SPOKANE, Ore. (AP) — Kennedy Smith stepped into the void left by injured star JuJu Watkins, scoring 19 points to help Southern California hold off Kansas State 67-61 in the Sweet 16 of the women's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">NCAA Tournament</a>&nbsp;on Saturday.

The top-seeded Trojans (31-3) were considered title contenders before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-juju-watkins-hurt-usc-12f286a14edad1e632dd1a4938132a88">Watkins tore her right ACL</a>&nbsp;during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-usc-mississippi-state-score-371f2453968abdf9d3416f1beead058d">a second-round victory</a>&nbsp;over Mississippi State. Now they’ll be underdogs in an Elite Eight rematch on Monday with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-oklahoma-uconn-score-917699e45b6d7619e93530c3d0415a58">Paige Bueckers</a>&nbsp;and second-seeded UConn. The Huskies knocked the Trojans out of last year’s March Madness in Watkins’ first season.

Avery Howell, another freshman, scored 18 points for USC, which went on a 12-0 run during the third quarter to take a 46-39 lead, matching its biggest advantage of the day.

Kansas State (28-8) kept pushing, though, and tied it at 51-all early in the fourth on a layup by Ayoka Lee. Rayah Marshall responded with two straight buckets for USC.

A layup by Serena Sundell got the Wildcats within 60-59. Smith responded with a pair of free throws, and USC was solid enough at the foul line to close it out.

Sundell scored 22 points and Lee had 12 for the fifth-seeded Wildcats (28-8), who fell short of the program’s second Elite Eight appearance and first since 1982. They beat Kentucky&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-kansas-state-kentucky-women-score-bda945b0046c0fee4943a2d0b733cd9d">80-79 in overtime</a>&nbsp;to reach their first Sweet 16 since 2002.

Smith had 11 points in the opening quarter as the Trojans built 19-9 lead.

The Wildcats pulled ahead 19-16 after Sundell's layup and free throw. USC answered with a pair of 3-pointers from Howell and Malia Samuels.

Sundell hit a jumper and two free throws down the stretch to help Kansas State to a 30-28 advantage at the half.

USC arrived at Spokane Arena wearing Nike T-shirts emblazoned with Watkins’ face.

Players passed around a small Watkins bobblehead, complete with her trademark “JuJu Bun” hairstyle, on the sidelines during the game.

A day earlier, coach Lindsay Gottlieb said her team was playing for its inured star: “I think the prevailing feeling is that we can still do something together, and that’s what JuJu wants us to do.”

Watkins was hoping to lead USC to its first national title since it won back to back in 2002 and '03.

SPOKANE, Ore. (AP) — Kennedy Smith stepped into the void left by injured star JuJu Watkins, scoring 19 points to help Southern California hold off Kansas State 67-61 in the Sweet 16 of the women's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">NCAA Tournament</a>&nbsp;on Saturday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you, K-State Family. 💜 <a href="https://t.co/A0E4LQqvZe">pic.twitter.com/A0E4LQqvZe</a>&mdash; K-State Women&#39;s Basketball (@KStateWBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateWBB/status/1906166043267207186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The top-seeded Trojans (31-3) were considered title contenders before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-juju-watkins-hurt-usc-12f286a14edad1e632dd1a4938132a88">Watkins tore her right ACL</a>&nbsp;during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-usc-mississippi-state-score-371f2453968abdf9d3416f1beead058d">a second-round victory</a>&nbsp;over Mississippi State. Now they’ll be underdogs in an Elite Eight rematch on Monday with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-oklahoma-uconn-score-917699e45b6d7619e93530c3d0415a58">Paige Bueckers</a>&nbsp;and second-seeded UConn. The Huskies knocked the Trojans out of last year’s March Madness in Watkins’ first season.Avery Howell, another freshman, scored 18 points for USC, which went on a 12-0 run during the third quarter to take a 46-39 lead, matching its biggest advantage of the day.Kansas State (28-8) kept pushing, though, and tied it at 51-all early in the fourth on a layup by Ayoka Lee. Rayah Marshall responded with two straight buckets for USC.A layup by Serena Sundell got the Wildcats within 60-59. Smith responded with a pair of free throws, and USC was solid enough at the foul line to close it out.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">From all of us, thank you.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NCAAWBB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NCAAWBB</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarchMadness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MarchMadness</a> <a href="https://t.co/4UB4ezbRP2">pic.twitter.com/4UB4ezbRP2</a>&mdash; NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarchMadnessWBB/status/1906167071911575761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Sundell scored 22 points and Lee had 12 for the fifth-seeded Wildcats (28-8), who fell short of the program’s second Elite Eight appearance and first since 1982. They beat Kentucky&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-kansas-state-kentucky-women-score-bda945b0046c0fee4943a2d0b733cd9d">80-79 in overtime</a>&nbsp;to reach their first Sweet 16 since 2002.Smith had 11 points in the opening quarter as the Trojans built 19-9 lead.The Wildcats pulled ahead 19-16 after Sundell's layup and free throw. USC answered with a pair of 3-pointers from Howell and Malia Samuels.Sundell hit a jumper and two free throws down the stretch to help Kansas State to a 30-28 advantage at the half.<h2>Honoring JuJu</h2>USC arrived at Spokane Arena wearing Nike T-shirts emblazoned with Watkins’ face.Players passed around a small Watkins bobblehead, complete with her trademark “JuJu Bun” hairstyle, on the sidelines during the game.A day earlier, coach Lindsay Gottlieb said her team was playing for its inured star: “I think the prevailing feeling is that we can still do something together, and that’s what JuJu wants us to do.”Watkins was hoping to lead USC to its first national title since it won back to back in 2002 and '03.___

🏀 K-State women's basketball season ends in Sweet 16

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a go-ahead RBI double in the seventh inning after Maikel Garcia tied it with a homer four batters earlier to help lead the Kansas City Royals over the Cleveland Guardians 4-3 on Saturday.

Garcia led off the seventh with a 405-foot homer off Paul Sewald (0-1). Cavan Biggio followed with a single and was replaced by pinch-runner Dairon Blanco, who stole second. With two outs, Witt lined a double to left to score Blanco with the go-ahead run.

Guardians six-time All-Star José Ramírez left in the sixth inning with a sprained right wrist after he was hurt in the third inning while attempting to steal second base. Gabriel Arias replaced Ramírez at third base.

Bo Naylor gave the Indians a 1-0 lead on an RBI single in the second, and Carlos Santana scored Steven Kwan on a sacrifice fly in the third.

Kwan’s solo homer in the fifth put Cleveland up 3-1.

Royals starter Seth Lugo threw five innings and allowed three earned runs and four hits and struck out four with three walks. Daniel Lynch IV (1-0) followed Lugo and threw two perfect innings for the win. Carlos Estévez walked one and struck out one in the ninth to earn his first save for Kansas City.

Guardians starter Gavin Williams allowed two runs and four hits in five innints with one walk and two strikeouts.

Salvador Perez had RBI singles in the fourth and sixth innings.

The Royals’ comeback in the bottom of the seventh inning was powered by Garcia’s homer and Witt’s double.

The top four hitters for Kansas City — Jonathan India, Witt, Vinnie Pasquantino and Perez — went 5 for 14 with five RBIs.

The Guardians send RHP Tanner Bibee to the mound against RHP Michael Wacha for Kansas City in Sunday’s series finale.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743292281679.jpeg" alt="Cleveland Guardians' Brayan Rocchio, right, is caught stealing second by Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., left, during the second inning of a baseball game, Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Cleveland Guardians' Brayan Rocchio, right, is caught stealing second by Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., left, during the second inning of a baseball game, Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a go-ahead RBI double in the seventh inning after Maikel Garcia tied it with a homer four batters earlier to help lead the Kansas City Royals over the Cleveland Guardians 4-3 on Saturday.Garcia led off the seventh with a 405-foot homer off Paul Sewald (0-1). Cavan Biggio followed with a single and was replaced by pinch-runner Dairon Blanco, who stole second. With two outs, Witt lined a double to left to score Blanco with the go-ahead run.Guardians six-time All-Star José Ramírez left in the sixth inning with a sprained right wrist after he was hurt in the third inning while attempting to steal second base. Gabriel Arias replaced Ramírez at third base.Bo Naylor gave the Indians a 1-0 lead on an RBI single in the second, and Carlos Santana scored Steven Kwan on a sacrifice fly in the third.Kwan’s solo homer in the fifth put Cleveland up 3-1.Royals starter Seth Lugo threw five innings and allowed three earned runs and four hits and struck out four with three walks. Daniel Lynch IV (1-0) followed Lugo and threw two perfect innings for the win. Carlos Estévez walked one and struck out one in the ninth to earn his first save for Kansas City.Guardians starter Gavin Williams allowed two runs and four hits in five innints with one walk and two strikeouts.Salvador Perez had RBI singles in the fourth and sixth innings.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals’ comeback in the bottom of the seventh inning was powered by Garcia’s homer and Witt’s double.<h2>Key stat</h2>The top four hitters for Kansas City — Jonathan India, Witt, Vinnie Pasquantino and Perez — went 5 for 14 with five RBIs.<h2>Up next</h2>The Guardians send RHP Tanner Bibee to the mound against RHP Michael Wacha for Kansas City in Sunday’s series finale.

⚾ Royals grab first win of 2025 season

By Trinity Valley CC Sports Information

HUTCHINSON, Kan. -&nbsp;If the crown fits …

Not to worry, it fits just fine and the Cardinals will be wearing it for the next year as 2025 NJCAA D1 MBB champion after a 69-61 win Saturday afternoon against the Connors State Cowboys in their first-ever championship game appearance at Hutchinson Sports Arena in Hutchinson, Kan.

