WICHITA, Kan. — Wichita State didn't need to look long or far for a last-minute fill-in after the postponement of its American Athletic Conference home opener. Newman University will make the drive across town for some impromptu non-conference action Wednesday night at Charles Koch Arena (6 p.m. CT, ESPN+), replacing East Carolina on the marquee. ECU called off its visit to Wichita on Monday due to a positive COVID-19 test and subsequent contact tracing. That game will be made up at a later date. WSU and Newman have met five times (twice in the regular season and three times in preseason exhibitions) since 2009 when the Jets completed their transition to NCAA Division II. The last was a special charity exhibition game on Nov. 6, 2017. The Shockers won 113-55 and raised money for the American Red Cross in the process. The addition gives WSU 26 regular season games (one short of the NCAA maximum). Newman (2-4 this year) will treat the contest as an exhibition. Sedgwick County has granted permission for 15 percent arena capacity (1,575 fans) – up from 10 percent on Dec. 18. WSU will contact season ticket holders who are eligible for seats, based on SASO priority points. Single-game tickets will not be sold. Wichita State vs. Newman: Nov. 7, 2009 – Exhibition – W, 81-69 Nov. 10, 2010 – Exhibition – W, 80-62 Dec. 19, 2011 – Regular Season – W, 102-53 Nov. 23, 2014 – Regular Season – W, 105-57 Nov. 6, 2017 – Charity Exhibition – W, 113-55&nbsp;&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan. — Wichita State didn't need to look long or far for a last-minute fill-in after the postponement of its American Athletic Conference home opener. Newman University will make the drive across town for some impromptu non-conference action Wednesday night at Charles Koch Arena (6 p.m. CT, ESPN+), replacing East Carolina on the marquee. ECU called off its visit to Wichita on Monday due to a positive COVID-19 test and subsequent contact tracing. That game will be made up at a later date. WSU and Newman have met five times (twice in the regular season and three times in preseason exhibitions) since 2009 when the Jets completed their transition to NCAA Division II. The last was a special charity exhibition game on Nov. 6, 2017. The Shockers won 113-55 and raised money for the American Red Cross in the process. The addition gives WSU 26 regular season games (one short of the NCAA maximum). Newman (2-4 this year) will treat the contest as an exhibition. Sedgwick County has granted permission for 15 percent arena capacity (1,575 fans) – up from 10 percent on Dec. 18. WSU will contact season ticket holders who are eligible for seats, based on SASO priority points. Single-game tickets will not be sold. Wichita State vs. Newman: Nov. 7, 2009 – Exhibition – W, 81-69 Nov. 10, 2010 – Exhibition – W, 80-62 Dec. 19, 2011 – Regular Season – W, 102-53 Nov. 23, 2014 – Regular Season – W, 105-57 Nov. 6, 2017 – Charity Exhibition – W, 113-55&nbsp;&nbsp;

Shockers fill schedule hole with Newman

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

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have a delicious decision ahead of them this week: Do they play their starters in their regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, keeping them sharp for the postseason, or do they give them an extra week of rest after clinching the AFC's No. 1 seed on Sunday. The answer isn't quite as clear as it may seem. They also have a first-round playoff bye, which means anyone sitting will have two weeks without a game and could be ripe for rust.

UNDATED (AP) — It's hard to determine who has been more dominant in men's college basketball: Gonzaga or the Big Ten Conference. The Bulldogs remain the clear-cut No. 1, earning 62 of 64 first-place votes after their latest win over a Top 25 foe. Gonzaga blitzed then-No. 16 Virginia 98-75 on Saturday for the most lopsided win over a ranked team in the Mark Few era to give the Bulldogs a poll-record fourth win over a Top 25 team in the first seven games of a season. Baylor and Kansas stayed second and third. Villanova and Houston each moved up a spot after Iowa's overtime loss to Minnesota. Meanwhile, sixth-ranked Wisconsin leads a pack of nine ranked teams from the Big Ten. Iowa tumbled four spots to 10th.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Demarcus Robinson with just under two minutes. Then the Kansas City Chiefs watched as Pro Bowl kicker Younghoe Koo missed the tying field-goal try with 9 seconds left to give them a 17-14 win over the Atlanta Falcons and the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs. The Chiefs (14-1) won their NFL-record seventh straight one-possession game and matched a franchise record with their 10th straight win. The Falcons (4-11) lost by six points or fewer for the seventh time this season.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (AP) — Austin Phyfe had 21 points as Northern Iowa beat Missouri State 85-75. Gaige Prim led the Bears with 20 points and nine rebounds.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The one thing the Atlanta Falcons could count on all season was Younghoe Koo, their Pro Bowl kicker who had made 27 consecutive field-goal attempts. So when he sliced a 39-yard attempt wide right Sunday that would have sent their game against the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs to overtime — well, that's pretty much how the season has gone for a team that was instead left to dwell on its seventh loss in a one-possession game.

UNDATED (AP) — The Music City Bowl between Missouri and Iowa that was scheduled for Wednesday has been canceled because COVID-19 issues left the Tigers unable to play. The game in Nashville, Tennessee, is the second bowl called off since the postseason lineup was set on Dec. 20, joining the Gasparilla Bowl. Missouri is the third Southeastern Conference team that has had to pull out of its bowl game, joining Tennessee and South Carolina. &nbsp;Overall, 18 bowl games scheduled to be played this season have been canceled.

UNDATED (AP) — The St. Louis Blues signed one of the top free agents left on the market to a professional tryout agreement for training camp. The team announced the deal with winger Mike Hoffman on Sunday. While it came as a surprise that Hoffman didn't sign a guaranteed contract for the season, the Blues' salary cap situation sets up for him to get one before opening night. Hoffman is coming off a 29-goal season with the Florida Panthers. The Washington Capitals are also bringing veteran goaltender Craig Anderson to training camp on a tryout, and the Panthers are doing the same with defenseman Kevin Connauton.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (AP) — Isiaih Mosley tied his career high with 26 points as Missouri State rolled past Northern Iowa 79-59. Trae Berhow led the Panthers with 18 points.

Bills crush Pats, stay in hunt for No. 2 seed

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The Buffalo Bills again proved that there's a new sheriff in the AFC East.

The division champs completed their first season sweep of the Patriots since 1999, rolling to a 38-9 win at Foxborough. 

Josh Allen passed for four touchdowns to help the 12-3 Bills stay in the mix for the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs. Allen was 27 of 36 for 320 yards. He now has 34 touchdown passes, surpassing Jim Kelly to set a franchise single-season record. 

Stefon (STEH'-fahn) Diggs had nine catches for 145 yards and three touchdowns, setting a Bills single-season record for receiving yards.

Cam Newton had a touchdown run but was just 5 of 10 for 34 yards passing before being pulled in the third quarter for backup Jarrett Stidham. Newton's passing yards are the fewest by a Patriots starting quarterback since 1993. 

UNDATED (AP) — The Washington Football Team is parting with Dwayne Haskins, capping a rough week for the second-year quarterback. 

Haskins was stripped of his captaincy last week after photos surfaced of him at a party where several individuals weren't wearing masks.

The capper came in Sunday's loss to Carolina. He was 14 of 28 with two interceptions and fumble before being pulled in the fourth quarter. He later infuriated the team by blowing off the postgame news conference at the stadium before speaking to the media via video at his home.

The 2019 first-round pick was 1-5 as a starter this season.

Head coach Ron Rivera says either Alex Smith or Taylor Heinicke will start Sunday night's important regular-season finale against the Eagles. Washington needs to win the game to capture the NFC East.

— Quarterback Jared Goff will miss the Rams' season finale against the visiting Cardinals after undergoing surgery on his right thumb. Rams coach Sean McVay says Goff could return a week later if the Rams make the playoffs. John Wolford will take his first NFL snaps versus Arizona as both teams try to lock down playoff berths. 

— A person with direct knowledge of the punishment tells The Associated Press that the Ravens have been fined $250,000 by the NFL for COVID-19 protocols violations. The punishment comes after their Thanksgiving night game against Pittsburgh had to be postponed three times due to positive COVID-19 tests and contact tracing. The team was not docked draft picks for the violations. 

— The Titans have placed kicker Stephen Gostkowski on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. Gostkowski played in Sunday night's 40-14 loss in Green Bay, pushing the opening kickoff out of bounds before making two extra points.

— Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said the players who missed Sunday's loss because of COVID-19 protocols are eligible to return to practice Thursday as Cleveland gets ready to face Pittsburgh with a playoff spot on the line. The Browns were without their top four wide receivers, a starting left tackle and two linebackers for Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Jets. 

— Frank Gore won't play in the Jets' season finale against the Patriots on Sunday because of a bruised lung. Gore became the third player in NFL history to run for 16,000 yards but was hurt in the fourth quarter of the Jets' victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. The 37-year-old running back may have played his final game.

UNDATED (AP) — The Atlanta Hawks continue to be one of the NBA's early-season surprises.

The Hawks are 3-0 for the first time in four years following a 128-120 win over the Pistons. Trae Young scored 29 points and Bogdan Bogdanovic added 17 to help Atlanta win its home opener. Young's 3-pointer from the right wing put the Hawks up 122-112 with 1:47 remaining. He added four free throws in the final minute to wrap up the victory.

Josh Jackson scored a team-high 27 points for Detroit in place of Blake Griffin, who was given the night off.

— Damian Lillard scored 21 of his 31 points in the second half, and CJ McCollum had 20 points and 11 assists as the Trail Blazers dumped the Lakers, 115-107. Gary Trent Jr. matched his career high with seven 3-pointers while scoring 28 points in the Blazers' second straight win over the Lakers at Staples Center. LeBron James had 29 points, nine rebounds and six assists for the defending NBA champions, who dropped to 2-2 on their season-opening homestand. 

