WICHITA, Kan. — South Florida led from start to finish in a resounding 91-72 win in Wichita State's American Athletic Conference home opener Monday night in Charles Koch Arena.

Wichita State (10-5, 0-2) surrendered 90-plus points for the second straight game and allowed the Bulls to shoot 57 percent from the field, a season high for an opponent.

South Florida outscored the Shockers by 27 beyond the arc where the Bulls converted 12-of-26 attempts (46 percent) compared to just 3-of-20 (15 percent) for Wichita State.

The Shockers had just 12 turnovers on the night, but the Bulls made them pay on every single one of them. USF scored 18 points off those miscues.

Xavier Bell scored a team-high 19 points, extending his double figure scoring streak to seven in a row. He was 5-for-9 from the field and 8-for-8 from the free throw line. Corey Washington recorded his third double-double of the season behind 15 points and 11 rebounds. He also added a career-high five steals and a pair of blocks.

Quincy Ballard came up one rebound shy of his fourth straight double-double with 13 points and 9 rebounds. Justin Hill chipped in 11 points on 3-of-14 shooting.

A sign of things to come on the night, USF scored the game's first six points in the first 30 seconds, all from Jayden Reid. Reid was fouled on a three-point attempt and then turned around with a steal and three-pointer.

A Ballard tip-in with 18:17 left in the half made it 8-5, and that's as close as it would get the rest of the night. The Bulls grabbed their first double-digit lead of the night, 18-7, with 14:15 left in the half.

With 9:10 to go until halftime, USF had already put 30 points on the board and built a 30-15 lead.

The Bulls would take a 48-30 lead into the locker room, the second largest halftime deficit of the season, trailing only the Florida game (19).

To begin the second half Wichita State came out with some energy that it didn't display in the first 20 minutes. Seven straight points cut the deficit to 11, forcing a USF timeout, but like most of the night, USF had an answer to squash any threat of a comeback.

A 7-2 spurt pushed the margin right back to 16.

Another Wichita State push had the Bulls' lead down to 10 with a chance to cut it to eight at the free throw line, but a pair of missed free throws turned into a 9-0 USF response in the blink of an eye to make it 68-49.

Wichita State's last push came with 7:42 remaining. Over the next minute, Wichita State would trim it to 10 one last time behind seven straight points on a Hill three-pointer and back-to-back scores from Harlond Beverly.

But, the Bulls would come right back with a knockout punch, scoring eight in a row, effectively putting the game on ice.

Wichita State heads to UTSA for the first time ever on Saturday, Jan. 11 for a 3 p.m. tip on ESPN+.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736251641699.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. — South Florida led from start to finish in a resounding 91-72 win in Wichita State's American Athletic Conference home opener Monday night in Charles Koch Arena.Wichita State (10-5, 0-2) surrendered 90-plus points for the second straight game and allowed the Bulls to shoot 57 percent from the field, a season high for an opponent.South Florida outscored the Shockers by 27 beyond the arc where the Bulls converted 12-of-26 attempts (46 percent) compared to just 3-of-20 (15 percent) for Wichita State.The Shockers had just 12 turnovers on the night, but the Bulls made them pay on every single one of them. USF scored 18 points off those miscues.Xavier Bell scored a team-high 19 points, extending his double figure scoring streak to seven in a row. He was 5-for-9 from the field and 8-for-8 from the free throw line. Corey Washington recorded his third double-double of the season behind 15 points and 11 rebounds. He also added a career-high five steals and a pair of blocks.Quincy Ballard came up one rebound shy of his fourth straight double-double with 13 points and 9 rebounds. Justin Hill chipped in 11 points on 3-of-14 shooting.A sign of things to come on the night, USF scored the game's first six points in the first 30 seconds, all from Jayden Reid. Reid was fouled on a three-point attempt and then turned around with a steal and three-pointer.A Ballard tip-in with 18:17 left in the half made it 8-5, and that's as close as it would get the rest of the night. The Bulls grabbed their first double-digit lead of the night, 18-7, with 14:15 left in the half.With 9:10 to go until halftime, USF had already put 30 points on the board and built a 30-15 lead.The Bulls would take a 48-30 lead into the locker room, the second largest halftime deficit of the season, trailing only the Florida game (19).To begin the second half Wichita State came out with some energy that it didn't display in the first 20 minutes. Seven straight points cut the deficit to 11, forcing a USF timeout, but like most of the night, USF had an answer to squash any threat of a comeback.A 7-2 spurt pushed the margin right back to 16.Another Wichita State push had the Bulls' lead down to 10 with a chance to cut it to eight at the free throw line, but a pair of missed free throws turned into a 9-0 USF response in the blink of an eye to make it 68-49.Wichita State's last push came with 7:42 remaining. Over the next minute, Wichita State would trim it to 10 one last time behind seven straight points on a Hill three-pointer and back-to-back scores from Harlond Beverly.But, the Bulls would come right back with a knockout punch, scoring eight in a row, effectively putting the game on ice.Up NextWichita State heads to UTSA for the first time ever on Saturday, Jan. 11 for a 3 p.m. tip on ESPN+.

🏀 Shockers lose Monday at home

NFL coaching moves: Mayo, Pederson are out of a job while Giants elect to keep Daboll

New England's Jerod Mayo and Jacksonville's Doug Pederson are two NFL coaches out of a job while New York Giants coach Brian Daboll is among those who look like they will be back next fall. It's the day after the NFL's regular season, which usually means a tough day for coaches as underachieving teams move quickly to make changes. Mayo was fired on Sunday after the team's win over the Buffalo Bills, ending his tenure after just one season and a 4-13 record. The move means the Patriots will embark on another rebuild as the team tries to build an identity following the Bill Belichick-Tom Brady era. Pederson is out as Jacksonville's head coach after the franchise won just four games.

North Dakota State wins 10th FCS title as Miller accounts for 4 TDs in 35-32 win over Montana State

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Cam Miller ran for two touchdowns and threw for two more to lead North Dakota State to its record 10th Football Championship Subdivision title. The Bison beat top-seeded and previously undefeated Montana State 35-32 on Monday night. Miller was making his 54th consecutive start for North Dakota State. The Bison played in the title game for the 11th time in 14 seasons, and have lost only one in Frisco, Texas. They last won the championship three years ago, in a game that also had Miller and Montana State's Tommy Mellott as the starting quarterbacks. Montana State's last title came 40 years ago.

Tough, old school defense a calling card for all four teams left in the national championship hunt

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Smothering defenses have carried the last four teams still in the hunt for the national championship. If you want offense, look elsewhere this weekend. The defenses, with All-Americans spread throughout the lineups, are the story of the semifinals. Ohio State, Texas Penn State and Notre Dame all rank in top eight nationally in total defense. The Buckeyes and Longhorns meet in the Cotton Bowl on Friday. The Nittany Lions and Fighting Irish play in the Orange Bowl on Saturday.

Scottie Scheffler withdraws from another tournament, hopes to play at Pebble Beach

DALLAS (AP) — Scottie Scheffler will be skipping another tournament to let his injured right hand heal. Scheffler punctured his hand with broken glass while preparing Christmas dinner. That forced the world's No. 1 player to sit out the season opener at Kapalua in The Sentry. Now he says he has withdrawn from The American Express in the California desert that starts next week. Scheffler says his hand needs more time to heal from minor surgery. He says he hopes to be able to start his season at the AT&amp;T Pebble Beach Pro-Am that starts on Jan. 30.

Chargers plan to sign Ezekiel Elliott to practice squad after his release by Cowboys

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Chargers are planning to sign running back Ezekiel Elliott to their practice squad pending a physical. That's according to two people familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the move had not been completed. The Chargers are the No. 5 seed in the AFC and open the playoffs at Houston on Saturday in a wild-card round game. Elliott was released by the Dallas Cowboys on Dec. 31 so that he could possibly sign with a playoff team seeking a veteran running back.

Castroneves to attempt to qualify for Daytona 500, would be NASCAR debut for 4-time Indy 500 winner

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves will attempt to make his NASCAR debut in next month's Daytona 500 with Trackhouse Racing. Castroneves is one of the most popular drivers in IndyCar history. He has been trying for two years to get a Daytona 500 seat and finally landed one Monday as part of Trackhouse's "Project 91" designed to give renowned racers from outside of NASCAR a shot in a stock car. Castroneves will need to qualify for the Feb. 16 race with either a fast time in time trials, or, race his way in via a qualifying race. If Castroneves won the Daytona 500, he would join Foyt and Mario Andretti as the only drivers to win both the Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500.

Suns' Beal stars as a reserve in win over 76ers and makes it clear he believes he is an NBA starter

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Bradley Beal made the most of the unfamiliar role of substitute for the Phoenix Suns. That doesn't mean he had to like it. Beal came off the bench for the first time in nine years on Monday night and scored a team-high 25 points as the Suns snapped a four-game losing streak with a 109-99 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. After the game, the 31-year-old Beal said he accepted coach Mike Budenholzer's lineup change, but made it clear he considers himself a starter in the NBA.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft says he put Jerod Mayo in 'untenable situation,' vows to correct course

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — When Robert Kraft hired Jerod Mayo a year ago, he felt he'd identified the right person to follow Bill Belichick. In hindsight, Kraft now believes Mayo wasn't quite ready to be an NFL head coach. The Patriots team owner said that his abrupt firing of Mayo just minutes after he completed his first season in the job is an effort to correct that mistake. And after watching back-to-back dismals seasons for a franchise that won six Lombardi trophies over the past two-plus decades, the 83-year-old owner vowed to do what he can to see it return to a championship level. That will include a fast coaching search, but not changes in the front office, with Kraft confirming executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf will return.

Antetokounmpo needs 3 stitches in finger and returns to post a triple-double in win over Raptors

TORONTO (AP) — Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo needed three stitches to close a cut near the base of his right pinkie against Toronto on Monday night, and returned to the game to finish his fourth triple-double of the season. Antetokounmpo banged his finger on the rim while trying to chase down RJ Barrett's fast-break dunk late in the second quarter. He finished with 11 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds in a 128-104 road win over the struggling Raptors. Antetokounmpo said his finged was "kind of numb,' but insisted he was fine.

The 49ers fire special teams coordinator Brian Schneider, AP source says

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers fired special teams coach Brian Schneider following a season when repeated blunders in the kicking contributed to a losing season, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team hadn't announced the firing. Schneider finished his third season in San Francisco and this one was clearly the worst as the Niners finished last in the league in expected points added on special teams and near the bottom of nearly all efficiency stats involved with the kicking game.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

