MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Khamari McGriff scored 18 points and Nate Johnson scored 16 points and Kansas State delivered another blow to West Virginia's NCAA Tournament hopes holding off the Mountaineers 65-63 on Tuesday night.

Reserve Chance Moore scored 18 points, Brenen Lorient scored 14 points, reserve DJ Thomas 12 and Honor Huff 11 for West Virginia.

It was the first win of the season for the Wildcats in which they didn't score 81-or-more points.

PJ Haggerty, the nation’s third-leading scorer, was unexpectedly scratched from the Wildcats' lineup posted an hour-and-a-half before the 7 p.m. CT tip-off.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/sports/college/cat-zone/2026/02/19/kansas-state-basketball-coach-candidates-hot-board-jerome-tang-fired/88664100007/">Haggerty wasn't listed on the team’s initial availability</a>&nbsp;report released Monday.

Kansas State said in a release that Haggerty sustained an injury in practice in recent days. He’s listed day-to-day ahead of Saturday’s matchup at Kansas. Haggerty, the Wildcats’ starting point guard, entered Tuesday night second in the Big 12 in scoring, averaging 23.3 points per game.

Despite his absence Kansas State (12-18, 3-14) used a 21-0 run to take a 48-31 lead with 10:53 remaining, its longest scoring run of the season.

But the Wildcats proceeded to leave the door open failing to score a field goal in the final 3:48. McGriff made two free throws for a 57-39 lead with a 7:29 left.

West Virginia (17-13, 8-9) then outscored the Wildcats 19-1 down the stretch and got to with 61-58 with 48 seconds left before McGriff and Johnson each made foul shots to secure the win.

West Virginia: Wraps up the regular season on Friday against UCF.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772594717672.png" alt="K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Khamari McGriff scored 18 points and Nate Johnson scored 16 points and Kansas State delivered another blow to West Virginia's NCAA Tournament hopes holding off the Mountaineers 65-63 on Tuesday night.Reserve Chance Moore scored 18 points, Brenen Lorient scored 14 points, reserve DJ Thomas 12 and Honor Huff 11 for West Virginia.It was the first win of the season for the Wildcats in which they didn't score 81-or-more points.PJ Haggerty, the nation’s third-leading scorer, was unexpectedly scratched from the Wildcats' lineup posted an hour-and-a-half before the 7 p.m. CT tip-off.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/sports/college/cat-zone/2026/02/19/kansas-state-basketball-coach-candidates-hot-board-jerome-tang-fired/88664100007/">Haggerty wasn't listed on the team’s initial availability</a>&nbsp;report released Monday.Kansas State said in a release that Haggerty sustained an injury in practice in recent days. He’s listed day-to-day ahead of Saturday’s matchup at Kansas. Haggerty, the Wildcats’ starting point guard, entered Tuesday night second in the Big 12 in scoring, averaging 23.3 points per game.Despite his absence Kansas State (12-18, 3-14) used a 21-0 run to take a 48-31 lead with 10:53 remaining, its longest scoring run of the season.But the Wildcats proceeded to leave the door open failing to score a field goal in the final 3:48. McGriff made two free throws for a 57-39 lead with a 7:29 left.West Virginia (17-13, 8-9) then outscored the Wildcats 19-1 down the stretch and got to with 61-58 with 48 seconds left before McGriff and Johnson each made foul shots to secure the win.<h2>Up next</h2>West Virginia: Wraps up the regular season on Friday against UCF.

🏀 McGriff and Johnson help Kansas State hold off West Virginia 

MANHATTAN (AP) —Xavier Edmonds had 15 points, a career-high tying 13 rebounds, three steals and two blocks on Saturday to help TCU beat Kansas State 77-68.

Tanner Toolson scored 14 points for TCU (19-10, 9-7 Big 12), David Punch added 13 and Liutauras Lelevicius 12.

Kansas State (11-18, 2-14) has lost three in a row and nine of 10.

PJ Haggerty had 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists for the Wildcats and Nate Johnson had 16 points, nine assists and three steals. The duo combined for 11 of Kansas State's 18 turnovers, which the Horned Frogs converted into 28 points.

There were five lead changes and nine ties before Edmonds made a layup with 6:43 left until halftime that gave TCU the lead for good at 27-25.

Kansas State twice in the second half trimmed its deficit to a point and David Castillo converted a three-point play that made it 67-65 with 4:44 left in the game. Edmonds scored the next six points to spark a 9-0 run that gave TCU an 11-point lead with two minutes to play.

The Horned Frogs have won five straight in the series and are 16-21 against Kansas State.

Haggerty scored 14 points on 7-of-9 shooting in the first half and Kansas State shot 57% (17 of 30) from the field, but the Horned Frogs took a 41-38 lead into the intermission. TCU scored 12 points off eight Wildcats turnovers before halftime.

Kansas State: Host West Virginia on Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772329077436.png" alt="K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN (AP) —Xavier Edmonds had 15 points, a career-high tying 13 rebounds, three steals and two blocks on Saturday to help TCU beat Kansas State 77-68.Tanner Toolson scored 14 points for TCU (19-10, 9-7 Big 12), David Punch added 13 and Liutauras Lelevicius 12.Kansas State (11-18, 2-14) has lost three in a row and nine of 10.PJ Haggerty had 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists for the Wildcats and Nate Johnson had 16 points, nine assists and three steals. The duo combined for 11 of Kansas State's 18 turnovers, which the Horned Frogs converted into 28 points.There were five lead changes and nine ties before Edmonds made a layup with 6:43 left until halftime that gave TCU the lead for good at 27-25.Kansas State twice in the second half trimmed its deficit to a point and David Castillo converted a three-point play that made it 67-65 with 4:44 left in the game. Edmonds scored the next six points to spark a 9-0 run that gave TCU an 11-point lead with two minutes to play.The Horned Frogs have won five straight in the series and are 16-21 against Kansas State.Haggerty scored 14 points on 7-of-9 shooting in the first half and Kansas State shot 57% (17 of 30) from the field, but the Horned Frogs took a 41-38 lead into the intermission. TCU scored 12 points off eight Wildcats turnovers before halftime.<h2>Up next</h2>TCU: Plays Tuesday at No. 16 Texas Tech.Kansas State: Host West Virginia on Tuesday.

🏀 Edmonds has 15 points and 13 rebounds to lead TCU over K-State 

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Brayden Burries had 20 points and 12 rebounds, Motiejus Krivas added 13 points and No. 2 Arizona clinched a share of the Big 12 regular-season title with an 84-61 win over No. 14 Kansas on Saturday.

The Wildcats (27-2, 14-2 Big 12) used a 19-0 run to build an 18-point lead, allowed Kansas to whittle it to two midway through the second half, then pulled away with another big run to earn a share of the Big 12 title in their second season in the league.

Jaden Bradley scored eight straight points during the decisive 19-2 second-half run and Koa Peat had 12 points after missing the previous three games with a lower-leg injury.

The Jayhawks (21-8, 11-5) handed Arizona its first loss of the season on Feb. 9 and rallied behind star freshman Darryn Peterson after being overwhelmed early in the rematch.

Peterson finished with 24 points, but Kansas had no answer during the Wildcats' big run and lost for the third time in five games.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-kansas-t25-score-f9889466ae45491d08e069cb241100f3">Kansas won the first meeting 82-78</a>&nbsp;despite Peterson sitting out with flu-like symptoms.

The Jayhawks ran into early trouble in the rematch when Bryson Tiller, who had 18 points in the first go-round, picked up two early fouls.

Arizona took advantage of Kansas' smaller lineup with a 19-0 run that forced Jayhawks coach Bill Self to call two timeouts in a span of 1:12. Kansas missed nine straight shots during the run and the Wildcats kept pouring it on, stretching the lead to 37-19.

The Jayhawks tightened up defensively to close the half, holding Arizona without a field goal over the final 3:52 to pull within 39-28 at halftime.

Arizona: Hosts No. 4 Iowa State on Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772329421536.png" alt="Photo Arizona Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Arizona Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Brayden Burries had 20 points and 12 rebounds, Motiejus Krivas added 13 points and No. 2 Arizona clinched a share of the Big 12 regular-season title with an 84-61 win over No. 14 Kansas on Saturday.The Wildcats (27-2, 14-2 Big 12) used a 19-0 run to build an 18-point lead, allowed Kansas to whittle it to two midway through the second half, then pulled away with another big run to earn a share of the Big 12 title in their second season in the league.Jaden Bradley scored eight straight points during the decisive 19-2 second-half run and Koa Peat had 12 points after missing the previous three games with a lower-leg injury.The Jayhawks (21-8, 11-5) handed Arizona its first loss of the season on Feb. 9 and rallied behind star freshman Darryn Peterson after being overwhelmed early in the rematch.Peterson finished with 24 points, but Kansas had no answer during the Wildcats' big run and lost for the third time in five games.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-kansas-t25-score-f9889466ae45491d08e069cb241100f3">Kansas won the first meeting 82-78</a>&nbsp;despite Peterson sitting out with flu-like symptoms.The Jayhawks ran into early trouble in the rematch when Bryson Tiller, who had 18 points in the first go-round, picked up two early fouls.Arizona took advantage of Kansas' smaller lineup with a 19-0 run that forced Jayhawks coach Bill Self to call two timeouts in a span of 1:12. Kansas missed nine straight shots during the run and the Wildcats kept pouring it on, stretching the lead to 37-19.The Jayhawks tightened up defensively to close the half, holding Arizona without a field goal over the final 3:52 to pull within 39-28 at halftime.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas: At Arizona State on Tuesday.Arizona: Hosts No. 4 Iowa State on Monday.

