BV Northwest 84, Council Bluffs, Abraham Lincoln, Iowa 58

BV Southwest 59, Lincoln College Prep, Mo. 48

Heritage Christian 73, Central Heights 52

Little River 62, Hutchinson Central Christian 50

Maywood-Hayes Center, Neb. 75, Oberlin-Decatur 32

Central Heights 43, Heritage Christian 25

Friday's ScoresBy The Associated Press<h2>BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>Abilene 56, Augusta 53BV Northwest 84, Council Bluffs, Abraham Lincoln, Iowa 58BV Southwest 59, Lincoln College Prep, Mo. 48Belle Plaine 67, Fredonia 49Bennington 48, Ell-Saline 26Bishop Miege 68, SM North 37Chanute 68, Rose Hill 64Cheylin 68, Wichita County 66, 2OTClearwater 58, Winfield 51Concordia 45, Smoky Valley 33Doniphan West 41, Oskaloosa 31Elkhart 64, Greeley County 33Ellis 60, Dighton 22Erie 47, Humboldt 42Eureka 67, Seckman, Mo. 55Garden Plain 54, Caney Valley 30Goessel 62, Burrton 21Hanover 52, Wetmore 37Heritage Christian 73, Central Heights 52Highland Park 51, Washburn Rural 48Hillsboro 37, Inman 35Jefferson West 65, Hiawatha 46Junction City 69, Great Bend 38Lakin 61, Colby 48Lansing 62, Spring Hill 59Little River 62, Hutchinson Central Christian 50Lyndon 55, Burlingame 27Madison/Hamilton 70, Northeast-Arma 25Maize 60, Andale 28Marysville 64, Clay Center 40Maur Hill - Mount Academy 58, McLouth 38Medicine Lodge 57, Cunningham 24Mill Valley 56, Barstow, Mo. 47Minneapolis 65, Solomon 40Natoma 62, Pawnee Heights 32Nemaha Central 64, Centralia 48Norton 57, McCook, Neb. 29Phillipsburg 66, Smith Center 27Pike Valley 59, Lincoln 42Pittsburg Colgan 46, Liberal, Mo. 38Pleasant Ridge 45, Jackson Heights 35Pleasanton 39, Jayhawk Linn 35Prairie View 76, Osawatomie 51Riley County 66, Silver Lake 55Salina Sacred Heart 64, Rossville 20Salina South 66, Salina Central 61, OTShawnee Heights 58, Tonganoxie 52Southeast, Mo. 57, St. James Academy 47St. Francis 53, Logan/Palco 38Syracuse 59, Stanton County 50Topeka Hayden 66, Manhattan 58Topeka Seaman 54, Emporia 42Trego 48, Hodgeman County 40Triplains-Brewster 66, Golden Plains 38Ulysses 61, Central Plains 43Valley Heights 45, Republic County 28Victoria 59, Northern Valley 46Weskan 43, Wallace County 33West Elk 53, Marmaton Valley 19Wheatland-Grinnell 35, Quinter 31Wichita Life Prep 71, Pratt Skyline 42Cattle Trail Invitational=Consolation Semifinal=Maywood-Hayes Center, Neb. 75, Oberlin-Decatur 32Eagle Classic=Kingman 41, Conway Springs 33Valley Center 57, Wichita Sunrise 31Keady Classic=Fifth Place=Macksville 69, Spearville 48POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS=Chapman vs. KC Bishop Ward, ppd.<h2>GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>Andover Central 56, Wichita Heights 48Belle Plaine 67, Fredonia 49Bennington 29, Ell-Saline 27Burlingame 68, Lyndon 40Burrton 49, Goessel 31Central Heights 43, Heritage Christian 25Chanute 44, Rose Hill 38Chase County 44, Rural Vista 41Clay Center 50, Marysville 32Cunningham 42, Medicine Lodge 31Derby 61, Wichita Bishop Carroll 44Dodge City 64, Nickerson 56Doniphan West 72, Oskaloosa 37Elkhart 64, Greeley County 33Emporia 49, Topeka Seaman 29Erie 30, Humboldt 28Garden Plain 54, Caney Valley 30Gardner-Edgerton 48, Lawrence 34Golden Plains 51, Wallace County 15Hays-TMP-Marian 51, Hill City 32Hillsboro 39, Inman 23Hutchinson 49, Buhler 28Jackson Heights 56, Pleasant Ridge 33Junction City 49, Great Bend 42Lansing 62, Spring Hill 59Liberal 42, Scott City 26Little River 40, Hutchinson Central Christian 33Logan/Palco 60, Triplains-Brewster 29Madison/Hamilton 35, Northeast-Arma 31Minneapolis 43, Solomon 35Nemaha Central 59, Centralia 33Norton 32, McCook, Neb. 30Osage City 52, Santa Fe Trail 25Pawnee Heights 51, Natoma 19Phillipsburg 49, Central Plains 44Salina Central 67, Salina South 39Salina Sacred Heart 48, Rossville 39Satanta 44, Deerfield 6Smith Center 46, Ulysses 15Smoky Valley 56, Concordia 27Southeast 58, Chetopa 47St. Francis 35, Cheylin 23St. Mary's 64, Mission Valley 47Stanton County 34, Syracuse 21Topeka 79, Topeka West 31Troy 42, Clifton-Clyde 39Uniontown 61, Crest 26Valley Heights 51, Republic County 26Victoria 58, Northern Valley 6Washburn Rural 72, Highland Park 24Washington County 44, Wakefield 34Wichita Campus 42, Wichita West 14Wichita County 44, Weskan 43Wichita Life Prep 50, Pratt Skyline 14Wichita North 35, Newton 25Wichita Southeast 46, Andover 41Cattle Trail Invitational=Semifinal=Maywood-Hayes Center, Neb. 46, Oberlin-Decatur 44Eagle Classic=Hesston 55, Conway Springs 24Wichita Sunrise 67, Valley Center 41Keady Classic=Fifth Place=St. John 43, Kiowa County 31POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS=Augusta vs. Abilene, ppd.Beloit vs. Southeast Saline, ppd.Chapman vs. KC Bishop Ward, ppd.___Some high school basketball scores provided by Scorestream.com, https://scorestream.com/

🏀 Prep Scores from Friday

AUDIO: Eagle Radio Sports for Friday

Irving,
Texas— In accordance with Big 12 Conference football game interruption guidelines,
the Texas at Kansas game scheduled for December 12 has been canceled due to
UT’s shutdown of football operations. The game is declared a “no contest” and will not
be rescheduled.

“I am very disappointed our team won’t get another chance to compete this season, but unfortunately that is out of our control,” said Head Coach Les Miles. “Our team played very hard last week on the road, and I know they were eager to get back on the field to face a very good Texas team this weekend. With our season complete, I would be remiss not to recognize our student-athletes and staff for diligently following the medical guidelines set for them this year. I am very proud of their efforts and proud to be the head coach of this football team. Rock Chalk, Jayhawk.”

Irving,
Texas— In accordance with Big 12 Conference football game interruption guidelines,
the Texas at Kansas game scheduled for December 12 has been canceled due to
UT’s shutdown of football operations. The game is declared a “no contest” and will not
be rescheduled.“I am very disappointed our team won’t get another chance to compete this season, but unfortunately that is out of our control,” said Head Coach Les Miles. “Our team played very hard last week on the road, and I know they were eager to get back on the field to face a very good Texas team this weekend. With our season complete, I would be remiss not to recognize our student-athletes and staff for diligently following the medical guidelines set for them this year. I am very proud of their efforts and proud to be the head coach of this football team. Rock Chalk, Jayhawk.”

🏈 Texas at Kansas Football Game Canceled

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– No. 5/5 Kansas continues its five-game homestand when it hosts Omaha (2-4), Friday, Dec. 11, at 6 p.m., CT. The contest will air on ESPN2 with Rich Hollenberg and Jimmy Dykes calling the action.

Kansas is coming off a 73-72 win against #8/7 Creighton on Dec. 8 in Allen Fieldhouse. The victory improved Kansas to 15-3 against Associated Press top-10 teams at home in the Bill Self era.

Omaha is 2-4 on the season after its 65-63 win against SIUE (Southern Illinois Edwardsville) on Dec. 5. The Mavericks and Jayhawks have one common opponent. Creighton defeated Omaha 94-67, on Dec. 1, while Kansas posted a 73-72 win against Creighton on Dec. 8.

This will be the second meeting between Kansas and, with the Jayhawks winning 109-64 on Dec. 18, 2017, in Allen Fieldhouse, during KU’s 2017-18 Final Four season. Current Jayhawks who played in the first meeting include Marcus Garrett (4 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists), Mitch Lightfoot (6 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 blocked shot) and Chris Teahan (3 points).

Kansas averages 79.3 points per game, which is fourth in the Big 12, and is fifth in the league with a +8.8 scoring margin. KU pulls down 42.0 rebounds per contest, which is second in the Big 12 and holds a +8.8 rebound margin advantage, which is also second in the league. KU has outrebounded its last five foes since losing the battle of the boards in the season opener against #1 Gonzaga. Kansas also ranks in the upper half of the Big 12 in field goal percentage defense (fourth at 42.5), 3-point field goal percentage (third at 40.2), blocked shots (fourth at 4.0), steals (fourth at 8.3) and 3-point field goals made (third at 8.2). KU averages 12.8 assists per contest.

Redshirt-freshman forward Jalen Wilson has led Kansas in scoring each of the last two games and three of the last four outings, which includes two 23-point efforts versus Kentucky (12/1) and Creighton (12/8). Wilson and leads the team with a 16.3 ppg, which is fifth in the Big 12. Wilson also leads Kansas in rebounds with a 9.0 rpg that is third in the conference.

Junior guard Ochai Agbaji is next in scoring at 13.5 points per game. He is second on the squad with 13 3-point field goals made, 16 assists and nine steals. Sophomore guard Christian Braun also has a team-high 10 steals and he is second on the squad with 13 3-pointers made and a 6.5 rebound average. Braun scores 13.0 points per game, which includes a career-high 30 points against Saint Joseph’s (11/27).

Junior forward David McCormack (10.0 ppg, 4.8 rpg) and senior Marcus Garrett (9.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg) round out the KU starters. McCormack has scoed 37 points in his last three games. An All-American candidate, Garrett leads KU with 19 assists and has nine steals.

Kansas concludes its five-game homestand when it plays host to Tarleton State on Sunday, Dec. 13, at 1 p.m. (Central). The contest will air on Big 12 NOW on ESPN+ and it will be the third game where fans will be able to attend the contest in Allen Fieldhouse with an estimated 2,500 capacity.

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– No. 5/5 Kansas continues its five-game homestand when it hosts Omaha (2-4), Friday, Dec. 11, at 6 p.m., CT. The contest will air on ESPN2 with Rich Hollenberg and Jimmy Dykes calling the action.Kansas is coming off a 73-72 win against #8/7 Creighton on Dec. 8 in Allen Fieldhouse. The victory improved Kansas to 15-3 against Associated Press top-10 teams at home in the Bill Self era.Omaha is 2-4 on the season after its 65-63 win against SIUE (Southern Illinois Edwardsville) on Dec. 5. The Mavericks and Jayhawks have one common opponent. Creighton defeated Omaha 94-67, on Dec. 1, while Kansas posted a 73-72 win against Creighton on Dec. 8.This will be the second meeting between Kansas and, with the Jayhawks winning 109-64 on Dec. 18, 2017, in Allen Fieldhouse, during KU’s 2017-18 Final Four season. Current Jayhawks who played in the first meeting include Marcus Garrett (4 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists), Mitch Lightfoot (6 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 blocked shot) and Chris Teahan (3 points).Kansas averages 79.3 points per game, which is fourth in the Big 12, and is fifth in the league with a +8.8 scoring margin. KU pulls down 42.0 rebounds per contest, which is second in the Big 12 and holds a +8.8 rebound margin advantage, which is also second in the league. KU has outrebounded its last five foes since losing the battle of the boards in the season opener against #1 Gonzaga. Kansas also ranks in the upper half of the Big 12 in field goal percentage defense (fourth at 42.5), 3-point field goal percentage (third at 40.2), blocked shots (fourth at 4.0), steals (fourth at 8.3) and 3-point field goals made (third at 8.2). KU averages 12.8 assists per contest.Redshirt-freshman forward Jalen Wilson has led Kansas in scoring each of the last two games and three of the last four outings, which includes two 23-point efforts versus Kentucky (12/1) and Creighton (12/8). Wilson and leads the team with a 16.3 ppg, which is fifth in the Big 12. Wilson also leads Kansas in rebounds with a 9.0 rpg that is third in the conference.Junior guard Ochai Agbaji is next in scoring at 13.5 points per game. He is second on the squad with 13 3-point field goals made, 16 assists and nine steals. Sophomore guard Christian Braun also has a team-high 10 steals and he is second on the squad with 13 3-pointers made and a 6.5 rebound average. Braun scores 13.0 points per game, which includes a career-high 30 points against Saint Joseph’s (11/27).Junior forward David McCormack (10.0 ppg, 4.8 rpg) and senior Marcus Garrett (9.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg) round out the KU starters. McCormack has scoed 37 points in his last three games. An All-American candidate, Garrett leads KU with 19 assists and has nine steals.KANSAS NOTABLES<ul>
 <li>Through six games, Kansas has had four different players lead the team in scoring and five in steals. This includes ties for the team high.</li><li>Kansas has been ranked in each of the last 223 Associated Press polls dating back to 2008-09. The 223-consecutive weeks in the AP poll is an all-time record, surpassing UCLA’s 221 from 1966-80. KU holds the same streak in the coaches’ poll at 230.</li><li>Kansas has been ranked in the top 10 in each of the last 22 polls dating back the first poll of the 2019-20 season.</li><li>Kansas’ last six losses have been to ranked foes, with three of those in the top five.</li><li>Redshirt-freshman Jalen Wilson has led KU in scoring three of the last four games posting 23 points against two ranked foes – #20 Kentucky and #8 Creighton.</li><li>Senior Marcus Garrett was named to the Wooden Award Preseason Top 50 on Dec. 1. Garrett has been named to every national player of the year watch list for 2020-21.</li><li>Redshirt-senior Mitch Lightfoot posted three blocked shots against Washburn (12/3) and became the 21st player in KU history to record 100 career blocks, currently at 102.</li><li>With its 89-54 win against Washburn in Allen Fieldhouse on Dec. 3, the Jayhawks have won a mind-boggling 48-straight home openers beginning in 1973-74 under head coach Ted Owens.</li><li>This season, Kansas men’s basketball will be wearing a patch that reads “UNITED WE STAND” signifying its stance on the recent social injustice in the United States. The patch has gold lettering with the black background being in the shape of the state of Kansas.</li>
 </ul>UP NEXTKansas concludes its five-game homestand when it plays host to Tarleton State on Sunday, Dec. 13, at 1 p.m. (Central). The contest will air on Big 12 NOW on ESPN+ and it will be the third game where fans will be able to attend the contest in Allen Fieldhouse with an estimated 2,500 capacity.

🏀 Game Preview: Kansas vs. Omaha



MANHATTAN, Kan.—K-State hosts Milwaukee tonight at Bramlage.