In claiming their first title, the Cardinals set a school record for wins in a season. They finished 34-3 to better the previous mark of 33 wins set by the Cardinal teams in 1982 and 2016.

"The season was a process and a long grind," first-year Cardinal coach Greg Heiar said afterwards. "These kids bought in and is one special group.

"I just can't say enough good things about them or how much they mean to me, and always will."

The title was the second for Heiar, who led Northwest Florida State to a championship in 2022. It was his fourth appearance in the title game, having also finished twice as national runnerup at Chipola.

Connors State, which made an amazing run to the title game as the No. 17 seed, including a 63-62 win against No. 1 Snow, ended the year 32-4.

After a tightly-contested first half, which resulted in a 32-32 tie at halftime, the seventh-seeded Cardinals slowly began to wrestle control in the second half. That was large in part to never letting up with their intense defensive approach and sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tvccsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/nuckolls_garrett_8i7t">Garrett Nuckolls</a>&nbsp;heating up. Nuckolls scored the Cardinals' first 11 points after intermission.

By the time there was 6:07 left in the game, the Cardinals had opened to a 51-41 lead. Connors State did not go away quietly, pulling with six, 57-51, with 1:01 to go.

The question then became, could the Cardinals be successful at free throw line?

The Cardinals were 10-of-13 from the stripe in the remaining time to close things out. They were 22-of-30 for the game.

Tournament MVP&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tvccsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/loubaki_zati_6naz">Zati Loubaki</a>, who matched Nuckolls' 17 points, was 7-of-8 at the line.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tvccsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/marlow_m.j._m05p">M.J. Wardlow</a>&nbsp;was as well.

Loubaki also had four rebounds, three blocked shots and a pair of steals.

Along with Nuckolls,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tvccsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/smith_tyler_obhm">Tyler Smith</a>&nbsp;was named to the all-tournament team. Smith had six points, four assists and three steals.

With just over 30 seconds to go, Heiar looked at his assistant coaches with a smile, as to say "we've got this."

Yes, they did. And they will have it forever.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743415706142.jpeg" alt="Trinity Valley NJCAA Champs for 2025" />
 <figcaption>Trinity Valley NJCAA Champs for 2025</figcaption>
 </figure>By Trinity Valley CC Sports InformationHUTCHINSON, Kan. -&nbsp;If the crown fits …Not to worry, it fits just fine and the Cardinals will be wearing it for the next year as 2025 NJCAA D1 MBB champion after a 69-61 win Saturday afternoon against the Connors State Cowboys in their first-ever championship game appearance at Hutchinson Sports Arena in Hutchinson, Kan.In claiming their first title, the Cardinals set a school record for wins in a season. They finished 34-3 to better the previous mark of 33 wins set by the Cardinal teams in 1982 and 2016."The season was a process and a long grind," first-year Cardinal coach Greg Heiar said afterwards. "These kids bought in and is one special group."I just can't say enough good things about them or how much they mean to me, and always will."The title was the second for Heiar, who led Northwest Florida State to a championship in 2022. It was his fourth appearance in the title game, having also finished twice as national runnerup at Chipola.Connors State, which made an amazing run to the title game as the No. 17 seed, including a 63-62 win against No. 1 Snow, ended the year 32-4.After a tightly-contested first half, which resulted in a 32-32 tie at halftime, the seventh-seeded Cardinals slowly began to wrestle control in the second half. That was large in part to never letting up with their intense defensive approach and sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tvccsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/nuckolls_garrett_8i7t">Garrett Nuckolls</a>&nbsp;heating up. Nuckolls scored the Cardinals' first 11 points after intermission.By the time there was 6:07 left in the game, the Cardinals had opened to a 51-41 lead. Connors State did not go away quietly, pulling with six, 57-51, with 1:01 to go.The question then became, could the Cardinals be successful at free throw line?Short answer: Yes.The Cardinals were 10-of-13 from the stripe in the remaining time to close things out. They were 22-of-30 for the game.Tournament MVP&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tvccsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/loubaki_zati_6naz">Zati Loubaki</a>, who matched Nuckolls' 17 points, was 7-of-8 at the line.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tvccsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/marlow_m.j._m05p">M.J. Wardlow</a>&nbsp;was as well.Loubaki also had four rebounds, three blocked shots and a pair of steals.Along with Nuckolls,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tvccsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/smith_tyler_obhm">Tyler Smith</a>&nbsp;was named to the all-tournament team. Smith had six points, four assists and three steals.With just over 30 seconds to go, Heiar looked at his assistant coaches with a smile, as to say "we've got this."Yes, they did. And they will have it forever.

🏀 Trinity Valley CC Cardinals claim first-ever NJCAA title

<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/links/nrd6iq">BOX SCORE</a>

CASPER, Wyo. — The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball season came to a close in the second round of the national tournament on Friday, falling to Three Rivers (Mo.), 50-48.

Hailey Jackson had a chance to tie the game up in the final seconds, but a shot attempt from the right baseline fell just short as the horn sounded.&nbsp;

Jackson finished with a team-high 20 points and 12 rebounds for her 14th double-double of the season and 17th of her career. She'll forever be one of the greatest players to ever where a Blue Dragon uniform. She finishes third on the all-time scoring list with 1,100 career points in 71 games played.&nbsp;

The Blue Dragons finish the 2024-25 season with a 29-5 record. The four sophomores that spent two seasons in a HutchCC uniform finished with a 66-5 record, a national title, two national tournament appearances and a 50-game winning streak.

Hutchinson fell behind early 5-0 before scoring the next 12 points of the game to lead 14-9 after the first period. The Blue Dragons were outscored by three in the second quarter, but still led at halftime 26-24.

Three Rivers (29-3) and Hutchinson each scored 12 points in the third quarter for a two-point lead for the Blue Dragons after the third period. The Raiders outscored the Blue Dragons by four in the final frame to earn the win and advance to the quarterfinals to face No. 3 Northwest Florida State on Saturday afternoon.

Hutchinson shot 40% from the floor, while Three Rivers only shot 29%, but the Raiders got up 25 more shot attempts, thanks to 17 offensive rebounds.&nbsp;

The Blue Dragons gave up 17 second chance points, while also turning the ball over 18 times, compared to eight by the Raiders.

The seven Blue Dragon sophomores that played their final game in a Hutchinson uniform are Kahlen Norris, Jackson, Landon Forbes, Madi Denison, Jada Pleasant, Brynne Katcher and Zhane Singer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743214349525.jpeg" alt="Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="2025 NJCAA WBB Tournament: Hutchinson CC vs. Three Rivers" 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=aqquw-1865fb3-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><a href="https://www.njcaa.org/links/nrd6iq">BOX SCORE</a>CASPER, Wyo. — The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball season came to a close in the second round of the national tournament on Friday, falling to Three Rivers (Mo.), 50-48.Hailey Jackson had a chance to tie the game up in the final seconds, but a shot attempt from the right baseline fell just short as the horn sounded.&nbsp;Jackson finished with a team-high 20 points and 12 rebounds for her 14th double-double of the season and 17th of her career. She'll forever be one of the greatest players to ever where a Blue Dragon uniform. She finishes third on the all-time scoring list with 1,100 career points in 71 games played.&nbsp;The Blue Dragons finish the 2024-25 season with a 29-5 record. The four sophomores that spent two seasons in a HutchCC uniform finished with a 66-5 record, a national title, two national tournament appearances and a 50-game winning streak.Hutchinson fell behind early 5-0 before scoring the next 12 points of the game to lead 14-9 after the first period. The Blue Dragons were outscored by three in the second quarter, but still led at halftime 26-24.Three Rivers (29-3) and Hutchinson each scored 12 points in the third quarter for a two-point lead for the Blue Dragons after the third period. The Raiders outscored the Blue Dragons by four in the final frame to earn the win and advance to the quarterfinals to face No. 3 Northwest Florida State on Saturday afternoon.Hutchinson shot 40% from the floor, while Three Rivers only shot 29%, but the Raiders got up 25 more shot attempts, thanks to 17 offensive rebounds.&nbsp;The Blue Dragons gave up 17 second chance points, while also turning the ball over 18 times, compared to eight by the Raiders.The seven Blue Dragon sophomores that played their final game in a Hutchinson uniform are Kahlen Norris, Jackson, Landon Forbes, Madi Denison, Jada Pleasant, Brynne Katcher and Zhane Singer.

