KANSAS CITY (AP) — The Big 12 men's and women's basketball tournaments will remain at T-Mobile Center through 2031, commissioner Brett Yormark said Tuesday night, shortly before Texas and Iowa State played for the women's title in the building for the first time.

The women's tournament had long been played down the street from the glitzy downtown arena at Municipal Auditorium, which has tremendous history as one of the homes of early NCAA championship games but has grown antiquated over time.

One of Yormark's priorities after taking over leadership of the Big 12 was to raise the profile of the women's tournament, and that meant moving it to the T-Mobile Center. That also required moving the dates of the championship, with early-round games occurring last week and the title game Tuesday night following the first two games of the men's tournament.

“I think I said to many last year, when I came here the first time to the community, met with many of the leaders, it was a real easy decision when I went back to Dallas that we needed to double down on this community,” Yormark said. “It feels like a Super Bowl each time we're here. The fan support is tremendous. The community is tremendous.”

The men's and women's tournaments were scheduled to be played in Kansas City through 2027, so the extension amounts to four years. But it also comes as the league expands its footprint west with Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah replacing Oklahoma and Texas in the league, and that gave the Big 12 other hosting options such as Las Vegas and Phoenix.

In fact, the Big 12 will be holding its football media days in Las Vegas later this year.

“We are a national conference now. We're in 10 states, four time zones,” Yormark said. “When it comes to men's and women's basketball, and women's soccer, this needed to be our home. We're going to football media day in Vegas, which we are excited about, and there will be other opportunities to move closer to that footprint, but we needed to be in Kansas City.”

Along with the basketball tournaments, Yormark announced that the Big 12 women's soccer championship was moving to CPKC Stadium. The first stadium facility built for a women's professional soccer club in the U.S. — in this case, the Kansas City Current of the National Women's Soccer League — is scheduled to open Saturday when the Current plays Portland.

“It's an amazing time to be in Kansas City, and it's an amazing time to invest in Kansas City,” said Mayor Quinton Lucas, who has been supportive of an April ballot issue to renew a sales tax that would help fund renovations to Arrowhead Stadium, the home of the Super Bowl champion Chiefs, along with a new downtown ballpark for the Royals.

“The Big 12 Conference is part of Kansas City's DNA. We all have stories about the Big 12, or if we're old enough, the Big Eight here in Kansas City," Lucas said. "We're excited to continue to share the story in Kansas City.”

In other news, Yormark said the lame-duck status of Oklahoma and Texas, which are departing for the SEC after this season, has not created any challenges even as the Big 12 looks toward the future as a revamped 16-team league.

“Texas and Oklahoma, great contributors to the conference. Been here since Day 1,” Yormark said. “They're finishing strong, obviously, and when the time comes, we'll wish them well. But there's never been a better time to be part of this conference.”

Yormark also indicated that he would be in favor of expanding the NCAA Tournament.

"I read what you read, and from what I've been told, and what I'm reading, there could be modest expansion. I think 76 is the number that has been out there," he said. “The data shows if you expand to 76, the power-four conferences will benefit mostly, and that includes the Big 12. I'm all about access. We have the deepest conference in America.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710290857109.jpeg" alt="Photo Big 12 Conference" />
 <figcaption>Photo Big 12 Conference</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — The Big 12 men's and women's basketball tournaments will remain at T-Mobile Center through 2031, commissioner Brett Yormark said Tuesday night, shortly before Texas and Iowa State played for the women's title in the building for the first time.The women's tournament had long been played down the street from the glitzy downtown arena at Municipal Auditorium, which has tremendous history as one of the homes of early NCAA championship games but has grown antiquated over time.One of Yormark's priorities after taking over leadership of the Big 12 was to raise the profile of the women's tournament, and that meant moving it to the T-Mobile Center. That also required moving the dates of the championship, with early-round games occurring last week and the title game Tuesday night following the first two games of the men's tournament.“I think I said to many last year, when I came here the first time to the community, met with many of the leaders, it was a real easy decision when I went back to Dallas that we needed to double down on this community,” Yormark said. “It feels like a Super Bowl each time we're here. The fan support is tremendous. The community is tremendous.”The men's and women's tournaments were scheduled to be played in Kansas City through 2027, so the extension amounts to four years. But it also comes as the league expands its footprint west with Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah replacing Oklahoma and Texas in the league, and that gave the Big 12 other hosting options such as Las Vegas and Phoenix.In fact, the Big 12 will be holding its football media days in Las Vegas later this year.“We are a national conference now. We're in 10 states, four time zones,” Yormark said. “When it comes to men's and women's basketball, and women's soccer, this needed to be our home. We're going to football media day in Vegas, which we are excited about, and there will be other opportunities to move closer to that footprint, but we needed to be in Kansas City.”Along with the basketball tournaments, Yormark announced that the Big 12 women's soccer championship was moving to CPKC Stadium. The first stadium facility built for a women's professional soccer club in the U.S. — in this case, the Kansas City Current of the National Women's Soccer League — is scheduled to open Saturday when the Current plays Portland.“It's an amazing time to be in Kansas City, and it's an amazing time to invest in Kansas City,” said Mayor Quinton Lucas, who has been supportive of an April ballot issue to renew a sales tax that would help fund renovations to Arrowhead Stadium, the home of the Super Bowl champion Chiefs, along with a new downtown ballpark for the Royals.“The Big 12 Conference is part of Kansas City's DNA. We all have stories about the Big 12, or if we're old enough, the Big Eight here in Kansas City," Lucas said. "We're excited to continue to share the story in Kansas City.”In other news, Yormark said the lame-duck status of Oklahoma and Texas, which are departing for the SEC after this season, has not created any challenges even as the Big 12 looks toward the future as a revamped 16-team league.“Texas and Oklahoma, great contributors to the conference. Been here since Day 1,” Yormark said. “They're finishing strong, obviously, and when the time comes, we'll wish them well. But there's never been a better time to be part of this conference.”Yormark also indicated that he would be in favor of expanding the NCAA Tournament."I read what you read, and from what I've been told, and what I'm reading, there could be modest expansion. I think 76 is the number that has been out there," he said. “The data shows if you expand to 76, the power-four conferences will benefit mostly, and that includes the Big 12. I'm all about access. We have the deepest conference in America.”___

Big 12 men's and women's tournaments to remain in Kansas City through 2031

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs finalized a five-year, $158.75 million contract with Chris Jones on Monday, keeping the All-Pro tackle in the middle of their defensive line as they chase a record-setting third consecutive Super Bowl title.

Jones will make $95 million guaranteed over the first three years of the deal, a person familiar with the details told The Associated Press on Saturday night, when the framework for the agreement was put in place. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the financial terms for one of the biggest deals for a defensive player in NFL history were not disclosed.

“Five more years of greatness,” Jones said in a brief video posted Monday on X, formally known as Twitter. “This is everything we've dreamed about, talked about. Now let's get some more Super Bowl rings.”

Jones turns 30 in July, so the Chiefs are gambling that there will be no drop-off for one of the league's top pass rushers.

His agents, Michael and Jason Katz, tweeted their congratulations to “the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history.” Jones later tweeted an “A+” to Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt, whose ownership of the franchise was given a failing grade when the NFL Players Association released its annual report card at the scouting combine.

Jones promised Chiefs fans at a victory parade following their overtime win over San Francisco in the Super Bowl that he'd be back to chase a three-peat, but that required getting a long-term deal done with a franchise bumping up against the salary cap.

The sides had tried and failed to do that the past two offseasons, and Jones skipped every offseason workout last year — including a mandatory minicamp and training camp — along with a Week 1 loss to Detroit while at an impasse. He piled up nearly $4 million in fines before agreeing to an incentive-laden one-year deal that got him back on the field this past season.

Jones proceeded to start every game in the regular season and playoffs, including a meaningless regular-season finale against the Chargers, when he got the last sack he needed to reach 10 1/2 for the season and trigger a $1.25 million bonus in his contract.

Jones' teammates certainly harbored no ill-will for his holdout; they rushed from the bench to celebrate the sack with him.

Jones had another half-sack in a wild-card win over Miami in one of the coldest games in NFL history, then helped a team yet to play a road playoff game during its recent run win games at Buffalo and Baltimore. That sent the Chiefs on to their fourth Super Bowl in five years, and the overtime win over the 49ers gave Jones his third championship ring.

Now, the affable defensive tackle will have the opportunity to win a fourth in Kansas City.

Jones was picked by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2016 draft out of Mississippi State, and he quickly earned a spot in the starting lineup. He was a second-team All-Pro in his second season, when he had 15 1/2 sacks, and then began his current run of five consecutive Pro Bowl appearances the following year.

He was voted a first-team All-Pro for the second straight season this past year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710188169956.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) chases San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) chases San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs finalized a five-year, $158.75 million contract with Chris Jones on Monday, keeping the All-Pro tackle in the middle of their defensive line as they chase a record-setting third consecutive Super Bowl title.Jones will make $95 million guaranteed over the first three years of the deal, a person familiar with the details told The Associated Press on Saturday night, when the framework for the agreement was put in place. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the financial terms for one of the biggest deals for a defensive player in NFL history were not disclosed.“Five more years of greatness,” Jones said in a brief video posted Monday on X, formally known as Twitter. “This is everything we've dreamed about, talked about. Now let's get some more Super Bowl rings.”Jones turns 30 in July, so the Chiefs are gambling that there will be no drop-off for one of the league's top pass rushers.His agents, Michael and Jason Katz, tweeted their congratulations to “the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history.” Jones later tweeted an “A+” to Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt, whose ownership of the franchise was given a failing grade when the NFL Players Association released its annual report card at the scouting combine.Jones promised Chiefs fans at a victory parade following their overtime win over San Francisco in the Super Bowl that he'd be back to chase a three-peat, but that required getting a long-term deal done with a franchise bumping up against the salary cap.The sides had tried and failed to do that the past two offseasons, and Jones skipped every offseason workout last year — including a mandatory minicamp and training camp — along with a Week 1 loss to Detroit while at an impasse. He piled up nearly $4 million in fines before agreeing to an incentive-laden one-year deal that got him back on the field this past season.Jones proceeded to start every game in the regular season and playoffs, including a meaningless regular-season finale against the Chargers, when he got the last sack he needed to reach 10 1/2 for the season and trigger a $1.25 million bonus in his contract.Jones' teammates certainly harbored no ill-will for his holdout; they rushed from the bench to celebrate the sack with him.Jones had another half-sack in a wild-card win over Miami in one of the coldest games in NFL history, then helped a team yet to play a road playoff game during its recent run win games at Buffalo and Baltimore. That sent the Chiefs on to their fourth Super Bowl in five years, and the overtime win over the 49ers gave Jones his third championship ring.Now, the affable defensive tackle will have the opportunity to win a fourth in Kansas City.Jones was picked by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2016 draft out of Mississippi State, and he quickly earned a spot in the starting lineup. He was a second-team All-Pro in his second season, when he had 15 1/2 sacks, and then began his current run of five consecutive Pro Bowl appearances the following year.He was voted a first-team All-Pro for the second straight season this past year.

🏈 Chiefs, All-Pro DT Chris Jones finalize 5-year, $158.75M deal with $95M guaranteed

HOUSTON (AP) — Jamal Shead had 13 points, six rebounds and eight assists, Damian Dunn added 12 points and No. 1 Houston claimed the Big 12 Conference regular-season title in its first season in the league, dominating No. 14 Kansas 76-46 on Saturday.

