LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Kansas volleyball team fell in a heartbreaking five sets to the Florida Gators in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday night in the Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena. 

"Yeah, certainly have an appreciation for what happened tonight," said Kansas Head Coach Ray Bechard. "Lasts two hours, 35 minutes, there was no break. There was no moment to collect your thoughts. You just had to go. And there are some levels of disappointment. Obviously, the 15-13, we had a couple controllables there that we didn't take care of. But beyond that, it's the two young ladies that are joining me here, and the other four in the locker room that developed in our program to a national college level, played their last match out there tonight. I'll forever be grateful for that group, what they did and how they gave us the opportunity to be in a moment like tonight."

The Jayhawks and the Gators played a closely contested first game despite Kansas' early momentum, quickly running up the score to lead 5-2. Florida gained a narrow lead midway through the set, up 13-11, but Kansas tied it up at 13's off a huge block assist by Caroline Bien and Reese Ptacek after a Florida attack error. From there, the Gators went on a 6-point unanswered run, and Kansas would finally be relieved by another Florida attack error. The Jayhawks were able to find their footing from there, and as they started to close back in, down 20-17, Florida called their first timeout of the match. A Bien ace out of the timeout followed by a Florida error on the attack and a huge solo block by Ptacek would bring the Jayhawks back to life, tied 20-20. More back and forth play would ensue, and with Florida leading 24-22, another KU timeout came. Florida took the first set 25-22. 

The second set started in similar fashion with a back and forth battle. The Jayhawks were then able to spark up a run, scoring five unanswered points making the score 9-5 in favor of the Jayhawks, triggering a Gator timeout. Kansas was able to carry this momentum and extend the lead to 16-10 following back-to-back kills from Bien. Florida went on to match Kansas's scoring, trading points before calling a timeout with the score 20-14 in favor of the home side. After back-to-back kills from Bien to push the lead to 24-19, the Jayhawks just needed one more to take the second. Florida was able to rally and score two points to make the score 24-21 before Ayah Elnady sealed the set for the Jayhawks with a kill in the clutch. 

Kansas got off to a hot start in the third, leading Florida 6-2 following back-to-back kills by Elnady. Florida was able to fight back and cut the lead to 8-7. The teams continued to battle while the score was knotted at 11-11. After two quick points from Florida, Kansas decided to call their first timeout of the set down 11-13. The Jayhawks continued to fight against Florida, following two Elnady kills to make the score 15-17. Florida rattled off two more to make things 15-19 before a Kansas timeout. Florida was able to carry their momentum through and pushed the lead to 24-16 before eventually winning the set 25-17. 

The fourth set started off the same as the previous three with a back-and-forth battle. Kansas got the early lead of 5-4, before a Florida response to tie the set at 5 all. Kansas was able to get some separation after a kill from Elnady to make the score 9-7 in favor of the Jayhawks. Kansas was able to hold their two-point lead after a huge block assist by Camryn Turner and Toyosi Onabanjo to make it 11-9. The Jayhawks heated up following kills from London Davis and Onabanjo to extend KU's lead to 17-13. An ace from Bryn McGehe out of the timeout pushed Kansas's lead to 18-13. The set continued with the same flow before Florida cut the lead to just two points. Florida served to give Kansas a three-point lead before the sides traded points with a kill from Elnady. A kill from London Davis out of Florida's timeout gave Kansas a 24-21 lead. Florida was able to rally back and tie the set at 24's, before a kill by Onabanjo to give Kansas the advantage 25-24. The Jayhawks would win it on a Gator attacking error, forcing things to a fifth. 

In the final set, the Gators came out swinging and took an early 5-1 lead before Kansas called time. The Jayhawks continued to fight and were able to trim the lead to 4-6, before an ace from Turner made the score 5-6. Florida came out of their timeout and scored a quick two points to extend their lead to 5-8 before the Jayhawks responded with a quick two points of their own, cutting the lead back down to 7-8. After a huge Turner kill, the Jayhawks were able to tie the set up at 10-10. More back and forth play would follow, and Kansas took their second timeout with Florida up by one. The Jayhawks got down 14-12, but Onabanjo and Turner stood tall at the net to keep things within a point. The Gators edged the Jayhawks with one final kill, taking the fifth 15-13.

Elnady ended her college career atop the kills leaderboard with 18 total, and Bien was close behind with 15. Turner surpassed 4,000 career assists, ending the night with a total of 43. She was also the digs leader with 14, while Elnady joined in her double digits with 10. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733747273225.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas AthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan. — The Kansas volleyball team fell in a heartbreaking five sets to the Florida Gators in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday night in the Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena. "Yeah, certainly have an appreciation for what happened tonight," said Kansas Head Coach Ray Bechard. "Lasts two hours, 35 minutes, there was no break. There was no moment to collect your thoughts. You just had to go. And there are some levels of disappointment. Obviously, the 15-13, we had a couple controllables there that we didn't take care of. But beyond that, it's the two young ladies that are joining me here, and the other four in the locker room that developed in our program to a national college level, played their last match out there tonight. I'll forever be grateful for that group, what they did and how they gave us the opportunity to be in a moment like tonight."The Jayhawks and the Gators played a closely contested first game despite Kansas' early momentum, quickly running up the score to lead 5-2. Florida gained a narrow lead midway through the set, up 13-11, but Kansas tied it up at 13's off a huge block assist by Caroline Bien and Reese Ptacek after a Florida attack error. From there, the Gators went on a 6-point unanswered run, and Kansas would finally be relieved by another Florida attack error. The Jayhawks were able to find their footing from there, and as they started to close back in, down 20-17, Florida called their first timeout of the match. A Bien ace out of the timeout followed by a Florida error on the attack and a huge solo block by Ptacek would bring the Jayhawks back to life, tied 20-20. More back and forth play would ensue, and with Florida leading 24-22, another KU timeout came. Florida took the first set 25-22. The second set started in similar fashion with a back and forth battle. The Jayhawks were then able to spark up a run, scoring five unanswered points making the score 9-5 in favor of the Jayhawks, triggering a Gator timeout. Kansas was able to carry this momentum and extend the lead to 16-10 following back-to-back kills from Bien. Florida went on to match Kansas's scoring, trading points before calling a timeout with the score 20-14 in favor of the home side. After back-to-back kills from Bien to push the lead to 24-19, the Jayhawks just needed one more to take the second. Florida was able to rally and score two points to make the score 24-21 before Ayah Elnady sealed the set for the Jayhawks with a kill in the clutch. Kansas got off to a hot start in the third, leading Florida 6-2 following back-to-back kills by Elnady. Florida was able to fight back and cut the lead to 8-7. The teams continued to battle while the score was knotted at 11-11. After two quick points from Florida, Kansas decided to call their first timeout of the set down 11-13. The Jayhawks continued to fight against Florida, following two Elnady kills to make the score 15-17. Florida rattled off two more to make things 15-19 before a Kansas timeout. Florida was able to carry their momentum through and pushed the lead to 24-16 before eventually winning the set 25-17. The fourth set started off the same as the previous three with a back-and-forth battle. Kansas got the early lead of 5-4, before a Florida response to tie the set at 5 all. Kansas was able to get some separation after a kill from Elnady to make the score 9-7 in favor of the Jayhawks. Kansas was able to hold their two-point lead after a huge block assist by Camryn Turner and Toyosi Onabanjo to make it 11-9. The Jayhawks heated up following kills from London Davis and Onabanjo to extend KU's lead to 17-13. An ace from Bryn McGehe out of the timeout pushed Kansas's lead to 18-13. The set continued with the same flow before Florida cut the lead to just two points. Florida served to give Kansas a three-point lead before the sides traded points with a kill from Elnady. A kill from London Davis out of Florida's timeout gave Kansas a 24-21 lead. Florida was able to rally back and tie the set at 24's, before a kill by Onabanjo to give Kansas the advantage 25-24. The Jayhawks would win it on a Gator attacking error, forcing things to a fifth. In the final set, the Gators came out swinging and took an early 5-1 lead before Kansas called time. The Jayhawks continued to fight and were able to trim the lead to 4-6, before an ace from Turner made the score 5-6. Florida came out of their timeout and scored a quick two points to extend their lead to 5-8 before the Jayhawks responded with a quick two points of their own, cutting the lead back down to 7-8. After a huge Turner kill, the Jayhawks were able to tie the set up at 10-10. More back and forth play would follow, and Kansas took their second timeout with Florida up by one. The Jayhawks got down 14-12, but Onabanjo and Turner stood tall at the net to keep things within a point. The Gators edged the Jayhawks with one final kill, taking the fifth 15-13.Elnady ended her college career atop the kills leaderboard with 18 total, and Bien was close behind with 15. Turner surpassed 4,000 career assists, ending the night with a total of 43. She was also the digs leader with 14, while Elnady joined in her double digits with 10.

🏐 KU volleyball season over

<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2024/12/8/football-k-state-to-play-in-rate-bowl-against-rutgers">K-State Athletics</a>

MANHATTAN, Kan. — K-State Nation is heading back to the Valley of the Sun, as Kansas State officials announced Sunday afternoon that the Wildcats have accepted an invitation to play Rutgers in the Rate Bowl inside Chase Field – home of MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks – in Phoenix, Arizona. The game, which is the only bowl matchup between members of the Big 12 and Big Ten Conferences, will take place on Thursday, December 26 at 4:30 p.m. (CT) and air on ESPN.

This is the 19th time overall and the eighth time for a bowl game that the Wildcats will play in the state of Arizona. It is the fifth time K-State will play in what is now known as the Rate Bowl as it also played in the game in 1993 (known as Copper Bowl and played in Tucson, Arizona), 2001 (Insight.com Bowl), 2013 (Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl) and 2017 (Cactus Bowl).

"We are excited to spend the holidays in Arizona and represent the Big 12 and our University in the Rate Bowl," said K-State head coach Chris Klieman, the first head coach in school history to lead his team to five bowl games in his first six seasons. "The staff at the Fiesta Bowl runs a first-class operation, and I know our players and coaches are looking forward to the trip and the extra work on the field, which is critical to our continued development as a program."

K-State finished with an 8-4 regular-season record in 2024, marking the fourth-straight season the Wildcats have won at least eight games. The Wildcats are one of just nine Power 4 teams to win at least eight games in each of the last four seasons, joining Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, Notre Dame, Clemson, Ole Miss, Oregon and Ohio State. The Wildcats have been among the nation's leaders in bowl appearances since 1993 as the Wildcats are tied for 16th nationally and rank second in the Big 12 with 25. K-State will also be one of just 15 Power 4 teams to play in a bowl game at least 13 times in the last 15 years.

"We would like to thank Erik Moses and his staff for welcoming K-State Nation to the Phoenix area," said Athletics Director Gene Taylor. "It is good to be heading back to Arizona, and this will be a memorable week for our fans and program. We look forward to an exciting holiday experience."

Kansas State opened the 2024 campaign with a 7-1 record with wins over a pair of teams ranked No. 20 at the time in Arizona (31-7) and Oklahoma State (42-20), and the Wildcats were the only team this season to win at Colorado, a team that finished 23rd in the final College Football Playoff Top 25. Kansas State also retained the Governor's Cup with its 16th-straight win over Kansas, tied for the longest active uninterrupted winning streak in the nation. The Wildcats will be looking to right the ship from a 1-3 mark in November as they lost at Houston and to each of the Big 12 Championship Game participants, Arizona State and Iowa State.

K-State and Rutgers will meet for just the second time ever, and both matchups will be in bowl games, as the Scarlet Knights earned a 37-10 win over the Wildcats in the inaugural Texas Bowl in 2006. This is the fifth time in school history that Kansas State will face a Big Ten team in a bowl game with the last being a 31-14 victory over Michigan in the 2013 Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, which was also the last time overall that the Wildcats faced a Big Ten foe.

Rutgers finished the regular season with a 7-5 overall record and a 4-5 mark in conference action to tie for ninth place in the Big Ten. After starting the season 4-0 with wins over Howard, Akron, at Virginia Tech and against Washington, RU lost each of its next four games. However, Rutgers went 3-1 in November with wins over Minnesota, Maryland and Michigan State.