🏀 Arizona clinches share of Big 12 title with win over KU

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Isaiah Johnson scored 18 points, and Colorado scored the last six points to beat Kansas State 79-70 on Wednesday night.

P.J. Haggerty and Andrej Kostic each scored four points in an 8-0 surge to pull Kansas State to 73-70 with 2:13 to play, but Colorado shot 6 of 8 from the free-throw line to seal it. The Wildcats were down 22 points with about 13 minutes remaining.

Johnson shot 5 of 11 from the floor and had nine rebounds and seven assists for Colorado (16-12, 6-9 Big 12). Ian Inman made five 3-pointers and finished with 17 points for the Buffaloes. Barrington Hargress added 15 points, Sebastian Rancik scored 13 and Bangot Dak had 10.

Haggerty scored 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to go with four assists to lead K-State (11-17, 2-13). Kostic and Nate Johnson added 10 points apiece. The Wildcats have lost eight of their last nine games.

Colorado took the lead for good about eight minutes in and led 37-18 with 3:45 left before halftime. K-State closed on a 15-5 run to cut the deficit to 42-33 at the break. Hargress scored 10 points and Inman made three 3s for the Buffaloes in the half. Haggerty scored 11 first-half points and grabbed six rebounds to pace K-State.

The Wildcats pulled within five early in the second half, but the Buffaloes answered with a 17-0 run for a 59-37 lead.

Colorado is on the road Saturday against fifth-ranked Houston.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772103135889.png" alt="Kansas State's Elias Rapieque (0) attempts a shot over Colorado's Bangot Dak (8) on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 in Boulder, Colorado. (K-State Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State's Elias Rapieque (0) attempts a shot over Colorado's Bangot Dak (8) on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 in Boulder, Colorado. (K-State Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Isaiah Johnson scored 18 points, and Colorado scored the last six points to beat Kansas State 79-70 on Wednesday night.P.J. Haggerty and Andrej Kostic each scored four points in an 8-0 surge to pull Kansas State to 73-70 with 2:13 to play, but Colorado shot 6 of 8 from the free-throw line to seal it. The Wildcats were down 22 points with about 13 minutes remaining.Johnson shot 5 of 11 from the floor and had nine rebounds and seven assists for Colorado (16-12, 6-9 Big 12). Ian Inman made five 3-pointers and finished with 17 points for the Buffaloes. Barrington Hargress added 15 points, Sebastian Rancik scored 13 and Bangot Dak had 10.Haggerty scored 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to go with four assists to lead K-State (11-17, 2-13). Kostic and Nate Johnson added 10 points apiece. The Wildcats have lost eight of their last nine games.Colorado took the lead for good about eight minutes in and led 37-18 with 3:45 left before halftime. K-State closed on a 15-5 run to cut the deficit to 42-33 at the break. Hargress scored 10 points and Inman made three 3s for the Buffaloes in the half. Haggerty scored 11 first-half points and grabbed six rebounds to pace K-State.The Wildcats pulled within five early in the second half, but the Buffaloes answered with a 17-0 run for a 59-37 lead.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas State hosts TCU on Saturday.Colorado is on the road Saturday against fifth-ranked Houston.

🏀 Colorado scores last 6 points to beat Kansas State in Boulder

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Tre White scored a season-high 23 points and No. 14 Kansas bounced back from a surprising defeat with a 69-56 victory over No. 5 Houston on Monday night.

Freshman star Darryn Peterson added 14 points on 5-of-14 shooting in 30 minutes for the Jayhawks (21-7, 11-4 Big 12), who fell six spots in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-25-poll-duke-39fdb6bef07b4466f0e6140826fdcad5">this week's AP Top 25</a>&nbsp;following an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cincinnati-kansas-score-23ec2476f761e00a0f453d49b9fc7178">84-68 loss at home</a>&nbsp;Saturday to unranked Cincinnati.

Bryson Tiller had 11 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks for Kansas, which handed the scuffling Cougars (23-5, 11-4) their third consecutive defeat — all against top-15 opponents. Melvin Council Jr. added 11 points, six rebounds and four assists.

Kingston Flemings scored 16 on 6-of-18 shooting for Houston, which hadn't dropped three straight games since January 2017. The Cougars shot 32% from the field, including 5 of 24 (21%) from 3-point territory.

Kansas hasn’t lost consecutive home games since the 1988-89 season, Roy Williams’ first as coach. The Jayhawks are 52-1 on ESPN’s Big Monday in Allen Fieldhouse, including 41-0 under coach Bill Self. Two weeks ago, they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-arizona-t25-e016411899b672dac1f6ea190cb7de8a">took down top-ranked Arizona</a>&nbsp;at The Phog.

Kansas used a 12-0 run early in the second half to turn a two-point lead into a 49-35 advantage at the under-12 timeout. The margin stretched to 20 before Houston went on a 7-0 spurt, but the Cougars never got closer than 10 the rest of the way.

The Jayhawks missed nine of their first 10 shots, going 8:28 without a field goal. But they closed the first half with an 11-0 run to take a 31-27 lead into the break.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771932260723.jpeg" alt="Kansas guards Tre White (3) and Darryn Peterson (22) celebrate after an NCAA college basketball game against Houston, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas guards Tre White (3) and Darryn Peterson (22) celebrate after an NCAA college basketball game against Houston, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Tre White scored a season-high 23 points and No. 14 Kansas bounced back from a surprising defeat with a 69-56 victory over No. 5 Houston on Monday night.Freshman star Darryn Peterson added 14 points on 5-of-14 shooting in 30 minutes for the Jayhawks (21-7, 11-4 Big 12), who fell six spots in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-25-poll-duke-39fdb6bef07b4466f0e6140826fdcad5">this week's AP Top 25</a>&nbsp;following an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cincinnati-kansas-score-23ec2476f761e00a0f453d49b9fc7178">84-68 loss at home</a>&nbsp;Saturday to unranked Cincinnati.Bryson Tiller had 11 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks for Kansas, which handed the scuffling Cougars (23-5, 11-4) their third consecutive defeat — all against top-15 opponents. Melvin Council Jr. added 11 points, six rebounds and four assists.Kingston Flemings scored 16 on 6-of-18 shooting for Houston, which hadn't dropped three straight games since January 2017. The Cougars shot 32% from the field, including 5 of 24 (21%) from 3-point territory.Kansas hasn’t lost consecutive home games since the 1988-89 season, Roy Williams’ first as coach. The Jayhawks are 52-1 on ESPN’s Big Monday in Allen Fieldhouse, including 41-0 under coach Bill Self. Two weeks ago, they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-arizona-t25-e016411899b672dac1f6ea190cb7de8a">took down top-ranked Arizona</a>&nbsp;at The Phog.Kansas used a 12-0 run early in the second half to turn a two-point lead into a 49-35 advantage at the under-12 timeout. The margin stretched to 20 before Houston went on a 7-0 spurt, but the Cougars never got closer than 10 the rest of the way.The Jayhawks missed nine of their first 10 shots, going 8:28 without a field goal. But they closed the first half with an 11-0 run to take a 31-27 lead into the break.<h2>Up next</h2>Houston hosts Colorado on Saturday.Kansas visits No. 2 Arizona on Saturday.

🏀 White scores 23 as KU rebounds with win over Houston

MILAN (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/milan-cortina-winter-olympics-hockey-closing-ceremony-updates">The United States is on top</a>&nbsp;of the hockey world for the first time in nearly a half-century. No miracle needed.

Jack Hughes scored in overtime and the U.S. beat Canada 2-1 in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-canada-gold-medal-game-olympics-c901edacf7f6ccca94b5f19f1d27f479">the gold medal final</a>&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="https://___%20ap%20winter%20olympics:%20https//apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics">the Milan Cortina Olympics</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, earning the nation’s third men’s title at the Games and its first since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1980-miracle-on-ice-hockey-c64ae6cbf5c4b41f71d9a78782409780">“Miracle on Ice”</a>&nbsp;in 1980 — 46 years to the day of the upset over the mighty Soviet Union, too.

Unlike that ragtag group of college kids that pulled off one of the biggest shockers in sports history, the Americans in Milan were a machine that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/connor-hellebuyck-team-usa-goalie-443ee4a3f28807aa7c4028ed489ecbd4">rode goaltender Connor Hellebuyck</a>&nbsp;and a roster full of NHL players through the tournament unbeaten. Still, they were underdogs again against the stacked Canadians and came out on top — again.