L.J. Cryer scored 11 points and J’Wan Roberts had 10 points and eight rebounds for the Cougars (28-3, 15-3) shot 46% from the field and hit 6 3-pointers on the way to a 40-21 lead at the half. Houston shot 44% for the game and hit 11 of 29 shots from long distance, while forcing 18 turnovers and converting them into 30 points.

The Cougars closed out their regular season by winning their ninth straight game and extending their home winning streak to 22 games.

Kansas' Hunter Dickinson had 11 points and six rebounds but left with 11:08 remaining holding his right shoulder after battling for a rebound.

Kevin McCullar Jr., who tweaked his knee earlier in the week against Kansas State, was scoreless in 15 minutes in the first half. He didn’t play in the second half.

Kansas (22-9, 10-8) has lost three of its last four games. The Jayhawks shot 33% and were 3 for 21 from 3-point distance.

Houston controlled the first half, charging to a 34-9 lead. Kansas missed 10 straight field goal attempts at one point.

The game was a stark contrast to the teams' first meeting on Feb. 3 in Lawrence when Kansas jumped out to a 23-11 lead and shot 69% en route to a 78-65 win.

Kansas: The Jayhawks’ lost for the sixth time in seven games on the road.

Houston: The Cougars won their 12th regular-season conference championship and fifth in the last six seasons under coach Kelvin Sampson.

Kansas: Opens the Big 12 Tournament on Wednesday or Thursday in Kansas City.

Houston: Opens the Big 12 Tournament as the No. 1 seed on Thursday in the quarterfinals in Kansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710029413143.png" alt="Houston Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Houston Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSTON (AP) — Jamal Shead had 13 points, six rebounds and eight assists, Damian Dunn added 12 points and No. 1 Houston claimed the Big 12 Conference regular-season title in its first season in the league, dominating No. 14 Kansas 76-46 on Saturday.L.J. Cryer scored 11 points and J’Wan Roberts had 10 points and eight rebounds for the Cougars (28-3, 15-3) shot 46% from the field and hit 6 3-pointers on the way to a 40-21 lead at the half. Houston shot 44% for the game and hit 11 of 29 shots from long distance, while forcing 18 turnovers and converting them into 30 points.The Cougars closed out their regular season by winning their ninth straight game and extending their home winning streak to 22 games.Kansas' Hunter Dickinson had 11 points and six rebounds but left with 11:08 remaining holding his right shoulder after battling for a rebound.Kevin McCullar Jr., who tweaked his knee earlier in the week against Kansas State, was scoreless in 15 minutes in the first half. He didn’t play in the second half.Kansas (22-9, 10-8) has lost three of its last four games. The Jayhawks shot 33% and were 3 for 21 from 3-point distance.Houston controlled the first half, charging to a 34-9 lead. Kansas missed 10 straight field goal attempts at one point.The game was a stark contrast to the teams' first meeting on Feb. 3 in Lawrence when Kansas jumped out to a 23-11 lead and shot 69% en route to a 78-65 win.BIG PICTUREKansas: The Jayhawks’ lost for the sixth time in seven games on the road.Houston: The Cougars won their 12th regular-season conference championship and fifth in the last six seasons under coach Kelvin Sampson.UP NEXTKansas: Opens the Big 12 Tournament on Wednesday or Thursday in Kansas City.Houston: Opens the Big 12 Tournament as the No. 1 seed on Thursday in the quarterfinals in Kansas City.______

🏀 Houston claims Big 12 regular-season title with win over Kansas

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Arthur Kaluma scored 23 points, Cam Carter added 21 and Kansas State beat sixth-ranked Iowa State 65-58 on Saturday, giving the Wildcats' flickering NCAA Tournament hopes a big boost heading into the Big 12 Tournament.

David N'Guessan added 11 points and a career-high 16 rebounds on senior day for the Wildcats (18-13, 8-10 Big 12), who blew most of a 17-point, second-half lead before holding on for their third win over a top-10 team this season.

Kansas State also beat No. 4 Kansas and No. 9 Baylor at home, where it went 15-3 this season.

Curtis Jones had 16 points and Keshon Gilbert and Tamin Lipsey 13 apiece for the Cyclones (24-7, 13-5), who couldn't replicate their rally from 14 down to beat BYU earlier in the week and had their four-game winning streak snapped.

Iowa State looked as if it would make senior day a forgettable day for Kansas State early on, relentlessly harassing one of the nation's most turnover-prone teams into offensive miscues and mental mistakes.

Fortunes suddenly flipped with the Cyclones leading 18-10 and about seven minutes left in the first half.

Kansas State held them without a field goal for more than six minutes, going on a 12-1 run to help take a 28-24 lead into the break. Then, the Wildcats scored the first nine points as part of a 15-2 run to begin the second half, stretching their lead to 17 while holding Iowa State without a field goal until Lipsey's lay-in with 13:30 to go.

The Cyclones finally got some momentum going, and a 10-0 run got them within 48-43 with 7:18 left.

Kansas State answered by pushing its lead back to double digits, though. And when Iowa State began to slap on full-court pressure in an attempt to mount a late-game comeback, Kaluma and Carter along with Tylor Perry were able to break it, and make just enough foul shots in the final minutes to wrap up the win.

Iowa State earned a double-bye for the Big 12 tourney and will play a quarterfinal game Thursday.

Kansas State will play a second-round game in the Big 12 Tournament on Wednesday.

Get poll alerts and updates on AP Top 25 basketball throughout the season.&nbsp;<a href="https://link.apnews.com/join/6nr/newsletters-cbb">Sign up here</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710019441112.png" alt="Photo K-State athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Arthur Kaluma scored 23 points, Cam Carter added 21 and Kansas State beat sixth-ranked Iowa State 65-58 on Saturday, giving the Wildcats' flickering NCAA Tournament hopes a big boost heading into the Big 12 Tournament.David N'Guessan added 11 points and a career-high 16 rebounds on senior day for the Wildcats (18-13, 8-10 Big 12), who blew most of a 17-point, second-half lead before holding on for their third win over a top-10 team this season.Kansas State also beat No. 4 Kansas and No. 9 Baylor at home, where it went 15-3 this season.Curtis Jones had 16 points and Keshon Gilbert and Tamin Lipsey 13 apiece for the Cyclones (24-7, 13-5), who couldn't replicate their rally from 14 down to beat BYU earlier in the week and had their four-game winning streak snapped.Iowa State looked as if it would make senior day a forgettable day for Kansas State early on, relentlessly harassing one of the nation's most turnover-prone teams into offensive miscues and mental mistakes.Fortunes suddenly flipped with the Cyclones leading 18-10 and about seven minutes left in the first half.Kansas State held them without a field goal for more than six minutes, going on a 12-1 run to help take a 28-24 lead into the break. Then, the Wildcats scored the first nine points as part of a 15-2 run to begin the second half, stretching their lead to 17 while holding Iowa State without a field goal until Lipsey's lay-in with 13:30 to go.The Cyclones finally got some momentum going, and a 10-0 run got them within 48-43 with 7:18 left.Kansas State answered by pushing its lead back to double digits, though. And when Iowa State began to slap on full-court pressure in an attempt to mount a late-game comeback, Kaluma and Carter along with Tylor Perry were able to break it, and make just enough foul shots in the final minutes to wrap up the win.UP NEXTIowa State earned a double-bye for the Big 12 tourney and will play a quarterfinal game Thursday.Kansas State will play a second-round game in the Big 12 Tournament on Wednesday.___Get poll alerts and updates on AP Top 25 basketball throughout the season.&nbsp;<a href="https://link.apnews.com/join/6nr/newsletters-cbb">Sign up here</a>___

🏀 Kaluma scores 23 as Kansas State beats Iowa State

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas rarely loses at Allen Fieldhouse, and even rarer do the Jayhawks lose there to Kansas State.

On senior night? The Wildcats hardly seemed to have a chance.

Kevin McCullar Jr. had 19 points in his farewell to the Phog, fellow senior Hunter Dickinson added 15 points with 20 rebounds, and No. 14 Kansas snapped a modest two-game skid with a 90-68 blowout of Kansas State on Tuesday night.

Nick Timberlake added 18 points and KJ Adams Jr. had 16 for the Jayhawks (22-8, 10-7 Big 12), who beat the Wildcats at home for the 18th straight time and won their 40th in a row on senior night, a run that stretches back to the 1983-84 season.

Kansas also avenged an overtime loss to Kansas State (17-13, 7-10) earlier this season.

“I saw how excited they were after they beat us,” Dickinson said, “and I think that kind of stuck with us, kind of how excited they were. Usually people are excited to beat us, but especially them. I felt a little motivated coming into tonight.”

Will McNair had 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Wildcats, but leading scorers Tylor Perry and Cam Carter were shut down. Perry had two points after scoring 26 against the Jayhawks in February, and Carter had three points on 1-of-7 shooting.

“They kicked our butts. We didn't deserve to win,” Kansas State coach Jerome Tang said. “Didn't give an effort that deserved to win. Disappointed in that because the staff did an unbelievable job putting together a plan that would give us a chance.”

Two schools separated by about 80 miles of highway, and who have played 300 times since 1907, naturally harbor a little bit of animosity toward each other. And that was on display during a first half in which a couple of players nearly came to blows.

It also was evident after the game, when Jayhawks coach Bill Self said Tang did a “fly by” in the handshake line.

“I will say, when we got our ass kicked there, we shook everybody's hand," Self said, "so I guess it was different here today.”

The Wildcats were just 10 of 21 from the foul line for the game. Throw in some sloppiness on offense — hardly new for a team that is 339th in Division I in turnovers per game — and they were fortunate to trail 41-33 at halftime.

Kansas quickly stretched the lead to double digits in the second half. And after making one 3-pointer over the first 25 minutes, McCullar and fellow senior Timberlake hit them in quick succession, stretching the lead to 53-38 with 13:30 to go.

The Jayhawks eventually pushed the lead to 28 before the senior night celebration began in earnest.

“I think we felt a little motivated coming into tonight, knowing it was senior night, and wanting to send the seniors out on a good note,” Dickinson said. “I think this is a really good stepping stone for us."

Kansas State's NCAA tourney hopes are in peril after a last-second loss to Cincinnati and a lopsided loss to Kansas. The Wildcats desperately need to beat No. 6 Iowa State on Saturday before winning a couple of games in the Big 12 Tournament.

“It's about being competitive. Nobody is going to sprinkle fairy dust on us,” Perry said. “We have to look ourselves in the mirror. Our back is pressed against the wall. It starts with winning on Saturday and having some momentum going into next week.”

Kansas could give its own NCAA Tournament seeding a big boost by beating top-ranked Houston on Saturday.

Kansas State wraps up its regular season against the Cyclones.