		(14)Mississippi St.	at	Vanderbilt	9 p.m.	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Tuesday, January 7th, 2025" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Tuesday, January 7th, 2025</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for January 7th, 2025:<div><iframe title="AP Early Morning Sports for January 7th, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=sh2v5-179b892-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>NFL coaching moves: Mayo, Pederson are out of a job while Giants elect to keep DabollNew England's Jerod Mayo and Jacksonville's Doug Pederson are two NFL coaches out of a job while New York Giants coach Brian Daboll is among those who look like they will be back next fall. It's the day after the NFL's regular season, which usually means a tough day for coaches as underachieving teams move quickly to make changes. Mayo was fired on Sunday after the team's win over the Buffalo Bills, ending his tenure after just one season and a 4-13 record. The move means the Patriots will embark on another rebuild as the team tries to build an identity following the Bill Belichick-Tom Brady era. Pederson is out as Jacksonville's head coach after the franchise won just four games.North Dakota State wins 10th FCS title as Miller accounts for 4 TDs in 35-32 win over Montana StateFRISCO, Texas (AP) — Cam Miller ran for two touchdowns and threw for two more to lead North Dakota State to its record 10th Football Championship Subdivision title. The Bison beat top-seeded and previously undefeated Montana State 35-32 on Monday night. Miller was making his 54th consecutive start for North Dakota State. The Bison played in the title game for the 11th time in 14 seasons, and have lost only one in Frisco, Texas. They last won the championship three years ago, in a game that also had Miller and Montana State's Tommy Mellott as the starting quarterbacks. Montana State's last title came 40 years ago.Tough, old school defense a calling card for all four teams left in the national championship huntAUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Smothering defenses have carried the last four teams still in the hunt for the national championship. If you want offense, look elsewhere this weekend. The defenses, with All-Americans spread throughout the lineups, are the story of the semifinals. Ohio State, Texas Penn State and Notre Dame all rank in top eight nationally in total defense. The Buckeyes and Longhorns meet in the Cotton Bowl on Friday. The Nittany Lions and Fighting Irish play in the Orange Bowl on Saturday.Scottie Scheffler withdraws from another tournament, hopes to play at Pebble BeachDALLAS (AP) — Scottie Scheffler will be skipping another tournament to let his injured right hand heal. Scheffler punctured his hand with broken glass while preparing Christmas dinner. That forced the world's No. 1 player to sit out the season opener at Kapalua in The Sentry. Now he says he has withdrawn from The American Express in the California desert that starts next week. Scheffler says his hand needs more time to heal from minor surgery. He says he hopes to be able to start his season at the AT&amp;T Pebble Beach Pro-Am that starts on Jan. 30.Chargers plan to sign Ezekiel Elliott to practice squad after his release by CowboysLOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Chargers are planning to sign running back Ezekiel Elliott to their practice squad pending a physical. That's according to two people familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the move had not been completed. The Chargers are the No. 5 seed in the AFC and open the playoffs at Houston on Saturday in a wild-card round game. Elliott was released by the Dallas Cowboys on Dec. 31 so that he could possibly sign with a playoff team seeking a veteran running back.Castroneves to attempt to qualify for Daytona 500, would be NASCAR debut for 4-time Indy 500 winnerCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves will attempt to make his NASCAR debut in next month's Daytona 500 with Trackhouse Racing. Castroneves is one of the most popular drivers in IndyCar history. He has been trying for two years to get a Daytona 500 seat and finally landed one Monday as part of Trackhouse's "Project 91" designed to give renowned racers from outside of NASCAR a shot in a stock car. Castroneves will need to qualify for the Feb. 16 race with either a fast time in time trials, or, race his way in via a qualifying race. If Castroneves won the Daytona 500, he would join Foyt and Mario Andretti as the only drivers to win both the Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500.Suns' Beal stars as a reserve in win over 76ers and makes it clear he believes he is an NBA starterPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Bradley Beal made the most of the unfamiliar role of substitute for the Phoenix Suns. That doesn't mean he had to like it. Beal came off the bench for the first time in nine years on Monday night and scored a team-high 25 points as the Suns snapped a four-game losing streak with a 109-99 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. After the game, the 31-year-old Beal said he accepted coach Mike Budenholzer's lineup change, but made it clear he considers himself a starter in the NBA.Patriots owner Robert Kraft says he put Jerod Mayo in 'untenable situation,' vows to correct courseFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — When Robert Kraft hired Jerod Mayo a year ago, he felt he'd identified the right person to follow Bill Belichick. In hindsight, Kraft now believes Mayo wasn't quite ready to be an NFL head coach. The Patriots team owner said that his abrupt firing of Mayo just minutes after he completed his first season in the job is an effort to correct that mistake. And after watching back-to-back dismals seasons for a franchise that won six Lombardi trophies over the past two-plus decades, the 83-year-old owner vowed to do what he can to see it return to a championship level. That will include a fast coaching search, but not changes in the front office, with Kraft confirming executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf will return.Antetokounmpo needs 3 stitches in finger and returns to post a triple-double in win over RaptorsTORONTO (AP) — Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo needed three stitches to close a cut near the base of his right pinkie against Toronto on Monday night, and returned to the game to finish his fourth triple-double of the season. Antetokounmpo banged his finger on the rim while trying to chase down RJ Barrett's fast-break dunk late in the second quarter. He finished with 11 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds in a 128-104 road win over the struggling Raptors. Antetokounmpo said his finged was "kind of numb,' but insisted he was fine.The 49ers fire special teams coordinator Brian Schneider, AP source saysSANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers fired special teams coach Brian Schneider following a season when repeated blunders in the kicking contributed to a losing season, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team hadn't announced the firing. Schneider finished his third season in San Francisco and this one was clearly the worst as the Niners finished last in the league in expected points added on special teams and near the bottom of nearly all efficiency stats involved with the kicking game.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Detroit	118	Portland	115	Final	Phoenix	109	Philadelphia	99	Final	Milwaukee	128	Toronto	104	Final	Indiana	113	Brooklyn	99	Final	Orlando	103	New York	94	Final	Memphis	119	Dallas	104	Final	Chicago	114	San Antonio	110	Final	Minnesota	108	L.A. Clippers	106	Final 2OT	Sacramento	123	Miami	118	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal SO	Buffalo	4	Washington	3	Final OT	Montreal	5	Vancouver	4	Final	Colorado	3	Florida	1	Final	New Jersey	3	Seattle	2	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	(12)Houston	65	TCU	46	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Houston	at	Washington	7 p.m.			Phoenix	at	Charlotte	7 p.m.			L.A. Lakers	at	Dallas	7:30 p.m.			Minnesota	at	New Orleans	8 p.m.			Atlanta	at	Utah	9 p.m.			Boston	at	Denver	10 p.m.			Miami	at	Golden State	10 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE		Carolina	at	Tampa Bay	7 p.m.			Columbus	at	Pittsburgh	7 p.m.			Dallas	at	N-Y Rangers	7 p.m.			Edmonton	at	Boston	7 p.m.			Ottawa	at	Detroit	7 p.m.			Toronto	at	Philadelphia	7:30 p.m.			Nashville	at	Winnipeg	8 p.m.			St. Louis	at	Minnesota	8 p.m.			Calgary	at	Anaheim	10 p.m.			Vegas	at	San Jose	10:30 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL		(1)Tennessee	at	(8)Florida	7 p.m.			(2)Auburn	at	Texas	9 p.m.			Utah	at	(3)Iowa St.	8 p.m.			Pittsburgh	at	(4)Duke	7 p.m.			(6)Kentucky	at	Georgia	7 p.m.			Georgetown	at	(7)Marquette	8 p.m.			(14)Mississippi St.	at	Vanderbilt	9 p.m.			Arizona	at	(21)West Virginia	7 p.m.			(24)Michigan	at	(22)UCLA	10 p.m.			(25)Utah St.	at	San Jose St.	10 p.m.	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Tuesday

MAIZE, Kan. — The Hutchinson Salthawk basketball games at Maize South scheduled for tonight have been postponed.&nbsp;

Hutch High and Maize South are working on a reschedule date.

The next Hutch High game will be Friday at Salina South.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736247410967.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>MAIZE, Kan. — The Hutchinson Salthawk basketball games at Maize South scheduled for tonight have been postponed.&nbsp;Hutch High and Maize South are working on a reschedule date.The next Hutch High game will be Friday at Salina South.

🎧🎥🏀 Hutch High games at Maize South postponed

DragonTalk

(Basketball - live from Chick-fil-A) - 6 p.m. (KWBW) Chiefs Kingdom Show - 7 p.m. (KWBW)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hutch High GBB/BBB at Maize South - 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW)

HutchCC WBB/MBB at Butler - 5:15 p.m. pregame, 5:30 p.m. tipoff (KHUT, KWBW)

Reno County Coaches Show - 6 p.m. (KWBW) Jerome Tang Show - 7 p.m. (KHMY)

Hutch High GBB/BBB at Salina South - 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW)

HutchCC WBB/MBB at Pratt - 1:45 p.m. pregame, 2 p.m. tipoff (KHUT, KWBW)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725282945901.png" alt="EAGLE Media" />
 <figcaption>EAGLE Media</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">KHMY-FM (93.1)</a> <a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9)</a> <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5)</a>Monday, Jan. 6DragonTalk

(Basketball - live from Chick-fil-A) - 6 p.m. (KWBW) Chiefs Kingdom Show - 7 p.m. (KWBW)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tuesday, Jan. 7Hutch High GBB/BBB at Maize South - 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW)Wednesday, Jan. 8HutchCC WBB/MBB at Butler - 5:15 p.m. pregame, 5:30 p.m. tipoff (KHUT, KWBW) Thursday, Jan. 9Reno County Coaches Show - 6 p.m. (KWBW) Jerome Tang Show - 7 p.m. (KHMY)Friday, Jan. 10Hutch High GBB/BBB at Salina South - 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW)Saturday, Jan. 11HutchCC WBB/MBB at Pratt - 1:45 p.m. pregame, 2 p.m. tipoff (KHUT, KWBW)Sunday, Jan. 12

🎧 EAGLE Media Sports Broadcast Calendar (Jan. 6-Jan. 12)

Lions beat Vikings 31-9, win NFC North and No. 1 seed, dropping division rivals to No. 5

DETROIT (AP) — Jahmyr Gibbs scored three of his franchise-record tying four touchdowns in the second half, and the Detroit Lions beat the Minnesota Vikings 31-9 to win their second straight NFC North title and earn home-field advantage until the Super Bowl. The Lions and Vikings could meet again in two weeks. Detroit will have a much-needed bye for its banged-up team during the first week of the playoffs while Minnesota plays at the NFC West champion Los Angeles Rams next Monday night. Gibbs had 23 carries for 139 yards with a career-high three rushing touchdowns and caught five passes for 31 yards and another score.

Patriots fire coach Jerod Mayo shortly after beating Bills to finish his lone season at 4-13

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots have fired coach Jerod Mayo after one season, beginning another reboot for the franchise just a year after it parted with longtime coach Bill Belichick. Owner Robert Kraft announced the firing in a statement shortly after New England closed its 4-13 season with a 23-16 win over the Buffalo Bills. Kraft called it "one of the hardest decisions" he's had to make. A former Patriots linebacker who worked as an assistant under Belichick, Mayo started the season with a strong endorsement from Kraft. But he struggled to get the most out of a young roster that included rookie quarterback Drake Maye.

Lions secure NFC's No. 1 seed, Broncos and Buccaneers clinch the NFL's final two playoff spots

The road to the Super Bowl in the NFC will go through Motown. The Detroit Lions secured a No. 1 seed with a 31-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. Jahmyr Gibbs scored four touchdowns to help the Lions clinch the NFC North, earn a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. The Vikings missed an opportunity to overtake Detroit for the top spot and ended up with the fifth seed. They'll play on the road against the No. 4 seed Los Angeles Rams next Monday night. The Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers captured the NFL's final two playoff spots in Week 18.

On Football: Aaron Rodgers proved in Week 18 he can still play at a high level if any team wants him

Aaron Rodgers showed the rest of the NFL in Week 18 that he can still play at a high level in case he wants to return for a 21st season. The four-time NFL MVP tossed four touchdown passes against a team that was playing to preserve slim playoff hopes, helping the New York Jets finish a miserable season on a winning note. Rodgers became the fifth player in NFL history to reach 500 career TD passes in New York's 32-20 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Now, Rodgers heads into an offseason of uncertainty. First, he must decide whether he's coming back or retiring. He doesn't even know if the Jets will want him after going 5-12 this season.

Jaguars return home after getting stuck on Indianapolis tarmac for 7 hours during storm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Jacksonville Jaguars are home after spending seven hours waiting through a winter storm on the tarmac at Indianapolis International Airport. The National Weather Service reported heavy snow — between 2 and 5 inches — freezing drizzle and wind gusts of up to 40 mph in central Indiana. The Jaguars had hoped to get out of Indy before the worst of it Sunday evening, but their game against the Colts went to overtime and caused enough of a delay that players, coaches and staff got stuck. The Jaguars lost 26-23. Their charter flight finally was cleared to leave at 1 a.m. EST and landed in Jacksonville two hours later.

Nix leads Broncos past Chiefs' reserves 38-0 and into playoffs for 1st time since 2015 season

DENVER (AP) — The Denver Broncos are back in the playoffs for the first time since winning Super Bowl 50 following the 2015 season. They beat Kansas City's bevy of backups 38-0 for their 10th win, their most since that Super Bowl team. The Chiefs sat several starters, including Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, because they had already secured the AFC's top seed and lone playoff bye. Because Mahomes last played on Christmas Day, it will be at least 24 days before he plays again in the divisional round Jan. 18 or 19. The Broncos head to No. 2 seed Buffalo.