“This is all about our country right now,” said Hughes, who lost at least one and maybe two of his front teeth taking a high stick during the game. “I love the U.S.A. I love my teammates. It’s unbelievable. The USA Hockey brotherhood is so strong.”

Hughes' goal off the rush off a pass from Zach Werenski 1:41 into 3-on-3 OT sent players into a wild celebration as Canada's entire team watched from the bench. There was a hint of sadness amid all the joy as Werenski and Matthew Tkachuk carried a Johnny Gaudreau No. 13 jersey around the ice as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/johnny-gaudreau-olympics-team-usa-43c05ba80d4c3f51c4a4b94285c63038">the latest tribute</a>&nbsp;to the beloved player who was killed along with his brother in 2024.

Gaudreau's parents, Guy and Jay, his widow, Meredith, and their oldest children were in attendance. It was John Jr.'s second birthday and he was brought on the ice with older sister Noa for the team photo.

“He was so near and dear to us,” Brady Tkachuk said of the player known as “Johnny Hockey." “We did it for him.”

Hellebuyck was by far the best player on the ice, stopping 41 of the 42 shots he faced as Canada tilted the ice toward him. He made the save of the tournament by getting his stick on the puck on a shot from Devon Toews in the third period, then minutes later denied Macklin Celebrini on a breakaway — something he also did to Connor McDavid earlier.

"Unbelievable game by Hellebuyck," Hughes said. “He was our best player by a mile.”

It was only fitting the Americans needed to go through Canada, their northern neighbor that beat them at the 4 Nations Face-Off a year ago and has won every international competition over the past 16 years that featured the world's best players.

Winning a fast-paced, riveting game that was full of big hits and plenty of post-whistle altercations, the U.S. got a goal from Matt Boldy 6 minutes in and led until Cale Makar tied it late in the second period. Hellebuyck and the penalty kill was a perfect 18 for 18 at the Olympics.

“I can’t even believe this,” Hughes said. “I mean it’s such an unbelievable game, USA-Canada. Such a good game. There’s so many great players. We’re a great team. That’s exactly how we wanted it to go. We’re underdogs to Canada, (but we) beat them. It could have gone either way.”

Hughes paid a painful price when he took the high stick and wound up face down on the ice. The teeth were out, but the celebration wasn't far away.

“More people are going to be looking at his medal than his teeth,” winger Matt Boldy said.

The U.S. finally came through after generations of churning out talent from the grassroots level like a production line. All but two of the 25 players on the team went through USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program.

That group of 23 includes captain Auston Matthews, the top line of Brady and Matthew Tkachuk and Jack Eichel, and the second set of brothers, Jack and Quinn Hughes. Much of the team played together either at the program, under-18s, the world junior championship or some combination of them.

The U.S. winning silenced criticism of general manager Bill Guerin and his management group&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/usa-canada-olympic-rosters-gold-8393d8e4b3462ad8dd7bfe4a92382f64">choosing a roster</a>&nbsp;full of experienced veteran players to fill specific roles and leaving four of the top 10 American goal-scorers in the NHL this season at home. Some decisions were no-doubters, like coach Mike Sullivan giving the net to Hellebuyck.

Canada, back-to-back Olympic champions in 2010 and ’14 and winners of three of the first five, fell short while playing without injured captain Sidney Crosby. The 38-year-old two-time gold medalist and three-time Stanley Cup champion left the quarterfinal game against Czechia and sat out the semifinal game against Finland.

McDavid, who wore the “C” in Crosby’s absence, suffered another devastating defeat on the doorstep of a title. He and the Edmonton Oilers have lost to Matthew Tkachuk and the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final each of the past two years.

Edited By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/bridget-brown">BRIDGET BROWN</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/linda-petre">LINDA PETRE</a>U Associated Press

The United States beat Canada 2-1 in overtime to win the men’s hockey gold on the final day of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics">Milan Cortina Olympics</a>. Jack Hughes scored the winning goal just 1 minute, 41 seconds into overtime.

It is the third Olympic title in men’s hockey for the U.S. — and first since the “Miracle on Ice” at Lake Placid in 1980.

The day will end with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/milan-cortina-closing-ceremony-olympics-winter-games-144560b4be540d20b5c92f48280ba2d5">the closing ceremony</a>, which will celebrate Italian music and dance, both classic and contemporary, headlining internationally acclaimed ballet dancer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/verona-closing-ceremony-bolle-olympics-2026-winter-fd930b7719cfba7fe9d655de289878bd">Roberto Bolle</a>&nbsp;along with popular Italian singer Achille Lauro and DJ Gaby Ponte.

By<a href="https://apnews.com/author/howard-fendrich">HOWARD FENDRICH</a>

As the U.S. team gathered on the ice to celebrate their country’s first gold in men’s hockey since 1980, the crowd joined in on the fun with loud chants of “U-S-A!”

The American men beat Canada 2-1 in overtime — just like the American women beat Canada 2-1 in overtime on Thursday for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-canada-womens-hockey-olympic-final-141b5904352673676656cbe2a1c253e5" target="_blank">other hockey gold</a>.

US wins men’s hockey gold on goal by Jack Hughes

Jack Hughes scored the winning goal just 1 minute, 41 seconds into the first extra period.

It’s a gold medal hockey matchup between the U.S. and Canada. So OF COURSE it’s going to OT.

This men’s matchup is heading to an extra period tied at 1.

Just like Thursday, when the same two countries were even at that score after regulation and went to overtime to decide the gold medal in women’s hockey.

The United States wound up winning that one,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-canada-womens-hockey-olympic-final-141b5904352673676656cbe2a1c253e5" target="_blank">beating Canada 2-1</a>&nbsp;on Megan Keller’s goal.

Canada is outplaying the Americans — but not outscoring them

Canada has outshot the U.S. by a whopping 41-26 margin through three periods.

The numbers since the start of the second period: 33 shots for Canada, 18 for the U.S.

But American goalie Connor Hellebuyck has kept his team in the game, making 40 saves to keep the score 1-1 as they head to overtime.

He wasn’t able to get to one of Canada’s best chances late in the third period — but Hellebuyck, it turned out, didn’t need to.

That’s because Nathan MacKinnon’s shot right from the doorstep went wide to the right of the net.

Next goal gets gold: Hockey final heads to OT

Canada and the U.S. are headed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/overtime-rules-olympic-hockey-81ee13ed53b5b7da4a93cf2697829312" target="_blank">sudden-death overtime</a>&nbsp;in the men’s hockey final, tied 1-all.

The overtime format for the Olympic gold medal game is similar to what the NHL uses in its Stanley Cup playoffs.

The first goal wins it, no matter how long it might take for one team to score — there’s no shootout — but with 3 on 3, instead of 5 on 5