Kansas visits the Cougars for its regular-season finale.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709697248410.png" alt="Photo Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas rarely loses at Allen Fieldhouse, and even rarer do the Jayhawks lose there to Kansas State.On senior night? The Wildcats hardly seemed to have a chance.Kevin McCullar Jr. had 19 points in his farewell to the Phog, fellow senior Hunter Dickinson added 15 points with 20 rebounds, and No. 14 Kansas snapped a modest two-game skid with a 90-68 blowout of Kansas State on Tuesday night.Nick Timberlake added 18 points and KJ Adams Jr. had 16 for the Jayhawks (22-8, 10-7 Big 12), who beat the Wildcats at home for the 18th straight time and won their 40th in a row on senior night, a run that stretches back to the 1983-84 season.Kansas also avenged an overtime loss to Kansas State (17-13, 7-10) earlier this season.“I saw how excited they were after they beat us,” Dickinson said, “and I think that kind of stuck with us, kind of how excited they were. Usually people are excited to beat us, but especially them. I felt a little motivated coming into tonight.”Will McNair had 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Wildcats, but leading scorers Tylor Perry and Cam Carter were shut down. Perry had two points after scoring 26 against the Jayhawks in February, and Carter had three points on 1-of-7 shooting.“They kicked our butts. We didn't deserve to win,” Kansas State coach Jerome Tang said. “Didn't give an effort that deserved to win. Disappointed in that because the staff did an unbelievable job putting together a plan that would give us a chance.”Two schools separated by about 80 miles of highway, and who have played 300 times since 1907, naturally harbor a little bit of animosity toward each other. And that was on display during a first half in which a couple of players nearly came to blows.It also was evident after the game, when Jayhawks coach Bill Self said Tang did a “fly by” in the handshake line.“I will say, when we got our ass kicked there, we shook everybody's hand," Self said, "so I guess it was different here today.”The Wildcats were just 10 of 21 from the foul line for the game. Throw in some sloppiness on offense — hardly new for a team that is 339th in Division I in turnovers per game — and they were fortunate to trail 41-33 at halftime.Kansas quickly stretched the lead to double digits in the second half. And after making one 3-pointer over the first 25 minutes, McCullar and fellow senior Timberlake hit them in quick succession, stretching the lead to 53-38 with 13:30 to go.The Jayhawks eventually pushed the lead to 28 before the senior night celebration began in earnest.“I think we felt a little motivated coming into tonight, knowing it was senior night, and wanting to send the seniors out on a good note,” Dickinson said. “I think this is a really good stepping stone for us."BIG PICTUREKansas State's NCAA tourney hopes are in peril after a last-second loss to Cincinnati and a lopsided loss to Kansas. The Wildcats desperately need to beat No. 6 Iowa State on Saturday before winning a couple of games in the Big 12 Tournament.“It's about being competitive. Nobody is going to sprinkle fairy dust on us,” Perry said. “We have to look ourselves in the mirror. Our back is pressed against the wall. It starts with winning on Saturday and having some momentum going into next week.”Kansas could give its own NCAA Tournament seeding a big boost by beating top-ranked Houston on Saturday.UP NEXTKansas State wraps up its regular season against the Cyclones.Kansas visits the Cougars for its regular-season finale.___

🏀 McCullar scores 19 as Kansas routs K-State

The second-seeded Coyotes play top-seeded and No. 4-ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan in the championship of the Kansas Conference Tournament on Monday.

MONDAY'S GAME Opponent: Oklahoma Wesleyan Eagles Time: 8 p.m. Location: Hartman Arena, Park City

The second-seeded Coyotes play top-seeded and No. 4-ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan in the championship of the Kansas Conference Tournament on Monday.MONDAY'S GAME Opponent: Oklahoma Wesleyan Eagles Time: 8 p.m. Location: Hartman Arena, Park CityLIVE COVERAGE<ul>
 <li>The video stream of the game will be available online through the Coyote Sports Network at&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6e85c7de-88d7-43a8-b5a4-c71a35584a81?elinkdata=6647" target="_blank">www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan</a>.</li><li>Live Stats will be available at&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b15beb8f-814f-484c-9f42-920182b50330?elinkdata=6647" target="_blank">https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/mbball/summary</a></li><li>Radio coverage will be on the Coyote Radio Network. The online stream is available at 910KINA.com. Tyler Henry and Brooks Garretson will have the call with pregame starting at 7:30 p.m. The game will also be broadcast on ESPN Wichita, 92.3-FM with Pat Strathman on the call.</li>
 </ul>TICKETS<ul>
 <li>Tickets for the KCAC tournament are on sale now at&nbsp;<a href="http://kcacsports.com/" target="_blank">kcacsports.com</a>&nbsp;--&gt;&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/91d0e3e5-7d5c-4917-90aa-3797761a50d9?elinkdata=6647" target="_blank">GET TICKETS HERE</a></li><li>This is a no pass event, per KCAC policy</li><li>All tickets must be purchased online, there will be no on-site ticket sales.</li>
 </ul>RECORDS<ul>
 <li>Kansas Wesleyan 23-7</li><li>Oklahoma Wesleyan 28-2</li>
 </ul>THE SERIES<ul>
 <li>Oklahoma Wesleyan has won 10 in a row and 14 of the last 15. The Eagles won 82-66 January 20 in Mabee Arena in their only game this season. The Coyotes last victory was 78-64 February 22, 2020 in Mabee Arena. OKWU leads the series 18-6 since November 2005.</li>
 </ul>KANSAS WESLEYAN AT A GLANCE<ul>
 <li>The Coyotes advanced to the championship game with a harrowing 76-71 victory over third-seeded Southwestern on Saturday night in Mabee Arena. The Moundbuilders led the entire game until the 26.5 second mark when&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bf881d3b-cbb7-4c21-870e-324e28254e50?elinkdata=6647" target="_blank">Jun Murdock</a>&nbsp;made two free throws that gave the Coyotes a 72-71 lead. KWU trailed 71-64 with 3½ minutes left but held SC scoreless the rest of the way, closing the game on a 12-0 run themselves.</li><li><a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4cbd18ba-20e2-4f54-9515-2fb869628ca6?elinkdata=6647" target="_blank">Alex Littlejohn</a>&nbsp;and Murdock were stellar as usual, Littlejohn finishing with 29 points and 16 rebounds while Murdock had 21 points and seven assists. Murdock also limited Southwestern's Cevin Clark to 18 points - Clark led the NAIA in scoring entering the game with a 26.5 average but was 7 for 17 shooting for the game and scored two points the second half.</li><li>Littlejohn had 91 points and 43 rebounds in the Coyotes' three victories over Southwestern this season. He entered Saturday's game ranked fifth in rebounding in the NAIA with an 11.3 average. He's also averages 17.3 points while Murdock averages 18.0 points and 4.9 assists.</li><li>Murdock scored 16 and had Littlejohn 15 and 10 rebounds in the first game against OKWU.&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/85253bfd-8934-43eb-8f83-f57aef7a242f?elinkdata=6647" target="_blank">Izaiah Hale</a>&nbsp;score 14 but the Coyotes shot just 34.4 percent and were outrebounded 49-39.</li><li>KWU has won six in a row and eight of nine including tournament victories over Ottawa in the quarterfinals and Southwestern.</li><li>Monday's championship will be the first for Wesleyan since the tournament moved to Hartman Arena. KWU's conference tournament championship game was in 2009 and the last conference tournament title in 2007 when they defeated Friends in Muir Gymnasium.</li>
 </ul>OKLAHOMA WESLEYAN AT A GLANCE<ul>
 <li>The Eagles rallied past Saint Mary 90-74 in their semifinal Saturday night in Bartlesville, Okla. USM led 44-40 at halftime but OKWU won the second half 50-30 by shooting 56.7 percent and limiting the Spires to 32 percent after they shot 65.4 percent the first half.</li><li>Jaden Lietzke, OKWU's All-America center, led the way with 26 points and 10 rebounds while Kaleb Stokes had 16 points and eight rebounds and guard Dylan Phillip 14 points.</li><li>The Eagles won the rebounding battle 35-24 and are outrebounding their opponents by 10.2 per game. They also average just over 14 offensive rebounds.</li><li>Lietzke had 23 points and 16 rebounds in the victory over KWU in January. He averages 17 points and eight rebounds while point guard DJ Talton Jr. averages 14.7 points and 5.3 assists and Stokes 10.1 points and 6.7 rebounds.</li><li>The Eagles' two losses this season were to Southwestern on December 2 in Bartlesville and Evangel on February 24 in Springfield, Mo.</li><li>OKWU averages 78 points and allows 64.5. The Eagles are shooting 46 percent overall, 29.6 percent from beyond the 3-point line. They struggle collectively at the free throw line, just 58.6 percent.</li>
 </ul>

KWU MBB faces Oklahoma Wesleyan in KCAC Championship Monday on KINA

CINCINNATI (AP) — John Newman III scored 13 of his 18 in the second half, Simas Lukosius hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 10.6 seconds left and Cincinnati blew a 13-point lead before beating Kansas State 74-72 Saturday night to snap a three-game skid.

Lukosius finished with 13 points. Day Day Thomas added 14 points, five assists and four steals and Jizzle James scored 10 for Cincinnati (17-12, 6-10 Big 12).

Jamille Reynolds converted a three-point play to give Cincinnati a 67-54 lead — matching the largest of the game — with 6:51 remaining. Tylor Perry answered with a 3-pointer 11 seconds later and added two free throws before he hit another 3 to cap a 10-0 run a little more than 2 minutes later. Carter was fouled on a 3-point shot and hit all three free throws to pull the Wildcats within two with 3:03 remaining and neither team scored again until Perry hit a straight-away 3 late in the shot clock that made it 72-71 with 1:16 left — Kansas State’s first lead since 8-5.

Neither team scored again until Lukosius came around a screen, caught a pass from James at hit the winner. Perry lost the ball out of bounds under the basket with 2.7 seconds to go and Newman was fouled with 1.7 left but missed the front end of a 1-and-1. Will McNair Jr. grabbed the rebound and called a timeout with 1.5 to go but the inbounds pass was deflected and rolled out of bounds as time expired.

Perry led the Wildcats with 26 points, including 17 in the second half. He made 7 of 10 from the field, 6 of 8 from 3-point range and 6 of 6 from the free-throw line. Jerrell Colbert added 15 points and Cam Carter scored 13.

Kansas State (17-12, 7-9) has lost eight of its last 11 games.

Colbert scored seven consecutive points for Kansas State capped by a dunk that made it 21-19 but the Bearcats scored 11 of the next 13. The Wildcats scored the final four points of the first half and the first four of the second to trim its deficit to 34-31 with 19 minutes to play but Newman scored nine points in a 13-4 run over the next 3 minutes.

The Bearcats are 8-1 all-time against Kansas State. The programs met seven times from 1958-68 and have played just twice since, the most recent coming when Cincinnati beat the Wildcats 75-61 in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament.