LAST TIME OUT: FORT HAYS STATE 81, K-STATE 68

MANHATTAN, Kan.—K-State hosts Milwaukee tonight at Bramlage.<ul>
 <li>Kansas State (1-4) concludes its 6-game homestand to start the 2020-21 season, as the Wildcats play host Horizon League member Milwaukee (0-0) at 7 p.m., CT at Bramlage Coliseum. The game will air on Big 12 Now on ESPN+. The contest was originally scheduled for Tuesday night, but was moved back due to COVID-19 related issues within the Panther program, which will be playing their first game after seeing their first 2 games cancelled. The Wildcats' 6-game homestand is the longest such stretch to start a season since starting the 2001-02 season with 6 straight home games.</li><li>K-State should be plenty motivated to get back out on the court after dropping an 81-68 loss to Division II foe Fort Hays State on Tuesday night. The Tigers connected on 55.2 percent from the field, including 58.6 percent in the second half, to earn their first win in the series since 1938. Six players scored in double figures for the Tigers, which included a 16-point, 11-rebound effort from senior forward Jared Vitztum. Five players had at least one assist, including 5 each from freshman Quinten Rock and redshirt freshman Kaleb Hammeke, while four had at least two 3-pointers.</li><li>The lone bright spot for the Wildcats came in the play of senior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7423">Mike McGuirl</a>, who tied his career-high for the second time this season with a game-high 22 points on 7-of-9 field goals, including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. McGuirl leads the team in nearly every offensive category, including scoring (15.2 ppg.), double-digit scoring games, field goals made (25) and attempted (57) and 3-point field goals made (13) and attempted (30). He is connecting on 43.9 percent from the field, including 43.3 percent from 3-point range, and is shooting 81.3 percent from the free throw line.</li><li>Typically, the strong point on nearly every&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1566">Bruce Weber</a>-coached team, the defense has so far struggled in the early going, as the Wildcats are allowing 72.6 points on 50 percent shooting, including nearly 60 percent inside the 3-point arc. This has been particularly evident in the second half, where opponents are averaging 41.2 points on 52.1 percent shooting, including 63.2 percent from inside the arc.</li><li>One of the youngest teams in the country, K-State got even younger on Tuesday night, as 2 sophomores (<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7422">DaJuan Gordon</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7421">Antonio Gordon</a>) and 2 freshmen (<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7426">Davion Bradford</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7431">Nijel Pack</a>) started alongside senior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7423">Mike McGuirl</a>&nbsp;against Fort Hays State. A starter in the first 4 games, sophomore transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7420">Kaosi Ezeagu</a>&nbsp;missed the game due to a knee injury and is expected to be out for some time. The Wildcats played just one other upperclassman (<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7432">Rudi Williams</a>) in the game, along with 2 freshmen (<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7428">Seryee Lewis</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7430">Selton Miguel</a>) and a sophomore transfer (<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7429">Carlton Linguard, Jr.</a>), who saw his first action of the season. Only 3 other teams (Stetson, Auburn and UC Irvine) nationally have fewer upperclassman than K-State.</li><li>Although he struggled from the field in the last 2 games, freshman point guard&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7431">Nijel Pack</a>&nbsp;is off to solid start to the season, as he is averaging 10 points on 40.4 percent shooting, including 42.3 percent from 3-point range, to go with 4.2 assists and 3.8 rebounds in 31.0 minutes per game. He has 9 or more points in 4 of 5 games, including a pair of double-digit scoring games, while he has dished out at least 5 assists in 3 games, including a 7-assist, 0-turnover performance against UNLV on Dec. 5.</li>
 </ul> NOTES ON MILWAUKEE<ul>
 <li>Milwaukee will be making it season debut on Friday night, as the Panthers have dealt with COVID-19 issues, which has forced them to cancel their first 2 games of the season against North Dakota State and Southern Miss on Nov. 27 and 29. The K-State game was suppose to be played on Tuesday, but was moved to give Milwaukee more time to recover.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Milwaukee returns 5 players, including 3 starters, from a 2019-20 team that posted a 12-19 overall record and finished tied for seventh in the Horizon League with a 7-11 record. Much like K-State, the Panthers have plenty of new faces with 11 newcomers in 2020-21.</li><li>Milwaukee averaged 71.5 points on 41.3 percent shooting, including 32 percent from 3-point range, to go with 36.1 rebounds, 12.5 assists, 5.9 steals and 3.1 blocks per game, while allowing opponents to average 72.6 points on 43.8 percent shooting, including 34.6 percent from 3-point range, to go with 37.4 rebounds, 12.4 assists, 5.7 steals and 3.2 blocks per game. The Panthers averaged just under 8 made 3-point field goals per game.</li><li>The Panthers return 3 players (Te'Jon Lucas, Josh Thomas, C.J. Wilbourn) who started at least 16 games a season ago. Both Lucas and Thomas averaged better than 10 points per game, as Lucas was second in scoring at 14.6 points on 42.5 percent shooting, including 31.7 percent from 3-point range, while averaging a team-best 5.1 assists, 4.3 rebounds and a team-best 1.9 steals in 33.4 minutes per game. A Second Team All-Horizon League selection in 2019-20, Lucas also has high major experience, having played at Illinois in 2017-18. Thomas averaged 10.2 points on 46.3 percent shooting, including 25.3 percent from 3-point range, to go with 4.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 30.2 minutes per game. Wilbourn had averages of 4.4 points and 2.9 rebounds per game, while connecting on 48.1 percent from the field.&nbsp;</li><li>Milwaukee will welcome 11 newcomers in 2020-21, including Boston College transfer Vin Baker, Jr., transfers DeAndre Gholston, Amir Allen and Tafari Simms and five true freshmen.</li><li>Head coach Patrick Baldwin is in his fourth season at Milwaukee, having compiled a 37-58 overall record. Baldwin, who played at Northwestern from 1990-94, has been a long time assistant coach at Green Bay (2002-04), Loyola Chicago (2004-11), Missouri State (2011-13) and Northwestern (2013-17). Baldwin served alongside Wildcat assistant coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1573">Jermaine Henderson</a>&nbsp;for one season at Missouri State in 2012-13. His son, Patrick, Jr., is one of the top high school seniors in the country and has played AAU alongside K-State signee Logan Landers, who is a native of Milwaukee.</li>
 </ul> SERIES HISTORY<ul>
 <li>This will be the first meeting between K-State and Milwaukee.&nbsp;</li><li>K-State is 9-1 all-time against schools from the Horizon League, including 8-0 at home. This will be the first meeting with a Horizon League member since an 80-61 win over Green Bay on Nov. 30, 2016.</li><li>&nbsp;This will be the first regular-season between head coaches&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1566">Bruce Weber</a>&nbsp;and Patrick Baldwin.</li>
 </ul> SPECIAL CONNECTION<ul>
 <li>A native of Milwaukee, K-State coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1566">Bruce Weber</a>&nbsp;is a 1978 graduate of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he earned a bachelor's degree in education. This will be his first meeting with his alma mater.</li>
 </ul> LAST TIME OUT: FORT HAYS STATE 81, K-STATE 68<ul>
 <li>Fort Hays State connected on 55.2 percent from the field, including 58.6 percent in the second half, as the Tigers posted an 81-68 win over K-State on Tuesday night in front of a limited crowd of 519 fans at Bramlage Coliseum.</li><li>The game, which was scheduled on Sunday after K-State's game with Butler in the Big 12/Big East Battle was officially cancelled due to COVID-19 issues with the Bulldogs, was K-State's first regular-season meeting with a Division II team since a matchup with Fort Hays State in 2009.</li><li>Fort Hays State got contributions from across the board, as six Tigers scored in double figures led by a 16-point, 11-rebound effort from senior forward Jared Vitztum. Five players had at least one assist, including 5 each by true freshman Quinten Rock and redshirt freshman Kaleb Hammeke, while four had at least two 3-pointers.</li><li>K-State connected on 44 percent (22-of-50) from the field, including a season-low 19 percent (4-of-21) from 3-point range, while hitting on 66.7 percent (20-of-30) from the free throw line.&nbsp;</li><li>Senior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7423">Mike McGuirl</a>&nbsp;tied his career-high with a game-high 22 points on 7-of-9 field goals, including a career-tying 4 triples, while sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7422">DaJuan Gordon</a>&nbsp;and freshman Selton Miguel added 11 and 10 points, respectively. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7431">Nijel Pack</a>&nbsp;dished out a game-tying 5 assists.</li>
 </ul> NON-CONFERENCE HISTORY<ul>
 <li>K-State has a 112-12 (.911) record at home venues (includes home games played at Bramlage Coliseum, INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita and the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City) in non-conference play dating back to the 2006-07 season, including a 103-9 (.920) mark at Bramlage Coliseum.</li><li>Despite seeing their 33-game winning streak end at Bramlage Coliseum with a loss to Marquette on Dec. 7, 2019, the Wildcats have still won 99 of their last 109 non-conference home games.</li><li>K-State has posted a 148-46 (.767) record in non-conference play since the 2006-07 season. Prior to last season, the team had posted double-digit non-conference wins in 12 of the last 13 seasons.</li>
 </ul> UP NEXT: AT IOWA STATE (1-1)<ul>
 <li>K-State will hit the road for the first time in 2020-21 on Tuesday, as the Wildcats travel to Ames, Iowa to take on Iowa State (1-1) at 8 p.m., CT on ESPNU. It will be the earliest conference game in the modern era after a 91-75 win in Ames on Dec. 29, 2017. It will be one of two Big 12 games that K-State will play in the month of December.</li>
 </ul>

🏀 Game preview: K-State concludes homestand against Milwaukee tonight

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - The Hutchinson Salthawks girls will host Buhler in basketball action at the Salthawk Activity Center Friday night.&nbsp; The Boys Varsity game and Boys Junior Varsity games have been postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions within the Buhler boys team.

Freshman Boys, Freshman Girls, Junior Varsity Girls and Varsity Girls games will all be streamed on the Hutchinson High School NFHS Network Channel. Register for free at <a href="http://nfhsnetwork.com">nfhsnetwork.com</a>, then search for Hutchinson High School.

The Varsity girls contest will include audio from KWBW Radio at 1450 am/98.5 fm. You can also connect to KWBW with the BW app as well as Alexa and google devices. Veteran Eagle Radio Hutchinson Sports Director Glen Grunwald and Dan Naccarato will bring you all the action beginning with the pregame show at 5:45 pm on Friday night.

4:15 - JV Girls Video&nbsp;

Stream @ 4:15 pm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/hutchinson-high-school-hutchinson-ks/gam6af720fb89">CLICK HERE</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

6:00 - Varsity Girls Video&nbsp;

Stream @ 6:00 pm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/hutchinson-high-school-hutchinson-ks/gam02e5b5124f">CLICK HERE</a>

4:15 - Freshman Boys Video Stream @ 4:15 pm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/hutchinson-high-school-hutchinson-ks/gam8d3da3000b">CLICK HERE</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

6:00 - Freshman Girls Video Stream @ 6:00 pm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/hutchinson-high-school-hutchinson-ks/gam2c871c7d62">CLICK HERE</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - The Hutchinson Salthawks girls will host Buhler in basketball action at the Salthawk Activity Center Friday night.&nbsp; The Boys Varsity game and Boys Junior Varsity games have been postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions within the Buhler boys team. Freshman Boys, Freshman Girls, Junior Varsity Girls and Varsity Girls games will all be streamed on the Hutchinson High School NFHS Network Channel. Register for free at <a href="http://nfhsnetwork.com">nfhsnetwork.com</a>, then search for Hutchinson High School.The Varsity girls contest will include audio from KWBW Radio at 1450 am/98.5 fm. You can also connect to KWBW with the BW app as well as Alexa and google devices. Veteran Eagle Radio Hutchinson Sports Director Glen Grunwald and Dan Naccarato will bring you all the action beginning with the pregame show at 5:45 pm on Friday night.Salthawk Activity Center:4:15 - JV Girls Video&nbsp;

Stream @ 4:15 pm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/hutchinson-high-school-hutchinson-ks/gam6af720fb89">CLICK HERE</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;6:00 - Varsity Girls Video&nbsp;

Stream @ 6:00 pm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/hutchinson-high-school-hutchinson-ks/gam02e5b5124f">CLICK HERE</a> North Gym:4:15 - Freshman Boys Video Stream @ 4:15 pm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/hutchinson-high-school-hutchinson-ks/gam8d3da3000b">CLICK HERE</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;6:00 - Freshman Girls Video Stream @ 6:00 pm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/hutchinson-high-school-hutchinson-ks/gam2c871c7d62">CLICK HERE</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;.<div><iframe src="https://player.nfhsnetwork.com/#/events/hutchinson-high-school-hutchinson-ks/gam02e5b5124f" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" width="640" height="360"></iframe>

</div>

🎥🏀 Hutch High hosts Buhler at the SAC Tonight

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

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs, with their star quarterback and seemingly endless playmakers around him, should rightfully feel good about their chances of scoring a touchdown whenever they get their hands on the ball. Unless they get it in the red zone. That make-or-break 20 yards closest to the opposing goal line has had the Chiefs seeing red all season, their inability to stuff the ball in the end zone becoming a significant point of concern as they head down the stretch.

UNDATED (AP) — Ten of the 14 Big Ten football teams sit at two wins entering the final weekend of the regular season. The statistical anomaly begs the question of whether it's difficult for those teams to stay motivated in a season that brought unique challenges because of the coronavirus pandemic. The possibility of achieving bowl eligibility is not the same carrot it usually is because there's no minimum number of wins required to be selected. There will be three to five three-win teams after this week, and they'll be at the front of the line for three bowl bids.

UNDATED (AP) — The Big 12 will wrap up its regular season with a slimmed-down schedule because of COVID-19 postponements. Two makeup games on Saturday have been canceled. No. 13 Oklahoma won't play at West Virginia and Texas will not play at Kansas. Oklahoma State is still set make up its game at Baylor, and TCU has added a non-conference home game against Louisiana Tech.&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Ayoka Lee scored 18 points with nine rebounds and Kansas State took control early in a 62-53 win over No. 22 South Dakota State. Lee's layup with 7:13 left in the first quarter broke a 6-all tie and the Wildcats took control from there. Kansas State went on to outscore the Jackrabbits 12-1 and led 20-7 after the first. South Dakota State shot 2 of 13 — including 2 of 10 from 3-point range in the first quarter — and Kansas State led by double figures until Myah Selland's 3-pointer with 1:58 remaining reduced the Jackrabbits' deficit to 60-51. Selland led South Dakota State with 15 points.

UNDATED (AP) — The Big 12 has long had a reputation for high-flying passing offenses. The spotlight has shifted a bit. Pass defenses are improving. And running backs are stealing some of the show. Last season, Oklahoma State's Chuba Hubbard led the nation in rushing and finished eighth in the Heisman Trophy balloting. This season, Iowa State's Breece Hall leads the nation in rushing and West Virginia's Leddie Brown ranks eighth.

UNDATED (AP) — No. 25 Wisconsin visits No. 19 Iowa on Saturday in a meeting of teams that look very much alike. Hawkeyes coach Kirk Ferentz says he tried to build his program in the mold of a Wisconsin program known for physical play. Both teams have relied on strong defense this season. The Hawkeyes will be going for their sixth straight win and trying to end a four-game losing streak in the series with the Badgers. Wisconsin has had three games canceled because of COVID-19 issues and has scored a combined 13 points in losing its last two games.