— Brandon Clarke hit the go-ahead basket on a follow shot with 41 seconds left in overtime before the Grizzlies completed a 116-111 win at Brooklyn. Kyle Anderson scored a career-high 28 points and Dillon Brooks added 24 for the Grizzlies, who had dropped their first two games. The Grizzlies played the second half without NBA Rookie of the Year Ja (jah) Morant, who sprained his left ankle and was wheeled to the back of the arena late in the second quarter.

— Donovan Mitchell capped his 20-point performance by hitting a go-ahead layup with seven seconds left to send the Jazz past the Thunder, 110-109. Bojan (BOY'-ahn) Bogdanovic scored 23 points and Mike Conley added 20 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists to the victory. Utah ended a 17-game losing streak in regular season road games against the Thunder, including the Orlando bubble last season.

— The Nuggets picked up their first win of the season as Nikola Jokic (nih-KOH'-lah YOH'-kihch) had 19 points, 18 assists and 12 rebounds in a 124-111 decision over the Rockets. Jamal Murray added 21 points before leaving with 4:05 remaining in the third quarter after a collision in traffic sent him sprawling to the floor. James Harden had 34 points to lead undermanned Houston.

Nets' Dinwiddie to have surgery for partially torn right ACL

NEW YORK (AP) — The Brooklyn Nets say guard Spencer Dinwiddie will have surgery to repair a partially torn ACL in his right knee. 

Dinwiddie was injured during Sunday's loss at Charlotte. He averaged a career-best 20.6 points last season, moving into the starting lineup during injuries to Kyrie Irving.

UNDATED (AP) — Wisconsin men's basketball coach Greg Gard had seen his team win 15 straight home games before running into unranked Maryland on Monday.

The Terrapins scored just 24 points in the first half before rallying for a 70-64 win over the sixth-ranked Badgers. Eric Ayala scored 17 points and Aaron Wiggins added 15 with nine rebounds as the Terrapins bounced back from Big Ten losses to Rutgers and Purdue. 

D'Mitrik (dih-MEE'-trihk) Trice hit a 3-pointer to get the ninth-ranked Badgers within 60-59 with under two minutes to go before Maryland closed on a 10-5 run. 

Trice scored a game-high 24 points for Wisconsin.

— Top-ranked Gonzaga is 8-0 following an 88-58 rout of Northern Arizona. Joel Ayayi (joh-EHL' ah-YAH'-ee) scored nine of his 17 points while the Bulldogs were building a 28-8 lead. Drew Timme (TIH'-mee) added 14 points as the Zags extended the nation's longest home winning streak to 42 games.

— Liam Robbins had 18 points, nine rebounds and three blocks in leading 21st-ranked Minnesota to an 81-56 thrashing of No. 17 Michigan State. Marcus Carr scored 19 points and dished out five assists for the 9-1 Gophers, who never trailed and held the sputtering Spartans to 25.7% shooting. Michigan State was outrebounded, 52-36.

UNDATED (AP) — Unbeaten Gonzaga remains the top team in The Associated Press men's basketball poll after receiving 62 of 64 first-place votes. 

The Bulldogs have knocked off four ranked teams while going 7-0, including Saturday's 98-75 rout of Virginia. 

Second-ranked Baylor is followed by Kansas, Villanova and Houston. Wisconsin, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia and Iowa round out the top 10.

The Badgers are among nine Big Ten teams in the poll.

UNDATED (AP) — Florida forward Keyontae Johnson is back with the team and working as a coach in practice. 

Johnson was released from the hospital last week, 10 days after collapsing on the court at Florida State and needing emergency medical attention. Coach Mike White says he has "no idea" whether Johnson will be able to play again this season and adds "even if I did, I couldn't talk about it" because of privacy laws. 

The Gators postponed four games following Johnson's collapse and took 15 days off. They return to action Wednesday night at Vanderbilt.

— The ACC has announced that Tuesday's men's basketball game between No. 20 Duke and Pittsburgh postponed because of COVID-19 issues. The postponement follows a positive test, subsequent quarantining, and contact tracing within the Panthers' program. 

Alabama's Jones, Smith, Harris lead 6 Tide AP All-Americans

UNDATED (AP) — Heisman Trophy finalists Mac Jones and DeVonta Smith have been selected to The Associated Press All-America team. They lead a contingent of five Alabama players on the first-team offense. 

Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris, tackle Alex Leatherwood and center Landon Dickerson are also first-team selections. No. 1 Alabama is the first team since 1980 to place a quarterback, running back and receiver on the first team. Cornerback Patrick Surtain II gives the Crimson Tide six first-team selections, the most in the nation. 

No. 4 Notre Dame has two first-team All-Americans in offensive guard Aaron Banks and linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Florida receivers Trevon Grimes and Kadarius Toney are skipping the Cotton Bowl to prepare for their NFL futures. Their departures mean No. 10 Florida will be without its top three pass catches against eighth-ranked Oklahoma on Wednesday night. All-American tight end Kyle Pitts previously opted out of the game. 

Henrik Lundqvist says he's scheduled for open-heart surgery

UNDATED (AP) — Henrik Lundqvist says he's scheduled for open-heart surgery after tests revealed a heart condition that kept him from continuing to play goal in the NHL. 

Lundqvist wrote on Twitter that he's set to have an aortic valve and root replacement. He did not say when. 

Lundqvist underwent a physical after signing with the Washington Capitals over the summer. Further tests led to his decision not to play this season. 

General manager Brian MacLellan says Lundqvist has had a heart issue all along that he managed, and the team expected it to be the same. It's unclear what changed for the 38-year-old after playing 15 seasons with the New York Rangers.

— The Canadiens have signed former NHL MVP Corey Perry to a one-year contract for $750,000. The 35-year-old winger had five goals and 16 assists in 57 games with Dallas last season. Perry has 377 goals and 420 assists with Anaheim and Dallas. 

— Blackhawks forward Kirby Dach could miss the upcoming season after undergoing wrist surgery on Monday. Dach fractured his right wrist while playing for Canada's world junior team during an exhibition against Russia last week. 

'Game changer': Officials praise horse racing safety bill

WASHINGTON (AP) — Horse racing officials and industry activists are hailing the passage and signing of a safety and integrity bill that will standardize medication and doping rules. 

The long sought-after legislation became was part of the spending bill that was finally signed into law Sunday night. It is set to go into effect no later than July 1, 2022 since it passed before the end of this year. 

The bill gives an independent panel authority to set uniform, national medication, drug and track safety standards to be enforced by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. Racetracks that don't take part won't be allowed to take bets from out of state.

Former Arkansas football great Loyd Phillips has died at 75.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — Former Arkansas defensive lineman and College Football Hall of Famer Loyd Phillips has died from complications of a stroke at 75.

Phillips won the Outland Trophy given to the nation's top interior lineman in 1966. He anchored the Razorbacks defense from 1964-66 when Arkansas went 29-3.