Kansas State visits No. 7 Kansas on Tuesday before wrapping up its regular season next Saturday at No. 8 Iowa State. Cincinnati plays Tuesday at Oklahoma and returns for its finale Saturday against West Virginia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709435009403.png" alt="K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>CINCINNATI (AP) — John Newman III scored 13 of his 18 in the second half, Simas Lukosius hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 10.6 seconds left and Cincinnati blew a 13-point lead before beating Kansas State 74-72 Saturday night to snap a three-game skid.Lukosius finished with 13 points. Day Day Thomas added 14 points, five assists and four steals and Jizzle James scored 10 for Cincinnati (17-12, 6-10 Big 12).Jamille Reynolds converted a three-point play to give Cincinnati a 67-54 lead — matching the largest of the game — with 6:51 remaining. Tylor Perry answered with a 3-pointer 11 seconds later and added two free throws before he hit another 3 to cap a 10-0 run a little more than 2 minutes later. Carter was fouled on a 3-point shot and hit all three free throws to pull the Wildcats within two with 3:03 remaining and neither team scored again until Perry hit a straight-away 3 late in the shot clock that made it 72-71 with 1:16 left — Kansas State’s first lead since 8-5.Neither team scored again until Lukosius came around a screen, caught a pass from James at hit the winner. Perry lost the ball out of bounds under the basket with 2.7 seconds to go and Newman was fouled with 1.7 left but missed the front end of a 1-and-1. Will McNair Jr. grabbed the rebound and called a timeout with 1.5 to go but the inbounds pass was deflected and rolled out of bounds as time expired.Perry led the Wildcats with 26 points, including 17 in the second half. He made 7 of 10 from the field, 6 of 8 from 3-point range and 6 of 6 from the free-throw line. Jerrell Colbert added 15 points and Cam Carter scored 13.Kansas State (17-12, 7-9) has lost eight of its last 11 games.Colbert scored seven consecutive points for Kansas State capped by a dunk that made it 21-19 but the Bearcats scored 11 of the next 13. The Wildcats scored the final four points of the first half and the first four of the second to trim its deficit to 34-31 with 19 minutes to play but Newman scored nine points in a 13-4 run over the next 3 minutes.The Bearcats are 8-1 all-time against Kansas State. The programs met seven times from 1958-68 and have played just twice since, the most recent coming when Cincinnati beat the Wildcats 75-61 in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament.Kansas State visits No. 7 Kansas on Tuesday before wrapping up its regular season next Saturday at No. 8 Iowa State. Cincinnati plays Tuesday at Oklahoma and returns for its finale Saturday against West Virginia.

🏀 Simas Lukosius hits winning 3 as Cincinnati beats Kansas State

WACO, Texas (AP) — RayJ Dennis had 19 points and 10 assists, Jayden Nunn scored 18 points with consecutive fastbreak layups in a key run for No. 15 Baylor and the Bears beat seventh-ranked Kansas 82-74 on Saturday, handing the Jayhawks consecutive losses for the first time this season.

Yves Missi added 17 points and fellow freshman Ja'Kobe Walter had 11 for the Bears (21-8, 10-6 Big 12).

Nunn first drove the length of the court with 13:49 left after grabbing a defensive rebound. Then after 7-foot freshman Missi blocked a Kansas shot, Dennis passed ahead to a breaking Nunn for another layup. Those baskets 25 seconds apart ignited a 13-2 run that pushed Baylor's lead from one to 12 with 10 minutes left.

Big 12 scoring leader Kevin McCullar Jr., in his return to the lineup after missing four of the previous five games with a bone bruise in his knee, and Hunter Dickinson had 20 points each for Kansas (21-8, 9-7), which was coming off a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-byu-score-40b8e4f3cac4171a55f4a1df95452c20">76-68 loss at home to Big 12 newcomer BYU</a>. Dajuan Harris had 12 points and nine assists.

The Bears had their largest lead before halftime at 31-24 after Dennis made a 3-pointer with 3 1/2 minutes left, but they needed his jumper with 28 seconds left to lead 35-34 at the break.

Kansas went on a 10-2 spurt in between those baskets by Dennis. The Jayhawks' streak started with two nifty assists by Harris, including a give-and-go break with McCullar, who had a steal. Harris' floater put the Jayhawks up 34-33.

Kansas: This is the first time the Jayhawks have had seven conference losses during coach Bill Self's 21 seasons. They have to win one of their next two games (vs. Kansas State and at No. 1 Houston) to extend their record streak of winning conference records to 35 seasons in a row.

Baylor: The Bears are a national-best 32-15 against AP Top 25 opponents the past five seasons, and have won 13 of their last 18 against top 10 teams.

The Jayhawks scored 46 points in the paint, with 22 of those before halftime. The opening stretch included an emphatic two-handed dunk by Dickinson with just under six minutes left that gave him the last of his 10 points before the break. He scored Kansas’ first six points, including consecutive passes from Adams for a dunk and a layup.

Missi opened the scoring with a powerful dunk even with Adams’ hands in his face, and then did a spin move around Dickinson for a layup for their second basket.

Kansas' streak of 55 consecutive AP poll appearances in the top 10 will come to an end Monday, though the Jayhawks still will be ranked. That will leave top-ranked Houston with the longest active streak of top-10 appearances at 36 in a row.

Kansas is back home at Allen Fieldhouse to play Sunflower State rival Kansas State on Tuesday night. That comes after a week after the Jayhawks’ only home loss, to BYU.

Baylor has two games in a three-day stretch, in its home finale Monday night against Texas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709413044436.png" alt="Photo Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>WACO, Texas (AP) — RayJ Dennis had 19 points and 10 assists, Jayden Nunn scored 18 points with consecutive fastbreak layups in a key run for No. 15 Baylor and the Bears beat seventh-ranked Kansas 82-74 on Saturday, handing the Jayhawks consecutive losses for the first time this season.Yves Missi added 17 points and fellow freshman Ja'Kobe Walter had 11 for the Bears (21-8, 10-6 Big 12).Nunn first drove the length of the court with 13:49 left after grabbing a defensive rebound. Then after 7-foot freshman Missi blocked a Kansas shot, Dennis passed ahead to a breaking Nunn for another layup. Those baskets 25 seconds apart ignited a 13-2 run that pushed Baylor's lead from one to 12 with 10 minutes left.Big 12 scoring leader Kevin McCullar Jr., in his return to the lineup after missing four of the previous five games with a bone bruise in his knee, and Hunter Dickinson had 20 points each for Kansas (21-8, 9-7), which was coming off a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-byu-score-40b8e4f3cac4171a55f4a1df95452c20">76-68 loss at home to Big 12 newcomer BYU</a>. Dajuan Harris had 12 points and nine assists.The Bears had their largest lead before halftime at 31-24 after Dennis made a 3-pointer with 3 1/2 minutes left, but they needed his jumper with 28 seconds left to lead 35-34 at the break.Kansas went on a 10-2 spurt in between those baskets by Dennis. The Jayhawks' streak started with two nifty assists by Harris, including a give-and-go break with McCullar, who had a steal. Harris' floater put the Jayhawks up 34-33.BIG PICTUREKansas: This is the first time the Jayhawks have had seven conference losses during coach Bill Self's 21 seasons. They have to win one of their next two games (vs. Kansas State and at No. 1 Houston) to extend their record streak of winning conference records to 35 seasons in a row.Baylor: The Bears are a national-best 32-15 against AP Top 25 opponents the past five seasons, and have won 13 of their last 18 against top 10 teams.BIG INSIDEThe Jayhawks scored 46 points in the paint, with 22 of those before halftime. The opening stretch included an emphatic two-handed dunk by Dickinson with just under six minutes left that gave him the last of his 10 points before the break. He scored Kansas’ first six points, including consecutive passes from Adams for a dunk and a layup.Missi opened the scoring with a powerful dunk even with Adams’ hands in his face, and then did a spin move around Dickinson for a layup for their second basket.POLL IMPLICATIONSKansas' streak of 55 consecutive AP poll appearances in the top 10 will come to an end Monday, though the Jayhawks still will be ranked. That will leave top-ranked Houston with the longest active streak of top-10 appearances at 36 in a row.UP NEXTKansas is back home at Allen Fieldhouse to play Sunflower State rival Kansas State on Tuesday night. That comes after a week after the Jayhawks’ only home loss, to BYU.Baylor has two games in a three-day stretch, in its home finale Monday night against Texas.

🏀 Baylor led by Dennis and Nunn in win over Kansas

The second-seeded Coyotes play third-seeded and No. 9-ranked Southwestern in the semifinals of the Kansas Conference Tournament.

SATURDAY'S GAME Opponent: Southwestern Moundbuilders Time: 7 p.m. Location: Mabee Arena

The second-seeded Coyotes play third-seeded and No. 9-ranked Southwestern in the semifinals of the Kansas Conference Tournament.SATURDAY'S GAME Opponent: Southwestern Moundbuilders Time: 7 p.m. Location: Mabee ArenaLIVE COVERAGE<ul>
 <li>The video stream of the game will be available online through the Coyote Sports Network at&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/963953e9-f1ee-429a-a54f-06e9e2f98db6?elinkdata=6371" target="_blank">www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan</a>.</li><li>Live Stats will be available at&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/69b1ab9a-bddd-4863-abf4-fe4df4f22506?elinkdata=6371" target="_blank">https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/mbball/summary</a></li><li>Radio coverage can be heard locally on KINA 910 AM/107.5 FM, and online at Salina Post. The online stream is also available at&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8ff45a93-9541-4d1a-b308-a45dc28c8d72?elinkdata=6371" target="_blank">https://radio.securenetsystems.net/ce/kina2</a>. Tyler Henry will have the call with pregame starting at 6:30</li>
 </ul>TICKETS<ul>
 <li>Tickets for the KCAC tournament are on sale now at&nbsp;<a href="http://kcacsports.com/" target="_blank">kcacsports.com</a>&nbsp;--&gt;&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7d9dbe82-47d4-4633-80ed-ddbdde885c28?elinkdata=6371" target="_blank">GET TICKETS HERE</a></li><li>This is a no pass event, per KCAC policy</li><li>All tickets must be purchased online, there will be no on-site ticket sales, KWU ticket staff will be available to help with ticket sales at the door, but there will be no cash sales</li>
 </ul>RECORDS<ul>
 <li>Kansas Wesleyan 22-7</li><li>Southwestern 24-4</li>
 </ul>THE SERIES<ul>
 <li>Each team has won 20 games since January 2006 but the Coyotes have won the last five. KWU won a pair of thrillers earlier this season - 96-92 January 3 in Winfield and 96-93 in overtime February 17 in Mabee Arena.</li>
 </ul>KANSAS WESLEYAN AT A GLANCE<ul>
 <li>KWU advanced with a 75-69 quarterfinal victory over seventh-seeded Ottawa on Thursday night in Mabee Arena. Five Coyotes scored in double figures led by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c6d25a8e-8057-4ac1-a715-8976d2c45b5b?elinkdata=6371" target="_blank">Caden Hale</a>&nbsp;with 18 off the bench.&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/814a1187-62d8-43c0-9e42-0d86ff23056d?elinkdata=6371" target="_blank">Jun Murdock</a>&nbsp;had 14,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ef2517a6-f4a7-4157-805c-d5c574a04561?elinkdata=6371" target="_blank">Alex Littlejohn</a>&nbsp;12 and 14 rebounds and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2063e189-b95f-47c6-bdba-ab20c502ea2d?elinkdata=6371" target="_blank">Thurbil Bile</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c12e7870-1113-4f19-b205-560b7c080d15?elinkdata=6371" target="_blank">Izaiah Hale</a>&nbsp;scored 10 each. KWU led 73-60 with 3:25 left but a 9-0 Ottawa run closed the gap to 73-69. A Bile dunk with 39.3 seconds left was the game's final points.</li><li>The Coyotes have won four in a row and six of their last seven including the second victory over Southwestern. KWU trailed 80-70 with under four minutes left but rallied to force OT. Murdock scored 35 points and Littlejohn had 31 and 14 rebounds. In the first game in Winfield Littlejohn had 31 points and 13 rebounds, Murdock 18 points and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9ba9a69a-936a-484e-856d-17875b363893?elinkdata=6371" target="_blank">Easton Hunter</a>&nbsp;17.</li><li>Wesleyan is 12-8 at home against Southwestern since January 2006. The Coyotes have a 6-4 advantage over the last 10 games.</li><li>Murdock and Littlejohn were named to the All-KCAC First Team earlier this week and Murdock was on the All-Defensive Team. Bile and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8f2a03e2-7757-4120-a474-ecc1d44ff92b?elinkdata=6371" target="_blank">Izaiah Hale</a>&nbsp;were named Honorable Mention.</li><li>Murdock leads the team in scoring (18.1) followed by Littlejohn (16.7),&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/62b2f38b-dc49-4240-b834-5a3e06f69de1?elinkdata=6371" target="_blank">Izaiah Hale</a>&nbsp;(10.7) and Bile (10.0). Bile is shooting 64.6 percent from the field and Littlejohn 54.5 percent. Littlejohn is the leading rebounder (11.1) and ranks fifth in the NAIA.</li><li>The Coyotes average 82 points, are shooting 47 percent, 33.6 percent from long distance and are averaging 11.3 turnovers. Opponents average 75 points and are shooting 42.7 percent, 30.6 percent from deep.</li>
 </ul>SOUTHWESTERN AT A GLANCE<ul>
 <li>The Moundbuilders defeated McPherson 93-79 in their quarterfinal game Thursday in Winfield. Southwestern led 52-33 at halftime and was paced Cevin Clark's 35 points. Jarvis Jennings added 18.</li><li>Clark, a senior guard from Arkansas City, leads the NAIA in scoring with is 26.8 average. He scored 22 in the first game against KWU and 38 in the second. He has surpassed the 30-point plateau nine times this season and was named the KCAC's Player of the Year earlier this week. He shoots 48.5 percent overall, 38.5 percent from deep and 83 percent from the foul line.</li><li>Junior guard Justin DeMaria averages 13.1 points and senior forward Andrew O'Brien 10.3 and a team-best 8.4 rebounds.</li><li>Southwestern scores an average of 90 points and allows 72. The Moundbuilders shoot 48 percent overall, 38 percent from the 3-point line, and are outrebounding their opponents by just 12 per contest. They also average 9.5 turnovers.</li>
 </ul>