UNDATED (AP) — Seattle's star quarterback Russell Wilson and Kansas City's standout tight end Travis Kelce are among the 32 finalists for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. The award recognizes an NFL player for outstanding community service activities off the field, as well as excellence on the field. It was established in 1970 and renamed in 1999 after the late Hall of Fame running back. The award will be presented during Super Bowl week at the NFL Honors television show when The Associated Press reveals its individual award winners.

UNDATED (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are already in the NFL playoffs and that's no surprise for the defending Super Bowl champions. Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers are undefeated no more but they're also on the verge of clinching an AFC spot. After that there are plenty of other contenders who might have something to say about the conference being just a top-heavy twosome. Buffalo and Cleveland are 9-3 with Tennessee, Miami and Indianapolis all 8-4. Baltimore and Las Vegas are still in the mix at 7-5. And it's never smart to count out a Bill Belichick-coached New England team at 6-6.

Akers runs wild, Newton benched as Rams rout Patriots 24-3

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Cam Akers rushed for 171 yards in a breakout performance, Kenny Young returned an interception 79 yards for a touchdown and the Los Angeles Rams clinched their fourth straight winning season with a 24-3 victory over the New England Patriots on Thursday night.

Jared Goff rushed for a touchdown and threw a TD pass to Cooper Kupp as the Rams, now 9-4, rolled to a one-sided victory in a rematch of their 13-3 Super Bowl loss in February 2019.

Cam Newton passed for 119 yards before getting replaced by Jarrett Stidham in the fourth quarter of another dismal offensive game for New England. The Pats are now 6-7. Five days after the Patriots scored 45 points at SoFi Stadium against the Chargers, New England endangered its push for a 12th straight playoff berth with only its second loss in six games.

UNDATED (AP) — The NBA says eight more players have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total so far this season to 56. 

Of those, the first 48 tested positive in the league's initial return-to-market testing phase that went from Nov. 24 through Dec. 1. Those tests showed a leaguewide positivity rate of about 9%. The next eight came from a batch of 541 players tested in the week that began Dec. 2. For that span, the positivity rate was just under 1.5%. 

Preseason games across the NBA begin tomorrow and the regular season is scheduled to begin with two games on Dec. 22.

— The NBA is making Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets pay for the point guard's silence. The league fined Irving and the team $25,000 apiece Thursday because he has refused to speak to the media thus far during the preseason. In announcing the fines, the NBA said Irving has refused on several occasions this week to participate in the team's media availability. Irving has not spoken during any of the Nets' press sessions, all being held via Zoom. He released a statement through his publicist last Friday to address his media silence, saying he wanted to ensure that his message was conveyed properly.

— Paul George wants to retire with the Los Angeles Clippers, and he took a step in that direction Thursday by signing a multi-year contract extension. The six-time All-Star could have become a free agent after the upcoming season. George said recently that he wants to retire as a Clipper. He averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists and shot a career-high 41% from 3-point range in his first season with the team.

— The Indiana Pacers say starting forward T.J. Warren and backup guard Brian Bowen II will miss time with injuries. Warren has plantar fascitis in his right foot and is listed as week to week. Bowen is expected to miss six to eight weeks with a partially torn groin muscle. Warren averaged 19.8 points and shot 53.6% from the field last season, his first with Indiana, both career-bests. Bowen spent most of last season playing in the G-League but made six appearances with Indiana. 

Adam Eaton and White Sox finalize $8 million, 1-year deal

UNDATED (AP) — Outfielder Adam Eaton and the Chicago White Sox have reunited, finalizing a one-year contract that guarantees $8 million. Eaton gets $7 million next season, and the White Sox have an $8.5 million option for 2022 with a $1 million buyout.

Eaton played for Chicago from 2014-16 and was dealt to the Washington Nationals at the December 2016 winter meetings for current ace Lucas Giolito, Dane Dunning and Reynaldo López. Eaton helped the Nationals win the World Series in 2019. They declined their option on him after he hit .226 in 41 games last season.

— Infielder Nate Lowe was traded from the AL champion Tampa Bay Rays to the Texas Rangers for minor league catcher and outfielder Heriberto Hernandez. As part of the swap, Tampa Bay also acquired minor league infielder Osleivis Basabe and minor league outfielder Alexander Ovalles, and Texas obtained minor league first baseman Jake Guenther and a player to be named. The 25-year-old Lowe hit .224 with four homers and 11 RBIs in 21 games last season and was 0 for 3 in the wild-card playoff against Toronto, his only postseason appearances. 

— Chadwick Tromp and the San Francisco Giants have agreed on a one-year deal after the team declined to tender a contract to the rookie catcher from Aruba before last week's deadline. He gets a salary of $583,000 while in the major leagues and $150,000 while in the minors. Tromp announced on social media he would be returning to the Giants, who initially signed him to a minor league deal for last season. The 25-year-old Tromp batted .213 with four home runs and 10 RBIs in 24 games last season. 

— Pittsburgh has taken right-hander Jose Soriano from the Los Angeles Angels organization with the first of 18 picks in the major league phase of the winter meeting draft of players not protected on 40-man rosters. The 22-year-old Soriano was 0-1 with a 1.93 ERA in three starts for the Arizona Rookie League Angels in 2019 and 5-6 with a 2.55 ERA in 15 starts and two relief appearances for Burlington of the Class A Midwest League. He missed last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. 

— The Philadelphia Phillies have hired longtime baseball executive Dave Dombrowski as president of baseball operations, according to two people familiar with the decision. The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team hadn't announced the move. An official announcement is expected Friday. Andy MacPhail is the Phillies' current president and has planned to retire after the 2021 season. 

McCaffrey not expected to play vs. Broncos

UNDATED (AP) — Christian McCaffrey seems likely to spend another week watching from the sideline. 

The 2019 All-Pro running back did not practice on Thursday and coach Matt Rhule said "at this point I do not expect him to play" on Sunday against the Denver Broncos. Both teams are 4-8.

McCaffrey missed six games earlier this season with a high ankle sprain. He has missed the past three games with a shoulder sprain but was expected to return this week. However, Rhule said McCaffrey tweaked his thigh while working out last week and hasn't been right since. 

—The Chicago Bears closed their facility for a few hours Thursday and pushed back practice because of a positive COVID-19 test. The team placed three practice squad players on the COVID list this week but coach Matt Nagy says the team doesn't think the latest positive test was related to those cases. 

—New York Jets rookie wide receiver Denzel Mims is dealing with a family matter and will miss the game Sunday at Seattle. Mims left the team Wednesday to travel home to Texas. Coach Adam Gase ruled Mims out against the Seahawks because the receiver would not be able to go through the NFL's COVID-19 protocols in time.

— Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson and Kansas City's standout tight end Travis Kelce (KEL'-see) are among the 32 finalists for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. The award recognizes an NFL player for outstanding community service activities off the field, as well as excellence on the field. It was established in 1970 and renamed in 1999 after the late Hall of Fame running back. The award will be presented during Super Bowl week

— The Buffalo Bills signed general manager Brandon Beane to a multi-year contract extension, locking up the architect of a team in position to secure its third playoff berth in four years. The length of the contract is likely to coincide with coach Sean McDermott, who was signed to a four-year extension in August. McDermott's contract runs through the 2025 season. 

— The New Orleans Saints say they are shrinking the planned crowd size for a December home game against the Kansas City Chiefs from 15,000 to 3,000 due to a recent surge in local positive tests. The club says current season ticket holders will have access to 3,000 tickets that will be distributed during the week of December 14 for the Chiefs game. 

—Denver defensive coordinator Ed Donatell is planning to attend his first game since Oct. 25 when the Broncos travel to face the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Donatell missed six games with a case of the novel coronavirus that landed him in the hospital last month. He's been gradually increasing his trips into team headquarters. Donatell said he's still working to regain his strength,

Boston College decides to end season, skip bowl game

UNDATED (AP) — Boston College has opted out of playing in a bowl game.

Coach Jeff Hafley said on Thursday that after speaking with his players the team decided to end its season. The Eagles managed to make it through the entire season with just one positive COVID-19 test and played all 11 games on the schedule. The Eagles went 6-5, and 5-5 in the Atlantic Coast Conference to qualify for a postseason game for the fifth straight year. 

In other virus-related college football news: 

— The regular season-ending football game between No. 23 Texas and Kansas, which had already been pushed back to Saturday because of positive COVID-19 tests within the Jayhawks program, has now been canceled due to an outbreak among the Longhorns. Texas returned three positive tests after blowing out Kansas State last week. The Longhorns had a walkthrough Wednesday only to discover there were more positive tests. Kansas will finish 0-9, its second winless season since 2015. 

— Washington continued to pause its football activities on Thursday due to a rise in COVID-19 cases, casting serious doubt over this weekend's scheduled game against Oregon. The Huskies initially canceled practice on Wednesday. Washington is waiting on additional PCR tests to confirm positive results. Washington coach Jimmy Lake said the number of cases and the lack continuity to them has left the school's medical staff baffled. 

— West Virginia has paused all football activities for the next seven days and will not host No. 13 Oklahoma on Saturday due to a surge of positive COVID-19 cases and contact tracing in the football program. Athletic director Shane Lyons says the game will not be rescheduled. The next game for the Sooners will instead be the Big 12 championship game against No. 10 Iowa State in Arlington, Texas, on Dec. 19. 

—In the Mid-American Conference, Miami (Ohio)'s game at Bowling Green was also canceled Thursday.

Olson comes up aces and takes 1-shot lead in Women's Open

HOUSTON (AP) — Amy Olson is the leader after one day at the U.S. Women's Open thanks to a hole-in-one. Olson hit an 8-iron for her ace on her seventh hole of the tournament at Champions Golf Club. She kept right on going until she had a 4-under 67. That gave the North Dakota native a one-shot lead over former Women's British Open winner Hinako Shibuno. 

Also at 68 were Moriya Jutanugarn and A Lim Kim. They were among only 11 players who broke 70 in perfect scoring conditions.

USOPC hears athletes, won't punish protesters

CHICAGO (AP) — The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee has responded to calls from American athletes by announcing it won't sanction them for raising their fists or kneeling on the medals stand at next year's Tokyo Games and beyond. 

It's a response to a set of recommendations from a USOPC athlete group that seeks changes to the much-maligned Rule 50 of the IOC Olympic Charter, which prohibits inside-the-lines protests at the games. It was this rule that most famously led to the ouster of U.S. medalists Tommie Smith and John Carlos from the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City after the sprinters raised their fists on the medals stand to protest racial inequality in the United States.

Wimbledon champ, tennis Hall of Famer Alex Olmedo dies at 84

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (AP) — Alex Olmedo, who won the Wimbledon and Australian Championships singles titles in 1959 and was later inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, has died. 

Alejandro Olmedo was born in Peru in 1936 and moved to the United States as a teenager. He won NCAA tennis championships in singles and doubles at Southern California. Olmedo led the United States to the 1958 Davis Cup trophy. In 1959, he won singles titles at two Grand Slam tournaments and was runner-up at a third. 

Citing Olmedo's son, Alejandro Jr., the hall says Olmedo died Wednesday of brain cancer. He was 84.

