ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Jack Sawyer had the kind of moment that will live on long past his playing days with Ohio State. Of course, one more victory would make it that much sweeter.

Sawyer stripped Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers — his former roommate — and returned the fumble 83 yards for the clinching touchdown in a 28-14 victory over the Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl on Friday night, giving the Buckeyes a shot at their sixth AP national title.

“We talked before the game about how do you leave a legacy is to become your old legend. And there’s some guys on this team today that I believe will become legends in Ohio State history,” coach Ryan Day said. “Now they get 10 more days together, and an opportunity to tell their story if they go win one more.”

Led by Ohio native Sawyer and Quinshon Judkins, who rushed for two touchdowns, the Buckeyes (13-2) posted the semifinal victory in the same stadium where 10 years ago they were champions when the College Football Playoff debuted with a four-team format. Now they have the opportunity to be the winner again in the first season with an expanded 12-team field.

Ohio State plays Orange Bowl champion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cfp-notre-dame-ohio-state-texas-276477d7ff38e93a3625632d515f189b">Notre Dame</a>&nbsp;in Atlanta on Jan. 20. It could be quite a finish for the Big Ten Buckeyes after they lost to rival Michigan on Nov. 30.

Sawyer got to Ewers on a fourth-and-goal from the 8, knocking the ball loose before scooping it up and lumbering all the way to the other end zone with 2:13 left. It was the longest fumble return in CFP history.

“I saw the ball pop out right to me after I tackled him, I was just thinking, I’ve got to stay on my feet, because I almost blacked out when I scooped it and saw a bunch of green grass ahead of me,” Sawyer said.

Ewers and Sawyer were roommates in Columbus for one semester before the quarterback transferred home to Texas. Ewers helped lead the Longhorns (13-3) to consecutive CFP semifinals, but next season will be their 20th since winning their last national title with Vince Young in 2005.

“I felt him. I started drifting away, thought I was going to be able to get the ball off before he got there,” Ewers said. “I saw Jack running with the ball down the sideline. ... Jack’s a good player made a great play.”

Texas had moved to the 1, helped by two pass-interference penalties in the end zone, before Quintrevion Wisner was stopped for a 7-yard loss. Ewers then threw a third-down incompletion while being pressured by Sawyer on the play before the defensive touchdown.

“He’s everything that we possibly ask for in a captain,” Day said. “To make a play like that in that moment ... He just became a legend at Ohio State.”

Judkins, a transfer from Mississippi, had a 1-yard touchdown for a 21-14 lead with 7:02 left, capping an 88-yard, 13-play drive over 7:45. That score came four plays after quarterback Will Howard converted a fourth-and-2 from the Texas 34 with a stumbling 18-yard run that probably should have been a score.

“That fourth down was huge. ... I fell on purpose. I'm joking,” Howard said. “A statement drive. We needed that.”

Howard was 24-of-33 passing for 289 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He played his first game at AT&amp;T Stadium since leading Kansas State to a win over undefeated TCU in the Big 12 championship two years ago. He was 0-3 as a starter against the Longhorns while at K-State, including an overtime thriller in Austin last season.

Ewers finished 23 of 39 for 283 yards with two TD passes to Jaydon Blue and an interception after getting the ball back one final time. It might have been his last play for the Longhorns since he could go into the NFL draft.

Texas won the Big 12 title last season before moving to the SEC.

The Buckeyes went ahead on their opening drive of the game when Judkins scored on a 9-yard run. It looked as if they could get off to another fast start, after jumping ahead 21-0 and 34-0 in their first two playoff games.

But Ohio State then punted on four consecutive possessions before Texas tied it at 7 on Ewers' 18-yard touchdown pass to Blue with 29 seconds left in the first half. Arch Manning, the backup and future starting quarterback, kept that drive alive when he converted fourth-and-1 from midfield with an 8-yard keeper — his only play in the game.

Right after Texas' first TD, Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson turned a screen pass into a 75-yard touchdown, following a wall of blockers before shooting through an open gap and sprinting to the end zone.

Blue had a tying 26-yard TD catch with 3:12 left in the third quarter. The drive featured a terrific play by Ewers, who was being dragged down by Sawyer on third-and-10 when he managed to scoop the ball underhanded to Wisner for a 13-yard gain.

While Ohio State prepares for the CFP title game, Texas waits for a rematch with the Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in the previously scheduled 2025 season opener Aug. 30.

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apnews.com/newsletters">here</a>. AP college football:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/college-football">https://apnews.com/hub/college-football</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736575503289.jpeg" alt="Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer, top, runs for a touchdown after recovering a fumble by Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, bottom, during the second half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)" />
 <figcaption>Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer, top, runs for a touchdown after recovering a fumble by Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, bottom, during the second half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)</figcaption>
 </figure>ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Jack Sawyer had the kind of moment that will live on long past his playing days with Ohio State. Of course, one more victory would make it that much sweeter.Sawyer stripped Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers — his former roommate — and returned the fumble 83 yards for the clinching touchdown in a 28-14 victory over the Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl on Friday night, giving the Buckeyes a shot at their sixth AP national title.“We talked before the game about how do you leave a legacy is to become your old legend. And there’s some guys on this team today that I believe will become legends in Ohio State history,” coach Ryan Day said. “Now they get 10 more days together, and an opportunity to tell their story if they go win one more.”Led by Ohio native Sawyer and Quinshon Judkins, who rushed for two touchdowns, the Buckeyes (13-2) posted the semifinal victory in the same stadium where 10 years ago they were champions when the College Football Playoff debuted with a four-team format. Now they have the opportunity to be the winner again in the first season with an expanded 12-team field.Ohio State plays Orange Bowl champion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cfp-notre-dame-ohio-state-texas-276477d7ff38e93a3625632d515f189b">Notre Dame</a>&nbsp;in Atlanta on Jan. 20. It could be quite a finish for the Big Ten Buckeyes after they lost to rival Michigan on Nov. 30.Sawyer got to Ewers on a fourth-and-goal from the 8, knocking the ball loose before scooping it up and lumbering all the way to the other end zone with 2:13 left. It was the longest fumble return in CFP history.“I saw the ball pop out right to me after I tackled him, I was just thinking, I’ve got to stay on my feet, because I almost blacked out when I scooped it and saw a bunch of green grass ahead of me,” Sawyer said.Ewers and Sawyer were roommates in Columbus for one semester before the quarterback transferred home to Texas. Ewers helped lead the Longhorns (13-3) to consecutive CFP semifinals, but next season will be their 20th since winning their last national title with Vince Young in 2005.“I felt him. I started drifting away, thought I was going to be able to get the ball off before he got there,” Ewers said. “I saw Jack running with the ball down the sideline. ... Jack’s a good player made a great play.”Texas had moved to the 1, helped by two pass-interference penalties in the end zone, before Quintrevion Wisner was stopped for a 7-yard loss. Ewers then threw a third-down incompletion while being pressured by Sawyer on the play before the defensive touchdown.“He’s everything that we possibly ask for in a captain,” Day said. “To make a play like that in that moment ... He just became a legend at Ohio State.”Judkins, a transfer from Mississippi, had a 1-yard touchdown for a 21-14 lead with 7:02 left, capping an 88-yard, 13-play drive over 7:45. That score came four plays after quarterback Will Howard converted a fourth-and-2 from the Texas 34 with a stumbling 18-yard run that probably should have been a score.“That fourth down was huge. ... I fell on purpose. I'm joking,” Howard said. “A statement drive. We needed that.”Howard was 24-of-33 passing for 289 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He played his first game at AT&amp;T Stadium since leading Kansas State to a win over undefeated TCU in the Big 12 championship two years ago. He was 0-3 as a starter against the Longhorns while at K-State, including an overtime thriller in Austin last season.Ewers finished 23 of 39 for 283 yards with two TD passes to Jaydon Blue and an interception after getting the ball back one final time. It might have been his last play for the Longhorns since he could go into the NFL draft.Texas won the Big 12 title last season before moving to the SEC.<h2>Not so fast</h2>The Buckeyes went ahead on their opening drive of the game when Judkins scored on a 9-yard run. It looked as if they could get off to another fast start, after jumping ahead 21-0 and 34-0 in their first two playoff games.But Ohio State then punted on four consecutive possessions before Texas tied it at 7 on Ewers' 18-yard touchdown pass to Blue with 29 seconds left in the first half. Arch Manning, the backup and future starting quarterback, kept that drive alive when he converted fourth-and-1 from midfield with an 8-yard keeper — his only play in the game.Right after Texas' first TD, Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson turned a screen pass into a 75-yard touchdown, following a wall of blockers before shooting through an open gap and sprinting to the end zone.<h2>A great escape</h2>Blue had a tying 26-yard TD catch with 3:12 left in the third quarter. The drive featured a terrific play by Ewers, who was being dragged down by Sawyer on third-and-10 when he managed to scoop the ball underhanded to Wisner for a 13-yard gain.<h2>Up next</h2>While Ohio State prepares for the CFP title game, Texas waits for a rematch with the Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in the previously scheduled 2025 season opener Aug. 30.___Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apnews.com/newsletters">here</a>. AP college football:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/college-football">https://apnews.com/hub/college-football</a>

🏈 Ohio State gets shot at 6th national title after win over Texas in CFP semi Cotton Bowl

The Kansas City Royals will not have to go through arbitration this time around, according to MLB.com.