MILAN (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/milan-cortina-winter-olympics-hockey-closing-ceremony-updates">The United States is on top</a>&nbsp;of the hockey world for the first time in nearly a half-century. No miracle needed.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">USA! 🥇🏒🦅🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/oMOCCEy2w0">pic.twitter.com/oMOCCEy2w0</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2025600926611059019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">RED, WHITE, BLUE AND GOLD. TEAM USA IS BRINGING HOME THE <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WINTEROLYMPICS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WINTEROLYMPICS</a> GOLD. 🇺🇸🦅 <a href="https://t.co/tbv1BILBDj">pic.twitter.com/tbv1BILBDj</a>&mdash; USA Hockey (@usahockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/usahockey/status/2025599923232616584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Jack Hughes scored in overtime and the U.S. beat Canada 2-1 in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-canada-gold-medal-game-olympics-c901edacf7f6ccca94b5f19f1d27f479">the gold medal final</a>&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="https://___%20ap%20winter%20olympics:%20https//apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics">the Milan Cortina Olympics</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, earning the nation’s third men’s title at the Games and its first since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1980-miracle-on-ice-hockey-c64ae6cbf5c4b41f71d9a78782409780">“Miracle on Ice”</a>&nbsp;in 1980 — 46 years to the day of the upset over the mighty Soviet Union, too.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">AMERICA WINS GOLD!!! 🥇🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/e3NPfBLu09">pic.twitter.com/e3NPfBLu09</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2025601683988914574?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/kOiCXdVMao">https://t.co/kOiCXdVMao</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZIiychKPoo">pic.twitter.com/ZIiychKPoo</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2025604750608040191?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Unlike that ragtag group of college kids that pulled off one of the biggest shockers in sports history, the Americans in Milan were a machine that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/connor-hellebuyck-team-usa-goalie-443ee4a3f28807aa7c4028ed489ecbd4">rode goaltender Connor Hellebuyck</a>&nbsp;and a roster full of NHL players through the tournament unbeaten. Still, they were underdogs again against the stacked Canadians and came out on top — again.“This is all about our country right now,” said Hughes, who lost at least one and maybe two of his front teeth taking a high stick during the game. “I love the U.S.A. I love my teammates. It’s unbelievable. The USA Hockey brotherhood is so strong.”Hughes' goal off the rush off a pass from Zach Werenski 1:41 into 3-on-3 OT sent players into a wild celebration as Canada's entire team watched from the bench. There was a hint of sadness amid all the joy as Werenski and Matthew Tkachuk carried a Johnny Gaudreau No. 13 jersey around the ice as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/johnny-gaudreau-olympics-team-usa-43c05ba80d4c3f51c4a4b94285c63038">the latest tribute</a>&nbsp;to the beloved player who was killed along with his brother in 2024.Gaudreau's parents, Guy and Jay, his widow, Meredith, and their oldest children were in attendance. It was John Jr.'s second birthday and he was brought on the ice with older sister Noa for the team photo.“He was so near and dear to us,” Brady Tkachuk said of the player known as “Johnny Hockey." “We did it for him.”Hellebuyck was by far the best player on the ice, stopping 41 of the 42 shots he faced as Canada tilted the ice toward him. He made the save of the tournament by getting his stick on the puck on a shot from Devon Toews in the third period, then minutes later denied Macklin Celebrini on a breakaway — something he also did to Connor McDavid earlier."Unbelievable game by Hellebuyck," Hughes said. “He was our best player by a mile.”It was only fitting the Americans needed to go through Canada, their northern neighbor that beat them at the 4 Nations Face-Off a year ago and has won every international competition over the past 16 years that featured the world's best players.Not anymore.Winning a fast-paced, riveting game that was full of big hits and plenty of post-whistle altercations, the U.S. got a goal from Matt Boldy 6 minutes in and led until Cale Makar tied it late in the second period. Hellebuyck and the penalty kill was a perfect 18 for 18 at the Olympics.“I can’t even believe this,” Hughes said. “I mean it’s such an unbelievable game, USA-Canada. Such a good game. There’s so many great players. We’re a great team. That’s exactly how we wanted it to go. We’re underdogs to Canada, (but we) beat them. It could have gone either way.”Hughes paid a painful price when he took the high stick and wound up face down on the ice. The teeth were out, but the celebration wasn't far away.“More people are going to be looking at his medal than his teeth,” winger Matt Boldy said.The U.S. finally came through after generations of churning out talent from the grassroots level like a production line. All but two of the 25 players on the team went through USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program.That group of 23 includes captain Auston Matthews, the top line of Brady and Matthew Tkachuk and Jack Eichel, and the second set of brothers, Jack and Quinn Hughes. Much of the team played together either at the program, under-18s, the world junior championship or some combination of them.The U.S. winning silenced criticism of general manager Bill Guerin and his management group&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/usa-canada-olympic-rosters-gold-8393d8e4b3462ad8dd7bfe4a92382f64">choosing a roster</a>&nbsp;full of experienced veteran players to fill specific roles and leaving four of the top 10 American goal-scorers in the NHL this season at home. Some decisions were no-doubters, like coach Mike Sullivan giving the net to Hellebuyck.Canada, back-to-back Olympic champions in 2010 and ’14 and winners of three of the first five, fell short while playing without injured captain Sidney Crosby. The 38-year-old two-time gold medalist and three-time Stanley Cup champion left the quarterfinal game against Czechia and sat out the semifinal game against Finland.McDavid, who wore the “C” in Crosby’s absence, suffered another devastating defeat on the doorstep of a title. He and the Edmonton Oilers have lost to Matthew Tkachuk and the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final each of the past two years.___Edited By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/bridget-brown">BRIDGET BROWN</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/linda-petre">LINDA PETRE</a>U Associated PressThe United States beat Canada 2-1 in overtime to win the men’s hockey gold on the final day of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics">Milan Cortina Olympics</a>. Jack Hughes scored the winning goal just 1 minute, 41 seconds into overtime.It is the third Olympic title in men’s hockey for the U.S. — and first since the “Miracle on Ice” at Lake Placid in 1980.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">USA! 🥇🏒🦅🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/oMOCCEy2w0">pic.twitter.com/oMOCCEy2w0</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2025600926611059019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">RED, WHITE, BLUE AND GOLD. TEAM USA IS BRINGING HOME THE <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WINTEROLYMPICS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WINTEROLYMPICS</a> GOLD. 🇺🇸🦅 <a href="https://t.co/tbv1BILBDj">pic.twitter.com/tbv1BILBDj</a>&mdash; USA Hockey (@usahockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/usahockey/status/2025599923232616584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The day will end with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/milan-cortina-closing-ceremony-olympics-winter-games-144560b4be540d20b5c92f48280ba2d5">the closing ceremony</a>, which will celebrate Italian music and dance, both classic and contemporary, headlining internationally acclaimed ballet dancer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/verona-closing-ceremony-bolle-olympics-2026-winter-fd930b7719cfba7fe9d655de289878bd">Roberto Bolle</a>&nbsp;along with popular Italian singer Achille Lauro and DJ Gaby Ponte.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">AMERICA WINS GOLD!!! 🥇🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/e3NPfBLu09">pic.twitter.com/e3NPfBLu09</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2025601683988914574?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h2>‘U-S-A!’</h2>By<a href="https://apnews.com/author/howard-fendrich">HOWARD FENDRICH</a>As the U.S. team gathered on the ice to celebrate their country’s first gold in men’s hockey since 1980, the crowd joined in on the fun with loud chants of “U-S-A!”The American men beat Canada 2-1 in overtime — just like the American women beat Canada 2-1 in overtime on Thursday for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-canada-womens-hockey-olympic-final-141b5904352673676656cbe2a1c253e5" target="_blank">other hockey gold</a>.<h2>US wins men’s hockey gold on goal by Jack Hughes</h2>By<a href="https://apnews.com/author/howard-fendrich">HOWARD FENDRICH</a>The U.S. beat Canada 2-1 in overtime.Jack Hughes scored the winning goal just 1 minute, 41 seconds into the first extra period.It is the third Olympic title in men’s hockey for the U.S. — and first since the “Miracle on Ice” at Lake Placid in 1980.<h2>OT again!</h2>By<a href="https://apnews.com/author/howard-fendrich">HOWARD FENDRICH</a>It’s a gold medal hockey matchup between the U.S. and Canada. So OF COURSE it’s going to OT.This men’s matchup is heading to an extra period tied at 1.Just like Thursday, when the same two countries were even at that score after regulation and went to overtime to decide the gold medal in women’s hockey.The United States wound up winning that one,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-canada-womens-hockey-olympic-final-141b5904352673676656cbe2a1c253e5" target="_blank">beating Canada 2-1</a>&nbsp;on Megan Keller’s goal.36 min ago<h2>Canada is outplaying the Americans — but not outscoring them</h2>By<a href="https://apnews.com/author/howard-fendrich">HOWARD FENDRICH</a>Canada has outshot the U.S. by a whopping 41-26 margin through three periods.The numbers since the start of the second period: 33 shots for Canada, 18 for the U.S.But American goalie Connor Hellebuyck has kept his team in the game, making 40 saves to keep the score 1-1 as they head to overtime.He wasn’t able to get to one of Canada’s best chances late in the third period — but Hellebuyck, it turned out, didn’t need to.That’s because Nathan MacKinnon’s shot right from the doorstep went wide to the right of the net.47 min ago<h2>Next goal gets gold: Hockey final heads to OT</h2>By<a href="https://apnews.com/author/howard-fendrich">HOWARD FENDRICH</a>Canada and the U.S. are headed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/overtime-rules-olympic-hockey-81ee13ed53b5b7da4a93cf2697829312" target="_blank">sudden-death overtime</a>&nbsp;in the men’s hockey final, tied 1-all.The overtime format for the Olympic gold medal game is similar to what the NHL uses in its Stanley Cup playoffs.The first goal wins it, no matter how long it might take for one team to score — there’s no shootout — but with 3 on 3, instead of 5 on 5

🏒 US beats Canada for first men's hockey gold at the Olympics since 1980

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Donovan Atwell had 26 points with six 3-pointers, Christian Anderson scored 21 and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">No. 13</a>&nbsp;Texas Tech beat Kansas State 100-72 on Saturday in the first game for the Red Raiders since standout post JT Toppin's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/toppin-texas-tech-acl-db87460d6a72580c11c7fc256156061f">season-ending knee injury</a>.

Texas Tech (20-7, 10-4 Big 12) maintained a double-digit lead after making nine consecutive shots, including three 3s in a row by Atwell, during a 26-10 run in just under seven minutes for a 40-20 lead with 6:20 left in the first half.

Anderson, who also had nine assists, scored 16 of his points after halftime, when LeJuan Watts had 13 of his 19.

The Red Raiders reached 20 wins for the third season in a row. The school record is four, with coach Bob Knight from 2001-02 to 2004-05.

PJ Haggerty had 17 points and Nate Johnson 15 points for Kansas State (11-16, 2-12), which was playing its second game since a coaching change. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/baylor-kansas-state-0697fac96a6dbedd6e199b0b1ebfe789">Wildcats beat Baylor 90-74</a>&nbsp;at home Tuesday, two days after coach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-state-basketball-jerome-tang-fired-661654e2e421d697212fcdfb30a3f534">Jerome Tang was fired</a>.