The Scarlett Knights are playing in a bowl game for the 13th time in school history and third time in the last four years. They lost to Wake Forest in the 2021 Gator Bowl and defeated Miami in last year's Pinstripe Bowl.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733746941205.jpeg" alt="RateBowl" />
 <figcaption>RateBowl</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2024/12/8/football-k-state-to-play-in-rate-bowl-against-rutgers">K-State Athletics</a>MANHATTAN, Kan. — K-State Nation is heading back to the Valley of the Sun, as Kansas State officials announced Sunday afternoon that the Wildcats have accepted an invitation to play Rutgers in the Rate Bowl inside Chase Field – home of MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks – in Phoenix, Arizona. The game, which is the only bowl matchup between members of the Big 12 and Big Ten Conferences, will take place on Thursday, December 26 at 4:30 p.m. (CT) and air on ESPN.This is the 19th time overall and the eighth time for a bowl game that the Wildcats will play in the state of Arizona. It is the fifth time K-State will play in what is now known as the Rate Bowl as it also played in the game in 1993 (known as Copper Bowl and played in Tucson, Arizona), 2001 (Insight.com Bowl), 2013 (Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl) and 2017 (Cactus Bowl)."We are excited to spend the holidays in Arizona and represent the Big 12 and our University in the Rate Bowl," said K-State head coach Chris Klieman, the first head coach in school history to lead his team to five bowl games in his first six seasons. "The staff at the Fiesta Bowl runs a first-class operation, and I know our players and coaches are looking forward to the trip and the extra work on the field, which is critical to our continued development as a program."K-State finished with an 8-4 regular-season record in 2024, marking the fourth-straight season the Wildcats have won at least eight games. The Wildcats are one of just nine Power 4 teams to win at least eight games in each of the last four seasons, joining Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, Notre Dame, Clemson, Ole Miss, Oregon and Ohio State. The Wildcats have been among the nation's leaders in bowl appearances since 1993 as the Wildcats are tied for 16th nationally and rank second in the Big 12 with 25. K-State will also be one of just 15 Power 4 teams to play in a bowl game at least 13 times in the last 15 years."We would like to thank Erik Moses and his staff for welcoming K-State Nation to the Phoenix area," said Athletics Director Gene Taylor. "It is good to be heading back to Arizona, and this will be a memorable week for our fans and program. We look forward to an exciting holiday experience."Kansas State opened the 2024 campaign with a 7-1 record with wins over a pair of teams ranked No. 20 at the time in Arizona (31-7) and Oklahoma State (42-20), and the Wildcats were the only team this season to win at Colorado, a team that finished 23rd in the final College Football Playoff Top 25. Kansas State also retained the Governor's Cup with its 16th-straight win over Kansas, tied for the longest active uninterrupted winning streak in the nation. The Wildcats will be looking to right the ship from a 1-3 mark in November as they lost at Houston and to each of the Big 12 Championship Game participants, Arizona State and Iowa State.K-State and Rutgers will meet for just the second time ever, and both matchups will be in bowl games, as the Scarlet Knights earned a 37-10 win over the Wildcats in the inaugural Texas Bowl in 2006. This is the fifth time in school history that Kansas State will face a Big Ten team in a bowl game with the last being a 31-14 victory over Michigan in the 2013 Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, which was also the last time overall that the Wildcats faced a Big Ten foe.Rutgers finished the regular season with a 7-5 overall record and a 4-5 mark in conference action to tie for ninth place in the Big Ten. After starting the season 4-0 with wins over Howard, Akron, at Virginia Tech and against Washington, RU lost each of its next four games. However, Rutgers went 3-1 in November with wins over Minnesota, Maryland and Michigan State.The Scarlett Knights are playing in a bowl game for the 13th time in school history and third time in the last four years. They lost to Wake Forest in the 2021 Gator Bowl and defeated Miami in last year's Pinstripe Bowl.

🏈 K-State to play in Rate Bowl against Rutgers

AP Sports Summary for December 9th, 2024:

Juan Soto agrees to record $765 million, 15-year contract with Mets, AP source says

DALLAS (AP) — A person familiar with the deal tells The Associated Press that star outfielder Juan Soto and the New York Mets have agreed to a record $765 million, 15-year contract. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement, first reported by the New York Post, was subject to a successful physical. Soto's deal is the largest and longest in Major League Baseball history, topping Shohei Ohtani's $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Fernando Tatis Jr.'s $340 million, 14-year contract with San Diego. Soto's deal does not include deferred money, the person said.

Chiefs win 9th straight AFC West title, beating Chargers 19-17 on bank-shot field goal

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Matthew Wright kicked a 31-yard field goal that banked off the left upright as time expired, and the Kansas City Chiefs survived another close game, beating the Los Angeles Chargers 19-17 to win their ninth straight AFC West title. Patrick Mahomes led the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs on a clock-killing 4 1/2-minute drive to set up Wright's fourth field goal. It looked routine until the ball clanged off the upright in the latest narrow escape for Kansas City, which has won 10 games by a one-score margin. Justin Herbert and the Chargers scored on each of their three second-half drives.

College Football Playoff's first 12-team bracket is set with Oregon No. 1 and SMU in, Alabama out

SMU captured the last open spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff, bumping Alabama to land in a bracket that placed undefeated Oregon at No. 1. The selection committee preferred the Mustangs, losers of a heartbreaker in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game, who had a far less difficult schedule than Alabama of the SEC but one fewer loss. The inaugural 12-team bracket marks a new era for college football, though the Alabama-SMU debate made clear there is no perfect formula. The tournament starts Dec. 20-21 with four first-round games. It concludes Jan. 20 with the national title game in Atlanta.

Allen sets NFL mark with 3 TD passes and 3 TD runs, but Stafford's Rams hold off Bills 44-42

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Rams overcame Josh Allen's record six-touchdown performance to snap the Buffalo Bills' seven-game winning streak with a 44-42 victory. Matthew Stafford passed for 320 yards and hit Puka Nacua for a 19-yard touchdown with 1:54 to play for the Rams, who have won six of eight. Allen passed for 342 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 82 yards and three more scores for the Bills. Allen became the first player in NFL history with three passing TDs and three rushing TDs in a game. He capped Buffalo's third touchdown drive of the fourth quarter by scoring on a 1-yard dive with 1:00 left.

Should Sasaki join Cubs? Emanuel, a fan of the team and ambassador to Japan, is being diplomatic

TOKYO (AP) — During a news conference at the United States Embassy in Tokyo, Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga was asked what he'd say to countryman Roki Sasaki to convince him to join his team. Sasaki will be moving from Japan next season to join an MLB team, the most sought-after pitcher in this season's free agency. The Cubs are among a half-dozen teams seen as a landing spot. The United States ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel jumped in and joked it was unfair to put Imanaga on the spot. Cubs fan Emanuel says "I know the world's dying to know and they're just going to keep guessing,"

Juan Soto's $765M deal with the Mets is the largest in MLB history. Here's who he passed

Juan Soto and the New York Mets agreed to a record $765 million, 15-year contract Sunday night, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the agreement hadn't been announced and was subject to the completion of a successful physical. Soto's deal easily surpassed Shohei Ohtani's $700 million agreement from the prior winter for what's believed to be the biggest in sports history, and Soto's contract doesn't include any deferred payments.

Saquon Barkley sets Eagles season rushing record and has Dickerson's NFL mark in his sights

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Saquon Barkley has broken LeSean McCoy's Eagles franchise record for rushing yards in a season. Barkley has 1,623 yards. He surpassed McCoy's mark of 1,607 yards with a 9-yard run in Sunday's 22-16 win over Carolina. Barkley finished the game with 124 yards, within a yard of his season average. He has four games left and is on pace to break Eric Dickerson's 40-year-old NFL record of 2,105 yards. Dickerson set that record in a 16-game season and Barkley has one more game. Eagles fans serenaded Barkley with "MVP!" chants and McCoy congratulated him on social media.

Josh Allen's record day not enough as Bills' 7-game winning streak is snapped by Rams

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Josh Allen became the first player to have three touchdown passes and three rushing TDs in the same game. It was a play during which the Buffalo quarterback didn't reach the end zone that was the most discussed after the Bills 44-42 loss to the Los Angeles Rams Sunday. Trailing by nine late in the fourth quarter, Allen was stopped for no gain on a sneak up the middle on first-and-goal from the Rams 1. Buffalo had to use the first of its three timeouts before Allen scored on a run on the next play. The Bills then had to try an onside kick and the Rams recovered.

Darnold delivers for Vikings with career-high 347 yards and 5 TDs to beat Falcons, Cousins 42-21

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Sam Darnold threw for 347 yards and five touchdowns, both career highs, and the Minnesota Vikings pulled away from Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons 42-21 for their sixth straight victory. Darnold added another highlight to his brilliant first season with the Vikings following Cousins' departure in free agency to Atlanta with a 22-for-28 performance and no turnover-worthy plays despite heavy first-half pressure. Jordan Addison had eight catches for 133 yards and three scores and Justin Jefferson racked up seven receptions for 132 yards and two touchdowns. Cousins threw two more interceptions without a touchdown in his return to Minnesota.

Dodgers reach $17M, 1-year deal with Conforto and $22M, 2-year contract with Treinen, AP sources say

DALLAS (AP) — People familiar with the negotiations tell The Associated Press that the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to a $17 million, one-year contract to add outfielder Michael Conforto and a $22 million, two-year deal to retain right-hander Blake Treinen. A former first-round draft pick who turns 32 on March 1, Conforto hit .237 with 20 homers and 66 RBIs this year for San Francisco in the final season of a $36 million, two-year contract. Treinen, 36, went 7-3 with a 1.93 ERA in 50 relief appearances, striking out 56 and walking 11 in 46 2/3 innings.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