Hideki Matsuyama has record-setting start to the PGA Tour season with victory at Kapalua

KAPALUA, Hawaii (AP) — Hideki Matsuyama is off to a record-breaking start to the new PGA Tour season. The Japanese star made an 8-foot birdie putt on the final hole at The Sentry to break the tour's record to par. He finished at 35-under par, breaking by one the record set three years ago at Kapalua by Cameron Smith. Matsuyama also set the PGA Tour mark with 35 holes at birdie or better for a tournament. It added to a three-shot victory over Collin Morikawa. Matsuyama now has three big wins in the last 10 months. Kapalua is his 11th career PGA Tour title.

Buccaneers beat Saints 27-19 to clinch NFC South and wide receiver Mike Evans surpasses 1,000 yards

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Baker Mayfield used his legs and arm to help the Tampa Bay Buccaneers clinch their fourth straight NFC South title while putting Mike Evans over 1,000 yards receiving. Mayfield fired a 32-yard touchdown pass to Jalen McMillan for the go-ahead score and then scrambled 28 yards for a crucial first down on the next drive, leading the Buccaneers to a 27-19 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Evans caught a 9-yard pass on the final play of the game to surpass 1,000 yards for the 11th straight season, tying Jerry Rice for the most in NFL history.

Colts owner Jim Irsay says he's retaining GM Chris Ballard and coach Shane Steichen

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay intends to bring back longtime general manager Chris Ballard and coach Shane Steichen for another season. Irsay made the announcement in a letter to fans. Indy struggled late in the season and missed the playoffs for a fourth straight year, leading to speculation that both men could lose their jobs. The Colts finished 8-9. Fans chanted "Fire Ballard" during the fourth quarter of Sunday's 26-23 overtime victory over AFC South foe Jacksonville. Irsay says he understands fans were clamoring for changes but he believes Ballard and Steichen give the Colts the best chance of being successful next season.

Mike McCarthy 'absolutely' wants to return as Cowboys coach, owner Jerry Jones still not definitive

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Mike McCarthy says he absolutely wants to return as the coach of the Dallas Cowboys. Jerry Jones has dropped multiple hints that McCarthy would be back, but the team owner was far from definitive about McCarthy's future after a 23-19 loss to Washington finished a 7-10 season. Jones says he hasn't yet decided on whether he will extend the coach's contract. The Cowboys were already out of playoff contention before the finale. McCarthy was on an expiring contract after five seasons, including going 12-5 and to the playoffs in each of the previous three years.

Final OT	Indianapolis	26	Jacksonville	23	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Monday, January 6th, 2025" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Monday, January 6th, 2025</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for January 6th, 2025:<div><iframe title="AP Early Morning Sports for January 6th, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=c3rnh-1799cfb-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Lions beat Vikings 31-9, win NFC North and No. 1 seed, dropping division rivals to No. 5DETROIT (AP) — Jahmyr Gibbs scored three of his franchise-record tying four touchdowns in the second half, and the Detroit Lions beat the Minnesota Vikings 31-9 to win their second straight NFC North title and earn home-field advantage until the Super Bowl. The Lions and Vikings could meet again in two weeks. Detroit will have a much-needed bye for its banged-up team during the first week of the playoffs while Minnesota plays at the NFC West champion Los Angeles Rams next Monday night. Gibbs had 23 carries for 139 yards with a career-high three rushing touchdowns and caught five passes for 31 yards and another score.Patriots fire coach Jerod Mayo shortly after beating Bills to finish his lone season at 4-13FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots have fired coach Jerod Mayo after one season, beginning another reboot for the franchise just a year after it parted with longtime coach Bill Belichick. Owner Robert Kraft announced the firing in a statement shortly after New England closed its 4-13 season with a 23-16 win over the Buffalo Bills. Kraft called it "one of the hardest decisions" he's had to make. A former Patriots linebacker who worked as an assistant under Belichick, Mayo started the season with a strong endorsement from Kraft. But he struggled to get the most out of a young roster that included rookie quarterback Drake Maye.Lions secure NFC's No. 1 seed, Broncos and Buccaneers clinch the NFL's final two playoff spotsThe road to the Super Bowl in the NFC will go through Motown. The Detroit Lions secured a No. 1 seed with a 31-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. Jahmyr Gibbs scored four touchdowns to help the Lions clinch the NFC North, earn a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. The Vikings missed an opportunity to overtake Detroit for the top spot and ended up with the fifth seed. They'll play on the road against the No. 4 seed Los Angeles Rams next Monday night. The Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers captured the NFL's final two playoff spots in Week 18.On Football: Aaron Rodgers proved in Week 18 he can still play at a high level if any team wants himAaron Rodgers showed the rest of the NFL in Week 18 that he can still play at a high level in case he wants to return for a 21st season. The four-time NFL MVP tossed four touchdown passes against a team that was playing to preserve slim playoff hopes, helping the New York Jets finish a miserable season on a winning note. Rodgers became the fifth player in NFL history to reach 500 career TD passes in New York's 32-20 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Now, Rodgers heads into an offseason of uncertainty. First, he must decide whether he's coming back or retiring. He doesn't even know if the Jets will want him after going 5-12 this season.Jaguars return home after getting stuck on Indianapolis tarmac for 7 hours during stormJACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Jacksonville Jaguars are home after spending seven hours waiting through a winter storm on the tarmac at Indianapolis International Airport. The National Weather Service reported heavy snow — between 2 and 5 inches — freezing drizzle and wind gusts of up to 40 mph in central Indiana. The Jaguars had hoped to get out of Indy before the worst of it Sunday evening, but their game against the Colts went to overtime and caused enough of a delay that players, coaches and staff got stuck. The Jaguars lost 26-23. Their charter flight finally was cleared to leave at 1 a.m. EST and landed in Jacksonville two hours later.Nix leads Broncos past Chiefs' reserves 38-0 and into playoffs for 1st time since 2015 seasonDENVER (AP) — The Denver Broncos are back in the playoffs for the first time since winning Super Bowl 50 following the 2015 season. They beat Kansas City's bevy of backups 38-0 for their 10th win, their most since that Super Bowl team. The Chiefs sat several starters, including Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, because they had already secured the AFC's top seed and lone playoff bye. Because Mahomes last played on Christmas Day, it will be at least 24 days before he plays again in the divisional round Jan. 18 or 19. The Broncos head to No. 2 seed Buffalo.Hideki Matsuyama has record-setting start to the PGA Tour season with victory at KapaluaKAPALUA, Hawaii (AP) — Hideki Matsuyama is off to a record-breaking start to the new PGA Tour season. The Japanese star made an 8-foot birdie putt on the final hole at The Sentry to break the tour's record to par. He finished at 35-under par, breaking by one the record set three years ago at Kapalua by Cameron Smith. Matsuyama also set the PGA Tour mark with 35 holes at birdie or better for a tournament. It added to a three-shot victory over Collin Morikawa. Matsuyama now has three big wins in the last 10 months. Kapalua is his 11th career PGA Tour title.Buccaneers beat Saints 27-19 to clinch NFC South and wide receiver Mike Evans surpasses 1,000 yardsTAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Baker Mayfield used his legs and arm to help the Tampa Bay Buccaneers clinch their fourth straight NFC South title while putting Mike Evans over 1,000 yards receiving. Mayfield fired a 32-yard touchdown pass to Jalen McMillan for the go-ahead score and then scrambled 28 yards for a crucial first down on the next drive, leading the Buccaneers to a 27-19 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Evans caught a 9-yard pass on the final play of the game to surpass 1,000 yards for the 11th straight season, tying Jerry Rice for the most in NFL history.Colts owner Jim Irsay says he's retaining GM Chris Ballard and coach Shane SteichenINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay intends to bring back longtime general manager Chris Ballard and coach Shane Steichen for another season. Irsay made the announcement in a letter to fans. Indy struggled late in the season and missed the playoffs for a fourth straight year, leading to speculation that both men could lose their jobs. The Colts finished 8-9. Fans chanted "Fire Ballard" during the fourth quarter of Sunday's 26-23 overtime victory over AFC South foe Jacksonville. Irsay says he understands fans were clamoring for changes but he believes Ballard and Steichen give the Colts the best chance of being successful next season.Mike McCarthy 'absolutely' wants to return as Cowboys coach, owner Jerry Jones still not definitiveARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Mike McCarthy says he absolutely wants to return as the coach of the Dallas Cowboys. Jerry Jones has dropped multiple hints that McCarthy would be back, but the team owner was far from definitive about McCarthy's future after a 23-19 loss to Washington finished a 7-10 season. Jones says he hasn't yet decided on whether he will extend the coach's contract. The Cowboys were already out of playoff contention before the finale. McCarthy was on an expiring contract after five seasons, including going 12-5 and to the playoffs in each of the previous three years.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Oklahoma City	105	Boston	92	Final	Cleveland	115	Charlotte	105	Final	New Orleans	110	Washington	98	Final	Utah	105	Orlando	92	Final	Houston	119	L.A. Lakers	115	Final	Sacramento	129	Golden State	99	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal	N-Y Rangers	6	Chicago	2	Final OT	Carolina	4	Pittsburgh	3	Final OT	N-Y Islanders	5	Boston	4	Final OT	Toronto	3	Philadelphia	2	Final	Anaheim	4	Tampa Bay	1	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUEFinal OT	Carolina	44	Atlanta	38	Final	Chicago	24	Green Bay	22	Final	Houston	23	Tennessee	14	Final OT	Indianapolis	26	Jacksonville	23	Final	New England	23	Buffalo	16	Final	Philadelphia	20	N-Y Giants	13	Final	Tampa Bay	27	New Orleans	19	Final	Washington	23	Dallas	19	Final	Arizona	47	San Francisco	24	Final	Denver	38	Kansas City	0	Final	L.A. Chargers	34	Las Vegas	20	Final	N-Y Jets	32	Miami	20	Final	Seattle	30	L.A. Rams	25	Final	Detroit	31	Minnesota	9	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	(7)Kansas	99	UCF	48	Final	(9)Oregon	83	Maryland	79	Final	(11)UConn	87	Providence	84	Final	(20)Purdue	79	Northwestern	61	Final	(21)Memphis	68	North Texas	64	Final	(22)Illinois	81	Washington	77	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Phoenix	at	Philadelphia	7 p.m.			Portland	at	Detroit	7 p.m.			Indiana	at	Brooklyn	7:30 p.m.			Milwaukee	at	Toronto	7:30 p.m.			Orlando	at	New York	7:30 p.m.			Dallas	at	Memphis	8 p.m.			L.A. Clippers	at	Minnesota	8 p.m.			San Antonio	at	Chicago	8 p.m.			Miami	at	Sacramento	10 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE		Washington	at	Buffalo	7 p.m.			Vancouver	at	Montreal	7:30 p.m.			Florida	at	Colorado	9 p.m.			New Jersey	at	Seattle	10 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL		TCU	at	(14)Houston	9 p.m.	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Monday

PHILLIP ROSSMAN-REICH Associated Press

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Hunter Dickinson scored 21 of his 27 points in the first half and No. 7 Kansas posted the second-largest margin of victory in program history Sunday, beating UCF 99-48 in a Big 12 matchup.

Dickinson, a 7-foot-2 senior center, shot 12 for 17 from the field and had nine rebounds while limiting UCF's Moustapha Thiam, a 7-2 freshman who was slowed by foul trouble, to four points.

Flory Bidunga had 12 points and five rebounds, Rylan Griffen scored 14 points and Dajuan Harris Jr. and AJ Storr each had 11 for the Jayhawks (10-3, 1-1).

Kansas went on a 23-8 run after Thiam's second foul in the first half and held UCF without a field goal for more than seven minutes. The Knights missed 11 straight shots during that run and made only three of their final 19 shots in the first half. UCF shot 20.6% in the game and was 7 for 30 from 3-point distance.

Keyshawn Hall had 12 points on 4-for-17 shooting as UCF (10-3, 1-1) suffered its worst home loss.

Kansas: Bounced back from a 62-61 loss to West Virginia in its Big 12 opener.

UCF: The Knights have plenty of length and athleticism, yet looked outclassed after an impressive win over Texas Tech in their conference opener.

UCF was down 30 midway through the second half when Kansas had some emphatic plays. Bidunga blocked a jumper and scored a runout dunk. After a steal on the next possession, Kansas got a 3-pointer from Griffen to make it a 77-38 lead with about eight minutes to play.

Kansas dominated the interior with 22 offensive rebounds and 37 second-chance points.