<h2>Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press</h2>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs, with their star quarterback and seemingly endless playmakers around him, should rightfully feel good about their chances of scoring a touchdown whenever they get their hands on the ball. Unless they get it in the red zone. That make-or-break 20 yards closest to the opposing goal line has had the Chiefs seeing red all season, their inability to stuff the ball in the end zone becoming a significant point of concern as they head down the stretch.UNDATED (AP) — Ten of the 14 Big Ten football teams sit at two wins entering the final weekend of the regular season. The statistical anomaly begs the question of whether it's difficult for those teams to stay motivated in a season that brought unique challenges because of the coronavirus pandemic. The possibility of achieving bowl eligibility is not the same carrot it usually is because there's no minimum number of wins required to be selected. There will be three to five three-win teams after this week, and they'll be at the front of the line for three bowl bids.UNDATED (AP) — The Big 12 will wrap up its regular season with a slimmed-down schedule because of COVID-19 postponements. Two makeup games on Saturday have been canceled. No. 13 Oklahoma won't play at West Virginia and Texas will not play at Kansas. Oklahoma State is still set make up its game at Baylor, and TCU has added a non-conference home game against Louisiana Tech.&nbsp;MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Ayoka Lee scored 18 points with nine rebounds and Kansas State took control early in a 62-53 win over No. 22 South Dakota State. Lee's layup with 7:13 left in the first quarter broke a 6-all tie and the Wildcats took control from there. Kansas State went on to outscore the Jackrabbits 12-1 and led 20-7 after the first. South Dakota State shot 2 of 13 — including 2 of 10 from 3-point range in the first quarter — and Kansas State led by double figures until Myah Selland's 3-pointer with 1:58 remaining reduced the Jackrabbits' deficit to 60-51. Selland led South Dakota State with 15 points.UNDATED (AP) — The Big 12 has long had a reputation for high-flying passing offenses. The spotlight has shifted a bit. Pass defenses are improving. And running backs are stealing some of the show. Last season, Oklahoma State's Chuba Hubbard led the nation in rushing and finished eighth in the Heisman Trophy balloting. This season, Iowa State's Breece Hall leads the nation in rushing and West Virginia's Leddie Brown ranks eighth.UNDATED (AP) — No. 25 Wisconsin visits No. 19 Iowa on Saturday in a meeting of teams that look very much alike. Hawkeyes coach Kirk Ferentz says he tried to build his program in the mold of a Wisconsin program known for physical play. Both teams have relied on strong defense this season. The Hawkeyes will be going for their sixth straight win and trying to end a four-game losing streak in the series with the Badgers. Wisconsin has had three games canceled because of COVID-19 issues and has scored a combined 13 points in losing its last two games.UNDATED (AP) — Seattle's star quarterback Russell Wilson and Kansas City's standout tight end Travis Kelce are among the 32 finalists for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. The award recognizes an NFL player for outstanding community service activities off the field, as well as excellence on the field. It was established in 1970 and renamed in 1999 after the late Hall of Fame running back. The award will be presented during Super Bowl week at the NFL Honors television show when The Associated Press reveals its individual award winners.UNDATED (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are already in the NFL playoffs and that's no surprise for the defending Super Bowl champions. Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers are undefeated no more but they're also on the verge of clinching an AFC spot. After that there are plenty of other contenders who might have something to say about the conference being just a top-heavy twosome. Buffalo and Cleveland are 9-3 with Tennessee, Miami and Indianapolis all 8-4. Baltimore and Las Vegas are still in the mix at 7-5. And it's never smart to count out a Bill Belichick-coached New England team at 6-6.<h2>Update on the latest sports</h2>NFL-PATRIOTS-RAMSAkers runs wild, Newton benched as Rams rout Patriots 24-3INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Cam Akers rushed for 171 yards in a breakout performance, Kenny Young returned an interception 79 yards for a touchdown and the Los Angeles Rams clinched their fourth straight winning season with a 24-3 victory over the New England Patriots on Thursday night.Jared Goff rushed for a touchdown and threw a TD pass to Cooper Kupp as the Rams, now 9-4, rolled to a one-sided victory in a rematch of their 13-3 Super Bowl loss in February 2019.Cam Newton passed for 119 yards before getting replaced by Jarrett Stidham in the fourth quarter of another dismal offensive game for New England. The Pats are now 6-7. Five days after the Patriots scored 45 points at SoFi Stadium against the Chargers, New England endangered its push for a 12th straight playoff berth with only its second loss in six games.NBA-NEWSNBA reports 8 more positive testsUNDATED (AP) — The NBA says eight more players have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total so far this season to 56. Of those, the first 48 tested positive in the league's initial return-to-market testing phase that went from Nov. 24 through Dec. 1. Those tests showed a leaguewide positivity rate of about 9%. The next eight came from a batch of 541 players tested in the week that began Dec. 2. For that span, the positivity rate was just under 1.5%. Preseason games across the NBA begin tomorrow and the regular season is scheduled to begin with two games on Dec. 22.In other NBA news:— The NBA is making Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets pay for the point guard's silence. The league fined Irving and the team $25,000 apiece Thursday because he has refused to speak to the media thus far during the preseason. In announcing the fines, the NBA said Irving has refused on several occasions this week to participate in the team's media availability. Irving has not spoken during any of the Nets' press sessions, all being held via Zoom. He released a statement through his publicist last Friday to address his media silence, saying he wanted to ensure that his message was conveyed properly.— Paul George wants to retire with the Los Angeles Clippers, and he took a step in that direction Thursday by signing a multi-year contract extension. The six-time All-Star could have become a free agent after the upcoming season. George said recently that he wants to retire as a Clipper. He averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists and shot a career-high 41% from 3-point range in his first season with the team.— The Indiana Pacers say starting forward T.J. Warren and backup guard Brian Bowen II will miss time with injuries. Warren has plantar fascitis in his right foot and is listed as week to week. Bowen is expected to miss six to eight weeks with a partially torn groin muscle. Warren averaged 19.8 points and shot 53.6% from the field last season, his first with Indiana, both career-bests. Bowen spent most of last season playing in the G-League but made six appearances with Indiana. MLB-NEWSAdam Eaton and White Sox finalize $8 million, 1-year dealUNDATED (AP) — Outfielder Adam Eaton and the Chicago White Sox have reunited, finalizing a one-year contract that guarantees $8 million. Eaton gets $7 million next season, and the White Sox have an $8.5 million option for 2022 with a $1 million buyout.Eaton played for Chicago from 2014-16 and was dealt to the Washington Nationals at the December 2016 winter meetings for current ace Lucas Giolito, Dane Dunning and Reynaldo López. Eaton helped the Nationals win the World Series in 2019. They declined their option on him after he hit .226 in 41 games last season.In other MLB news: — Infielder Nate Lowe was traded from the AL champion Tampa Bay Rays to the Texas Rangers for minor league catcher and outfielder Heriberto Hernandez. As part of the swap, Tampa Bay also acquired minor league infielder Osleivis Basabe and minor league outfielder Alexander Ovalles, and Texas obtained minor league first baseman Jake Guenther and a player to be named. The 25-year-old Lowe hit .224 with four homers and 11 RBIs in 21 games last season and was 0 for 3 in the wild-card playoff against Toronto, his only postseason appearances. — Chadwick Tromp and the San Francisco Giants have agreed on a one-year deal after the team declined to tender a contract to the rookie catcher from Aruba before last week's deadline. He gets a salary of $583,000 while in the major leagues and $150,000 while in the minors. Tromp announced on social media he would be returning to the Giants, who initially signed him to a minor league deal for last season. The 25-year-old Tromp batted .213 with four home runs and 10 RBIs in 24 games last season. — Pittsburgh has taken right-hander Jose Soriano from the Los Angeles Angels organization with the first of 18 picks in the major league phase of the winter meeting draft of players not protected on 40-man rosters. The 22-year-old Soriano was 0-1 with a 1.93 ERA in three starts for the Arizona Rookie League Angels in 2019 and 5-6 with a 2.55 ERA in 15 starts and two relief appearances for Burlington of the Class A Midwest League. He missed last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. — The Philadelphia Phillies have hired longtime baseball executive Dave Dombrowski as president of baseball operations, according to two people familiar with the decision. The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team hadn't announced the move. An official announcement is expected Friday. Andy MacPhail is the Phillies' current president and has planned to retire after the 2021 season. NFL-NEWSMcCaffrey not expected to play vs. BroncosUNDATED (AP) — Christian McCaffrey seems likely to spend another week watching from the sideline. The 2019 All-Pro running back did not practice on Thursday and coach Matt Rhule said "at this point I do not expect him to play" on Sunday against the Denver Broncos. Both teams are 4-8.McCaffrey missed six games earlier this season with a high ankle sprain. He has missed the past three games with a shoulder sprain but was expected to return this week. However, Rhule said McCaffrey tweaked his thigh while working out last week and hasn't been right since. In other NFL news: —The Chicago Bears closed their facility for a few hours Thursday and pushed back practice because of a positive COVID-19 test. The team placed three practice squad players on the COVID list this week but coach Matt Nagy says the team doesn't think the latest positive test was related to those cases. —New York Jets rookie wide receiver Denzel Mims is dealing with a family matter and will miss the game Sunday at Seattle. Mims left the team Wednesday to travel home to Texas. Coach Adam Gase ruled Mims out against the Seahawks because the receiver would not be able to go through the NFL's COVID-19 protocols in time.— Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson and Kansas City's standout tight end Travis Kelce (KEL'-see) are among the 32 finalists for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. The award recognizes an NFL player for outstanding community service activities off the field, as well as excellence on the field. It was established in 1970 and renamed in 1999 after the late Hall of Fame running back. The award will be presented during Super Bowl week— The Buffalo Bills signed general manager Brandon Beane to a multi-year contract extension, locking up the architect of a team in position to secure its third playoff berth in four years. The length of the contract is likely to coincide with coach Sean McDermott, who was signed to a four-year extension in August. McDermott's contract runs through the 2025 season. — The New Orleans Saints say they are shrinking the planned crowd size for a December home game against the Kansas City Chiefs from 15,000 to 3,000 due to a recent surge in local positive tests. The club says current season ticket holders will have access to 3,000 tickets that will be distributed during the week of December 14 for the Chiefs game. —Denver defensive coordinator Ed Donatell is planning to attend his first game since Oct. 25 when the Broncos travel to face the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Donatell missed six games with a case of the novel coronavirus that landed him in the hospital last month. He's been gradually increasing his trips into team headquarters. Donatell said he's still working to regain his strength,VIRUS OUTBREAK-COLLEGE FOOTBALLBoston College decides to end season, skip bowl gameUNDATED (AP) — Boston College has opted out of playing in a bowl game.Coach Jeff Hafley said on Thursday that after speaking with his players the team decided to end its season. The Eagles managed to make it through the entire season with just one positive COVID-19 test and played all 11 games on the schedule. The Eagles went 6-5, and 5-5 in the Atlantic Coast Conference to qualify for a postseason game for the fifth straight year. In other virus-related college football news: — The regular season-ending football game between No. 23 Texas and Kansas, which had already been pushed back to Saturday because of positive COVID-19 tests within the Jayhawks program, has now been canceled due to an outbreak among the Longhorns. Texas returned three positive tests after blowing out Kansas State last week. The Longhorns had a walkthrough Wednesday only to discover there were more positive tests. Kansas will finish 0-9, its second winless season since 2015. — Washington continued to pause its football activities on Thursday due to a rise in COVID-19 cases, casting serious doubt over this weekend's scheduled game against Oregon. The Huskies initially canceled practice on Wednesday. Washington is waiting on additional PCR tests to confirm positive results. Washington coach Jimmy Lake said the number of cases and the lack continuity to them has left the school's medical staff baffled. — West Virginia has paused all football activities for the next seven days and will not host No. 13 Oklahoma on Saturday due to a surge of positive COVID-19 cases and contact tracing in the football program. Athletic director Shane Lyons says the game will not be rescheduled. The next game for the Sooners will instead be the Big 12 championship game against No. 10 Iowa State in Arlington, Texas, on Dec. 19. —In the Mid-American Conference, Miami (Ohio)'s game at Bowling Green was also canceled Thursday.GOLF-WOMEN'S OPENOlson comes up aces and takes 1-shot lead in Women's OpenHOUSTON (AP) — Amy Olson is the leader after one day at the U.S. Women's Open thanks to a hole-in-one. Olson hit an 8-iron for her ace on her seventh hole of the tournament at Champions Golf Club. She kept right on going until she had a 4-under 67. That gave the North Dakota native a one-shot lead over former Women's British Open winner Hinako Shibuno. Also at 68 were Moriya Jutanugarn and A Lim Kim. They were among only 11 players who broke 70 in perfect scoring conditions.OLYMPICS-USOPC-PROTEST RULEUSOPC hears athletes, won't punish protestersCHICAGO (AP) — The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee has responded to calls from American athletes by announcing it won't sanction them for raising their fists or kneeling on the medals stand at next year's Tokyo Games and beyond. It's a response to a set of recommendations from a USOPC athlete group that seeks changes to the much-maligned Rule 50 of the IOC Olympic Charter, which prohibits inside-the-lines protests at the games. It was this rule that most famously led to the ouster of U.S. medalists Tommie Smith and John Carlos from the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City after the sprinters raised their fists on the medals stand to protest racial inequality in the United States.TENNIS-OBIT-OLMEDOWimbledon champ, tennis Hall of Famer Alex Olmedo dies at 84SANTA MONICA, Calif. (AP) — Alex Olmedo, who won the Wimbledon and Australian Championships singles titles in 1959 and was later inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, has died. Alejandro Olmedo was born in Peru in 1936 and moved to the United States as a teenager. He won NCAA tennis championships in singles and doubles at Southern California. Olmedo led the United States to the 1958 Davis Cup trophy. In 1959, he won singles titles at two Grand Slam tournaments and was runner-up at a third. Citing Olmedo's son, Alejandro Jr., the hall says Olmedo died Wednesday of brain cancer. He was 84.

Sports Headlines for Friday

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

		Southern U.	at	(1)Gonzaga	9 p.m.	(Canceled)

Final	(24)San Diego St.	80	(23)Arizona St.	68	

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PRESEASON

		W. Carolina	at	(20)North Carolina	1 p.m.	(Postponed)

		North Texas	at	(11)West Virginia	3 p.m.	

AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUEFinal	L.A. Rams	24	New England	3	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL		Southern U.	at	(1)Gonzaga	9 p.m.	(Canceled)Final	(24)San Diego St.	80	(23)Arizona St.	68	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PRESEASON		New York	at	Detroit	7 p.m.			Orlando	at	Atlanta	7 p.m.			Houston	at	Chicago	8 p.m.			L.A. Clippers	at	L.A. Lakers	10 p.m.			Sacramento	at	Portland	10:30 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALL		W. Carolina	at	(20)North Carolina	1 p.m.	(Postponed)___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL		Iowa St.	at	(3)Iowa	9 p.m.			Nebraska-Omaha	at	(5)Kansas	7 p.m.			Nebraska	at	(8)Creighton	7 p.m.			(9)Villanova	at	Georgetown	7 p.m.			North Texas	at	(11)West Virginia	3 p.m.	___

Sports Scores from Thursday

Irving, Texas— In accordance with Big 12 Conference football game
interruption guidelines, the Oklahoma at West Virginia game scheduled for
December 12 has been canceled as WVU is
shutting down its football operations for seven days. 

Although Oklahoma is unable
to complete all of its conference games, it has secured a berth in the Dr
Pepper Big 12 Championship game on Saturday, December 19 at AT&amp;T Stadium in
Arlington, Texas. 

Irving, Texas— In accordance with Big 12 Conference football game
interruption guidelines, the Oklahoma at West Virginia game scheduled for
December 12 has been canceled as WVU is
shutting down its football operations for seven days. Although Oklahoma is unable
to complete all of its conference games, it has secured a berth in the Dr
Pepper Big 12 Championship game on Saturday, December 19 at AT&amp;T Stadium in
Arlington, Texas.