Final	(22)Texas A&amp;M	72	Texas Tech	67	

		Abilene Christian	at	(15)Baylor	8 p.m.	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Monday, December 9th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Monday, December 9th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for December 9th, 2024:<div><iframe width="100%" height="95" src="https://embeds.audioboom.com/posts/8620954/embed?v=202301" style="background-color: transparent; display: block; padding: 0; width: 100%" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="allowtransparency" scrolling="no" title="Audioboom player" allow="autoplay" sandbox="allow-downloads allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-storage-access-by-user-activation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation"></iframe></div>Juan Soto agrees to record $765 million, 15-year contract with Mets, AP source saysDALLAS (AP) — A person familiar with the deal tells The Associated Press that star outfielder Juan Soto and the New York Mets have agreed to a record $765 million, 15-year contract. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement, first reported by the New York Post, was subject to a successful physical. Soto's deal is the largest and longest in Major League Baseball history, topping Shohei Ohtani's $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Fernando Tatis Jr.'s $340 million, 14-year contract with San Diego. Soto's deal does not include deferred money, the person said.Chiefs win 9th straight AFC West title, beating Chargers 19-17 on bank-shot field goalKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Matthew Wright kicked a 31-yard field goal that banked off the left upright as time expired, and the Kansas City Chiefs survived another close game, beating the Los Angeles Chargers 19-17 to win their ninth straight AFC West title. Patrick Mahomes led the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs on a clock-killing 4 1/2-minute drive to set up Wright's fourth field goal. It looked routine until the ball clanged off the upright in the latest narrow escape for Kansas City, which has won 10 games by a one-score margin. Justin Herbert and the Chargers scored on each of their three second-half drives.College Football Playoff's first 12-team bracket is set with Oregon No. 1 and SMU in, Alabama outSMU captured the last open spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff, bumping Alabama to land in a bracket that placed undefeated Oregon at No. 1. The selection committee preferred the Mustangs, losers of a heartbreaker in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game, who had a far less difficult schedule than Alabama of the SEC but one fewer loss. The inaugural 12-team bracket marks a new era for college football, though the Alabama-SMU debate made clear there is no perfect formula. The tournament starts Dec. 20-21 with four first-round games. It concludes Jan. 20 with the national title game in Atlanta.Allen sets NFL mark with 3 TD passes and 3 TD runs, but Stafford's Rams hold off Bills 44-42INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Rams overcame Josh Allen's record six-touchdown performance to snap the Buffalo Bills' seven-game winning streak with a 44-42 victory. Matthew Stafford passed for 320 yards and hit Puka Nacua for a 19-yard touchdown with 1:54 to play for the Rams, who have won six of eight. Allen passed for 342 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 82 yards and three more scores for the Bills. Allen became the first player in NFL history with three passing TDs and three rushing TDs in a game. He capped Buffalo's third touchdown drive of the fourth quarter by scoring on a 1-yard dive with 1:00 left.Should Sasaki join Cubs? Emanuel, a fan of the team and ambassador to Japan, is being diplomaticTOKYO (AP) — During a news conference at the United States Embassy in Tokyo, Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga was asked what he'd say to countryman Roki Sasaki to convince him to join his team. Sasaki will be moving from Japan next season to join an MLB team, the most sought-after pitcher in this season's free agency. The Cubs are among a half-dozen teams seen as a landing spot. The United States ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel jumped in and joked it was unfair to put Imanaga on the spot. Cubs fan Emanuel says "I know the world's dying to know and they're just going to keep guessing,"Juan Soto's $765M deal with the Mets is the largest in MLB history. Here's who he passedJuan Soto and the New York Mets agreed to a record $765 million, 15-year contract Sunday night, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the agreement hadn't been announced and was subject to the completion of a successful physical. Soto's deal easily surpassed Shohei Ohtani's $700 million agreement from the prior winter for what's believed to be the biggest in sports history, and Soto's contract doesn't include any deferred payments.Saquon Barkley sets Eagles season rushing record and has Dickerson's NFL mark in his sightsPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Saquon Barkley has broken LeSean McCoy's Eagles franchise record for rushing yards in a season. Barkley has 1,623 yards. He surpassed McCoy's mark of 1,607 yards with a 9-yard run in Sunday's 22-16 win over Carolina. Barkley finished the game with 124 yards, within a yard of his season average. He has four games left and is on pace to break Eric Dickerson's 40-year-old NFL record of 2,105 yards. Dickerson set that record in a 16-game season and Barkley has one more game. Eagles fans serenaded Barkley with "MVP!" chants and McCoy congratulated him on social media.Josh Allen's record day not enough as Bills' 7-game winning streak is snapped by RamsINGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Josh Allen became the first player to have three touchdown passes and three rushing TDs in the same game. It was a play during which the Buffalo quarterback didn't reach the end zone that was the most discussed after the Bills 44-42 loss to the Los Angeles Rams Sunday. Trailing by nine late in the fourth quarter, Allen was stopped for no gain on a sneak up the middle on first-and-goal from the Rams 1. Buffalo had to use the first of its three timeouts before Allen scored on a run on the next play. The Bills then had to try an onside kick and the Rams recovered.Darnold delivers for Vikings with career-high 347 yards and 5 TDs to beat Falcons, Cousins 42-21MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Sam Darnold threw for 347 yards and five touchdowns, both career highs, and the Minnesota Vikings pulled away from Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons 42-21 for their sixth straight victory. Darnold added another highlight to his brilliant first season with the Vikings following Cousins' departure in free agency to Atlanta with a 22-for-28 performance and no turnover-worthy plays despite heavy first-half pressure. Jordan Addison had eight catches for 133 yards and three scores and Justin Jefferson racked up seven receptions for 132 yards and two touchdowns. Cousins threw two more interceptions without a touchdown in his return to Minnesota.Dodgers reach $17M, 1-year deal with Conforto and $22M, 2-year contract with Treinen, AP sources sayDALLAS (AP) — People familiar with the negotiations tell The Associated Press that the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to a $17 million, one-year contract to add outfielder Michael Conforto and a $22 million, two-year deal to retain right-hander Blake Treinen. A former first-round draft pick who turns 32 on March 1, Conforto hit .237 with 20 homers and 66 RBIs this year for San Francisco in the final season of a $36 million, two-year contract. Treinen, 36, went 7-3 with a 1.93 ERA in 50 relief appearances, striking out 56 and walking 11 in 46 2/3 innings.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Philadelphia	108	Chicago	100	Final	Milwaukee	118	Brooklyn	113	Final	Charlotte	113	Indiana	109	Final	Denver	141	Atlanta	111	Final	Orlando	115	Phoenix	110	Final	Memphis	140	Washington	112	Final	San Antonio	121	New Orleans	116	Final	Golden State	114	Minnesota	106	Final	Sacramento	141	Utah	97	Final	Houston	117	L.A. Clippers	106	Final	L.A. Lakers	107	Portland	98	Final	Miami	122	Cleveland	113	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal	Seattle	7	N-Y Rangers	5	Final	Tampa Bay	4	Vancouver	2	Final	N-Y Islanders	4	Ottawa	2	Final	Columbus	4	Winnipeg	1	Final	Colorado	4	New Jersey	0	Final	Utah	4	Philadelphia	2	Final	Dallas	6	Calgary	2	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUEFinal	Jacksonville	10	Tennessee	6	Final OT	Miami	32	N-Y Jets	26	Final	Minnesota	42	Atlanta	21	Final	New Orleans	14	N-Y Giants	11	Final	Philadelphia	22	Carolina	16	Final	Pittsburgh	27	Cleveland	14	Final	Tampa Bay	28	Las Vegas	13	Final	Seattle	30	Arizona	18	Final	L.A. Rams	44	Buffalo	42	Final	San Francisco	38	Chicago	13	Final	Kansas City	19	L.A. Chargers	17	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	Missouri	76	(1)Kansas	67	Final	(2)Auburn	98	Richmond	54	Final	(6)Iowa St.	100	Jackson St.	58	Final	(8)Purdue	83	Maryland	78	Final	(9)Duke	76	Louisville	65	Final	UCLA	73	(12)Oregon	71	Final	(14)Cincinnati	84	Howard	67	Final	Arkansas St.	85	(16)Memphis	72	Final	(22)Texas A&amp;M	72	Texas Tech	67	Final	(25)UConn	76	Texas	65	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		New York	at	Toronto	7:30 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE		Chicago	at	N-Y Rangers	7 p.m.			Detroit	at	Buffalo	7 p.m.			Anaheim	at	Montreal	7:30 p.m.	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE		Cincinnati	at	Dallas	8:15 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL		Abilene Christian	at	(15)Baylor	8 p.m.	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Monday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Andy Reid doesn't need to schedule a stress test anytime soon. He seems to get one every week.

The Kansas City Chiefs coach saw his third-string kicker doink a 31-yard field goal off the left upright and through for a victory that secured the Chiefs' ninth straight AFC West title.

It was the Chiefs' 15th straight win in a one-score game over the last two seasons.

Patrick Mahomes led the two-time defending Super Bowl champions (12-1) on a clock-killing 4 1/2-minute drive to set up Matthew Wright’s fourth field goal. The ball clanged off the upright in the latest narrow escape for Kansas City, which is 10-0 this season in one-score games.

The Chiefs have now had&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/OptaSTATS/status/1865987660210405643">three different kickers make a game-winning field goal</a>&nbsp;as time expired this season. No other team in NFL history has had more than one kicker do so in a single season.

After securing a first down inside of the 2-minute warning, both Mahomes and Reid were content with running out the clock for the potential game winner, rather than trying to score a touchdown and leave time on the clock for Justin Herbert and the Chargers.

“I trusted Matthew, so I was good with where we were,” Reid said. “Percentages are pretty high. I know we won a game in that same situation on the opposite end, so I get it, but he’s a solid gamer, so I wasn’t too worried about it.”

Wright said he wasn't thinking about the game situation, instead focusing on what he had to do if it came down to his right leg. As the ball headed toward the upright and started drifting left, Wright said his thought wasn't good.

“It’s not a good one,” he said. “I want it to just go right down the middle, obviously.”

Kansas City's nine straight division titles are two short of the New England Patriots' NFL record of 11.

The Chiefs led 13-0 at halftime after the Chargers (8-5) punted on their first five possessions, but LA woke up in the second half, scoring on each of its three drives. Cameron Dicker's 37-yard field goal put the Chargers ahead 17-16 with 4:35 left.

“We just had to settle in," said Herbert, who was 21 of 30 for 213 yards and a TD. “We didn’t make enough plays in the first half and we didn’t execute the way we wanted to. Pass game, run game, we weren’t moving the ball well. That’s on us and I praise the guys for staying in there, staying patient and making plays in the second half.”

Mahomes then went to work, hitting Xavier Worthy for 14 yards on third-and-10 and scrambling for another first down. After the two-minute warning, Mahomes scrambled, dodged a would-be tackle and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1865974106522611871">lobbed a throw to a kneeling Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;that allowed the Chiefs to run the clock down to zero.

“I went through my reads,” Mahomes said. “As I was ready to run, I just saw 87 just sitting right there in the middle of the field, open. So I fired it to him.”

Mahomes says he's not surprised that Kelce stepped up in the clutch.

“He means the world to me,” he said. “Without getting like emotional, he’s a guy that has really kind of made me who I am in my career. (He's a) true leader on the football field. He's someone that I can just go to at any moment, and he’s going to make a big play happen, and as he’s done throughout his career.”

Mahomes was sacked three times and has taken 13 sacks over the past three games, the most of any three-game stretch in his career.

The Chargers opened the second half with a 13-play, 79-yard drive that concluded with Gus Edwards' 3-yard touchdown run. Following a Chiefs punt, the Chargers then went 74 yards on four plays, aided by 39-yard pass interference penalty on Justin Reid, to take a 14-13 lead. Herbert found Quentin Johnson for a 4-yard touchdown, the Chargers' first TD pass in 13 quarters.

The Chiefs responded with Wright’s third field goal, this one from 50 yards after an unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty against Trey Smith pushed Kansas City back.

The Chiefs settled for Wright's 47-yard field goal on their opening drive, during which Mahomes passed Dan Marino for the most passing yards in the first eight years of a career.

Late in the second quarter,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chargers-herbert-3717688e0ee935d8dd58030b9ca654c1">Herbert was hit by Kansas City linebacker Nick Bolton</a>, forcing him to miss a play and leading to the Chargers' fifth punt. The Chiefs responded with a 9-play, 77-yard drive that ended with DeAndre Hopkins' TD catch.

Kansas City's halftime lead was its largest of the season and it shut out an opponent in the first half for the first time.

Kelce finished with 45 yards receiving and has 12,010 in his career, trailing only Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten among tight ends. He is the fastest to reach 12,000 yards among tight ends.

Herbert missed only one play after the hit by Bolton after trainers looked at his left leg. Taylor Heinicke replaced him. ... TE Will Dissly left the game with a right shoulder injury in the third quarter. ... WR Jalen Reagor was hurt in the third quarter.

Chiefs T DJ Humphries left in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733736147319.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs kicker Matthew Wright (49) celebrates after kicking a last-second field goal to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers 19-17 in an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs kicker Matthew Wright (49) celebrates after kicking a last-second field goal to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers 19-17 in an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)</figcaption>
 </figure>DAVID SMALE Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Andy Reid doesn't need to schedule a stress test anytime soon. He seems to get one every week.The Kansas City Chiefs coach saw his third-string kicker doink a 31-yard field goal off the left upright and through for a victory that secured the Chiefs' ninth straight AFC West title.It was the Chiefs' 15th straight win in a one-score game over the last two seasons.Patrick Mahomes led the two-time defending Super Bowl champions (12-1) on a clock-killing 4 1/2-minute drive to set up Matthew Wright’s fourth field goal. The ball clanged off the upright in the latest narrow escape for Kansas City, which is 10-0 this season in one-score games.The Chiefs have now had&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/OptaSTATS/status/1865987660210405643">three different kickers make a game-winning field goal</a>&nbsp;as time expired this season. No other team in NFL history has had more than one kicker do so in a single season.After securing a first down inside of the 2-minute warning, both Mahomes and Reid were content with running out the clock for the potential game winner, rather than trying to score a touchdown and leave time on the clock for Justin Herbert and the Chargers.“I trusted Matthew, so I was good with where we were,” Reid said. “Percentages are pretty high. I know we won a game in that same situation on the opposite end, so I get it, but he’s a solid gamer, so I wasn’t too worried about it.”Wright said he wasn't thinking about the game situation, instead focusing on what he had to do if it came down to his right leg. As the ball headed toward the upright and started drifting left, Wright said his thought wasn't good.“It’s not a good one,” he said. “I want it to just go right down the middle, obviously.”Kansas City's nine straight division titles are two short of the New England Patriots' NFL record of 11.The Chiefs led 13-0 at halftime after the Chargers (8-5) punted on their first five possessions, but LA woke up in the second half, scoring on each of its three drives. Cameron Dicker's 37-yard field goal put the Chargers ahead 17-16 with 4:35 left.“We just had to settle in," said Herbert, who was 21 of 30 for 213 yards and a TD. “We didn’t make enough plays in the first half and we didn’t execute the way we wanted to. Pass game, run game, we weren’t moving the ball well. That’s on us and I praise the guys for staying in there, staying patient and making plays in the second half.”Mahomes then went to work, hitting Xavier Worthy for 14 yards on third-and-10 and scrambling for another first down. After the two-minute warning, Mahomes scrambled, dodged a would-be tackle and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1865974106522611871">lobbed a throw to a kneeling Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;that allowed the Chiefs to run the clock down to zero.“I went through my reads,” Mahomes said. “As I was ready to run, I just saw 87 just sitting right there in the middle of the field, open. So I fired it to him.”Mahomes says he's not surprised that Kelce stepped up in the clutch.“He means the world to me,” he said. “Without getting like emotional, he’s a guy that has really kind of made me who I am in my career. (He's a) true leader on the football field. He's someone that I can just go to at any moment, and he’s going to make a big play happen, and as he’s done throughout his career.”Mahomes was sacked three times and has taken 13 sacks over the past three games, the most of any three-game stretch in his career.The Chargers opened the second half with a 13-play, 79-yard drive that concluded with Gus Edwards' 3-yard touchdown run. Following a Chiefs punt, the Chargers then went 74 yards on four plays, aided by 39-yard pass interference penalty on Justin Reid, to take a 14-13 lead. Herbert found Quentin Johnson for a 4-yard touchdown, the Chargers' first TD pass in 13 quarters.The Chiefs responded with Wright’s third field goal, this one from 50 yards after an unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty against Trey Smith pushed Kansas City back.The Chiefs settled for Wright's 47-yard field goal on their opening drive, during which Mahomes passed Dan Marino for the most passing yards in the first eight years of a career.Late in the second quarter,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chargers-herbert-3717688e0ee935d8dd58030b9ca654c1">Herbert was hit by Kansas City linebacker Nick Bolton</a>, forcing him to miss a play and leading to the Chargers' fifth punt. The Chiefs responded with a 9-play, 77-yard drive that ended with DeAndre Hopkins' TD catch.Kansas City's halftime lead was its largest of the season and it shut out an opponent in the first half for the first time.<h2>Receiving royalty</h2>Kelce finished with 45 yards receiving and has 12,010 in his career, trailing only Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten among tight ends. He is the fastest to reach 12,000 yards among tight ends.<h2>Injuries</h2>Herbert missed only one play after the hit by Bolton after trainers looked at his left leg. Taylor Heinicke replaced him. ... TE Will Dissly left the game with a right shoulder injury in the third quarter. ... WR Jalen Reagor was hurt in the third quarter.Chiefs T DJ Humphries left in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury.<h2>Up next</h2>Chargers: Host Tampa Bay next Sunday.Chiefs: At Cleveland next Sunday.