Both teams have Big 12 games Wednesday. Kansas hosts Arizona State and UCF welcomes Colorado.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736161473371.jpeg" alt="Kansas forward KJ Adams Jr. (24) drives against Central Florida guard Keyshawn Hall (4) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas forward KJ Adams Jr. (24) drives against Central Florida guard Keyshawn Hall (4) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)</figcaption>
 </figure>PHILLIP ROSSMAN-REICH Associated PressORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Hunter Dickinson scored 21 of his 27 points in the first half and No. 7 Kansas posted the second-largest margin of victory in program history Sunday, beating UCF 99-48 in a Big 12 matchup.Dickinson, a 7-foot-2 senior center, shot 12 for 17 from the field and had nine rebounds while limiting UCF's Moustapha Thiam, a 7-2 freshman who was slowed by foul trouble, to four points.Flory Bidunga had 12 points and five rebounds, Rylan Griffen scored 14 points and Dajuan Harris Jr. and AJ Storr each had 11 for the Jayhawks (10-3, 1-1).Kansas went on a 23-8 run after Thiam's second foul in the first half and held UCF without a field goal for more than seven minutes. The Knights missed 11 straight shots during that run and made only three of their final 19 shots in the first half. UCF shot 20.6% in the game and was 7 for 30 from 3-point distance.Keyshawn Hall had 12 points on 4-for-17 shooting as UCF (10-3, 1-1) suffered its worst home loss.<h2>Takeaways</h2>Kansas: Bounced back from a 62-61 loss to West Virginia in its Big 12 opener.UCF: The Knights have plenty of length and athleticism, yet looked outclassed after an impressive win over Texas Tech in their conference opener.<h2>Key moment</h2>UCF was down 30 midway through the second half when Kansas had some emphatic plays. Bidunga blocked a jumper and scored a runout dunk. After a steal on the next possession, Kansas got a 3-pointer from Griffen to make it a 77-38 lead with about eight minutes to play.<h2>Key stat</h2>Kansas dominated the interior with 22 offensive rebounds and 37 second-chance points.<h2>Up next</h2>Both teams have Big 12 games Wednesday. Kansas hosts Arizona State and UCF welcomes Colorado.

🏀 Jayhawks pound UCF Sunday

ARNIE STAPLETON AP Pro Football Writer

DENVER (AP) — Bo Nix celebrated the end of Denver's eight-year playoff drought with a bunch of new friends.

The rookie quarterback circled Empower Field while handing out high-fives to fans after he passed for 321 yards and four touchdowns in a 38-0 rout of the Kansas City Chiefs’ bevy of backups on Sunday.

“I learned I’ve got to run a little more during the week because that’s a long lap," Nix said. “I was a little tired at the end. But the fans deserve it, it’s been a long time coming.”

Denver (10-7) buried nearly a decade’s worth of futility and frustrations by returning to the postseason party for the first time since winning Super Bowl 50 following the 2015 season.

The Broncos will visit Buffalo (13-4) for a wild-card game Sunday after handing the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs their first shutout since Dec. 16, 2012, at Oakland.

Nix went 26 for 29 while setting franchise records for completion percentage (89.7) and most completions to start a game (18).

“It's fun to clinch a playoff spot in the last game of the year against a divisional team,” said Nix, who also set an NFL record with 19 touchdown throws at home in his rookie season. "But now playoff time starts, and our goal wasn't just to make the playoffs, even though it hadn't been done in a while.”

Having already secured the AFC’s No. 1 seed and sole first-round bye in their quest for an unprecedented three-peat, Chiefs coach Andy Reid sat Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and a host of other starters.

“My hat goes off to Denver. Great opportunity for them to get into the playoffs and did a nice job today,” Reid said. “Sean (Payton) has done a good job with that group. A positive for us we got to play a lot of young guys. That experience is invaluable, especially against a good football team.”

Carson Wentz got the start at quarterback and fizzled in his first extended action since Week 18 with the Rams last season. He was 10 of 17 for 98 yards and was sacked four times by the league's best pass rush (62 sacks).

“We didn’t play great as a team. I didn’t play my best, either,” Wentz said. “Move on from this one pretty quick. It was fun to get out there, give myself and a lot of guys a chance to just go out there and compete. But obviously they were the better team today.”

Denver beat Kansas City (15-2) for just the second time in the last 19 games between the teams.

Nix's four TD passes gave him 29 for the season, second-most by a rookie in NFL history, behind only Justin Herbert's 31 in 2020. He hit Marvin Mims twice, Courtland Sutton (five times for 98 yards) and Devaughn Vele for scores.

Vele's TD was intended for Adam Trautman but ricocheted off cornerbacks Nazeeh Johnson (twice) and Keith Taylor before&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1876031097215009092">Vele cradled the catch</a>&nbsp;just before tumbling out of the back of the end zone, extending Denver's lead to 21-0.

“Vele ran the wrong route,” Nix said, “but he didn't give up on the play. ... Actually, it was perfect. I'm glad he did exactly what he did and he got a touchdown out of it.”

That wild conclusion capped an 18-play, 89-yard drive that lasted more than 11 minutes, keeping Wentz cooling his cleats on the sideline next to Mahomes, who was decked out in a white hoodie.

“It felt like it lasted forever,” Payton said.

After Harrison Butker was wide left on a 51-yard field goal — his first miss in 18 tries at Empower Field at Mile High — Wil Lutz gave Denver a 24-0 halftime lead by nailing a 33-yarder with 3 seconds left that came right after Nix's first incompletion, to a wide-open Javonte Williams.

“I'll kick myself for a while for not going 19 for 19 and hitting Javon for a touchdown,” Nix said.

The Chiefs won't play again until Jan. 18 or 19, meaning Mahomes, who last played on Christmas Day, and other stars who sat this one out will have at least 24 days between games.

Denver's playoff drought was the longest for a team after raising the Lombardi Trophy by four years.

The Broncos' clincher came 3,255 days after Von Miller led them to a 24-10 win over the Carolina Panthers on Feb. 7, 2016, and their reward as the AFC's seventh seed is a trip to face Miller next weekend.

“Man, we look forward to the challenge,” Payton said.

The Bills were the only other team to beat Kansas City this season, 30-21 in Week 11.

The Chiefs' loss ended their six-game win streak but eliminated the prospect of them having to possibly face Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow at some point in the playoffs.

The Chiefs planned on staying in Denver for the night because of a winter storm that also delayed their flight into Colorado for several hours Saturday.

Chiefs DB Chamarri Conner (shoulder) was injured in the first half and didn't return. Also sitting out for Kansas City were RB Isiah Pacheco (ribs), RT Jawaan Taylor (knee), CB Jaylen Watson (ankle), WR Mecole Hardman (knee), DE George Karlaftis, CB Trent McDuffie and DT Chris Jones (calf), among others.

The Broncos head into the playoffs as healthy as they've been all season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736123661748.jpeg" alt="Denver Broncos wide receiver Devaughn Vele (17) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)" />
 <figcaption>Denver Broncos wide receiver Devaughn Vele (17) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)</figcaption>
 </figure>ARNIE STAPLETON AP Pro Football WriterDENVER (AP) — Bo Nix celebrated the end of Denver's eight-year playoff drought with a bunch of new friends.The rookie quarterback circled Empower Field while handing out high-fives to fans after he passed for 321 yards and four touchdowns in a 38-0 rout of the Kansas City Chiefs’ bevy of backups on Sunday.“I learned I’ve got to run a little more during the week because that’s a long lap," Nix said. “I was a little tired at the end. But the fans deserve it, it’s been a long time coming.”Denver (10-7) buried nearly a decade’s worth of futility and frustrations by returning to the postseason party for the first time since winning Super Bowl 50 following the 2015 season.The Broncos will visit Buffalo (13-4) for a wild-card game Sunday after handing the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs their first shutout since Dec. 16, 2012, at Oakland.Nix went 26 for 29 while setting franchise records for completion percentage (89.7) and most completions to start a game (18).“It's fun to clinch a playoff spot in the last game of the year against a divisional team,” said Nix, who also set an NFL record with 19 touchdown throws at home in his rookie season. "But now playoff time starts, and our goal wasn't just to make the playoffs, even though it hadn't been done in a while.”Having already secured the AFC’s No. 1 seed and sole first-round bye in their quest for an unprecedented three-peat, Chiefs coach Andy Reid sat Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and a host of other starters.“My hat goes off to Denver. Great opportunity for them to get into the playoffs and did a nice job today,” Reid said. “Sean (Payton) has done a good job with that group. A positive for us we got to play a lot of young guys. That experience is invaluable, especially against a good football team.”Carson Wentz got the start at quarterback and fizzled in his first extended action since Week 18 with the Rams last season. He was 10 of 17 for 98 yards and was sacked four times by the league's best pass rush (62 sacks).“We didn’t play great as a team. I didn’t play my best, either,” Wentz said. “Move on from this one pretty quick. It was fun to get out there, give myself and a lot of guys a chance to just go out there and compete. But obviously they were the better team today.”Denver beat Kansas City (15-2) for just the second time in the last 19 games between the teams.Nix's four TD passes gave him 29 for the season, second-most by a rookie in NFL history, behind only Justin Herbert's 31 in 2020. He hit Marvin Mims twice, Courtland Sutton (five times for 98 yards) and Devaughn Vele for scores.Vele's TD was intended for Adam Trautman but ricocheted off cornerbacks Nazeeh Johnson (twice) and Keith Taylor before&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1876031097215009092">Vele cradled the catch</a>&nbsp;just before tumbling out of the back of the end zone, extending Denver's lead to 21-0.“Vele ran the wrong route,” Nix said, “but he didn't give up on the play. ... Actually, it was perfect. I'm glad he did exactly what he did and he got a touchdown out of it.”That wild conclusion capped an 18-play, 89-yard drive that lasted more than 11 minutes, keeping Wentz cooling his cleats on the sideline next to Mahomes, who was decked out in a white hoodie.“It felt like it lasted forever,” Payton said.The Chiefs certainly concurred.After Harrison Butker was wide left on a 51-yard field goal — his first miss in 18 tries at Empower Field at Mile High — Wil Lutz gave Denver a 24-0 halftime lead by nailing a 33-yarder with 3 seconds left that came right after Nix's first incompletion, to a wide-open Javonte Williams.“I'll kick myself for a while for not going 19 for 19 and hitting Javon for a touchdown,” Nix said.The Chiefs won't play again until Jan. 18 or 19, meaning Mahomes, who last played on Christmas Day, and other stars who sat this one out will have at least 24 days between games.Denver's playoff drought was the longest for a team after raising the Lombardi Trophy by four years.The Broncos' clincher came 3,255 days after Von Miller led them to a 24-10 win over the Carolina Panthers on Feb. 7, 2016, and their reward as the AFC's seventh seed is a trip to face Miller next weekend.“Man, we look forward to the challenge,” Payton said.The Bills were the only other team to beat Kansas City this season, 30-21 in Week 11.The Chiefs' loss ended their six-game win streak but eliminated the prospect of them having to possibly face Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow at some point in the playoffs.The Chiefs planned on staying in Denver for the night because of a winter storm that also delayed their flight into Colorado for several hours Saturday.<h2>Injuries</h2>Chiefs DB Chamarri Conner (shoulder) was injured in the first half and didn't return. Also sitting out for Kansas City were RB Isiah Pacheco (ribs), RT Jawaan Taylor (knee), CB Jaylen Watson (ankle), WR Mecole Hardman (knee), DE George Karlaftis, CB Trent McDuffie and DT Chris Jones (calf), among others.The Broncos head into the playoffs as healthy as they've been all season.

🏈 Broncos win over Chiefs reserves

Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals keep their playoff hopes alive by edging the Steelers 19-17

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Joe Burrow passed for 277 yards and a touchdown, and the Cincinnati Bengals kept their slim playoff hopes alive with a 19-17 win over the floundering Pittsburgh Steelers. Burrow also threw an interception and his NFL record streak of consecutive games with at least 250 yards passing and three touchdowns came to an end. But he did enough to propel the 9-8 Bengals to their fifth straight win and keep them in the mix until the season's final day. Cincinnati will earn the seventh seed in the AFC if Denver loses to Kansas City and Miami either loses to or ties the New York Jets on Sunday. The Steelers are heading to the playoffs on a four-game losing streak.