Coyotes host Southwestern in KCAC Semifinals on KINA

No. 4-seeded Kansas Wesleyan plays top-seeded Tabor in the semifinals of the Kansas Conference Tournament.

SATURDAY'S GAME Opponent: Tabor Bluejays Time: 2 p.m. Location: Hillsboro

No. 4-seeded Kansas Wesleyan plays top-seeded Tabor in the semifinals of the Kansas Conference Tournament.SATURDAY'S GAME Opponent: Tabor Bluejays Time: 2 p.m. Location: HillsboroLIVE COVERAGE<ul>
 <li>The video stream of the game will be available online through the Coyote Sports Network at&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6b099eb2-4be9-4971-aa1a-2c6c5571ccf4?elinkdata=6348" target="_blank">www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan</a>.</li><li>Live Stats will be available at&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/104546b5-1f98-4b96-be4b-18eff72e1d62?elinkdata=6348" target="_blank">https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary</a></li><li>Radio coverage can be heard locally on KINA 910 AM/107.5 FM, and online at Salina Post. The online stream is also available at&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2a33c9d7-3b67-4862-93ad-e3094434a840?elinkdata=6348" target="_blank">https://radio.securenetsystems.net/ce/kina2</a>. Tyler Henry will have the call with pregame starting at 6:30</li>
 </ul>TICKETS<ul>
 <li>Tickets for the KCAC tournament are on sale now at&nbsp;<a href="http://kcacsports.com/" target="_blank">kcacsports.com</a>&nbsp;--&gt;&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8c7ed44f-6651-4726-a8fe-f221f82ab9f7?elinkdata=6348" target="_blank">GET TICKETS HERE</a></li><li>This is a no pass event, per KCAC policy</li><li>All tickets must be purchased online, there will be no on-site ticket sales, KWU ticket staff will be available to help with ticket sales at the door, but there will be no cash sales</li>
 </ul>RECORDS<ul>
 <li>Kansas Wesleyan 17-12</li><li>Tabor 25-4</li>
 </ul>THE SERIES<ul>
 <li>Tabor has won the last two games and five of the last six. The Bluejays defeated the Coyotes 77-61 January 6 in Salina in the first game this season and 86-38 February 21 in Hillsboro in the second. KWU's last victory was February 15, 2023, in Mabee Arena (62-61). Tabor has a 23-18 lead in the series since February 2006.</li>
 </ul>KANSAS WESLEYAN AT A GLANCE<ul>
 <li>The Coyotes defeated fifth-seeded Evangel 81-72 in the quarterfinals Wednesday night inside Mabee Arena. It was their seventh victory in their last nine games. Freshman point guard&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/38fa5b2d-05e1-478d-845c-5c0fb113364b?elinkdata=6348" target="_blank">Odessa Ozuna</a>&nbsp;led the way with 16 points off the bench - 12 in the final 5½ minutes of the game that included nine consecutive points in a 1:36 minute span. KWU outscored the Valor 11-4 the final 2:48.</li><li><a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b881cabb-0386-40bc-90f7-09b46ac2f781?elinkdata=6348" target="_blank">Daijane Adams</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a3acb1a5-fb3f-4913-b1b8-5187f209be17?elinkdata=6348" target="_blank">Jill Stephens</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bef087b0-b7c4-4715-b690-3787c3cfe150?elinkdata=6348" target="_blank">LaMyah Ricks</a>&nbsp;each scored 11 as the Coyotes shot 43.6 percent and were 11 of 23 from 3-point range. They have made 28 3-pointers in their last two games after going 17 of 42 in the regular-season finale against York that included 10 in the fourth quarter.</li><li>The Coyotes had a tough night shooting the ball in their last game against Tabor going 12 of 54 from the field (22.2 percent) overall, 3 of 19 from 3-point range.&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b635d4c0-8ced-4675-b5ef-b9a415e7030d?elinkdata=6348" target="_blank">Angel Lee</a>&nbsp;scored 11 points and Stephens nine.</li><li>Ricks leads the team in scoring (11.3) followed by Stephens (11.1). Stephens is the top rebounder (5.1) and is shooting 39 percent from beyond the 3-point line (72 of 185). Lee averages 9.7 points but has been on a tear of late - 14.5 over her last six games.</li><li>The Coyotes average 68.6 points and allow 68.9. They're shooting 38 percent overall, 32 percent from the 3-point line. They're outrebounding their opponents by 1.3 per game and average 16.7 turnovers.</li><li>Ricks was named All-KCAC Second Team earlier this week. Stephens was Honorable Mention and Ozuna was on the All-Freshman Team.</li>
 </ul>TABOR AT A GLANCE<ul>
 <li>The Bluejays routed Bethel 67-39 the quarterfinals Wednesday night in Hillsboro. Bethel shot 27.5 percent overall (14 of 51) and was 2 of 11 from deep. It was Tabor's 13th&nbsp;consecutive victory.</li><li>Defense is Tabor's hallmark. The Bluejays allow 54.4 points per game which ranks seventh in the NAIA. Their last five opponents scored 48 points or less; the most points they have given up this season was 78 against College of the Ozarks in their season opener. Opposing teams are shooting 37.7 percent which includes 26.5 percent from long distance.</li><li>Tabor averages 68 points and is shooting 45 percent overall, 37.3 percent beyond long range. The Bluejays average 13.4 turnovers.</li><li>Senior forward Alyvia Owens leads a balanced offensive attack (11.0 points per game). Junior guard Kassidy Beam is next (8.3) then freshman guard Lillie Veer (8.0).</li><li>Alicia Baker led Tabor with 13 points off the bench in the game against KWU last week. The Bluejays shot 62.5 percent (35 of 56) including 8 of 14 beyond the arc.</li>
 </ul>

KWU WBB to face top seeded Tabor in KCAC Semifinals on KINA

After finishing the regular season on a four-game winning streak, the Kansas Wesleyan Men's Basketball team earned the No. 2 seed in the KCAC Tournament and hosts No. 7 seed Ottawa on Thursday at 7 p.m. inside Mabee Arena.

THURSDAY'S GAME Opponent: Ottawa Braves Time: 7 p.m. Location: Mabee Arena

After finishing the regular season on a four-game winning streak, the Kansas Wesleyan Men's Basketball team earned the No. 2 seed in the KCAC Tournament and hosts No. 7 seed Ottawa on Thursday at 7 p.m. inside Mabee Arena.THURSDAY'S GAME Opponent: Ottawa Braves Time: 7 p.m. Location: Mabee ArenaLIVE COVERAGE<ul>
 <li>The video stream of the game will be available online through the Coyote Sports Network at&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5b4dd80e-d879-488e-ab1f-a67d7d0e75fd?elinkdata=6164" target="_blank">www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan</a>.</li><li>Live Stats will be available at&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1997e2e6-e93d-4d8f-94ec-b745b49782cb?elinkdata=6164" target="_blank">https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/mbball/summary</a></li><li>Radio coverage can be heard locally on Prime FM (94.5), and online at Salina Post. Tyler Henry will have the call with pregame starting at 6:30 p.m.</li>
 </ul>TICKETS<ul>
 <li>Tickets for the KCAC tournament are on sale now at&nbsp;<a href="http://kcacsports.com/" target="_blank">kcacsports.com</a>&nbsp;--&gt;&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b8c8c164-d050-4a5f-ba10-6b5ee1d7a5f2?elinkdata=6164" target="_blank">GET TICKETS HERE</a></li><li>This is a no pass event, per KCAC policy</li><li>All tickets must be purchased online, there will be no on-site ticket sales, KWU ticket staff will be available to help with ticket sales at the door, but there will be no cash sales</li>
 </ul>RECORDS<ul>
 <li>Kansas Wesleyan 21-7, 18-4 KCAC</li><li>Ottawa 16-12, 11-11 KCAC</li>
 </ul>THE SERIES<ul>
 <li>The Coyotes have won five in a row and six of seven. This season they won 77-67 December 6 in Ottawa and 89-83 February 19 in Mabee Arena. The Coyotes are 10-11 at home against OU since January 2006. The Braves lead the series 24-18 during that span.</li>
 </ul>KANSAS WESLEYAN AT A GLANCE<ul>
 <li>The Coyotes earned the second seed by closing out the regular season with four victories in eight days. After losing to Saint Mary, they responded with an epic 96-93 overtime victory over No. 9 Southwestern in Mabee Arena. It was their second victory over the Moundbuilders this season and gave them the tiebreaker that came into play after the two finished the regular season tied for second. Then came victories over Ottawa in Mabee Arena, at Tabor and York on Saturday in Mabee Arena.</li><li>The KWU-Ottawa winner plays the Southwestern/McPherson winner in the semifinals Saturday at the site of the higher seeded team. Southwestern is the third seed and McPherson the sixth. The championship game is scheduled for March 4 inside Hartman Arena in Park City.</li><li><a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c93ec9f2-6c2d-41ef-b220-5d2b9b4922fd?elinkdata=6164" target="_blank">Jun Murdock</a>&nbsp;celebrated Senior Night last Saturday in impressive fashion finishing with 28 points and five assists.&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/858f19d3-1d7d-45b9-84f0-84d4577c4865?elinkdata=6164" target="_blank">Izaiah Hale</a>&nbsp;scored 21 and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8c475af7-d13d-4d56-b201-dcef99f92e04?elinkdata=6164" target="_blank">Alex Littlejohn</a>&nbsp;had 14 points and 14 rebounds. KWU trailed 55-50 early in the second half before regaining the lead for good with 14:55 left.</li><li>Murdock and Littlejohn scored 15 apiece in the first game against Ottawa. Littlejohn also had 13 rebounds and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/09690491-ee63-4b78-bca0-6cde0226def8?elinkdata=6164" target="_blank">Thurbil Bile</a>&nbsp;added 11 points and 14 rebounds. KWU led 44-31 at halftime of the second game and fended off the Braves' attempts to rally in the second half. Littlejohn had 19 points and 15 rebounds, Bile and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/57d5b693-77d6-4c90-9a3f-fe8d2320dff8?elinkdata=6164" target="_blank">Caden Hale</a>&nbsp;scored 15 apiece and Murdock had 13.</li><li>Murdock averages 18 points, five assists and four rebounds while Littlejohn averages 17 points and 11 rebounds.&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/520cc629-f8a5-4316-b336-c8d3b1e343be?elinkdata=6164" target="_blank">Izaiah Hale</a>&nbsp;averages 10.7 points and Bile 9.7. KWU averages 82 points, allows 75 and is shooting 47 percent overall, 34 percent from 3-point range.</li>
 </ul>OTTAWA AT A GLANCE<ul>
 <li>The seventh-seeded Braves lost to Saint Mary 93-91 in overtime Saturday in Ottawa. It was their third loss in four games; they defeated Evangel 70-69 last Wednesday in Ottawa. OU had won five of six before the recent slump.</li><li>The Braves average 81.6 points but allow 80. They shoot 36 percent from long distance and average just under nine made 3-pointers per game on 36 percent shooting. Opponents are shooting 43 percent.</li><li>Jayden Hibbitt and Deondre Buggage average a combined 39.6 points per game - Hibbitt 20.6 and Buggage 19.0. Buggage, a 5-foot-9 junior point guard, has surpassed the 20-point plateau 13 times this season and Hibbitt 18 times. Hibbitt, a 6-6 junior and transfer from Washburn, has scored 30-plus points five times including 38 against Saint Mary on Saturday. Kameron Woods averages 11.3 points and Angok Anyang, a 6-9 center, 9.8 rebounds and 9.5 points.</li><li>Buggage scored 20 against KWU in the first game this season and 29 in the second while Hibbitt had 11 and 21 points respectively.</li>
 </ul>