🏈 Chiefs beat Chargers, win AFC West

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Tamar Bates had 29 points and five steals to help Missouri beat Hunter Dickinson and No. 1 Kansas 76-67 on Sunday.

Mark Mitchell scored 17 points in Missouri’s first win over Kansas since a 74-71 victory on Feb. 4, 2012. Anthony Robinson II had 11 points and five steals for the Tigers (8-1), and Josh Gray grabbed a team-leading 10 rebounds.

Dickinson had 19 points and 14 rebounds, but he also committed seven turnovers. The Jayhawks (7-2) have lost two straight on the road after falling 76-63 against Creighton on Wednesday night.

Missouri opened a 57-33 lead with 14:15 remaining on a jump shot from Tony Perkins. But the Jayhawks outscored the Tigers 30-8 over the next 11:55.

Bates scored 18 to help Missouri to a 39-25 lead at the break. The Tigers then opened the second half with a 16-6 run.

Kansas: Missouri's size and defensive pressure were too much for the Jayhawks, who are 5-5 at Mizzou Arena since it opened in 2004.

Missouri: Improved to 4-5 against Kansas when the Jayhawks are ranked No. 1 in The Associated Press poll.

Mitchell hit a 3-pointer to lift Missouri to a 68-63 lead with 2:03 remaining. Gray then hit a pair of free throws and Bates converted a layup to make it 72-63 with 1:16 to play.

Kansas committed 22 turnovers, including 14 in the first half.

Kansas: Hosts North Carolina State on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609550863288.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>DAVID SOLOMON Associated PressCOLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Tamar Bates had 29 points and five steals to help Missouri beat Hunter Dickinson and No. 1 Kansas 76-67 on Sunday.Mark Mitchell scored 17 points in Missouri’s first win over Kansas since a 74-71 victory on Feb. 4, 2012. Anthony Robinson II had 11 points and five steals for the Tigers (8-1), and Josh Gray grabbed a team-leading 10 rebounds.Dickinson had 19 points and 14 rebounds, but he also committed seven turnovers. The Jayhawks (7-2) have lost two straight on the road after falling 76-63 against Creighton on Wednesday night.Missouri opened a 57-33 lead with 14:15 remaining on a jump shot from Tony Perkins. But the Jayhawks outscored the Tigers 30-8 over the next 11:55.Bates scored 18 to help Missouri to a 39-25 lead at the break. The Tigers then opened the second half with a 16-6 run.<h2>Takeaways</h2>Kansas: Missouri's size and defensive pressure were too much for the Jayhawks, who are 5-5 at Mizzou Arena since it opened in 2004.Missouri: Improved to 4-5 against Kansas when the Jayhawks are ranked No. 1 in The Associated Press poll.<h2>Key moment</h2>Mitchell hit a 3-pointer to lift Missouri to a 68-63 lead with 2:03 remaining. Gray then hit a pair of free throws and Bates converted a layup to make it 72-63 with 1:16 to play.<h2>Key stat</h2>Kansas committed 22 turnovers, including 14 in the first half.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas: Hosts North Carolina State on Saturday.Missouri: Hosts Long Island on Saturday.

🏀 Mizzou beats KU in Columbia Sunday

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — No. 3 Hutchinson (10-1) scored 35-straight points to rout No. 2 Georgia Military (10-2) Sunday on the road.

The Bulldogs used an 11-play, 72-yard drive to take an early 7-0 lead on the Dragons. Keenan Phillips finished off the drive with a 16-yard run to the house.

Offensively, Hutchinson started the afternoon with a three-and-out as Samari Collier went just 1-of-3 passing.

The Dragons only had one first down in the first quarter. It came as time expired on the first 15 minutes.

GMC had eight first downs to Hutchinson's one.

The Bulldogs converted 16 first downs in the first half to Hutchinson's eight.

The Dragons quickly turned the momentum of their first, first down into points. Collier hit Ja'Cory Thomas on a 41-yard strike to tie the game just seven seconds into the second frame.

GMC immediately answered when Chip Cooper found Phillips for a 28-yard score.

The Dragons then turned to National Player of the Year finalist Waymond Jordan Junior. The KJCCC Offensive Player of the Year made a 43-yard house call to tie the game at 14.

Jordan Junior finished the day with 201 yards and two touchdowns. He is now second on Hutchinson's all-time list for rushing touchdowns in a season (20). He is 101 yards away from breaking Terrell Lane's 1,632 yards in a season, set back in 2012.

Jordan Junior's 201 yards Sunday catapulted him four places up the season rushing list.&nbsp;

After the Dragons tied the game with 12 minutes left before halftime, the special teams unit put Hutchinson up for good.

Walter Samuel broke through the protection to block Cole Snyder's punt. L.T. Robinson picked the ball up at the one and scored.

Jordan Junior put Hutchinson up 14 on a 58-yard scamper before Cooper found Phillips again, this time on a 43-yard strike.

Up 28-21 at the break, Hutchinson scored the game's final 35 points.

After a Kedrick Walker interception, Collier found Thomas down the sideline for a 38-yard touchdown.

Walker finished the day with 13 tackles and his first interception.

Collier scored the next two touchdowns for Hutchinson on the ground.

He scored on runs of 26 and two. Collier finished the day with 119 yards passing for two touchdowns. He added 96 yards on the ground with two scores.

In relief of Collier, Christian Johnson took his first snap and threw a 30-yard bomb to Donte Ferrell Junior.

Johnson finished the scoring with a two-yard touchdown run.

FINAL: Hutchinson 63 Georgia Military 21

Hutchinson will face No. 1 Iowa Western in Canyon, Texas, on Dec. 18 for the national championship.

The Reivers are the back-to-back defending national champion.

Hutchinson defeated Iowa Western in Council Bluffs, Iowa, in week two of the season, 38-37.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733709511927.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — No. 3 Hutchinson (10-1) scored 35-straight points to rout No. 2 Georgia Military (10-2) Sunday on the road.The Bulldogs used an 11-play, 72-yard drive to take an early 7-0 lead on the Dragons. Keenan Phillips finished off the drive with a 16-yard run to the house.Offensively, Hutchinson started the afternoon with a three-and-out as Samari Collier went just 1-of-3 passing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728769325258.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Dragons only had one first down in the first quarter. It came as time expired on the first 15 minutes.GMC had eight first downs to Hutchinson's one.The Bulldogs converted 16 first downs in the first half to Hutchinson's eight.The Dragons quickly turned the momentum of their first, first down into points. Collier hit Ja'Cory Thomas on a 41-yard strike to tie the game just seven seconds into the second frame.GMC immediately answered when Chip Cooper found Phillips for a 28-yard score.The Dragons then turned to National Player of the Year finalist Waymond Jordan Junior. The KJCCC Offensive Player of the Year made a 43-yard house call to tie the game at 14.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728769390111.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Jordan Junior finished the day with 201 yards and two touchdowns. He is now second on Hutchinson's all-time list for rushing touchdowns in a season (20). He is 101 yards away from breaking Terrell Lane's 1,632 yards in a season, set back in 2012.Jordan Junior's 201 yards Sunday catapulted him four places up the season rushing list.&nbsp;After the Dragons tied the game with 12 minutes left before halftime, the special teams unit put Hutchinson up for good.Walter Samuel broke through the protection to block Cole Snyder's punt. L.T. Robinson picked the ball up at the one and scored.Jordan Junior put Hutchinson up 14 on a 58-yard scamper before Cooper found Phillips again, this time on a 43-yard strike.Up 28-21 at the break, Hutchinson scored the game's final 35 points.After a Kedrick Walker interception, Collier found Thomas down the sideline for a 38-yard touchdown.Walker finished the day with 13 tackles and his first interception.Collier scored the next two touchdowns for Hutchinson on the ground.He scored on runs of 26 and two. Collier finished the day with 119 yards passing for two touchdowns. He added 96 yards on the ground with two scores.In relief of Collier, Christian Johnson took his first snap and threw a 30-yard bomb to Donte Ferrell Junior.Johnson finished the scoring with a two-yard touchdown run.FINAL: Hutchinson 63 Georgia Military 21Hutchinson will face No. 1 Iowa Western in Canyon, Texas, on Dec. 18 for the national championship.The Reivers are the back-to-back defending national champion.Hutchinson defeated Iowa Western in Council Bluffs, Iowa, in week two of the season, 38-37.

🏈 Dragons advance to championship

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — The No. 3 Hutchinson Community College football team plays No. 2 Georgia Military College in the NJCAA national semifinal at Davenport Field.&nbsp;

Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT, with Countdown to Kickoff starting at 2 p.m.&nbsp;

Sean Boston (play-by-play) and Daren Dunn (analysis) are in the Peach State to bring you the action on Country 102.9, country1029.com and available on any smart speaker by saying “Play KHUT Hutchinson, Kansas.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733685865078.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — The No. 3 Hutchinson Community College football team plays No. 2 Georgia Military College in the NJCAA national semifinal at Davenport Field.&nbsp;Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT, with Countdown to Kickoff starting at 2 p.m.&nbsp;Sean Boston (play-by-play) and Daren Dunn (analysis) are in the Peach State to bring you the action on Country 102.9, country1029.com and available on any smart speaker by saying “Play KHUT Hutchinson, Kansas.”

🎧 LISTEN: HutchCC at Georgia Military College in NJCAA semifinal

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — No. 3 Hutchinson (9-1) takes on No. 2 Georgia Military (10-1) in the national semifinal playoff for a spot in the national championship.

The Dragons are making their third-straight semifinal appearance as the Bulldogs experience the new format for the first time.

Waymond Jordan Jr., the nation's rushing leader (133.2 yards per game), faces a Bulldog defense that yields only 84.9 yards per game on the ground.

Georgia Military boasts the country's No. 2 backfield (275.9 yards per game) against a Dragon defense that surrenders just 99 yards per contest.

Sunday's winner will face No. 1 Iowa Western on Dec. 18 in Canyon, Texas. The back-to-back national champion Reivers defeated Northwest Mississippi 42-21 on Friday.

Sean Boston, Daren Dunn and Steve Carpenter prepare you for the 2:30 p.m. (CST) kickoff from Davenport Field.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728769390111.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — No. 3 Hutchinson (9-1) takes on No. 2 Georgia Military (10-1) in the national semifinal playoff for a spot in the national championship.The Dragons are making their third-straight semifinal appearance as the Bulldogs experience the new format for the first time.Waymond Jordan Jr., the nation's rushing leader (133.2 yards per game), faces a Bulldog defense that yields only 84.9 yards per game on the ground.Georgia Military boasts the country's No. 2 backfield (275.9 yards per game) against a Dragon defense that surrenders just 99 yards per contest.Sunday's winner will face No. 1 Iowa Western on Dec. 18 in Canyon, Texas. The back-to-back national champion Reivers defeated Northwest Mississippi 42-21 on Friday.Sean Boston, Daren Dunn and Steve Carpenter prepare you for the 2:30 p.m. (CST) kickoff from Davenport Field.<div><iframe title="CTK SEG 1 at GMC" 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=pmaby-17612c2-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><div><iframe title="CTK SEG 2 at GMC" 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=774qm-17612ce-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><div><iframe title="CTK SEG 3 at GMC" 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=taj4n-17612d6-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>

🏈🎧 LISTEN: Countdown To Kickoff at Georgia Military

BLUE DRAGON FOOTBALL NJCAA National Playoff Semifinals No. 3 Hutchinson (9-1) at No. 2 Georgia Military (10-1) When: Sunday, December 8 At: Davenport Field, Milledgeville, GA Kickoff: 2:32 p.m. CT (3:32 p.m. ET) Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT" target="_blank">KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5), 2:00 p.m. - Sean Boston (PBP); Daren Dunn (Analyst)</a> Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/4674486f-77df-4097-8f8a-22e1c03c31e0?om-navmethod=espn%3Aglobalsearch%3Aresults" target="_blank">ESPN+ - Landon Maddox (PBP); Parker Gore (Analyst), 2:30 p.m.</a> X: @bluedragonsport <a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2024-25/files/Game_11_-_Georgia_Military.pdf">CLICK FOR FULL BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>

The Hutchinson Community College football team will make its third-consecutive NJCAA National Playoff appearance on Sunday against the Georgia Military Bulldogs.