Ravens wrap up the AFC North with a 35-10 rout of Cleveland; Jackson surpasses 4,000 yards passing

BALTIMORE (AP) — Lamar Jackson threw two touchdown passes, and the Baltimore Ravens won the AFC North for the second straight season, clinching the division with a 35-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns. The Ravens will open the playoffs at home against either the Los Angeles Chargers or Pittsburgh Steelers. Baltimore was two games behind the Steelers in the division before winning its final four to finish on top. Cleveland ended a dreadful season with six straight losses. Both Bailey Zappe and Dorian Thompson-Robinson took snaps at quarterback in the finale. Neither could move the ball much.

Chiefs finally depart KC for Denver amid ice storm after 4 hours spent waiting on the tarmac

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs finally departed from Kansas City International Airport for their game in Denver on Saturday after spending about four hours stranded on the tarmac amid an ice storm that blanketed the region ahead of an impending blizzard. The Chiefs tried to move up the flight as the weather bared down on them. But the plane they were expected to use was delayed in arriving, so the team had to stick with its mid-afternoon departure. Just before it took off, airport officials announced that all flight operations were suspended due to "rapid ice accumulation." A break between the line of ice and the arrival of snow provided enough time to de-ice the plane, clear the runway and get the Chiefs off the ground.

Leonard says returning to the court is the easy part after making season debut for Clippers

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — After what Kawhi Leonard has gone through the past nine months, returning to the court for the Los Angeles Clippers was the easy part. Leonard played 19 minutes and scored 12 points in his season debut Saturday night to help the Clippers beat the Atlanta Hawks 131-105.The six-time All-Star forward missed the Clippers' first 34 games with what the team described as right knee injury recovery. It was his first NBA game action since Game 3 of the Clippers' Western Conference first-round playoff series against Dallas on April 26.

Hideki Matsuyama sets personal best with 11 birdies for a 62 and leads Morikawa by 1 at Kapalua

KAPALUA, Hawaii (AP) — Hideki Matsuyama and Collin Morikawa put on quite the show at Kapalua. Matsuyama set a personal best with 11 birdies for his round of 62. He still only leads by one shot because Morikawa also shot a 62. They were neck-and-neck all afternoon in calm conditions at The Sentry. Matsuyama set a 54-hole scoring record at 27-under 192. The Plantation course at Kapalua was built with the wind in mind. There was barely a breeze on the mountainous course overlooking the Pacific. Thomas Detry shot 65 and says it felt like a steady round. He was five shots behind.

Sonny Smart, father of Georgia coach Kirby Smart, dies after a fall in New Orleans

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Georgia says football coach Kirby Smart's father died early Saturday of complications from hip surgery after falling in New Orleans ahead of the Sugar Bowl. Sonny Smart fell while walking on New Year's Eve and fractured his hip. He was hospitalized and had hip surgery at Ochsner Medical Center, where he died surrounded by his family. A longtime high school football coach in Alabama and Georgia, Sonny Smart coached Kirby when he was in high school. He became a regular at his son's games when Kirby became head coach at his alma mater in 2016.

Jeremiyah Love is expected to be ready for 7th-seeded Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl

Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman expects running back Jeremiyah Love to play in Thursday's College Football Playoff semifinal game and the Fighting Irish ground game to be at full strength against sixth-seeded Penn State. Love played sparingly after re-injuring his right knee during seventh-seeded Notre Dame's Sugar Bowl victory over second-seeded Georgia. But the only injury update Freeman provided Saturday was that backup tight end Cooper Flanagan would miss the rest of this season with a foot injury. That means the Notre Dame ground game should be at full strength, with quarterback Riley Leonard and running back Jadarian Price ready to play.

Heat begin a new chapter: Life without Jimmy Butler, who is suspended and seeking a trade

MIAMI (AP) — For the 119th time since Jimmy Butler joined Miami, the Heat played a game without him. This was different from the others. Butler is gone, banished by the Heat for seven games over what they called conduct detrimental to the team — and he's probably not going to play for Miami again. His suspension started Saturday when the Heat played the Utah Jazz, and the team says it will agree to his wishes and try to facilitate a trade.

Touchdown Tommy! Montana State's Mellott wins Walter Payton Award as top FCS offensive player

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott won the Walter Payton Award as the Football Championship Subdivision offensive player of the year Saturday night, two days before the top-ranked Bobcats face North Dakota State in the title game. Called Touchdown Tommy, the speedy Mellott edged North Dakota State quarterback Cam Miller and Southern Utah running back Targhee Lambson in voting announced at the FCS Awards Banquet in Frisco, Texas. Mellott has led Montana State to a 15-0 record. The senior from Butte, Montana, topped The Associated Press FCS All-America team and was the Walter Camp FCS Player of the Year. He leads the division in passing efficiency and points responsible for. Montana State and North Dakota State are set to meet Monday night at Toyota Stadium.

US beats Czechia 4-1 to set up world junior hockey final against Finland

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Boston University's Cole Eiserman broke a second-period tie and the defending champion United States beat Czechia 4-1 on Saturday night to advance to the world junior hockey championship game. The Americans will face Finland — a 4-3 overtime winner over Sweden in the first semifinal — for the title Sunday night. Finland beat the United States 4-3 in overtime in group play. Boston College teammates Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault each had a goal and an assist for the Americans. Minnesota's Oliver Moore also scored, and Michigan State's Trey Augustine made 26 saves. In the first semifinal, Benjamin Rautiainen scored on a power play at 9:22 of overtime to lift Finland past Sweden.

Final	(17)Mississippi St.	85	South Carolina	50	

Final	(19)Gonzaga	96	Loyola Marymount	68	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Sunday, January 5th, 2025" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Sunday, January 5th, 2025</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for January 5th, 2025:Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals keep their playoff hopes alive by edging the Steelers 19-17PITTSBURGH (AP) — Joe Burrow passed for 277 yards and a touchdown, and the Cincinnati Bengals kept their slim playoff hopes alive with a 19-17 win over the floundering Pittsburgh Steelers. Burrow also threw an interception and his NFL record streak of consecutive games with at least 250 yards passing and three touchdowns came to an end. But he did enough to propel the 9-8 Bengals to their fifth straight win and keep them in the mix until the season's final day. Cincinnati will earn the seventh seed in the AFC if Denver loses to Kansas City and Miami either loses to or ties the New York Jets on Sunday. The Steelers are heading to the playoffs on a four-game losing streak.Ravens wrap up the AFC North with a 35-10 rout of Cleveland; Jackson surpasses 4,000 yards passingBALTIMORE (AP) — Lamar Jackson threw two touchdown passes, and the Baltimore Ravens won the AFC North for the second straight season, clinching the division with a 35-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns. The Ravens will open the playoffs at home against either the Los Angeles Chargers or Pittsburgh Steelers. Baltimore was two games behind the Steelers in the division before winning its final four to finish on top. Cleveland ended a dreadful season with six straight losses. Both Bailey Zappe and Dorian Thompson-Robinson took snaps at quarterback in the finale. Neither could move the ball much.Chiefs finally depart KC for Denver amid ice storm after 4 hours spent waiting on the tarmacKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs finally departed from Kansas City International Airport for their game in Denver on Saturday after spending about four hours stranded on the tarmac amid an ice storm that blanketed the region ahead of an impending blizzard. The Chiefs tried to move up the flight as the weather bared down on them. But the plane they were expected to use was delayed in arriving, so the team had to stick with its mid-afternoon departure. Just before it took off, airport officials announced that all flight operations were suspended due to "rapid ice accumulation." A break between the line of ice and the arrival of snow provided enough time to de-ice the plane, clear the runway and get the Chiefs off the ground.Leonard says returning to the court is the easy part after making season debut for ClippersINGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — After what Kawhi Leonard has gone through the past nine months, returning to the court for the Los Angeles Clippers was the easy part. Leonard played 19 minutes and scored 12 points in his season debut Saturday night to help the Clippers beat the Atlanta Hawks 131-105.The six-time All-Star forward missed the Clippers' first 34 games with what the team described as right knee injury recovery. It was his first NBA game action since Game 3 of the Clippers' Western Conference first-round playoff series against Dallas on April 26.Hideki Matsuyama sets personal best with 11 birdies for a 62 and leads Morikawa by 1 at KapaluaKAPALUA, Hawaii (AP) — Hideki Matsuyama and Collin Morikawa put on quite the show at Kapalua. Matsuyama set a personal best with 11 birdies for his round of 62. He still only leads by one shot because Morikawa also shot a 62. They were neck-and-neck all afternoon in calm conditions at The Sentry. Matsuyama set a 54-hole scoring record at 27-under 192. The Plantation course at Kapalua was built with the wind in mind. There was barely a breeze on the mountainous course overlooking the Pacific. Thomas Detry shot 65 and says it felt like a steady round. He was five shots behind.Sonny Smart, father of Georgia coach Kirby Smart, dies after a fall in New OrleansATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Georgia says football coach Kirby Smart's father died early Saturday of complications from hip surgery after falling in New Orleans ahead of the Sugar Bowl. Sonny Smart fell while walking on New Year's Eve and fractured his hip. He was hospitalized and had hip surgery at Ochsner Medical Center, where he died surrounded by his family. A longtime high school football coach in Alabama and Georgia, Sonny Smart coached Kirby when he was in high school. He became a regular at his son's games when Kirby became head coach at his alma mater in 2016.Jeremiyah Love is expected to be ready for 7th-seeded Notre Dame in the Orange BowlNotre Dame coach Marcus Freeman expects running back Jeremiyah Love to play in Thursday's College Football Playoff semifinal game and the Fighting Irish ground game to be at full strength against sixth-seeded Penn State. Love played sparingly after re-injuring his right knee during seventh-seeded Notre Dame's Sugar Bowl victory over second-seeded Georgia. But the only injury update Freeman provided Saturday was that backup tight end Cooper Flanagan would miss the rest of this season with a foot injury. That means the Notre Dame ground game should be at full strength, with quarterback Riley Leonard and running back Jadarian Price ready to play.Heat begin a new chapter: Life without Jimmy Butler, who is suspended and seeking a tradeMIAMI (AP) — For the 119th time since Jimmy Butler joined Miami, the Heat played a game without him. This was different from the others. Butler is gone, banished by the Heat for seven games over what they called conduct detrimental to the team — and he's probably not going to play for Miami again. His suspension started Saturday when the Heat played the Utah Jazz, and the team says it will agree to his wishes and try to facilitate a trade.Touchdown Tommy! Montana State's Mellott wins Walter Payton Award as top FCS offensive playerFRISCO, Texas (AP) — Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott won the Walter Payton Award as the Football Championship Subdivision offensive player of the year Saturday night, two days before the top-ranked Bobcats face North Dakota State in the title game. Called Touchdown Tommy, the speedy Mellott edged North Dakota State quarterback Cam Miller and Southern Utah running back Targhee Lambson in voting announced at the FCS Awards Banquet in Frisco, Texas. Mellott has led Montana State to a 15-0 record. The senior from Butte, Montana, topped The Associated Press FCS All-America team and was the Walter Camp FCS Player of the Year. He leads the division in passing efficiency and points responsible for. Montana State and North Dakota State are set to meet Monday night at Toyota Stadium.US beats Czechia 4-1 to set up world junior hockey final against FinlandOTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Boston University's Cole Eiserman broke a second-period tie and the defending champion United States beat Czechia 4-1 on Saturday night to advance to the world junior hockey championship game. The Americans will face Finland — a 4-3 overtime winner over Sweden in the first semifinal — for the title Sunday night. Finland beat the United States 4-3 in overtime in group play. Boston College teammates Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault each had a goal and an assist for the Americans. Minnesota's Oliver Moore also scored, and Michigan State's Trey Augustine made 26 saves. In the first semifinal, Benjamin Rautiainen scored on a power play at 9:22 of overtime to lift Finland past Sweden.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Philadelphia	123	Brooklyn	94	Final	Indiana	126	Phoenix	108	Final	Detroit	119	Minnesota	105	Final	Portland	105	Milwaukee	102	Final	Utah	136	Miami	100	Final	Chicago	139	New York	126	Final OT	Denver	122	San Antonio	111	Final	Golden State	121	Memphis	113	Final	L.A. Clippers	131	Atlanta	105	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal	Washington	7	N-Y Rangers	4	Final	San Jose	3	New Jersey	2	Final	Detroit	4	Winnipeg	2	Final	Columbus	6	St. Louis	4	Final	Minnesota	4	Carolina	0	Final	Toronto	6	Boston	4	Final SO	Montreal	2	Colorado	1	Final OT	Dallas	3	Utah	2	Final	Los Angeles	2	Tampa Bay	1	Final	Vegas	3	Buffalo	1	Final	Edmonton	4	Seattle	2	Final	Nashville	4	Calgary	1	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUEFinal	Baltimore	35	Cleveland	10	Final	Cincinnati	19	Pittsburgh	17	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	(1)Tennessee	76	(23)Arkansas	52	Final	(2)Auburn	84	Missouri	68	Final	(3)Iowa St.	74	(25)Baylor	55	Final	(4)Duke	89	SMU	62	Final	(5)Alabama	107	(12)Oklahoma	79	Final	(10)Kentucky	106	(6)Florida	100	Final	(13)Texas A&amp;M	80	Texas	60	Final	(14)Houston	86	BYU	55	Final	Nebraska	66	(15)UCLA	58	Final	Arizona	72	(16)Cincinnati	67	Final	(17)Mississippi St.	85	South Carolina	50	Final	(19)Gonzaga	96	Loyola Marymount	68	Final	(24)Mississippi	63	Georgia	51	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Boston	at	Oklahoma City	3:30 p.m.			Charlotte	at	Cleveland	6 p.m.			New Orleans	at	Washington	6 p.m.			Utah	at	Orlando	6:30 p.m.			L.A. Lakers	at	Houston	7 p.m.			Sacramento	at	Golden State	8:30 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE		N-Y Rangers	at	Chicago	3 p.m.			N-Y Islanders	at	Boston	6 p.m.			Pittsburgh	at	Carolina	6 p.m.			Philadelphia	at	Toronto	7 p.m.			Tampa Bay	at	Anaheim	8 p.m.	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE		Buffalo	at	New England	1 p.m.			Carolina	at	Atlanta	1 p.m.			Chicago	at	Green Bay	1 p.m.			Houston	at	Tennessee	1 p.m.			Jacksonville	at	Indianapolis	1 p.m.			N-Y Giants	at	Philadelphia	1 p.m.			New Orleans	at	Tampa Bay	1 p.m.			Washington	at	Dallas	1 p.m.			Kansas City	at	Denver	4:25 p.m.			L.A. Chargers	at	Las Vegas	4:25 p.m.			Miami	at	N-Y Jets	4:25 p.m.			San Francisco	at	Arizona	4:25 p.m.			Seattle	at	L.A. Rams	4:25 p.m.			Minnesota	at	Detroit	8:20 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL		(7)Kansas	at	UCF	4 p.m.			Maryland	at	(9)Oregon	4 p.m.			Providence	at	(11)UConn	2 p.m.			Northwestern	at	(20)Purdue	2 p.m.			North Texas	at	(21)Memphis	5 p.m.			(22)Illinois	at	Washington	4 p.m.	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Sunday