The Wildcats led only twice at Tech, when Johnson made their first two shots of the game, a 3 and then a jumper that made it 5-3.

Toppin, the preseason AP All-America selection, averaged 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds a game while having 16 double-doubles before tearing the ACL in his right knee in a 72-67 loss at Arizona State on Tuesday night. He sat at the end of the Tech bench Saturday.

Sophomore forward Luke Bamgboye, a 6-foot-11 transfer from VCU, made his fifth start for the Red Raiders, his first since Dec. 7. He scored 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting while also having six rebounds and three blocked shots in 21 minutes.

Kansas State visits Colorado on Wednesday night.

Texas Tech hosts Cincinnati on Tuesday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771717392709.jpeg" alt="Texas Tech forward Lejuan Watts (3) drives to the basket ahead of Kansas State guard Mobi Ikegwuruka during the first half in an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)" />
 <figcaption>Texas Tech forward Lejuan Watts (3) drives to the basket ahead of Kansas State guard Mobi Ikegwuruka during the first half in an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)</figcaption>
 </figure>LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Donovan Atwell had 26 points with six 3-pointers, Christian Anderson scored 21 and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">No. 13</a>&nbsp;Texas Tech beat Kansas State 100-72 on Saturday in the first game for the Red Raiders since standout post JT Toppin's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/toppin-texas-tech-acl-db87460d6a72580c11c7fc256156061f">season-ending knee injury</a>.Texas Tech (20-7, 10-4 Big 12) maintained a double-digit lead after making nine consecutive shots, including three 3s in a row by Atwell, during a 26-10 run in just under seven minutes for a 40-20 lead with 6:20 left in the first half.Anderson, who also had nine assists, scored 16 of his points after halftime, when LeJuan Watts had 13 of his 19.The Red Raiders reached 20 wins for the third season in a row. The school record is four, with coach Bob Knight from 2001-02 to 2004-05.PJ Haggerty had 17 points and Nate Johnson 15 points for Kansas State (11-16, 2-12), which was playing its second game since a coaching change. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/baylor-kansas-state-0697fac96a6dbedd6e199b0b1ebfe789">Wildcats beat Baylor 90-74</a>&nbsp;at home Tuesday, two days after coach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-state-basketball-jerome-tang-fired-661654e2e421d697212fcdfb30a3f534">Jerome Tang was fired</a>.The Wildcats led only twice at Tech, when Johnson made their first two shots of the game, a 3 and then a jumper that made it 5-3.Toppin, the preseason AP All-America selection, averaged 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds a game while having 16 double-doubles before tearing the ACL in his right knee in a 72-67 loss at Arizona State on Tuesday night. He sat at the end of the Tech bench Saturday.Sophomore forward Luke Bamgboye, a 6-foot-11 transfer from VCU, made his fifth start for the Red Raiders, his first since Dec. 7. He scored 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting while also having six rebounds and three blocked shots in 21 minutes.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas State visits Colorado on Wednesday night.Texas Tech hosts Cincinnati on Tuesday night.

🏀 Atwell, Anderson lead Texas Tech to a win over K-State

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771717392709.jpeg" alt="Texas Tech forward Lejuan Watts (3) drives to the basket ahead of Kansas State guard Mobi Ikegwuruka during the first half in an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)" />
 <figcaption>Texas Tech forward Lejuan Watts (3) drives to the basket ahead of Kansas State guard Mobi Ikegwuruka during the first half in an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)</figcaption>
 </figure>LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Donovan Atwell had 26 points with six 3-pointers, Christian Anderson scored 21 and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">No. 13</a>&nbsp;Texas Tech beat Kansas State 100-72 on Saturday in the first game for the Red Raiders since standout post JT Toppin's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/toppin-texas-tech-acl-db87460d6a72580c11c7fc256156061f">season-ending knee injury</a>.Texas Tech (20-7, 10-4 Big 12) maintained a double-digit lead after making nine consecutive shots, including three 3s in a row by Atwell, during a 26-10 run in just under seven minutes for a 40-20 lead with 6:20 left in the first half.Anderson, who also had nine assists, scored 16 of his points after halftime, when LeJuan Watts had 13 of his 19.The Red Raiders reached 20 wins for the third season in a row. The school record is four, with coach Bob Knight from 2001-02 to 2004-05.PJ Haggerty had 17 points and Nate Johnson 15 points for Kansas State (11-16, 2-12), which was playing its second game since a coaching change. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/baylor-kansas-state-0697fac96a6dbedd6e199b0b1ebfe789">Wildcats beat Baylor 90-74</a>&nbsp;at home Tuesday, two days after coach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-state-basketball-jerome-tang-fired-661654e2e421d697212fcdfb30a3f534">Jerome Tang was fired</a>.The Wildcats led only twice at Tech, when Johnson made their first two shots of the game, a 3 and then a jumper that made it 5-3.Toppin, the preseason AP All-America selection, averaged 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds a game while having 16 double-doubles before tearing the ACL in his right knee in a 72-67 loss at Arizona State on Tuesday night. He sat at the end of the Tech bench Saturday.Sophomore forward Luke Bamgboye, a 6-foot-11 transfer from VCU, made his fifth start for the Red Raiders, his first since Dec. 7. He scored 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting while also having six rebounds and three blocked shots in 21 minutes.

🏀Atwell, Anderson lead Texas Tech to win over K-State

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Moustapha Thiam had a career-high 28 points and led Cincinnati to an 84-68 upset of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">No. 8</a>&nbsp;Kansas on Saturday.

This was the second win of the season for Cincinnati (15-12, 7-7 Big 12) against a ranked team, having taken down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-state-cincinnati-basketball-score-ec0d2a1a062988a0f4f2707e609fdd92">then-No. 2 Iowa State 79-70</a>&nbsp;on Jan. 17.

The 7-footer Thiam made 11 of 17 shots from the field and had eight rebounds. Baba Miller added 18 points, eight assists and seven rebounds.

Jalen Celeste had 14 points and eight rebounds, shooting 4 of 8 on 3-pointers. Day Day Thomas scored 10.

Cincinnati held a 36-34 lead after a tumultuous first half that saw nine ties and 10 lead changes. The Bearcats kept the Jayhawks (20-7, 10-4) at arm’s length with timely shots to kill momentum throughout the second, only allowing Kansas to pull ahead for one possession before retaking the lead.

They delivered the final blows with a 20-8 run, surging ahead by double digits for the first time with less than five minutes to go.

The Bearcats were particularly effective from behind the 3-point line, where they made 12 of 21 attempts.

Flory Bidunga led the Jayhawks with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Freshman star Darryn Peterson had 17 points in 32 minutes after leaving&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-oklahoma-st-score-dfb47c76d8ff123cd71b6782fe130097">Kansas’ last game against Oklahoma State</a>&nbsp;early in the second half. Tre White scored 11.

Cincinnati: Visits No. 13 Texas Tech on Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771709093540.png" alt="Photo Cincinnati Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Cincinnati Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Moustapha Thiam had a career-high 28 points and led Cincinnati to an 84-68 upset of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">No. 8</a>&nbsp;Kansas on Saturday.This was the second win of the season for Cincinnati (15-12, 7-7 Big 12) against a ranked team, having taken down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-state-cincinnati-basketball-score-ec0d2a1a062988a0f4f2707e609fdd92">then-No. 2 Iowa State 79-70</a>&nbsp;on Jan. 17.The 7-footer Thiam made 11 of 17 shots from the field and had eight rebounds. Baba Miller added 18 points, eight assists and seven rebounds.Jalen Celeste had 14 points and eight rebounds, shooting 4 of 8 on 3-pointers. Day Day Thomas scored 10.Cincinnati held a 36-34 lead after a tumultuous first half that saw nine ties and 10 lead changes. The Bearcats kept the Jayhawks (20-7, 10-4) at arm’s length with timely shots to kill momentum throughout the second, only allowing Kansas to pull ahead for one possession before retaking the lead.They delivered the final blows with a 20-8 run, surging ahead by double digits for the first time with less than five minutes to go.The Bearcats were particularly effective from behind the 3-point line, where they made 12 of 21 attempts.The Jayhawks were 4 of 18 on 3s.Flory Bidunga led the Jayhawks with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Freshman star Darryn Peterson had 17 points in 32 minutes after leaving&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-oklahoma-st-score-dfb47c76d8ff123cd71b6782fe130097">Kansas’ last game against Oklahoma State</a>&nbsp;early in the second half. Tre White scored 11.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas: Hosts No. 2 Houston on Monday.Cincinnati: Visits No. 13 Texas Tech on Tuesday.

🏀 Thiam scores  28 to lead Cincinnati to an upset of KU

Manhattan High School was the site of the rivalry between Junction City and Manhattan on Friday night. Both games featured a very close first half, then a near 20-point victory in each game, as the teams split the doubleheader in the final matchups of this season.

Girls recap - Manhattan 66, Junction City 46

This is the closest this game has been in a long time. Even a 20-point win by the Manhattan Lady Indians does not describe how good of a game this was for the first couple of quarters.

