By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

After a disappointing 4-17 season, the Wabaunsee girl’s basketball team will look to flip the script ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

Head coach Trevor Keller returns for his fifth season at the helm to lead the Lady Chargers.

This year’s Wabaunsee squad will return several veteran pieces, including three starters from last year, culminating in a rotation that should look like this come tip-off.

G- Karli Meseke (Sr) G- Taryn Maike (Sr) G Harley Ridder (Jr)&nbsp; G Reese Michaelis (So) G/F Alexus Ford (Sr)&nbsp; F- Kaci Meseke (Sr)

The Lady Chargers will also receive some reinforcements in the form of the freshmen trio of Grace Zeller, Talen Orton, and Edan Perrin.

Ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, we had a chance to catch up with Coach Keller and get his thoughts on this year’s squad.

Q: When you had a chance to look back on it, what were your overall thoughts on last season?

A: Inconsistency. We had several games throughout the year where we were good and several where weren’t up to the standard of what we expect. With how good our league is, if you don’t have your "A" game each night it will be rough and unfortunately we had some of those.

Q: Entering this year, what would you say are the biggest known strengths of your team?

A: Depth. We return a lot of girls who received quality minutes last season. Along with our strong incoming freshman class, I am excited about the potential of our team this season.

Q: What are the biggest looming questions or challenges that you’ll look to sort out in these first few weeks?

A: With our depth and competition for minutes, I’m excited to see who separates themselves and earns playing time in the rotation. We have the ability to mix and match different lineups so seeing which ones work better is something we are hoping to answer.

Q: What are the biggest goals and expectations for this group heading into the new season?

A: &nbsp;Playing our brand of basketball each night and being more consistent will help us accomplish our goals. Every day at the end of practice we break it down with the goal and expectation of going to state, so with everyone’s continued effort and hard work, we are hoping we will be in Dodge City come March.

The Lady Chargers open their season in Alma with a home game against Manhattan Chief on Tuesday, December 5th.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostAfter a disappointing 4-17 season, the Wabaunsee girl’s basketball team will look to flip the script ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.Head coach Trevor Keller returns for his fifth season at the helm to lead the Lady Chargers.This year’s Wabaunsee squad will return several veteran pieces, including three starters from last year, culminating in a rotation that should look like this come tip-off.G- Karli Meseke (Sr) G- Taryn Maike (Sr) G Harley Ridder (Jr)&nbsp; G Reese Michaelis (So) G/F Alexus Ford (Sr)&nbsp; F- Kaci Meseke (Sr)The Lady Chargers will also receive some reinforcements in the form of the freshmen trio of Grace Zeller, Talen Orton, and Edan Perrin.Ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, we had a chance to catch up with Coach Keller and get his thoughts on this year’s squad.Q: When you had a chance to look back on it, what were your overall thoughts on last season?A: Inconsistency. We had several games throughout the year where we were good and several where weren’t up to the standard of what we expect. With how good our league is, if you don’t have your "A" game each night it will be rough and unfortunately we had some of those.Q: Entering this year, what would you say are the biggest known strengths of your team?A: Depth. We return a lot of girls who received quality minutes last season. Along with our strong incoming freshman class, I am excited about the potential of our team this season.Q: What are the biggest looming questions or challenges that you’ll look to sort out in these first few weeks?A: With our depth and competition for minutes, I’m excited to see who separates themselves and earns playing time in the rotation. We have the ability to mix and match different lineups so seeing which ones work better is something we are hoping to answer.Q: What are the biggest goals and expectations for this group heading into the new season?A: &nbsp;Playing our brand of basketball each night and being more consistent will help us accomplish our goals. Every day at the end of practice we break it down with the goal and expectation of going to state, so with everyone’s continued effort and hard work, we are hoping we will be in Dodge City come March.The Lady Chargers open their season in Alma with a home game against Manhattan Chief on Tuesday, December 5th.

2023-24 Preseason Profile: Wabaunsee Girls Basketball

After a season that saw them flip their record from 9-13 to 13-9, the Rock Creek boys basketball team will look to take another step forward in 2023-24.

Justin Smith returns to the helm for his second year as head coach of the Mustangs in St. George.

Despite graduating several key players a season ago, this year’s Rock Creek squad remains loaded with both talent and experience, with a starting five that should look like this come tip-off.

G- Daegan Vinduska (Sr) G- Coley Burgess (Jr) G- Ryker Zoeller (Jr) F- Brady Schneider (Sr) F- Gavin Rosa (Jr)

The Mustangs will also look to the bench for key rotational minutes from returning seniors David Wilkinson and Payton McCarn, junior Donovan Debita, and sophomore Gavin Rosa who will be joined by a trio of newcomers in Eli Bell, Peter Martinie, and Karson Toburen.

Ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, we had a chance to catch up with Coach Smith and get his thoughts on this year’s squad.