🏀 Hutchinson ends season with second round loss to Three Rivers

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743217366974.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
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&nbsp;
Lawrence, Kan. &ndash; Kansas softball fell to No.13 Texas Tech 9-0 in five innings Friday night in the series opener at Arrocha Ballpark.&nbsp; NiJaree Canady, the USA Collegiate Softball Player of the Year in 2024, tossed a five-inning no-hitter, striking out 12 batters and walking three. The Topeka High School product improved to 11-4 and lowered her ERA to 0.57.&nbsp; Kansas (15-13, 3-4 Big 12 Conference) started on defense with junior pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lizzy-ludwig/6881">Lizzy Ludwig</a>&nbsp;(3-4) getting the start in the circle. Texas Tech struck early, scoring on a double steal,, but Ludwig responded with a strikeout to retire the side.&nbsp; Texas Tech extended its lead to 5-0 in the second inning with four runs. The Jayhawks had extended at-bats against Canady and got a baserunner via a walk but couldn't muster a run. In the third inning, Kansas kept Tech from crossing home from a strikeout from Ludwig and two flyouts, keeping the game unchanged from the previous inning.&nbsp; To start the bottom of the fourth,&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/hailey-cripe/6977">Hailey Cripe</a>&nbsp;battled through a nine-pitch at-bat in an effort to spark some offense but was ultimately unsuccessful, and the Jayhawks&nbsp;went into the fifth, trailing 8-0.&nbsp; The Red Raiders plated a run in the fifth inning, but a great extended catch by Cripe ended the inning.&nbsp; Up Next&nbsp; The two teams will play a doubleheader Saturday, beginning at 2 p.m. The second game will follow approximately 35 minutes after the opener. Fans can stay updated by following Kansas softball on&nbsp;<a style="font-weight: 400;" href="https://x.com/KUSoftball?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">X</a>&nbsp;(Twitter), tracking&nbsp;<a style="font-weight: 400;" href="https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=570968#google_vignette">live stats</a>, and watching the games live on ESPN+. Pitchers of Record Win: NiJaree Canady (11-4) Line: 5.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 12 SO Loss:&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lizzy-ludwig/6881">Lizzy Ludwig</a>&nbsp;(3-4) Line: 5.0 IP, 9 R, 9 H, 2 BB, 2 SO</div>

🥎 Jayhawks no-hit by No. 13 Red Raiders

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743221859684.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
&nbsp;
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LAWRENCE, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;In front of the second sellout crowd in Hoglund Ballpark history, Kansas defeated Oklahoma State, 5-2, and set a new attendance record of 2,660 fans on Friday night. Sophomore&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/dominic-voegele/16130" rel="smarttag" rev="16130">Dominic Voegele</a></dfn>&nbsp;had one of his best starts at Kansas, tossing a career-high 8.0 innings and tying his career best of 10 strikeouts to earn the win. &nbsp; Voegele pitched into the ninth inning before wrapping up his night. He allowed only two runs on three hits, while walking only one batter. The only blemishes for Voegele on Friday were two solo home runs.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-ballinger/16147" rel="smarttag" rev="16147">Brady Ballinger</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/michael-brooks/16122" rel="smarttag" rev="16122">Michael Brooks</a></dfn>&nbsp;each hit home runs in the game to lead the Jayhawks offensively. Kansas improved to 21-6 on the year and 4-3 in conference play.&nbsp; &nbsp; HOW IT HAPPENED &bull; Ballinger got Kansas started in the bottom of the first with a two-run homer. The blast helped Kansas grab an early 2-0 lead.&nbsp; &bull; The next four innings were scoreless for both teams as each pitcher settled into the game. &bull; Kansas was able to break that scoreless drought with an RBI groundout from&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/ian-francis/16139" rel="smarttag" rev="16139">Ian Francis</a></dfn>&nbsp;in the sixth inning to score&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/dariel-osoria/16146" rel="smarttag" rev="16146">Dariel Osoria</a></dfn>&nbsp;and give Kansas a 3-0 lead..&nbsp; &bull; Oklahoma State (12-11, 1-4 Big 12) put up its first run of the night on a Brayden Smith solo home run in the top of the seventh to cut the Jayhawks lead to 3-1.&nbsp; &bull; In the eighth inning, Voegele recorded his eighth, ninth and 10th strikeouts as he sent Oklahoma State down in order. His final pitch of the inning hit 97 miles per hour. &bull; KU picked up two insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth. Brooks opened the inning with a solo home run to stretch the Kansas advantage back out to three runs at 4-1. Later in the inning, Ballinger drew a bases-loaded walk to score&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-counsell/16135" rel="smarttag" rev="16135">Brady Counsell</a></dfn>&nbsp;to give KU a 5-1 edge heading into the final inning.&nbsp; &bull; The Cowboys continued to battle and got another solo home run in the top of the ninth from Alex Conover to cut it to a 5-2 KU advantage. OSU brought the tying run to the plate twice, but a strikeout and game-ending double play helped&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/eric-lin/16158" rel="smarttag" rev="16158">Eric Lin</a></dfn>&nbsp;secure the save. &nbsp; PITCHERS OF RECORD Win:&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/dominic-voegele/16130" rel="smarttag" rev="16130">Dominic Voegele</a></dfn>&nbsp;(4-2) Fine line: 8.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 10 SO Save:&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/eric-lin/16158" rel="smarttag" rev="16158">Eric Lin</a></dfn>&nbsp;(3) Fine line: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 SO Loss: Harrison Bodendorf (5-1) Fine line: 5.0 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 5 SO SOCIAL POST OF THE NIGHT
<div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" class="" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=%40KUBaseball&amp;dnt=false&amp;embedId=twitter-widget-0&amp;features=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%3D%3D&amp;frame=false&amp;hideCard=false&amp;hideThread=false&amp;id=1905786926738608463&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fkuathletics.com%2Fnews%2F2025%2F3%2F28%2Fbaseball-voegele-kansas-beat-oklahoma-state-5-2-break-hoglund-ballpark-attendance-record.aspx&amp;sessionId=16c1b9d77a2c2ef6e224dd3694105bf401ff66ad&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&amp;width=550px" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-tweet-id="1905786926738608463"></iframe></div>
&nbsp; QUOTABLES &amp; NOTABLES&nbsp; "I thought Dom was absolutely electric and it was all working. That's the best his changeup has ever been on top of really sharp breaking stuff&nbsp;and then obviously his fastball was electric, which is why we had total confidence to put him out in the ninth. He was 96 in the eighth. That's what big time number ones do and it couldn't happen to a better guy, a better teammate and a better worker." &ndash; Head Coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/dan-fitzgerald/871" rel="smarttag" rev="871">Dan Fitzgerald</a></dfn> &nbsp; "This has been an incredible two and a half years and there's so many special moments to mark different points of the build&hellip;I think one of the markers of the build that's been amazing is Jayhawk Nation and how they've shown up and how electric this place has been. I've said it a bunch, but I'm so blessed to have worked at some really cool places with some unbelievable crowds and I've never been in something like this where it's every single pitch. I'm hoarse for a number of reasons in this game, but one of them is just having to yell to get my players' attention. It is so loud. The fans have been incredible. The support is incredible, but it's not surprising either because I think people love to watch people compete, and that's what our guys do." &ndash; Head Coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/dan-fitzgerald/871" rel="smarttag" rev="871">Dan Fitzgerald</a></dfn> &nbsp; "It's probably the most confident I've ever been tonight. Having all four pitches and just being able to put it where I wanted to and throwing them whenever felt really good. Just staying confident and believing in the catcher, the defense and the bats picking me up on offense. Ian (Francis) and I, once we got our groove we just kept it rolling for eight innings and I'm glad to have him behind the plate." &ndash;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/dominic-voegele/16130" rel="smarttag" rev="16130">Dominic Voegele</a></dfn>&nbsp; &nbsp; "I love the fans out here. I'm able to feed off them. They're awesome and I appreciate them always coming out and showing support. It's always cool to hear people chanting for you. The environment is definitely above what I expected when being recruited. I love that the fans are supporting baseball and it's great to be a part of." &ndash;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-ballinger/16147" rel="smarttag" rev="16147">Brady Ballinger</a></dfn>&nbsp; &nbsp; "Being here for three years, I never thought that this would have happened, especially the first year. It's awesome. I love it and they should come out to every game. We feed off that, I know they probably know that, but we love every second of it in the dugout." &ndash;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/michael-brooks/16122" rel="smarttag" rev="16122">Michael Brooks</a></dfn> &nbsp; &bull; Kansas set a new attendance record with a sellout crowd of 2,660 fans. The sellout was the second in Hoglund Ballpark history (2,639 fans on May 17, 2009 vs. Kansas State). &bull; Kansas has hit 54 home runs this season through the first 26 games. The program record for home runs is 75 in 2006 and 2023. &bull; Voegele pitched a career-high 8.0 innings and matched his career high of 10 strikeouts (April 13, 2024 vs. Pacific). Voegele's previous career high was 7.0 innings pitched earlier this season in the 9-1 win over Baylor on March 14. &bull; Ballinger hit his eighth home run of the season in the bottom of the first inning. Ballinger extended his hitting streak to seven games and recorded his 12th multi-hit game and seventh multi-RBI effort of the season. &bull; Brooks connected on his fourth home run of the season and has homered in back-to-back games. Brooks has reached base safely in 16 consecutive games.&nbsp; &bull; Hauge has reached base safely in each of the last 13 games.&nbsp; &bull;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/chase-diggins/16124" rel="smarttag" rev="16124">Chase Diggins</a></dfn>&nbsp;now has eight multi-hit games this season.&nbsp; &nbsp; UP NEXT Kansas and Oklahoma State will play the second game of the series at Hoglund Ballpark on Saturday. First pitch is set for 2 p.m. CT and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+..</div>