Oklahoma at West Virginia Football Game is canceled

MANHATTAN, Kansas –&nbsp;K-State led the entire game on Thursday night, including a 20-point advantage in the third quarter, as the Wildcats upset (22/21) South Dakota State, 62-53, at Bramlage Coliseum. The win was K-State's first win over an Associated Press top-25 opponent since winning at 15th-ranked Texas on February 17, 2019. It was K-State's first win over an AP ranked non-conference opponent since defeating 20th-ranked Drake on March 18, 2017, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. For the first time this season, the Wildcats saw three players reach double figures as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7408">Ayoka Lee</a>&nbsp;returned to register a game-high 18 points and nine rebounds. Lee was joined in double figures by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7404">Christianna Carr</a>&nbsp;with 12 points, five assists, four rebounds and two blocks.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7410">Rachel Ranke</a>&nbsp;rounded out the double figure scorers for the Wildcats with 10 points and three assists. K-State (3-2) shot 56.3 percent (9-of-16) from the field in the first quarter to stake themselves to a 20-7 lead at the end of the frame. The Wildcats used a 14-1 run to end the quarter, as Lee ended the quarter with a pair of layups. Lee registered eight points on 4-of-5 shooting in the first quarter. The Wildcats would increase its lead to 17, 26-9, with 8:58 remaining in the second quarter. Ranke buried a 3-pointer after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7406">Emilee Ebert</a>&nbsp;rebounded her own missed free throw and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7416">Taylor Lauterbach</a>&nbsp;finished a layup to push the lead to 17. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7415">Sydney Goodson</a>&nbsp;and Carr hit 3-pointers on consecutive possessions for the Wildcats to push the K-State lead to 18, 34-16, with 3:26 to play. Lee pulled in an offensive rebound and completed the play with a layup to give the Wildcats a 36-18 lead at the half. The Wildcats shot 48.3 percent (14-of-29) from the field in the opening half and handed out 12 assists. K-State's defense was also strong, holding the Jackrabbits to a 27.3 percent (6-of-22) effort from the floor. South Dakota State (3-1) used an 8-0 run to pull within 12, 38-26, and force a K-State timeout with 7:54 to play in the third quarter. After the timeout, K-State stopped the run and outscored the Jackrabbits by five over the next four minutes to improve its lead to 46-30 with 2:01 remaining. In the fourth quarter, two baskets from Lee and a layup from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7409">Laura Macke</a>&nbsp;gave the Wildcats a 57-42 advantage with 7:06 remaining. Macke came off the bench to register eight points and seven rebounds in 17 minutes of action. South Dakota State was able to close to within nine, 57-48, but Goodson's third 3-pointer with 4:38 remaining put the lead back into double digits. Goodson finished the evening with nine points and five rebounds. K-State finished the night with a 43.4 percent (23-of-53) shooting performance. South Dakota State shot 38.9 percent (21-of-54) but the effort was boosted by a 66.7 percent effort in the third quarter. The Wildcats ended the night with 18 assists. The Wildcats outrebounded the Jackrabbits, 45-29, and turned 14 offensive rebounds into 14 second chance points. K-State returns to action on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m., as the Wildcats host Omaha. Saturday's game will be limited to 15% capacity. A limited number of single-game tickets are available by calling (800) 221-CATS or online at kstatesports.com, Saturday's game will be broadcast on Big 12 Now on ESPN+. The game will also be available on the K-State Sports Network and for free at kstatesports.com. What They Said JEFF MITTIE, K-STATE HEAD COACH Opening Statement… "Obviously a good bounce back game for us. South Dakota State is a heck of a team. I thought our group came out ready right away and had good prep. (I was) disappointed in the game the other night that we didn't play better, but certainly getting (Ayoka) Lee back and (Jada) Moore back were obviously good things for us. I felt like Lee really established the low block right away, and I thought Moore came in and really gave us some hustle plays, some extra chances, and did a really nice job. Overall, one of the things I'm most pleased about is I think 10 of our first 11 field goals came off of assists. I thought we moved the ball a lot better. We obviously felt like we had some size advantages down low and felt like we needed to put them at a decision of how they were going to defend that. They brought some extra help which allowed us to move the ball better, but our players made a lot of the right plays." On getting Lee and Moore back for tonight's game... "Well it's huge. You're talking about one of the best players in the country. You're talking about a player coming off of a special year last year for her as a freshman. It's hard to play. You saw South Dakota State have to play without Myah Selland because of foul trouble. That's hard to play. It's hard to find offense, and you certainly saw us in the previous game struggle to find offense. The game is a lot easier, and I think that our players were excited to have both her and Moore back. Moore has really practiced well and has really given us some energy. You can kind of see that energy when she comes into the game. She makes a lot of extra plays out there, so I think our group was excited at shootaround when they got word that both were going to be ready to go." &nbsp; On what&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7417">Jada Moore</a>&nbsp;brings to the team... "Well, she's fearless for one. She has come in from day one and just competed. She's got a fearless attitude to her. She brings that athleticism at the point, so she's a change-up. She can get to the rim some. She's got a nose for the ball. That's the one thing we noticed in practice right away -- she's always around the ball. Whether it be offensive rebounding, whether it be defensively, she's got a nose for the ball. I'm excited to have her back as well. I think it gives us some options." On Macke's performance... "I'm glad you brought her up, because I thought she had a fantastic game. We needed to make the switch with her guarding Selland some to take that pressure off of Yokie because Yokie picked up that third foul. It was nice to be able to do that. She had some really nice cuts in that stretch when they were double and triple teaming Ayoka, so yeah, I thought she had a really nice game."&nbsp; AYOKA LEE, SOPHOMORE CENTER On if she was 100% healthy tonight… "I felt pretty good. Just because we have a big stretch of games coming we didn't really know what it was going to feel like. So I started off, yeah it was limited. We had a quick rotation. But it felt really good, so yeah.&nbsp; On if the team has more confidence when she is on the floor… "Yeah I think just having me and Syd and Chrissy and just the normal starting lineup back is definitely a game changer for our confidence. And I also think that coming off our loss a couple of days ago, we just wanted to go out there and play hard." On the run to start the game… "Well we knew we had to hit first. We knew we had to go in there aggressive and protect our floor and just play our game. We wanted to stick to our game plan and not worry about what they are going to do. And we knew it started on defense so we knew we had to be talking and do what we scouted. Do what we said we were going to do." CHRISSY CARR, JUNIOR GUARD On if this performance is what they expected… "Yeah we, after the loss, it was a couple days ago, feels like a long time ago. It was a quick turn around. We definitely were stressing we've got to get more energy from our guard play. We've got to start playing together. We've gotta get excited about the little things like I talked about two days ago and I just felt like we did that today. Our guards came to play. We were ready to move the ball. Our emphasis today was to share the basketball today and I feel like we did a great job of that. I think we had 18 assists and that's a great number to have. That's what we're shooting for." On&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7417">Jada Moore</a>… "Energy. I love playing with her because she just has energy. She talks a lot. She's all over the place on defense. She moves her feet well, she moves really quick. I like playing with someone like that because it gives me energy in times I feel like I don't have any." AARON JOHNSTON, SOUTH DAKOTA STATE HEAD COACH "Really tough start for us. One, we didn't make shots, two, it was just all jump shots, so nothing really confidently pulling to the basket or making plays that can get you feeling a little bit better. I think Kansas State did a nice job defensively. Really physical, played a lot of man-to-man and just got us out of rhythm early and obviously foul trouble was a part of it, but before that foul trouble, I thought we were just a little bit uncomfortable offensively, so that's a credit to their defense. I never really thought we were out of the game. I felt like we were missing some shots, but I feel like we were really out of rhythm. Other than the first couple of minutes in the first half, I thought we settled in defensively much better, but then the second half was such a good start, I really felt good about where we were at––thinking we could make a good push––but during the end of that third quarter, I thought we just gave up too many easy baskets and now they were back to a double digit lead and (we) just never got over that hump, so second half was much better, certainly offensively. We played with a little bit more poise and composure, but we were just too up and down defensively. That first half was too big of a hole to dig ourselves out of."&nbsp;&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kansas –&nbsp;K-State led the entire game on Thursday night, including a 20-point advantage in the third quarter, as the Wildcats upset (22/21) South Dakota State, 62-53, at Bramlage Coliseum. The win was K-State's first win over an Associated Press top-25 opponent since winning at 15th-ranked Texas on February 17, 2019. It was K-State's first win over an AP ranked non-conference opponent since defeating 20th-ranked Drake on March 18, 2017, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. For the first time this season, the Wildcats saw three players reach double figures as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7408">Ayoka Lee</a>&nbsp;returned to register a game-high 18 points and nine rebounds. Lee was joined in double figures by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7404">Christianna Carr</a>&nbsp;with 12 points, five assists, four rebounds and two blocks.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7410">Rachel Ranke</a>&nbsp;rounded out the double figure scorers for the Wildcats with 10 points and three assists. K-State (3-2) shot 56.3 percent (9-of-16) from the field in the first quarter to stake themselves to a 20-7 lead at the end of the frame. The Wildcats used a 14-1 run to end the quarter, as Lee ended the quarter with a pair of layups. Lee registered eight points on 4-of-5 shooting in the first quarter. The Wildcats would increase its lead to 17, 26-9, with 8:58 remaining in the second quarter. Ranke buried a 3-pointer after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7406">Emilee Ebert</a>&nbsp;rebounded her own missed free throw and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7416">Taylor Lauterbach</a>&nbsp;finished a layup to push the lead to 17. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7415">Sydney Goodson</a>&nbsp;and Carr hit 3-pointers on consecutive possessions for the Wildcats to push the K-State lead to 18, 34-16, with 3:26 to play. Lee pulled in an offensive rebound and completed the play with a layup to give the Wildcats a 36-18 lead at the half. The Wildcats shot 48.3 percent (14-of-29) from the field in the opening half and handed out 12 assists. K-State's defense was also strong, holding the Jackrabbits to a 27.3 percent (6-of-22) effort from the floor. South Dakota State (3-1) used an 8-0 run to pull within 12, 38-26, and force a K-State timeout with 7:54 to play in the third quarter. After the timeout, K-State stopped the run and outscored the Jackrabbits by five over the next four minutes to improve its lead to 46-30 with 2:01 remaining. In the fourth quarter, two baskets from Lee and a layup from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7409">Laura Macke</a>&nbsp;gave the Wildcats a 57-42 advantage with 7:06 remaining. Macke came off the bench to register eight points and seven rebounds in 17 minutes of action. South Dakota State was able to close to within nine, 57-48, but Goodson's third 3-pointer with 4:38 remaining put the lead back into double digits. Goodson finished the evening with nine points and five rebounds. K-State finished the night with a 43.4 percent (23-of-53) shooting performance. South Dakota State shot 38.9 percent (21-of-54) but the effort was boosted by a 66.7 percent effort in the third quarter. The Wildcats ended the night with 18 assists. The Wildcats outrebounded the Jackrabbits, 45-29, and turned 14 offensive rebounds into 14 second chance points. K-State returns to action on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m., as the Wildcats host Omaha. Saturday's game will be limited to 15% capacity. A limited number of single-game tickets are available by calling (800) 221-CATS or online at kstatesports.com, Saturday's game will be broadcast on Big 12 Now on ESPN+. The game will also be available on the K-State Sports Network and for free at kstatesports.com. What They Said JEFF MITTIE, K-STATE HEAD COACH Opening Statement… "Obviously a good bounce back game for us. South Dakota State is a heck of a team. I thought our group came out ready right away and had good prep. (I was) disappointed in the game the other night that we didn't play better, but certainly getting (Ayoka) Lee back and (Jada) Moore back were obviously good things for us. I felt like Lee really established the low block right away, and I thought Moore came in and really gave us some hustle plays, some extra chances, and did a really nice job. Overall, one of the things I'm most pleased about is I think 10 of our first 11 field goals came off of assists. I thought we moved the ball a lot better. We obviously felt like we had some size advantages down low and felt like we needed to put them at a decision of how they were going to defend that. They brought some extra help which allowed us to move the ball better, but our players made a lot of the right plays." On getting Lee and Moore back for tonight's game... "Well it's huge. You're talking about one of the best players in the country. You're talking about a player coming off of a special year last year for her as a freshman. It's hard to play. You saw South Dakota State have to play without Myah Selland because of foul trouble. That's hard to play. It's hard to find offense, and you certainly saw us in the previous game struggle to find offense. The game is a lot easier, and I think that our players were excited to have both her and Moore back. Moore has really practiced well and has really given us some energy. You can kind of see that energy when she comes into the game. She makes a lot of extra plays out there, so I think our group was excited at shootaround when they got word that both were going to be ready to go." &nbsp; On what&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7417">Jada Moore</a>&nbsp;brings to the team... "Well, she's fearless for one. She has come in from day one and just competed. She's got a fearless attitude to her. She brings that athleticism at the point, so she's a change-up. She can get to the rim some. She's got a nose for the ball. That's the one thing we noticed in practice right away -- she's always around the ball. Whether it be offensive rebounding, whether it be defensively, she's got a nose for the ball. I'm excited to have her back as well. I think it gives us some options." On Macke's performance... "I'm glad you brought her up, because I thought she had a fantastic game. We needed to make the switch with her guarding Selland some to take that pressure off of Yokie because Yokie picked up that third foul. It was nice to be able to do that. She had some really nice cuts in that stretch when they were double and triple teaming Ayoka, so yeah, I thought she had a really nice game."&nbsp; AYOKA LEE, SOPHOMORE CENTER On if she was 100% healthy tonight… "I felt pretty good. Just because we have a big stretch of games coming we didn't really know what it was going to feel like. So I started off, yeah it was limited. We had a quick rotation. But it felt really good, so yeah.&nbsp; On if the team has more confidence when she is on the floor… "Yeah I think just having me and Syd and Chrissy and just the normal starting lineup back is definitely a game changer for our confidence. And I also think that coming off our loss a couple of days ago, we just wanted to go out there and play hard." On the run to start the game… "Well we knew we had to hit first. We knew we had to go in there aggressive and protect our floor and just play our game. We wanted to stick to our game plan and not worry about what they are going to do. And we knew it started on defense so we knew we had to be talking and do what we scouted. Do what we said we were going to do." CHRISSY CARR, JUNIOR GUARD On if this performance is what they expected… "Yeah we, after the loss, it was a couple days ago, feels like a long time ago. It was a quick turn around. We definitely were stressing we've got to get more energy from our guard play. We've got to start playing together. We've gotta get excited about the little things like I talked about two days ago and I just felt like we did that today. Our guards came to play. We were ready to move the ball. Our emphasis today was to share the basketball today and I feel like we did a great job of that. I think we had 18 assists and that's a great number to have. That's what we're shooting for." On&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7417">Jada Moore</a>… "Energy. I love playing with her because she just has energy. She talks a lot. She's all over the place on defense. She moves her feet well, she moves really quick. I like playing with someone like that because it gives me energy in times I feel like I don't have any." AARON JOHNSTON, SOUTH DAKOTA STATE HEAD COACH "Really tough start for us. One, we didn't make shots, two, it was just all jump shots, so nothing really confidently pulling to the basket or making plays that can get you feeling a little bit better. I think Kansas State did a nice job defensively. Really physical, played a lot of man-to-man and just got us out of rhythm early and obviously foul trouble was a part of it, but before that foul trouble, I thought we were just a little bit uncomfortable offensively, so that's a credit to their defense. I never really thought we were out of the game. I felt like we were missing some shots, but I feel like we were really out of rhythm. Other than the first couple of minutes in the first half, I thought we settled in defensively much better, but then the second half was such a good start, I really felt good about where we were at––thinking we could make a good push––but during the end of that third quarter, I thought we just gave up too many easy baskets and now they were back to a double digit lead and (we) just never got over that hump, so second half was much better, certainly offensively. We played with a little bit more poise and composure, but we were just too up and down defensively. That first half was too big of a hole to dig ourselves out of."&nbsp;&nbsp;

K-State Women upset South Dakota State

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;A trio of Jayhawks with double-digit scoring efforts was just enough for Kansas as it edged past Oklahoma in their Big 12 opener, 74-64, on Thursday night inside Allen Fieldhouse.

On a night where Kansas (4-1) was able to have fans for the first time this season, the Jayhawks did not disappoint. Tina Stephens (18), Holly Kersgieter (17) and Aniya Thomas (14) recorded double-figures on a night the Jayhawks offense needed it.

Both teams struggled to find momentum during the first two quarters of the night, trading jabs and answering each other point-for-point. The Sooners went into the locker room with a 27-26 lead at halftime.

The third quarter started in a similar fashion, but it was Thomas who helped Kansas start to pull away from Oklahoma. Thomas broke the tie with a steal and a fast-break layup to give Kansas a two-point edge. At the end of the third quarter, Brooklyn Mitchell sunk a jumper as the buzzer sounded to give the Jayhawks a three-point lead and the momentum heading into the final quarter.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

However, Oklahoma was not about to go down without a fight. They fought Kansas until the end, but Thomas had an answer for everything the Sooners threw her way. A 3-pointer by Kersgieter with less than two minutes to go gave the Jayhawks the push they needed to pull away for good and defeat the Sooners.

In addition to her team-leading 18 points, Stephens contributed eight boards and one steal on the night. Thomas added four steals and three boards of her own while Kersgieter grabbed six rebounds, tallied two assists and steals.

18 –&nbsp;Tina Stephens was the Jayhawk’s most consistent player all contest. She recorded 18 points on 6-for-11 shooting while grabbing eight rebounds and a steal in 35 minutes of game action.