<h2>Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press</h2>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have a delicious decision ahead of them this week: Do they play their starters in their regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, keeping them sharp for the postseason, or do they give them an extra week of rest after clinching the AFC's No. 1 seed on Sunday. The answer isn't quite as clear as it may seem. They also have a first-round playoff bye, which means anyone sitting will have two weeks without a game and could be ripe for rust.UNDATED (AP) — It's hard to determine who has been more dominant in men's college basketball: Gonzaga or the Big Ten Conference. The Bulldogs remain the clear-cut No. 1, earning 62 of 64 first-place votes after their latest win over a Top 25 foe. Gonzaga blitzed then-No. 16 Virginia 98-75 on Saturday for the most lopsided win over a ranked team in the Mark Few era to give the Bulldogs a poll-record fourth win over a Top 25 team in the first seven games of a season. Baylor and Kansas stayed second and third. Villanova and Houston each moved up a spot after Iowa's overtime loss to Minnesota. Meanwhile, sixth-ranked Wisconsin leads a pack of nine ranked teams from the Big Ten. Iowa tumbled four spots to 10th.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Demarcus Robinson with just under two minutes. Then the Kansas City Chiefs watched as Pro Bowl kicker Younghoe Koo missed the tying field-goal try with 9 seconds left to give them a 17-14 win over the Atlanta Falcons and the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs. The Chiefs (14-1) won their NFL-record seventh straight one-possession game and matched a franchise record with their 10th straight win. The Falcons (4-11) lost by six points or fewer for the seventh time this season.CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (AP) — Austin Phyfe had 21 points as Northern Iowa beat Missouri State 85-75. Gaige Prim led the Bears with 20 points and nine rebounds.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The one thing the Atlanta Falcons could count on all season was Younghoe Koo, their Pro Bowl kicker who had made 27 consecutive field-goal attempts. So when he sliced a 39-yard attempt wide right Sunday that would have sent their game against the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs to overtime — well, that's pretty much how the season has gone for a team that was instead left to dwell on its seventh loss in a one-possession game.UNDATED (AP) — The Music City Bowl between Missouri and Iowa that was scheduled for Wednesday has been canceled because COVID-19 issues left the Tigers unable to play. The game in Nashville, Tennessee, is the second bowl called off since the postseason lineup was set on Dec. 20, joining the Gasparilla Bowl. Missouri is the third Southeastern Conference team that has had to pull out of its bowl game, joining Tennessee and South Carolina. &nbsp;Overall, 18 bowl games scheduled to be played this season have been canceled.UNDATED (AP) — The St. Louis Blues signed one of the top free agents left on the market to a professional tryout agreement for training camp. The team announced the deal with winger Mike Hoffman on Sunday. While it came as a surprise that Hoffman didn't sign a guaranteed contract for the season, the Blues' salary cap situation sets up for him to get one before opening night. Hoffman is coming off a 29-goal season with the Florida Panthers. The Washington Capitals are also bringing veteran goaltender Craig Anderson to training camp on a tryout, and the Panthers are doing the same with defenseman Kevin Connauton.CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (AP) — Isiaih Mosley tied his career high with 26 points as Missouri State rolled past Northern Iowa 79-59. Trae Berhow led the Panthers with 18 points.<h2>Update on the latest sports</h2>NFL-BILLS-PATRIOTSBills crush Pats, stay in hunt for No. 2 seedFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The Buffalo Bills again proved that there's a new sheriff in the AFC East.The division champs completed their first season sweep of the Patriots since 1999, rolling to a 38-9 win at Foxborough. Josh Allen passed for four touchdowns to help the 12-3 Bills stay in the mix for the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs. Allen was 27 of 36 for 320 yards. He now has 34 touchdown passes, surpassing Jim Kelly to set a franchise single-season record. Stefon (STEH'-fahn) Diggs had nine catches for 145 yards and three touchdowns, setting a Bills single-season record for receiving yards.Cam Newton had a touchdown run but was just 5 of 10 for 34 yards passing before being pulled in the third quarter for backup Jarrett Stidham. Newton's passing yards are the fewest by a Patriots starting quarterback since 1993. NFL-NEWSWashington releases HaskinsUNDATED (AP) — The Washington Football Team is parting with Dwayne Haskins, capping a rough week for the second-year quarterback. Haskins was stripped of his captaincy last week after photos surfaced of him at a party where several individuals weren't wearing masks.The capper came in Sunday's loss to Carolina. He was 14 of 28 with two interceptions and fumble before being pulled in the fourth quarter. He later infuriated the team by blowing off the postgame news conference at the stadium before speaking to the media via video at his home.The 2019 first-round pick was 1-5 as a starter this season.Head coach Ron Rivera says either Alex Smith or Taylor Heinicke will start Sunday night's important regular-season finale against the Eagles. Washington needs to win the game to capture the NFC East.Also around the NFL:— Quarterback Jared Goff will miss the Rams' season finale against the visiting Cardinals after undergoing surgery on his right thumb. Rams coach Sean McVay says Goff could return a week later if the Rams make the playoffs. John Wolford will take his first NFL snaps versus Arizona as both teams try to lock down playoff berths. — A person with direct knowledge of the punishment tells The Associated Press that the Ravens have been fined $250,000 by the NFL for COVID-19 protocols violations. The punishment comes after their Thanksgiving night game against Pittsburgh had to be postponed three times due to positive COVID-19 tests and contact tracing. The team was not docked draft picks for the violations. — The Titans have placed kicker Stephen Gostkowski on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. Gostkowski played in Sunday night's 40-14 loss in Green Bay, pushing the opening kickoff out of bounds before making two extra points.— Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said the players who missed Sunday's loss because of COVID-19 protocols are eligible to return to practice Thursday as Cleveland gets ready to face Pittsburgh with a playoff spot on the line. The Browns were without their top four wide receivers, a starting left tackle and two linebackers for Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Jets. — Frank Gore won't play in the Jets' season finale against the Patriots on Sunday because of a bruised lung. Gore became the third player in NFL history to run for 16,000 yards but was hurt in the fourth quarter of the Jets' victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. The 37-year-old running back may have played his final game.NBA-SCHEDULEHawks top Pistons for 3-0 startUNDATED (AP) — The Atlanta Hawks continue to be one of the NBA's early-season surprises.The Hawks are 3-0 for the first time in four years following a 128-120 win over the Pistons. Trae Young scored 29 points and Bogdan Bogdanovic added 17 to help Atlanta win its home opener. Young's 3-pointer from the right wing put the Hawks up 122-112 with 1:47 remaining. He added four free throws in the final minute to wrap up the victory.Josh Jackson scored a team-high 27 points for Detroit in place of Blake Griffin, who was given the night off.Also in the NBA:— Damian Lillard scored 21 of his 31 points in the second half, and CJ McCollum had 20 points and 11 assists as the Trail Blazers dumped the Lakers, 115-107. Gary Trent Jr. matched his career high with seven 3-pointers while scoring 28 points in the Blazers' second straight win over the Lakers at Staples Center. LeBron James had 29 points, nine rebounds and six assists for the defending NBA champions, who dropped to 2-2 on their season-opening homestand. — Brandon Clarke hit the go-ahead basket on a follow shot with 41 seconds left in overtime before the Grizzlies completed a 116-111 win at Brooklyn. Kyle Anderson scored a career-high 28 points and Dillon Brooks added 24 for the Grizzlies, who had dropped their first two games. The Grizzlies played the second half without NBA Rookie of the Year Ja (jah) Morant, who sprained his left ankle and was wheeled to the back of the arena late in the second quarter.— Donovan Mitchell capped his 20-point performance by hitting a go-ahead layup with seven seconds left to send the Jazz past the Thunder, 110-109. Bojan (BOY'-ahn) Bogdanovic scored 23 points and Mike Conley added 20 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists to the victory. Utah ended a 17-game losing streak in regular season road games against the Thunder, including the Orlando bubble last season.— The Nuggets picked up their first win of the season as Nikola Jokic (nih-KOH'-lah YOH'-kihch) had 19 points, 18 assists and 12 rebounds in a 124-111 decision over the Rockets. Jamal Murray added 21 points before leaving with 4:05 remaining in the third quarter after a collision in traffic sent him sprawling to the floor. James Harden had 34 points to lead undermanned Houston.NBA-NETS-DINWIDDIENets' Dinwiddie to have surgery for partially torn right ACLNEW YORK (AP) — The Brooklyn Nets say guard Spencer Dinwiddie will have surgery to repair a partially torn ACL in his right knee. Dinwiddie was injured during Sunday's loss at Charlotte. He averaged a career-best 20.6 points last season, moving into the starting lineup during injuries to Kyrie Irving.T25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL-SCHEDULEBadgers let Gard downUNDATED (AP) — Wisconsin men's basketball coach Greg Gard had seen his team win 15 straight home games before running into unranked Maryland on Monday.The Terrapins scored just 24 points in the first half before rallying for a 70-64 win over the sixth-ranked Badgers. Eric Ayala scored 17 points and Aaron Wiggins added 15 with nine rebounds as the Terrapins bounced back from Big Ten losses to Rutgers and Purdue. D'Mitrik (dih-MEE'-trihk) Trice hit a 3-pointer to get the ninth-ranked Badgers within 60-59 with under two minutes to go before Maryland closed on a 10-5 run. Trice scored a game-high 24 points for Wisconsin.In other top-25 action:— Top-ranked Gonzaga is 8-0 following an 88-58 rout of Northern Arizona. Joel Ayayi (joh-EHL' ah-YAH'-ee) scored nine of his 17 points while the Bulldogs were building a 28-8 lead. Drew Timme (TIH'-mee) added 14 points as the Zags extended the nation's longest home winning streak to 42 games.— Liam Robbins had 18 points, nine rebounds and three blocks in leading 21st-ranked Minnesota to an 81-56 thrashing of No. 17 Michigan State. Marcus Carr scored 19 points and dished out five assists for the 9-1 Gophers, who never trailed and held the sputtering Spartans to 25.7% shooting. Michigan State was outrebounded, 52-36.COLLEGE BASKETBALL-POLLGonzaga and Big Ten dominate pollUNDATED (AP) — Unbeaten Gonzaga remains the top team in The Associated Press men's basketball poll after receiving 62 of 64 first-place votes. The Bulldogs have knocked off four ranked teams while going 7-0, including Saturday's 98-75 rout of Virginia. Second-ranked Baylor is followed by Kansas, Villanova and Houston. Wisconsin, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia and Iowa round out the top 10.The Badgers are among nine Big Ten teams in the poll.COLLEGE BASKETBALL-NEWSKeyontae Johnson is back with the GatorsUNDATED (AP) — Florida forward Keyontae Johnson is back with the team and working as a coach in practice. Johnson was released from the hospital last week, 10 days after collapsing on the court at Florida State and needing emergency medical attention. Coach Mike White says he has "no idea" whether Johnson will be able to play again this season and adds "even if I did, I couldn't talk about it" because of privacy laws. The Gators postponed four games following Johnson's collapse and took 15 days off. They return to action Wednesday night at Vanderbilt.Also in college basketball:— The ACC has announced that Tuesday's men's basketball game between No. 20 Duke and Pittsburgh postponed because of COVID-19 issues. The postponement follows a positive test, subsequent quarantining, and contact tracing within the Panthers' program. COLLEGE FOOTBALL-ALL-AMERICA TEAMAlabama's Jones, Smith, Harris lead 6 Tide AP All-AmericansUNDATED (AP) — Heisman Trophy finalists Mac Jones and DeVonta Smith have been selected to The Associated Press All-America team. They lead a contingent of five Alabama players on the first-team offense. Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris, tackle Alex Leatherwood and center Landon Dickerson are also first-team selections. No. 1 Alabama is the first team since 1980 to place a quarterback, running back and receiver on the first team. Cornerback Patrick Surtain II gives the Crimson Tide six first-team selections, the most in the nation. No. 4 Notre Dame has two first-team All-Americans in offensive guard Aaron Banks and linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.COLLEGE FOOTBALL-FLORIDAFlorida receivers to skip Cotton BowlGAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Florida receivers Trevon Grimes and Kadarius Toney are skipping the Cotton Bowl to prepare for their NFL futures. Their departures mean No. 10 Florida will be without its top three pass catches against eighth-ranked Oklahoma on Wednesday night. All-American tight end Kyle Pitts previously opted out of the game. NHL-LUNDQVIST-HEART SURGERYHenrik Lundqvist says he's scheduled for open-heart surgeryUNDATED (AP) — Henrik Lundqvist says he's scheduled for open-heart surgery after tests revealed a heart condition that kept him from continuing to play goal in the NHL. Lundqvist wrote on Twitter that he's set to have an aortic valve and root replacement. He did not say when. Lundqvist underwent a physical after signing with the Washington Capitals over the summer. Further tests led to his decision not to play this season. General manager Brian MacLellan says Lundqvist has had a heart issue all along that he managed, and the team expected it to be the same. It's unclear what changed for the 38-year-old after playing 15 seasons with the New York Rangers.In other NHL developments:— The Canadiens have signed former NHL MVP Corey Perry to a one-year contract for $750,000. The 35-year-old winger had five goals and 16 assists in 57 games with Dallas last season. Perry has 377 goals and 420 assists with Anaheim and Dallas. — Blackhawks forward Kirby Dach could miss the upcoming season after undergoing wrist surgery on Monday. Dach fractured his right wrist while playing for Canada's world junior team during an exhibition against Russia last week. HORSERACING-SAFETY BILL'Game changer': Officials praise horse racing safety billWASHINGTON (AP) — Horse racing officials and industry activists are hailing the passage and signing of a safety and integrity bill that will standardize medication and doping rules. The long sought-after legislation became was part of the spending bill that was finally signed into law Sunday night. It is set to go into effect no later than July 1, 2022 since it passed before the end of this year. The bill gives an independent panel authority to set uniform, national medication, drug and track safety standards to be enforced by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. Racetracks that don't take part won't be allowed to take bets from out of state.OBIT-LOYD PHILLIPSFormer Arkansas football great Loyd Phillips has died at 75.FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — Former Arkansas defensive lineman and College Football Hall of Famer Loyd Phillips has died from complications of a stroke at 75.Phillips won the Outland Trophy given to the nation's top interior lineman in 1966. He anchored the Razorbacks defense from 1964-66 when Arkansas went 29-3.