A: There were some good moments and bad, just like every season.&nbsp; I was pleased that we had an opportunity to compete for a spot in the state tournament but I wasn't happy with the way we played in the sub-state championship game.&nbsp; Overall I was happy with the growth with the program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A: We are way longer than we were a year ago with the size that we have.&nbsp; Another strength is the depth we have with 8 guys that played varsity last year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A: The biggest question that we have is if guys are going to be willing to fill the roles that we need them to fill.&nbsp; We have a lot of talented kids but we need kids to not be concerned with how much playing time or shots they get, but the overall needs of the team.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A: The goals of this team are to compete and get better every night. If we do that then we will be able to compete for the overall goals that we have for our team which are to compete for a league title, substate championship, and state championship.&nbsp;

The Mustangs open their season in St. George with a home game against Clay Center this Friday.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostAfter a season that saw them flip their record from 9-13 to 13-9, the Rock Creek boys basketball team will look to take another step forward in 2023-24.Justin Smith returns to the helm for his second year as head coach of the Mustangs in St. George.Despite graduating several key players a season ago, this year’s Rock Creek squad remains loaded with both talent and experience, with a starting five that should look like this come tip-off.G- Daegan Vinduska (Sr) G- Coley Burgess (Jr) G- Ryker Zoeller (Jr) F- Brady Schneider (Sr) F- Gavin Rosa (Jr)The Mustangs will also look to the bench for key rotational minutes from returning seniors David Wilkinson and Payton McCarn, junior Donovan Debita, and sophomore Gavin Rosa who will be joined by a trio of newcomers in Eli Bell, Peter Martinie, and Karson Toburen.Ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, we had a chance to catch up with Coach Smith and get his thoughts on this year’s squad.Q: When you had a chance to look back on it, what were your overall thoughts on last season?A: There were some good moments and bad, just like every season.&nbsp; I was pleased that we had an opportunity to compete for a spot in the state tournament but I wasn't happy with the way we played in the sub-state championship game.&nbsp; Overall I was happy with the growth with the program.&nbsp;&nbsp;Q: Entering this year, what would you say are the biggest known strengths of your team?A: We are way longer than we were a year ago with the size that we have.&nbsp; Another strength is the depth we have with 8 guys that played varsity last year.&nbsp;&nbsp;Q: What are the biggest looming questions or challenges that you’ll look to sort out in these first few weeks?A: The biggest question that we have is if guys are going to be willing to fill the roles that we need them to fill.&nbsp; We have a lot of talented kids but we need kids to not be concerned with how much playing time or shots they get, but the overall needs of the team.&nbsp;&nbsp;Q: What are the biggest goals and expectations for this group heading into the new season?A: The goals of this team are to compete and get better every night. If we do that then we will be able to compete for the overall goals that we have for our team which are to compete for a league title, substate championship, and state championship.&nbsp;The Mustangs open their season in St. George with a home game against Clay Center this Friday.

2023-24 Preseason Profile: Rock Creek Boys Basketball

Following yet another 20-win season, the Wamego girl’s basketball team will look to restock and run it back ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

Lady Raider head coach Brian McIntosh returns for a seventh season at the helm with an overall record of 92-40.

Despite losing several key veterans to graduation, Wamego does return a core of starters who will anchor a lineup that should look like this come tip-off.

G- Rylie Meinhardt (Sr) G- Sara Springer (Sr) G- Lexi Hecht (S0) F- Isabella Wilber (Jr)

In addition to the usual suspects, the Raiders will look for big rotational minutes and for a fifth starter from a group that includes Grier Panzer, Sariah Pittenger-Reed, Amber Kinsley, Dallas Frazier-Brown, and Leah Winter

Ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, we had a chance to catch up with Coach McIntosh and get his thoughts on this year’s squad.

A: We had an incredible season and were dominant in most games. It was unfortunate that it ended the way it did but I'm extremely pleased with how our girls competed and conducted themselves. We had a special group of seniors that left a powerful legacy for our younger girls to follow.&nbsp;

A: They know what it takes to be one of the best teams in the state and they understand the work that goes into every practice and that your focus has to be in the present. They know that if you look too far ahead, you will stumble. I've been impressed with their focus on continuous improvement up to this point.&nbsp;

A: We have kids who are stepping into different and more intense roles on the team and it will take them some time to get acclimated, but we are confident it will happen sooner than later.&nbsp;

A: This group has high expectations and they understand what it takes to be one of the best teams in the league and the state. We will have some adversity, but it's all part of the process. We also have a very young team, so it will be even more important to focus on taking things one day at a time.&nbsp;

The Lady Raiders open their season with a road game against Topeka High this Friday.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostFollowing yet another 20-win season, the Wamego girl’s basketball team will look to restock and run it back ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.Lady Raider head coach Brian McIntosh returns for a seventh season at the helm with an overall record of 92-40.Despite losing several key veterans to graduation, Wamego does return a core of starters who will anchor a lineup that should look like this come tip-off.G- Rylie Meinhardt (Sr) G- Sara Springer (Sr) G- Lexi Hecht (S0) F- Isabella Wilber (Jr)In addition to the usual suspects, the Raiders will look for big rotational minutes and for a fifth starter from a group that includes Grier Panzer, Sariah Pittenger-Reed, Amber Kinsley, Dallas Frazier-Brown, and Leah WinterAhead of the 2023-24 campaign, we had a chance to catch up with Coach McIntosh and get his thoughts on this year’s squad.Q: When you had a chance to look back on it, what were your overall thoughts on last season?A: We had an incredible season and were dominant in most games. It was unfortunate that it ended the way it did but I'm extremely pleased with how our girls competed and conducted themselves. We had a special group of seniors that left a powerful legacy for our younger girls to follow.&nbsp;Q: Entering this year, what would you say are the biggest known strengths of your team?A: They know what it takes to be one of the best teams in the state and they understand the work that goes into every practice and that your focus has to be in the present. They know that if you look too far ahead, you will stumble. I've been impressed with their focus on continuous improvement up to this point.&nbsp;Q: What are the biggest looming questions or challenges that you’ll look to sort out in these first few weeks?A: We have kids who are stepping into different and more intense roles on the team and it will take them some time to get acclimated, but we are confident it will happen sooner than later.&nbsp;Q: What are the biggest goals and expectations for this group heading into the new season?A: This group has high expectations and they understand what it takes to be one of the best teams in the league and the state. We will have some adversity, but it's all part of the process. We also have a very young team, so it will be even more important to focus on taking things one day at a time.&nbsp;The Lady Raiders open their season with a road game against Topeka High this Friday.