The Kansas City Royals will not have to go through arbitration this time around, according to MLB.com.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/B22OxEFapW">https://t.co/B22OxEFapW</a>&mdash; Nick Gosnell (@NickGosnell11) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickGosnell11/status/1877693193581465896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

⚾ Royals avoid arbitration

McNeese State transfer Finn Lappin will be joining the Jayhawks.

McNeese State transfer Finn Lappin will be joining the Jayhawks.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RockChalk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RockChalk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachOnatolu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachOnatolu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachMiller_KU?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachMiller_KU</a> <a href="https://t.co/s25DnlxGYK">pic.twitter.com/s25DnlxGYK</a>&mdash; Finn Lappin (@FinnLappin) <a href="https://twitter.com/FinnLappin/status/1877432054281023728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🏈 KU picks up Australian punter

The Kansas City Chiefs want to hear from the fans that attend at GEHA Field at Arrowhead whether they should pursue renovations or a new stadium and what that should look like.

You can find links to the surveys at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chiefs.com/stadium/surveys">https://www.chiefs.com/stadium/surveys</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722261285381.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas City Chiefs want to hear from the fans that attend at GEHA Field at Arrowhead whether they should pursue renovations or a new stadium and what that should look like.You can find links to the surveys at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chiefs.com/stadium/surveys">https://www.chiefs.com/stadium/surveys</a>.

🏈 Chiefs seeking fan input on stadium next steps

AP Sports Summary for January 10th, 2025:

Notre Dame gets late pick and field goal to make title game with 27-24 win over Penn State

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — A diving interception off an ill-advised pass set up Notre Dame's trip to play for the program's 12th national title after a thrill-a-minute 27-24 victory over Penn State on Thursday night in the semifinal at the Orange Bowl. Fighting Irish defensive back Christian Gray snared Drew Allar's pass across the middle at the Nittany Lions 42 with 33 seconds left, then the Irish moved 19 yards to set up Mitch Jeter's 41-yard winner with 7 seconds left. Notre Dame (14-1), seeded seventh in this, the first 12-team college playoff, will have a chance to bring its first title since 1988 back under the Golden Dome with a game Jan. 20 against the winner of Friday night's Texas-Ohio State semifinal.

Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard gets injury scare, returns to rally Irish into CFP championship game

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard briefly went out of the game, then returned to find the end zone in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Penn State on Thursday night at the Orange Bowl. Leonard missed much of Notre Dame's final drive of the first half while being evaluated for a concussion, Irish coach Marcus Freeman told ESPN. Leonard was "asymptomatic," ESPN quoted Leonard as saying, and he started the second half. He led an eight-play, 75-yard drive and capped it with a 3-yard touchdown run that pulled Notre Dame into a 10-10 tie. Leonard went into the medical tent with about two minutes left in the half after a play where he was hit by Penn State's Zane Durant and Dvon J-Thomas.

Penn State QB Drew Allar's late interception helps seal Notre Dame's win in Orange Bowl

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Drew Allar's critical interception sealed Penn State's loss to Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff semifinals at the Orange Bowl. Allar entered with just seven interceptions this season but he threw an off-target pass over the middle toward receiver Omari Evans with 33 seconds remaining. It ended up in the hands of Notre Dame cornerback Christian Gray. The Irish, not needing many yards to get in kicker Mitch Jeter's range, moved inside the 25. Jeter's 41-yarder sealed a 27-24 win for Notre Dame that sent the Irish to the national title game.

NFL moves Vikings-Rams playoff game to Arizona after days of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The NFL has moved the Rams' wild-card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings to Arizona after days of devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area. The playoff game will be played Monday night at State Farm Stadium, the home of the Arizona Cardinals, in suburban Glendale, Arizona. The league announced the decision Thursday, a few hours after yet another fire broke out in an area several miles from the Rams' training complex in the Woodland Hills neighborhood. Los Angeles has been besieged by multiple wildfires all week following two days of extraordinary wind across the vast metropolitan area.

Los Angeles Rams' playoff game moved to Arizona as wildfires disrupt sports in Southern California

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The NFL moved the Los Angeles Rams' playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings out of Southern California on Thursday, the biggest of several changes to the sports calendar after days of devastating wildfires in the area. The wild-card game will be played Monday night at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The home of the Arizona Cardinals is nearly 400 miles east of the Rams' home, SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Elsewhere, the NBA postponed the Los Angeles Lakers' home game against the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday. A Los Angeles Kings home game was postponed a day earlier.

Ohio State and Texas enter CFP semifinal at Cotton Bowl seeking a chance to end title droughts

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Ohio State and Texas are both seeking a chance to end national title droughts. The powerhouse programs meet in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Cotton Bowl. The winner advances to the national title game to play Notre Dame on January 20. Ohio State is the only team to appear in four of the last six CFPs, but its last national title was 10 years ago. That was the first season of the four-team College Football Playoff, when the Buckeyes won the title at AT&amp;T Stadium. That is where they play the in-state Longhorns on Friday night. Texas' last national title was 19 years ago.

Las Vegas Raiders fire general manager Tom Telesco after just one year

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — The Las Vegas Raiders have fired general manager Tom Telesco. They made the move on Thursday, just a year after he was hired. It's part of a housecleaning following a 4-13 season that also included the dismissal of coach Antonio Pierce on Tuesday. The Raiders will become just the second franchise in the Super Bowl era to enter a season three years in a row with a new GM and coach. Coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler were in charge to open the 2023 season. The Cleveland Browns in 2012-14 are the other club to hold such a distinction.

Bettors don't believe in massive underdog Steelers against the Ravens to open NFL playoffs

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Ravens opened as substantial favorites over the Steelers in the wild-card round playoffs. It was a little surprising given postseason point spreads tend be tighter and these AFC North rivals usually play intense games that go down to the final minutes. Then the Pittsburgh-Baltimore point spreads actually went up. Bettors were not impressed with the Steelers' season-ending four-game losing streak that included a 34-17 loss at Baltimore on Dec. 21. The Ravens closed with a four-game winning streak to snatch the division. So the line at BetMGM Sportsbook went from 9 to 10 points for Saturday's game.

Paul Peterson makes PGA Tour debut at age 36 and leaves an impression

HONOLULU (AP) — Paul Peterson has a share of the lead in the Sony Open. Some introductions may be in order for the 36-year-old PGA Tour rookie. Peterson is a lefty from Oregon State who took his talents pretty much everywhere but America. He went to Canada, Asia, Europe, Japan and eventually got his card last year through the Korn Ferry Tour. Peterson played the par 5s at Waialae in 3 under and shot a 64. That left him tied with Tom Hoge, Harry Hall, Adam Schenk, Eric Cole and Denny McCarthy. Kapalua winner Hideki Matsuyama was three back after a 67.

Doping clouds tennis talk at the Australian Open with Sinner and Swiatek facing scrutiny

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Doping is a topic that shadowed tennis in 2024 and is sure to be a talking point as the 2025 Grand Slam season gets going at the Australian Open. Play starts at Melbourne Park on Sunday, which is Saturday in the United States. Defending men's champion Jannik Sinner and No. 2 women's seed Iga Swiatek both failed drug tests last season. Sinner was exonerated although the World Anti-Doping Agency has appealed that ruling and a final decision is not expected before next month. Swiatek accepted a one-month ban that was partly served in the offseason.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