Sports Headlines for Tuesday

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The Buffalo Bills put a cherry atop the changing of the guard in the AFC East.

A week after unseating the Patriots as division champions, Buffalo became the first AFC East team in two decades to sweep New England in a season series with a 38-9 victory Monday night.

Josh Allen passed for four touchdowns to help the Bills stay in the mix for the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs.

The Bills (12-3) last swept the Patriots in 1999. The last division opponents to sweep the Patriots were the Jets and Dolphins in 2000. The Patriots’ 19 straight seasons without losing both games to a divisional opponent was an NFL record. New England (6-9) will finish with its first losing record since coach Bill Belichick’s first season in 2000.

Allen was 27 of 36 for 320 yards. He now has 34 touchdown passes, surpassing Jim Kelly to set a franchise single-season record. With his eighth 300-yard game, he also surpassed Drew Bledsoe’s single-season team record of seven.

“We’ve got one game left. And all that, it’s cool, the records, this and that,” Allen said. “But the plan is to get to 13-3 and give ourselves a chance in the playoffs. It doesn’t mean much if we can’t get it done.”

Stefon Diggs had nine catches for 145 yards and three touchdowns, setting a Bills single-season record for receiving yards.

“I’m new to this team so I’m basking in (the) ambience of everybody,” Diggs said. “I’ve got a young quarterback who’s balling.”

The Patriots struggled to move the ball for most of the night with running back Damien Harris out for the second straight game with an ankle injury. Cam Newton had a touchdown run but was just 5 of 10 for 34 yards passing before being pulled in the third quarter for backup Jarrett Stidham.

Newton’s 34 yards passing are the fewest by a Patriots starting quarterback since 1993.

He said the season has been frustrating because the work he has put in hasn’t translated into wins.

“I’ve sacrificed so much this year, and it hurts when you have an outing that you have tonight,” he said.

Belichick said he hasn’t made any decisions about who will start the Patriots’ finale Sunday against the New York Jets.

“It was the opportunity to give him a chance to play,” Belichick said of inserting Stidham. “Cam did a good job for us. I mean, that wasn’t the problem. We were just not very competitive in the beginning.”

The Bills had no trouble moving the ball against a depleted Patriots defense that was missing linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley and defensive tackle Lawrence Guy due to shoulder injuries.

Their absences were most glaring in the passing game. New England struggled to put pressure on Allen, allowing him time to find open receivers. The Patriots allowed a season-worst 474 yards overall.

“They outplayed us across the board, outplayed us and out-coached us,” Belichick said.

The Patriots closed to 10-9 on Newton’s 9-yard TD run in the second quarter, but Nick Folk missed the extra point and the Bills pulled away from there.

Buffalo used its passing game to march down the field on the ensuing drive. Allen completed 5 of 7 throws for 59 yards and a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloBills/status/1343742155362283521?s=20" target="_blank">4-yard TD to Lee Smith</a>.

After a quick three-and-out by New England, the Bills went right back to work.

Allen misfired on his first pass of the drive, and then connected with Diggs for 17 yards to get the ball to midfield. Diggs got free again on the next play, slipping behind J.C. Jackson on a slant and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloBills/status/1343745587456454657?s=20" target="_blank">sprinting the final 32 yards for the touchdown</a>&nbsp;to make it 24-9.

The Allen-Diggs connection worked again on the opening drive of the second half. Allen found Diggs three times during an eight-play, 75-yard drive that ended with an 18-yard TD play by the star receiver.

Bills: S Jordan Poyer was helped off field late in second quarter to be evaluated for a head injury.

Patriots: DE Tashawn Bower left in the first quarter with a neck injury. … LB Josh Uche exited in second quarter with a foot injury. … LB Terez Hall left in the third quarter with an ankle injury. … S Devin McCourty exited in the third quarter with a shoulder injury. … C David Andrews left in the third quarter with a calf injury. … RG Shaq Mason exited in the third quarter with a foot injury. ... LB Anfernee Jennings left in the fourth quarter with an undisclosed injury.

Diggs became the third player in the 51-year history of the AFC East to top 110 receptions and 1,400 yards receiving in a season. The other two are Wes Welker (New England, 2011) and Marvin Harrison (Indianapolis, 1999).

With his TD run in the second quarter, his 12th of 2020, Newton tied Steve Grogan for the franchise single-season record for rushing TDs by a quarterback. It also marked Newton’s 70th career rushing TD, extending his NFL record.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The Buffalo Bills put a cherry atop the changing of the guard in the AFC East.A week after unseating the Patriots as division champions, Buffalo became the first AFC East team in two decades to sweep New England in a season series with a 38-9 victory Monday night.Josh Allen passed for four touchdowns to help the Bills stay in the mix for the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs.The Bills (12-3) last swept the Patriots in 1999. The last division opponents to sweep the Patriots were the Jets and Dolphins in 2000. The Patriots’ 19 straight seasons without losing both games to a divisional opponent was an NFL record. New England (6-9) will finish with its first losing record since coach Bill Belichick’s first season in 2000.Allen was 27 of 36 for 320 yards. He now has 34 touchdown passes, surpassing Jim Kelly to set a franchise single-season record. With his eighth 300-yard game, he also surpassed Drew Bledsoe’s single-season team record of seven.“We’ve got one game left. And all that, it’s cool, the records, this and that,” Allen said. “But the plan is to get to 13-3 and give ourselves a chance in the playoffs. It doesn’t mean much if we can’t get it done.”Stefon Diggs had nine catches for 145 yards and three touchdowns, setting a Bills single-season record for receiving yards.“I’m new to this team so I’m basking in (the) ambience of everybody,” Diggs said. “I’ve got a young quarterback who’s balling.”The Patriots struggled to move the ball for most of the night with running back Damien Harris out for the second straight game with an ankle injury. Cam Newton had a touchdown run but was just 5 of 10 for 34 yards passing before being pulled in the third quarter for backup Jarrett Stidham.Newton’s 34 yards passing are the fewest by a Patriots starting quarterback since 1993.He said the season has been frustrating because the work he has put in hasn’t translated into wins.“I’ve sacrificed so much this year, and it hurts when you have an outing that you have tonight,” he said.Belichick said he hasn’t made any decisions about who will start the Patriots’ finale Sunday against the New York Jets.“It was the opportunity to give him a chance to play,” Belichick said of inserting Stidham. “Cam did a good job for us. I mean, that wasn’t the problem. We were just not very competitive in the beginning.”The Bills had no trouble moving the ball against a depleted Patriots defense that was missing linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley and defensive tackle Lawrence Guy due to shoulder injuries.Their absences were most glaring in the passing game. New England struggled to put pressure on Allen, allowing him time to find open receivers. The Patriots allowed a season-worst 474 yards overall.“They outplayed us across the board, outplayed us and out-coached us,” Belichick said.The Patriots closed to 10-9 on Newton’s 9-yard TD run in the second quarter, but Nick Folk missed the extra point and the Bills pulled away from there.Buffalo used its passing game to march down the field on the ensuing drive. Allen completed 5 of 7 throws for 59 yards and a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloBills/status/1343742155362283521?s=20" target="_blank">4-yard TD to Lee Smith</a>.After a quick three-and-out by New England, the Bills went right back to work.Allen misfired on his first pass of the drive, and then connected with Diggs for 17 yards to get the ball to midfield. Diggs got free again on the next play, slipping behind J.C. Jackson on a slant and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloBills/status/1343745587456454657?s=20" target="_blank">sprinting the final 32 yards for the touchdown</a>&nbsp;to make it 24-9.The Allen-Diggs connection worked again on the opening drive of the second half. Allen found Diggs three times during an eight-play, 75-yard drive that ended with an 18-yard TD play by the star receiver.INJURIESBills: S Jordan Poyer was helped off field late in second quarter to be evaluated for a head injury.Patriots: DE Tashawn Bower left in the first quarter with a neck injury. … LB Josh Uche exited in second quarter with a foot injury. … LB Terez Hall left in the third quarter with an ankle injury. … S Devin McCourty exited in the third quarter with a shoulder injury. … C David Andrews left in the third quarter with a calf injury. … RG Shaq Mason exited in the third quarter with a foot injury. ... LB Anfernee Jennings left in the fourth quarter with an undisclosed injury.MILESTONEDiggs became the third player in the 51-year history of the AFC East to top 110 receptions and 1,400 yards receiving in a season. The other two are Wes Welker (New England, 2011) and Marvin Harrison (Indianapolis, 1999).MOVING ON UPWith his TD run in the second quarter, his 12th of 2020, Newton tied Steve Grogan for the franchise single-season record for rushing TDs by a quarterback. It also marked Newton’s 70th career rushing TD, extending his NFL record.UP NEXTBills: Host the Dolphins on Sunday.Patriots: Host the Jets on Sunday.