⚾ Voegele shines in KU win over OSU

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743217814128.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State Athletics
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WICHITA, Kan. --&nbsp;Wichita State scored six runs in the bottom of the second inning and then put the game away with a four-run seventh en route to a 11-1 win over UAB on Friday night at Eck Stadium. The game was called in the bottom of the seventh inning due to the conference's 10-run rule. The Shockers (9-16, 2-2) pounced on UAB starter Cole Cheatham (3-3) in the second, taking advantage of some UAB charity in the process. A leadoff walk followed by a single and a passed ball put runners at second and third with nobody out to start the inning;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/logan-kreske/9184" rel="smarttag" rev="9184">Logan Kreske</a></dfn>&nbsp;got the scoring started with an RBI groundout&nbsp;ahead of a&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaleb-duncan/9419" rel="smarttag" rev="9419">Kaleb Duncan</a></dfn>&nbsp;sacrifice fly that made it 2-0. After a hit by pitch kept the inning alive, Wichita State strung together four consecutive two-out hits: a&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/mauricio-millan/9186" rel="smarttag" rev="9186">Mauricio Millan</a></dfn>&nbsp;RBI single,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jordan-rogers/9191" rel="smarttag" rev="9191">Jordan Rogers</a></dfn>&nbsp;two-run triple and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/josh-livingston/9185" rel="smarttag" rev="9185">Josh Livingston</a></dfn>&nbsp;RBI single for a 6-0 lead. That was plenty of support for starter&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/grant-adler/9422" rel="smarttag" rev="9422">Grant Adler</a></dfn>&nbsp;(3-1), who did not allow a run until the top of the seventh and held the Blazers to just four hits. The redshirt senior lost the shutout with an unearned run in the top of the seventh, but still got credit for a complete game when WSU poured in four runs in the bottom of the inning.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jaden-gustafson/9178" rel="smarttag" rev="9178">Jaden Gustafson</a></dfn>&nbsp;singled home&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/gannon-snyder/9192" rel="smarttag" rev="9192">Gannon Snyder</a></dfn>&nbsp;to swell the advantage to 8-1, then&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jordan-black/9414" rel="smarttag" rev="9414">Jordan Black</a></dfn>&nbsp;nearly cleared the wall in left but settled for an RBI triple. Duncan then got a 2-0 fastball from reliever Justin Hicks and slammed it out to left-center field for a game-ending, two-run homer.
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Wichita State finished with 11 hits, getting two apiece from Millan, Rogers and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/gannon-snyder/9192" rel="smarttag" rev="9192">Gannon Snyder</a></dfn>&nbsp;and one from five others. All 10 Shockers who batted recorded either a hit, a run scored or an RBI. The Shockers will look to secure the series win on Saturday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 pm CT.</div>

⚾ Shockers run-rule Blazers Friday

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743217638617.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State Athletics
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WICHITA, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;Two home runs and a complete game from&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ryley-nihart/9325" rel="smarttag" rev="9325">Ryley Nihart</a></dfn>&nbsp;lifted Wichita State to a 9-4 win over the South Florida Bulls on Friday evening at Wilkins Stadium. &nbsp; After a scoreless opening frame,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/gabby-scott/9324" rel="smarttag" rev="9324">Gabby Scott</a></dfn>&nbsp;opened the scoring for Wichita State with an RBI single in the bottom of the second inning.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/krystin-nelson/9315" rel="smarttag" rev="9315">Krystin Nelson</a></dfn>&nbsp;doubled the lead soon after with a sacrifice fly and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ellee-eck/9322" rel="smarttag" rev="9322">Ellee Eck</a></dfn>&nbsp;ripped a double off the wall, giving the Shockers a 3-0 lead through two. &nbsp; In the fourth, the Shocker bats returned to work as&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/brookelyn-livanec/9329" rel="smarttag" rev="9329">Brookelyn Livanec</a></dfn>&nbsp;fired a ball up the middle, driving in a run and putting the Shockers up 4-0. Later in the inning,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-sedlacek/9318" rel="smarttag" rev="9318">Taylor Sedlacek</a></dfn>&nbsp;added to her power numbers with a rocket three-run shot to center field, nearly doubling the lead to 7-0.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/camryn-compton/9311" rel="smarttag" rev="9311">Camryn Compton</a></dfn>&nbsp;followed up with an opposite-field solo homer, putting the Shockers up 8-0 through four innings. &nbsp; Facing a potential run-rule defeat, South Florida scratched a run across with a sacrifice fly, making it an 8-1 game, and went on to score two more, getting one on a steal home and another on an RBI single to cut the deficit to 8-3. &nbsp; In the Shocker fifth, Livanec got a run back for the home team with a sacrifice fly, putting the Shockers back up by six, 9-3. &nbsp; USF made it 9-4 with a two-out solo homer in the seventh, but Nihart held the Bulls off to get the final out. &nbsp; Eight Shockers recorded a hit in the game, with Eck and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/jodie-epperson/9323" rel="smarttag" rev="9323">Jodie Epperson</a></dfn>&nbsp;recording two each. &nbsp; Nihart's complete game victory came behind allowing only one earned run on four hits with two strikeouts. &nbsp; Next Up The Shockers begin game two of the series with the Bulls on Saturday at 2:00 PM at Wilkins Stadium.</div>

🥎 Shockers drop Bulls in series opener

CASPER, Wyoming - The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team bids for its eighth all-time appearance in the quarterfinals of the NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament on Friday in Casper, Wyoming.

The No. 11-seeded Blue Dragons (29-4) take on sixth-seed Three Rivers (28-3) in the tournament's final second-round matchup at 5:45 p.m. CDT on Friday at the Ford Wyoming Center.

The game will be broadcast live on KHMY-FM (My93.1) beginning at 5:30 p.m. with Sean Boston (play-by-play) calling the action. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+, which is a pay-per-view/subscription service.

Friday's matchup will be the first ever between Hutchinson and Three Rivers. Last season when the Blue Dragons won the 2024 national championship, Three Rivers advanced to the quarterfinals.

Behind&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/bios/jackson_hailey_q6t6">Hailey Jackson</a>'s 13th double-double of the season of 17 points and 12 rebounds, the Blue Dragons advanced to the second round of the national tournament with a 61-58 win over South Georgia Tech on Wednesday. The Blue Dragons are now 7-2 in national tournament opening-round games.

Three Rivers was ranked No. 2 in the final NJCAA Tournament regular-season national rankings, but was upset by State Fair 73-70 in the Region 16 championship game on March 14. That loss snapped a 20-game winning streak by the Raiders.

While Hutchinson and Three Rivers have never played in women's basketball, the two schools have met in another significant game in NJCAA history. The Blue Dragon men defeated the Raider men 78-74 in the 1994 men's NJCAA Tournament championship game.

The Blue Dragons are currently in their 13th NJCAA Tournament appearance. The Dragons are 4-2 in second-round games in tournament history.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743170703407.jpeg" alt="Head coach John Ontjes and the Blue Dragon women's basketball team meet Three Rivers in the second round of the NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament at 5:45 p.m. Friday in Casper, WY. (Steve Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Head coach John Ontjes and the Blue Dragon women's basketball team meet Three Rivers in the second round of the NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament at 5:45 p.m. Friday in Casper, WY. (Steve Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationCASPER, Wyoming - The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team bids for its eighth all-time appearance in the quarterfinals of the NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament on Friday in Casper, Wyoming.The No. 11-seeded Blue Dragons (29-4) take on sixth-seed Three Rivers (28-3) in the tournament's final second-round matchup at 5:45 p.m. CDT on Friday at the Ford Wyoming Center.<div>BLUE DRAGON WOMEN'S BASKETBALL No. 11 Hutchinson (29-4) vs. No. 6 Three Rivers (28-3) 2025 NJCAA Women's Division I National Tournament - 2nd Round When: Friday, March 28, 2025 Where: Ford Casper Center, Casper, WY Tipoff: 5:45 p.m. CDT Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">KHMY-FM (93.1), 5:30 p.m. - Sean Boston (PBP)</a> Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/catalog/cd70a58e-a830-330c-93ed-52360b51b632/basketball#bucketId=29794&amp;sourceCollection=Browse_By_Sport_New" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ESPN+</a> X: @bluedragonsport <a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/files/Game_34_-_Three_Rivers_women.pdf">CLICK FOR FULL BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a></div>The game will be broadcast live on KHMY-FM (My93.1) beginning at 5:30 p.m. with Sean Boston (play-by-play) calling the action. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+, which is a pay-per-view/subscription service.Friday's matchup will be the first ever between Hutchinson and Three Rivers. Last season when the Blue Dragons won the 2024 national championship, Three Rivers advanced to the quarterfinals.Behind&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/bios/jackson_hailey_q6t6">Hailey Jackson</a>'s 13th double-double of the season of 17 points and 12 rebounds, the Blue Dragons advanced to the second round of the national tournament with a 61-58 win over South Georgia Tech on Wednesday. The Blue Dragons are now 7-2 in national tournament opening-round games.Three Rivers was ranked No. 2 in the final NJCAA Tournament regular-season national rankings, but was upset by State Fair 73-70 in the Region 16 championship game on March 14. That loss snapped a 20-game winning streak by the Raiders.While Hutchinson and Three Rivers have never played in women's basketball, the two schools have met in another significant game in NJCAA history. The Blue Dragon men defeated the Raider men 78-74 in the 1994 men's NJCAA Tournament championship game.The Blue Dragons are currently in their 13th NJCAA Tournament appearance. The Dragons are 4-2 in second-round games in tournament history.

🏀 HutchCC faces Three Rivers in NJCAA Tournament second round 

Josh Dix, a 6-foot-6, 210-pound senior-to-be men’s basketball shooting guard from the University of Iowa, was slated to arrive in Lawrence on Thursday night for a two-day recruiting visit to Kansas, two sources close to Nix confirmed to The Kansas City Star.

Known as an accurate 3-point shooter, Dix, a native of Council Bluffs, Iowa, averaged 14.4 points a game this past season on 50.7% shooting.

As a junior he was 65-of-154 from 3 for 42.2%. A starter in 32 games for the Hawkeyes (17-16), Dix hit 36 of 47 free throws for 76.6%. Both Rivals.com and 247sports.com reported that KU coaches visited with Dix on Wednesday in Iowa in advance of his KU campus visit.

Dix, who announced he’d be entering the transfer portal on March 19, scored a career-high 31 points on 10-of-14 shooting (career-high 7 3s in 10 attempts) with seven assists in a 97-87 overtime win over Nebraska on Jan. 7 in Iowa City, Iowa. He played 45 minutes in that game. He had 27 points vs. Purdue on Feb. 4 in Iowa City and 26 points on Feb. 12 at Rutgers.