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Noah Reynolds scored 18 points and made the go-ahead basket during TCU's game-ending 7-0 run to defeat Kansas State 63-62 on Saturday.

<a href="https://x.com/CBSSportsCBB/status/1875681082202292581">Reynolds worked off the dribble from the left side to the right, ducked inside and hit a one-hander off the glass for the go-ahead basket with 12.8 seconds remaining.</a>

A 3-pointer from Max Jones gave the Wildcats a 62-56 lead near the 3-minute mark of the second half but the Wildcats did not score again. A tip-in by Vasean Allette and a 3 from Brendan Wenzel made it 62-61 with 1:17 left.

Coleman Hawkins missed in the paint for Kansas State, then blocked a layup at the other end. David N’Guessan rebounded, was fouled and missed the front end of the one-and-one with 24 seconds left. Reynolds then put the Horned Frogs ahead and K-State's Dug McDaniel was unable to finish a contested layup before time ran out during the battle for the rebound.

Allette and Trazarien White each scored 14 points for TCU (8-5, 1-1 Big 12) and Ernest Udeh Jr. grabbed 12 rebounds.

N’Guessan had 17 rebounds and scored 10 points for K-State (7-6, 1-1). McDaniel scored 12 points, Coleman Hawkins 11 and Brendan Hausen 10.

TCU pushed its three-point halftime lead to six points early in the second half before Kansas State took the lead at 45-43 with 11 minutes remaining. The Wildcats held the lead for close to 11 minutes before Reynolds' game-winner.

TCU improved to 8-0 at home and Kansas State's road losing streak reached 51 weeks and 11 games.

TCU will play at No. 14 Houston for the first time since 2011 on Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736032768028.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Noah Reynolds scored 18 points and made the go-ahead basket during TCU's game-ending 7-0 run to defeat Kansas State 63-62 on Saturday.<a href="https://x.com/CBSSportsCBB/status/1875681082202292581">Reynolds worked off the dribble from the left side to the right, ducked inside and hit a one-hander off the glass for the go-ahead basket with 12.8 seconds remaining.</a>A 3-pointer from Max Jones gave the Wildcats a 62-56 lead near the 3-minute mark of the second half but the Wildcats did not score again. A tip-in by Vasean Allette and a 3 from Brendan Wenzel made it 62-61 with 1:17 left.Coleman Hawkins missed in the paint for Kansas State, then blocked a layup at the other end. David N’Guessan rebounded, was fouled and missed the front end of the one-and-one with 24 seconds left. Reynolds then put the Horned Frogs ahead and K-State's Dug McDaniel was unable to finish a contested layup before time ran out during the battle for the rebound.Allette and Trazarien White each scored 14 points for TCU (8-5, 1-1 Big 12) and Ernest Udeh Jr. grabbed 12 rebounds.N’Guessan had 17 rebounds and scored 10 points for K-State (7-6, 1-1). McDaniel scored 12 points, Coleman Hawkins 11 and Brendan Hausen 10.TCU pushed its three-point halftime lead to six points early in the second half before Kansas State took the lead at 45-43 with 11 minutes remaining. The Wildcats held the lead for close to 11 minutes before Reynolds' game-winner.TCU improved to 8-0 at home and Kansas State's road losing streak reached 51 weeks and 11 games.TCU will play at No. 14 Houston for the first time since 2011 on Monday.

🏀 TCU scores the final 7-points to edge Kansas State

LeBron James breaks Michael Jordan's record for 30-point games with his 563rd

LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James broke Michael Jordan's NBA record for 30-point games during the Los Angeles Lakers' victory over Atlanta on Friday night. With an 18-foot jumper with 5:58 to play for the last of his 30 points, James reached at least 30 points in the regular season for the 563rd time in his career, breaking the record established by Jordan in 2003. Jordan set the record in 1,072 games over 15 seasons, while James broke the mark in his 1,523rd appearance over 22 seasons. James idolized Jordan during his childhood in Akron, Ohio, and when he passed Jordan for fourth place on the NBA's career scoring list back in March 2019, the moment moved him to tears on the Lakers' bench.

Here's Kelce! Retired Eagles great Jason Kelce's tries hand as late night television show host

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jason Kelce has tried his hand at late-night television, He hosted the debut episode of "They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce," Friday on ESPN. Kelce bantered with the guests and crowd during commercial breaks and took questions from a select few of about 300 fans in the audience. The 37-year-old Kelce retired in March after a 13-year career spent entirely with Philadelphia. He has watched his profile balloon in retirement. He already co-hosted a podcast with his brother but has become a prolific pitchman hawking everything from chicken wings to soup to laundry detergent to cereal to hoagies to his own beer company.

Heat suspend Jimmy Butler for 7 games and will seek to trade him

MIAMI (AP) — The Miami Heat have suspended Jimmy Butler for seven games and say they will seek to trade him. The Heat say the suspension was for "conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season and particularly the last several weeks." The team made the move one day after Butler said in a postgame press conference that he does not believe he can be happy playing in Miami going forward. The Heat say Butler "has shown he no longer wants to be part of this team." Butler was Miami's best player for five years and the leader of a team that went to the NBA Finals twice.

Hillary Clinton, George Soros and Denzel Washington will receive the highest US civilian honor

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Democratic philanthropist George Soros and actor-director Denzel Washington are set to be awarded the nation's highest civilian honor. President Joe Biden will bestow the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Saturday afternoon to 19 of the most famous names in politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy and science. The White House says the recipients have made "exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors." Other awardees include José Andrés, Bono, Magic Johnson, Michael J. Fox and Anna Wintour.

College football turns upside down, but this final four is a collection of the sport's big programs

In the first round of the College Football Playoff, the teams seeded 5-8 all won. In the second round, they all won again. The moral of this story: Who knows, other than something doesn't totally add up when not a single one of the top four teams, all of which received byes, advances into college football's final four. The semifinals are set: Next Thursday in the Orange Bowl, it will be No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 7 Notre Dame. Then, Friday in the Cotton Bowl, it will be No. 5 Texas vs. No. 8 Ohio State.

Dolphins' Tagovailoa 'unlikely' to play Sunday against Jets, Huntley in line for 2nd straight start

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is expected to miss his second straight game when the Dolphins travel to face the New York Jets on Sunday, coach Mike McDaniel said. Backup quarterback Tyler "Snoop" Huntley is again in line to start after leading Miami to a win in Tagovailoa's place last week. Tagovailoa is still dealing with a right hip injury that he sustained at Houston on Dec. 15 and aggravated on a hit against San Francisco the next week. The Dolphins are still in the hunt for the last AFC wild-card spot. Miami needs to win Sunday and have Denver lose to Kansas City.

Jets interview former Titans coach Mike Vrabel for their head coaching job

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — The New York Jets interviewed former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel for their head coaching vacancy. Vrabel is the second known coaching candidate to meet with the Jets, who spoke to former Washington and Carolina coach Ron Rivera on Thursday. The 49-year-old Vrabel served in a consultant role with Cleveland this season, but his contract expired earlier this week. The one-time All-Pro linebacker helped New England win three Super Bowl titles and was 56-48 in six seasons as coach of the Titans, including 2-3 in the postseason. He was fired by Tennessee after a 6-11 finish last season.

PGA Tour contemplating changes to Tour Championship, AP sources say

KAPALUA, Hawaii (AP) — PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan told his staff that everything is on the table. That includes the format for the FedEx Cup finale at the Tour Championship. Two officials at the PGA Tour say they are contemplating another change to the format to decide the $25 million winner of the FedEx Cup. Among the ideas are creating seeds and a bracket nearer the conclusion. That could involve medal matches so all 18 holes are played. One official directly involved says there are a number of formats being considered. Any change would require approval by the PGA Tour board. The Tour Championship currently begins with the FedEx Cup leader at 10 under par.

Hideki Matsuyama sets the target at Kapalua and leads Collin Morikawa by 1

KAPALUA, Hawaii (AP) — Hideki Matsuyama is leading The Sentry at the halfway point of the start to the new PGA Tour season. He had a bogey-free 65 for a one-shot lead over Collin Morikawa with eight other players within three shots of the lead. Morikawa did his work late. He's been around Kapalua enough to know there's no need to panic. Morikawa was seven shots behind at one point. He ran off five straight birdies late in his round and shot 65. The scoring average was 68.1 on a perfect day for scoring. And more low scores are expected on the weekend with moderate wind.

Minnesota beats Virginia Tech 24-10 in Duke's Mayo Bowl for 8th straight bowl victory

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Max Brosmer threw for 211 yards and a touchdown, Darius Taylor ran for 113 yards a TD and also threw for a score and Minnesota extended its bowl winning streak to eight with a 24-10 victory over Virginia Tech on Friday night in the Duke's Mayo Bowl. Elijah Spencer had six catches for 81 yards and two TDs for the Golden Gophers (8-5). They improved to 6-0 in bowl games under coach P.J. Fleck, who got the bowl's traditional mayo bath after the game. Backup quarterback Collins Schlee ran for a touchdown and Ayden Greene had six catches for 115 yards for the Hokies (6-7). They've lost five of their last six bowl games. The Golden Gophers outgained the Hokies 403-223.

		South Carolina	at	(17)Mississippi St.	2 p.m.	

