in the first half and kept their perfect record intact despite not having head coach Kliff Kingsbury or star linebacker Chandler Jones, who both tested positive for COVID-19.Cleveland's Baker Mayfield threw for two TDs and was 19 of 28 for 234 yards and an interception. The Browns have dropped two straight for the first time under second-year head coach Kevin Stefanski.Also around the NFL:— Dak Prescott threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to CeeDee Lamb in overtime to give the Cowboys a 35-29 win over the Patriots. The teams traded five scores in the period, three in the final 2 1/2 minutes before Dallas beat Bill Belichick for the first time in their last six meetings. Trevon Diggs gave the Cowboys a brief lead in the fourth quarter with his seventh interception of the season, taking it 42 yards for a score.— Aaron Rodgers passed for two touchdowns and ran for another in the Packers' fifth straight win, 24-14 at Chicago. Rodgers tossed a 1-yard touchdown to Allen Lazard in the second quarter and a 12-yarder to Aaron Jones in the third as Green Bay beat the Bears for the 20th time in 23 games counting the playoffs. Rodgers put the Bears away with a six-yard scoring run after Justin Fields threw a 5-yard touchdown to Darnell Mooney.— Lamar Jackson threw for 167 yards and a touchdown while the Ravens frustrated Justin Herbert in a 34-6 stifling of the Chargers. Each of Baltimore's three veteran running backs — Latavius Murray, Le'Veon (LEH'-vee-ahn) Bell and Devonta Freeman — scored a touchdown. Los Angeles was held under 16 points for only the second time since drafting Herbert before last season. — Joe Burrow tied a career high with three scoring passes for the Bengals in a 34-11 rout of the Lions. Burrow finished 19 of 29 for 271 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown pass to rookie running back Chris Evans on the game's opening drive. The 4-2 Bengals already have matched last year's victory total.— The Rams coasted to a 38-11 rout of the Giants behind Matthew Stafford, who threw three of his four touchdown passes in a 28-point second quarter. Stafford connected with prime target Cooper Kupp on scoring passes of 3 and 13 yards. Daniel Jones was picked off three times and lost a fumble as New York fell to 1-5.— Chris Boswell's third field goal of the game was a 36-yarder in overtime that gave the Steelers a 23-20 triumph over the Seahawks. The winning kick came three plays after Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt forced Seattle quarterback Geno Smith to fumble deep in Seahawks territory. Watt collected two of his team's five sacks and helped the defense right itself after Seattle erased a 14-0 deficit in the third quarter.— Patrick Mahomes threw for 397 yards and three second-half touchdowns as the Chiefs beat Washington, 31-13. Mahomes found Tyreek Hill for a short TD late in the third quarter to put Kansas City ahead, then hit Demarcus Robinson for a 24-yard scoring with 3:14 left. The Chiefs' defense was effective, limiting Washington to 276 yards and holding an opponent under 29 points for the first time this season.— Derek Carr sliced up the Denver defense for 341 yards and two touchdowns in leading the Raiders to a 34-24 victory. Denver QB Teddy Bridgewater threw a season-high three interceptions and lost a fumble, negating his 334 yards passing and three TDs. The Raiders stopped a two-game skid just days after head coach Jon Gruden stepped down over racist, misogynist and homophobic comments in emails discovered during an investigation into the Washington Football Team.— The Vikings pulled out a 34-28 win over the Panthers on Kirk Cousins' 27-yard scoring strike to K.J. Osborn on the first possession of overtime. Cousins threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns against the league's top-ranked pass defense. Adam Thielen (THEE'-lihn) finished with 11 receptions for 126 yards and a touchdown for Minnesota, which reached the end zone three times after intermission after failing to score a second-half TD in its previous four games.— The Jaguars' 20-game losing streak is over following a 23-20 win over the Dolphins in London. Matthew Wright nailed a 53-yard field goal as time expired, giving head coach Urban Meyer and first overall pick Trevor Lawrence their first NFL victories. Lawrence threw for 319 yards and a touchdown as Jacksonville handed Miami its fifth straight loss since a season-opening win.