Bills earn 1st sweep of Patriots since ’99 with 38-9 win

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

Final	(21)Minnesota	81	(17)Michigan St.	56	

		Texas A&amp;M-CC	at	(8)Texas	8 p.m.	(Canceled)

		Buffalo	at	(9)West Virginia	2 p.m.	(Canceled)

		Northeastern	at	(9)West Virginia	2 p.m.	

		Incarnate Word	at	(13)Texas Tech	7 p.m.	

		Pittsburgh	at	(20)Duke	8 p.m.	(Postponed)

AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Atlanta	128	Detroit	120	Final OT	Memphis	116	Brooklyn	111	Final	Utah	110	Oklahoma City	109	Final	Denver	124	Houston	111	Final	Portland	115	L.A. Lakers	107	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUEFinal	Buffalo	38	New England	9	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	(1)Gonzaga	88	N. Arizona	58	Final	Maryland	70	(6)Wisconsin	64	Final	(21)Minnesota	81	(17)Michigan St.	56	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Boston	at	Indiana	7 p.m.			Chicago	at	Washington	7 p.m.			Golden State	at	Detroit	7 p.m.			New York	at	Cleveland	7 p.m.			Toronto	at	Philadelphia	7 p.m.			Milwaukee	at	Miami	7:30 p.m.			Orlando	at	Oklahoma City	8 p.m.			Denver	at	Sacramento	10 p.m.			Minnesota	at	L.A. Clippers	10 p.m.			New Orleans	at	Phoenix	10 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALL		Oklahoma St.	at	(18)Miami	5:30 p.m.			(20)Texas	at	Colorado	9 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL		Dixie State	at	(1)Gonzaga	9 p.m.			Cent. Arkansas	at	(2)Baylor	4 p.m.			(5)Houston	at	Tulsa	9 p.m.			Texas A&amp;M-CC	at	(8)Texas	8 p.m.	(Canceled)		Buffalo	at	(9)West Virginia	2 p.m.	(Canceled)		Northeastern	at	(9)West Virginia	2 p.m.			(19)Northwestern	at	(10)Iowa	9 p.m.			Incarnate Word	at	(13)Texas Tech	7 p.m.			Purdue	at	(14)Rutgers	7 p.m.			(18)Florida St.	at	Clemson	7 p.m.			Pittsburgh	at	(20)Duke	8 p.m.	(Postponed)		Miami	at	(24)Virginia Tech	6 p.m.	___

Sports Scores from Monday

IRVING, Texas—Christian Braun (Kansas) picked up his first Big 12 Men’s Basketball Player of the Week while Mike Miles (TCU) was selected as Newcomer of the Week for the second time.

Braun scored 22 points, including 6-of-12 from 3-point range, in Kansas’ 79-65 win against No. 7 West Virginia. The sophomore guard poured in 14 of his 22 points in the second half, including four treys. It was Braun’s second most points this season, and he also posted a career-high seven assists with four rebounds.

Miles tallied the most points by a TCU freshman in 10 seasons when he had 26 in a win over North Dakota State. He was 11-of-18 from the field and 4-of-7 from 3-point range, both career-highs for makes. Miles' 11 field goals tied for the fourth most by any freshman this season.

Nov. 30 - Derek Culver, West Virginia, F, Jr.

Dec. 7 – Matt Coleman III, Texas, G, Sr.

Dec. 28 – Christian Braun, Kansas, G, So.

Dec. 7 – Cade Cunningham, Oklahoma State, G, Fr.

Dec. 14 - Cade Cunningham, Oklahoma State, G, Fr.

IRVING, Texas—Christian Braun (Kansas) picked up his first Big 12 Men’s Basketball Player of the Week while Mike Miles (TCU) was selected as Newcomer of the Week for the second time.Braun scored 22 points, including 6-of-12 from 3-point range, in Kansas’ 79-65 win against No. 7 West Virginia. The sophomore guard poured in 14 of his 22 points in the second half, including four treys. It was Braun’s second most points this season, and he also posted a career-high seven assists with four rebounds.Miles tallied the most points by a TCU freshman in 10 seasons when he had 26 in a win over North Dakota State. He was 11-of-18 from the field and 4-of-7 from 3-point range, both career-highs for makes. Miles' 11 field goals tied for the fourth most by any freshman this season.Big 12 Player of the WeekNov. 30 - Derek Culver, West Virginia, F, Jr.Dec. 7 – Matt Coleman III, Texas, G, Sr.Dec. 14 - RJ Nembhard, TCU, G, Jr.Dec. 21 – Kevin Samuel, TCU, C, Jr.Dec. 28 – Christian Braun, Kansas, G, So.Big 12 Newcomer of the WeekNov. 30 – Mike Miles, TCU, G, Fr.Dec. 7 – Cade Cunningham, Oklahoma State, G, Fr.Dec. 14 - Cade Cunningham, Oklahoma State, G, Fr.Dec. 21 – Greg Brown, Texas, F, Fr.Dec. 28 - Mike Miles, TCU, G, Fr.

Braun, Miles garner Men’s Basketball weekly awards

WICHITA, Kan.—The American Athletic Conference announced that the men's basketball game between East Carolina and Wichita State, scheduled for Dec. 30 in Wichita, has been postponed due to positive COVID-19 cases and the ensuing contact tracing of student-athletes at ECU. Wichita State is working on a replacement non-conference opponent for Wednesday night. The WSU-ECU game will be rescheduled at the first opportunity when both teams are available prior to Feb. 21, which is the date of the second scheduled game between the Pirates and Shockers in Greenville, N.C. Should an opportunity not arise before Feb. 21, the teams will play on back-to-back days Sunday and Monday, Feb. 21-22, in Wichita. The Feb. 21 game is scheduled for an 11 a.m. Central start on ESPNU. The rescheduled game will air on ESPN+ with a game time to be determined at a later date. The Shockers travel to Oxford, Miss. on Saturday for a non-conference game at Ole Miss (5 p.m. CT, ESPNU) and return to American play Jan. 6 at Houston (7 p.m., ESPN+).&nbsp;&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan.—The American Athletic Conference announced that the men's basketball game between East Carolina and Wichita State, scheduled for Dec. 30 in Wichita, has been postponed due to positive COVID-19 cases and the ensuing contact tracing of student-athletes at ECU. Wichita State is working on a replacement non-conference opponent for Wednesday night. The WSU-ECU game will be rescheduled at the first opportunity when both teams are available prior to Feb. 21, which is the date of the second scheduled game between the Pirates and Shockers in Greenville, N.C. Should an opportunity not arise before Feb. 21, the teams will play on back-to-back days Sunday and Monday, Feb. 21-22, in Wichita. The Feb. 21 game is scheduled for an 11 a.m. Central start on ESPNU. The rescheduled game will air on ESPN+ with a game time to be determined at a later date. The Shockers travel to Oxford, Miss. on Saturday for a non-conference game at Ole Miss (5 p.m. CT, ESPNU) and return to American play Jan. 6 at Houston (7 p.m., ESPN+).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wichita State-ECU Game Postponed

🎥🏈  KC Chiefs Press Conference for Monday

AUDIO: Eagle Radio Sports for Monday

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) — D.J. Wilkins had 22 points as Drake won its 10th consecutive game to start the season, beating Indiana State 81-63. Tre Williams led the Sycamores with 13 points.

Chiefs clinch first-round bye, homefield advantage

UNDATED (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have clinched a first-round bye and home field advantage in the AFC playoffs.

The Chiefs' offense was sluggish before a late TD drive gave them a 17-14 win over the Falcons.

Kansas City trailed 14-10 until Patrick Mahomes (mah-HOHMZ') threw a 25-yard scoring pass to Demarcus Robinson with 1:55 remaining. The Falcons still had a chance to force overtime, but Pro Bowl kicker Younghoe Koo missed a 39-yard field goal attempt with nine seconds left.

Atlanta went ahead of Matt Ryan's five-yard scoring pass to Laquon Treadwell with 4:33 remaining.

— The Steelers are AFC North champs after turning a 21-7 deficit into a 28-24 victory over the Colts. Ben Roethlisberger overcame a month-long malaise to throw for 342 yards and three second-half touchdowns as the 12-3 Steelers ended a three-game losing streak. He gave Pittsburgh its first second-half lead since Dec. 7 by hitting JuJu Smith-Schuster from 25 yards with 7:38 to play. The 10-5 Colts allowed just 28 yards in the first half before losing their grip on the final AFC wild-card berth. 

— The Jets pulled off their second stunner in as many weeks by holding off the Browns, 23-20. The Browns erased most of a 20-3 deficit before Baker Mayfield fumbled twice in the fourth quarter, once on a sack and the second coming on fourth-and-1 with 1:18 remaining. Jamison Crowder caught a touchdown pass and threw one to Braxton Berrios on a razzle-dazzle play. Mayfield threw for 285 yards, but the 10-5 Browns managed just 45 on 18 carries.