“Dix put on some incredible displays,” wrote Hawkcentral.com. “He drilled a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to beat Northwestern in December. He scored in double-figures in 27 of his 32 appearances as a junior. He scored at least 21 points in six games.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743170696592.jpeg" alt="Josh Dix (AP Photo, file) " />
 <figcaption>Josh Dix (AP Photo, file) </figcaption>
 </figure>GARY BEDORE Kansas City Star&nbsp;Josh Dix, a 6-foot-6, 210-pound senior-to-be men’s basketball shooting guard from the University of Iowa, was slated to arrive in Lawrence on Thursday night for a two-day recruiting visit to Kansas, two sources close to Nix confirmed to The Kansas City Star.Known as an accurate 3-point shooter, Dix, a native of Council Bluffs, Iowa, averaged 14.4 points a game this past season on 50.7% shooting.As a junior he was 65-of-154 from 3 for 42.2%. A starter in 32 games for the Hawkeyes (17-16), Dix hit 36 of 47 free throws for 76.6%. Both Rivals.com and 247sports.com reported that KU coaches visited with Dix on Wednesday in Iowa in advance of his KU campus visit.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/guKwZ3w5CZ">pic.twitter.com/guKwZ3w5CZ</a>&mdash; Josh Dix (@J0shDix) <a href="https://twitter.com/J0shDix/status/1902402435693375701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Dix, who announced he’d be entering the transfer portal on March 19, scored a career-high 31 points on 10-of-14 shooting (career-high 7 3s in 10 attempts) with seven assists in a 97-87 overtime win over Nebraska on Jan. 7 in Iowa City, Iowa. He played 45 minutes in that game. He had 27 points vs. Purdue on Feb. 4 in Iowa City and 26 points on Feb. 12 at Rutgers.“Dix put on some incredible displays,” wrote Hawkcentral.com. “He drilled a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to beat Northwestern in December. He scored in double-figures in 27 of his 32 appearances as a junior. He scored at least 21 points in six games.”

Portal prospect Josh Dix visits KU 

<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/championships/sports/mbkb/div1/index">TOURNAMENT CENTRAL</a>&nbsp;| <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">RADIO STREAM</a> | <a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/schedule/_/type/upcoming/channel/ESPN_PLUS/startDate/20250328">TV STREAM ($)</a>

5:30 p.m. - No. 4 South Plains (Texas) vs. No. 17 Connors State (Okla.)

8 p.m. - No. 6 Panola (Texas) vs. No. 7 Trinity Valley (Texas)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742176424420.png" alt="Photo Courtesy NJCAA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy NJCAA</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.njcaa.org/championships/sports/mbkb/div1/index">TOURNAMENT CENTRAL</a>&nbsp;| <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">RADIO STREAM</a> | <a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/schedule/_/type/upcoming/channel/ESPN_PLUS/startDate/20250328">TV STREAM ($)</a>5:30 p.m. - No. 4 South Plains (Texas) vs. No. 17 Connors State (Okla.)8 p.m. - No. 6 Panola (Texas) vs. No. 7 Trinity Valley (Texas)

🏀 NJCAA Tournament: Semifinal Friday schedule & results

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Early Morning Sports 032825" 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=yu4qj-186502b-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: 🏀 Blue Dragon women play tonight, Men's semifinals ⚾ Royals drop opener to Guardians 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kyle Manzardo had a two-run double in the 10th inning to tie the club record for most RBIs on opening day and the Cleveland Guardians defeated the Kansas City Royals 7-4 on Thursday.

Manzardo joined Tris Speaker (1925) and Leon Wagner (1964) with four RBIs on opening day.

Manzardo also become the third MLB player with a double, triple and homer on opening day, joining Don Baylor (1973), Gee Walker (1937).

Steven Kwan led off the 10th with a run-scoring double. With two outs and Kwan at third, reliever Sam Long intentionally walked Carlos Santana to face Manzardo, who drove in both runners.

Emmanuel Clase took the win and Paul Sewald earned the save.

Vinnie Pasquantino broke the scoreless tie with a three-run homer in the third for Kansas City.

The Guardians answered with a run in the fourth. Manzardo hit a one-out triple and Jhonkensy Noel drove him in with a sacrifice fly.

The Guardians got another run in the fifth on another sacrifice fly. Cleveland put runners on first and second with no outs and Jose Ramirez drove in Gabriel Arias with the second run.

Manzardo homered on the first pitch he saw in the sixth to give the Guardians a 4-3.

The Royals tied it at 4-all in the bottom of the ninth off Clase on Michael Massey’s sacrifice fly.

The Royals had runners on first and third and no outs in the eighth, with the top of the order up. But Jonathan India hit into a fielder's choice, resulting in a double play.

Manzardo had 12 doubles, no triples and five home runs in 145 at bats in his debut last season.

Gavin Williams of Cleveland is scheduled to face Seth Lugo for Kansas City when the clubs resume the three-game series on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743118799657.png" alt="Kansas City Royals' Vinnie Pasquantino hit a three-run home run during the third inning of&nbsp; the game. Image courtesy KC Royals" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Vinnie Pasquantino hit a three-run home run during the third inning of&nbsp; the game. Image courtesy KC Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kyle Manzardo had a two-run double in the 10th inning to tie the club record for most RBIs on opening day and the Cleveland Guardians defeated the Kansas City Royals 7-4 on Thursday.Manzardo joined Tris Speaker (1925) and Leon Wagner (1964) with four RBIs on opening day.Manzardo also become the third MLB player with a double, triple and homer on opening day, joining Don Baylor (1973), Gee Walker (1937).Steven Kwan led off the 10th with a run-scoring double. With two outs and Kwan at third, reliever Sam Long intentionally walked Carlos Santana to face Manzardo, who drove in both runners.Emmanuel Clase took the win and Paul Sewald earned the save.Vinnie Pasquantino broke the scoreless tie with a three-run homer in the third for Kansas City.The Guardians answered with a run in the fourth. Manzardo hit a one-out triple and Jhonkensy Noel drove him in with a sacrifice fly.The Guardians got another run in the fifth on another sacrifice fly. Cleveland put runners on first and second with no outs and Jose Ramirez drove in Gabriel Arias with the second run.Manzardo homered on the first pitch he saw in the sixth to give the Guardians a 4-3.The Royals tied it at 4-all in the bottom of the ninth off Clase on Michael Massey’s sacrifice fly.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals had runners on first and third and no outs in the eighth, with the top of the order up. But Jonathan India hit into a fielder's choice, resulting in a double play.<h2>Key stat</h2>Manzardo had 12 doubles, no triples and five home runs in 145 at bats in his debut last season.<h2>Up next</h2>Gavin Williams of Cleveland is scheduled to face Seth Lugo for Kansas City when the clubs resume the three-game series on Saturday.

⚾ Manzardo shines for Cleveland in opening day win over the Royals

WICHITA, Kan. -- Wichita State earned a coveted top four overall seed in the NCAA Women's Bowling Championship bracket announced Wednesday, securing the #1 seed in the Lansing Regional.

The Shockers (84-36) will square off with #4 seed Felician (75-32) in the opening round Mega Match on Friday, April 4. On the opposite side of the bracket, #2 seed Vanderbilt battles #3 seed FDU. The regional round is double-elimination format.

Felician won the program's first Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Championship to reach the tournament as an automatic qualifier. The Golden Falcons, who were ranked #22 in the latest edition of the NTCA poll, defeated Dominican University of New York in the opening round and Caldwell twice to secure the championship.

Elsewhere in the 19-team field, Jacksonville State (#1 overall seed - Arlington Regional), Nebraska (#2 overall seed - Pittsburgh Regional) and Youngstown State (#3 overall seed - Rochester Regional) snagged the top spots in their respective regions. Wichita State's region is the only one in the field with just four teams; the other three regions each have five teams with a single-elimination play-in round on Thursday, April 3.

Conference USA was well-represented in the bracket, with eight of the 19 teams hailing from CUSA (Jacksonville State, Wichita State, Youngstown State, Arkansas State, Vanderbilt, Sam Houston, Stephen F. Austin, Louisiana Tech). The Shockers won the CUSA Championship this past weekend, surging back from an opening round loss to Arkansas State to win seven consecutive matches in the Contender's Bracket. Wichita State knocked off defending NCAA champion Jacksonville State twice on Sunday to earn the trophy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743103705500.png" alt="WSU bowling team top seed in Lansing Regional (WSU Athletic Communications) " />
 <figcaption>WSU bowling team top seed in Lansing Regional (WSU Athletic Communications) </figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. -- Wichita State earned a coveted top four overall seed in the NCAA Women's Bowling Championship bracket announced Wednesday, securing the #1 seed in the Lansing Regional.The Shockers (84-36) will square off with #4 seed Felician (75-32) in the opening round Mega Match on Friday, April 4. On the opposite side of the bracket, #2 seed Vanderbilt battles #3 seed FDU. The regional round is double-elimination format.Felician won the program's first Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Championship to reach the tournament as an automatic qualifier. The Golden Falcons, who were ranked #22 in the latest edition of the NTCA poll, defeated Dominican University of New York in the opening round and Caldwell twice to secure the championship.Elsewhere in the 19-team field, Jacksonville State (#1 overall seed - Arlington Regional), Nebraska (#2 overall seed - Pittsburgh Regional) and Youngstown State (#3 overall seed - Rochester Regional) snagged the top spots in their respective regions. Wichita State's region is the only one in the field with just four teams; the other three regions each have five teams with a single-elimination play-in round on Thursday, April 3.Conference USA was well-represented in the bracket, with eight of the 19 teams hailing from CUSA (Jacksonville State, Wichita State, Youngstown State, Arkansas State, Vanderbilt, Sam Houston, Stephen F. Austin, Louisiana Tech). The Shockers won the CUSA Championship this past weekend, surging back from an opening round loss to Arkansas State to win seven consecutive matches in the Contender's Bracket. Wichita State knocked off defending NCAA champion Jacksonville State twice on Sunday to earn the trophy.