		(19)Gonzaga	at	Loyola Marymount	9 p.m.	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Saturday, January 4th, 2025" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Saturday, January 4th, 2025</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for January 4th, 2025:LeBron James breaks Michael Jordan's record for 30-point games with his 563rd<div><iframe title="AP Early Morning Sports for January 4th, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=f8vfs-1797457-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James broke Michael Jordan's NBA record for 30-point games during the Los Angeles Lakers' victory over Atlanta on Friday night. With an 18-foot jumper with 5:58 to play for the last of his 30 points, James reached at least 30 points in the regular season for the 563rd time in his career, breaking the record established by Jordan in 2003. Jordan set the record in 1,072 games over 15 seasons, while James broke the mark in his 1,523rd appearance over 22 seasons. James idolized Jordan during his childhood in Akron, Ohio, and when he passed Jordan for fourth place on the NBA's career scoring list back in March 2019, the moment moved him to tears on the Lakers' bench.Here's Kelce! Retired Eagles great Jason Kelce's tries hand as late night television show hostPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jason Kelce has tried his hand at late-night television, He hosted the debut episode of "They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce," Friday on ESPN. Kelce bantered with the guests and crowd during commercial breaks and took questions from a select few of about 300 fans in the audience. The 37-year-old Kelce retired in March after a 13-year career spent entirely with Philadelphia. He has watched his profile balloon in retirement. He already co-hosted a podcast with his brother but has become a prolific pitchman hawking everything from chicken wings to soup to laundry detergent to cereal to hoagies to his own beer company.Heat suspend Jimmy Butler for 7 games and will seek to trade himMIAMI (AP) — The Miami Heat have suspended Jimmy Butler for seven games and say they will seek to trade him. The Heat say the suspension was for "conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season and particularly the last several weeks." The team made the move one day after Butler said in a postgame press conference that he does not believe he can be happy playing in Miami going forward. The Heat say Butler "has shown he no longer wants to be part of this team." Butler was Miami's best player for five years and the leader of a team that went to the NBA Finals twice.Hillary Clinton, George Soros and Denzel Washington will receive the highest US civilian honorWASHINGTON (AP) — Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Democratic philanthropist George Soros and actor-director Denzel Washington are set to be awarded the nation's highest civilian honor. President Joe Biden will bestow the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Saturday afternoon to 19 of the most famous names in politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy and science. The White House says the recipients have made "exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors." Other awardees include José Andrés, Bono, Magic Johnson, Michael J. Fox and Anna Wintour.College football turns upside down, but this final four is a collection of the sport's big programsIn the first round of the College Football Playoff, the teams seeded 5-8 all won. In the second round, they all won again. The moral of this story: Who knows, other than something doesn't totally add up when not a single one of the top four teams, all of which received byes, advances into college football's final four. The semifinals are set: Next Thursday in the Orange Bowl, it will be No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 7 Notre Dame. Then, Friday in the Cotton Bowl, it will be No. 5 Texas vs. No. 8 Ohio State.Dolphins' Tagovailoa 'unlikely' to play Sunday against Jets, Huntley in line for 2nd straight startMIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is expected to miss his second straight game when the Dolphins travel to face the New York Jets on Sunday, coach Mike McDaniel said. Backup quarterback Tyler "Snoop" Huntley is again in line to start after leading Miami to a win in Tagovailoa's place last week. Tagovailoa is still dealing with a right hip injury that he sustained at Houston on Dec. 15 and aggravated on a hit against San Francisco the next week. The Dolphins are still in the hunt for the last AFC wild-card spot. Miami needs to win Sunday and have Denver lose to Kansas City.Jets interview former Titans coach Mike Vrabel for their head coaching jobFLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — The New York Jets interviewed former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel for their head coaching vacancy. Vrabel is the second known coaching candidate to meet with the Jets, who spoke to former Washington and Carolina coach Ron Rivera on Thursday. The 49-year-old Vrabel served in a consultant role with Cleveland this season, but his contract expired earlier this week. The one-time All-Pro linebacker helped New England win three Super Bowl titles and was 56-48 in six seasons as coach of the Titans, including 2-3 in the postseason. He was fired by Tennessee after a 6-11 finish last season.PGA Tour contemplating changes to Tour Championship, AP sources sayKAPALUA, Hawaii (AP) — PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan told his staff that everything is on the table. That includes the format for the FedEx Cup finale at the Tour Championship. Two officials at the PGA Tour say they are contemplating another change to the format to decide the $25 million winner of the FedEx Cup. Among the ideas are creating seeds and a bracket nearer the conclusion. That could involve medal matches so all 18 holes are played. One official directly involved says there are a number of formats being considered. Any change would require approval by the PGA Tour board. The Tour Championship currently begins with the FedEx Cup leader at 10 under par.Hideki Matsuyama sets the target at Kapalua and leads Collin Morikawa by 1KAPALUA, Hawaii (AP) — Hideki Matsuyama is leading The Sentry at the halfway point of the start to the new PGA Tour season. He had a bogey-free 65 for a one-shot lead over Collin Morikawa with eight other players within three shots of the lead. Morikawa did his work late. He's been around Kapalua enough to know there's no need to panic. Morikawa was seven shots behind at one point. He ran off five straight birdies late in his round and shot 65. The scoring average was 68.1 on a perfect day for scoring. And more low scores are expected on the weekend with moderate wind.Minnesota beats Virginia Tech 24-10 in Duke's Mayo Bowl for 8th straight bowl victoryCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Max Brosmer threw for 211 yards and a touchdown, Darius Taylor ran for 113 yards a TD and also threw for a score and Minnesota extended its bowl winning streak to eight with a 24-10 victory over Virginia Tech on Friday night in the Duke's Mayo Bowl. Elijah Spencer had six catches for 81 yards and two TDs for the Golden Gophers (8-5). They improved to 6-0 in bowl games under coach P.J. Fleck, who got the bowl's traditional mayo bath after the game. Backup quarterback Collins Schlee ran for a touchdown and Ayden Greene had six catches for 115 yards for the Hokies (6-7). They've lost five of their last six bowl games. The Golden Gophers outgained the Hokies 403-223.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Detroit	98	Charlotte	94	Final	Orlando	106	Toronto	97	Final	Boston	109	Houston	86	Final	Oklahoma City	117	New York	107	Final	New Orleans	132	Washington	120	Final	Cleveland	134	Dallas	122	Final	San Antonio	113	Denver	110	Final	Sacramento	138	Memphis	133	Final	L.A. Lakers	119	Atlanta	102	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal SO	Florida	3	Pittsburgh	2	Final	St. Louis	4	Ottawa	0	Final	Chicago	4	Montreal	2	Final	Edmonton	3	Anaheim	2	Final	Nashville	3	Vancouver	0	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	(8)Marquette	79	Creighton	71	Final	(18)Michigan St.	69	Ohio St.	62	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Philadelphia	at	Brooklyn	6 p.m.			Minnesota	at	Detroit	7 p.m.			Phoenix	at	Indiana	7 p.m.			Denver	at	San Antonio	8 p.m.			New York	at	Chicago	8 p.m.			Portland	at	Milwaukee	8 p.m.			Utah	at	Miami	8 p.m.			Memphis	at	Golden State	8:30 p.m.			Atlanta	at	L.A. Clippers	10:30 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE		N-Y Rangers	at	Washington	12 p.m.			New Jersey	at	San Jose	4 p.m.			Boston	at	Toronto	7 p.m.			Detroit	at	Winnipeg	7 p.m.			Minnesota	at	Carolina	7 p.m.			Montreal	at	Colorado	7 p.m.			St. Louis	at	Columbus	7 p.m.			Utah	at	Dallas	8 p.m.			Tampa Bay	at	Los Angeles	9 p.m.			Buffalo	at	Vegas	10 p.m.			Edmonton	at	Seattle	10 p.m.			Nashville	at	Calgary	10 p.m.	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE		Cleveland	at	Baltimore	4:30 p.m.			Cincinnati	at	Pittsburgh	8 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL		(23)Arkansas	at	(1)Tennessee	1 p.m.			Missouri	at	(2)Auburn	4 p.m.			(25)Baylor	at	(3)Iowa St.	2 p.m.			(4)Duke	at	SMU	2:15 p.m.			(12)Oklahoma	at	(5)Alabama	6 p.m.			(6)Florida	at	(10)Kentucky	11 a.m.			Texas	at	(13)Texas A&amp;M	8 p.m.			BYU	at	(14)Houston	2 p.m.			(15)UCLA	at	Nebraska	2 p.m.			Arizona	at	(16)Cincinnati	2:30 p.m.			South Carolina	at	(17)Mississippi St.	2 p.m.			(19)Gonzaga	at	Loyola Marymount	9 p.m.			Georgia	at	(24)Mississippi	12 p.m.	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Saturday

Southeast of Saline 60, Republic County 28

St. Thomas Aquinas 62, Bishop Miege 59, OT

Wichita Bishop Carroll 56, Wichita Heights 53, OT

Southeast of Saline 69, Republic County 43

Wichita Heights 56, Wichita Bishop Carroll 26

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701785757574.png" alt="Eagle Media HS Basketball Scoreboard from Friday, January 3rd, 2025" />
 <figcaption>Eagle Media HS Basketball Scoreboard from Friday, January 3rd, 2025</figcaption>
 </figure>Friday's ScoresThe Associated Press<h2>GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>Andover 61, Newton 11Andover Central 34, Goddard 28Arkansas City 55, Clearwater 33Axtell 41, Washington County 33Beloit 48, Lyons 16Blue Valley Randolph 62, Onaga 40Canton-Galva 40, Cunningham 29Central Heights 42, Uniontown 29Centralia 64, Clifton-Clyde 35Cheney 71, Nickerson 5De Soto 51, Mill Valley 41Derby 48, Salina South 16Doniphan West 52, Linn 36Garden Plain 45, Andale 35Gardner-Edgerton 53, Lincoln, Mo. 25Hanover 55, Frankfort 25Haven 38, Norton 28Hesston 52, Wamego 44, OTHodgeman County 46, Macksville 38Holton 54, Hiawatha 40Horton 54, Jackson Heights 33Liberal 73, Great Bend 44Oberlin-Decatur 68, Logan 20Oskaloosa 36, Riverside 31Pike Valley 51, Centre 30Pratt Skyline 45, Sublette 34Red Cloud, Neb. 62, Rock Hills 61Rose Hill 50, Howard West Elk 28SM North 59, Junction City 30Southeast 49, Crest 42Southeast of Saline 60, Republic County 28St. Thomas Aquinas 62, Bishop Miege 59, OTTopeka 50, Wichita Life Prep 42Topeka Hayden 60, Shawnee Heights 47Valley Center 46, Salina Central 36Valley Falls 34, McLouth 29Webb City, Mo. 69, Pittsburg 36Wichita Bishop Carroll 56, Wichita Heights 53, OTWichita Classical 73, Flinthills 59Wichita East 84, Wichita North 24Wichita Northwest 43, Wichita West 15Wichita Southeast 55, Wichita South 43Woodward, Okla. 50, Dodge City 24Yates Center 20, Altoona-Midway 19Friday's ScoresThe Associated Press<h2>BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>Altoona-Midway 48, Yates Center 40, OTAndale 52, Garden Plain 31Andover 63, Newton 33Andover Central 84, Goddard 41Arkansas City 53, Clearwater 43Axtell 99, Washington County 52BV North 59, Metro Academy 40Beloit 70, Lyons 58Blue Valley Randolph 60, Onaga 31Centralia 60, Clifton-Clyde 55Cheney 68, Nickerson 29Cunningham 87, Canton-Galva 52De Soto 52, Mill Valley 50Derby 63, Salina South 50Dodge City 83, Woodward, Okla. 79Gardner-Edgerton 63, Lincoln, Mo. 54Great Bend 89, Liberal 42Hanover 60, Frankfort 50Haven 50, Norton 29Highland Park 82, Topeka 41Holton 47, Hiawatha 44Jackson Heights 54, Horton 48Linn 50, Doniphan West 44, OTLittle River 40, Norwich 34Logan 40, Oberlin-Decatur 26Oskaloosa 60, Riverside 47Rose Hill 50, Howard West Elk 28SM North 75, Junction City 53Shawnee Heights 61, Topeka Hayden 52South Central 59, Pawnee Heights 29Southeast of Saline 69, Republic County 43Spring Hill 79, Eudora 68St. Thomas Aquinas 83, Bishop Miege 51Uniontown 53, Central Heights 30Valley Center 73, Salina Central 52Valley Falls 81, McLouth 37Wichita Classical 44, Flinthills 32Wichita Heights 56, Wichita Bishop Carroll 26Wichita Northwest 66, Wichita West 52Wichita Southeast 81, Wichita South 51___

🏀 EAGLE Media Scoreboard from Friday's games

Freeman and Notre Dame handle 'tough moments' and oust Georgia from CFP with 23-10 win in Sugar Bowl

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Riley Leonard passed for a touchdown, Jayden Harrison returned a kickoff 98 yards for a score, and Notre Dame's defense made it hold up in a 23-10 victory over No. 2 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl that sends the third-ranked Fighting Irish into the semifinals of the College Football Playoff. In a game that was delayed by a day because of a deadly terror attack in the host city, Notre Dame made enough big plays and got some help from a clever move by coach Marcus Freeman. He sent out the punt team deep in his own territory before running all 11 players off the field, and an offside penalty gave the Irish a critical first down.