In the first quarter, Manhattan jumped out to a lead, as senior Kat Ball scored the first six points for Manhattan. The Lady Indians led by five after one, at 14-9. Junction City stayed in the game thanks to back-to-back threes by sophomore Isabel Pruitt.

In second-quarter action, Manhattan expanded its lead to 12, leading 24-12 with four minutes to go in the half. Then, back-to-back three-pointers by sophomore Taliyah Campbell cut the deficit to six, with MHS leading 24-18. That was the closest it would be the rest of the half. The Lady Indians ended the first half on a 13-0 run and led 37-18.

In the second half, Manhattan stretched its lead to 25 a couple of times, but the Lady Jays cut it to 17 twice. Manhattan led 53-30 after three quarters and won the game 66-46.

Each team had two players score in double digits. For Manhattan, Kat Ball scored 21 points, and Jorryn Hall added 10. For Junction City, Laniyah Warmack scored 14 points, and Isabel Pruitt added 12.

Manhattan improves to 16-5 on the year, while Junction City falls to 2-18.

Boys recap - Junction City 73, Manhattan 54

Manhattan senior Will Carpenter scored the first basket of the game, and then Junction City's Brody Boeckman answered with his own basket, and the game was off and running in a packed Manhattan High School gym. That early lead was the only lead Manhattan held all night. This game was all about Junction City's Brody Boeckman and Lovell Autry. Boeckman scored 11 points in the first quarter, and JCHS led 19-12 after one.

In the second quarter, Junction City continued its fast start, scoring at will. Boeckman added six more points, and senior Lovell Autry began heating up. The Blue Jays led 29-17 with two minutes to go in the half. Manhattan head coach Benji George called a timeout, and it worked. The Indians ended the quarter on a 10-0 run and trailed by only two, at 29-27.

Third-quarter action featured the teams trading baskets early in the period. Then Autry got going for Junction City, and the Blue Jays extended their lead back to nine, at 40-31. Manhattan responded with a small run and then capped the period off with quite the highlight. Senior Will Carpenter sent a three-quarter-court heave flying and nailed it (the shot was from the opposite free-throw line). Manhattan had the momentum, now down just four, with Junction City leading 48-44.

Despite the incredible shot by Carpenter, it was Junction City that blasted out of the timeout and took control. Junction City started the quarter on a 13-6 run. It was back-to-back three-point plays by junior Khaliel Walker and Autry to give JC the lead at 61-50. On Autry's basket, he officially passed the 1,000-point mark for his four-year career at Junction City High School. From that point forward, Junction City cruised to victory, and the Blue Jays won 73-54.

Two Blue Jay players outscored Manhattan as a team. Brody Boeckman scored a career-high 31 points, and Lovell Autry added 25 points. The two combined for 56 points.

The leading scorers for Manhattan were Will Carpenter with 15 and Sawyer Newton with 11 points.

Junction City improves to 11-9 on the year, while Manhattan falls to 13-7.

Manhattan High travels to Emporia High on Tuesday, while Junction City returns home to host Topeka Hayden.

By Anthony GorgesJC/Little Apple PostManhattan High School was the site of the rivalry between Junction City and Manhattan on Friday night. Both games featured a very close first half, then a near 20-point victory in each game, as the teams split the doubleheader in the final matchups of this season.Girls recap - Manhattan 66, Junction City 46This is the closest this game has been in a long time. Even a 20-point win by the Manhattan Lady Indians does not describe how good of a game this was for the first couple of quarters.In the first quarter, Manhattan jumped out to a lead, as senior Kat Ball scored the first six points for Manhattan. The Lady Indians led by five after one, at 14-9. Junction City stayed in the game thanks to back-to-back threes by sophomore Isabel Pruitt.In second-quarter action, Manhattan expanded its lead to 12, leading 24-12 with four minutes to go in the half. Then, back-to-back three-pointers by sophomore Taliyah Campbell cut the deficit to six, with MHS leading 24-18. That was the closest it would be the rest of the half. The Lady Indians ended the first half on a 13-0 run and led 37-18.In the second half, Manhattan stretched its lead to 25 a couple of times, but the Lady Jays cut it to 17 twice. Manhattan led 53-30 after three quarters and won the game 66-46.Each team had two players score in double digits. For Manhattan, Kat Ball scored 21 points, and Jorryn Hall added 10. For Junction City, Laniyah Warmack scored 14 points, and Isabel Pruitt added 12.Manhattan improves to 16-5 on the year, while Junction City falls to 2-18.Boys recap - Junction City 73, Manhattan 54Manhattan senior Will Carpenter scored the first basket of the game, and then Junction City's Brody Boeckman answered with his own basket, and the game was off and running in a packed Manhattan High School gym. That early lead was the only lead Manhattan held all night. This game was all about Junction City's Brody Boeckman and Lovell Autry. Boeckman scored 11 points in the first quarter, and JCHS led 19-12 after one.In the second quarter, Junction City continued its fast start, scoring at will. Boeckman added six more points, and senior Lovell Autry began heating up. The Blue Jays led 29-17 with two minutes to go in the half. Manhattan head coach Benji George called a timeout, and it worked. The Indians ended the quarter on a 10-0 run and trailed by only two, at 29-27.Third-quarter action featured the teams trading baskets early in the period. Then Autry got going for Junction City, and the Blue Jays extended their lead back to nine, at 40-31. Manhattan responded with a small run and then capped the period off with quite the highlight. Senior Will Carpenter sent a three-quarter-court heave flying and nailed it (the shot was from the opposite free-throw line). Manhattan had the momentum, now down just four, with Junction City leading 48-44.Despite the incredible shot by Carpenter, it was Junction City that blasted out of the timeout and took control. Junction City started the quarter on a 13-6 run. It was back-to-back three-point plays by junior Khaliel Walker and Autry to give JC the lead at 61-50. On Autry's basket, he officially passed the 1,000-point mark for his four-year career at Junction City High School. From that point forward, Junction City cruised to victory, and the Blue Jays won 73-54.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771653583891.jpeg" alt="Lovell Autry 1,000 career points. The Junction City High School basketball team presented this to him after the win." />
 <figcaption>Lovell Autry 1,000 career points. The Junction City High School basketball team presented this to him after the win.</figcaption>
 </figure>Two Blue Jay players outscored Manhattan as a team. Brody Boeckman scored a career-high 31 points, and Lovell Autry added 25 points. The two combined for 56 points.The leading scorers for Manhattan were Will Carpenter with 15 and Sawyer Newton with 11 points.Junction City improves to 11-9 on the year, while Manhattan falls to 13-7.Manhattan High travels to Emporia High on Tuesday, while Junction City returns home to host Topeka Hayden.

Rivals Split - Manhattan Girls, Junction City Boys Win Big on Friday

LISTEN LIVE: Junction City basketball at Manhattan High School.

You can hear the games live on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio. You can also <a href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">click here to listen live.&nbsp;</a>

Girls action: Tip-off set for 6:00 P.M. Manhattan (15-5), Junction City (2-16).

Boys action: Tip-off scheduled for 7:45 P.M. following Manhattan High School's senior night. Manhattan (13-6), Junction City (10-9).

LISTEN LIVE: Junction City basketball at Manhattan High School. You can hear the games live on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio. You can also <a href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">click here to listen live.&nbsp;</a>Girls action: Tip-off set for 6:00 P.M. Manhattan (15-5), Junction City (2-16).Boys action: Tip-off scheduled for 7:45 P.M. following Manhattan High School's senior night. Manhattan (13-6), Junction City (10-9).

🏀LISTEN LIVE: Junction City Blue Jays at Manhattan High Indians

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Freshman Darryn Peterson scored 20 of his 23 points in the first half, sparking No. 8 Kansas to an 81-69 win over Oklahoma State on Wednesday night.

Peterson, a guard who is expected to be among the first picks in the NBA draft later this year, had shot 13 for 36 from the field combined in his previous three games. He made 7 of 12 field goals against the Cowboys, including 6 of 10 3-pointers.

Tre White scored 16 points and Elmarko Jackson added 14 for Kansas. Bryson Tiller had 10 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists and Flory Bidunga added eight points, 11 rebounds and four blocks for the Jayhawks (20-6, 10-3 Big 12), who made 11 of 24 3-pointers and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-iowa-basketball-score-2244f41882aa408058620e8506a644a1">bounced back from a blowout loss at Iowa State</a>&nbsp;last Saturday.

Parsa Fallah scored 21 points and Anthony Roy added 16 for Oklahoma State (16-10, 4-9), which lost its fourth straight since a win over BYU. The Cowboys&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tcu-oklahoma-state-score-big-12-d411d5067b05bd3fcf13948a24b82065">were coming off a tough overtime home loss to TCU</a>&nbsp;and could have used a quality win to strengthen their NCAA Tournament resume.

It was a blackout game for the Oklahoma State crowd, but about a third of the fans were wearing Kansas blue.