KWU MBB Hosts No. 7 Ottawa Thursday on Prime FM

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Dallin Hall and Jaxson Robinson scored 18 points apiece as BYU rallied from a 12-point deficit to beat seventh-ranked Kansas 76-68 on Tuesday night, ending the Jayhawks' 19-game home winning streak.

The Cougars (20-8, 8-7 Big 12) took a 66-63 lead when Noah Waterman drained a 3-pointer with 2:43 left. Hunter Dickinson answered with a 3 for Kansas, but Robinson hit two free throws and Hall drained another 3, sending BYU to a win in its first trip to storied Allen Fieldhouse since December 1971.

Dickinson had 17 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Jayhawks (21-7, 9-6), who were just 3 of 15 from 3-point range and 19 for 31 at the foul line. Dajuan Harris Jr. added 12 points, KJ Adams Jr. scored 11 and Johnny Furphy finished with 10.

BYU won despite heavy foul trouble in part by going 13 of 34 from behind the 3-point arc.

Already playing without Kevin McCullar Jr., who missed his fifth game with a bone bruise on his knee, the Jayhawks had a scare when Nick Timberlake landed hard after going up for a rebound. The thud echoed through Allen Fieldhouse, and Timberlake spent a couple of minutes in the locker room before eventually returning to the game.

Foul trouble set in for BYU in the second half. Hall picked up his fourth with 17:39 to go, and Trevin Knell got his fourth — after a double-technical with Dickinson — just minutes later. But the Jayhawks were unable to take advantage, not only struggling at the foul line but going more than eight minutes without a field goal.

BYU had another technical foul called on its bench with 7:50 left — and Harris made both of those free throws.

That's when the Cougars suddenly began to rain 3-pointers, wiping away a 56-50 deficit and taking their first lead at 59-58 on two free throws by Hall with 4:50 to play. Hall added two 3s of his own over the next few minutes, including one from the top of the key, which gave the Big 12 newcomers a 71-66 lead with 1:31 remaining.

The Cougars were able to hold on the rest of the way for another signature win in their first season in the Big 12.

BYU returns home to play TCU on Saturday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709090738114.png" alt="Kansas athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Dallin Hall and Jaxson Robinson scored 18 points apiece as BYU rallied from a 12-point deficit to beat seventh-ranked Kansas 76-68 on Tuesday night, ending the Jayhawks' 19-game home winning streak.The Cougars (20-8, 8-7 Big 12) took a 66-63 lead when Noah Waterman drained a 3-pointer with 2:43 left. Hunter Dickinson answered with a 3 for Kansas, but Robinson hit two free throws and Hall drained another 3, sending BYU to a win in its first trip to storied Allen Fieldhouse since December 1971.Dickinson had 17 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Jayhawks (21-7, 9-6), who were just 3 of 15 from 3-point range and 19 for 31 at the foul line. Dajuan Harris Jr. added 12 points, KJ Adams Jr. scored 11 and Johnny Furphy finished with 10.BYU won despite heavy foul trouble in part by going 13 of 34 from behind the 3-point arc.Already playing without Kevin McCullar Jr., who missed his fifth game with a bone bruise on his knee, the Jayhawks had a scare when Nick Timberlake landed hard after going up for a rebound. The thud echoed through Allen Fieldhouse, and Timberlake spent a couple of minutes in the locker room before eventually returning to the game.Foul trouble set in for BYU in the second half. Hall picked up his fourth with 17:39 to go, and Trevin Knell got his fourth — after a double-technical with Dickinson — just minutes later. But the Jayhawks were unable to take advantage, not only struggling at the foul line but going more than eight minutes without a field goal.BYU had another technical foul called on its bench with 7:50 left — and Harris made both of those free throws.That's when the Cougars suddenly began to rain 3-pointers, wiping away a 56-50 deficit and taking their first lead at 59-58 on two free throws by Hall with 4:50 to play. Hall added two 3s of his own over the next few minutes, including one from the top of the key, which gave the Big 12 newcomers a 71-66 lead with 1:31 remaining.The Cougars were able to hold on the rest of the way for another signature win in their first season in the Big 12.UP NEXTBYU returns home to play TCU on Saturday night.Kansas is at Baylor Saturday afternoon.

🏀 BYU ends No. 7 Kansas' 19-game home win streak

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Tylor Perry scored 29 points and made six 3-pointers, Cam Carter added 19 points and Kansas State let a 25-point lead slip away before beating West Virginia 94-90 in overtime on Monday night.

Kansas State (17-11, 7-8 Big 12 Conference) set an NCAA single-season record with its seventh overtime victory, extending Jerome Tang’s mark to 12-0 in his two seasons as coach. West Virginia (9-19, 6-9) remains winless on the road this season, going 0 for 8.

Kansas State built a six-point lead, 87-81, in overtime before RaeQuan Battle made West Virginia's first field goal of extra time with 1:48 left. Battle made another 3-pointer with 34 seconds left to get within 89-88.

Kansas State dribbled down the clock before Perry was fouled and made two free throws for a 91-88 lead with 15.4 seconds left. The Wildcats elected to foul before West Virginia could attempt a tying 3-pointer. Kerr Kriisa made two free throws with 12.3 to get within 91-90.

Perry made two free throws with 8.8 seconds left for a 93-90 lead. Battle was long on a 3-pointer at the other end and Kansas State got the ball back after an official review. Carter sealed it with a free throw.

Will McNair Jr. and Arthur Kaluma each added 13 points for Kansas State. The Wildcats entered making just 30.7% of their 3-point attempts and finished 15 of 31 (48.4%) against the Mountaineers.

Battle scored 28 points and made six 3-pointers, and Kriisa added 25 points and five 3-pointers for West Virginia. Jesse Edwards, averaging 14.6 points per game, was held to five points on 1-of-9 shooting.

Kansas State led 48-26 at halftime after making 11 of 19 from 3-point range, while West Virginia was just 11 of 33 overall. The Wildcats led by as many as 25 points, 66-41, in the second half.

Kriisa made his second 3-pointer during a 10-0 run with 2:13 left in regulation to give West Virginia a lead, 77-74, for the first time since it was 11-10. He added two free throws to make it 79-75.

McNair grabbed an offensive rebound and put it back to get Kansas State within 79-77. After Edwards missed two straight free throws for West Virginia, Perry was fouled on a baseline drive before making two at the stripe to tie it at 79-all with 15.5 left. Kriisa's contested jumper at the buzzer didn't hit the rim and Edwards wasn't able to get another shot off before the buzzer.

Kansas State completed the season sweep of West Virginia for the first time since 2019.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709000407108.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Tylor Perry scored 29 points and made six 3-pointers, Cam Carter added 19 points and Kansas State let a 25-point lead slip away before beating West Virginia 94-90 in overtime on Monday night.Kansas State (17-11, 7-8 Big 12 Conference) set an NCAA single-season record with its seventh overtime victory, extending Jerome Tang’s mark to 12-0 in his two seasons as coach. West Virginia (9-19, 6-9) remains winless on the road this season, going 0 for 8.Kansas State built a six-point lead, 87-81, in overtime before RaeQuan Battle made West Virginia's first field goal of extra time with 1:48 left. Battle made another 3-pointer with 34 seconds left to get within 89-88.Kansas State dribbled down the clock before Perry was fouled and made two free throws for a 91-88 lead with 15.4 seconds left. The Wildcats elected to foul before West Virginia could attempt a tying 3-pointer. Kerr Kriisa made two free throws with 12.3 to get within 91-90.Perry made two free throws with 8.8 seconds left for a 93-90 lead. Battle was long on a 3-pointer at the other end and Kansas State got the ball back after an official review. Carter sealed it with a free throw.Will McNair Jr. and Arthur Kaluma each added 13 points for Kansas State. The Wildcats entered making just 30.7% of their 3-point attempts and finished 15 of 31 (48.4%) against the Mountaineers.Battle scored 28 points and made six 3-pointers, and Kriisa added 25 points and five 3-pointers for West Virginia. Jesse Edwards, averaging 14.6 points per game, was held to five points on 1-of-9 shooting.Kansas State led 48-26 at halftime after making 11 of 19 from 3-point range, while West Virginia was just 11 of 33 overall. The Wildcats led by as many as 25 points, 66-41, in the second half.Kriisa made his second 3-pointer during a 10-0 run with 2:13 left in regulation to give West Virginia a lead, 77-74, for the first time since it was 11-10. He added two free throws to make it 79-75.McNair grabbed an offensive rebound and put it back to get Kansas State within 79-77. After Edwards missed two straight free throws for West Virginia, Perry was fouled on a baseline drive before making two at the stripe to tie it at 79-all with 15.5 left. Kriisa's contested jumper at the buzzer didn't hit the rim and Edwards wasn't able to get another shot off before the buzzer.Kansas State completed the season sweep of West Virginia for the first time since 2019.

🏀 K-State lets 25-point lead slip away before beating West Virginia in OT

Kansas Wesleyan Women's Basketball is the No. 4 seed in the KCAC Postseason Tournament and hosts No. 5 seeded Evangel on Wednesday night in the KCAC Quarterfinals at 7 p.m. at Mabee Arena.