		Charlotte	at	L.A. Lakers	10:30 p.m.	(Postponed)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Friday, January 10th, 2025" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Friday, January 10th, 2025</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for January 10th, 2025:Notre Dame gets late pick and field goal to make title game with 27-24 win over Penn StateMIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — A diving interception off an ill-advised pass set up Notre Dame's trip to play for the program's 12th national title after a thrill-a-minute 27-24 victory over Penn State on Thursday night in the semifinal at the Orange Bowl. Fighting Irish defensive back Christian Gray snared Drew Allar's pass across the middle at the Nittany Lions 42 with 33 seconds left, then the Irish moved 19 yards to set up Mitch Jeter's 41-yard winner with 7 seconds left. Notre Dame (14-1), seeded seventh in this, the first 12-team college playoff, will have a chance to bring its first title since 1988 back under the Golden Dome with a game Jan. 20 against the winner of Friday night's Texas-Ohio State semifinal.Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard gets injury scare, returns to rally Irish into CFP championship gameMIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard briefly went out of the game, then returned to find the end zone in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Penn State on Thursday night at the Orange Bowl. Leonard missed much of Notre Dame's final drive of the first half while being evaluated for a concussion, Irish coach Marcus Freeman told ESPN. Leonard was "asymptomatic," ESPN quoted Leonard as saying, and he started the second half. He led an eight-play, 75-yard drive and capped it with a 3-yard touchdown run that pulled Notre Dame into a 10-10 tie. Leonard went into the medical tent with about two minutes left in the half after a play where he was hit by Penn State's Zane Durant and Dvon J-Thomas.Penn State QB Drew Allar's late interception helps seal Notre Dame's win in Orange BowlMIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Drew Allar's critical interception sealed Penn State's loss to Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff semifinals at the Orange Bowl. Allar entered with just seven interceptions this season but he threw an off-target pass over the middle toward receiver Omari Evans with 33 seconds remaining. It ended up in the hands of Notre Dame cornerback Christian Gray. The Irish, not needing many yards to get in kicker Mitch Jeter's range, moved inside the 25. Jeter's 41-yarder sealed a 27-24 win for Notre Dame that sent the Irish to the national title game.NFL moves Vikings-Rams playoff game to Arizona after days of devastating wildfires in Los AngelesLOS ANGELES (AP) — The NFL has moved the Rams' wild-card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings to Arizona after days of devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area. The playoff game will be played Monday night at State Farm Stadium, the home of the Arizona Cardinals, in suburban Glendale, Arizona. The league announced the decision Thursday, a few hours after yet another fire broke out in an area several miles from the Rams' training complex in the Woodland Hills neighborhood. Los Angeles has been besieged by multiple wildfires all week following two days of extraordinary wind across the vast metropolitan area.Los Angeles Rams' playoff game moved to Arizona as wildfires disrupt sports in Southern CaliforniaLOS ANGELES (AP) — The NFL moved the Los Angeles Rams' playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings out of Southern California on Thursday, the biggest of several changes to the sports calendar after days of devastating wildfires in the area. The wild-card game will be played Monday night at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The home of the Arizona Cardinals is nearly 400 miles east of the Rams' home, SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Elsewhere, the NBA postponed the Los Angeles Lakers' home game against the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday. A Los Angeles Kings home game was postponed a day earlier.Ohio State and Texas enter CFP semifinal at Cotton Bowl seeking a chance to end title droughtsARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Ohio State and Texas are both seeking a chance to end national title droughts. The powerhouse programs meet in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Cotton Bowl. The winner advances to the national title game to play Notre Dame on January 20. Ohio State is the only team to appear in four of the last six CFPs, but its last national title was 10 years ago. That was the first season of the four-team College Football Playoff, when the Buckeyes won the title at AT&amp;T Stadium. That is where they play the in-state Longhorns on Friday night. Texas' last national title was 19 years ago.Las Vegas Raiders fire general manager Tom Telesco after just one yearHENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — The Las Vegas Raiders have fired general manager Tom Telesco. They made the move on Thursday, just a year after he was hired. It's part of a housecleaning following a 4-13 season that also included the dismissal of coach Antonio Pierce on Tuesday. The Raiders will become just the second franchise in the Super Bowl era to enter a season three years in a row with a new GM and coach. Coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler were in charge to open the 2023 season. The Cleveland Browns in 2012-14 are the other club to hold such a distinction.Bettors don't believe in massive underdog Steelers against the Ravens to open NFL playoffsLAS VEGAS (AP) — The Ravens opened as substantial favorites over the Steelers in the wild-card round playoffs. It was a little surprising given postseason point spreads tend be tighter and these AFC North rivals usually play intense games that go down to the final minutes. Then the Pittsburgh-Baltimore point spreads actually went up. Bettors were not impressed with the Steelers' season-ending four-game losing streak that included a 34-17 loss at Baltimore on Dec. 21. The Ravens closed with a four-game winning streak to snatch the division. So the line at BetMGM Sportsbook went from 9 to 10 points for Saturday's game.Paul Peterson makes PGA Tour debut at age 36 and leaves an impressionHONOLULU (AP) — Paul Peterson has a share of the lead in the Sony Open. Some introductions may be in order for the 36-year-old PGA Tour rookie. Peterson is a lefty from Oregon State who took his talents pretty much everywhere but America. He went to Canada, Asia, Europe, Japan and eventually got his card last year through the Korn Ferry Tour. Peterson played the par 5s at Waialae in 3 under and shot a 64. That left him tied with Tom Hoge, Harry Hall, Adam Schenk, Eric Cole and Denny McCarthy. Kapalua winner Hideki Matsuyama was three back after a 67.Doping clouds tennis talk at the Australian Open with Sinner and Swiatek facing scrutinyMELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Doping is a topic that shadowed tennis in 2024 and is sure to be a talking point as the 2025 Grand Slam season gets going at the Australian Open. Play starts at Melbourne Park on Sunday, which is Saturday in the United States. Defending men's champion Jannik Sinner and No. 2 women's seed Iga Swiatek both failed drug tests last season. Sinner was exonerated although the World Anti-Doping Agency has appealed that ruling and a final decision is not expected before next month. Swiatek accepted a one-month ban that was partly served in the offseason.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Charlotte	at	L.A. Lakers	10:30 p.m.	(Postponed)Final	Cleveland	132	Toronto	126	Final	Minnesota	104	Orlando	89	Final	Golden State	107	Detroit	104	Final	Dallas	117	Portland	111	Final	Houston	119	Memphis	115	Final	Miami	97	Utah	92	Final	Phoenix	123	Atlanta	115	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal	Columbus	6	Seattle	2	Final	Dallas	4	Philadelphia	1	Final OT	N-Y Rangers	3	New Jersey	2	Final	Pittsburgh	5	Edmonton	3	Final	Buffalo	4	Ottawa	0	Final	Tampa Bay	4	Boston	1	Final	Carolina	6	Toronto	3	Final	Colorado	6	Minnesota	1	Final	St. Louis	6	Anaheim	2	Final	N-Y Islanders	4	Vegas	0	___TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALLFinal	(3)Notre Dame	27	(5)Penn St.	24	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	(15)Oregon	73	Ohio St.	71	Final	(16)Michigan St.	88	Washington	54	Final	(20)Purdue	68	Rutgers	50	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Golden State	at	Indiana	7 p.m.			Milwaukee	at	Orlando	7 p.m.			New Orleans	at	Philadelphia	7 p.m.			Oklahoma City	at	New York	7:30 p.m.			Sacramento	at	Boston	7:30 p.m.			Washington	at	Chicago	8 p.m.			Brooklyn	at	Denver	9 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE		Chicago	at	Detroit	7 p.m.			Montreal	at	Washington	7 p.m.			Vancouver	at	Carolina	7 p.m.			Los Angeles	at	Winnipeg	8 p.m.			San Jose	at	Utah	9 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALL		(6)Ohio St.	at	(4)Texas	7:30 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL		(22)UCLA	at	Maryland	8 p.m.	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Friday

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Penn State quarterback Drew Allar said he was trying to throw the ball into the ground. Notre Dame defensive back Christian Gray dove for it anyway and — luck of the Irish — the ball ended up right in his hands.

A few seconds later, Gray and Notre Dame found themselves with a spot in the national title game after a thrill-a-minute 27-24 victory Thursday night in the Orange Bowl.

Gray's snag of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/drew-allar-penn-state-cfp-orange-bowl-3cb58be7733cc04cd3888c23ab831695">Allar's ill-advised pass</a>&nbsp;across the middle at the Penn State 42 with 33 seconds left, set up a 19-yard drive that ended with Mitch Jeter's winning 41-yard field goal.

The Irish (14-1), seeded seventh in this, the first 12-team college playoff, will have a chance to bring their 12th title and first since 1988 back under the Golden Dome with a game Jan. 20 in Atlanta. Their opponent will be the winner Friday night of the Texas-Ohio State semifinal in the Cotton Bowl.

“Just catch the ball. Just catch the ball,” Gray said about his interception. “That was going through my mind and I knew I was going to make a play.”

Penn State QB was trying to throw it away

Allar explained he saw his first two options covered on the play, then wanted to throw the ball into the dirt. But the throw, under pressure and across his body, didn't have enough zip on it to reach either receiver Omari Evans or the ground before Gray slid in.

“Honestly, I was trying to ‘dirt’ it at his feet,” said the junior quarterback. “I should’ve thrown it away when I saw the first two progressions were not open. I didn’t execute.”

It was the most memorable play of a game that was the best of what's been a sleepy few weeks of playoff football. It featured three ties and three lead changes, along with 31 points in the fourth quarter alone.

In the final, Irish coach Marcus Freeman will try to become&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/black-coaches-franklin-freeman-playoff-522b80d7553d3494889f9b0e8da5539a">the first Black coach to win the title at college</a>&nbsp;football’s highest level. Freeman, whose mother is South Korean, also is the first coach of Asian heritage to get this far.

“We found a way to make a play when it mattered the most,” Freeman said. “In my opinion, great teams, great programs, find a way to do that.”