— Carson Wentz threw two touchdown passes and Jonathan Taylor ran for another score for the Colts in a 31-3 dismantling of the Texans. Wentz threw a 28-yard TD pass to Mo Alie-Cox for a advantage in 17-3 third-quarter. The Colts have followed an 1-3 start with consecutive wins, and Houston has dropped five in a row since a season-opening win.NLCS-DODGERS/BRAVESBraves beat Dodgers on 2nd straight walk-off hitATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves hold a 2-0 lead in the NL Championship Series following their second walk-off win in as many nights.Eddie Rosario singled home the winning run in the ninth inning to send the Braves past the Los Angeles Dodgers, 5-4. Rosario had four hits for the Braves, who trailed 2-0 and 4-2 before maintaining home-field advantage.Austin Riley doubled home the tying run in the eighth, one night after supplying a walk-off single. Joc Pederson belted a two-run homer for Atlanta, which also owned a 2-0 lead against the Dodgers in last year's NLCS before losing in seven games.The Los Angeles runs came on Corey Seager's two-run homer in the first inning and Chris Taylor's two-run double in the seventh. Mookie Betts scored on both hits.Game 3 is Tuesday in Los Angeles.COLLEGE FOOTBALL-LSU-ORGERON OUTOrgeron leaving LSU BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Ed Orgeron is leaving LSU.The school and the head football coach have agreed to part ways after this season. The news comes 21 months after Orgeron led the Tigers to a national championship.Orgeron is 49-17 in six seasons at Baton Rouge, but 5-5 last season and 4-3 so far this year. Orgeron received a six-year contract extension after the 2019 season.His 2019 team went 15-0 behind Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Joe Burrow, capping the season by beating Clemson in the title game.T25 COLLEGE FOOTBALL-POLLCincinnati up to No. 2; Purdue snaps poll droughtUNDATED (AP) — Cincinnati has moved up to No. 2 behind Georgia in The Associated Press college football poll.The Bearcats now own the best ranking for a team from outside the traditional power conferences since 2010. The Bulldogs remain a unanimous No. 1. The Bearcats inched up a spot, taking advantage of Iowa's loss to Purdue. The Hawkeyes dropped nine places to No. 11, while the Boilermakers moved into the rankings at No. 25. Purdue was last ranked in 2007. Oklahoma is No. 3, followed by Alabama and Ohio State. Michigan, Penn State, Oklahoma State, Michigan State and Oregon round out the top 10.NBA-76ERS-SIMMONSSimmons practices with 76ers; status for opener unknownCAMDEN, N.J. (AP) — Ben Simmons practiced with the Philadelphia 76ers Sunday for the first time this season. Coach Doc Rivers says no decision was made on Simmons' status for Wednesday's season opener. Simmons was a holdout for training camp and the early part of the preseason in the wake of his offseason trade demand. The three-time All-Star guard made a surprise return to the team on Monday. NASCAR-TEXASLarson reaches semifinalsFORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Kyle Larson claimed the first of four championship-contending spots in NASCAR's season finale with a dominating victory at Texas.Larson led 256 of 334 laps at the 1 1/2-mile track and got his eighth win this season, staying in front through seven restarts in the final stage. Three of those restarts came after incidents involving playoff contenders Joey Logano, Denny Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr. in the final 34 laps.The seven remaining playoff contenders leave Texas with two more chances to get into the championship four. Ryan Blaney, Hamlin and Kyle Busch are above the cutline going to Kansas next weekend.NHL-SCHEDULESens top StarsOTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — The Ottawa Senators have won the lone game on the NHL schedule.Chris Tierney scored on two second-period power plays and Filip Gustavsson made 32 saves as the Senators beat the Stars, 3-2. Nick Paul also scored for Ottawa and Connor Brown had three assists to reach 100 for his career. Michael Raffl and Joe Pavelski scored for Dallas.PGA-CJ CUPMcIlroy surges to 20th win LAS VEGAS (AP) — Rory McIlroy capped off a big weekend in Las Vegas on Sunday by surging past Rickie Fowler and holding off Collin Morikawa to win the CJ Cup.McIlroy seized control with a 35-foot eagle putt from just off the green on the par-5 14th. He played mistake-free down the stretch for a 6-under 66 and a one-victory.McIlroy is the 39th player to win at least 20 times on the PGA Tour.PGA TOUR CHAMPIONSJanzen prevails in North CarolinaCARY, N.C. (AP) — Lee Janzen drained a 20-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole with Miguel Angel Jimenez to win the PGA Tour Champions' SAS Championship.The 57-year-old Janzen also birdied the par-4 18th in regulation in a closing 5-under 67 in the regular-season finale. Jimenez finished with a 69 to match Janzen at 12-under 204 at Prestonwood Country Club. Jim Furyk (FYOOR'-ihk) and Alex Cejka (CHAY'-kah) were a stroke back.WNBA-FINALChicago wins first WNBA titleCHICAGO (AP) — Allie Quigley scored 26 points and Candace Parker added 16 points, 13 rebounds and five assists to help Chicago win its first WNBA championship with a 80-74 victory over Phoenix. Courtney Vandersloot added 10 points and 15 assists for the Sky, who rallied from a 72-65 deficit with 4:42 left and took the series in four games. <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;