The Jayhawk Conference tri-champion and No. 3 national seed Blue Dragons (9-1) will play at second-seeded Georgia Military (10-1) in the second national semifinal on Sunday, December 8 at 2:30 p.m. CT (3:30 p.m. ET) at Davenport Stadium in Milledgeville, Georgia.

The Hutchinson/Georgia Military winner will play the Iowa Western/Northwest Mississippi winner on December 18 in Canyon, Texas.

The game will broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) with Sean Boston (PBP) and Daren Dunn (analysis) calling the action beginning at 2 p.m. with Countdown to Kickoff. The game will be streamed on ESPN+ with Logan Maddox (PBP) and Parker Gore (analysis) with the call.

Hutchinson plays in its third-straight national semifinal and makes its fourth overall national playoff appearance in program history, all since the 2020/21 season. The Blue Dragons won the 2020/21 national championship, defeated Coffeyville in the 2022 national semifinals and were NJCAA runner-up that season, and the Blue Dragons lost in the semifinals last season to East Mississippi.

The Blue Dragons make their 28th overall NJCAA postseason appearance, which includes national playoff and bowl game appearances. The Blue Dragons are 16-9-2 all-time in the postseason.

Georgia Military makes its second national playoff appearance and first in the semifinals (that round was added to the playoffs before the 2021 season). The Bulldogs played East Mississippi in the 2013 NJCAA Championship game. The top-seeded Bulldogs lost 52-32 in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Georgia Military did win the 2011 national championship.

The Blue Dragons won a share of its fifth-straight KJCCC championship this season, posting a 42-17 victory at Garden City in the season finale on November 16. The Dragons tied Coffeyville and Butler for the 2024 Jayhawk Conference championship with 5-1 records.

Running back&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2024-25/bios/jordan_jr._waymond_h58l">Waymond Jordan Jr.</a>&nbsp;was named the KJCCC Offensive Player of the Year and head coach Drew Dallas was named the Coach of the Year. The Blue Dragons had 29 total players named to the 2024 All-KJCCC team, including 12 named to the first team.

Sunday's matchup will be the first ever between Hutchinson and Georgia Military. The only other time the Dragons played a team from Georgia was the 1995 Mineral Water Bowl vs. Middle Georgia in Excelsior Springs, Missouri.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733575732456.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>BLUE DRAGON FOOTBALL NJCAA National Playoff Semifinals No. 3 Hutchinson (9-1) at No. 2 Georgia Military (10-1) When: Sunday, December 8 At: Davenport Field, Milledgeville, GA Kickoff: 2:32 p.m. CT (3:32 p.m. ET) Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT" target="_blank">KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5), 2:00 p.m. - Sean Boston (PBP); Daren Dunn (Analyst)</a> Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/4674486f-77df-4097-8f8a-22e1c03c31e0?om-navmethod=espn%3Aglobalsearch%3Aresults" target="_blank">ESPN+ - Landon Maddox (PBP); Parker Gore (Analyst), 2:30 p.m.</a> X: @bluedragonsport <a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2024-25/files/Game_11_-_Georgia_Military.pdf">CLICK FOR FULL BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThe Hutchinson Community College football team will make its third-consecutive NJCAA National Playoff appearance on Sunday against the Georgia Military Bulldogs.The Jayhawk Conference tri-champion and No. 3 national seed Blue Dragons (9-1) will play at second-seeded Georgia Military (10-1) in the second national semifinal on Sunday, December 8 at 2:30 p.m. CT (3:30 p.m. ET) at Davenport Stadium in Milledgeville, Georgia.The Hutchinson/Georgia Military winner will play the Iowa Western/Northwest Mississippi winner on December 18 in Canyon, Texas.The game will broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) with Sean Boston (PBP) and Daren Dunn (analysis) calling the action beginning at 2 p.m. with Countdown to Kickoff. The game will be streamed on ESPN+ with Logan Maddox (PBP) and Parker Gore (analysis) with the call.Hutchinson plays in its third-straight national semifinal and makes its fourth overall national playoff appearance in program history, all since the 2020/21 season. The Blue Dragons won the 2020/21 national championship, defeated Coffeyville in the 2022 national semifinals and were NJCAA runner-up that season, and the Blue Dragons lost in the semifinals last season to East Mississippi.The Blue Dragons make their 28th overall NJCAA postseason appearance, which includes national playoff and bowl game appearances. The Blue Dragons are 16-9-2 all-time in the postseason.Georgia Military makes its second national playoff appearance and first in the semifinals (that round was added to the playoffs before the 2021 season). The Bulldogs played East Mississippi in the 2013 NJCAA Championship game. The top-seeded Bulldogs lost 52-32 in Biloxi, Mississippi.Georgia Military did win the 2011 national championship.The Blue Dragons won a share of its fifth-straight KJCCC championship this season, posting a 42-17 victory at Garden City in the season finale on November 16. The Dragons tied Coffeyville and Butler for the 2024 Jayhawk Conference championship with 5-1 records.Running back&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2024-25/bios/jordan_jr._waymond_h58l">Waymond Jordan Jr.</a>&nbsp;was named the KJCCC Offensive Player of the Year and head coach Drew Dallas was named the Coach of the Year. The Blue Dragons had 29 total players named to the 2024 All-KJCCC team, including 12 named to the first team.Sunday's matchup will be the first ever between Hutchinson and Georgia Military. The only other time the Dragons played a team from Georgia was the 1995 Mineral Water Bowl vs. Middle Georgia in Excelsior Springs, Missouri.

🏈 No. 3 HutchCC meets No. 2 Georgia Military in NJCAA semifinals

Blue Dragon sophomore running back&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2024-25/bios/jordan_jr._waymond_h58l">Waymond Jordan Jr.</a>&nbsp;has been named a finalist for the JUCO Weekly National Player of the Year.

Jordan, a sophomore from Pensacola, Florida leads the NJCAA in rushing with 1,331 yards and is tied for the nation's lead in rushing touchdowns with 18. Jordan ran for 100 yards in 8 of 10 games, including a career-high 213 yards against Highland on November 9 at Gowans Stadium.

Jordan is the second finalist for National Player of the Year honors in Blue Dragon history. Quarterback Dylan Laible was a finalist during the 2022 Hutchinson national runner-up season.

Along with Jordan, Tyler linebacker William Cornelson, Northwest Mississippi running back D'Mariun Perteet, Iowa Western quarterback Hunter Dekkers and Iowa Western receiver Fresh Walters were named finalists for the 2024 award.

The winner will be announced at the NJCAA Championship Banquet on December 17 in Canyon, Texas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733575672513.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationBlue Dragon sophomore running back&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2024-25/bios/jordan_jr._waymond_h58l">Waymond Jordan Jr.</a>&nbsp;has been named a finalist for the JUCO Weekly National Player of the Year.Jordan, a sophomore from Pensacola, Florida leads the NJCAA in rushing with 1,331 yards and is tied for the nation's lead in rushing touchdowns with 18. Jordan ran for 100 yards in 8 of 10 games, including a career-high 213 yards against Highland on November 9 at Gowans Stadium.Jordan is the second finalist for National Player of the Year honors in Blue Dragon history. Quarterback Dylan Laible was a finalist during the 2022 Hutchinson national runner-up season.Along with Jordan, Tyler linebacker William Cornelson, Northwest Mississippi running back D'Mariun Perteet, Iowa Western quarterback Hunter Dekkers and Iowa Western receiver Fresh Walters were named finalists for the 2024 award.The winner will be announced at the NJCAA Championship Banquet on December 17 in Canyon, Texas.

🏈 Jordan Jr. named national POY finalist

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;-The Kansas Volleyball team tabbed a&nbsp;3-0 victory against the Colgate Raiders on Friday night in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in the Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena.&nbsp;

"I thought Colgate played pretty close to their ceiling, and when you come in here and you play without much to lose, and they're are organized and a very experienced team, they competed very well, so congratulations to them," said Kansas Head Coach Ray Bechard. "But the Jayhawks had an aggressive mindset. We served well. Our transition offense was very good, and we had good balance offensively. So we're excited about advancing to tomorrow night against the Florida Gators."

<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/ayah-elnady/10242">Ayah Elnady</a>&nbsp;led with 12 kills as&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/toyosi-onabanjo/10221">Toyosi Onabanjo</a>&nbsp;added 11 with zero errors for an astonishing hitting percentage of .733 while producing five blocks. The Jayhawk defense held Colgate to just .178 hitting with 10 total blocks and strong back row performances from&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/raegan-burns/10191">Raegan Burns</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/bryn-mcgehe/10203">Bryn McGehe</a>&nbsp;who each added nine digs apiece.&nbsp;

Kansas came out with a commanding start as it rapidly rattled off seven straight points behind three&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/caroline-bien/10231">Caroline Bien</a>&nbsp;aces and a&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/london-davis/10262">London Davis</a>&nbsp;kill, forcing Colgate to call a timeout early in the match at 7-0. The Raiders wouldn't be silenced by the deficit as they reduced the Jayhawk lead to one at 8-7, but a trio of Onabanjo slides along with a strong middle attack and a block assist had her filling the stat sheet at the 14-9 mark, with KU leading. The Jayhawks earned its largest edge at 24-15 as Big 12 Freshman of the Year&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/reese-ptacek/10213">Reese Ptacek</a>&nbsp;went perfect and collected three kills on three attacks and Burns contributed an ace of her own. Another Onabanjo block paired with&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/camryn-turner/10268">Camryn Turner</a>&nbsp;was the decisive set point as the Jayhawks snagged the first 25-18.

<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/london-davis/10262">London Davis</a>&nbsp;and Ptacek paired up for a block before Ptacek added a solo roof of her own on the next play to put Kansas up 3-0 in the second set. But this set was more contested early on with just a four point cushion at 9-4 being the largest for the Jayhawks. During that stretch, Elnady came up with two straight points off a kill immediately followed by an ace. Despite an array of successful attacks from Bien, Davis and Elnady, Colgate hung around closely and managed to flip the lead 15-14 in its favor at the media timeout. Jayhawk errors stretched the Raiders advantage to 21-17, but both Ptacek and Elnady managed to effectively find the middle of Colgate's court on a soft tip and roll to cut it down 21-20. On the ensuing point, Ptacek and Davis joined forces for another block to tie up the set. Teams continuously traded points until Davis used the Colgate block to transfer the edge back to Kansas at 24-23. A Raider overpass set up a side swipe by Onabajo for the Jayhawks to take the second set 25-23.&nbsp;

Kansas jumped out to a 9-3 lead in the third as Elnady collected a trio of kills within five points. The Jayhawks maintained a steady precedence as the duo of Ptactek and Davis continued to govern and protect the net as they roofed back-to-back Colgate attempts as Kansas went up 16-9. A McGehe ace pushed it 19-11 as three more Onabanjo kills, including an impressive dig that rolled into the perfect spot on the Colgate court, made it 23-15. The Raiders utilized a 6-0 run to narrow it 23-21, forcing a Jayhawk timeout. Coming out of the break, Ptacek nailed a slide deep in the backcourt to set up match point. Veteran senior leadership sealed the 3-0 Kansas victory as Turner added her 36th assist of the night as Bien hammered home the final point at 25-22.