Penn State coach James Franklin fell to 4-20 with the Nittany Lions against teams ranked in the AP Top 10. The sixth-seeded Nittany Lions ended the season at 13-3.

“Everyone wants to look at a specific play,” Franklin said. “But there's probably eight to 12 plays in that game that could have made a difference. I'm not going to call out specific plays or specific players. There are a ton of plays where we could have done better.”

Hit on Leonard shook up the QB and shook up the Irish

Notre Dame quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/notre-dame-riley-leonard-4fb493f918fcf60876e38e42b9134b00">Riley Leonard shook off a hit</a>&nbsp;late in the second quarter that sent him to the medical tent to be checked for a concussion. He came back and led the Irish on four scoring drives in the second half, including the last one.

“He’s a competitor and competitors find a way to win, and that’s what Riley does," Freeman said. "That’s what this team does.”

Leonard finished with 223 yards passing, including a key 10-yard dart to Jaden Greathouse to convert third-and-3 on the last drive. Leonard also had 35 yards rushing, and passed and ran for a score each.

With 4:38 left in the game, the senior quarterback hit Greathouse for a 54-yard score to tie it at 24 after a defender slipped.

The game started slow (and boring), but Riley’s injury injected life into things. He led Notre Dame on TD drives of 75 and 72 yards in the third quarter to take a 17-10 lead.

At that point, the fun was just getting started.

Penn State had its chances, and Allar, considered a first-round pick by some if he leaves for the NFL, will spend the offseason reliving that last throw — or trying to forget it.

Penn State forced a Notre Dame punt and looked assured of at least going to overtime when they took over at their 15 with 47 seconds left.

After a gain of 13, Allar dropped to pass and had pressure coming. He threw across his body to the middle of the field, where Gray dove for the pick.

A review showed it was a catch, and the Irish were onto the next step on a road that looked all but impossible when they fell 16-14 to Northern Illinois back in September.

“To see how far we’ve come after the hiccup early on, just to know that we have one more guaranteed, one last one guaranteed, it’s just so exciting,” Notre Dame linebacker Jack Kiser said.

Nick Singleton ran for 84 yards and all three Penn State touchdowns. Off target for much of the day, Allar finished 12 for 23 for 135 yards with the interception.

“He's hurting right now. He should be. We're all hurting,” Franklin said.

The quarterback didn't duck questions about the play or his role in the loss.

“We didn’t win the game so it wasn't good enough, it’s plain and simple,” Allar said. “I’ll try to learn from it, do everything in my power to get better and just grow from it.”

When Leonard went out, backup Steve Angeli came in and injected life into the Fighting Irish offense on the way to its first score.

Angelli went 6 for 7 for 44 yards and moved Notre Dame to field goal range to trim its deficit to 10-3 just before halftime.

“We have a lot of confidence in Steve,” Freeman said when asked why he allowed the Irish to play aggressively when he entered.

The kickoff temperature was 56 degrees, unseasonably cool for South Florida — and making it the second-coldest Orange Bowl ever, next to the Georgia Tech-Iowa game in 2010 that started at 49 and felt like the upper 30s.

Notre Dame will face either Ohio State or Texas in the CFP national championship game on Jan. 20. Penn State opens its 2025 season at home against Nevada on Aug. 30.

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Penn State quarterback Drew Allar said he was trying to throw the ball into the ground. Notre Dame defensive back Christian Gray dove for it anyway and — luck of the Irish — the ball ended up right in his hands.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">TEAM GLORY ☘️ ORANGE BOWL CHAMPIONS <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoIrish?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoIrish</a> <a href="https://t.co/CbqnL8fYTG">pic.twitter.com/CbqnL8fYTG</a>&mdash; Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/NDFootball/status/1877584129094484314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">2025 ORANGE BOWL CHAMPIONS<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoIrish?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoIrish</a> <a href="https://t.co/V6Q4YLQA5h">pic.twitter.com/V6Q4YLQA5h</a>&mdash; Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/NDFootball/status/1877570838897029277?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A few seconds later, Gray and Notre Dame found themselves with a spot in the national title game after a thrill-a-minute 27-24 victory Thursday night in the Orange Bowl.Gray's snag of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/drew-allar-penn-state-cfp-orange-bowl-3cb58be7733cc04cd3888c23ab831695">Allar's ill-advised pass</a>&nbsp;across the middle at the Penn State 42 with 33 seconds left, set up a 19-yard drive that ended with Mitch Jeter's winning 41-yard field goal.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">GOOD FROM 4️⃣1️⃣ MITCH JETER IS CLUTCH. MR. JANUARY. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoIrish?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoIrish</a> <a href="https://t.co/W3HO408OHQ">pic.twitter.com/W3HO408OHQ</a>&mdash; Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/NDFootball/status/1877569954662293539?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Irish (14-1), seeded seventh in this, the first 12-team college playoff, will have a chance to bring their 12th title and first since 1988 back under the Golden Dome with a game Jan. 20 in Atlanta. Their opponent will be the winner Friday night of the Texas-Ohio State semifinal in the Cotton Bowl.“Just catch the ball. Just catch the ball,” Gray said about his interception. “That was going through my mind and I knew I was going to make a play.”<h2>Penn State QB was trying to throw it away</h2>Allar explained he saw his first two options covered on the play, then wanted to throw the ball into the dirt. But the throw, under pressure and across his body, didn't have enough zip on it to reach either receiver Omari Evans or the ground before Gray slid in.“Honestly, I was trying to ‘dirt’ it at his feet,” said the junior quarterback. “I should’ve thrown it away when I saw the first two progressions were not open. I didn’t execute.”It was the most memorable play of a game that was the best of what's been a sleepy few weeks of playoff football. It featured three ties and three lead changes, along with 31 points in the fourth quarter alone.In the final, Irish coach Marcus Freeman will try to become&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/black-coaches-franklin-freeman-playoff-522b80d7553d3494889f9b0e8da5539a">the first Black coach to win the title at college</a>&nbsp;football’s highest level. Freeman, whose mother is South Korean, also is the first coach of Asian heritage to get this far.“We found a way to make a play when it mattered the most,” Freeman said. “In my opinion, great teams, great programs, find a way to do that.”Penn State coach James Franklin fell to 4-20 with the Nittany Lions against teams ranked in the AP Top 10. The sixth-seeded Nittany Lions ended the season at 13-3.“Everyone wants to look at a specific play,” Franklin said. “But there's probably eight to 12 plays in that game that could have made a difference. I'm not going to call out specific plays or specific players. There are a ton of plays where we could have done better.”<h2>Hit on Leonard shook up the QB and shook up the Irish</h2>Notre Dame quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/notre-dame-riley-leonard-4fb493f918fcf60876e38e42b9134b00">Riley Leonard shook off a hit</a>&nbsp;late in the second quarter that sent him to the medical tent to be checked for a concussion. He came back and led the Irish on four scoring drives in the second half, including the last one.“He’s a competitor and competitors find a way to win, and that’s what Riley does," Freeman said. "That’s what this team does.”Leonard finished with 223 yards passing, including a key 10-yard dart to Jaden Greathouse to convert third-and-3 on the last drive. Leonard also had 35 yards rushing, and passed and ran for a score each.With 4:38 left in the game, the senior quarterback hit Greathouse for a 54-yard score to tie it at 24 after a defender slipped.The game started slow (and boring), but Riley’s injury injected life into things. He led Notre Dame on TD drives of 75 and 72 yards in the third quarter to take a 17-10 lead.At that point, the fun was just getting started.Penn State had its chances, and Allar, considered a first-round pick by some if he leaves for the NFL, will spend the offseason reliving that last throw — or trying to forget it.Penn State forced a Notre Dame punt and looked assured of at least going to overtime when they took over at their 15 with 47 seconds left.After a gain of 13, Allar dropped to pass and had pressure coming. He threw across his body to the middle of the field, where Gray dove for the pick.A review showed it was a catch, and the Irish were onto the next step on a road that looked all but impossible when they fell 16-14 to Northern Illinois back in September.“To see how far we’ve come after the hiccup early on, just to know that we have one more guaranteed, one last one guaranteed, it’s just so exciting,” Notre Dame linebacker Jack Kiser said.Nick Singleton ran for 84 yards and all three Penn State touchdowns. Off target for much of the day, Allar finished 12 for 23 for 135 yards with the interception.“He's hurting right now. He should be. We're all hurting,” Franklin said.The quarterback didn't duck questions about the play or his role in the loss.“We didn’t win the game so it wasn't good enough, it’s plain and simple,” Allar said. “I’ll try to learn from it, do everything in my power to get better and just grow from it.”<h2>Cameo from Notre Dame's backup</h2>When Leonard went out, backup Steve Angeli came in and injected life into the Fighting Irish offense on the way to its first score.Angelli went 6 for 7 for 44 yards and moved Notre Dame to field goal range to trim its deficit to 10-3 just before halftime.“We have a lot of confidence in Steve,” Freeman said when asked why he allowed the Irish to play aggressively when he entered.<h2>Chilly Orange Bowl</h2>The kickoff temperature was 56 degrees, unseasonably cool for South Florida — and making it the second-coldest Orange Bowl ever, next to the Georgia Tech-Iowa game in 2010 that started at 49 and felt like the upper 30s.<h2>Up next</h2>Notre Dame will face either Ohio State or Texas in the CFP national championship game on Jan. 20. Penn State opens its 2025 season at home against Nevada on Aug. 30.