WEDNESDAY'S GAME Opponent: Evangel Valor Time: 7 p.m. Location: Mabee Arena

Kansas Wesleyan Women's Basketball is the No. 4 seed in the KCAC Postseason Tournament and hosts No. 5 seeded Evangel on Wednesday night in the KCAC Quarterfinals at 7 p.m. at Mabee Arena.WEDNESDAY'S GAME Opponent: Evangel Valor Time: 7 p.m. Location: Mabee ArenaLIVE COVERAGE<ul>
 <li>The video stream of the game will be available online through the Coyote Sports Network at&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/496fa7f6-64e8-4a13-9916-baec295a8fc6?elinkdata=6141" target="_blank">www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan</a>.</li><li>Live Stats will be available at&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3999f102-9caf-4843-af38-153fef78bb32?elinkdata=6141" target="_blank">https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary</a></li><li>Radio coverage can be heard locally on KINA 910 AM/107.5 FM, and online at Salina Post. The online stream is also available at 910KINA.com. Tyler Henry and Brooks Garretson will have the call with pregame starting at 6:30.</li>
 </ul>TICKETS<ul>
 <li>Tickets for the KCAC tournament are on sale now at&nbsp;<a href="http://kcacsports.com/" target="_blank">kcacsports.com</a>&nbsp;--&gt;&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/03453b27-759d-4da2-a8b6-83352b52b014?elinkdata=6141" target="_blank">GET TICKETS HERE</a></li><li>This is a no pass event, per KCAC policy</li><li>All tickets must be purchased online, there will be no on-site ticket sales, KWU ticket staff will be available to help with ticket sales at the door, but there will be no cash sales</li>
 </ul>RECORDS<ul>
 <li>No. 4 seeded Kansas Wesleyan 16-12, 14-8 KCAC</li><li>No. 5 seeded Evangel 16-9, 14-8 KCAC</li>
 </ul>THE SERIES<ul>
 <li>The Coyotes defeated Evangel twice this season and are 4-0 against the Valor since 2011. KWU won 78-66 in overtime November 18 in Mabee Arena and 64-61 January 31 in Springfield, Missouri. The Coyotes' other victories were in November 2011 in Atchison and November 2021 in Salina.</li>
 </ul>KANSAS WESLEYAN AT A GLANCE<ul>
 <li>The Coyotes earned the fourth seed after defeating York 86-65 Saturday in Mabee Arena. They finished tied for fourth with Evangel in the final standings but gained the higher seed by virtue of winning both games against the Valor this season.</li><li>The winner advances to Saturday's semifinals against either top-seeded Tabor or eighth-seeded Bethel at the site of the higher seeded team. The championship game is scheduled for March 4 inside Hartman Arena in Park City.</li><li>Against York the Coyotes outscored the Panthers 34-18 in the fourth quarter thanks to a school-record 10 3-pointers. They also set a school record for most 3-point attempts in a game (42) and tied the record for most made 3s in a game (17).&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/35add6fe-a420-4b9b-afb3-fa858c88e8e7?elinkdata=6141" target="_blank">Jill Stephens</a>&nbsp;was 7 of 15 from beyond the arc on the night and made five in the final 10 minutes. Kortney Kaufman hit four 3s in the quarter.</li><li>Wesleyan outscored Evangel 15-3 in the overtime period in the first game this season. The Coyotes led 42-33 at halftime before the Valor rallied.&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/41d3c920-28e8-473f-8b44-9c223a929b4a?elinkdata=6141" target="_blank">LaMyah Ricks</a>&nbsp;had 26 points, Stephens 14, and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ede5ba01-3677-4a80-8bb5-4b97fb6b5221?elinkdata=6141" target="_blank">Angel Lee</a>&nbsp;13. Stephens scored nine points in the final 6:54, including the last five, in the second game in Springfield. Ricks had a team-high 16 points, Lee scored 13 and Stephens 11.</li><li>Stephens is the leading scorer (11.6 points) and rebounder (5.1) and is shooting 38 percent from deep (69 of 189). Ricks averages 11.3 points and 4.4 rebounds and Lee 9.8 points but has been on a tear of late, averaging 16.0 in the last five games.</li>
 </ul>EVANGEL AT A GLANCE<ul>
 <li>The Valor have won six of their last seven games including an 80-69 victory over Oklahoma Wesleyan on Saturday in Springfield. The loss was to Ottawa 72-65 February 21 in Ottawa and ended a five-game winning streak that began after the second setback against KWU.</li><li>Freshman post Kamie Jenkins leads the Valor in scoring (12.0) and rebounding (10.2). Sophomore guard Carson Dillard is next (11.5 points) then junior Micah Clayton (11.2 points and 6.2 rebounds).</li><li>Clayton scored 16 in the first game against KWU but was the only Valor to reach double figures. Jenkins had 15 points and nine rebounds and Kohnnar Patton 12 points off the bench in the second contest.</li><li>Evangel averages 70.6 points, allows 63 and has a whopping plus-9.9 rebounding advantage over the opposition. The Valor also average nearly 17 turnovers and shoot just 29 percent from long distance.</li>
 </ul>

KWU WBB hosts Evangel in KCAC Quarterfinals on KINA

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Hunter Dickinson scored 20 points, KJ Adams had 16 and No. 9 Kansas beat Texas 86-67 on Saturday night.

All five Kansas starters scored in double figures as Johnny Furphy contributed 16, Dajuan Harris had 14 and Nicolas Timberlake scored 13.

Kansas (21-6, 9-5 Big 12) separated midway through the first half with a 12-0 run to take a 28-15 lead which was highlighted by two jams. Furphy back cut on a defender and threw it down between two Longhorns which started the run.

Two minutes later, Timberlake leaped over Dylan Disu for an alley-oop slam from Harris on a two-on-one fast break. The crowd erupted and Kansas used that momentum to distance themselves and take a 45-25 lead at halftime.

The Jayhawks outscored Texas 52-34 in the paint, which led to Kansas shooting 32 of 52 or 62% from the field. Texas shot 26 of 62 or 42% from the field.

Texas (17-10, 6-8) was led by Tyrese Hunter and Dillon Mitchell with 12 points each.

The Jayhawks' Kevin McCullar Jr. missed the game due to a lingering knee injury. Before the game, Kansas coach Bill Self said he is considered “week to week.” He has missed four Big 12 games this season.

Texas: Poor shooting early haunted the Longhorns and they are now in a tie for ninth in the Big 12.

Kansas: Several dunks and a behind-the-back pass for a layup by Elmarko Jackson showcased an impressive first half from the Jayhawks. They showed that when they are hitting on all cylinders, they are as good as anyone in the country.

Texas: Travels to No. 23 Texas Tech on Tuesday night.

Kansas: Hosts No. 25 BYU on Tuesday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708824847902.png" alt="Photo Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Hunter Dickinson scored 20 points, KJ Adams had 16 and No. 9 Kansas beat Texas 86-67 on Saturday night.All five Kansas starters scored in double figures as Johnny Furphy contributed 16, Dajuan Harris had 14 and Nicolas Timberlake scored 13.Kansas (21-6, 9-5 Big 12) separated midway through the first half with a 12-0 run to take a 28-15 lead which was highlighted by two jams. Furphy back cut on a defender and threw it down between two Longhorns which started the run.Two minutes later, Timberlake leaped over Dylan Disu for an alley-oop slam from Harris on a two-on-one fast break. The crowd erupted and Kansas used that momentum to distance themselves and take a 45-25 lead at halftime.The Jayhawks outscored Texas 52-34 in the paint, which led to Kansas shooting 32 of 52 or 62% from the field. Texas shot 26 of 62 or 42% from the field.Texas (17-10, 6-8) was led by Tyrese Hunter and Dillon Mitchell with 12 points each.The Jayhawks' Kevin McCullar Jr. missed the game due to a lingering knee injury. Before the game, Kansas coach Bill Self said he is considered “week to week.” He has missed four Big 12 games this season.BIG PICTURETexas: Poor shooting early haunted the Longhorns and they are now in a tie for ninth in the Big 12.Kansas: Several dunks and a behind-the-back pass for a layup by Elmarko Jackson showcased an impressive first half from the Jayhawks. They showed that when they are hitting on all cylinders, they are as good as anyone in the country.UP NEXTTexas: Travels to No. 23 Texas Tech on Tuesday night.Kansas: Hosts No. 25 BYU on Tuesday night.

🏀 Dickinson scores 20 to lead Kansas past Texas

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Arthur Kaluma had a career-high 28 points and 10 rebounds as Kansas State beat No. 25 BYU 84-74 on Saturday.

Kaluma was one of five players to score in double-figure for Kansas State (15-11, 5-8 Big 12), which had lost seven of its last eight games. Tylor Perry scored 16 points, David N'Guessan and Cam Carter each had 12, and Will McNair 11.

Jaxson Robinson scored 15 points to lead BYU (19-7, 7-6), which has gone 3-3 in its last six games. Noah Waterman and Spencer Johnson each scored 12 points, and Foussey Traore added 10.

The Wildcats started the second half with a run to retake a double-digit lead. They built a 61-47 advantage with 12:47 left in the game and extended their lead to as many as 16 points before BYU tried to rally late.

Kansas State scored the first eight points of the game and led 12-2 with 16:44 left in the first half. Kansas State extended its lead to 16-4 before BYU used a 10-0 run to close the gap.

The Cougars managed to tie the game at 28 with 6:35 left in the half, but never took a lead. The Wildcats led 42-38 at the break, helped by Kaluma's 16 points and six rebounds. Perry added 10 points.

BYU was slowed by 40.8% (29 for 71) shooting overall, including 20% (6 for 30) from 3-point distance.

BYU: Like a lot of teams in the Big 12, BYU struggles on the road. The Cougars fell to 2-6 in conference road games.

Kansas State: Even with the victory, the Wildcats need a late-season run to earn a return to the NCAA Tournament.

Kansas State: Host West Virginia on Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708811476592.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Arthur Kaluma had a career-high 28 points and 10 rebounds as Kansas State beat No. 25 BYU 84-74 on Saturday.Kaluma was one of five players to score in double-figure for Kansas State (15-11, 5-8 Big 12), which had lost seven of its last eight games. Tylor Perry scored 16 points, David N'Guessan and Cam Carter each had 12, and Will McNair 11.Jaxson Robinson scored 15 points to lead BYU (19-7, 7-6), which has gone 3-3 in its last six games. Noah Waterman and Spencer Johnson each scored 12 points, and Foussey Traore added 10.The Wildcats started the second half with a run to retake a double-digit lead. They built a 61-47 advantage with 12:47 left in the game and extended their lead to as many as 16 points before BYU tried to rally late.Kansas State scored the first eight points of the game and led 12-2 with 16:44 left in the first half. Kansas State extended its lead to 16-4 before BYU used a 10-0 run to close the gap.The Cougars managed to tie the game at 28 with 6:35 left in the half, but never took a lead. The Wildcats led 42-38 at the break, helped by Kaluma's 16 points and six rebounds. Perry added 10 points.BYU was slowed by 40.8% (29 for 71) shooting overall, including 20% (6 for 30) from 3-point distance.THE TAKEAWAY:BYU: Like a lot of teams in the Big 12, BYU struggles on the road. The Cougars fell to 2-6 in conference road games.Kansas State: Even with the victory, the Wildcats need a late-season run to earn a return to the NCAA Tournament.UP NEXT:BYU: At No. 9 Kansas on Tuesday.Kansas State: Host West Virginia on Monday.___

🏀 Kaluma scores career-high 28 points, lifting K-State past BYU

(AP) — The bronze Jackie Robinson cleats that were left behind when a statue of the first player to break Major League Baseball’s color barrier was stolen from a Kansas park are being donated to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

Thieves cut the statue off at its ankles&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jackie-robinson-baseball-statue-stolen-beea370b17079ad30092affe6aaea3c1" target="_blank">last month,</a>&nbsp;leaving only the feet behind at McAdams Park in Wichita. About 600 children play there in a youth baseball league called League 42. It is named after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jackie-robinson" target="_blank">Robinson’</a>&nbsp;s uniform number with the Brooklyn Dodgers, with whom he broke the major leagues’ color barrier in 1947.