2023-24 Preseason Profile: Wamego Girls Basketball

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Tylor Perry and reserve Arthur Kaluma each scored 20 points and Cam Carter recorded his first double-double and Kansas State pulled away in overtime to beat Oral Roberts 88-78 on Tuesday night.

Carter had 19 points and 10 rebounds and Darrin Ames and Will McNair Jr. each scored 11 points for the Wildcats (5-2) who won their second game in overtime this season. The Wildcats are 7-0 in extra session games under second-year coach Jerome Tang.

Issac McBride scored 25 points and Jailen Bedford 23 for Oral Roberts (2-4).

Bedford's 3-pointer with 3:10 left in overtime marked the Golden Eagles last lead — and final points — at 78-76. The Wildcats closed the game on a 12-0 run shooting 8 for 9 from the foul line, one of which came off a three-point play by Kaluma.

From a nice bounce pass via driving Kareem Thompson, McBride threw down a dunk with 1.5 seconds left in regulation to tie the score at 72. Off the inbounds following a series of timeouts, Perry's long-distance heave rimmed out as time expired.

McBride made a pair of foul shots with 43 seconds left after getting fouled on a layup attempt to reduce Oral Roberts' deficit to 72-70. The Wildcats broke a tie at 68 when Perry made a 4-point play with 1:02 left after McBride fouled him on his 3-point make.

Kansas State hosts North Alabama on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701256382339.jpeg" alt="Kansas State's Tylor Perry shoots the ball during the second half of an NCAA basketball game against Oral Roberts on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 in Manhattan, Kan. (Kansas State Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State's Tylor Perry shoots the ball during the second half of an NCAA basketball game against Oral Roberts on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 in Manhattan, Kan. (Kansas State Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Tylor Perry and reserve Arthur Kaluma each scored 20 points and Cam Carter recorded his first double-double and Kansas State pulled away in overtime to beat Oral Roberts 88-78 on Tuesday night.Carter had 19 points and 10 rebounds and Darrin Ames and Will McNair Jr. each scored 11 points for the Wildcats (5-2) who won their second game in overtime this season. The Wildcats are 7-0 in extra session games under second-year coach Jerome Tang.Issac McBride scored 25 points and Jailen Bedford 23 for Oral Roberts (2-4).Bedford's 3-pointer with 3:10 left in overtime marked the Golden Eagles last lead — and final points — at 78-76. The Wildcats closed the game on a 12-0 run shooting 8 for 9 from the foul line, one of which came off a three-point play by Kaluma.From a nice bounce pass via driving Kareem Thompson, McBride threw down a dunk with 1.5 seconds left in regulation to tie the score at 72. Off the inbounds following a series of timeouts, Perry's long-distance heave rimmed out as time expired.McBride made a pair of foul shots with 43 seconds left after getting fouled on a layup attempt to reduce Oral Roberts' deficit to 72-70. The Wildcats broke a tie at 68 when Perry made a 4-point play with 1:02 left after McBride fouled him on his 3-point make.Oral Roberts hosts Tulsa on Saturday.Kansas State hosts North Alabama on Saturday.

Kansas State uses overtime to pull away from Oral Roberts 

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Perhaps fifth-ranked Kansas was feeling a little bit jet-lagged. Or wished it was still in paradise.

Maybe the Jayhawks were looking ahead to a showdown with fourth-ranked UConn.

Whatever the reason, the team picked by many to contend for the NCAA title found itself in a one-point game with Eastern Illinois in the closing minutes Tuesday night. It took some big plays by Hunter Dickinson and Kevin McCullar Jr. down the stretch, and some crucial plays at the defensive end, for the Jayhawks to escape with a 71-63 victory.

“I do not think ‘trap game’ is fair, because that's not giving Eastern Illinois enough credit for playing well, but it was not the ideal game to play in the moment we played it," Jayhawks coach Bill Self said. “I knew going into the game that his game was going to be a harder game than people thought.”

Dickinson finished with 25 points and 13 rebounds, and McCullar overcame a tough shooting night to score 18, but they got little help. The Jayhawks (6-1) were outrebounded by the Panthers and were just 9 of 22 from the 3-point line in their first game back from the Maui Invitational — and with the defending champion Huskies due in Allen Fieldhouse on Friday night.

“The matchup Friday is going to be a big one,” McCullar admitted. “We're going to learn from this.”