Shockers land top seed in Lansing bowling regional

Pittsburg State Athletics PITTSBURGH, Pa. — The Pittsburg State University women's basketball team conjured up yet another amazing NCAA Division II National Tournament second half comeback bid, but the Gorillas couldn't quite fully pull it off.

Top-seeded Grand Valley State University built a 13-point advantage early in the third quarter in the Final Four match-up Wednesday (Mar. 26), then withstood a furious Pitt State rally that saw the Gorillas pull ahead midway through the third period. The Lakers eventually wrestled the lead back from Pitt State in the fourth quarter and held off the Gorillas in the game's final minute for a 68-61 victory at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse.

Grand Valley State (37-2) advances to the 2024-25 NCAA Division II National Championship Game Friday (Mar. 28) where the Lakers will meet No. 3 seed California State University-Dominguez Hills, which defeated Union (Tenn.) University, 68-50, in its national semifinal match-up. Pitt State's record-breaking season ends with a 33-4 mark, a program record for victories (33) and winning percentage (.892).

Pitt State, which trailed by double-digit point totals in the Central Regional semifinals and finals at John Lance Arena earlier this month, exploded for a 15-2 third quarter run that turned a 37-24 deficit into a tie game, 39-39, on&nbsp; Grace Pyle's (McPherson, Kan.) three-point play with 5:42 to play in the stanza.

GVSU's Nicole Kamin made one of two free throws for a 40-39 Lakers edge, but Pitt State's Harper Schreiner gave the Gorillas their first lead, 41-40, on an inside basket with 4:24 to play in the quarter.

Pitt State's last lead came with 27 ticks remaining in the third quarter when Hannah Nilges hit a 3-pointer for a 46-44 Gorillas edge.

The Lakers tied the game at 46-46 in the final seconds of the period then held Pitt State scoreless for the first three-plus minutes of the fourth quarter to push in front, 54-46, with 6:41 to play in the game.

The Gorillas twice battled back to within two points - 58-56 on a 3-pointer by Pyle and 60-68 on a bucket by Karenna Gerber (Halstead, Kan.) with 2:29 to play in regulation.

The Lakers pushed the lead back to four on a basket by Kamin with 1:28 to go and Pitt State's Maycee James was called for an offensive foul to thwart a Gorillas possession at the 1:07 mark.

The two teams traded missed shots before GVSU's Paige Vanstee made two free throws for a 64-58 Lakers lead with 18 seconds to go. GVSU added two more free throws for an eight-point cushion before Pyle hit a 3-pointer with six seconds left. The Lakers, who owned a 14-2 advantage at the free throw line in the game, closed it out with two more charity shots with two seconds to play.

Pyle led all scorers with 25 points on nine for 18 shootings. She made six 3-pointers in the contest. Gerber added 13 points and eight rebounds. Nilges and James finished with six points apiece.

The Lakers, who forced the Gorillas into an uncharacteristic 20 turnovers in the contest, got 21 points from Kamin, 17 from Rylie Bisballe and 11 from Vanstee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743092711135.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Pittsburg State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Pittsburg State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Pittsburg State Athletics PITTSBURGH, Pa. — The Pittsburg State University women's basketball team conjured up yet another amazing NCAA Division II National Tournament second half comeback bid, but the Gorillas couldn't quite fully pull it off.Top-seeded Grand Valley State University built a 13-point advantage early in the third quarter in the Final Four match-up Wednesday (Mar. 26), then withstood a furious Pitt State rally that saw the Gorillas pull ahead midway through the third period. The Lakers eventually wrestled the lead back from Pitt State in the fourth quarter and held off the Gorillas in the game's final minute for a 68-61 victory at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse.Grand Valley State (37-2) advances to the 2024-25 NCAA Division II National Championship Game Friday (Mar. 28) where the Lakers will meet No. 3 seed California State University-Dominguez Hills, which defeated Union (Tenn.) University, 68-50, in its national semifinal match-up. Pitt State's record-breaking season ends with a 33-4 mark, a program record for victories (33) and winning percentage (.892).Pitt State, which trailed by double-digit point totals in the Central Regional semifinals and finals at John Lance Arena earlier this month, exploded for a 15-2 third quarter run that turned a 37-24 deficit into a tie game, 39-39, on&nbsp; Grace Pyle's (McPherson, Kan.) three-point play with 5:42 to play in the stanza.GVSU's Nicole Kamin made one of two free throws for a 40-39 Lakers edge, but Pitt State's Harper Schreiner gave the Gorillas their first lead, 41-40, on an inside basket with 4:24 to play in the quarter.Pitt State's last lead came with 27 ticks remaining in the third quarter when Hannah Nilges hit a 3-pointer for a 46-44 Gorillas edge.The Lakers tied the game at 46-46 in the final seconds of the period then held Pitt State scoreless for the first three-plus minutes of the fourth quarter to push in front, 54-46, with 6:41 to play in the game.The Gorillas twice battled back to within two points - 58-56 on a 3-pointer by Pyle and 60-68 on a bucket by Karenna Gerber (Halstead, Kan.) with 2:29 to play in regulation.The Lakers pushed the lead back to four on a basket by Kamin with 1:28 to go and Pitt State's Maycee James was called for an offensive foul to thwart a Gorillas possession at the 1:07 mark.The two teams traded missed shots before GVSU's Paige Vanstee made two free throws for a 64-58 Lakers lead with 18 seconds to go. GVSU added two more free throws for an eight-point cushion before Pyle hit a 3-pointer with six seconds left. The Lakers, who owned a 14-2 advantage at the free throw line in the game, closed it out with two more charity shots with two seconds to play.Pyle led all scorers with 25 points on nine for 18 shootings. She made six 3-pointers in the contest. Gerber added 13 points and eight rebounds. Nilges and James finished with six points apiece.The Lakers, who forced the Gorillas into an uncharacteristic 20 turnovers in the contest, got 21 points from Kamin, 17 from Rylie Bisballe and 11 from Vanstee.

🏀 Pitt State title hopes dashed in Final Four loss to Grand Valley State 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Early Morning Sports 032725" 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=5k422-1863700-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: 🏀 Blue Dragons advance in Casper, NJCAA Final Four Set ⚾ Royals opening day

Heading into Wednesday’s doubleheader at Fun Valley, the Dragons were tied atop the Jayhawk Conference with an identical 13-1 record.

In Game 1, the Dragons got on the board in the first inning with an unearned run off an RBI single to short by freshman Gabby Stauffer, allowing sophomore Bailey Backhaus to score.

With a 1-0 lead in the third, the Dragons put up five more runs with doubles by Stauffer and Kaibryn Kruger. They added another run in the fourth on an RBI single by Tailor Golly.

Morgan Tomlinson went 6 2/3 innings for the win, improving to 11-2 on the season.

In Game 2, the Dragons struck early, scoring one in the bottom of the first on a fielder's choice by Stauffer.

Barton tied the game and took the lead with single runs in the second and fourth innings.

The Blue Dragons tied it in the fifth with an RBI single by Backhaus, then reclaimed the lead on a two-run homer by Kruger to left field, scoring Backhaus.

Freshman Aubree Thomas went four innings, allowing two runs for the win. She improved to 8-2 on the season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743080238610.jpeg" alt="Tailor Golly (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information, file photo)" />
 <figcaption>Tailor Golly (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information, file photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch PostHeading into Wednesday’s doubleheader at Fun Valley, the Dragons were tied atop the Jayhawk Conference with an identical 13-1 record.In Game 1, the Dragons got on the board in the first inning with an unearned run off an RBI single to short by freshman Gabby Stauffer, allowing sophomore Bailey Backhaus to score.With a 1-0 lead in the third, the Dragons put up five more runs with doubles by Stauffer and Kaibryn Kruger. They added another run in the fourth on an RBI single by Tailor Golly.Morgan Tomlinson went 6 2/3 innings for the win, improving to 11-2 on the season.In Game 2, the Dragons struck early, scoring one in the bottom of the first on a fielder's choice by Stauffer.Barton tied the game and took the lead with single runs in the second and fourth innings.The Blue Dragons tied it in the fifth with an RBI single by Backhaus, then reclaimed the lead on a two-run homer by Kruger to left field, scoring Backhaus.Freshman Aubree Thomas went four innings, allowing two runs for the win. She improved to 8-2 on the season.

🥎 Blue Dragons sweep Cougars, sit atop KJCCC standings 

Opening Day for the Royals is today, with Cole Ragans set to throw the first pitch of the 2025 season at 3:10 p.m. at Kauffman Stadium. He’ll face the reigning American League Central champion Guardians—the team the Royals are looking to unseat this year.

Our pregame coverage starts at 2:30 p.m. on KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5).

The Royals' rotation was the second-best in baseball last year with a 3.55 ERA. They had two starters finish in the top five in American League Cy Young voting—Seth Lugo (second) and Ragans (fourth). Those two combined for 65 starts, and Michael Wacha added 29. All three are back this year. Can they stay healthy?

Jonathan India, a key offseason acquisition, joins Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez to make the Royals' lineup top-heavy. Can they carry this team all the way to October?