Kansas faces a quick turnaround against No. 6 seed Florida (21-7) for a chance at the Sweet 16 on Saturday. The match begins at 6:30 p.m. CT at Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733575526698.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Athletics&nbsp;LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;-The Kansas Volleyball team tabbed a&nbsp;3-0 victory against the Colgate Raiders on Friday night in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in the Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena.&nbsp;"I thought Colgate played pretty close to their ceiling, and when you come in here and you play without much to lose, and they're are organized and a very experienced team, they competed very well, so congratulations to them," said Kansas Head Coach Ray Bechard. "But the Jayhawks had an aggressive mindset. We served well. Our transition offense was very good, and we had good balance offensively. So we're excited about advancing to tomorrow night against the Florida Gators."<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/ayah-elnady/10242">Ayah Elnady</a>&nbsp;led with 12 kills as&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/toyosi-onabanjo/10221">Toyosi Onabanjo</a>&nbsp;added 11 with zero errors for an astonishing hitting percentage of .733 while producing five blocks. The Jayhawk defense held Colgate to just .178 hitting with 10 total blocks and strong back row performances from&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/raegan-burns/10191">Raegan Burns</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/bryn-mcgehe/10203">Bryn McGehe</a>&nbsp;who each added nine digs apiece.&nbsp;Kansas came out with a commanding start as it rapidly rattled off seven straight points behind three&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/caroline-bien/10231">Caroline Bien</a>&nbsp;aces and a&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/london-davis/10262">London Davis</a>&nbsp;kill, forcing Colgate to call a timeout early in the match at 7-0. The Raiders wouldn't be silenced by the deficit as they reduced the Jayhawk lead to one at 8-7, but a trio of Onabanjo slides along with a strong middle attack and a block assist had her filling the stat sheet at the 14-9 mark, with KU leading. The Jayhawks earned its largest edge at 24-15 as Big 12 Freshman of the Year&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/reese-ptacek/10213">Reese Ptacek</a>&nbsp;went perfect and collected three kills on three attacks and Burns contributed an ace of her own. Another Onabanjo block paired with&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/camryn-turner/10268">Camryn Turner</a>&nbsp;was the decisive set point as the Jayhawks snagged the first 25-18.<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/london-davis/10262">London Davis</a>&nbsp;and Ptacek paired up for a block before Ptacek added a solo roof of her own on the next play to put Kansas up 3-0 in the second set. But this set was more contested early on with just a four point cushion at 9-4 being the largest for the Jayhawks. During that stretch, Elnady came up with two straight points off a kill immediately followed by an ace. Despite an array of successful attacks from Bien, Davis and Elnady, Colgate hung around closely and managed to flip the lead 15-14 in its favor at the media timeout. Jayhawk errors stretched the Raiders advantage to 21-17, but both Ptacek and Elnady managed to effectively find the middle of Colgate's court on a soft tip and roll to cut it down 21-20. On the ensuing point, Ptacek and Davis joined forces for another block to tie up the set. Teams continuously traded points until Davis used the Colgate block to transfer the edge back to Kansas at 24-23. A Raider overpass set up a side swipe by Onabajo for the Jayhawks to take the second set 25-23.&nbsp;Kansas jumped out to a 9-3 lead in the third as Elnady collected a trio of kills within five points. The Jayhawks maintained a steady precedence as the duo of Ptactek and Davis continued to govern and protect the net as they roofed back-to-back Colgate attempts as Kansas went up 16-9. A McGehe ace pushed it 19-11 as three more Onabanjo kills, including an impressive dig that rolled into the perfect spot on the Colgate court, made it 23-15. The Raiders utilized a 6-0 run to narrow it 23-21, forcing a Jayhawk timeout. Coming out of the break, Ptacek nailed a slide deep in the backcourt to set up match point. Veteran senior leadership sealed the 3-0 Kansas victory as Turner added her 36th assist of the night as Bien hammered home the final point at 25-22.Kansas faces a quick turnaround against No. 6 seed Florida (21-7) for a chance at the Sweet 16 on Saturday. The match begins at 6:30 p.m. CT at Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena.&nbsp; &nbsp;

🏐 KU sweeps Colgate in opening round of NCAA Tournament

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733488111753.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
 
LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;-&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks picked up their 13th consecutive home victory on Thursday night, defeating Wichita State 70-60 to improve to 5-0 at home this season.&nbsp; <dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/s-mya-nichols/15529" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">S&apos;Mya Nichols</a></dfn> scored a team-high 19 points and was one of four Jayhawks who reached double figures in scoring, despite having her five-game streak of 20-point games snapped. <dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/regan-williams/15538" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Regan Williams</a></dfn> recorded her first career double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, while <dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/elle-evans/15535" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Elle Evans</a></dfn> had 15 points and <dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laia-conesa/15526" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Laia Conesa</a></dfn> chipped in 10.&nbsp; The win is KU&apos;s fourth-straight and improves the Jayhawks to 8-1 on the year, while Wichita State falls to 3-6.&nbsp; &quot;I thought we took care of the ball well tonight, finishing with only 10 turnovers against that heavy pressure,&quot; Kansas head coach <dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/brandon-schneider/737" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Brandon Schneider</a></dfn> said following the game. &quot;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/regan-williams/15538" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Regan Williams</a></dfn> just keeps improving by leaps and bounds, I&apos;m just taken back by her performance and I thought <dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/sania-copeland/15536" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Sania Copeland</a></dfn> did a really good job of playing downhill. She found people for shots, maybe some that they didn&apos;t make, but they were great looks for us.&quot; It took nearly two minutes before either team put points on the scoreboard, but Kansas struck first with a Williams layup off a Nichols assist. The Shockers answered with a basket of their own on the following possession but Conesa responded as she completed a traditional three-point play, making it 5-2. Kansas finished out the first frame scoring with back-to-back baskets by Evans and another Williams layup, before Nichols contributed the last seven points for the Jayhawks, who led 18-14 at the end of the first.&nbsp; Wichita State opened the second quarter with a 9-0 run that featured three-straight three-pointers as the Shockers took a 23-18 lead. The Jayhawks evened it at 30-30 on a corner three from Conesa, and again at the halftime buzzer as Conesa grabbed her own rebound and scored to make it 33-all at the break. Kansas started off the second half with a 4-0 run as Williams knocked down one of two free throws and Evans chipped in a shot from beyond the arc. A back door layup by <dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/carla-osma/15534" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Carla Osma</a></dfn> helped KU to a two-point advantage at the media break, 39-37. Evans connected again for a pair of threes but the Shockers outscored Kansas 9-3 in the final four minutes to flip the lead at 49-46 going into the final frame.&nbsp; Kansas prompted the final lead change of the game with a 8-2 run that featured back-to-back Williams buckets at 54-51. Copeland cashed in her first field goal of the evening with a long-range shot to go up 57-52 at the final media timeout. The Jayhawks defense held Wichita State to just three field goals in the fourth quarter, including a stretch of nearly five and half minutes without any. Kansas entered bonus territory early with just under seven minutes to play, resulting in many of the late points coming from the charity stripe. In the final three minutes of the game, Nichols, Williams and Copeland combined to go 9-10 from the line while holding the Shockers scoreless in the last two minutes to close out the 70-60 victory. Up Next Kansas will close out non-conference play with its next two games at home, beginning next Wednesday, Dec. 11, as the Jayhawks host Kansas City. Tipoff from Allen Fieldhouse is set for 6 p.m. CT and the game will be streamed on ESPN+. Postgame Notes Team - With its fifth consecutive win over Wichita State, Kansas moves to 8-1 for the fourth time in the <dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/brandon-schneider/737" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Brandon Schneider</a></dfn> era and improves its lead in the overall series to 35-7. - Kansas recorded a season high in points off turnovers with 28. - Kansas turned the ball over just 10 times, tying the third fewest single game turnovers of the season.&nbsp; Individual&nbsp; - Freshman forward <dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/regan-williams/15538" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Regan Williams</a></dfn> recorded her first career double-double as she finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds, with both totals representing new career highs. Williams&apos; double-double is the first by a Jayhawk this season and first overall since <dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/taiyanna-jackson/1412" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Taiyanna Jackson</a></dfn> had 10 points and 18 rebounds at USC on March 25, 2024.&nbsp; - Sophomore guard <dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/s-mya-nichols/15529" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">S&apos;Mya Nichols</a></dfn> recorded her 38th career game scoring in double figures, finishing with 19 points on 6-for-12 shooting from the field and 7-for-8 from the free throw line. Nichols has scored in double figures in all nine games this season and remains the Big 12&apos;s leading scorer, averaging 21.1 points per contest.&nbsp; - Junior guard <dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/elle-evans/15535" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Elle Evans</a></dfn> recorded her 60th career game scoring in double figures and sixth of the season as she finished with 15 points. She made three three-pointers, all in the third quarter, marking the fourth time she&apos;s made three or more threes in a game this season.&nbsp; - Sophomore guard <dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/laia-conesa/15526" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Laia Conesa</a></dfn> recorded her fourth career game scoring 10+ points, with all coming this season. She finished with 10 points on 4-for-7 shooting.</div>

🏀 KU women hang on to defeat WSU 

DALLAS --&nbsp;The 2024 Wichita State volleyball season came to an end on Thursday night with a 28-26, 25-17, 25-14 loss to SMU in the NCAA Championship First Round at Moody Coliseum.

The Shockers finish the season with an 18-14 overall record. SMU advances to the Second Round to take on Missouri on Friday night at 7:00 pm CT.

Wichita State went blow-for-blow with the Mustangs in the opening set, building a 10-7 lead when&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/maddie-wilson/8988">Maddie Wilson</a>&nbsp;delivered a block and kill in quick succession. A rapid-fire 3-0 burst later in the set restored the lead to three at 18-15, and the Shockers held a slim 23-22 advantage after Naya Shime misfired on an attack for SMU. But the Mustangs scored the next two points, giving them the first of several set point opportunities at 24-23, 25-24, 26-25 and 27-26. Kills from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/brooklyn-leggett/8982">Brooklyn Leggett</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/morgan-stout/8985">Morgan Stout</a>, sandwiched around a&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/natalie-foster/7483">Natalie Foster</a>&nbsp;service error, kept WSU alive, but Casey Batenhorst dropped in a service ace to finally clinch the set for SMU.

The Shockers fell into a 12-7 hole early in the second set that grew to 17-9 and 20-11 as the Mustangs hit a blistering .462 in the set. Leggett hammered four kills in short order to help the Shockers pull back within seven at 24-17, but a Maya Tabron termination gave SMU a 2-0 lead at intermission.

SMU and WSU traded points to open set three, with the Mustangs holding a 5-4 edge before a decisive 4-0 spurt gave SMU a lead they did not concede. A Stout kill got Wichita State to as close as 13-10, but the Mustangs responded with three straight points to lengthen the lead back to six and cruised to the finish line.

Wichita State hit .141 in the match to .309 for SMU. Leggett led the Shockers with nine kills while Stout had eight in her final collegiate match. Fellow seniors&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/izzi-strand/8986">Izzi Strand</a>&nbsp;(27 assists) and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/annalie-heliste/8981">Annalie Heliste</a>&nbsp;(six digs) also played well in defeat.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/katie-galligan/8980">Katie Galligan</a>&nbsp;paced WSU with 14 digs.

SMU was led by Tabron's 14 kills and 11 from Shime. The Mustangs totaled 12.5 team blocks, while WSU finished with 8.0.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733487896105.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;DALLAS --&nbsp;The 2024 Wichita State volleyball season came to an end on Thursday night with a 28-26, 25-17, 25-14 loss to SMU in the NCAA Championship First Round at Moody Coliseum.The Shockers finish the season with an 18-14 overall record. SMU advances to the Second Round to take on Missouri on Friday night at 7:00 pm CT.Wichita State went blow-for-blow with the Mustangs in the opening set, building a 10-7 lead when&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/maddie-wilson/8988">Maddie Wilson</a>&nbsp;delivered a block and kill in quick succession. A rapid-fire 3-0 burst later in the set restored the lead to three at 18-15, and the Shockers held a slim 23-22 advantage after Naya Shime misfired on an attack for SMU. But the Mustangs scored the next two points, giving them the first of several set point opportunities at 24-23, 25-24, 26-25 and 27-26. Kills from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/brooklyn-leggett/8982">Brooklyn Leggett</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/morgan-stout/8985">Morgan Stout</a>, sandwiched around a&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/natalie-foster/7483">Natalie Foster</a>&nbsp;service error, kept WSU alive, but Casey Batenhorst dropped in a service ace to finally clinch the set for SMU.The Shockers fell into a 12-7 hole early in the second set that grew to 17-9 and 20-11 as the Mustangs hit a blistering .462 in the set. Leggett hammered four kills in short order to help the Shockers pull back within seven at 24-17, but a Maya Tabron termination gave SMU a 2-0 lead at intermission.SMU and WSU traded points to open set three, with the Mustangs holding a 5-4 edge before a decisive 4-0 spurt gave SMU a lead they did not concede. A Stout kill got Wichita State to as close as 13-10, but the Mustangs responded with three straight points to lengthen the lead back to six and cruised to the finish line.Wichita State hit .141 in the match to .309 for SMU. Leggett led the Shockers with nine kills while Stout had eight in her final collegiate match. Fellow seniors&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/izzi-strand/8986">Izzi Strand</a>&nbsp;(27 assists) and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/annalie-heliste/8981">Annalie Heliste</a>&nbsp;(six digs) also played well in defeat.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/katie-galligan/8980">Katie Galligan</a>&nbsp;paced WSU with 14 digs.SMU was led by Tabron's 14 kills and 11 from Shime. The Mustangs totaled 12.5 team blocks, while WSU finished with 8.0.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏐 Shockers fall to SMU in first round of NCAA

AP Sports Summary for December 6th, 2024:

NBA returning to China for pair of Suns-Nets preseason games in 2025

The NBA is returning to China next season. The league has struck a deal to play preseason games there more than five years after the league was effectively banned for Commissioner Adam Silver not punishing Daryl Morey for tweeting support of anti-government protesters in Hong Kong. Brooklyn and Phoenix will play games in China's gambling hub of Macao on Oct. 10, 2025, and again two days later. There are more games planned for China in 2026, a source told The Associated Press.

Dan Campbell's 4th-down gambles help Lions beat Packers 34-31 and clinch playoffs

DETROIT (AP) — Jared Goff threw three touchdown passes, Jake Bates made a 35-yard field goal as time expired and the Detroit Lions clinched a playoff spot with a 34-31 victory over the Green Bay Packers. The NFC-best Lions broke a franchise record with their 11th straight win, including two over the Packers. Detroit coach Dan Campbell went for it on fourth down five times, including with 1 yard to go at the Green Bay 21 with 43 seconds left. David Montgomery ran for 7 yards on that play, ensuring the Lions could kick the go-ahead field goal without giving the Packers the ball again.