Tiger Booker led Eastern Illinois (3-5) with 20 points. Naykel Shelton and Kooper Jacobi scored 14 apiece.

“They’re smart, they know what they are doing, and we just didn’t have an answer for it,” Eastern Illinois coach Marty Simmons said.

The Jayhawks lost for the first time this season last week in Maui, when No. 3 Marquette controlled them most of the way in the semifinals, but they bounced back to beat No. 10 Tennessee in the third-place game.

They looked jetlagged against the Panthers on Tuesday night.

Eastern Illinois, which played Division III Eureka College its last time out, held the mighty Jayhawks to just one field goal over a five-minute stretch of the first half. The Panthers were still within 38-25 at halftime, thanks in part to Shelton's buzzer-beating 3-pointer, then used a 15-4 run out of the locker room to get within 42-40 with 15 minutes to go.

“They got a couple easy ones and the basket started getting bigger for them,” said Dickinson, who had 18 of the Jayhawks' first 46 points. “We just did a bad job of letting them get comfortable out there.”

Every time Kansas tried to get the home crowd into it, Eastern Illinois answered, and the Panthers surely began thinking about their first win over a Top 25 foe in 24 tries when they closed to within 59-58 five minutes left in the game.

Dickinson came to the rescue again, scoring in the post a few minutes later to make it 66-61. And after the teams traded empty possessions, Dajuan Harris Jr. got a steal, threw ahead to McCullar and his dunk essentially put the game away.

“What it gave us was a win,” Self said, when asked what his team gained from Tuesday night. “And it gave us a chance to stress and sweat, which is going to happen a ton this year. So it was probably good in that regard.”

Eastern Illinois will have another chance to knock off a Big 12 foe when it plays Iowa State in late December.

Kansas had not played in Allen Fieldhouse since beating Manhattan on Nov. 10. Now, the Jayhawks won't leave until they visit Indiana on Dec. 16. Along with UConn, they have games coming up against Kansas City and bitter rival Missouri.

Eastern Illinois plays University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, an NAIA school, on Saturday.

Kansas welcomes the Huskies on Friday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701256180260.png" alt="Hunter&nbsp;Dickinson finished with 25 points and 13 rebounds-photo KU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Hunter&nbsp;Dickinson finished with 25 points and 13 rebounds-photo KU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Perhaps fifth-ranked Kansas was feeling a little bit jet-lagged. Or wished it was still in paradise.Maybe the Jayhawks were looking ahead to a showdown with fourth-ranked UConn.Whatever the reason, the team picked by many to contend for the NCAA title found itself in a one-point game with Eastern Illinois in the closing minutes Tuesday night. It took some big plays by Hunter Dickinson and Kevin McCullar Jr. down the stretch, and some crucial plays at the defensive end, for the Jayhawks to escape with a 71-63 victory.“I do not think ‘trap game’ is fair, because that's not giving Eastern Illinois enough credit for playing well, but it was not the ideal game to play in the moment we played it," Jayhawks coach Bill Self said. “I knew going into the game that his game was going to be a harder game than people thought.”Dickinson finished with 25 points and 13 rebounds, and McCullar overcame a tough shooting night to score 18, but they got little help. The Jayhawks (6-1) were outrebounded by the Panthers and were just 9 of 22 from the 3-point line in their first game back from the Maui Invitational — and with the defending champion Huskies due in Allen Fieldhouse on Friday night.“The matchup Friday is going to be a big one,” McCullar admitted. “We're going to learn from this.”Tiger Booker led Eastern Illinois (3-5) with 20 points. Naykel Shelton and Kooper Jacobi scored 14 apiece.“They’re smart, they know what they are doing, and we just didn’t have an answer for it,” Eastern Illinois coach Marty Simmons said.The Jayhawks lost for the first time this season last week in Maui, when No. 3 Marquette controlled them most of the way in the semifinals, but they bounced back to beat No. 10 Tennessee in the third-place game.They looked jetlagged against the Panthers on Tuesday night.Eastern Illinois, which played Division III Eureka College its last time out, held the mighty Jayhawks to just one field goal over a five-minute stretch of the first half. The Panthers were still within 38-25 at halftime, thanks in part to Shelton's buzzer-beating 3-pointer, then used a 15-4 run out of the locker room to get within 42-40 with 15 minutes to go.“They got a couple easy ones and the basket started getting bigger for them,” said Dickinson, who had 18 of the Jayhawks' first 46 points. “We just did a bad job of letting them get comfortable out there.”Every time Kansas tried to get the home crowd into it, Eastern Illinois answered, and the Panthers surely began thinking about their first win over a Top 25 foe in 24 tries when they closed to within 59-58 five minutes left in the game.Dickinson came to the rescue again, scoring in the post a few minutes later to make it 66-61. And after the teams traded empty possessions, Dajuan Harris Jr. got a steal, threw ahead to McCullar and his dunk essentially put the game away.“What it gave us was a win,” Self said, when asked what his team gained from Tuesday night. “And it gave us a chance to stress and sweat, which is going to happen a ton this year. So it was probably good in that regard.”BIG PICTUREEastern Illinois will have another chance to knock off a Big 12 foe when it plays Iowa State in late December.Kansas had not played in Allen Fieldhouse since beating Manhattan on Nov. 10. Now, the Jayhawks won't leave until they visit Indiana on Dec. 16. Along with UConn, they have games coming up against Kansas City and bitter rival Missouri.UP NEXTEastern Illinois plays University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, an NAIA school, on Saturday.Kansas welcomes the Huskies on Friday night.