The Jayhawks will take a break from Big 12 play and face UT Rio Grande Valley at home at 7:00 p.m., CT on Monday, December 14.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;A trio of Jayhawks with double-digit scoring efforts was just enough for Kansas as it edged past Oklahoma in their Big 12 opener, 74-64, on Thursday night inside Allen Fieldhouse.On a night where Kansas (4-1) was able to have fans for the first time this season, the Jayhawks did not disappoint. Tina Stephens (18), Holly Kersgieter (17) and Aniya Thomas (14) recorded double-figures on a night the Jayhawks offense needed it.Both teams struggled to find momentum during the first two quarters of the night, trading jabs and answering each other point-for-point. The Sooners went into the locker room with a 27-26 lead at halftime.The third quarter started in a similar fashion, but it was Thomas who helped Kansas start to pull away from Oklahoma. Thomas broke the tie with a steal and a fast-break layup to give Kansas a two-point edge. At the end of the third quarter, Brooklyn Mitchell sunk a jumper as the buzzer sounded to give the Jayhawks a three-point lead and the momentum heading into the final quarter.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However, Oklahoma was not about to go down without a fight. They fought Kansas until the end, but Thomas had an answer for everything the Sooners threw her way. A 3-pointer by Kersgieter with less than two minutes to go gave the Jayhawks the push they needed to pull away for good and defeat the Sooners.In addition to her team-leading 18 points, Stephens contributed eight boards and one steal on the night. Thomas added four steals and three boards of her own while Kersgieter grabbed six rebounds, tallied two assists and steals.<h2>STAT OF THE GAME:</h2>18 –&nbsp;Tina Stephens was the Jayhawk’s most consistent player all contest. She recorded 18 points on 6-for-11 shooting while grabbing eight rebounds and a steal in 35 minutes of game action.<h2>NOTES</h2><ul>
 <li>Kansas was tied with Oklahoma 14-14 at the end of the first quarter, making this the first time Kansas was tied at the first quarter this season.</li><li>Both teams had a scoring drought during the second quarter. Oklahoma had the longest drought lasting 3:50 to end the quarter.</li><li>Kansas went on a 7-0 run at the end of the second quarter lasting 3:08. During this time Oklahoma had four different turnovers.</li><li>Kansas finished the game going 26-65, 40%, for three-pointers. Senior Tina Stephens lead the team going 6-of-11, a new career-high.</li><li>Senior Tina Stephens puts up 18 points, making this her fourth game this season scoring double figures. Stephens reeled in 8 rebounds and shot 6-of-11 from the court.&nbsp; She recorded 35 mins of playing time, breaking her career-high of 33 against Iowa State.</li>
 </ul><h2>UP NEXT:</h2>The Jayhawks will take a break from Big 12 play and face UT Rio Grande Valley at home at 7:00 p.m., CT on Monday, December 14.

🏀 A Trio of Jayhawks Push Kansas Women Past Oklahoma, 74-64

Image courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Royals">Kansas City Royals</a>Facebook page

KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas City Royals catcher&nbsp;Salvador Perez&nbsp;has been named the American League’s Comeback Player of the Year, Major League Baseball announced this evening.&nbsp;

The Comeback Player of the Year Awards are officially sanctioned by MLB and have been presented annually since 2005 to one player in each league who has re-emerged on the field during the season. The 30 Club beat reporters from MLB.com selected the winners from an original list of 30 candidates (one per MLB Club).

Perez, who missed the entire 2019 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, returned to the field in 2020 and hit a career-best .333 with 11 homers and 32 RBI over 37 games played. The 30-year-old added 12 doubles, 22 runs scored, 17 walks and one stolen base, while recording a .353 on-base percentage and a career-high .633 slugging percentage, which was the second-highest in franchise history behind only Hall of Famer George Brett, who amassed a .664 mark during his AL MVP Award-winning season in 1980. The 11 home runs hit by Perez led the Club and were tied for third-most by a player who played 37 games-or-fewer, trailing only Hall of Famers Frank Thomas (12 in 34 games) in 2005 and Ted Williams (13 in 37 games) in 1953. Additionally, the Valencia, Venezuela native paced the Royals with eight go-ahead RBI and finished second on the team in RBI and extra-base hits (23).

The six-time All-Star, who was named an All-MLB First Team selection last night, recorded multiple hits, including an extra-base hit, in six consecutive games from Sept. 11-18. He became the second player in Royals history to accomplish the feat, joining Brett (July 1990), and third catcher in the modern era (since 1900) to do so, joining Smoky Burgess (April/May 1959) and Jimmie Foxx (August 1940). Perez, a five-time&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award winner, did not commit an error on the season and has gone 153 consecutive errorless games behind the plate, dating back to Sept. 3, 2017.

Perez is the second Royals player to claim the AL Comeback Player of the Year Award from Major League Baseball, joining former teammate&nbsp;Mike Moustakas&nbsp;in 2017. Pitcher&nbsp;Bret Saberhagen&nbsp;also earned Comeback Player of the Year honors from the&nbsp;Sporting News&nbsp;and&nbsp;United Press International&nbsp;(UPI), in 1987.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607648941947.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Image courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Royals">Kansas City Royals</a>Facebook pageKANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas City Royals catcher&nbsp;Salvador Perez&nbsp;has been named the American League’s Comeback Player of the Year, Major League Baseball announced this evening.&nbsp;The Comeback Player of the Year Awards are officially sanctioned by MLB and have been presented annually since 2005 to one player in each league who has re-emerged on the field during the season. The 30 Club beat reporters from MLB.com selected the winners from an original list of 30 candidates (one per MLB Club).Perez, who missed the entire 2019 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, returned to the field in 2020 and hit a career-best .333 with 11 homers and 32 RBI over 37 games played. The 30-year-old added 12 doubles, 22 runs scored, 17 walks and one stolen base, while recording a .353 on-base percentage and a career-high .633 slugging percentage, which was the second-highest in franchise history behind only Hall of Famer George Brett, who amassed a .664 mark during his AL MVP Award-winning season in 1980. The 11 home runs hit by Perez led the Club and were tied for third-most by a player who played 37 games-or-fewer, trailing only Hall of Famers Frank Thomas (12 in 34 games) in 2005 and Ted Williams (13 in 37 games) in 1953. Additionally, the Valencia, Venezuela native paced the Royals with eight go-ahead RBI and finished second on the team in RBI and extra-base hits (23).The six-time All-Star, who was named an All-MLB First Team selection last night, recorded multiple hits, including an extra-base hit, in six consecutive games from Sept. 11-18. He became the second player in Royals history to accomplish the feat, joining Brett (July 1990), and third catcher in the modern era (since 1900) to do so, joining Smoky Burgess (April/May 1959) and Jimmie Foxx (August 1940). Perez, a five-time&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award winner, did not commit an error on the season and has gone 153 consecutive errorless games behind the plate, dating back to Sept. 3, 2017.Perez is the second Royals player to claim the AL Comeback Player of the Year Award from Major League Baseball, joining former teammate&nbsp;Mike Moustakas&nbsp;in 2017. Pitcher&nbsp;Bret Saberhagen&nbsp;also earned Comeback Player of the Year honors from the&nbsp;Sporting News&nbsp;and&nbsp;United Press International&nbsp;(UPI), in 1987.&nbsp;

⚾ Royals' Salvador Perez named AL Comeback Player of the Year

Reno County Coaches Corner and More

KANSAS CITY, M0.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Throughout the offseason, the Kansas City Royals will be upgrading the CrownVision display board and the outfield fence display (out of town score boards) as well as adding a new board in left field that will cover the entire wall of the Hall of Fame.&nbsp;

The new video installation will be completed by Daktronics.

“We are very excited to bring these new and improved video boards to our fans at Kauffman Stadium,” said Royals Chairman and CEO John Sherman.&nbsp; “We believe everyone will enjoy the enhanced HDR presentation of CrownVision while the new Hall of Fame board will provide great entertainment possibilities together with dynamic ways for our corporate sponsors to connect with our fans. We can’t wait to welcome our fans back to The K next season to share these new experiences together.”

“The improved resolution of the CrownVision and fence displays, along with the addition of the Hall of Fame display, will have a major positive impact on the fan experience at Kauffman Stadium,” said Daktronics President and CEO Reece Kurtenbach. “We’re excited to continue our longstanding partnership with the Kansas City Royals and to update the display we installed prior to the 2008 season. The advancement in technology over the years, including HDR capability, will certainly be on display and entertaining their fans for years to come.”

The renovation began this week with crews removing the previous boards.&nbsp; CrownVision’s video board will be upgraded to High Dynamic Range (HDR) which will be the fourth largest HDR videoboard in baseball, and the tallest HDR board in baseball or football.&nbsp; Pixels will increase by 138% allowing the human eye to see over a billion colors, thus allowing more contrast and a clearer picture.&nbsp; The board will be 105 feet by 85 feet.&nbsp; The process will take approximately a total of six weeks to complete.&nbsp; The previous HD board debuted before the 2008 season.

The Royals Hall of Fame board will be five times taller than the ribbon board that is currently in place, making it 20.5 feet by 108 feet, offering 2,200 square feet of screen and displaying over 900,000 pixels.&nbsp; Structural work will be done to change the field-facing surface of the Hall of Fame prior to the installation of the new board.&nbsp; The buildout and installation will take approximately one month to complete.&nbsp;

The outfield wall boards will be upgraded in resolution to a brighter, sharper image.&nbsp; The display will bring 700,000 pixels to those walls.

The Royals will be the second ballpark in Major League Baseball to use Daktronics SMD technology which will allow for wider viewing angles and outstanding color blending.

--<a href="http://royals.com/">ROYALS</a>--

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607655921728.jpeg" alt="Royals Crown Vision Upgrade.&nbsp;&nbsp;Photo courtesy Kansas City Royals Facebook page" />
 <figcaption>Royals Crown Vision Upgrade.&nbsp;&nbsp;Photo courtesy Kansas City Royals Facebook page</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, M0.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Throughout the offseason, the Kansas City Royals will be upgrading the CrownVision display board and the outfield fence display (out of town score boards) as well as adding a new board in left field that will cover the entire wall of the Hall of Fame.&nbsp;The new video installation will be completed by Daktronics.“We are very excited to bring these new and improved video boards to our fans at Kauffman Stadium,” said Royals Chairman and CEO John Sherman.&nbsp; “We believe everyone will enjoy the enhanced HDR presentation of CrownVision while the new Hall of Fame board will provide great entertainment possibilities together with dynamic ways for our corporate sponsors to connect with our fans. We can’t wait to welcome our fans back to The K next season to share these new experiences together.”“The improved resolution of the CrownVision and fence displays, along with the addition of the Hall of Fame display, will have a major positive impact on the fan experience at Kauffman Stadium,” said Daktronics President and CEO Reece Kurtenbach. “We’re excited to continue our longstanding partnership with the Kansas City Royals and to update the display we installed prior to the 2008 season. The advancement in technology over the years, including HDR capability, will certainly be on display and entertaining their fans for years to come.”The renovation began this week with crews removing the previous boards.&nbsp; CrownVision’s video board will be upgraded to High Dynamic Range (HDR) which will be the fourth largest HDR videoboard in baseball, and the tallest HDR board in baseball or football.&nbsp; Pixels will increase by 138% allowing the human eye to see over a billion colors, thus allowing more contrast and a clearer picture.&nbsp; The board will be 105 feet by 85 feet.&nbsp; The process will take approximately a total of six weeks to complete.&nbsp; The previous HD board debuted before the 2008 season.The Royals Hall of Fame board will be five times taller than the ribbon board that is currently in place, making it 20.5 feet by 108 feet, offering 2,200 square feet of screen and displaying over 900,000 pixels.&nbsp; Structural work will be done to change the field-facing surface of the Hall of Fame prior to the installation of the new board.&nbsp; The buildout and installation will take approximately one month to complete.&nbsp;The outfield wall boards will be upgraded in resolution to a brighter, sharper image.&nbsp; The display will bring 700,000 pixels to those walls.The Royals will be the second ballpark in Major League Baseball to use Daktronics SMD technology which will allow for wider viewing angles and outstanding color blending.--<a href="http://royals.com/">ROYALS</a>--

⚾ Royals upgrading Crown Vision, display presence in stadium

TOPEKA, Kan. -&nbsp;Five individuals have been selected for induction into the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame Class of 2021. Awards will be presented during 2021 in conjunction with a KSHSAA-sponsored state function/ championship, or locally at the inductee's request. The time and location of each induction ceremony will be announced at a later date at&nbsp;www.kshsaa.org.

<a href="http://www.kshsaa.org/Public/HOF/CurrentInductees.cfm" target="_blank">(Complete release with honoree pictures click here)</a>

<a href="http://www.kshsaachamps.org/HallOfFamers/" target="_blank">See it on the Gallery of Champions</a>

The Class of 2021 Hall of Fame inductees include:

Coach Shane Cordell’s record as a high school football and girls basketball coach at his alma mater speaks for itself. In 29 years as the high school football coach he compiled a record of 204-94 (.685) and played in the state championship game seven times, bringing home three titles (1981-1A, 1996 and 1999 – 8-Man 1A DI). He was the first Kansas coach to play for and then coach a state championship at his alma mater. His 34 years with the girls basketball program posted a record of 604-225 (.729). The Redskins captured four straight Class 1A state titles (1995-1998). Along the way they had three undefeated seasons and a 91-game winning streak. The basketball court at Little River HS is named after Cordell. As a coach and educator he has had a lasting impact on students and the community of Little River.

GARY MUSSELMAN, SILVER LAKE – ADMINISTRATOR

Gary Musselman served Kansas students and the membership of the Kansas State High School Activities Association for 30 years – eight years as an Assistant Director and 22 years as the Executive Director (the longest in Association history). During his tenure some of the initiatives implemented&nbsp; include – Student Advisory Team; Officials Recognition Program; Sports Medicine Advisory Committee; League Commissioners Summit; Officials Advisory Committee; Game Day Spirit Showcase Competition; Spirit of Sports and Heart of the Arts; Interscholastic Bowling. Musselman served on the NFHS Board of Directors and was president of the NFHS in 2016-2017. Prior to his work at the KSHSAA Musselman was a teacher and coach at Independence HS, Andover HS, Beloit HS, Halstead HS and principal (1987- 1988) at La Crosse HS.

Van Rose is one of the most iconic, yet humble coaches to impact generations of athletes in the state of Kansas. His name is synonymous with Shawnee Mission Northwest HS Cross Country and Success. Coach Rose began his 48-year coaching stint at Northwest HS when it opened in 1969 and his athletes have dominated Class 6A. The girls team won 13 state championships; in the 90s they won six of ten titles and overall placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd 21 times. The boys team captured 21 6A titles, more than any school in Kansas and 12th overall in the U.S. From 1994-2007, they earned 14 state titles in a row, the 5th longest streak in the country, and placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd 30 times in school history. Add to this 25 boys and 14 girls Sunflower League titles. He has received numerous cross country Coach of the Year honors.

JACQUE (STRUCKHOFF) STEDMAN – STUDENT (GRINNELL HS, 1980-1983)

In the early 1980s the Grinnell Lady Warriors captured several state titles with Jacque Struckhoff playing a key role: volleyball - 1A state champions in 1982 and 1983, placing 3rd in 1981; basketball – 1A state runner-up in 1982 and 3rd place in 1983; track &amp; field – 1A state champions in 1980, 1982, 1983 and runner-up in 1981. During her senior year she was named to the All-Tournament team at state basketball, averaging 11 points and 12 rebounds per game, and she won three gold medals on the track (800m, 1600m and 3200m relays). Jacque was a remarkable example of not only a student-athlete but also an all-around student, participating in band, pep club, Student Council, Scholars Bowl, Math &amp; Science Relays and graduating with a 4.0 GPA. She participated on KSU track and cross country teams and in 1988 ran in the 10,000m run at the Olympic Trials.