Oklahoma State fell behind 10-1 and went more than three minutes without a field goal to start the game. The Jayhawks ran out to a 39-16 lead before the Cowboys went on an 11-0 run. Kansas led 43-29 at the break.

The Jayhawks remained in control in the second half, despite Peterson scoring just three points. Kansas shot 48% from the field after the break to stay safely ahead.

Oklahoma State: Visits Colorado on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771472138650.png" alt="Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Freshman Darryn Peterson scored 20 of his 23 points in the first half, sparking No. 8 Kansas to an 81-69 win over Oklahoma State on Wednesday night.Peterson, a guard who is expected to be among the first picks in the NBA draft later this year, had shot 13 for 36 from the field combined in his previous three games. He made 7 of 12 field goals against the Cowboys, including 6 of 10 3-pointers.Tre White scored 16 points and Elmarko Jackson added 14 for Kansas. Bryson Tiller had 10 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists and Flory Bidunga added eight points, 11 rebounds and four blocks for the Jayhawks (20-6, 10-3 Big 12), who made 11 of 24 3-pointers and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-iowa-basketball-score-2244f41882aa408058620e8506a644a1">bounced back from a blowout loss at Iowa State</a>&nbsp;last Saturday.Parsa Fallah scored 21 points and Anthony Roy added 16 for Oklahoma State (16-10, 4-9), which lost its fourth straight since a win over BYU. The Cowboys&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tcu-oklahoma-state-score-big-12-d411d5067b05bd3fcf13948a24b82065">were coming off a tough overtime home loss to TCU</a>&nbsp;and could have used a quality win to strengthen their NCAA Tournament resume.It was a blackout game for the Oklahoma State crowd, but about a third of the fans were wearing Kansas blue.Oklahoma State fell behind 10-1 and went more than three minutes without a field goal to start the game. The Jayhawks ran out to a 39-16 lead before the Cowboys went on an 11-0 run. Kansas led 43-29 at the break.The Jayhawks remained in control in the second half, despite Peterson scoring just three points. Kansas shot 48% from the field after the break to stay safely ahead.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas: Hosts Cincinnati on Saturday.Oklahoma State: Visits Colorado on Saturday.

🏀 Freshman star Darryn Peterson leads KU past Oklahoma State 

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — P.J. Haggerty scored 34 points, Nate Johnson added a career-high 33, and Kansas State cruised past Baylor 90-74 on Tuesday night in the debut of Wildcats' interim head coach Matthew Driscoll.

K-State (11-15, 2-11 Big 12) never trailed and held a double-digit lead for most of the second half to end a six-game skid. Driscoll replaced previous head coach Jerome Tang, who was fired Sunday night after four season at the helm.

Johnson’s layup gave the Wildcats a 21-point lead with 10:39 remaining. He surpassed his previous career-best 31 points with a dunk with 1:37 remaining.

Haggerty shot 15 of 23 overall. Johnson was 11-of-16 shooting and made five of the Wildcats' eight 3-pointers. Johnson also had nine assists and matched a career-high with six steals.

Isaac Williams IV scored 16 points to lead Baylor (13-13, 3-10), which has lost four straight. Tounde Yessoufou added 14 point for the Bears. Cameron Carr chipped in with 12 points and Dan Skillings Jr. scored 11. The Bears made just three of their 24 3-point attempts.

Johnson made four 3s and scored 16 points, and Haggerty added 13 points to help K-State build a 41-34 halftime advantage. The Wildcats shot 5 of 11 from long range while Baylor missed 11 of 12 attempts from beyond the arc.

Williams' layup pulled the Bears to 66-57 with 8:20 left but they didn't get closer.

K-State is on the road Saturday to face No. 13 Texas Tech.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771411260781.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — P.J. Haggerty scored 34 points, Nate Johnson added a career-high 33, and Kansas State cruised past Baylor 90-74 on Tuesday night in the debut of Wildcats' interim head coach Matthew Driscoll.K-State (11-15, 2-11 Big 12) never trailed and held a double-digit lead for most of the second half to end a six-game skid. Driscoll replaced previous head coach Jerome Tang, who was fired Sunday night after four season at the helm.Johnson’s layup gave the Wildcats a 21-point lead with 10:39 remaining. He surpassed his previous career-best 31 points with a dunk with 1:37 remaining.Haggerty shot 15 of 23 overall. Johnson was 11-of-16 shooting and made five of the Wildcats' eight 3-pointers. Johnson also had nine assists and matched a career-high with six steals.Isaac Williams IV scored 16 points to lead Baylor (13-13, 3-10), which has lost four straight. Tounde Yessoufou added 14 point for the Bears. Cameron Carr chipped in with 12 points and Dan Skillings Jr. scored 11. The Bears made just three of their 24 3-point attempts.Johnson made four 3s and scored 16 points, and Haggerty added 13 points to help K-State build a 41-34 halftime advantage. The Wildcats shot 5 of 11 from long range while Baylor missed 11 of 12 attempts from beyond the arc.Williams' layup pulled the Bears to 66-57 with 8:20 left but they didn't get closer.<h2>Up next</h2>Baylor hosts Arizona State on Saturday.K-State is on the road Saturday to face No. 13 Texas Tech.

🏀 Haggerty, Johnson lead K-State over Baylor in coach Matthew Driscoll's debut

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State fired basketball coach Jerome Tang on Sunday night, four days after many Wildcats fans showed up with bags over their heads for a home blowout.

Athletic director Gene Taylor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2026/2/15/mens-basketball-k-state-announces-leadership-change-in-mens-basketball-program">announced the move</a>&nbsp;in a statement.

“This was a decision that was made in the best interest of our university and men’s basketball program,” Taylor said. “Recent public comments and conduct, in addition to the program’s overall direction, have not aligned with K-State’s standards for supporting student-athletes and representing the university. We wish Coach Tang and his family all the best moving forward.”

The school said an interim head coach will be announced soon, and that a national search for a replacement has started.

“I am deeply disappointed with the university’s decision and strongly disagree with the characterization of my termination,” Tang told ESPN in a statement. “I have always acted with integrity and faithfully fulfilled my responsibilities as head coach.”

On Wednesday night at home in a 91-62 loss to Cincinnati, many&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jerome-tang-kansas-state-cincinnati-ed5e3f07a443a74ca13076acdb3e8a9d?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">fans wore bags over their heads</a>&nbsp;in disgust.

“This was embarrassing,” Tang said after that game. “These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform. There will be very few of them in it next year. I’m embarrassed for the university, I’m embarrassed for our fans, our student section. It is just ridiculous. We’ve got practice at 6 a.m. tomorrow morning, and we will get this thing right. I have no answer and no words.”

Kansas State (10-15, 1-11 Big 12)&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-state-houston-score-1863f51225b3df1800adbd2e0fb76cee?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">fell 78-64 on Saturday at No. 3 Houston</a>, the Wildcats' sixth straight loss. In four seasons at the school, the 59-year-old Tang was 71-57 overall and 29-39 in the conference. He led the Wildcats to a 26-10 mark in his first season.

The Wildcats' next game is Tuesday night at home against Baylor, where Tang was an assistant coach for 19 seasons with Scott Drew, including the Bears’ national title in 2021.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State Athletics Director&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/staff-directory/gene-taylor/1">Gene Taylor</a>&nbsp;announced Sunday night the school is parting ways with men's basketball coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/jerome-tang/2683">Jerome Tang</a>, according to a media release.

This decision is effective immediately.An interim head coach will be announced in the near future."This was a decision that was made in the best interest of our university and men's basketball program,"&nbsp;Taylor said. 

"Recent public comments and conduct, in addition to the program's overall direction, have not&nbsp;aligned with K-State's&nbsp;standards for&nbsp;supporting student-athletes and representing the university. We wish Coach Tang and his family all the best moving forward."A national search for K-State's next basketball coach will begin immediately.