Dickinson has 25 points as Kansas tops Eastern Illinois

MANHATTAN (AP)—Kansas State quarterback Will Howard, who led the Wildcats to the Big 12 title last season and another bowl game this season, joined Wildcats running back Treshaun Ward among a rush of players into college football's transfer portal Monday.

Most teams wrapped up regular seasons this past weekend, leading some to declare their intent to transfer. Howard and Ward are among those who are graduate transfers, meaning they could enter the portal and become immediately eligible, while players who have yet to graduate must wait until Dec. 4 to make their announcements official.

Howard emerged as the Wildcats' starter last year after injuries to Adrian Martinez, and he led them to an upset of eventual national runner-up TCU in the Big 12 title game. Howard was the clearcut starter entering this season, though he was pushed at times by freshman Avery Johnson, and threw for 2,643 yards with 24 touchdown passes and eight interceptions.

Howard, who will have one year of eligibility left, had tears in his eyes as he walked off the field after his final game at Kansas State on Saturday. He accounted for two touchdowns in a 42-35&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cyclones-wildcats-iowa-kansas-state-football-score-4068afa45a02f5a0cb82d58ebd31834f">loss to Iowa State</a>&nbsp;in a game played in heavy snow.

In a social media post, Howard thanked Kansas State coach Chris Klieman, his teammates and the Wildcats' fanbase before concluding: "I'm looking forward to this next chapter in my life and in the possibilities that lie ahead."

His departure means that Johnson, one of the nation's best dual-threat quarterbacks coming out of high school, will likely start for the Wildcats (8-4, 6-3 Big 12) in their bowl game. Johnson threw for 301 yards and three touchdowns but may be even more dangerous on the ground — he took over for Howard against Texas Tech and ran for five TDs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-state-texas-tech-college-football-f65bd758f60040e9c28ffd20d115bbaa">in a 38-21 victory</a>.

Ward, who arrived at Kansas State from Florida State, is transferring again after ceding playing time to D.J. Giddens throughout the season. He ran for 643 yards and five touchdowns while adding two touchdown receptions.

Another veteran QB hitting the portal Monday was Mississippi State's Will Rogers, who threw for 12,315 yards in four seasons with the Bulldogs; three of those seasons came while he was running the late coach Mike Leach's Air Raid offense.

Rogers posted on social media before a season-ending loss to Ole Miss in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ole-miss-mississippi-state-football-score-e7e9ba75b9363538cd556472888dbed3">Battle for the Golden Egg</a>&nbsp;that he would transfer.

Notre Dame wide receiver and running back Chris Tyree, along with offensive lineman Zeke Correll, also entered the portal. Each of them have played at least 40 games for the Fighting Irish.

MANHATTAN (AP)—Kansas State quarterback Will Howard, who led the Wildcats to the Big 12 title last season and another bowl game this season, joined Wildcats running back Treshaun Ward among a rush of players into college football's transfer portal Monday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you Wildcat Nation. For everything 💜 <a href="https://t.co/C9SSz8xtAJ">pic.twitter.com/C9SSz8xtAJ</a>&mdash; Will Howard (@whoward_) <a href="https://twitter.com/whoward_/status/1729274240803754219?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Most teams wrapped up regular seasons this past weekend, leading some to declare their intent to transfer. Howard and Ward are among those who are graduate transfers, meaning they could enter the portal and become immediately eligible, while players who have yet to graduate must wait until Dec. 4 to make their announcements official.Howard emerged as the Wildcats' starter last year after injuries to Adrian Martinez, and he led them to an upset of eventual national runner-up TCU in the Big 12 title game. Howard was the clearcut starter entering this season, though he was pushed at times by freshman Avery Johnson, and threw for 2,643 yards with 24 touchdown passes and eight interceptions.Howard, who will have one year of eligibility left, had tears in his eyes as he walked off the field after his final game at Kansas State on Saturday. He accounted for two touchdowns in a 42-35&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cyclones-wildcats-iowa-kansas-state-football-score-4068afa45a02f5a0cb82d58ebd31834f">loss to Iowa State</a>&nbsp;in a game played in heavy snow.In a social media post, Howard thanked Kansas State coach Chris Klieman, his teammates and the Wildcats' fanbase before concluding: "I'm looking forward to this next chapter in my life and in the possibilities that lie ahead."His departure means that Johnson, one of the nation's best dual-threat quarterbacks coming out of high school, will likely start for the Wildcats (8-4, 6-3 Big 12) in their bowl game. Johnson threw for 301 yards and three touchdowns but may be even more dangerous on the ground — he took over for Howard against Texas Tech and ran for five TDs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-state-texas-tech-college-football-f65bd758f60040e9c28ffd20d115bbaa">in a 38-21 victory</a>.Ward, who arrived at Kansas State from Florida State, is transferring again after ceding playing time to D.J. Giddens throughout the season. He ran for 643 yards and five touchdowns while adding two touchdown receptions.Another veteran QB hitting the portal Monday was Mississippi State's Will Rogers, who threw for 12,315 yards in four seasons with the Bulldogs; three of those seasons came while he was running the late coach Mike Leach's Air Raid offense.Rogers posted on social media before a season-ending loss to Ole Miss in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ole-miss-mississippi-state-football-score-e7e9ba75b9363538cd556472888dbed3">Battle for the Golden Egg</a>&nbsp;that he would transfer.Notre Dame wide receiver and running back Chris Tyree, along with offensive lineman Zeke Correll, also entered the portal. Each of them have played at least 40 games for the Fighting Irish.