To say that Centralia HS and Coach Kim Tennal dominated Class 1A volleyball is putting it mildly. During 19 years at Centralia HS, Tennal and her Lady Panther volleyball team posted a record of 582-47 (.926), and made 17 state tournament appearances, winning nine Class 1A state titles with a state record of eight in a row (1997-2004). During this span the team posted an amazing record of 311-11 (.966). They had three undefeated seasons (1997, 1999, 2000) and posted a winning streak of 126 matches. Prior to and after her time at Centralia, she coached at three different high schools and took all to the state tournament. Her overall high school volleyball record is 788-145 (.845). Coach Kim Tennal attacked each day with such conviction and enthusiasm that as an individual, a school and a community you couldn’t help but be impacted by her positive spirit.

The Hall of Fame is housed in the Kansas State High School Activities Association offices, 601 SW Commerce Place in Topeka and is open Monday–Friday during business hours (directions at&nbsp;www.kshsaa.org).&nbsp; The Hall of Fame is also available via the KSHSAA “Gallery of Champions” at&nbsp;http://www.kshsaachamps.org/.

The honorees were chosen from nominations reviewed by a selection committee.&nbsp; To be eligible for the Hall of Fame, an individual must have made an unusually outstanding contribution in interschool activities, either as a student with exceptional talent, or as an adult working with youth (such as an activity coach, director or sponsor, an administrator, an official or a contributor).&nbsp; Hall of Fame inductees may no longer be active in the field for which they are nominated (exception: contributor with over 30 years of outstanding service).

Each year schools and communities throughout Kansas submit many nominations of individuals who have made tremendous contributions in the field of interschool activities. Hall of Fame information is available on the KSHSAA website at&nbsp;www.kshsaa.org. Nomination forms are available by contacting the KSHSAA.&nbsp; Any nominations to be considered for induction in 2022 must be submitted prior to November 1, 2021.

TOPEKA, Kan. -&nbsp;Five individuals have been selected for induction into the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame Class of 2021. Awards will be presented during 2021 in conjunction with a KSHSAA-sponsored state function/ championship, or locally at the inductee's request. The time and location of each induction ceremony will be announced at a later date at&nbsp;www.kshsaa.org.<a href="http://www.kshsaa.org/Public/HOF/CurrentInductees.cfm" target="_blank">(Complete release with honoree pictures click here)</a><a href="http://www.kshsaachamps.org/HallOfFamers/" target="_blank">See it on the Gallery of Champions</a>The Class of 2021 Hall of Fame inductees include:SHANE CORDELL, LITTLE RIVER – FACULTYCoach Shane Cordell’s record as a high school football and girls basketball coach at his alma mater speaks for itself. In 29 years as the high school football coach he compiled a record of 204-94 (.685) and played in the state championship game seven times, bringing home three titles (1981-1A, 1996 and 1999 – 8-Man 1A DI). He was the first Kansas coach to play for and then coach a state championship at his alma mater. His 34 years with the girls basketball program posted a record of 604-225 (.729). The Redskins captured four straight Class 1A state titles (1995-1998). Along the way they had three undefeated seasons and a 91-game winning streak. The basketball court at Little River HS is named after Cordell. As a coach and educator he has had a lasting impact on students and the community of Little River.GARY MUSSELMAN, SILVER LAKE – ADMINISTRATORGary Musselman served Kansas students and the membership of the Kansas State High School Activities Association for 30 years – eight years as an Assistant Director and 22 years as the Executive Director (the longest in Association history). During his tenure some of the initiatives implemented&nbsp; include – Student Advisory Team; Officials Recognition Program; Sports Medicine Advisory Committee; League Commissioners Summit; Officials Advisory Committee; Game Day Spirit Showcase Competition; Spirit of Sports and Heart of the Arts; Interscholastic Bowling. Musselman served on the NFHS Board of Directors and was president of the NFHS in 2016-2017. Prior to his work at the KSHSAA Musselman was a teacher and coach at Independence HS, Andover HS, Beloit HS, Halstead HS and principal (1987- 1988) at La Crosse HS.VAN ROSE, SHAWNEE – FACULTYVan Rose is one of the most iconic, yet humble coaches to impact generations of athletes in the state of Kansas. His name is synonymous with Shawnee Mission Northwest HS Cross Country and Success. Coach Rose began his 48-year coaching stint at Northwest HS when it opened in 1969 and his athletes have dominated Class 6A. The girls team won 13 state championships; in the 90s they won six of ten titles and overall placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd 21 times. The boys team captured 21 6A titles, more than any school in Kansas and 12th overall in the U.S. From 1994-2007, they earned 14 state titles in a row, the 5th longest streak in the country, and placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd 30 times in school history. Add to this 25 boys and 14 girls Sunflower League titles. He has received numerous cross country Coach of the Year honors.JACQUE (STRUCKHOFF) STEDMAN – STUDENT (GRINNELL HS, 1980-1983)In the early 1980s the Grinnell Lady Warriors captured several state titles with Jacque Struckhoff playing a key role: volleyball - 1A state champions in 1982 and 1983, placing 3rd in 1981; basketball – 1A state runner-up in 1982 and 3rd place in 1983; track &amp; field – 1A state champions in 1980, 1982, 1983 and runner-up in 1981. During her senior year she was named to the All-Tournament team at state basketball, averaging 11 points and 12 rebounds per game, and she won three gold medals on the track (800m, 1600m and 3200m relays). Jacque was a remarkable example of not only a student-athlete but also an all-around student, participating in band, pep club, Student Council, Scholars Bowl, Math &amp; Science Relays and graduating with a 4.0 GPA. She participated on KSU track and cross country teams and in 1988 ran in the 10,000m run at the Olympic Trials.KIM TENNAL, URBANDALE, IA – FACULTYTo say that Centralia HS and Coach Kim Tennal dominated Class 1A volleyball is putting it mildly. During 19 years at Centralia HS, Tennal and her Lady Panther volleyball team posted a record of 582-47 (.926), and made 17 state tournament appearances, winning nine Class 1A state titles with a state record of eight in a row (1997-2004). During this span the team posted an amazing record of 311-11 (.966). They had three undefeated seasons (1997, 1999, 2000) and posted a winning streak of 126 matches. Prior to and after her time at Centralia, she coached at three different high schools and took all to the state tournament. Her overall high school volleyball record is 788-145 (.845). Coach Kim Tennal attacked each day with such conviction and enthusiasm that as an individual, a school and a community you couldn’t help but be impacted by her positive spirit.The Hall of Fame is housed in the Kansas State High School Activities Association offices, 601 SW Commerce Place in Topeka and is open Monday–Friday during business hours (directions at&nbsp;www.kshsaa.org).&nbsp; The Hall of Fame is also available via the KSHSAA “Gallery of Champions” at&nbsp;http://www.kshsaachamps.org/.The honorees were chosen from nominations reviewed by a selection committee.&nbsp; To be eligible for the Hall of Fame, an individual must have made an unusually outstanding contribution in interschool activities, either as a student with exceptional talent, or as an adult working with youth (such as an activity coach, director or sponsor, an administrator, an official or a contributor).&nbsp; Hall of Fame inductees may no longer be active in the field for which they are nominated (exception: contributor with over 30 years of outstanding service).Each year schools and communities throughout Kansas submit many nominations of individuals who have made tremendous contributions in the field of interschool activities. Hall of Fame information is available on the KSHSAA website at&nbsp;www.kshsaa.org. Nomination forms are available by contacting the KSHSAA.&nbsp; Any nominations to be considered for induction in 2022 must be submitted prior to November 1, 2021.

KSHSAA selects five to 2021 Hall of Fame

AUDIO: Eagle Radio Sports for Thursday

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Jose Alvarado scored 19 of his 24 points in the second half and led Georgia Tech to a 75-64 victory over Nebraska in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. It was the second straight win for the Yellow Jackets (2-2), who beat Kentucky 79-62 after home losses to Georgia State and Mercer. Alvarado picked up his fourth foul with 18:25 remaining but returned about four minutes later with the Yellow Jackets trailing 43-39. Alvarado scored 15 points, including three consecutive 3-pointers during a 30-14 stretch, that gave Georgia Tech a 69-57 lead with 2:09 to play. Kobe Webster made six 3-pointers and finished with 20 points for Nebraska (3-2).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — One of the things that has made Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes so dynamic is his ability to unload a pass to his deep and talented group of wide receivers from seemingly impossible spots. He's thrown touchdown passes sidearm, like a third baseman quickly unloading across the diamond, and underhand, like a second baseman starting a double play, along with those deep downfield throws on which his mechanics are as finely tuned as those of his new Ferrari.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have regained the top spot in the latest AP Pro32 poll. The Chiefs inched up a spot after holding off the Denver Broncos. The New Orleans Saints moved up a place to No. 2. The Pittsburgh Steelers slipped two places from No. 1 after losing to Washington on Monday night. And the Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills remained at Nos. 4 and 5, respectively.

UNDATED (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers still haven't clinched a spot in the postseason yet despite an 11-1 record. They will wrap up the AFC North with a win Sunday night at Buffalo and if Cleveland loses to Baltimore on Monday night. In the NFC, the Green Bay Packers can clinch the NFC North with a win over the Detroit Lions or a loss by Minnesota to Tampa Bay. The defending champion Kansas City Chiefs clinched a playoff spot last week and can wrap up the AFC West with a win or tie against Miami or a loss or tie by the Las Vegas Raiders.

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Tyler Burton had 21 points and 13 rebounds and No. 19 Richmond used a 21-6 run in the second half to pull away from Northern Iowa, 78-68. Grant Golden added 17 points and 11 rebounds for the Spiders, who are 4-0. Blake Francis scored 16 points and Jacob Gilyard had 12 points and 11 assists. Tywhon Pickford had 16 points for Northern Iowa, which is 1-4. Austin Phyfe had 15 and Trae Berhow had 13. The Panthers, who tied a school record with 20 3-pointers in their opening loss to Western Kentucky, made only three of 19 tries against the Spiders.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Mark Smith scored 12 of his 17 points after halftime, Dru Smith added 14 points and Missouri turned back Liberty 69-60. Xavier Pinson added 12 points for the Tigers, who trailed at halftime for the first time this season. Blake Preston scored 12 points for the Flames, who led 32-28 at the half. A pair of 8-0 runs had Liberty up 16-8 midway through the first half as both teams struggled to find the range. Liberty shot 41% and Missouri shot 43% but was just 1 of 9 from 3-point range. The Flames had five 3s.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Jake Wolfe scored 21 of his a career-high 26 points as in the second half and overtime and Lipscomb topped Southeast Missouri 80-74 in OT. Wolfe drained a 3-pointer at the buzzer to force overtime at 63-63 and converted 12 of 14 foul shots, eight din the last six minutes of regulation and four in OT. Greg Jones added 17 points for Lipscomb, which ended its four-game losing streak — including a loss to Southeast Missouri on Monday. Chris Harris had 21 points with four 3-pointers for the Redhawks. DQ Nicholas added 17 points.

UNDATED (AP) — The Southeastern Conference still has some elite receivers despite an exodus of opt-outs, injuries and the NFL draft. Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith has emerged as a Heisman Trophy candidate, along with his quarterback Mac Jones and Florida QB Kyle Trask. Gators tight end Kyle Pitts also has been a huge weapon. And Mississippi's Elijah Moore leads the nation in receiving yards per game, one spot ahead of Smith. The impressive national rankings by SEC receivers are in spite of a number of the top targets like LSU's JaMarr Chase and Terrace Marshall Jr. opting out and Alabama losing Jaylen Waddle to an ankle injury.&nbsp;

UNDATED (AP) — Second-ranked Baylor had no trouble winning its pandemic-delayed home opener.

Adam Flagler scored 11 of his 14 points before halftime of the Bears' 83-52 win over Stephen F. Austin. Flagler led five players in double figures for the 4-0 Bears, who played for the first time since an 82-69 win over then-No. 5 Illinois a week earlier. 

Baylor scored 40 points off the Lumberjacks' 35 turnovers.

Baylor was supposed to play its home opener Tuesday night against Nicholls State, but the Colonels canceled Monday because of virus issues.

Cameron Johnson had 11 points for Stephen F. Austin, the defending Southland Conference champion which had its 18-game winning streak snapped.

— Brad Davison scored 23 points and 13th-ranked Wisconsin dominated the first 29 minutes before holding off Rhode Island, 73-62. Michah Potter had 13 points for the Badgers, who led 33-16 at halftime and were up by 22 with 11:58 remaining. 

— No. 13 Texas was a 74-53 winner over Texas State behind 18 points from freshman Greg Brown. Andrew Jones and Courtney Ramey each scored 11 points for the 5-1 Longhorns, who are off to a strong start and enjoy their highest ranking in six seasons under Shaka Smart.

— Kyler Edwards scored 19 points and No. 17 Texas Tech avoided a major upset before pulling out a 51-44 decision over Abilene Christian. The 5-1 Red Raiders trailed, 36-35 with seven minutes remaining before Edwards hit a free throw and Nimari Burnett added two more.

— Tyler Burton and Grant Golden each had double-doubles and helped 19th-ranked Richmond reel off a 21-6 run in the second half of a 78-68 downing of Northern Iowa. Burton delivered 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Golden added 17 points and 11 boards for the 4-0 Spiders.

— Scottie Barnes banked in a runner with two seconds left in overtime to give No. 20 Florida State a 69-67 victory over Indiana in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. The freshman had nine points, five assists, four rebounds and four steals to lead the 2-0 Seminoles to their 25th consecutive home win.

UNDATED (AP) — Connecticut has postponed a second men's basketball game as it continues to deal with a player's positive coronavirus test. The Big East Conference announced the Huskies will not travel to face Georgetown on Sunday. Georgetown now will host St. John's on Sunday instead of UConn. The Huskies had already had postponed its planned Big East opener against St. John's on Friday in Storrs after suspending team activities on Sunday.

In other virus-related developments in college basketball: 

— Charleston Southern has paused its men's basketball program and postponed its next two games, including a Saturday trip to No. 10 Duke due to a positive COVID-19 test. The school said Wednesday that a non-player tested positive and was immediately isolated. 

— North Carolina State has paused men's basketball activities amid positive COVID-19 tests and contact tracing. That comes after the Wolfpack had to cancel a "Bubbleville" game against Connecticut in the Huskies' home state last weekend as well as postpone Tuesday's trip to Michigan for the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.

— Butler has postponed Monday's men's basketball game against St. John's and will now open its Big East season on Dec. 16 at No. 9 Villanova. The Bulldogs haven't played since Nov. 25 after a Tier 1 member of the program tested positive for COVID-19.

UNDATED (AP) — Third-ranked Ohio State will be able to play in the Big Ten title game against Northwestern.

The conference has dropped the minimum six-game requirement instituted for the pandemic-shortened season. The unbeaten Buckeyes have played just five games, with three others canceled due to COVID-19 issues involving their opponents. 

Ohio State was in line to meet the six-game requirement until Saturday's game against Michigan was canceled.

The conference title game is slated for Dec. 19.

In other virus-related developments in college football:

— The SEC championship game between No. 1 Alabama and No. 6 Florida will be played before a socially distanced crowd of 16,500 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This will be the largest crowd to attend a football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium since the pandemic began. 