KWBW is your home for Royals baseball again in 2025. We've carried the Royals since their first season in 1969.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743014601169.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals Bobby Witt Jr. hits a solo hime run during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals Bobby Witt Jr. hits a solo hime run during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)</figcaption>
 </figure>ROB DREHER Hutch PostOpening Day for the Royals is today, with Cole Ragans set to throw the first pitch of the 2025 season at 3:10 p.m. at Kauffman Stadium. He’ll face the reigning American League Central champion Guardians—the team the Royals are looking to unseat this year.Our pregame coverage starts at 2:30 p.m. on KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5).The Royals' rotation was the second-best in baseball last year with a 3.55 ERA. They had two starters finish in the top five in American League Cy Young voting—Seth Lugo (second) and Ragans (fourth). Those two combined for 65 starts, and Michael Wacha added 29. All three are back this year. Can they stay healthy?Jonathan India, a key offseason acquisition, joins Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez to make the Royals' lineup top-heavy. Can they carry this team all the way to October?KWBW is your home for Royals baseball again in 2025. We've carried the Royals since their first season in 1969.

⚾ Royals open season today against Guardians

<a href="https://njcaastats.prestosports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/div1/boxscores/20250326_oh7z.xml">BOX SCORE</a>

CASPER, Wyo. — The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team picked up a 61-58 win over South Georgia Tech in the first round of the NJCAA Tournament on Wednesday at the Ford Wyoming Center.

The 11-seeded Blue Dragons will face 6-seed Three Rivers (Mo.) on Friday at 4:45 p.m. MDT (5:45 p.m. CDT) in the second round. Three Rivers received the first round bye.

The Blue Dragons trailed 29-24 at halftime and trailed by as many as eight points in the first half before making second half adjustments that would be pivotal.

Hutchinson (29-4) outscored South Georgia Tech (25-7) 37-29 in the second half, thanks to a huge half for Hailey Jackson. The Jayhawk Conference's Player of the Year was held scoreless in the first half and didn't get her first point until the 5:00 mark in the third quarter. She finished with a team-high 17 points, while also bringing down 12 rebounds for her 13th double-double of the season and 16th of her career. Jackson knocked down 6-of-8 from the foul stripe, the same free throw line that she knocked down three free throws with under a second to play in the national championship game win last April.

HutchCC held a 61-53 lead with 53 seconds remaining, before South Georgia Tech scored the final five points of the game to pull within a single possession.&nbsp;

The Blue Dragons, which struggled to shoot the basketball in their last two games, going a combined 9-of-55 in the Region VI Tournament, knocked down 6-of-15 attempts on Wednesday evening.

Jada Pleasant was the only other HutchCC player in double-figure scoring, finishing with 10 points and four rebounds. Kahlen Norris had nine, Landon Forbes and Katie Duncan each had eight, while Brynne Katcher had seven to round out a balanced scoring attack.

South Georgia Tech was led by Jamiah Gregory, the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Conference's Player of the Year, with 16 points. The Jets knocked down eight 3-pointers in the loss.

Hutchinson held South Georgia Tech, a team that was plus-10 on the glass in games this season to 22 total rebounds. The Blue Dragons finished plus-14, including 13 offensive boards, and holding a really good Jets offensive rebounding team to just four total.

The Blue Dragons are now 25-12 all-time in the national tournament and are 7-2 in opening round games. John Ontjes is now 22-10 in the national tournament as the HutchCC head coach, and the Blue Dragons have now won five straight games in the Cowboy State.

Friday's second round game can be heard on <a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">KHMY-FM (93.1)</a>, the official postseason radio home for the Blue Dragons in the national tournament.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743044650934.jpeg" alt="Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://njcaastats.prestosports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/div1/boxscores/20250326_oh7z.xml">BOX SCORE</a>Head coach John Ontjes postgame<div><iframe title="2025 NJCAA WBB Tournament: Hutchinson CC head coach John Ontjes Postgame vs. South Georgia Tech" 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=zmcnr-1862d75-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>CASPER, Wyo. — The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team picked up a 61-58 win over South Georgia Tech in the first round of the NJCAA Tournament on Wednesday at the Ford Wyoming Center.The 11-seeded Blue Dragons will face 6-seed Three Rivers (Mo.) on Friday at 4:45 p.m. MDT (5:45 p.m. CDT) in the second round. Three Rivers received the first round bye.<div><iframe title="2025 NJCAA WBB Tournament: Hutchinson CC vs. South Georgia Tech" 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=qtzek-1862d5e-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>The Blue Dragons trailed 29-24 at halftime and trailed by as many as eight points in the first half before making second half adjustments that would be pivotal.Hutchinson (29-4) outscored South Georgia Tech (25-7) 37-29 in the second half, thanks to a huge half for Hailey Jackson. The Jayhawk Conference's Player of the Year was held scoreless in the first half and didn't get her first point until the 5:00 mark in the third quarter. She finished with a team-high 17 points, while also bringing down 12 rebounds for her 13th double-double of the season and 16th of her career. Jackson knocked down 6-of-8 from the foul stripe, the same free throw line that she knocked down three free throws with under a second to play in the national championship game win last April.HutchCC held a 61-53 lead with 53 seconds remaining, before South Georgia Tech scored the final five points of the game to pull within a single possession.&nbsp;The Blue Dragons, which struggled to shoot the basketball in their last two games, going a combined 9-of-55 in the Region VI Tournament, knocked down 6-of-15 attempts on Wednesday evening.Jada Pleasant was the only other HutchCC player in double-figure scoring, finishing with 10 points and four rebounds. Kahlen Norris had nine, Landon Forbes and Katie Duncan each had eight, while Brynne Katcher had seven to round out a balanced scoring attack.South Georgia Tech was led by Jamiah Gregory, the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Conference's Player of the Year, with 16 points. The Jets knocked down eight 3-pointers in the loss.Hutchinson held South Georgia Tech, a team that was plus-10 on the glass in games this season to 22 total rebounds. The Blue Dragons finished plus-14, including 13 offensive boards, and holding a really good Jets offensive rebounding team to just four total.The Blue Dragons are now 25-12 all-time in the national tournament and are 7-2 in opening round games. John Ontjes is now 22-10 in the national tournament as the HutchCC head coach, and the Blue Dragons have now won five straight games in the Cowboy State.Friday's second round game can be heard on <a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">KHMY-FM (93.1)</a>, the official postseason radio home for the Blue Dragons in the national tournament.

🏀 Blue Dragon women survive first round game in national tournament

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Game 17: Connors State (Okla.) 66, Daytona State College (Fla.) 65

Game 18: Trinity Valley (Tex.) 61, Cowley College (Kan.) 60

Game 19: South Plains College (Tex.) 79,&nbsp;Angelina College (Tex.) 70

Game 20: Panola College (Tex.) 75, Vincennes (Ind.) 67

The glass slipper is strapped on tight for the Connors State men.

The No. 17-seed Cowboys rallied from 12 points down with 5:05 left to defeat No. 8 Daytona State Wednesday 66-65 in the quarterfinals of the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I Men’s Basketball Championship tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Connors advances to the semifinals for the second straight year and plays the winner of No. 12 South Plains and No. 4 Angelina at 5:30 p.m. Friday.

The difference in the first half was minimal as Connors trailed 30-25 at intermission. The Cowboys converted 11 of 30 (38.7%) shots to the Falcons’ 10-of-32 (31.3%) shooting. However, Daytona made three 3s to CSC’s two and converted seven free throws of Connors’ four.

The second half started in the Cowboys favor and they scored the first five points of the half to tie the score at 30-30 with 18:17 left in the half. But the Falcons went on a run of their own, scoring seven straight to retake the lead 37-30.

Connors came right back and with 14:54 to go had completed a 7-0 spurt to tie the score at 37-37.

The see-saw then tilted in favor of the Falcons as they found their range from beyond the arc, hitting three 3s while dropping in two two-point buckets to get out to a 50-42 lead with 11:08 remaining in regulation.

Daytona State kept up the hot shooting and with 5:05 left they led 61-49.

But the Cowboys put on a rally. After a flagrant foul was called against a Daytona player, Jeremiah Johnson made two free throws and Monday’s hero DJ Dormu nailed a 3 from just outside the arc, and with 2:55 left, the Cowboys trailed 65-59.

At the 1:23 mark, Edwin Daniel hit a 3 and the deficit was cut to 65-62. And with 38.3 to go, Dormu nailed a 3 from the left win to tie the score at 65-65.

With 7.2 seconds left, Daniel was fouled and made one of two free throws. The second attempt bounced off the rim and Daniel grabbed the rebound and was fouled again with 5.9 left.

This time he missed both and Daytona, with no time outs, dribbled the length of the floor but missed the final shot as the Cowboys move on.

Daniel led the Cowboys with 17 points, while Dormu had 15 points and Aric Walls finished with 13 points. As a team, Connors shot 41.8% (23 of 55) from the field while Daytona State made 38.1% of its shots (24 of 63).

The Trinity Valley Cardinals won a thriller over Cowley College on Wednesday, 61-60, to advance to the semifinals of the NJCAA tournament.

The Cardinals blocked the final shot of the game to seal the win.

Trinity Valley scored the first seven points of the game, but Cowley held a 28-25 lead at halftime. In the second half, Cowley led by as many as 10 points before the Cardinals battled back. TVCC took their first lead of the half with 10:10 left at 43-42. TVCC was up by as many as eight points before Cowley brought it back to within a point with 90 seconds left in the game. MJ Wardlow go the bucket and the foul to put TVCC up by three with 36 seconds remaining.

Tyler Smith and Cameron Williams led the way for the Cardinals. Smith was 5-of-13 from the floor to finish with 14 points, one rebound and one assist. Williams was 7-of-9 from the floor to finish with 14 points, seven rebounds and an assist. Garrett Nuckolls (Bullard) had nine points, four rebounds and three assists.