— The Ravens leapfrogged over the Colts and Browns in the AFC wild-card scramble by downing the Giants, 27-13. Lamar Jackson engineered four scoring drives while Baltimore built a 20-3 halftime lead. Jackson threw for 183 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 80 yards. The Ravens recorded six sacks of Daniel Jones, including three straight in the second half.

— Davante Adams caught three of Aaron Rodgers' four touchdown passes as the Packers easily earned their fifth straight win, 40-14 over the Titans. Adams' three touchdown catches gave him 17 this season, one off the Packers' single-season record that Sterling Sharpe set in 1994. Green Bay ran wild behind 124 yards and two touchdowns from A.J. Dillon and 94 yards from Aaron Jones. The outcome prevented Tennessee from clinching the AFC South and gave the Colts another avenue for a playoff berth.

— Washington's playoff hopes are up in the air after falling behind 20-0 in a 20-13 loss to the Panthers. Dwayne Haskins turned the ball over three times and was benched with Washington trailing 20-6 in the fourth quarter. Steven Sims muffed a punt return that turned into another Panthers touchdown. Washington has a one-game lead in the NFC East, but the Giants can still win the division at 6-10 with a win over the Cowboys and a Washington loss to the Eagles.

— The Cowboys kept themselves in contention for the NFC East title by whipping the Eagles, 37-17. Andy Dalton threw for 377 yards and three touchdowns, two to Michael Gallup. CeeDee Lamb, Gallup and Amari Cooper each had a catch of at least 50 yards, all after the Eagles built a 17-3 lead. For the Cowboys to win the division, they need to beat the Giants next Sunday and have Washington lose to Philadelphia. 

— The Seahawks claimed the NFC West title with a 20-9 win over the Rams. Russell Wilson threw a 13-yard TD pass to Jacob Hollister with 2:51 remaining to clinch the win. Wilson finished 20 of 32 for 225 yards for the 11-4 Seahawks, who are division champs for the first time since 2016. The 9-6 Rams can still reach the playoffs with a win over Arizona next weekend or a Bears loss to the Packers.

— Mitchell Trubisky accounted for three touchdowns and the Bears took hold of the final NFC wild-card berth by drubbing the Jaguars, 41-17. Trubisky completed 24 of 35 passes for 265 yards, with two touchdowns and an interception. He also ran for a score as Chicago moved one game ahead of the Cardinals in the wild-card scrum. Allen Robinson finished with 10 catches for 103 yards against his former team.

— Justin Herbert set the rookie record for most touchdown passes in a season while guiding the Chargers to their third straight win, 19-16 over the Broncos. Herbert's 9-yard screen pass to Austin Ekeler in the second quarter was his 28th touchdown throw of the season, surpassing the 27 that Baker Mayfield had for Cleveland in 2018. He also became the fourth player to throw for over 4,000 yards as a rookie, joining Andrew Luck, Cam Newton and Jameis Winston. Michael Badgley tied a career high with four field goals, including the winning kick with 41 seconds remaining.

— The Bengals picked up their first road win in more than two years by dumping the Texans, 37-31. Samaje Perine ran for two TD's, including a late 3-yard score in Cincinnati's second straight win. The winning drive came after the two-minute warning and followed Darren Fells' 22-yard scoring reception with about six minutes remaining. Brandon Allen passed for a career-best 371 yards and two touchdowns for the Bengals.

UNDATED (AP) — It was a day of personal achievement for Travis Kelce (KEHL'-see).

The Chiefs standout has broken George Kittle's NFL single season record for most receiving yards by a tight end, doing it against the Falcons. Kittle set the record two years ago with 1,377.

Kelce also became the first tight end in NFL history with two 100-catch seasons, reaching the century mark just before halftime. 

Also, Jets running back Frank Gore became the third player in NFL history to run for 16,000 yards, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton. Gore did it with a four-yard run in the third quarter against the Browns on Sunday. 

UNDATED (AP) — The Dallas Mavericks' second game in Los Angeles went much better than their first.

Luka Doncic (DAHN'-chihch) scored 24 points and the Mavs led by a NBA-record 50 points at halftime in a 124-73 rout of the Clippers.

Josh Richardson added 21 points and Tim Hardaway Jr. had 18 points for the Mavs, who were coming off a blowout loss to the Lakers on Christmas Day.

The Clippers trailed 77-27 at halftime, with their 50-point deficit being the largest at the break since the shot-clock era began in 1954-55.

Checking out the rest of Sunday's NBA action:

— Kyle Kuzma (KOOZ'-muh) had 20 points to lead six Lakers in double figures in a 127-91 thrashing of the Timberwolves. LeBron James added 18 points and nine boards for Los Angeles, which played without Anthony Davis because of a calf contusion.

— Tom Thibodeau's (TIH'-boh-dohz) first victory as Knicks coach has come in a surprisingly easy 130-110 pounding of the Bucks. Julius Randle had 29 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists, while Elfrid Payton scored 27 points in his best game as a Knick.

— Domantas Sabonis (doh-MAHN'-tahs sah-BOH'-nihs) hit a layup with 8.4 seconds left and Malcolm Brogdon finished with a team-high 25 points as the Pacers nipped the Celtics, 108-107 to improve to 3-0 for the first time in seven years. Sabonis had 19 points, 10 boards and five assists in his 100th career double-double.

— Cleveland is 3-0 after Andre Drummond provided 24 points, 14 rebounds and three steals in a 118-94 thumping of the 76ers. Collin Sexton added 22 points and Darius Garland had 14 points and seven assists for the Cavaliers.

— The Pelicans eked out a 98-95 victory against the Spurs as Brandon Ingram delivered 28 points and 11 rebounds. Zion Williamson had 18 points and 11 rebounds for New Orleans, scoring about half of his points on dunks.

— The Hornets were 106-104 winners over the Nets behind Gordon Hayward, who had 28 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Terry Rozier added 19 points, including two clutch free throws that helped Charlotte deal Brooklyn its first loss.

— The Magic are 3-0 for the first time in 11 years after Markelle Fultz and Terrence Ross each scored 26 points in their 120-113 verdict over the Wizards. Nikola Vučević (nee-KOH'-lah voo-CHAY'-vihch) finished with 15 points and eight rebounds for Orlando, which trailed 94-77 entering the fourth quarter.

— The Warriors finally got their first win as Damion Lee hit a 3-pointer with 1.7 seconds remaining in a 108-107 downing of the Bulls. Stephen Curry scored 36 points and was the focus of Chicago's attention while Lee nailed the winning streak.

— Mikal Bridges scored 22 points and Cameron Johnson had 21 in 21 minutes of the Suns' 116-100 victory against the Kings. Devin Booker added 20 points, five rebounds and five assists for Phoenix, which took control by closing the third quarter on a 17-5 run. 

Villanova puts men's hoops season on hold 

VILLANOVA, Pa. (AP) — Villanova men's basketball coach Jay Wright has tested positive for COVID-19, causing the fifth-ranked Wildcats to pause basketball activities. 

Wright says in a statement issued Sunday by Villanova that he another staff member tested positive. 

Villanova's game against Xavier scheduled for Saturday has been postponed, but the school outside Philadelphia says no determination has been made for games beyond this week.

In other pandemic-related college sports news:

— The Music City Bowl between Missouri and Iowa has been canceled because COVID-19 issues left the Tigers unable to play. The game scheduled for Wednesday in Nashville is the second bowl called off since the postseason lineup was set on Dec. 20, joining the Gasparilla Bowl.

ATLANTA (AP) — One of the greatest knuckleball pitchers in major league history has died.

The Atlanta Braves have announced that Phil Niekro (NEE'-kroh) has died at 81 following a battle with cancer. 

Niekro won 318 games over his 24-year career, which ended in 1987 at age 48 after he made one final start with the Braves. The right-hander was a five-time All-Star who had three 20-win seasons with Atlanta. Incredibly, he had 121 wins after his 40th birthday.

Niekro also pitched for the New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians and Toronto Blue Jays late in his career.

Niekro joined Lou Brock, Whitey Ford, Bob Gibson, Al Kaline, Joe Morgan and Tom Seaver as Hall of Famers who have died this year.

NEW YORK (AP) — Naomi Osaka is The Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year after winning another Grand Slam while fighting racial injustice.

Osaka raised awareness for injustice and police brutality while capturing the U.S. Open, her third career major championship. She wrote to the AP that she is proud of my U.S. Open victory, but more so that she got people talking about the real issues.

Osaka collected 18 of 35 first-place votes and a total of 71 points. WNBA Finals MVP Breanna Stewart finished second in the balloting.

UNDATED (AP) — Roger Federer is withdrawing from the Australian Open while he continues preparing to return to action after two operations on his right knee.

Federer's long-time representative and CEO of their management company said Sunday he is working on putting together a 2021 tennis calendar for the 20-time Grand Slam champion, who plans to get back on tour following the next major.

The start of the Australian Open's main draw was delayed by three weeks because of the coronavirus pandemic and is now scheduled to begin on Feb. 8 at Melbourne Park. 