North Carolina interviews Bill Belichick for head coaching job, AP sources say

North Carolina has interviewed former New England Patriots coach and six-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick for its head coaching position. That's according to two people who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the school isn't commenting publicly on its search. Belichick's interview was first reported by Inside Carolina. It comes a week after the school fired its winningest all-time coach in 73-year-old Mack Brown. The 72-year-old Belichick completed a 24-season run with the Patriots after last season and has been linked to NFL jobs.

Blackhawks fire coach Luke Richardson in his 3rd season after league-worst start

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Blackhawks have fired coach Luke Richardson, signaling their frustration with the state of the franchise's rebuilding project. Chicago has dropped four in a row to fall to an NHL-worst 8-16-2 on the season. It was outscored 41-27 while going 3-9-1 in its last 13 games. Anders Sorensen was elevated to interim coach. Sorensen had been coaching the team's top minor league affiliate in Rockford.

Pride, bragging rights and more than $115M at stake when final college playoff rankings come out

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — There's more than just school pride and bragging rights to all that bellyaching over who might be in and who might be out of college football's first 12-team playoff. Try the more than $115 million that will be spread across the conferences at the end of the season, all depending on who gets in and which teams go the farthest. When it's all said and done, the teams that make the title game will bring $20 million to their conferences, all of which distribute that money, along with billions in TV revenue and other sources, in different ways.

Move over Magic: Nuggets star Nikola Jokic goes past Johnson on career list with 139th triple-double

CLEVELAND (AP) — There are moments when Nikola Jokic does things on the court that seem to defy reason — almost magical. On Thursday, he passed a player who had the same skill. Denver's superstar center moved past Hall of Famer Magic Johnson and into third place on the career list for triple-doubles by recording his 139th in a 126-114 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The three-time MVP finished with 27 points, 20 rebounds and 11 assists. But he missed some easy shots and the Nuggets couldn't defend the Cavs, who made a season-high 22 3-pointers. Jokic now trails only teammate Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson on the career triple-doubles list.

Scottie Scheffler has new putting grip and trails Cameron Young by 3 in Bahamas

NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Scottie Scheffler has a new putting grip, and it helped him shoot a 5-under 67 in the first round of the Hero World Challenge. He trails Cameron Young by three shots in the 20-man invitational hosted by Tiger Woods. Young was playing for the first time since the BMW Championship more than three months ago and found great success on and around the greens of Albany Golf Club in the Bahamas. He made four birdie putts from 15 feet or longer for his 64. Justin Thomas was two shots back. Thomas and his wife welcomed a daughter a few weeks ago.

Luis Severino and Athletics agree to $67 million, 3-year contract, AP sources say

Two people familiar with the negotiations tell The Associated Press that right-hander Luis Severino and the Athletics have agreed to a $67 million, three-year contract. Severino can opt out and become a free agent again after the 2026 season. Severino's deal is the largest for the low-budget franchise, topping a $66 million contract for third baseman Eric Chavez covering 2005-10. Severino, who turns 31 on Feb. 20, was a free agent for the second straight offseason after going 11-7 with a 3.91 ERA in his only season with the New York Mets.

George Russell accuses Max Verstappen of bullying and threatening behavior as F1 feud deepens

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Mercedes driver George Russell has accused Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen of bullying and threatening behavior as a dispute between the two at last week's race in Qatar deepened. Russell says that "someone needs to stand up to a bully like this" in comments broadcast by Sky Sports. Verstappen said Sunday he had "lost all respect" for Russell over an incident in qualifying for last week's Qatar Grand Prix that saw the Red Bull driver dropped behind Russell on the grid.

Messi and Inter Miami to open Club World Cup against Egyptian club Al Ahly

MIAMI (AP) — Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will open the Club World Cup against Egyptian club Al Ahly, with Palmeiras and Porto also part of that group for the tournament that will take place in the U.S. next year. The draw was held Thursday in Miami, with the 32 teams finally finding out their first three opponents in the newly expanded event. The tournament will be held in the U.S. from June 15 to July 13, using 12 stadiums in 11 different cities. The final will be at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the same stadium that will play host to the 2026 World Cup final.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for December 6th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for December 6th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for December 6th, 2024:<div><iframe width="100%" height="95" src="https://embeds.audioboom.com/posts/8620014/embed?v=202301" style="background-color: transparent; display: block; padding: 0; width: 100%" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="allowtransparency" scrolling="no" title="Audioboom player" allow="autoplay" sandbox="allow-downloads allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-storage-access-by-user-activation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation"></iframe></div>NBA returning to China for pair of Suns-Nets preseason games in 2025The NBA is returning to China next season. The league has struck a deal to play preseason games there more than five years after the league was effectively banned for Commissioner Adam Silver not punishing Daryl Morey for tweeting support of anti-government protesters in Hong Kong. Brooklyn and Phoenix will play games in China's gambling hub of Macao on Oct. 10, 2025, and again two days later. There are more games planned for China in 2026, a source told The Associated Press.Dan Campbell's 4th-down gambles help Lions beat Packers 34-31 and clinch playoffsDETROIT (AP) — Jared Goff threw three touchdown passes, Jake Bates made a 35-yard field goal as time expired and the Detroit Lions clinched a playoff spot with a 34-31 victory over the Green Bay Packers. The NFC-best Lions broke a franchise record with their 11th straight win, including two over the Packers. Detroit coach Dan Campbell went for it on fourth down five times, including with 1 yard to go at the Green Bay 21 with 43 seconds left. David Montgomery ran for 7 yards on that play, ensuring the Lions could kick the go-ahead field goal without giving the Packers the ball again.North Carolina interviews Bill Belichick for head coaching job, AP sources sayNorth Carolina has interviewed former New England Patriots coach and six-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick for its head coaching position. That's according to two people who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the school isn't commenting publicly on its search. Belichick's interview was first reported by Inside Carolina. It comes a week after the school fired its winningest all-time coach in 73-year-old Mack Brown. The 72-year-old Belichick completed a 24-season run with the Patriots after last season and has been linked to NFL jobs.Blackhawks fire coach Luke Richardson in his 3rd season after league-worst startCHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Blackhawks have fired coach Luke Richardson, signaling their frustration with the state of the franchise's rebuilding project. Chicago has dropped four in a row to fall to an NHL-worst 8-16-2 on the season. It was outscored 41-27 while going 3-9-1 in its last 13 games. Anders Sorensen was elevated to interim coach. Sorensen had been coaching the team's top minor league affiliate in Rockford.Pride, bragging rights and more than $115M at stake when final college playoff rankings come outINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — There's more than just school pride and bragging rights to all that bellyaching over who might be in and who might be out of college football's first 12-team playoff. Try the more than $115 million that will be spread across the conferences at the end of the season, all depending on who gets in and which teams go the farthest. When it's all said and done, the teams that make the title game will bring $20 million to their conferences, all of which distribute that money, along with billions in TV revenue and other sources, in different ways.Move over Magic: Nuggets star Nikola Jokic goes past Johnson on career list with 139th triple-doubleCLEVELAND (AP) — There are moments when Nikola Jokic does things on the court that seem to defy reason — almost magical. On Thursday, he passed a player who had the same skill. Denver's superstar center moved past Hall of Famer Magic Johnson and into third place on the career list for triple-doubles by recording his 139th in a 126-114 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The three-time MVP finished with 27 points, 20 rebounds and 11 assists. But he missed some easy shots and the Nuggets couldn't defend the Cavs, who made a season-high 22 3-pointers. Jokic now trails only teammate Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson on the career triple-doubles list.Scottie Scheffler has new putting grip and trails Cameron Young by 3 in BahamasNASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Scottie Scheffler has a new putting grip, and it helped him shoot a 5-under 67 in the first round of the Hero World Challenge. He trails Cameron Young by three shots in the 20-man invitational hosted by Tiger Woods. Young was playing for the first time since the BMW Championship more than three months ago and found great success on and around the greens of Albany Golf Club in the Bahamas. He made four birdie putts from 15 feet or longer for his 64. Justin Thomas was two shots back. Thomas and his wife welcomed a daughter a few weeks ago.Luis Severino and Athletics agree to $67 million, 3-year contract, AP sources sayTwo people familiar with the negotiations tell The Associated Press that right-hander Luis Severino and the Athletics have agreed to a $67 million, three-year contract. Severino can opt out and become a free agent again after the 2026 season. Severino's deal is the largest for the low-budget franchise, topping a $66 million contract for third baseman Eric Chavez covering 2005-10. Severino, who turns 31 on Feb. 20, was a free agent for the second straight offseason after going 11-7 with a 3.91 ERA in his only season with the New York Mets.George Russell accuses Max Verstappen of bullying and threatening behavior as F1 feud deepensABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Mercedes driver George Russell has accused Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen of bullying and threatening behavior as a dispute between the two at last week's race in Qatar deepened. Russell says that "someone needs to stand up to a bully like this" in comments broadcast by Sky Sports. Verstappen said Sunday he had "lost all respect" for Russell over an incident in qualifying for last week's Qatar Grand Prix that saw the Red Bull driver dropped behind Russell on the grid.Messi and Inter Miami to open Club World Cup against Egyptian club Al AhlyMIAMI (AP) — Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will open the Club World Cup against Egyptian club Al Ahly, with Palmeiras and Porto also part of that group for the tournament that will take place in the U.S. next year. The draw was held Thursday in Miami, with the 32 teams finally finding out their first three opponents in the newly expanded event. The tournament will be held in the U.S. from June 15 to July 13, using 12 stadiums in 11 different cities. The final will be at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the same stadium that will play host to the 2026 World Cup final.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Cleveland	126	Denver	114	Final	Dallas	137	Washington	101	Final	Oklahoma City	129	Toronto	92	Final	New York	125	Charlotte	101	Final	New Orleans	126	Phoenix	124	Final	Chicago	139	San Antonio	124	Final	Memphis	115	Sacramento	110	Final	Golden State	99	Houston	93	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal	Tampa Bay	8	San Jose	1	Final	Montreal	3	Nashville	0	Final	Carolina	5	Colorado	3	Final	Ottawa	2	Detroit	1	Final	Florida	7	Philadelphia	5	Final OT	Winnipeg	3	Buffalo	2	Final	Seattle	5	N-Y Islanders	2	Final	Edmonton	6	Columbus	3	Final OT	St. Louis	4	Calgary	3	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUEFinal	Detroit	34	Green Bay	31	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	Penn St.	81	(8)Purdue	70	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Orlando	at	Philadelphia	7 p.m.			L.A. Lakers	at	Atlanta	7:30 p.m.			Milwaukee	at	Boston	7:30 p.m.			Indiana	at	Chicago	8 p.m.			Sacramento	at	San Antonio	8 p.m.			Minnesota	at	Golden State	10 p.m.			Utah	at	Portland	10 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE		Seattle	at	New Jersey	7 p.m.			Washington	at	Toronto	7 p.m.			Pittsburgh	at	N-Y Rangers	7:30 p.m.			Columbus	at	Vancouver	10 p.m.			Dallas	at	Vegas	10 p.m.			Minnesota	at	Anaheim	10 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALL		(19)UNLV	at	(10)Boise St.	8 p.m.			Tulane	at	(24)Army	8 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL		(19)Illinois	at	Northwestern	9 p.m.	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Friday

Reno County Coaches Show airs Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. on KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) and on KWBWradio.com. Sean Boston, Glen Grunwald and Rob Dreher visit with area coaches and student-athletes throughout the school year for this weekly 30-minute show.

Glen Grunwald w/ Bryan Miller (Hutchinson High School head boys basketball coach)

Sean Boston w/ Drew Dallas (HutchCC head football coach)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726138917283.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Reno County Coaches Show airs Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. on KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) and on KWBWradio.com. Sean Boston, Glen Grunwald and Rob Dreher visit with area coaches and student-athletes throughout the school year for this weekly 30-minute show.Glen Grunwald w/ Bryan Miller (Hutchinson High School head boys basketball coach)Sean Boston w/ Drew Dallas (HutchCC head football coach)<div><iframe title="Reno County Coaches Show (Dec. 5, 2024)" 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=h3f52-175f734-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>

🎧 LISTEN: Reno County Coaches Show (Bryan Miller & Drew Dallas)

<a href="https://big12sports.com/documents/2024/12/5//2024_All_Big_12_Release.pdf">Click Here</a> to see the&nbsp;complete list of all Big 12 Football honorees

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719936474572.jpeg" alt="Big 12 Conference" />
 <figcaption>Big 12 Conference</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://big12sports.com/documents/2024/12/5//2024_All_Big_12_Release.pdf">Click Here</a> to see the&nbsp;complete list of all Big 12 Football honorees<div>Big 12 Conference
 
IRVING, Texas --&nbsp;The All-Big 12 Conference football teams and individual award winners have been announced. Selections are made by the league&apos;s head coaches, who are not permitted to vote for their own players.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, QB, Sr. DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Travis Hunter, Colorado, DB, Jr. OFFENSIVE NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State, WR, R-So. DEFENSIVE NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR BJ Green II, Colorado, DE, Sr. OFFENSIVE FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR Sam Leavitt, Arizona State, QB DEFENSIVE FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR Josiah Trotter, West Virginia, LB SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYERS OF THE YEAR Will Ferrin, BYU, K, R-Jr. Jaylin Noel, Iowa State, PR/KR, Sr. OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE YEAR Wyatt Milum, West Virginia, Sr. DEFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE YEAR Brendan Mott, Kansas State, DE, Sr. CHUCK NEINAS COACH OF THE YEAR Kenny Dillingham, Arizona State, 2nd season SCHOLAR-ATHLETES OF THE YEAR Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech, RB, Sr. Jalon Daniels, Kansas, QB, R-Jr.
Shedeur Sanders was selected as the Offensive Player of the Year following a banner season ranked in the top 10 nationally in completion percentage, passing yards and touchdowns while breaking school records for passing touchdowns, passing yards, consecutive games with a touchdown pass, quarterback rating and completion percentage.
 