K-State QB Will Howard enters transfer portal

ESTERO, Fla. (AP) — Just when it seemed like Kansas State might beat Iowa for the third time in a little over 12 months, Caitlin Clark found herself remembering one of coach Lisa Bluder's mantras.

“She always says, ‘Find a way,’” Clark said.

That's what she and the Hawkeyes did — to win a title, and finally beat the Wildcats.

Clark scored 32 points, and No. 5 Iowa survived wasting a pair of double-digit leads before rallying to finally beat No. 16 Kansas State 77-70 in the championship game of the Gulf Coast Showcase on Sunday night.

“We just responded and stayed together,” Clark said.

Clark made seven 3-pointers, the last coming with 47 seconds left, to help ensure the Hawkeyes (7-1) would win and avenge a Nov. 16 loss to Kansas State. The Wildcats also beat Iowa last season.

Molly Davis added 13, while Kate Martin had 11 points and 10 rebounds for Iowa.

“We've come back on them twice before,” Kansas State coach Jeff Mittie said. “We've won the last four minutes of the game the two previous games. Didn’t do it today.”

Serena Sundell and Ayoka Lee each scored 18 for Kansas State (6-1), and Zyanna Walker finished with 11. The Wildcats got themselves into a 13-point hole early, then trailed by 11 in the second half.

Both times, they rallied. Sundell threw up a beat-the-clock prayer that bounced in to end the third quarter, and Kansas State — fueled by holding Iowa to a 1-for-11 stretch from the floor — went on a 14-2 run and took the lead back on Gisela Sanchez's three-point play with 2:44 remaining.

Martin then hit a layup to put Iowa back on top, and Clark scored Iowa's next seven points.

Things got a bit heated in the second half, when Bluder was arguing for what she thought were missed three-second calls. She was exchanging words with officials, and said Mittie then directed some her way.

“I’ve never had a coach yell at me from the sideline ever in my entire career," Bluder said. “I'm talking to the official, I'm not talking to him.”

Clark moved another spot — her fifth in three days — up the Division I all-time scoring list. She passed Appalachian State's Valorie Whiteside (2,944) for 16th and has moved up 21 spots since the start of the season. Now at 2,954, she's within 573 points of Kelsey Plum's record of 3,527.

Iowa: Clark's sixth field goal gave her 964 in her career, one more than Syracuse's Dyaisha Fair for the lead among all active women's college players. She finished with 12, for 970 total. Clark is now the active leader — among all divisions — in points, scoring average, field goals made, 3-pointers made and attempted, free throws made and attempted, assists, assist average and triple-doubles.

Kansas State: The Wildcats held Iowa to a 2-for-21 effort from 3-point range in their first meeting this month. The Hawkeyes were 12 for 32 from 3 on Sunday. Another big difference was free throws — Iowa was 11 for 16, Kansas State just 4 for 11.

Iowa will likely remain in the top 5 of the AP Top 25 for the sixth consecutive week, which would be the third-longest streak in school history.

Kansas State should remain ranked for the second straight week. The Wildcats hadn't made back-to-back appearances since Jan. 24 and 31, 2022 — and haven't been in three straight polls since the final three of the 2016-17 season.