<h2>Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press</h2>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Demarcus Robinson with just under two minutes. Then the Kansas City Chiefs watched as Pro Bowl kicker Younghoe Koo missed the tying field-goal try with 9 seconds left to give them a 17-14 win over the Atlanta Falcons and the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs. The Chiefs (14-1) won their NFL-record seventh straight one-possession game and matched a franchise record with their 10th straight win. The Falcons (4-11) lost by six points or fewer for the seventh time this season.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The one thing the Atlanta Falcons could count on all season was Younghoe Koo, their Pro Bowl kicker who had made 27 consecutive field-goal attempts. So when he sliced a 39-yard attempt wide right Sunday that would have sent their game against the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs to overtime — well, that's pretty much how the season has gone for a team that was instead left to dwell on its seventh loss in a one-possession game.UNDATED (AP) — The Music City Bowl between Missouri and Iowa that was scheduled for Wednesday has been canceled because COVID-19 issues left the Tigers unable to play. The game in Nashville, Tennessee, is the second bowl called off since the postseason lineup was set on Dec. 20, joining the Gasparilla Bowl. Missouri is the third Southeastern Conference team that has had to pull out of its bowl game, joining Tennessee and South Carolina. &nbsp;Overall, 18 bowl games scheduled to be played this season have been canceled.UNDATED (AP) — The St. Louis Blues signed one of the top free agents left on the market to a professional tryout agreement for training camp. The team announced the deal with winger Mike Hoffman on Sunday. While it came as a surprise that Hoffman didn't sign a guaranteed contract for the season, the Blues' salary cap situation sets up for him to get one before opening night. Hoffman is coming off a 29-goal season with the Florida Panthers. The Washington Capitals are also bringing veteran goaltender Craig Anderson to training camp on a tryout, and the Panthers are doing the same with defenseman Kevin Connauton.CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (AP) — Isiaih Mosley tied his career high with 26 points as Missouri State rolled past Northern Iowa 79-59. Trae Berhow led the Panthers with 18 points.TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) — D.J. Wilkins had 22 points as Drake won its 10th consecutive game to start the season, beating Indiana State 81-63. Tre Williams led the Sycamores with 13 points.<h2>Update on the latest sports</h2>NFL-SCHEDULEChiefs clinch first-round bye, homefield advantageUNDATED (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have clinched a first-round bye and home field advantage in the AFC playoffs.The Chiefs' offense was sluggish before a late TD drive gave them a 17-14 win over the Falcons.Kansas City trailed 14-10 until Patrick Mahomes (mah-HOHMZ') threw a 25-yard scoring pass to Demarcus Robinson with 1:55 remaining. The Falcons still had a chance to force overtime, but Pro Bowl kicker Younghoe Koo missed a 39-yard field goal attempt with nine seconds left.Atlanta went ahead of Matt Ryan's five-yard scoring pass to Laquon Treadwell with 4:33 remaining.Elsewhere around the NFL:— The Steelers are AFC North champs after turning a 21-7 deficit into a 28-24 victory over the Colts. Ben Roethlisberger overcame a month-long malaise to throw for 342 yards and three second-half touchdowns as the 12-3 Steelers ended a three-game losing streak. He gave Pittsburgh its first second-half lead since Dec. 7 by hitting JuJu Smith-Schuster from 25 yards with 7:38 to play. The 10-5 Colts allowed just 28 yards in the first half before losing their grip on the final AFC wild-card berth. — The Jets pulled off their second stunner in as many weeks by holding off the Browns, 23-20. The Browns erased most of a 20-3 deficit before Baker Mayfield fumbled twice in the fourth quarter, once on a sack and the second coming on fourth-and-1 with 1:18 remaining. Jamison Crowder caught a touchdown pass and threw one to Braxton Berrios on a razzle-dazzle play. Mayfield threw for 285 yards, but the 10-5 Browns managed just 45 on 18 carries.— The Ravens leapfrogged over the Colts and Browns in the AFC wild-card scramble by downing the Giants, 27-13. Lamar Jackson engineered four scoring drives while Baltimore built a 20-3 halftime lead. Jackson threw for 183 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 80 yards. The Ravens recorded six sacks of Daniel Jones, including three straight in the second half.— Davante Adams caught three of Aaron Rodgers' four touchdown passes as the Packers easily earned their fifth straight win, 40-14 over the Titans. Adams' three touchdown catches gave him 17 this season, one off the Packers' single-season record that Sterling Sharpe set in 1994. Green Bay ran wild behind 124 yards and two touchdowns from A.J. Dillon and 94 yards from Aaron Jones. The outcome prevented Tennessee from clinching the AFC South and gave the Colts another avenue for a playoff berth.— Washington's playoff hopes are up in the air after falling behind 20-0 in a 20-13 loss to the Panthers. Dwayne Haskins turned the ball over three times and was benched with Washington trailing 20-6 in the fourth quarter. Steven Sims muffed a punt return that turned into another Panthers touchdown. Washington has a one-game lead in the NFC East, but the Giants can still win the division at 6-10 with a win over the Cowboys and a Washington loss to the Eagles.— The Cowboys kept themselves in contention for the NFC East title by whipping the Eagles, 37-17. Andy Dalton threw for 377 yards and three touchdowns, two to Michael Gallup. CeeDee Lamb, Gallup and Amari Cooper each had a catch of at least 50 yards, all after the Eagles built a 17-3 lead. For the Cowboys to win the division, they need to beat the Giants next Sunday and have Washington lose to Philadelphia. — The Seahawks claimed the NFC West title with a 20-9 win over the Rams. Russell Wilson threw a 13-yard TD pass to Jacob Hollister with 2:51 remaining to clinch the win. Wilson finished 20 of 32 for 225 yards for the 11-4 Seahawks, who are division champs for the first time since 2016. The 9-6 Rams can still reach the playoffs with a win over Arizona next weekend or a Bears loss to the Packers.— Mitchell Trubisky accounted for three touchdowns and the Bears took hold of the final NFC wild-card berth by drubbing the Jaguars, 41-17. Trubisky completed 24 of 35 passes for 265 yards, with two touchdowns and an interception. He also ran for a score as Chicago moved one game ahead of the Cardinals in the wild-card scrum. Allen Robinson finished with 10 catches for 103 yards against his former team.— Justin Herbert set the rookie record for most touchdown passes in a season while guiding the Chargers to their third straight win, 19-16 over the Broncos. Herbert's 9-yard screen pass to Austin Ekeler in the second quarter was his 28th touchdown throw of the season, surpassing the 27 that Baker Mayfield had for Cleveland in 2018. He also became the fourth player to throw for over 4,000 yards as a rookie, joining Andrew Luck, Cam Newton and Jameis Winston. Michael Badgley tied a career high with four field goals, including the winning kick with 41 seconds remaining.— The Bengals picked up their first road win in more than two years by dumping the Texans, 37-31. Samaje Perine ran for two TD's, including a late 3-yard score in Cincinnati's second straight win. The winning drive came after the two-minute warning and followed Darren Fells' 22-yard scoring reception with about six minutes remaining. Brandon Allen passed for a career-best 371 yards and two touchdowns for the Bengals.NFL-NEWSMilestone day for Kelce, GoreUNDATED (AP) — It was a day of personal achievement for Travis Kelce (KEHL'-see).The Chiefs standout has broken George Kittle's NFL single season record for most receiving yards by a tight end, doing it against the Falcons. Kittle set the record two years ago with 1,377.Kelce also became the first tight end in NFL history with two 100-catch seasons, reaching the century mark just before halftime. Also, Jets running back Frank Gore became the third player in NFL history to run for 16,000 yards, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton. Gore did it with a four-yard run in the third quarter against the Browns on Sunday. NBA-SCHEDULEMavs blow out ClippersUNDATED (AP) — The Dallas Mavericks' second game in Los Angeles went much better than their first.Luka Doncic (DAHN'-chihch) scored 24 points and the Mavs led by a NBA-record 50 points at halftime in a 124-73 rout of the Clippers.Josh Richardson added 21 points and Tim Hardaway Jr. had 18 points for the Mavs, who were coming off a blowout loss to the Lakers on Christmas Day.The Clippers trailed 77-27 at halftime, with their 50-point deficit being the largest at the break since the shot-clock era began in 1954-55.Checking out the rest of Sunday's NBA action:— Kyle Kuzma (KOOZ'-muh) had 20 points to lead six Lakers in double figures in a 127-91 thrashing of the Timberwolves. LeBron James added 18 points and nine boards for Los Angeles, which played without Anthony Davis because of a calf contusion.— Tom Thibodeau's (TIH'-boh-dohz) first victory as Knicks coach has come in a surprisingly easy 130-110 pounding of the Bucks. Julius Randle had 29 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists, while Elfrid Payton scored 27 points in his best game as a Knick.— Domantas Sabonis (doh-MAHN'-tahs sah-BOH'-nihs) hit a layup with 8.4 seconds left and Malcolm Brogdon finished with a team-high 25 points as the Pacers nipped the Celtics, 108-107 to improve to 3-0 for the first time in seven years. Sabonis had 19 points, 10 boards and five assists in his 100th career double-double.— Cleveland is 3-0 after Andre Drummond provided 24 points, 14 rebounds and three steals in a 118-94 thumping of the 76ers. Collin Sexton added 22 points and Darius Garland had 14 points and seven assists for the Cavaliers.— The Pelicans eked out a 98-95 victory against the Spurs as Brandon Ingram delivered 28 points and 11 rebounds. Zion Williamson had 18 points and 11 rebounds for New Orleans, scoring about half of his points on dunks.— The Hornets were 106-104 winners over the Nets behind Gordon Hayward, who had 28 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Terry Rozier added 19 points, including two clutch free throws that helped Charlotte deal Brooklyn its first loss.— The Magic are 3-0 for the first time in 11 years after Markelle Fultz and Terrence Ross each scored 26 points in their 120-113 verdict over the Wizards. Nikola Vučević (nee-KOH'-lah voo-CHAY'-vihch) finished with 15 points and eight rebounds for Orlando, which trailed 94-77 entering the fourth quarter.— The Warriors finally got their first win as Damion Lee hit a 3-pointer with 1.7 seconds remaining in a 108-107 downing of the Bulls. Stephen Curry scored 36 points and was the focus of Chicago's attention while Lee nailed the winning streak.— Mikal Bridges scored 22 points and Cameron Johnson had 21 in 21 minutes of the Suns' 116-100 victory against the Kings. Devin Booker added 20 points, five rebounds and five assists for Phoenix, which took control by closing the third quarter on a 17-5 run. COLLEGE SPORTS-COVIDVillanova puts men's hoops season on hold VILLANOVA, Pa. (AP) — Villanova men's basketball coach Jay Wright has tested positive for COVID-19, causing the fifth-ranked Wildcats to pause basketball activities. Wright says in a statement issued Sunday by Villanova that he another staff member tested positive. Villanova's game against Xavier scheduled for Saturday has been postponed, but the school outside Philadelphia says no determination has been made for games beyond this week.In other pandemic-related college sports news:— The Music City Bowl between Missouri and Iowa has been canceled because COVID-19 issues left the Tigers unable to play. The game scheduled for Wednesday in Nashville is the second bowl called off since the postseason lineup was set on Dec. 20, joining the Gasparilla Bowl.MLB-OBIT-NIEKROATLANTA (AP) — One of the greatest knuckleball pitchers in major league history has died.The Atlanta Braves have announced that Phil Niekro (NEE'-kroh) has died at 81 following a battle with cancer. Niekro won 318 games over his 24-year career, which ended in 1987 at age 48 after he made one final start with the Braves. The right-hander was a five-time All-Star who had three 20-win seasons with Atlanta. Incredibly, he had 121 wins after his 40th birthday.Niekro also pitched for the New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians and Toronto Blue Jays late in his career.Niekro joined Lou Brock, Whitey Ford, Bob Gibson, Al Kaline, Joe Morgan and Tom Seaver as Hall of Famers who have died this year.AP-FEMALE ATHLETE OF YEAROsaka takes AP honorNEW YORK (AP) — Naomi Osaka is The Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year after winning another Grand Slam while fighting racial injustice.Osaka raised awareness for injustice and police brutality while capturing the U.S. Open, her third career major championship. She wrote to the AP that she is proud of my U.S. Open victory, but more so that she got people talking about the real issues.Osaka collected 18 of 35 first-place votes and a total of 71 points. WNBA Finals MVP Breanna Stewart finished second in the balloting.TENNIS-FEDERERFederer to skip Australian OpenUNDATED (AP) — Roger Federer is withdrawing from the Australian Open while he continues preparing to return to action after two operations on his right knee.Federer's long-time representative and CEO of their management company said Sunday he is working on putting together a 2021 tennis calendar for the 20-time Grand Slam champion, who plans to get back on tour following the next major.The start of the Australian Open's main draw was delayed by three weeks because of the coronavirus pandemic and is now scheduled to begin on Feb. 8 at Melbourne Park.