🏈 Notre Dame gets late field goal to make title game with win over Penn State

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College athletic department has announced that Dayana Acevedo Trent has been named the 14th head coach of the Blue Dragon volleyball program.

Acevedo Trent comes to Hutchinson after a highly successful four-year stint at Odessa College. Acevedo Trent had a four-year record of 98-29. She also had a successful run as an assistant at Iowa Western Community College.

“When I played at Iowa Western, Hutchinson was always one of those teams to beat,” Acevedo Trent said. “Every single sport is competitive here and this community really cares about athletics. So when the opportunity came up, it just made sense.

“I’m very excited and humbled to be the new volleyball head coach at Hutchinson Community College.”

Odessa was Acevedo Trent’s first head coaching position. She posted a 15-7 record and advanced to the Region 5 Tournament semifinals in her first season in 2021. OC had three all-conference selections in her first season.

The Wranglers improved by 10 wins in the 2022 season and made it all the way to the Region 5 Tournament championship match where the Wranglers lost to New Mexico Military in five sets.

Acevedo Trent’s third Odessa team in 2023 made a three-win improvement, but broke through in the Region 5 Tournament, defeating New Mexico Junior College in five sets in the championship match to earn the region’s automatic berth into the NJCAA national tournament. The Wranglers dropped a pair of five-set matches in the 2023 national tournament, which was played at the Sports Arena.

This past season, the Wranglers posted a 30-10 overall record. OC won its second-straight Region 5 Tournament championship to advance to nationals. Odessa wound up placing 10th in the 2024 national tournament with a 2-2 record.

Acevedo Trent mentored 15 all-conference/region players, including two-time WJCAC Setter of the Year Jade Cuya (2023 and 2024), 2024 Defensive Player of the year Mana Kaneko and 2023 Newcomer of the Year Devyn Lewis.

Cuya was a second-team NJCAA All-American in 2024.

“Dayana's experience as an assistant coach at Iowa Western and head coach at Odessa has prepared her to elevate Blue Dragon Volleyball on a conference, region and national level,” Blue Dragon athletic  director Josh Gooch said. “Coach Acevedo Trent has earned a reputation as a great recruiter and developer of talent.  I look forward to welcoming her and her husband Alex to our Hutchinson community.”

Before becoming the head coach at Odessa, Acevedo Trent served as the head assistant coach at Iowa Western Community College. From the 2016 to 2020 seasons, Acevedo Trent helped the Reivers to a combined 171-25 record and five NJCAA National Tournament appearances. IWCC finished second in 2016, third in 2018, fifth in 2019 and win the national championship in the 2020/21 season.

Acevedo Trent’s playing collegiate career had stops at Iowa Western and the University of Texas-El Paso.

Playing at Iowa Western in the 2011 and 2012 seasons, Acevedo Trent amassed 1,418 total digs in two seasons which ranks her third on the Reiver career charts. She earned multiple honors including become a two-time NJCAA Division I All-American first team and two-time AVCA All-American first team, two-time All-Region first team and a two-time Academic All-Region first team recipient. Iowa Western won a combined 90 matches with two national tournament appearances during Acevedo Trent’s playing tenure.

At UTEP in 2013 and 2014, Acevedo Trent played in 181 sets with 509 digs and 39 service aces.

Originally from Naranjito, Puerto Rico, Acevedo Trent has an associate's degree in General Studies from Iowa Western Community College and a bachelor's degree in Psychology from UTEP.

DAYANA ACEVEDO TRENT’S YEAR-BY-YEAR RECORDS

2021       Odessa                 15-7               Region 5 semifinals

2022       Odessa                 25-8               Region 5 runner-up

2023       Odessa                 28-8               Region 5 Champion; NJCAA Tournament qualifier

2024       Odessa                 30-10             Region 5 Champion; 10th Place in NJCAA Tournament

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736474668428.jpeg" alt="Acevedo Trent" />
 <figcaption>Acevedo Trent</figcaption>
 </figure>HutchCC Sports InformationHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College athletic department has announced that Dayana Acevedo Trent has been named the 14th head coach of the Blue Dragon volleyball program.Acevedo Trent comes to Hutchinson after a highly successful four-year stint at Odessa College. Acevedo Trent had a four-year record of 98-29. She also had a successful run as an assistant at Iowa Western Community College.“When I played at Iowa Western, Hutchinson was always one of those teams to beat,” Acevedo Trent said. “Every single sport is competitive here and this community really cares about athletics. So when the opportunity came up, it just made sense.“I’m very excited and humbled to be the new volleyball head coach at Hutchinson Community College.”Odessa was Acevedo Trent’s first head coaching position. She posted a 15-7 record and advanced to the Region 5 Tournament semifinals in her first season in 2021. OC had three all-conference selections in her first season.The Wranglers improved by 10 wins in the 2022 season and made it all the way to the Region 5 Tournament championship match where the Wranglers lost to New Mexico Military in five sets.Acevedo Trent’s third Odessa team in 2023 made a three-win improvement, but broke through in the Region 5 Tournament, defeating New Mexico Junior College in five sets in the championship match to earn the region’s automatic berth into the NJCAA national tournament. The Wranglers dropped a pair of five-set matches in the 2023 national tournament, which was played at the Sports Arena.This past season, the Wranglers posted a 30-10 overall record. OC won its second-straight Region 5 Tournament championship to advance to nationals. Odessa wound up placing 10th in the 2024 national tournament with a 2-2 record.Acevedo Trent mentored 15 all-conference/region players, including two-time WJCAC Setter of the Year Jade Cuya (2023 and 2024), 2024 Defensive Player of the year Mana Kaneko and 2023 Newcomer of the Year Devyn Lewis.Cuya was a second-team NJCAA All-American in 2024.“Dayana's experience as an assistant coach at Iowa Western and head coach at Odessa has prepared her to elevate Blue Dragon Volleyball on a conference, region and national level,” Blue Dragon athletic director Josh Gooch said. “Coach Acevedo Trent has earned a reputation as a great recruiter and developer of talent. I look forward to welcoming her and her husband Alex to our Hutchinson community.”Before becoming the head coach at Odessa, Acevedo Trent served as the head assistant coach at Iowa Western Community College. From the 2016 to 2020 seasons, Acevedo Trent helped the Reivers to a combined 171-25 record and five NJCAA National Tournament appearances. IWCC finished second in 2016, third in 2018, fifth in 2019 and win the national championship in the 2020/21 season.Acevedo Trent’s playing collegiate career had stops at Iowa Western and the University of Texas-El Paso.Playing at Iowa Western in the 2011 and 2012 seasons, Acevedo Trent amassed 1,418 total digs in two seasons which ranks her third on the Reiver career charts. She earned multiple honors including become a two-time NJCAA Division I All-American first team and two-time AVCA All-American first team, two-time All-Region first team and a two-time Academic All-Region first team recipient. Iowa Western won a combined 90 matches with two national tournament appearances during Acevedo Trent’s playing tenure.At UTEP in 2013 and 2014, Acevedo Trent played in 181 sets with 509 digs and 39 service aces.Originally from Naranjito, Puerto Rico, Acevedo Trent has an associate's degree in General Studies from Iowa Western Community College and a bachelor's degree in Psychology from UTEP.DAYANA ACEVEDO TRENT’S YEAR-BY-YEAR RECORDS2021 Odessa 15-7 Region 5 semifinals2022 Odessa 25-8 Region 5 runner-up2023 Odessa 28-8 Region 5 Champion; NJCAA Tournament qualifier2024 Odessa 30-10 Region 5 Champion; 10th Place in NJCAA Tournament

🏐 Acevedo Trent named Blue Dragon volleyball head coach

NHL postpones LA Kings' home game against Calgary due to wildfires while NFL, NBA monitor situation

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The NHL postponed the Los Angeles Kings' home game against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday with several massive wildfires still burning across the greater Los Angeles area. The Kings and Flames were scheduled to play Wednesday night at the Kings' downtown arena. The NBA's Los Angeles Lakers are scheduled to host the Charlotte Hornets in the same arena on Thursday night. The NFL is also monitoring the potential impact of the fires on the two Los Angeles teams' playoff preparations and the Rams' wild-card postseason game against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night at SoFi Stadium.