Kansas State: Hosts Jackson State on Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701085967753.jpeg" alt="Caitlin Clark fires one up from the three point line during the final game of the NCAA college basketball Gulf Coast Showcase, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, in Estero, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris Tilley)" />
 <figcaption>Caitlin Clark fires one up from the three point line during the final game of the NCAA college basketball Gulf Coast Showcase, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, in Estero, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris Tilley)</figcaption>
 </figure>ESTERO, Fla. (AP) — Just when it seemed like Kansas State might beat Iowa for the third time in a little over 12 months, Caitlin Clark found herself remembering one of coach Lisa Bluder's mantras.“She always says, ‘Find a way,’” Clark said.That's what she and the Hawkeyes did — to win a title, and finally beat the Wildcats.Clark scored 32 points, and No. 5 Iowa survived wasting a pair of double-digit leads before rallying to finally beat No. 16 Kansas State 77-70 in the championship game of the Gulf Coast Showcase on Sunday night.Iowa finished the game on a 10-2 run.“We just responded and stayed together,” Clark said.Clark made seven 3-pointers, the last coming with 47 seconds left, to help ensure the Hawkeyes (7-1) would win and avenge a Nov. 16 loss to Kansas State. The Wildcats also beat Iowa last season.Molly Davis added 13, while Kate Martin had 11 points and 10 rebounds for Iowa.“We've come back on them twice before,” Kansas State coach Jeff Mittie said. “We've won the last four minutes of the game the two previous games. Didn’t do it today.”Serena Sundell and Ayoka Lee each scored 18 for Kansas State (6-1), and Zyanna Walker finished with 11. The Wildcats got themselves into a 13-point hole early, then trailed by 11 in the second half.Both times, they rallied. Sundell threw up a beat-the-clock prayer that bounced in to end the third quarter, and Kansas State — fueled by holding Iowa to a 1-for-11 stretch from the floor — went on a 14-2 run and took the lead back on Gisela Sanchez's three-point play with 2:44 remaining.Martin then hit a layup to put Iowa back on top, and Clark scored Iowa's next seven points.Things got a bit heated in the second half, when Bluder was arguing for what she thought were missed three-second calls. She was exchanging words with officials, and said Mittie then directed some her way.“I’ve never had a coach yell at me from the sideline ever in my entire career," Bluder said. “I'm talking to the official, I'm not talking to him.”Clark moved another spot — her fifth in three days — up the Division I all-time scoring list. She passed Appalachian State's Valorie Whiteside (2,944) for 16th and has moved up 21 spots since the start of the season. Now at 2,954, she's within 573 points of Kelsey Plum's record of 3,527.BIG PICTUREIowa: Clark's sixth field goal gave her 964 in her career, one more than Syracuse's Dyaisha Fair for the lead among all active women's college players. She finished with 12, for 970 total. Clark is now the active leader — among all divisions — in points, scoring average, field goals made, 3-pointers made and attempted, free throws made and attempted, assists, assist average and triple-doubles.Kansas State: The Wildcats held Iowa to a 2-for-21 effort from 3-point range in their first meeting this month. The Hawkeyes were 12 for 32 from 3 on Sunday. Another big difference was free throws — Iowa was 11 for 16, Kansas State just 4 for 11.POLL IMPLICATIONSIowa will likely remain in the top 5 of the AP Top 25 for the sixth consecutive week, which would be the third-longest streak in school history.Kansas State should remain ranked for the second straight week. The Wildcats hadn't made back-to-back appearances since Jan. 24 and 31, 2022 — and haven't been in three straight polls since the final three of the 2016-17 season.UP NEXTIowa: Hosts Bowling Green on Saturday.Kansas State: Hosts Jackson State on Friday.

Clark scores 32, No. 5 Iowa beats No. 16 Kansas State 77-70 for Gulf Coast Showcase title

<a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2023VBbracket.pdf">FULL BRACKET</a>

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks are staying home for the first weekend of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament. Coach Ray Bechard’s team was selected as the No. 4 seed in the Wisconsin Quarter and will host Omaha on Thursday at 7 p.m., at Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena.

“The last couple years we’ve had to go play some really good teams and now we’ve got three really good teams coming here and some coaches I know pretty well,” said Bechard. “It will be a really competitive group of four teams and we are looking forward to it being on our home floor.”

The winner of that match will face the winner of fifth-seeded Penn State and Yale at Horejsi on Friday at 5:30 p.m., for a chance to advance to the Sweet 16. Penn State and Yale will meet at 4:30 p.m., on Thursday at Horejsi. Wisconsin, ranked No. 5 in the country in the most recent AVCA Top 25, is the No. 1 seed in the Wisconsin Quarter. Oregon is the No. 2 seed, followed by third-seeded Purdue and No. 4 seed, Kansas.

The tournament selection marks the 12th in program history and third-straight appearance. All 12 tournament appearances have been under Bechard, with the first coming in 2003. Sunday’s selection also marks the sixth time the Jayhawks have received a national seed in program history and will mark the first time Kansas has hosted at Horejsi since it was renovated prior to the 2019 season. All total, Kansas has hosted five previous times, with two coming in Allen Fieldhouse (2012 and 2013), two at Horejsi prior to the renovation (2015 and 2016), and once at the Kansas Expocentre in Topeka (2014).

Kansas (23-5) currently boasts a 14-match winning streak at Horejsi, which is the sixth-longest active home winning streak in Division 1. The 14 home wins in a season are the most by the Jayhawks since winning 15 in 2015, and the 14-match winning streak is the longest since winning 17 straight from Nov. 14, 2015 to Dec. 1, 2016.

Kansas finished the regular season with 23 wins, marking the eighth time in Bechard’s 26-season tenure and the 18th in program history that Kansas has 20 or more wins. Kansas has had 23-plus wins in 12 of those seasons, including five in Bechard’s career.

One of those 23 wins came against first round opponent Omaha, when Kansas topped the Mavericks in straight sets in August in Omaha. The Jayhawks went on to finish second in the Big 12 Conference with a 14-4 league mark. The 14 conference wins marked the most since the Jayhawks won 15 and its first-ever Big 12 title in 2016.