Sports Headlines for Monday

AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Dallas	124	L.A. Clippers	73	Final	New Orleans	98	San Antonio	95	Final	Charlotte	106	Brooklyn	104	Final	Orlando	120	Washington	113	Final	Cleveland	118	Philadelphia	94	Final	New York	130	Milwaukee	110	Final	Indiana	108	Boston	107	Final	Golden State	129	Chicago	128	Final	Phoenix	116	Sacramento	100	Final	L.A. Lakers	127	Minnesota	91	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUEFinal	Baltimore	27	N-Y Giants	13	Final	Chicago	41	Jacksonville	17	Final	Cincinnati	37	Houston	31	Final	Kansas City	17	Atlanta	14	Final	N-Y Jets	23	Cleveland	16	Final	Pittsburgh	28	Indianapolis	24	Final	Carolina	20	Washington	13	Final	L.A. Chargers	19	Denver	16	Final	Dallas	37	Philadelphia	17	Final	Seattle	20	L.A. Rams	9	Final	Green Bay	40	Tennessee	14	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Detroit	at	Atlanta	7:30 p.m.			Memphis	at	Brooklyn	7:30 p.m.			Utah	at	Oklahoma City	8 p.m.			Houston	at	Denver	9 p.m.			Portland	at	L.A. Lakers	10 p.m.	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE		Buffalo	at	New England	8:15 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL		N. Arizona	at	(1)Gonzaga	9 p.m.			Maryland	at	(9)Wisconsin	7 p.m.			(12)Michigan St.	at	Minnesota	8 p.m.	___

Sports Scores from Sunday

The Music City Bowl between Missouri and Iowa was canceled Sunday because COVID-19 issues left the Tigers unable to play.

The game scheduled for Wednesday in Nashville, Tennessee, is the second bowl called off since the postseason lineup was set on Dec. 20, joining the Gasparilla Bowl. Overall, 18 bowl games scheduled to be played this season have been canceled.

Missouri athletic director Jim Sterk said the team has had a “significant increase in positive COVID-19 tests among our student-athletes, coaches and staff” since the end of the regular season.

Missouri is the third Southeastern Conference team that has had to pull out of its bowl game, joining Tennessee and South Carolina. Army was able to replace Tennessee in the Liberty Bowl against West Virginia to salvage that game. South Carolina’s COVID-19 issues left UAB without an opponent in the Gasparilla Bowl.

Iowa was left in the same situation, with no short-notice replacement available.

“We are extremely disappointed to have our season end today,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said. “This is a remarkable group of players and men, and it has been an honor to coach them.”

Ferentz added that the Hawkeyes “have overcome several challenges together during a season like no other.” The coach himself tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c9daf4e0c1567390f272d75e2710530e">the program was rocked during the summer by allegations from former players of systemic racism</a>.

The pandemic continues to disrupt other college sports. Villanova announced Sunday that coach Jay Wright has tested positive for COVID-19 and the fifth-ranked Wildcats have paused basketball activities, including Saturday’s game against Xavier. Syracuse also paused all women’s basketball-related activities and contact tracing is underway after a positive COVID-19 test for the 22nd-ranked Orange.

The Music City Bowl seemed to be in danger last week because Iowa paused football activities due to COVID-19 cases, but the Hawkeyes resumed practice this weekend.

Iowa (6-2) got all eight of its scheduled regular-season games in before having first its championship weekend Big Ten matchup against Michigan canceled and now its bowl, too.

Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz wraps up his first season with a two-game skid and a 5-5 record.

“I am extremely proud of the fight and resiliency that our players have shown throughout this challenging season,” he said. “This is the eighth time in 11 games we’ve been faced with a schedule adjustment, but we’ve been able to fight through and finish while competing at a very high level throughout the season, which I believe shows the true character of our team.”

The Music City Bowl between Missouri and Iowa was canceled Sunday because COVID-19 issues left the Tigers unable to play.The game scheduled for Wednesday in Nashville, Tennessee, is the second bowl called off since the postseason lineup was set on Dec. 20, joining the Gasparilla Bowl. Overall, 18 bowl games scheduled to be played this season have been canceled.Missouri athletic director Jim Sterk said the team has had a “significant increase in positive COVID-19 tests among our student-athletes, coaches and staff” since the end of the regular season.Missouri is the third Southeastern Conference team that has had to pull out of its bowl game, joining Tennessee and South Carolina. Army was able to replace Tennessee in the Liberty Bowl against West Virginia to salvage that game. South Carolina’s COVID-19 issues left UAB without an opponent in the Gasparilla Bowl.Iowa was left in the same situation, with no short-notice replacement available.“We are extremely disappointed to have our season end today,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said. “This is a remarkable group of players and men, and it has been an honor to coach them.”Ferentz added that the Hawkeyes “have overcome several challenges together during a season like no other.” The coach himself tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c9daf4e0c1567390f272d75e2710530e">the program was rocked during the summer by allegations from former players of systemic racism</a>.The pandemic continues to disrupt other college sports. Villanova announced Sunday that coach Jay Wright has tested positive for COVID-19 and the fifth-ranked Wildcats have paused basketball activities, including Saturday’s game against Xavier. Syracuse also paused all women’s basketball-related activities and contact tracing is underway after a positive COVID-19 test for the 22nd-ranked Orange.The Music City Bowl seemed to be in danger last week because Iowa paused football activities due to COVID-19 cases, but the Hawkeyes resumed practice this weekend.Iowa (6-2) got all eight of its scheduled regular-season games in before having first its championship weekend Big Ten matchup against Michigan canceled and now its bowl, too.Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz wraps up his first season with a two-game skid and a 5-5 record.“I am extremely proud of the fight and resiliency that our players have shown throughout this challenging season,” he said. “This is the eighth time in 11 games we’ve been faced with a schedule adjustment, but we’ve been able to fight through and finish while competing at a very high level throughout the season, which I believe shows the true character of our team.”

Music City Bowl between Iowa and Missouri canceled

ATLANTA (AP) — Phil Niekro threw a pitch that baffled hitters and catchers.

Heck,&nbsp;he didn’t even know where it was going&nbsp;most of the time.

But the knuckleball carried Niekro to more than 300 wins, earned him a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame and gave him a nickname that stuck for the rest of his life.

The longtime stalwart of the Atlanta Braves rotation died after a lengthy fight with cancer, the team announced Sunday. He was 81.

The Braves said Niekro died Saturday night in his sleep. He lived in the Atlanta suburb of Flowery Branch, where a main thoroughfare bears his name.

ATLANTA (AP) — Phil Niekro threw a pitch that baffled hitters and catchers.Heck,&nbsp;he didn’t even know where it was going&nbsp;most of the time.But the knuckleball carried Niekro to more than 300 wins, earned him a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame and gave him a nickname that stuck for the rest of his life.Knucksie.The longtime stalwart of the Atlanta Braves rotation died after a lengthy fight with cancer, the team announced Sunday. He was 81.The Braves said Niekro died Saturday night in his sleep. He lived in the Atlanta suburb of Flowery Branch, where a main thoroughfare bears his name.