Cavaliers beat Thunder 129-122 to end OKC's 15-game winning streak in matchup of NBA's top teams

CLEVELAND (AP) — Jarrett Allen scored 25 points, Evan Mobley added 21 and the Cleveland Cavaliers ended Oklahoma City's 15-game winning streak by beating the Thunder 129-122 in a marquee meeting between the NBA's top two teams. The Cavs extended their winning streak to 11, improved the league's best record to 32-4 and moved to 19-1 at home. They did it on an off night for leading scorer Donovan Mitchell, who had just 11 points on 3 of 16 shooting. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 and Jalen Williams 25 for the Thunder, who lost for the first time since Dec. 1. Darius Garland added 18 points and Max Strus 17 for Cleveland.

Inside the numbers of Cleveland's 129-122 win over Oklahoma City

CLEVELAND (AP) — The most-hyped game so far this season in the NBA didn't disappoint. Cleveland beat Oklahoma City 129-122 on Wednesday night, with the Cavaliers — now winners of 11 straight — pushing the NBA's best record to 32-4 and snapping the Thunder's 15-game winning streak. It was the first time in NBA history that a team with a winning streak of at least 15 games faced a team with a streak of at least 10 straight wins.

Penn State coach James Franklin calls for college football to have uniformity

DANIA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The Big Ten plays nine conference games in football. So does the Big 12. The Southeastern Conference and the Atlantic Coast Conference are among those playing eight-game league schedules. The Mountain West played a seven-game league slate. Notre Dame doesn't have a league. Enough, Penn State coach James Franklin says. Franklin said Wednesday on the eve of his team's matchup with Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff semifinals at the Orange Bowl that the sport needs uniformity.

Briefly a Buckeye, Texas QB Quinn Ewers returned to his roots to lead Longhorns' resurgence

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas quarterback and Texas native Quinn Ewers once played for Ohio State. After spending a semester deep on the depth chart in Columbus, Ewers headed back home to become the leader of Steve Sarkisian's rebuilding project with the Longhorns. Ewers and Texas will face his former team on Friday at the Cotton Bowl in a College Football Playoff semifinal. The winner advances to the national championship game.

Texas and Ohio State arrive for CFP semifinal at Cotton Bowl ahead of a winter storm

GRAPEVINE, Texas (AP) — Texas and Ohio State arrived for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at the Cotton Bowl before the snow expected to hit the North Texas area. Both teams got into the Dallas area as scheduled Wednesday, a day before an expected winter storm forecast to bring 2 to 4 inches of snow on Thursday, along with sleet and rain. That is a day before the game that will be played inside at AT&amp;T Stadium, the home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys. With the roof closed Friday night, there will be no direct impact on the outcome of the game that will determine which team advanced to the national title game.

A plot twist from what college football has become: A player who stayed

DANIA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — When Penn State moved a different linebacker into what had been Tyler Elsdon's starting spot, Elsdon made a choice that doesn't really fit into the storyline college football has been selling these days. He stayed right where he was. In an era in which NIL money, playing time and the promise of the transfer portal are a phone call away, Penn State's fifth-year senior decided to stay because he feels loyal to his teammates and loves his school. Elsdon and the Nittany Lions take on Notre Dame on Thursday in the College Football Playoff semifinals.

Sinner, Djokovic in opposite halves at the Australian Open, Sabalenka vs Stephens in 1st round

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Defending champion Jannik Sinner and 10-time Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic have landed in opposite sides of the draw for the season's first major, ruling out a replay of last year's semifinal encounter. Sinner upset Djokovic in the semifinals in Melbourne last year before coming back to beat Daniil Medvedev in the final for his first Grand Slam singles title. Aryna Sabalenka will be attempting to win a third consecutive women's singles title at Melbourne Park, something last accomplished by Martina Hingis from 1997 to 1999. Sabalenka drew a tough opening match against 2017 U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens.

At the end of another stellar season, Ravens' Lamar Jackson will still face doubters in the playoffs

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens return to the postseason with a lot of the same strengths they had a year ago. That's when they hosted Kansas City in the AFC championship game but couldn't overcome the Chiefs. This time Baltimore will need two wins just to reach that round. As the No. 3 seed in the conference, the Ravens face Pittsburgh on Saturday night. And it goes without saying that their star quarterback is under pressure to deliver. Jackson recently became the first quarterback in NFL history to pass for at least 4,000 yards and rush for at least 900 in one season. Now a different stat hangs over him. That's his 2-4 record in playoff games.

		Calgary	at	Los Angeles	10:30 p.m.	(Postponed)

Final	(10)Texas A&amp;M	80	(17)Oklahoma	78	

		(3)Notre Dame	at	(5)Penn St.	7:30 p.m.	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Thursday, January 9th, 2025" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Thursday, January 9th, 2025</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for January 9th, 2025:NHL postpones LA Kings' home game against Calgary due to wildfires while NFL, NBA monitor situationLOS ANGELES (AP) — The NHL postponed the Los Angeles Kings' home game against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday with several massive wildfires still burning across the greater Los Angeles area. The Kings and Flames were scheduled to play Wednesday night at the Kings' downtown arena. The NBA's Los Angeles Lakers are scheduled to host the Charlotte Hornets in the same arena on Thursday night. The NFL is also monitoring the potential impact of the fires on the two Los Angeles teams' playoff preparations and the Rams' wild-card postseason game against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night at SoFi Stadium.Cavaliers beat Thunder 129-122 to end OKC's 15-game winning streak in matchup of NBA's top teamsCLEVELAND (AP) — Jarrett Allen scored 25 points, Evan Mobley added 21 and the Cleveland Cavaliers ended Oklahoma City's 15-game winning streak by beating the Thunder 129-122 in a marquee meeting between the NBA's top two teams. The Cavs extended their winning streak to 11, improved the league's best record to 32-4 and moved to 19-1 at home. They did it on an off night for leading scorer Donovan Mitchell, who had just 11 points on 3 of 16 shooting. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 and Jalen Williams 25 for the Thunder, who lost for the first time since Dec. 1. Darius Garland added 18 points and Max Strus 17 for Cleveland.Doping clouds tennis talk at the Australian Open with Sinner and Swiatek facing scrutinyMELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Doping is a topic that shadowed tennis in 2024 and is sure to be a talking point as the 2025 Grand Slam season gets going at the Australian Open. Play starts at Melbourne Park on Sunday, which is Saturday in the United States. Defending men's champion Jannik Sinner and No. 2 women's seed Iga Swiatek both failed drug tests last season. Sinner was exonerated although the World Anti-Doping Agency has appealed that ruling and a final decision is not expected before next month. Swiatek accepted a one-month ban that was partly served in the offseason.Inside the numbers of Cleveland's 129-122 win over Oklahoma CityCLEVELAND (AP) — The most-hyped game so far this season in the NBA didn't disappoint. Cleveland beat Oklahoma City 129-122 on Wednesday night, with the Cavaliers — now winners of 11 straight — pushing the NBA's best record to 32-4 and snapping the Thunder's 15-game winning streak. It was the first time in NBA history that a team with a winning streak of at least 15 games faced a team with a streak of at least 10 straight wins.Penn State coach James Franklin calls for college football to have uniformityDANIA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The Big Ten plays nine conference games in football. So does the Big 12. The Southeastern Conference and the Atlantic Coast Conference are among those playing eight-game league schedules. The Mountain West played a seven-game league slate. Notre Dame doesn't have a league. Enough, Penn State coach James Franklin says. Franklin said Wednesday on the eve of his team's matchup with Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff semifinals at the Orange Bowl that the sport needs uniformity.Briefly a Buckeye, Texas QB Quinn Ewers returned to his roots to lead Longhorns' resurgenceAUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas quarterback and Texas native Quinn Ewers once played for Ohio State. After spending a semester deep on the depth chart in Columbus, Ewers headed back home to become the leader of Steve Sarkisian's rebuilding project with the Longhorns. Ewers and Texas will face his former team on Friday at the Cotton Bowl in a College Football Playoff semifinal. The winner advances to the national championship game.Texas and Ohio State arrive for CFP semifinal at Cotton Bowl ahead of a winter stormGRAPEVINE, Texas (AP) — Texas and Ohio State arrived for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at the Cotton Bowl before the snow expected to hit the North Texas area. Both teams got into the Dallas area as scheduled Wednesday, a day before an expected winter storm forecast to bring 2 to 4 inches of snow on Thursday, along with sleet and rain. That is a day before the game that will be played inside at AT&amp;T Stadium, the home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys. With the roof closed Friday night, there will be no direct impact on the outcome of the game that will determine which team advanced to the national title game.A plot twist from what college football has become: A player who stayedDANIA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — When Penn State moved a different linebacker into what had been Tyler Elsdon's starting spot, Elsdon made a choice that doesn't really fit into the storyline college football has been selling these days. He stayed right where he was. In an era in which NIL money, playing time and the promise of the transfer portal are a phone call away, Penn State's fifth-year senior decided to stay because he feels loyal to his teammates and loves his school. Elsdon and the Nittany Lions take on Notre Dame on Thursday in the College Football Playoff semifinals.Sinner, Djokovic in opposite halves at the Australian Open, Sabalenka vs Stephens in 1st roundMELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Defending champion Jannik Sinner and 10-time Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic have landed in opposite sides of the draw for the season's first major, ruling out a replay of last year's semifinal encounter. Sinner upset Djokovic in the semifinals in Melbourne last year before coming back to beat Daniil Medvedev in the final for his first Grand Slam singles title. Aryna Sabalenka will be attempting to win a third consecutive women's singles title at Melbourne Park, something last accomplished by Martina Hingis from 1997 to 1999. Sabalenka drew a tough opening match against 2017 U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens.At the end of another stellar season, Ravens' Lamar Jackson will still face doubters in the playoffsOWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens return to the postseason with a lot of the same strengths they had a year ago. That's when they hosted Kansas City in the AFC championship game but couldn't overcome the Chiefs. This time Baltimore will need two wins just to reach that round. As the No. 3 seed in the conference, the Ravens face Pittsburgh on Saturday night. And it goes without saying that their star quarterback is under pressure to deliver. Jackson recently became the first quarterback in NFL history to pass for at least 4,000 yards and rush for at least 900 in one season. Now a different stat hangs over him. That's his 2-4 record in playoff games.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Indiana	129	Chicago	113	Final	Philadelphia	109	Washington	103	Final	Cleveland	129	Oklahoma City	122	Final	Detroit	113	Brooklyn	98	Final	New York	112	Toronto	98	Final	Portland	119	New Orleans	100	Final	Denver	126	L.A. Clippers	103	Final	Milwaukee	121	San Antonio	105	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE		Calgary	at	Los Angeles	10:30 p.m.	(Postponed)Final	Chicago	3	Colorado	1	Final OT	Washington	2	Vancouver	1	Final	Florida	4	Utah	1	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	(5)Alabama	88	South Carolina	68	Final	Villanova	68	(9)UConn	66	Final	(10)Texas A&amp;M	80	(17)Oklahoma	78	Final	(11)Kansas	74	Arizona St.	55	Final	(13)Illinois	91	Penn St.	52	Final	(18)Gonzaga	93	San Diego	80	Final	(23)Mississippi	73	Arkansas	66	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Golden State	at	Detroit	7 p.m.			Minnesota	at	Orlando	7 p.m.			Toronto	at	Cleveland	7 p.m.			Houston	at	Memphis	8 p.m.			Portland	at	Dallas	8:30 p.m.			Atlanta	at	Phoenix	9 p.m.			Miami	at	Utah	9 p.m.			Charlotte	at	L.A. Lakers	10:30 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE		Boston	at	Tampa Bay	7 p.m.			Buffalo	at	Ottawa	7 p.m.			Dallas	at	Philadelphia	7 p.m.			Edmonton	at	Pittsburgh	7 p.m.			New Jersey	at	N-Y Rangers	7 p.m.			Seattle	at	Columbus	7 p.m.			Toronto	at	Carolina	7:30 p.m.			Anaheim	at	St. Louis	8 p.m.			Colorado	at	Minnesota	8 p.m.			N-Y Islanders	at	Vegas	10 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALL		(3)Notre Dame	at	(5)Penn St.	7:30 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL		(15)Oregon	at	Ohio St.	6 p.m.			Washington	at	(16)Michigan St.	8 p.m.			(20)Purdue	at	Rutgers	6 p.m.	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Thursday