The Angelina College Roadrunners’ season comes to an end on Wednesday night with a 79-70 loss to South Plains College in the quarterfinal round of the NJCAA Division I Men’s Basketball tournament.

South Plains outscored Angelina in the paint, 38-18.

The Roadrunners went back and forth with the Texans in the first half and held a 36-33 lead at the halftime break. In the second half, Angelina led by seven points with 11 minutes to go in the game. Both teams continued trading buckets and trading the lead. With 7:10 remaining, South Plains went on an 11-0 scoring run to take a nine point lead and the Texans never surrendered the lead again.

Leading the way for Angelina was Jordan Mathews with 16 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Kanaan Holder (Hudson) had 14 points and an assist.

Waqo Tessema and the Panola College men’s basketball team picked a great night for a career-high scoring night and a season-high in 3-pointers made.

Tessema scored a career-high 24 points, including seven 3-pointers; Travis Torain scored 16 points with four 3-pointers; and Khoi Thurmon had a double-double with 13 points and 12 assists as No. 6 seeded Panola hit a season-high 14 3-pointers in defeating No. 14 seeded Vincennes 75-67 in a NJCAA Division I quarterfinal matchup on Wednesday in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Tessema connected on 7-of-14 from behind the 3-point line, and Torain hit 4-of-9 from beyond the arc.

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Panola (29-6), who on Tuesday defeated No. 11 Frank Phillips 60-53, started off strong building their lead to as many as nine points early in the game.

Vincennes (28-5) battled back to give Panola their first deficit in the tournament by taking a five-point lead late in the first half behind the hot shooting of Travelle Bryson.

But Panola didn’t let the deficit deter them as the Ponies tied the Trail Blazers 40-40 going to the half.

Behind four quick Worsham points, Panola took a 44-40 lead and the Ponies staved off the Trail Blazers the rest of the game.

Vincennes, who defeated No. 3 seeded Indian Wells 85-71 on Monday, had trouble scoring from the outside in the second half as Panola completely shut down Bryson in the second half.

Bryson —&nbsp;who scored 17 points in the first half, including five 3-pointers —&nbsp;ended up going scoreless in the second half.

Panola stayed even keel from beyond the arc as the Ponies hit seven 3s in the first half and seven 3s in the second half.

The Ponies built their lead to as many as 11 in the second half before the Trail Blazers cut the deficit down to as little as four points.

LeBron Thomas and Bryson each scored 17 points for Vincennes as Thomas added six rebounds and seven assists.

Bryan Akanmu scored 10 points with six rebounds and five assists for the Trail Blazers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742176424420.png" alt="Photo Courtesy NJCAA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy NJCAA</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.njcaa.org/championships/sports/mbkb/div1/index">TOURNAMENT CENTRAL</a><a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">CLICK HERE FOR RADIO STREAM</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/schedule?channel=ESPN_PLUS">CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO STREAM ($)</a>Game 17: Connors State (Okla.) 66, Daytona State College (Fla.) 65Game 18: Trinity Valley (Tex.) 61, Cowley College (Kan.) 60Game 19: South Plains College (Tex.) 79,&nbsp;Angelina College (Tex.) 70Game 20: Panola College (Tex.) 75, Vincennes (Ind.) 67Game 17 recap:The glass slipper is strapped on tight for the Connors State men.The No. 17-seed Cowboys rallied from 12 points down with 5:05 left to defeat No. 8 Daytona State Wednesday 66-65 in the quarterfinals of the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I Men’s Basketball Championship tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas.Connors advances to the semifinals for the second straight year and plays the winner of No. 12 South Plains and No. 4 Angelina at 5:30 p.m. Friday.The difference in the first half was minimal as Connors trailed 30-25 at intermission. The Cowboys converted 11 of 30 (38.7%) shots to the Falcons’ 10-of-32 (31.3%) shooting. However, Daytona made three 3s to CSC’s two and converted seven free throws of Connors’ four.The second half started in the Cowboys favor and they scored the first five points of the half to tie the score at 30-30 with 18:17 left in the half. But the Falcons went on a run of their own, scoring seven straight to retake the lead 37-30.Connors came right back and with 14:54 to go had completed a 7-0 spurt to tie the score at 37-37.The see-saw then tilted in favor of the Falcons as they found their range from beyond the arc, hitting three 3s while dropping in two two-point buckets to get out to a 50-42 lead with 11:08 remaining in regulation.Daytona State kept up the hot shooting and with 5:05 left they led 61-49.But the Cowboys put on a rally. After a flagrant foul was called against a Daytona player, Jeremiah Johnson made two free throws and Monday’s hero DJ Dormu nailed a 3 from just outside the arc, and with 2:55 left, the Cowboys trailed 65-59.At the 1:23 mark, Edwin Daniel hit a 3 and the deficit was cut to 65-62. And with 38.3 to go, Dormu nailed a 3 from the left win to tie the score at 65-65.With 7.2 seconds left, Daniel was fouled and made one of two free throws. The second attempt bounced off the rim and Daniel grabbed the rebound and was fouled again with 5.9 left.This time he missed both and Daytona, with no time outs, dribbled the length of the floor but missed the final shot as the Cowboys move on.Daniel led the Cowboys with 17 points, while Dormu had 15 points and Aric Walls finished with 13 points. As a team, Connors shot 41.8% (23 of 55) from the field while Daytona State made 38.1% of its shots (24 of 63).Game 18 recap:The Trinity Valley Cardinals won a thriller over Cowley College on Wednesday, 61-60, to advance to the semifinals of the NJCAA tournament.The Cardinals blocked the final shot of the game to seal the win.Trinity Valley scored the first seven points of the game, but Cowley held a 28-25 lead at halftime. In the second half, Cowley led by as many as 10 points before the Cardinals battled back. TVCC took their first lead of the half with 10:10 left at 43-42. TVCC was up by as many as eight points before Cowley brought it back to within a point with 90 seconds left in the game. MJ Wardlow go the bucket and the foul to put TVCC up by three with 36 seconds remaining.Tyler Smith and Cameron Williams led the way for the Cardinals. Smith was 5-of-13 from the floor to finish with 14 points, one rebound and one assist. Williams was 7-of-9 from the floor to finish with 14 points, seven rebounds and an assist. Garrett Nuckolls (Bullard) had nine points, four rebounds and three assists.Game 19 recap:The Angelina College Roadrunners’ season comes to an end on Wednesday night with a 79-70 loss to South Plains College in the quarterfinal round of the NJCAA Division I Men’s Basketball tournament.South Plains outscored Angelina in the paint, 38-18.The Roadrunners went back and forth with the Texans in the first half and held a 36-33 lead at the halftime break. In the second half, Angelina led by seven points with 11 minutes to go in the game. Both teams continued trading buckets and trading the lead. With 7:10 remaining, South Plains went on an 11-0 scoring run to take a nine point lead and the Texans never surrendered the lead again.Leading the way for Angelina was Jordan Mathews with 16 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Kanaan Holder (Hudson) had 14 points and an assist.Game 20 recap:Waqo Tessema and the Panola College men’s basketball team picked a great night for a career-high scoring night and a season-high in 3-pointers made.Tessema scored a career-high 24 points, including seven 3-pointers; Travis Torain scored 16 points with four 3-pointers; and Khoi Thurmon had a double-double with 13 points and 12 assists as No. 6 seeded Panola hit a season-high 14 3-pointers in defeating No. 14 seeded Vincennes 75-67 in a NJCAA Division I quarterfinal matchup on Wednesday in Hutchinson, Kansas.Tessema connected on 7-of-14 from behind the 3-point line, and Torain hit 4-of-9 from beyond the arc.Sports headlines delivered to your inboxGet our free newsletterSubmitPanola (29-6), who on Tuesday defeated No. 11 Frank Phillips 60-53, started off strong building their lead to as many as nine points early in the game.Vincennes (28-5) battled back to give Panola their first deficit in the tournament by taking a five-point lead late in the first half behind the hot shooting of Travelle Bryson.But Panola didn’t let the deficit deter them as the Ponies tied the Trail Blazers 40-40 going to the half.Behind four quick Worsham points, Panola took a 44-40 lead and the Ponies staved off the Trail Blazers the rest of the game.Vincennes, who defeated No. 3 seeded Indian Wells 85-71 on Monday, had trouble scoring from the outside in the second half as Panola completely shut down Bryson in the second half.Bryson —&nbsp;who scored 17 points in the first half, including five 3-pointers —&nbsp;ended up going scoreless in the second half.Panola stayed even keel from beyond the arc as the Ponies hit seven 3s in the first half and seven 3s in the second half.The Ponies built their lead to as many as 11 in the second half before the Trail Blazers cut the deficit down to as little as four points.LeBron Thomas and Bryson each scored 17 points for Vincennes as Thomas added six rebounds and seven assists.Bryan Akanmu scored 10 points with six rebounds and five assists for the Trail Blazers.After Panola’s lead was cut to four at 67-63, Torain hit back-to-back 3s that stretched the Ponies’ lead back to double digits with 2:28 left in the game.Enel St. Bernard scored four points and added seven rebounds and three block, and Benicio Leons added six rebounds and a pair of steals for the Ponies.Panola will face a very familiar opponent in the semifinals: None other than Trinity Valley. The No. 7-seeded Cardinals defeated No. 2 seed Cowley 61-60 in another quarterfinal matchup.This will be the fourth time these two Region XIV Conference rivals will have squared off this season.Panola has taken two out of the three matchups against Trinity Valley, including a 67-59 victory in the Region XIV Tournament championship back on March 15.