— Indiana and Purdue have canceled Saturday's football game because of an increase in COVID-19 cases at each school. It's the first time since 1919 that the annual in-state rivalry will not be played. Both teams canceled practices Tuesday, pausing all team activities. 

— Marshall says Friday's regular-season football finale against Charlotte has been canceled due to injuries and a lack of available Thundering Herd players at key positions, which it attributed to COVID-19 issues.

— Washington has paused football activities after a rise in positive COVID-19 cases within the Huskies' program, leaving Saturday's game against Oregon in jeopardy.

— The Atlantic Coast Conference says it will allow limited fans to attend its football championship game between No. 2 Notre Dame and No. 4 Clemson on Dec. 19. The state of North Carolina previously issued public-gathering restrictions for outdoor venues because of the coronavirus pandemic, allowing schools to fill 7% of their stadium capacity for fans. Following that guidance, the ACC said Wednesday that capacity would be set at 5,240 for Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.

UNDATED (AP) — LSU is self-imposing a one-year ban on postseason play for this football season as part an effort to cooperate with an NCAA probe into rules violations.

Much of the NCAA's investigation of LSU's football program pre-dates the promotion of Ed Orgeron to head coach during the 2016 season and hiring of current athletic director Scott Woodward in 2019.

The bowl ban follows sanctions LSU already has self-imposed, including a reduction of four scholarships in each of the next two seasons. 

UNDATED (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers' struggling running game received a boost when James Conner was activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday. Conner ran for a team-high 645 yards and five touchdowns this season before missing each of the Steelers' last two games, including Monday's 23-17 loss to Washington. Pittsburgh ended its bid for a perfect season by running for just 21 yards on 14 carries, the team's lowest rushing total since 1970.

— Panthers All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey has a new injury that could put his comeback on hold. McCaffrey has a thigh injury after missing nine games this season with shoulder and ankle issues. McCaffrey has been terrific when healthy this season, running for 374 yards and six touchdowns in three games.

— The NFL's medical director says all protocols were followed when Baltimore receiver Dez Bryant was pulled from the field before Tuesday's 34-17 win over Dallas. Bryant initially had an inconclusive test for COVID-19 prior to warmups, but an ensuing test came up positive and caused him to sit out a game against his former team. Dr. Allen Sills said he made the final determination that there were no high-risk close contacts to the case, so there was no need to remove anyone else.

— The Packers will limit attendance at Lambeau Field games to team employees and their families for the remainder of the regular season. The team says the decision is based on a continued high rate of coronavirus activity in Brown County and many areas of the state. The Packers have two regular season home games remaining. 

— The NFL has suspended Denver Broncos cornerback A.J. Bouye six games without pay for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances. Bouye's suspension means the Broncos have lost their top three cornerbacks since last week. 

NEW YORK (AP) — Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has revealed he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2008.

The NBA's career scoring leader made the announcement in an article he wrote for Web-MD about health risks faced by Blacks. Abdul-Jabbar provided no other details about that illness. A publicist for the former Bucks and Lakers superstar says it's the first time he has spoken publicly about his cancer.

<h2>Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press</h2>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Jose Alvarado scored 19 of his 24 points in the second half and led Georgia Tech to a 75-64 victory over Nebraska in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. It was the second straight win for the Yellow Jackets (2-2), who beat Kentucky 79-62 after home losses to Georgia State and Mercer. Alvarado picked up his fourth foul with 18:25 remaining but returned about four minutes later with the Yellow Jackets trailing 43-39. Alvarado scored 15 points, including three consecutive 3-pointers during a 30-14 stretch, that gave Georgia Tech a 69-57 lead with 2:09 to play. Kobe Webster made six 3-pointers and finished with 20 points for Nebraska (3-2).KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — One of the things that has made Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes so dynamic is his ability to unload a pass to his deep and talented group of wide receivers from seemingly impossible spots. He's thrown touchdown passes sidearm, like a third baseman quickly unloading across the diamond, and underhand, like a second baseman starting a double play, along with those deep downfield throws on which his mechanics are as finely tuned as those of his new Ferrari.NEW YORK (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have regained the top spot in the latest AP Pro32 poll. The Chiefs inched up a spot after holding off the Denver Broncos. The New Orleans Saints moved up a place to No. 2. The Pittsburgh Steelers slipped two places from No. 1 after losing to Washington on Monday night. And the Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills remained at Nos. 4 and 5, respectively.UNDATED (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers still haven't clinched a spot in the postseason yet despite an 11-1 record. They will wrap up the AFC North with a win Sunday night at Buffalo and if Cleveland loses to Baltimore on Monday night. In the NFC, the Green Bay Packers can clinch the NFC North with a win over the Detroit Lions or a loss by Minnesota to Tampa Bay. The defending champion Kansas City Chiefs clinched a playoff spot last week and can wrap up the AFC West with a win or tie against Miami or a loss or tie by the Las Vegas Raiders.RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Tyler Burton had 21 points and 13 rebounds and No. 19 Richmond used a 21-6 run in the second half to pull away from Northern Iowa, 78-68. Grant Golden added 17 points and 11 rebounds for the Spiders, who are 4-0. Blake Francis scored 16 points and Jacob Gilyard had 12 points and 11 assists. Tywhon Pickford had 16 points for Northern Iowa, which is 1-4. Austin Phyfe had 15 and Trae Berhow had 13. The Panthers, who tied a school record with 20 3-pointers in their opening loss to Western Kentucky, made only three of 19 tries against the Spiders.COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Mark Smith scored 12 of his 17 points after halftime, Dru Smith added 14 points and Missouri turned back Liberty 69-60. Xavier Pinson added 12 points for the Tigers, who trailed at halftime for the first time this season. Blake Preston scored 12 points for the Flames, who led 32-28 at the half. A pair of 8-0 runs had Liberty up 16-8 midway through the first half as both teams struggled to find the range. Liberty shot 41% and Missouri shot 43% but was just 1 of 9 from 3-point range. The Flames had five 3s.NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Jake Wolfe scored 21 of his a career-high 26 points as in the second half and overtime and Lipscomb topped Southeast Missouri 80-74 in OT. Wolfe drained a 3-pointer at the buzzer to force overtime at 63-63 and converted 12 of 14 foul shots, eight din the last six minutes of regulation and four in OT. Greg Jones added 17 points for Lipscomb, which ended its four-game losing streak — including a loss to Southeast Missouri on Monday. Chris Harris had 21 points with four 3-pointers for the Redhawks. DQ Nicholas added 17 points.UNDATED (AP) — The Southeastern Conference still has some elite receivers despite an exodus of opt-outs, injuries and the NFL draft. Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith has emerged as a Heisman Trophy candidate, along with his quarterback Mac Jones and Florida QB Kyle Trask. Gators tight end Kyle Pitts also has been a huge weapon. And Mississippi's Elijah Moore leads the nation in receiving yards per game, one spot ahead of Smith. The impressive national rankings by SEC receivers are in spite of a number of the top targets like LSU's JaMarr Chase and Terrace Marshall Jr. opting out and Alabama losing Jaylen Waddle to an ankle injury.&nbsp;<h2>Update on the latest sports</h2>COLLEGE BASKETBALL-SCHEDULEBaylor breezes by Stephen F. AustinUNDATED (AP) — Second-ranked Baylor had no trouble winning its pandemic-delayed home opener.Adam Flagler scored 11 of his 14 points before halftime of the Bears' 83-52 win over Stephen F. Austin. Flagler led five players in double figures for the 4-0 Bears, who played for the first time since an 82-69 win over then-No. 5 Illinois a week earlier. Baylor scored 40 points off the Lumberjacks' 35 turnovers.Baylor was supposed to play its home opener Tuesday night against Nicholls State, but the Colonels canceled Monday because of virus issues.Cameron Johnson had 11 points for Stephen F. Austin, the defending Southland Conference champion which had its 18-game winning streak snapped.In Wednesday's other top-25 action:— Brad Davison scored 23 points and 13th-ranked Wisconsin dominated the first 29 minutes before holding off Rhode Island, 73-62. Michah Potter had 13 points for the Badgers, who led 33-16 at halftime and were up by 22 with 11:58 remaining. — No. 13 Texas was a 74-53 winner over Texas State behind 18 points from freshman Greg Brown. Andrew Jones and Courtney Ramey each scored 11 points for the 5-1 Longhorns, who are off to a strong start and enjoy their highest ranking in six seasons under Shaka Smart.— Kyler Edwards scored 19 points and No. 17 Texas Tech avoided a major upset before pulling out a 51-44 decision over Abilene Christian. The 5-1 Red Raiders trailed, 36-35 with seven minutes remaining before Edwards hit a free throw and Nimari Burnett added two more.— Tyler Burton and Grant Golden each had double-doubles and helped 19th-ranked Richmond reel off a 21-6 run in the second half of a 78-68 downing of Northern Iowa. Burton delivered 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Golden added 17 points and 11 boards for the 4-0 Spiders.— Scottie Barnes banked in a runner with two seconds left in overtime to give No. 20 Florida State a 69-67 victory over Indiana in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. The freshman had nine points, five assists, four rebounds and four steals to lead the 2-0 Seminoles to their 25th consecutive home win.VIRUS OUTBREAK-COLLEGE BASKETBALLUConn postpones anotherUNDATED (AP) — Connecticut has postponed a second men's basketball game as it continues to deal with a player's positive coronavirus test. The Big East Conference announced the Huskies will not travel to face Georgetown on Sunday. Georgetown now will host St. John's on Sunday instead of UConn. The Huskies had already had postponed its planned Big East opener against St. John's on Friday in Storrs after suspending team activities on Sunday.In other virus-related developments in college basketball: — Charleston Southern has paused its men's basketball program and postponed its next two games, including a Saturday trip to No. 10 Duke due to a positive COVID-19 test. The school said Wednesday that a non-player tested positive and was immediately isolated. — North Carolina State has paused men's basketball activities amid positive COVID-19 tests and contact tracing. That comes after the Wolfpack had to cancel a "Bubbleville" game against Connecticut in the Huskies' home state last weekend as well as postpone Tuesday's trip to Michigan for the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.— Butler has postponed Monday's men's basketball game against St. John's and will now open its Big East season on Dec. 16 at No. 9 Villanova. The Bulldogs haven't played since Nov. 25 after a Tier 1 member of the program tested positive for COVID-19.VIRUS OUTBREAK-COLLEGE FOOTBALLIndiana-Purdue game is canceled UNDATED (AP) — Third-ranked Ohio State will be able to play in the Big Ten title game against Northwestern.The conference has dropped the minimum six-game requirement instituted for the pandemic-shortened season. The unbeaten Buckeyes have played just five games, with three others canceled due to COVID-19 issues involving their opponents. Ohio State was in line to meet the six-game requirement until Saturday's game against Michigan was canceled.The conference title game is slated for Dec. 19.In other virus-related developments in college football:— The SEC championship game between No. 1 Alabama and No. 6 Florida will be played before a socially distanced crowd of 16,500 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This will be the largest crowd to attend a football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium since the pandemic began. — Indiana and Purdue have canceled Saturday's football game because of an increase in COVID-19 cases at each school. It's the first time since 1919 that the annual in-state rivalry will not be played. Both teams canceled practices Tuesday, pausing all team activities. — Marshall says Friday's regular-season football finale against Charlotte has been canceled due to injuries and a lack of available Thundering Herd players at key positions, which it attributed to COVID-19 issues.— Washington has paused football activities after a rise in positive COVID-19 cases within the Huskies' program, leaving Saturday's game against Oregon in jeopardy.— The Atlantic Coast Conference says it will allow limited fans to attend its football championship game between No. 2 Notre Dame and No. 4 Clemson on Dec. 19. The state of North Carolina previously issued public-gathering restrictions for outdoor venues because of the coronavirus pandemic, allowing schools to fill 7% of their stadium capacity for fans. Following that guidance, the ACC said Wednesday that capacity would be set at 5,240 for Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.COLLEGE FOOTBALL-LSULSU bans self from 2020 postseason playUNDATED (AP) — LSU is self-imposing a one-year ban on postseason play for this football season as part an effort to cooperate with an NCAA probe into rules violations.Much of the NCAA's investigation of LSU's football program pre-dates the promotion of Ed Orgeron to head coach during the 2016 season and hiring of current athletic director Scott Woodward in 2019.The bowl ban follows sanctions LSU already has self-imposed, including a reduction of four scholarships in each of the next two seasons. NFL-NEWS:Conner off COVID-listUNDATED (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers' struggling running game received a boost when James Conner was activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday. Conner ran for a team-high 645 yards and five touchdowns this season before missing each of the Steelers' last two games, including Monday's 23-17 loss to Washington. Pittsburgh ended its bid for a perfect season by running for just 21 yards on 14 carries, the team's lowest rushing total since 1970.Elsewhere around the NFL:— Panthers All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey has a new injury that could put his comeback on hold. McCaffrey has a thigh injury after missing nine games this season with shoulder and ankle issues. McCaffrey has been terrific when healthy this season, running for 374 yards and six touchdowns in three games.— The NFL's medical director says all protocols were followed when Baltimore receiver Dez Bryant was pulled from the field before Tuesday's 34-17 win over Dallas. Bryant initially had an inconclusive test for COVID-19 prior to warmups, but an ensuing test came up positive and caused him to sit out a game against his former team. Dr. Allen Sills said he made the final determination that there were no high-risk close contacts to the case, so there was no need to remove anyone else.— The Packers will limit attendance at Lambeau Field games to team employees and their families for the remainder of the regular season. The team says the decision is based on a continued high rate of coronavirus activity in Brown County and many areas of the state. The Packers have two regular season home games remaining. — The NFL has suspended Denver Broncos cornerback A.J. Bouye six games without pay for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances. Bouye's suspension means the Broncos have lost their top three cornerbacks since last week. NBA-ABDUL-JABBAR-CANCERAbdul-Jabbar says he had cancer battleNEW YORK (AP) — Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has revealed he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2008.The NBA's career scoring leader made the announcement in an article he wrote for Web-MD about health risks faced by Blacks. Abdul-Jabbar provided no other details about that illness. A publicist for the former Bucks and Lakers superstar says it's the first time he has spoken publicly about his cancer.In his article, titled "Black Lives Matter," the 73-year-old Abdul-Jabbar writes that Blacks are at higher risk for heart problems and cancer, and said he also had heart bypass surgery. He said he's been able to get better care than many Blacks, in part because of his celebrity and also because two sons work in the health care profession.OBIT-RAY PERKINSFormer Alabama and NFL coach Ray Perkins dead at 79TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Former Alabama and New York Giants head coach Ray Perkins has died at 79. Perkins won three bowl games at Alabama and was 32-15-1 over four seasons after replacing Bear Bryant. He also coached the 1981 Giants to the team's first playoff berth in 18 years before leaving after the 1982 season to take over the Crimson Tide program.MLB-FRICK-MICHAELSAl Michaels to be honored at Baseball HallNEW YORK (AP) — Former ABC baseball play-by-play announcer Al Michaels has been voted the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcast excellence by the Baseball Hall of Fame. Michaels became lead broadcaster on ABC's "Monday Night Baseball" telecasts in 1983 and was in the booth when an earthquake struck at San Francisco's Candlestick Park in 1989. Michaels also worked games for the Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants.He will receive the award during induction weekend at Cooperstown next July.