<a href="https://www.chiefs.com/news/three-chiefs-named-to-nflpa-all-pro-team">Chiefs.com</a>

Three members of the Kansas City Chiefs landed on the third-annual NFL Players Association All-Pro Team on Wednesday as defensive tackle Chris Jones, left guard Joe Thuney and center Creed Humphrey each checked in on the all-star squad.

<a href="https://www.chiefs.com/news/three-chiefs-named-to-nflpa-all-pro-team">Chiefs.com</a>Three members of the Kansas City Chiefs landed on the third-annual NFL Players Association All-Pro Team on Wednesday as defensive tackle Chris Jones, left guard Joe Thuney and center Creed Humphrey each checked in on the all-star squad.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Creed, Chris, and Joe were recognized by their peers as the best in the game!&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1877073993364287788?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🏈 Jones, Thuney, Humphrey All-Pro

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Zeke Mayo scored 23 points and No. 11 Kansas held Arizona State to 13 in the second half of a 74-55 victory Wednesday night.

Hunter Dickinson added 15 points and 12 rebounds for the Jayhawks (11-3, 2-1 Big 12), who started the second period with a 20-3 spurt that turned a six-point deficit into an 11-point lead at the second media timeout.

Kansas outscored the Sun Devils 38-13 after halftime.

Arizona State (10-4, 1-2) didn't score its 10th point of the half until 3:09 remained. ASU was led by Alston Mason with 19 points. BJ Freeman had 10, and Jayden Quaintance added nine points and 11 rebounds.

Arizona State: The Sun Devils clearly missed co-leading scorer Joson Sanon and his 13.5 points per game. Down a player, and with Freeman picking up his fourth foul with 12:32 left, they had trouble handling Kansas’ press for most of the second half.

Kansas: The Jayhawks lost their previous home game to West Virginia, but haven’t dropped consecutive home games since losing four straight in 1988-89 as part of a seven-game losing streak in Roy Williams’ first season as coach.

Kansas trailed 42-36 at halftime, but Dickinson took a pass from Dajuan Harris and threw down a thunderous dunk over Quaintance to tie the score early in the second half. Quaintance picked up the foul and Dickinson’s free throw gave Kansas its first lead since the 8:24 mark of the first half. It was part of an 11-0 run to start the period.

Arizona State, which shot 46.7% in the first half, including 5 of 13 from 3-point territory, shot just 21.7% in the second half, including 1 of 11 from long range.

Arizona State returns home Saturday to face Baylor, while Kansas visits Cincinnati.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736426204154.jpeg" alt="Kansas guard Rylan Griffen, right, looks to shoot under pressure from Arizona State guard BJ Freeman during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas guard Rylan Griffen, right, looks to shoot under pressure from Arizona State guard BJ Freeman during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>DAVID SMALE Associated PressLAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Zeke Mayo scored 23 points and No. 11 Kansas held Arizona State to 13 in the second half of a 74-55 victory Wednesday night.Hunter Dickinson added 15 points and 12 rebounds for the Jayhawks (11-3, 2-1 Big 12), who started the second period with a 20-3 spurt that turned a six-point deficit into an 11-point lead at the second media timeout.Kansas outscored the Sun Devils 38-13 after halftime.Arizona State (10-4, 1-2) didn't score its 10th point of the half until 3:09 remained. ASU was led by Alston Mason with 19 points. BJ Freeman had 10, and Jayden Quaintance added nine points and 11 rebounds.<h2>Takeaways</h2>Arizona State: The Sun Devils clearly missed co-leading scorer Joson Sanon and his 13.5 points per game. Down a player, and with Freeman picking up his fourth foul with 12:32 left, they had trouble handling Kansas’ press for most of the second half.Kansas: The Jayhawks lost their previous home game to West Virginia, but haven’t dropped consecutive home games since losing four straight in 1988-89 as part of a seven-game losing streak in Roy Williams’ first season as coach.<h2>Key moment</h2>Kansas trailed 42-36 at halftime, but Dickinson took a pass from Dajuan Harris and threw down a thunderous dunk over Quaintance to tie the score early in the second half. Quaintance picked up the foul and Dickinson’s free throw gave Kansas its first lead since the 8:24 mark of the first half. It was part of an 11-0 run to start the period.<h2>Key stat</h2>Arizona State, which shot 46.7% in the first half, including 5 of 13 from 3-point territory, shot just 21.7% in the second half, including 1 of 11 from long range.<h2>Up next</h2>Arizona State returns home Saturday to face Baylor, while Kansas visits Cincinnati.

🏀 KU wins Wednesday over Sun Devils

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Eight Kansas State football players were honored for their work in the classroom as the group was named Academic All-District performers by College Sports Communicators (CSC).

Tight end Will Anciaux, running back Dylan Edwards, offensive lineman Sam Hecht, quarterback Avery Johnson, offensive lineman Easton Kilty, linebacker Austin Moore, defensive end Brendan Mott and linebacker Austin Romaine each picked up the honor. Moore and Mott were each honored for the third time in their careers.

The 2024 Academic All‐District Football Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation's top student‐athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All‐America program separately recognizes football honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA.

Of K-State's eight All-District honorees, Kilty, Moore, Mott and Romaine will advance to the national ballot for Academic All-America honors to be voted on by CSC members. First-, second- and third-team Academic All-America honorees will be announced January 28.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644928482119.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>K-State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan. — Eight Kansas State football players were honored for their work in the classroom as the group was named Academic All-District performers by College Sports Communicators (CSC).Tight end Will Anciaux, running back Dylan Edwards, offensive lineman Sam Hecht, quarterback Avery Johnson, offensive lineman Easton Kilty, linebacker Austin Moore, defensive end Brendan Mott and linebacker Austin Romaine each picked up the honor. Moore and Mott were each honored for the third time in their careers.The 2024 Academic All‐District Football Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation's top student‐athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All‐America program separately recognizes football honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA.Of K-State's eight All-District honorees, Kilty, Moore, Mott and Romaine will advance to the national ballot for Academic All-America honors to be voted on by CSC members. First-, second- and third-team Academic All-America honorees will be announced January 28.