Bob Lutz, executive director of the Little League nonprofit that commissioned the sculpture, said the museum in Kansas City, Missouri, was “enthusiastic” about incorporating the cleats into its display on Robinson. 

The display also includes a damaged&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-travel-georgia-baseball-29523970d7e8dfeedd87aa468b614c49" target="_blank">plaque</a>&nbsp;honoring Robinson. The sign was erected in 2001 outside the birthplace of Robinson near Cairo, Georgia. Community members there discovered last year that someone had shot the plaque multiple times.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It’s kind of sad in its own way, that we’re building this little shrine of Jackie Robinson stuff that has been defaced or damaged,” said Bob Kendrick, the president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. “But it gives us an opportunity to speak to who he was, the characteristics and value of what he represented, even in the face of adversity. And that message really never goes out of style.”

Robinson played for the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues before joining the Brooklyn Dodgers, paving the way for generations of Black American ballplayers. He’s considered not only a sports legend but also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-entertainment-sports-los-angeles-baseball-d73b75a6965310bfd087c165e93dc0c6" target="_blank">a civil rights icon</a>. Robinson died in 1972.

Fire crews found burned remnants of his statue five days&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jackie-robinson-baseball-statue-stolen-45c08bbbd29322c05e6136a67f687459" target="_blank">after the theft</a>&nbsp;while responding to a trash can fire at another park about 7 miles (11.27 kilometers) away. One man was charged this month in the theft. Police said there was no evidence it was a hate-motivated crime, but rather the intent was to sell the metal for scrap.

Donations poured in after the theft, totaling around $300,000, Lutz said. The amount includes a $100,000 gift from Major League Baseball.

Lutz, whose friend, the artist John Parsons, made the statue before his death, said the mold is still viable and anticipated that a replacement can be erected within a matter of months. He estimated it would cost around $45,000 to replace the statue itself. While there also will be security and lighting expenses, that leaves lots of extra money that can be used to enhance some of the league’s programming and facilities, Lutz said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708748350654.png" alt="FILE - A bronze statue of legendary baseball pioneer Jackie Robinson was stolen from a park in Wichita, Kan., during the early morning hours of Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. The bronze Jackie Robinson cleats that were left behind when a statue of the first player to break Major League Baseball’s color barrier was stolen from a Kansas park are being donated to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. (Travis Heying/The Wichita Eagle via AP, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - A bronze statue of legendary baseball pioneer Jackie Robinson was stolen from a park in Wichita, Kan., during the early morning hours of Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. The bronze Jackie Robinson cleats that were left behind when a statue of the first player to break Major League Baseball’s color barrier was stolen from a Kansas park are being donated to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. (Travis Heying/The Wichita Eagle via AP, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>(AP) — The bronze Jackie Robinson cleats that were left behind when a statue of the first player to break Major League Baseball’s color barrier was stolen from a Kansas park are being donated to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.Thieves cut the statue off at its ankles&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jackie-robinson-baseball-statue-stolen-beea370b17079ad30092affe6aaea3c1" target="_blank">last month,</a>&nbsp;leaving only the feet behind at McAdams Park in Wichita. About 600 children play there in a youth baseball league called League 42. It is named after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jackie-robinson" target="_blank">Robinson’</a>&nbsp;s uniform number with the Brooklyn Dodgers, with whom he broke the major leagues’ color barrier in 1947.Bob Lutz, executive director of the Little League nonprofit that commissioned the sculpture, said the museum in Kansas City, Missouri, was “enthusiastic” about incorporating the cleats into its display on Robinson. The display also includes a damaged&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-travel-georgia-baseball-29523970d7e8dfeedd87aa468b614c49" target="_blank">plaque</a>&nbsp;honoring Robinson. The sign was erected in 2001 outside the birthplace of Robinson near Cairo, Georgia. Community members there discovered last year that someone had shot the plaque multiple times.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It’s kind of sad in its own way, that we’re building this little shrine of Jackie Robinson stuff that has been defaced or damaged,” said Bob Kendrick, the president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. “But it gives us an opportunity to speak to who he was, the characteristics and value of what he represented, even in the face of adversity. And that message really never goes out of style.”Robinson played for the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues before joining the Brooklyn Dodgers, paving the way for generations of Black American ballplayers. He’s considered not only a sports legend but also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-entertainment-sports-los-angeles-baseball-d73b75a6965310bfd087c165e93dc0c6" target="_blank">a civil rights icon</a>. Robinson died in 1972.Fire crews found burned remnants of his statue five days&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jackie-robinson-baseball-statue-stolen-45c08bbbd29322c05e6136a67f687459" target="_blank">after the theft</a>&nbsp;while responding to a trash can fire at another park about 7 miles (11.27 kilometers) away. One man was charged this month in the theft. Police said there was no evidence it was a hate-motivated crime, but rather the intent was to sell the metal for scrap.Donations poured in after the theft, totaling around $300,000, Lutz said. The amount includes a $100,000 gift from Major League Baseball.Lutz, whose friend, the artist John Parsons, made the statue before his death, said the mold is still viable and anticipated that a replacement can be erected within a matter of months. He estimated it would cost around $45,000 to replace the statue itself. While there also will be security and lighting expenses, that leaves lots of extra money that can be used to enhance some of the league’s programming and facilities, Lutz said.

⚾ Cleats left behind after Jackie Robinson statue was stolen to be donated to Negro League Museum

KANSAS CITY (AP0 —Eric Hosmer announced his retirement from baseball Wednesday following a 13-year career that included winning four Gold Gloves and helping lead Kansas City to victory in the 2015 World Series.

Hosmer, 34, was released by the Chicago Cubs on May 25 after hitting .234 with two home runs in 31 games. The first baseman decided not to pursue any other playing opportunities.

“You have to be 110% committed and doing what is necessary both physically and mentally to play at the major league level and I reached a point where I wasn’t there anymore,” Hosmer said. “I’m very satisfied with my career. I feel like I accomplished a lot, was around a lot of great people and have a lot of good stories to tell.”

Hosmer will begin telling those stories on air after partnering with former minor league teammate Anthony Seratelli to form MoonBall Media, which is launching a podcast called “Diggin’ Deep.” Hosmer will be one of the show’s hosts.

“Now that the playing days are over, I feel like I have so many fun stories that I want to give back,” Hosmer said.

Kansas City selected Hosmer third overall in the 2008 amateur draft and he made his major league debut three years later. He spent seven seasons with the Royals before signing an eight-year, $144 million contract with San Diego before the 2018 season.

Hosmer played five seasons for the Padres before being traded to Boston in 2022, then finishing up with the Cubs last year. He had a .276 career batting average and 198 home runs.

Hosmer was named the MVP in his lone All-Star Game appearance in 2016.

KANSAS CITY (AP0 —Eric Hosmer announced his retirement from baseball Wednesday following a 13-year career that included winning four Gold Gloves and helping lead Kansas City to victory in the 2015 World Series.Hosmer, 34, was released by the Chicago Cubs on May 25 after hitting .234 with two home runs in 31 games. The first baseman decided not to pursue any other playing opportunities.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Eric Hosmer has announced his retirement after 13 seasons, four Gold Glove Awards, a Silver Slugger Award, and a 2015 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldSeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldSeries</a> championship. <a href="https://t.co/QYvCj8us2I">pic.twitter.com/QYvCj8us2I</a>&mdash; MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1760344419004293567?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“You have to be 110% committed and doing what is necessary both physically and mentally to play at the major league level and I reached a point where I wasn’t there anymore,” Hosmer said. “I’m very satisfied with my career. I feel like I accomplished a lot, was around a lot of great people and have a lot of good stories to tell.”Hosmer will begin telling those stories on air after partnering with former minor league teammate Anthony Seratelli to form MoonBall Media, which is launching a podcast called “Diggin’ Deep.” Hosmer will be one of the show’s hosts.“Now that the playing days are over, I feel like I have so many fun stories that I want to give back,” Hosmer said.Kansas City selected Hosmer third overall in the 2008 amateur draft and he made his major league debut three years later. He spent seven seasons with the Royals before signing an eight-year, $144 million contract with San Diego before the 2018 season.Hosmer played five seasons for the Padres before being traded to Boston in 2022, then finishing up with the Cubs last year. He had a .276 career batting average and 198 home runs.Hosmer was named the MVP in his lone All-Star Game appearance in 2016.

⚾ Eric Hosmer retires from baseball following 13-year career, World Series title

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Max Abmas became the 12th player in men's Division I history to reach 3,000 career points and Texas held off Kansas State 62-56 on Monday night.

Abmas, a graduate transfer who played his first four seasons for Oral Roberts University, entered play needing six points to reach the milestone. He finished with eight and has scored 450 points for the Longhorns (17-9, 6-7 Big 12 Conference) this season.

Dylan Disu finished with a game-high 20 points for Texas. He made 5 of 11 shots from the floor and 10 of his 11 free throws, adding eight rebounds and three steals. Tyrese Hunter had nine points and seven boards. Dillon Mitchell totaled eight points and 10 rebounds with a pair of blocked shots.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Max Abmas became the 12th player in men's Division I history to reach 3,000 career points and Texas held off Kansas State 62-56 on Monday night.Abmas, a graduate transfer who played his first four seasons for Oral Roberts University, entered play needing six points to reach the milestone. He finished with eight and has scored 450 points for the Longhorns (17-9, 6-7 Big 12 Conference) this season.Dylan Disu finished with a game-high 20 points for Texas. He made 5 of 11 shots from the floor and 10 of his 11 free throws, adding eight rebounds and three steals. Tyrese Hunter had nine points and seven boards. Dillon Mitchell totaled eight points and 10 rebounds with a pair of blocked shots.Arthur Kaluma paced the Wildcats (15-11, 5-8) with 15 points and seven rebounds. Tylor Perry added 13 points and four assists, but he also had six of K-State's 13 turnovers. David N'Guessan pitched in with 12 points and seven rebounds.Disu had eight points, Mitchell scored six and the pair combined for half of Texas' 22 rebounds as the Longhorns took a 27-22 advantage into halftime. N'Guessan had seven points to keep Kansas State close.Both teams struggled to 32.3% shooting in the first half. That included Texas missing 10 of 12 attempts from 3-point range and the Wildcats misfiring on 9 of 10. The Longhorns were 5 for 7 at the free-throw line, while K-State made 1 of 4.Abmas reached the milestone on a jumper with 14:04 remaining in the second half, giving Texas a 35-31 lead. Ithiel Horton followed with a 3-pointer and Hunter's layup capped a 7-0 run as the Longhorns moved in front 40-31.Kansas State closed within 48-42 on a layup by N'Guessan with five minutes left. Texas pushed its lead to 12 — its largest of the game — but Kaluma had a four-point play and Will McNair added a layup to get the Wildcats within 54-48 with 2:12 left to play.Cam Carter hit two free throws with 50 seconds remaining to cut K-State's deficit to 56-52, but Disu sank four foul shots in a row to seal it.