With four interceptions, 11 pass breakups and a record-breaking season on both sides of the ball, Travis Hunter became CU&apos;s first Conference Defensive Player of the Year since Jordon Dizon in 2007. The defensive back also became the first player in Big 12 history to tally multiple games with an interception and an offensive touchdown.
 
Jordyn Tyson was selected as the Offensive Newcomer of the Year after tallying 75 catches for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns. The wideout elevated his play during the final three games of the regular season, recording 29 catches for 444 yards and three touchdowns. Tyson also finished the season second in the Big 12 in touchdown catches (10) and third in receiving yards (1,101).
 
BJ Green II, the Big 12&apos;s Newcomer of the Year on the defensive side, spearheaded a disruptive CU defensive unit with seven-and-a-half sacks that tied for the second most among all Big 12 players. He played a pivotal role in the Colorado pass rush finishing the regular season with a Big 12-best 37 sacks, which ranks 11th nationally.
 
After winning Big 12 Newcomer of the Week three times this season for the Sun Devils, quarterback Sam Leavitt earned Offensive Freshman of the Year. ASU was 10-1 in games Leavitt started as he completed 62.7% of his passes for 2,444 yards and 21 touchdowns to just five interceptions.
 
West Virginia&apos;s Josiah Trotter is the first Mountaineer ever to be named Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year, following a strong season that featured 93 tackles, four tackles for a loss and an interception.
 
Will Ferrin secured Special Teams Player of the Year honors for BYU by converting on 21 of his 24 field goal attempts and made all 38 of his extra points. His season highlights included a 44-yard game-winning field goal against Utah in addition to a career-best 54 yard make at Baylor.
 
Iowa State wide receiver and returner Jaylin Noel shared Special Teams Player of the Year accolades after averaging 15.3 yards per punt return while also averaging 17.7 yards per kick return. The Kansas City native is the first Cyclone to win the award since it was established in 2005.
 
Milum anchored the WVU offensive line in his senior season and joins Colton McKivitz in 2019 and Yodny Cajuste in 2018 as the only Mountaineers to be named Offensive Lineman of the Year.
 
Defensive Lineman of the Year honors were claimed by Kansas State&apos;s Brendan Mott. The defensive end recorded 44 tackles, eight-and-a-half sacks and a fumble recovery and an interception. The Conference&apos;s leaders in sacks eclipsed his previous season-high in sacks by two-and-a-half.
 
Arizona State&apos;s Kenny Dillingham was named Chuck Neinas Big 12 Coach of the Year after posting the largest single-year win improvement in school history, improving the Sun Devils&apos; record by seven wins and guiding the team to a berth in the Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship.
 
Big 12 Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors were split by Texas Tech&apos;s Tahj Brooks and Jalon Daniels of Kansas.
 
Brooks, who became the Red Raiders&apos; all-time leading rusher this season, has begun post-graduate work after completing his bachelor&apos;s degree in Sport Management with a GPA of 3.56. He was also named a finalist for the prestigious William V. Campbell Trophy earlier this season.
 
Daniels has also earned honors on and off the field this season, including being named a semifinalist for Comeback Player of the Year and multiple appearances on the Big 12 All-Academic Team. The Sports Management major carries a 3.54 GPA while throwing for 2,174 yards and rushing for 402 yards with 20 total touchdowns this season.
 
To read the complete list of all Big 12 Football honorees, please&nbsp;<a href="https://admin.big12sports.com/services/go.ashx/0e085101-6e15-4f8b-a99b-b3332ca5d41c?elinkdata=425378" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">click here</a>.</div>

🏈 Big 12 releases all-conference selections

AP Sports Summary for December 5th, 2024:

Liverpool's lead cut in Premier League and Man City ends slump. Chelsea and Arsenal win

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Thursday, December 5th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Thursday, December 5th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for December 5th, 2024:<div><iframe width="100%" height="95" src="https://embeds.audioboom.com/posts/8619491/embed?v=202301" style="background-color: transparent; display: block; padding: 0; width: 100%" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="allowtransparency" scrolling="no" title="Audioboom player" allow="autoplay" sandbox="allow-downloads allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-storage-access-by-user-activation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation"></iframe></div>Liverpool's lead cut in Premier League and Man City ends slump. Chelsea and Arsenal winMANCHESTER, England (AP) — Liverpool's lead at the top of the Premier League was cut to seven points after a 3-3 draw with Newcastle. Chelsea moved up to second by thrashing last-place Southampton 5-1, while Arsenal is third after a 2-0 win over Manchester United. Fourth-place Manchester City ended its seven-game winless run with a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. Liverpool's result will give hope to its title rivals after Fabian Schar's 90th-minute equalizer at St James' Park. Arsenal inflicted a first loss on new Man United head coach Ruben Amorim.Lindsey Vonn to make her comeback to downhill racing at age 40 this weekendLindsey Vonn is going to enter an official ski race for the first time in nearly six years this weekend at age 40. Vonn announced last month that she was coming out of retirement and she will race lower-level FIS downhills and super-Gs on Saturday and Sunday in Copper Mountain, Colorado. Vonn needs some decent results to improve her long-dormant ranking so she can enter World Cup races this season under a new wild card rule. U.S. Ski Team head coach Paul Kristofic says that "obviously her history speaks for itself and she's definitely the most decorated speed skier out there." He adds that "it will be really, really fun and interesting to see what she can do."SEC and Big Ten powers lead the way on signing day as prospects finalize their college selectionsGeorgia, Texas, Alabama, Oregon and Ohio State are bringing in the nation's top recruiting class as high school prospects across the country finalize their college plans. The identity of the No. 1 class according to composite rankings of recruiting sites compiled by 247Sports may not be determined until Friday because of the uncertainty surrounding a couple of top-10 prospects. But most top recruits already committed to a school well before the signing period arrived Wednesday.LPGA and USGA to require players to be assigned female at birth or transition before male pubertyThe LPGA and the USGA have updated gender policies that will require players to be assigned female at birth or to have transitioned to female before going through male puberty. The policies begin in 2025 and follow more than a year of study. The groups concluded that going through male puberty allows for competitive advantages in golf. The USGA has seven championships for females next year. The new policies rule out eligibility for Hailey Davidson. She missed U.S. Women's Open qualifying by one shot this year and tried LPGA Q-school. Davidson began hormone treatments when she was in her early 20s in 2015 and in 2021 underwent gender-affirming surgery, which was required under the LPGA's previous gender policy.The draw for the FIFA's revamped Club World Cup is coming up. Here's what to knowGENEVA (AP) — Soccer's biggest ever global club tournament comes to the United States next year and the 32-team group stage is drawn Thursday. FIFA relaunched the Club World Cup to be played every four years. A new generation of stars plays in the 11 U.S. cities from June 15 to July 13. One year later they plan to return for the 2026 World Cup. Real Madrid has Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham. Manchester City has Erling Haaland. Missing out are superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski because Al-Nassr and Barcelona failed to qualify. FIFA ensured an entry for Lionel Messi's Inter Miami.Creighton makes it 2 wins in less than a year against No. 1s, with Jayhawks latest to lose in OmahaOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Creighton has played eight No. 1 teams in its program's history, and the first six of those games weren't close. All were losses. The last two were Bluejay blowouts at the CHI Health Center. Creighton took down top-ranked Kansas 76-63 in a game in which the Bluejays never trailed and led by as many as 17 points. Ten months ago they upset a No. 1 Connecticut 85-66. That was UConn's last loss before they won 13 in a row on its way to a second straight national title. Five of the Creighton players on the court against KU played against UConn.Flagg leads the way as No. 9 Duke holds off Broome and No. 2 Auburn for an 84-78 winDURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Freshman sensation Cooper Flagg had 22 points and 11 rebounds to help No. 9 Duke push past No. 2 Auburn 84-78 in the SEC/ACC Challenge. The preseason Associated Press All-American had 16 points after halftime to help the Blue Devils hold off the Tigers and fellow All-American Johni Broome. Broome had 20 points and 12 rebounds before fouling out with 15 seconds left.Miami's playoff hopes nosedive as Alabama rises in the latest College Football Playoff rankingsMiami's playoff hopes took a nosedive while Alabama's got a boost in the last rankings before the College Football Playoff bracket is set next weekend. The Hurricanes moved down six spots to No. 12 after suffering their second loss of the season. They are one spot behind the Crimson Tide, who won won last week and moved up two spots to No. 11. Alabama is projected as the last team in and the fourth from the Southeastern Conference. Oregon stayed at No. 1 for the fifth straight week and will head into Saturday's Big Ten title game as the only undefeated team in big-time college football.The CFP rankings — and 'data points' — have left Miami, Ole Miss and South Carolina puzzledCORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Miami wants things reconsidered. So does South Carolina. The Big 12 is puzzled. And Mississippi coach Lane Kiffin turned toward social media to ask the College Football Playoff committee a question. "You guys actually meet for days and come up with these rankings??" Kiffin wrote. The fallout and, for some, anger stemming from the release of the latest CFP ranking — one that almost certainly means Miami (10-2), South Carolina (9-3) and Ole Miss (9-3) all have no chance of getting into the 12-team field — continued Wednesday as the schools on the outside looking in continued making their case, even though all hope for them seems to be gone.League upholds 3-game suspension for Houston LB Azeez Al-Shaair following hit on Trevor LawrenceNEW YORK (AP) — The NFL and the NFL players association are upholding Houston linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair's three-game suspension without pay for repeated violations of player safety rules. Al-Shaair's violent hit to the head of Jacksonville's Trevor Lawrence left the quarterback with a concussion and on injured reserve. Hearing officer Ramon Foster, jointly appointed by the league and the players' union, ruled a day after Al-Shaair's punishment was announced. NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan handed down the punishment and said Al-Shaair had multiple offenses for personal fouls and sportsmanship-related rules violations in recent seasons. His most egregious one came in a 23-20 win at Jacksonville on Sunday.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Miami	134	L.A. Lakers	93	Final	Boston	130	Detroit	120	Final	Brooklyn	99	Indiana	90	Final	Orlando	106	Philadelphia	102	Final	Atlanta	119	Milwaukee	104	Final	Minnesota	108	L.A. Clippers	80	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal	Boston	4	Chicago	2	Final	Toronto	3	Nashville	2	Final	Vegas	4	Anaheim	1	Final	Los Angeles	3	Dallas	2	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	Creighton	76	(1)Kansas	63	Final	(9)Duke	84	(2)Auburn	78	Final	(6)Iowa St.	81	(5)Marquette	70	Final	(10)Alabama	94	(20)North Carolina	79	Final	(12)Oregon	68	Southern Cal	60	Final	(13)Florida	87	Virginia	69	Final	(25)UConn	76	(15)Baylor	72	Final	(16)Memphis	81	Louisiana Tech	71	Final	Mississippi St.	90	(18)Pittsburgh	57	Final	(24)San Diego St.	84	Fresno St.	62	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Dallas	at	Washington	7 p.m.			Denver	at	Cleveland	7 p.m.			Charlotte	at	New York	7:30 p.m.			Oklahoma City	at	Toronto	7:30 p.m.			Chicago	at	San Antonio	8 p.m.			Phoenix	at	New Orleans	8 p.m.			Sacramento	at	Memphis	8 p.m.			Houston	at	Golden State	10 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE		Colorado	at	Carolina	7 p.m.			Detroit	at	Ottawa	7 p.m.			Florida	at	Philadelphia	7 p.m.			Nashville	at	Montreal	7 p.m.			San Jose	at	Tampa Bay	7 p.m.			Winnipeg	at	Buffalo	7 p.m.			Seattle	at	N-Y Islanders	7:30 p.m.			Columbus	at	Edmonton	9 p.m.			St. Louis	at	Calgary	9 p.m.	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE		Green Bay	at	Detroit	8:15 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL		(8)Purdue	at	Penn St.	6:30 p.m.	___