K-State and men's head basketball coach Jerome Tang have parted ways. According to multiple media reports Tang was fired Sunday, with the Wildcats 1-11 in Big 12 play.&nbsp;

Tang was in his fourth season at Kansas State where his overall record was 71-57 and 29-39 in Big 12 play. A highlight was his first season when the Wildcats reached the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746137389253.jpeg" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State fired basketball coach Jerome Tang on Sunday night, four days after many Wildcats fans showed up with bags over their heads for a home blowout.Athletic director Gene Taylor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2026/2/15/mens-basketball-k-state-announces-leadership-change-in-mens-basketball-program">announced the move</a>&nbsp;in a statement.“This was a decision that was made in the best interest of our university and men’s basketball program,” Taylor said. “Recent public comments and conduct, in addition to the program’s overall direction, have not aligned with K-State’s standards for supporting student-athletes and representing the university. We wish Coach Tang and his family all the best moving forward.”The school said an interim head coach will be announced soon, and that a national search for a replacement has started.“I am deeply disappointed with the university’s decision and strongly disagree with the characterization of my termination,” Tang told ESPN in a statement. “I have always acted with integrity and faithfully fulfilled my responsibilities as head coach.”On Wednesday night at home in a 91-62 loss to Cincinnati, many&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jerome-tang-kansas-state-cincinnati-ed5e3f07a443a74ca13076acdb3e8a9d?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">fans wore bags over their heads</a>&nbsp;in disgust.“This was embarrassing,” Tang said after that game. “These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform. There will be very few of them in it next year. I’m embarrassed for the university, I’m embarrassed for our fans, our student section. It is just ridiculous. We’ve got practice at 6 a.m. tomorrow morning, and we will get this thing right. I have no answer and no words.”Kansas State (10-15, 1-11 Big 12)&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-state-houston-score-1863f51225b3df1800adbd2e0fb76cee?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">fell 78-64 on Saturday at No. 3 Houston</a>, the Wildcats' sixth straight loss. In four seasons at the school, the 59-year-old Tang was 71-57 overall and 29-39 in the conference. He led the Wildcats to a 26-10 mark in his first season.The Wildcats' next game is Tuesday night at home against Baylor, where Tang was an assistant coach for 19 seasons with Scott Drew, including the Bears’ national title in 2021.MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State Athletics Director&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/staff-directory/gene-taylor/1">Gene Taylor</a>&nbsp;announced Sunday night the school is parting ways with men's basketball coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/jerome-tang/2683">Jerome Tang</a>, according to a media release.This decision is effective immediately.An interim head coach will be announced in the near future."This was a decision that was made in the best interest of our university and men's basketball program,"&nbsp;Taylor said. "Recent public comments and conduct, in addition to the program's overall direction, have not&nbsp;aligned with K-State's&nbsp;standards for&nbsp;supporting student-athletes and representing the university. We wish Coach Tang and his family all the best moving forward."A national search for K-State's next basketball coach will begin immediately.----------------------K-State and men's head basketball coach Jerome Tang have parted ways. According to multiple media reports Tang was fired Sunday, with the Wildcats 1-11 in Big 12 play.&nbsp;Tang was in his fourth season at Kansas State where his overall record was 71-57 and 29-39 in Big 12 play. A highlight was his first season when the Wildcats reached the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament.K-State is 10-15 this season.

🏀 K-State parting ways with men's basketball coach Jerome Tang

HOUSTON (AP) — Emanuel Sharp had 23 points and six rebounds as No. 3 Houston rallied from an early deficit to beat Kansas State 78-64 on Saturday for the Cougars’ sixth straight win.

Sharp scored 14 points on 4 of 10 shooting in the first half as Houston (23-2, 11-1 Big 12) built a 33-19 halftime lead.

Milos Uzan added 12 points and eight assists, and Kingston Flemings finished with 12 points and seven rebounds for the Cougars, which won their 18th straight at home.

P.J. Haggerty scored 23 points to lead Kansas State (10-15, 1-11). Haggerty surpassed 2,000 points in his collegiate career in the first half, becoming the fifth current Division I player to achieve the milestone.

Nate Johnson had 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Taj Manning added 10 points for Kansas State. The Wildcats shot 35% from the field, 8 of 26 (31%) from 3-point range, and made 16 of 25 (64%) from the free-throw line.

The Wildcats raced to a 15-6 lead about 8 ½ minutes into the game on a 3-pointer by Haggerty, but Houston responded to finish the half on a 27-4 run. Sharp had nine points and Uzan added seven points in the spurt. Kansas State shot 1 for 15 from the floor to end the half.

Kansas State got no closer than 10 points in the second half.

The Wildcats have lost six consecutive games overall and have lost six straight on the road. Kansas State dropped to 0-6 against ranked teams this season.

Houston: Plays Monday at No. 5 Iowa State, the first of three straight games against Top-10 opponents.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771130961062.jpeg" alt="Houston guard Emanuel Sharp (21) controls the ball against Kansas State guard David Castillo, left, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/ Karen Warren)" />
 <figcaption>Houston guard Emanuel Sharp (21) controls the ball against Kansas State guard David Castillo, left, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/ Karen Warren)</figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSTON (AP) — Emanuel Sharp had 23 points and six rebounds as No. 3 Houston rallied from an early deficit to beat Kansas State 78-64 on Saturday for the Cougars’ sixth straight win.Sharp scored 14 points on 4 of 10 shooting in the first half as Houston (23-2, 11-1 Big 12) built a 33-19 halftime lead.Milos Uzan added 12 points and eight assists, and Kingston Flemings finished with 12 points and seven rebounds for the Cougars, which won their 18th straight at home.P.J. Haggerty scored 23 points to lead Kansas State (10-15, 1-11). Haggerty surpassed 2,000 points in his collegiate career in the first half, becoming the fifth current Division I player to achieve the milestone.Nate Johnson had 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Taj Manning added 10 points for Kansas State. The Wildcats shot 35% from the field, 8 of 26 (31%) from 3-point range, and made 16 of 25 (64%) from the free-throw line.The Wildcats raced to a 15-6 lead about 8 ½ minutes into the game on a 3-pointer by Haggerty, but Houston responded to finish the half on a 27-4 run. Sharp had nine points and Uzan added seven points in the spurt. Kansas State shot 1 for 15 from the floor to end the half.Kansas State got no closer than 10 points in the second half.The Wildcats have lost six consecutive games overall and have lost six straight on the road. Kansas State dropped to 0-6 against ranked teams this season.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas State: Hosts Baylor on Tuesday.Houston: Plays Monday at No. 5 Iowa State, the first of three straight games against Top-10 opponents.

🏀 Sharp scores 23 as Houston downs Kansas State 

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Milan Momcilovic scored 18 points and No. 5 Iowa State shook off a slow start to defeat No. 9 Kansas 74-56 on Saturday, snapping the Jayhawks’ eight-game winning streak.

The Cyclones (22-3, 9-3 Big 12), coming off Tuesday’s 62-55 loss at TCU, began a five-game stretch in which they play four ranked teams by taking control of this game in the first half despite struggling to make shots in the opening minutes.

Iowa State led 37-27 at halftime, then went on a 20-7 run in the opening 5 1/2 minutes of the second half, a stretch in which the Cyclones made six consecutive 3-pointers.

Their defense held Kansas (19-6, 9-3) to 31.6% shooting from the field in the second half, including 1 of 8 in 3-pointers. The Jayhawks shot 37.3% for the game while committing 13 turnovers, 10 in the first half.

Tamin Lipsey, Joshua Jefferson, Blake Buchanan and Jamarion Bateman each had 11 points for Iowa State.

Melvin Council Jr. led the Jayhawks with 15 points. Flory Bidunga had 11.

Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson started after missing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-kansas-t25-score-f9889466ae45491d08e069cb241100f3">Monday’s 82-78 win over top-ranked Arizona</a>. He had 10 points in 24 minutes.

Kansas’ winning streak started with an 84-63 victory over Iowa State on Jan. 13 and included wins over BYU, Texas Tech and Arizona.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771130071773.jpeg" alt="Kansas guard Melvin Council Jr. *14) attempts to get by Iowa State's Nate Heise (0) in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game on Saturday, February 14, 2026 in Ames, Iowa (Kansas Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas guard Melvin Council Jr. *14) attempts to get by Iowa State's Nate Heise (0) in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game on Saturday, February 14, 2026 in Ames, Iowa (Kansas Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>AMES, Iowa (AP) — Milan Momcilovic scored 18 points and No. 5 Iowa State shook off a slow start to defeat No. 9 Kansas 74-56 on Saturday, snapping the Jayhawks’ eight-game winning streak.The Cyclones (22-3, 9-3 Big 12), coming off Tuesday’s 62-55 loss at TCU, began a five-game stretch in which they play four ranked teams by taking control of this game in the first half despite struggling to make shots in the opening minutes.Iowa State led 37-27 at halftime, then went on a 20-7 run in the opening 5 1/2 minutes of the second half, a stretch in which the Cyclones made six consecutive 3-pointers.Their defense held Kansas (19-6, 9-3) to 31.6% shooting from the field in the second half, including 1 of 8 in 3-pointers. The Jayhawks shot 37.3% for the game while committing 13 turnovers, 10 in the first half.Tamin Lipsey, Joshua Jefferson, Blake Buchanan and Jamarion Bateman each had 11 points for Iowa State.Melvin Council Jr. led the Jayhawks with 15 points. Flory Bidunga had 11.Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson started after missing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-kansas-t25-score-f9889466ae45491d08e069cb241100f3">Monday’s 82-78 win over top-ranked Arizona</a>. He had 10 points in 24 minutes.Kansas’ winning streak started with an 84-63 victory over Iowa State on Jan. 13 and included wins over BYU, Texas Tech and Arizona.The Cyclones made just one of their first 10 shots to open the game but because of their defense were down only 6-2 in that stretch. Once the offense got going, Iowa State went on a 20-2 run over a span of five minutes later in the first half to take a 36-22 lead with 1:37 to play.Saturday’s game was the seventh top-10 game in the series between the Cyclones and Jayhawks, with the teams splitting the previous six.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas: Visits Oklahoma State on Wednesday.Iowa State: Hosts No. 3 Houston on Monday.___

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