Georgia's Kirby Smart defends aggressive but ill-fated play calls in CFP loss to Notre Dame

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Georgia coach Kirby Smart says he doesn't regret aggressive offensive play calls that backfired during the Bulldogs' College Football Playoff quarterfinal loss to Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl. A decision to have inexperienced quarterback Gunner Stockton drop back to pass in the final minute of the first half went badly when he was sacked by Notre Dame's RJ Oben and fumbled. Notre Dame recovered and scored a touchdown one play later. Smart's bid for his third national title with the Bulldogs fell short as he was frequently outmaneuvered by Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman.

Big 12 commissioner calls for 'national standards' for calling targeting after controversial play

DALLAS (AP) — Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark is calling for more consistency on what constitutes a targeting penalty after no call was made on Texas safety Michael Taaffe's high hit on Arizona State receiver Melquan Stovall late in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Peach Bowl. Taaffe struck Stovall with a helmet-to-helmet hit as Stovall caught a pass near midfield with 1:15 left in regulation Wednesday. No flag was thrown, but referee Larry Smith of the Big Ten halted play to check the replay for possible targeting. As Stovall was being helped off the field, Smith announced there was no penalty.

Postponed Sugar Bowl played with enhanced security about 36 hours after terror attack in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Snipers were positioned on rooftops outside the Superdome in New Orleans as fans filed in for the Sugar Bowl between Georgia and Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish won the College Football Playoff semifinal 23-10. The game was originally scheduled for Wednesday night but was postponed until Thursday afternoon because of a terror attack on New Orleans' Bourbon Street that killed 14 revelers early on New Year's Day. Flags were at half-staff at the stadium, and a moment of silence was held before the singing of the national anthem. Fans said they felt safe amid the enhanced security.

Surging Ohio State to face tenacious Texas in the Cotton Bowl for a spot in the CFP title game

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — Texas will be a whole lot closer to home than Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. The Buckeyes appear to be a whole lot closer to Atlanta. That's where the winner of the Cotton Bowl, which doubles as a College Football Playoff semifinal this year, will be heading next for the national championship game. But first, two powerhouse college football programs meet Jan. 10 at the Dallas Cowboys' AT&amp;T Stadium. Ohio State has rebounded from two regular-season losses to rout a pair of elite opponents by a combined 45 points, while Texas has survived two difficult tests on its CFP journey.

Jimmy Butler, when asked if he can find on-court joy again in Miami: 'Probably not'

MIAMI (AP) — Jimmy Butler says he needs to find joy again on the basketball court. And when asked if he can find that joy in Miami, he had a two-word answer. "Probably not," he said. The relationship between Butler and the Heat — a talking point for weeks now — seems to have further deteriorated. The Heat lost to Indiana 128-115 on Thursday night, Butler scoring exactly nine points and playing exactly zero seconds in the fourth quarter for the second consecutive game. It also happened Wednesday in a win over New Orleans.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Friday, January 3rd, 2025" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Friday, January 3rd, 2025</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for January 3rd, 2025:<div><iframe title="AP Early Morning Sports for January 3rd, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=znk4y-179637e-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Freeman and Notre Dame handle 'tough moments' and oust Georgia from CFP with 23-10 win in Sugar BowlNEW ORLEANS (AP) — Riley Leonard passed for a touchdown, Jayden Harrison returned a kickoff 98 yards for a score, and Notre Dame's defense made it hold up in a 23-10 victory over No. 2 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl that sends the third-ranked Fighting Irish into the semifinals of the College Football Playoff. In a game that was delayed by a day because of a deadly terror attack in the host city, Notre Dame made enough big plays and got some help from a clever move by coach Marcus Freeman. He sent out the punt team deep in his own territory before running all 11 players off the field, and an offside penalty gave the Irish a critical first down.Georgia's Kirby Smart defends aggressive but ill-fated play calls in CFP loss to Notre DameNEW ORLEANS (AP) — Georgia coach Kirby Smart says he doesn't regret aggressive offensive play calls that backfired during the Bulldogs' College Football Playoff quarterfinal loss to Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl. A decision to have inexperienced quarterback Gunner Stockton drop back to pass in the final minute of the first half went badly when he was sacked by Notre Dame's RJ Oben and fumbled. Notre Dame recovered and scored a touchdown one play later. Smart's bid for his third national title with the Bulldogs fell short as he was frequently outmaneuvered by Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman.Big 12 commissioner calls for 'national standards' for calling targeting after controversial playDALLAS (AP) — Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark is calling for more consistency on what constitutes a targeting penalty after no call was made on Texas safety Michael Taaffe's high hit on Arizona State receiver Melquan Stovall late in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Peach Bowl. Taaffe struck Stovall with a helmet-to-helmet hit as Stovall caught a pass near midfield with 1:15 left in regulation Wednesday. No flag was thrown, but referee Larry Smith of the Big Ten halted play to check the replay for possible targeting. As Stovall was being helped off the field, Smith announced there was no penalty.Postponed Sugar Bowl played with enhanced security about 36 hours after terror attack in New OrleansNEW ORLEANS (AP) — Snipers were positioned on rooftops outside the Superdome in New Orleans as fans filed in for the Sugar Bowl between Georgia and Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish won the College Football Playoff semifinal 23-10. The game was originally scheduled for Wednesday night but was postponed until Thursday afternoon because of a terror attack on New Orleans' Bourbon Street that killed 14 revelers early on New Year's Day. Flags were at half-staff at the stadium, and a moment of silence was held before the singing of the national anthem. Fans said they felt safe amid the enhanced security.Surging Ohio State to face tenacious Texas in the Cotton Bowl for a spot in the CFP title gamePASADENA, Calif. (AP) — Texas will be a whole lot closer to home than Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. The Buckeyes appear to be a whole lot closer to Atlanta. That's where the winner of the Cotton Bowl, which doubles as a College Football Playoff semifinal this year, will be heading next for the national championship game. But first, two powerhouse college football programs meet Jan. 10 at the Dallas Cowboys' AT&amp;T Stadium. Ohio State has rebounded from two regular-season losses to rout a pair of elite opponents by a combined 45 points, while Texas has survived two difficult tests on its CFP journey.Jimmy Butler, when asked if he can find on-court joy again in Miami: 'Probably not'MIAMI (AP) — Jimmy Butler says he needs to find joy again on the basketball court. And when asked if he can find that joy in Miami, he had a two-word answer. "Probably not," he said. The relationship between Butler and the Heat — a talking point for weeks now — seems to have further deteriorated. The Heat lost to Indiana 128-115 on Thursday night, Butler scoring exactly nine points and playing exactly zero seconds in the fourth quarter for the second consecutive game. It also happened Wednesday in a win over New Orleans.LeBron James applauds younger son Bryce's hoops commitment to the University of ArizonaLOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James is excited about his younger son's decision to play basketball at the University of Arizona next season. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar said the decision was Bryce James' to make, and he went where he felt most comfortable. LeBron praised Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd as a straight shooter who told Bryce exactly what the Wildcats believe about him. Bryce James is a four-star recruit at Sierra Canyon School in suburban Chatsworth. That's the same private high school where his older brother, Bronny, played his senior season in 2022-23.Tom Hoge leads at Kapalua where good golf exceeds expectations in PGA Tour openerKAPALUA, Hawaii (AP) — Tom Hoge has a new baby and no expectations. The North Dakota player had the right vibe for Maui in the opening round of The Sentry. He just took whatever golf gave him. That was 10 birdies in the wind at Kapalua for a 64. Hoge leads the PGA Tour opener by one shot over Hideki Matsuyama and Will Zalatoris. Matsuyama had a birdie-eagle-birdie stretch on the back nine to get back in the game. Zalatoris came to Kapalua weighing some 20 pounds more than he did in August. He hopes a stronger physique will be good for his back.White leads No. 22 Illinois to 109-77 blowout at No. 9 OregonEUGENE, Ore. (AP) — Tre White had 20 points and 11 rebounds as No. 22 Illinois made a resounding statement on the road with a 109-77 blowout of ninth-ranked Oregon. Ben Humrichous shot 4 of 7 from 3-point range and scored 18 points on a night when Illinois went 16 for 29 behind the arc. Kylan Boswell also made four 3s and finished with 15 points for the Fighting Illini. Kasparas Jakucionis added 16 points, six rebounds and six assists. Jake Davis scored 12. Supreme Cook scored 20 to lead the Ducks, while Nate Bittle added 13 points and five rebounds.US routs Switzerland 7-2 in world junior quarterfinals; Czechia eliminates Canada 4-3OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Boston College teammates James Hagens and Ryan Leonard each scored twice and the defending champion United States routed Switzerland 7-2 on Thursday in the world junior hockey quarterfinals. Boston University's Brandon Svoboda, Notre Dame's Danny Nelson and Denver's Zeev Buium also scored, Hampton Slukynsky of Western Michigan made 17 saves and BC's Gabe Perreault had three assists. The Group A champion Americans will face Czechia — a 4-3 winner over Canada in the night game at Canadian Tire Centre — on Saturday. Group B winner Sweden will play Finland in the other semifinal. Adam Jecho scored on a one-timer on a power play with 39.4 seconds left to lift Czechia past Canada. At TD Place, Sweden beat Latvia 3-2, and Finland topped Slovakia 5-3.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Indiana	128	Miami	115	Final	Boston	118	Minnesota	115	Final	Oklahoma City	116	L.A. Clippers	98	Final	Brooklyn	113	Milwaukee	110	Final	Golden State	139	Philadelphia	105	Final	L.A. Lakers	114	Portland	106	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal	Detroit	5	Columbus	4	Final	N-Y Rangers	2	Boston	1	Final SO	Minnesota	4	Washington	3	Final	Carolina	3	Florida	1	Final	Toronto	2	N-Y Islanders	1	Final OT	Anaheim	4	Winnipeg	3	Final	Dallas	4	Ottawa	2	Final	Utah	5	Calgary	3	Final OT	Colorado	6	Buffalo	5	Final	Vegas	5	Philadelphia	2	Final SO	Vancouver	4	Seattle	3	Final	San Jose	2	Tampa Bay	1	___TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALLFinal	(3)Notre Dame	23	(2)Georgia	10	Final	(16)Mississippi	52	Duke	20	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	(22)Illinois	109	(9)Oregon	77	Final	(19)Gonzaga	81	Portland	50	Final	(20)Purdue	81	Minnesota	61	Final	(21)Memphis	90	FAU	62	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Charlotte	at	Detroit	7 p.m.			Orlando	at	Toronto	7:30 p.m.			Boston	at	Houston	8 p.m.			New York	at	Oklahoma City	8 p.m.			Washington	at	New Orleans	8 p.m.			Cleveland	at	Dallas	8:30 p.m.			San Antonio	at	Denver	9 p.m.			Memphis	at	Sacramento	10 p.m.			Atlanta	at	L.A. Lakers	10:30 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE		Pittsburgh	at	Florida	7 p.m.			Montreal	at	Chicago	8 p.m.			Ottawa	at	St. Louis	8 p.m.			Anaheim	at	Edmonton	9 p.m.			Nashville	at	Vancouver	10 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL		Creighton	at	(8)Marquette	9 p.m.			(18)Michigan St.	at	Ohio St.	8 p.m.	___