🏈 Eight Wildcats are Academic All-District

EL DORADO, Kan. — Hutchinson (10-5, 6-3) only surrendered the lead to No. 5 Butler (12-3, 7-2) for 10 seconds Wednesday night.

Fresh off last Saturday's 70-62 victory over No. 6 Cowley, the Dragons continued their second-semester dominance with a 73-70 win at the Power Plant.

Hutchinson took a six-point advantage into the break and pushed that lead to double digits early in the second half.

The Dragons held a four-point advantage and their breath as leading scorer Quez Thornton was sidelined with an injury with 10:12 left to play.

Thornton did not return and finished the game with 11 points.

Bo Aldridge led the Dragons with 22 points and 11 rebounds.

DJ Dudley added another 11 as Hutchinson held off a late Butler push.

Clinging to a three-point lead, Hutchinson turned the ball over to full-court pressure.

Josiah Kirkwood stole an inbound pass and scored a quick layup with 9.8 seconds remaining.

Hutchinson safely inbounded the ball after its final timeout and Butler was forced to foul.

Mikhail Abdul-Hamid hit both free throws to put Hutchinson back up three.

Without timeouts, Kirkwood pushed the ball down the floor and tried a quick layup. Kobe Smith rebounded the miss and time expired.

Former Blue Dragon Russell Branch led Butler with 18 points.

The Dragons led for 38 minutes and 53 seconds in a game that was tied once with two lead changes.

Hutchinson is on the road Saturday at Pratt for a 4 p.m. tipoff.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736401436219.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>EL DORADO, Kan. — Hutchinson (10-5, 6-3) only surrendered the lead to No. 5 Butler (12-3, 7-2) for 10 seconds Wednesday night.Fresh off last Saturday's 70-62 victory over No. 6 Cowley, the Dragons continued their second-semester dominance with a 73-70 win at the Power Plant.Hutchinson took a six-point advantage into the break and pushed that lead to double digits early in the second half.The Dragons held a four-point advantage and their breath as leading scorer Quez Thornton was sidelined with an injury with 10:12 left to play.Thornton did not return and finished the game with 11 points.Bo Aldridge led the Dragons with 22 points and 11 rebounds.DJ Dudley added another 11 as Hutchinson held off a late Butler push.Clinging to a three-point lead, Hutchinson turned the ball over to full-court pressure.Josiah Kirkwood stole an inbound pass and scored a quick layup with 9.8 seconds remaining.Hutchinson safely inbounded the ball after its final timeout and Butler was forced to foul.Mikhail Abdul-Hamid hit both free throws to put Hutchinson back up three.Without timeouts, Kirkwood pushed the ball down the floor and tried a quick layup. Kobe Smith rebounded the miss and time expired.FINAL: Hutchinson 73 Butler 70Former Blue Dragon Russell Branch led Butler with 18 points.The Dragons led for 38 minutes and 53 seconds in a game that was tied once with two lead changes.Hutchinson is on the road Saturday at Pratt for a 4 p.m. tipoff.

🏀 MBB: Dragons topple another Top 10 opponent

EL DORADO, Kan. — No. 1 Hutchinson (15-0, 9-0) used clutch free-throw shooting in the final 13 seconds to fend off Butler (11-3, 6-3) and hand the Grizzlies their first loss at home this season.

Hailey Jackson and Jada Pleasant went 4-of-4 from the charity stripe in the final seconds to secure Hutchinson's 57-53 victory.

The Dragons led by as many as nine in the first half and took a 25-17 advantage into halftime.

Butler quickly erased that lead with an 8-0 run to open the third quarter.

The Grizzlies then used a six-point possession to build a four-point advantage late in the third.

Katie Duncan was called for her second foul and slammed the ball to the floor in frustration.

Butler made the technical free throws and bonus free throws before Kenzie Galliart capped off the opportunity with a layup.

Hutchinson regained a two-point lead headed into the final frame.

The game featured eight lead changes and eight ties, despite the Dragons leading for 29 minutes and four seconds.

A Keegan Yarick basket with 14 seconds left pulled Butler within two before Hutchinson iced the game at the line.

The Dragons have won 52-games straight, 37 in conference play.

Jackson led the Dragons with 17 points and six rebounds.

Landon Forbes added 10 points while Madi Denison scored eight and pulled down 11 rebounds.

Yarick and Galliart combined for 35 points.

Hutchinson is on the road Saturday at Pratt for a 2 p.m. tipoff.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736401387430.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>EL DORADO, Kan. — No. 1 Hutchinson (15-0, 9-0) used clutch free-throw shooting in the final 13 seconds to fend off Butler (11-3, 6-3) and hand the Grizzlies their first loss at home this season.Hailey Jackson and Jada Pleasant went 4-of-4 from the charity stripe in the final seconds to secure Hutchinson's 57-53 victory.The Dragons led by as many as nine in the first half and took a 25-17 advantage into halftime.Butler quickly erased that lead with an 8-0 run to open the third quarter.The Grizzlies then used a six-point possession to build a four-point advantage late in the third.Katie Duncan was called for her second foul and slammed the ball to the floor in frustration.Butler made the technical free throws and bonus free throws before Kenzie Galliart capped off the opportunity with a layup.Hutchinson regained a two-point lead headed into the final frame.The game featured eight lead changes and eight ties, despite the Dragons leading for 29 minutes and four seconds.A Keegan Yarick basket with 14 seconds left pulled Butler within two before Hutchinson iced the game at the line.FINAL: Hutchinson 57 Butler 53The Dragons have won 52-games straight, 37 in conference play.Jackson led the Dragons with 17 points and six rebounds.Landon Forbes added 10 points while Madi Denison scored eight and pulled down 11 rebounds.Yarick and Galliart combined for 35 points.Hutchinson is on the road Saturday at Pratt for a 2 p.m. tipoff.

🏀 WBB: Dragons lifted by late free throws

The NFL announced on Wednesday that Travis Kelce has won the 2024 Nationwide Charity Challenge. Kelce, a two-time Man of the Year nominee, previously won the Charity Challenge in 2020-21.

In recognition of this year's win, Nationwide has awarded a $35,000 donation to Kelce's foundation, 87 &amp; Running. As the second and third place finishers, Dion Dawkins and Mike Evans' charities of choice also received donations of $10,000 and $5,000, respectively, courtesy of Nationwide.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736360693232.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The NFL announced on Wednesday that Travis Kelce has won the 2024 Nationwide Charity Challenge. Kelce, a two-time Man of the Year nominee, previously won the Charity Challenge in 2020-21.In recognition of this year's win, Nationwide has awarded a $35,000 donation to Kelce's foundation, 87 &amp; Running. As the second and third place finishers, Dion Dawkins and Mike Evans' charities of choice also received donations of $10,000 and $5,000, respectively, courtesy of Nationwide.

🏈 Kelce wins Charity Challenge

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Kansas student-athletes established a new department record with a combined 3.45 grade point average this past fall, surging past the 3.40 they posted in the spring of 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736360523186.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy KU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. — Kansas student-athletes established a new department record with a combined 3.45 grade point average this past fall, surging past the 3.40 they posted in the spring of 2024.For each of the last five semesters, student-athletes have either tied or broken the department record. Beginning with a 3.33 GPA in the Fall 2022 semester and continuing through the Fall 2024 semester, Kansas student-athletes have continued to elevate the department's GPA each semester with a record-breaking effort."Our student-athletes continue to inspire us all with their remarkable performance in the classroom," Director of Athletics Travis Goff said. "Each semester, they have found a way to raise an already exceptionally high bar and elevate our department to unprecedented heights. During a transformative time in college athletics, our student-athletes, academic staff and coaches have remained committed to excellence in the classroom."Kansas had 109 student-athletes achieve a perfect 4.0 GPA for the Fall 2024 semester. Additionally, 82 percent of student-athletes earned a spot on the Athletic Director's Honor Roll and 334 student-athletes posted a 3.00-3.99 GPA.Eight sport programs set or tied a program record GPA for the Fall 2024 semester. Women's basketball (3.67), football (3.24), men's golf (3.66), rowing (3.54, ties non-COVID era program record), softball (3.48), men's track &amp; field (3.28, ties non-COVID era program record), men's cross country (3.57) and women's track &amp; field (3.53, ties non-COVID era program record) each claimed a high mark in the classroom. For a record sixth-straight semester, all teams reached a 3.0 or higher term GPA. Women's golf led all programs with a 3.81 GPA.