Tickets for postseason play at Horejsi will go on sale for the public at 12 p.m., CST on Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701050342699.png" alt="(Courtesy Kansas Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy Kansas Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas Athletics<a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2023VBbracket.pdf">FULL BRACKET</a>LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks are staying home for the first weekend of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament. Coach Ray Bechard’s team was selected as the No. 4 seed in the Wisconsin Quarter and will host Omaha on Thursday at 7 p.m., at Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena.“The last couple years we’ve had to go play some really good teams and now we’ve got three really good teams coming here and some coaches I know pretty well,” said Bechard. “It will be a really competitive group of four teams and we are looking forward to it being on our home floor.”The winner of that match will face the winner of fifth-seeded Penn State and Yale at Horejsi on Friday at 5:30 p.m., for a chance to advance to the Sweet 16. Penn State and Yale will meet at 4:30 p.m., on Thursday at Horejsi. Wisconsin, ranked No. 5 in the country in the most recent AVCA Top 25, is the No. 1 seed in the Wisconsin Quarter. Oregon is the No. 2 seed, followed by third-seeded Purdue and No. 4 seed, Kansas.The tournament selection marks the 12th in program history and third-straight appearance. All 12 tournament appearances have been under Bechard, with the first coming in 2003. Sunday’s selection also marks the sixth time the Jayhawks have received a national seed in program history and will mark the first time Kansas has hosted at Horejsi since it was renovated prior to the 2019 season. All total, Kansas has hosted five previous times, with two coming in Allen Fieldhouse (2012 and 2013), two at Horejsi prior to the renovation (2015 and 2016), and once at the Kansas Expocentre in Topeka (2014).Kansas (23-5) currently boasts a 14-match winning streak at Horejsi, which is the sixth-longest active home winning streak in Division 1. The 14 home wins in a season are the most by the Jayhawks since winning 15 in 2015, and the 14-match winning streak is the longest since winning 17 straight from Nov. 14, 2015 to Dec. 1, 2016.Kansas finished the regular season with 23 wins, marking the eighth time in Bechard’s 26-season tenure and the 18th in program history that Kansas has 20 or more wins. Kansas has had 23-plus wins in 12 of those seasons, including five in Bechard’s career.One of those 23 wins came against first round opponent Omaha, when Kansas topped the Mavericks in straight sets in August in Omaha. The Jayhawks went on to finish second in the Big 12 Conference with a 14-4 league mark. The 14 conference wins marked the most since the Jayhawks won 15 and its first-ever Big 12 title in 2016.Tickets for postseason play at Horejsi will go on sale for the public at 12 p.m., CST on Monday.

🏐 KU selected as host for NCAA Tournament; open play on Thursday

By MARK ANDERSON AP Sports Writer

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Patrick Mahomes passed for 298 yards and two touchdowns, and the Kansas City Chiefs ended their three-game second-half scoring drought to rally past the Las Vegas Raiders 31-17 on Sunday.

Kansas City (8-3) fell behind 14-0 in the second quarter but tied it by halftime and pulled away after that. Isiah Pacheco rushed for two touchdowns, and Rashee Rice caught eight passes for 107 yards and a TD.

Josh Jacobs rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown for the Raiders (5-7), ending a 12-game streak in which the Chiefs did not allow a 100-yard rusher.

The NFL's reigning rushing champion also broke 1,000 yards from scrimmage this season to become the only player to reach that mark each year since 2019. He joined Hall of Famer Marcus Allen as the only Raiders backs to accomplish that in their first five seasons.

Las Vegas' Aidan O'Connell passed for 248 yards and a touchdown.

The Chiefs have held 11 consecutive opponents to 24 or fewer points, just three off the team record. They shut down the Raiders in the second half, holding them to 113 yards after Las Vegas picked up 245 in the first two quarters.

Kansas City extended its winning streak to six games over the Raiders, and the Chiefs have beaten their AFC West rival in 16 of the past 18 meetings.

More importantly for the Chiefs, they bounced back from a 21-17 loss Monday night to Philadelphia, a Super Bowl rematch in which several receivers dropped passes.

Those receivers did a much better job against Las Vegas, especially after the Chiefs fell into an early 14-point hole.

The Raiders took the lead on an&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Raiders/status/1728889722771255657?s=20">18-yard pass from O'Connell to Jakobi Meyers</a>&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Raiders/status/1728898614314070212?s=20">63-yard run by Jacobs</a>&nbsp;in which he stiff-armed safety Mike Edwards. But Las Vegas also left points on the board when interim coach Antonio Pierce eschewed going for it on fourth-and-1 and Daniel Carlson missed a 30-yard field goal to the right.

Kansas City answered with short two touchdowns in the second quarter to tie the game and end a three-period scoreless stretch.&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Chiefs/status/1728902270165696900?s=20">Pacheco rushed for a 1-yard score</a>&nbsp;and Mahomes connected with&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Chiefs/status/1728907136627798341?s=20">Justin Watson on a 3-yard TD</a>&nbsp;25 seconds before the break.

The Chiefs took a 21-14 lead to open the second half on&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Chiefs/status/1728913704572305748?s=20">another 1-yard Pacheco touchdown run</a>. They took full control early in the fourth when Mahomes converted a third-and-6 with a short pass to Rice, who maneuvered down the left sideline&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Chiefs/status/1728921304508600629?s=20">for a 39-yard touchdown</a>&nbsp;and a 28-17 lead.

Chiefs: WR Mecole Hardman (thumb) and RB Jerick McKinnon (groin) did not play.

Raiders: DE Maxx Crosby (knee) didn't practice during the week and was doubtful but started. He had one sack. ... LT Kolton Miller (shoulder) played after missing the two previous game. ... S Marcus Epps (neck and shoulder) went out in the second quarter but returned in the third period.

Raiders: Las Vegas is off and will return Dec. 10 to host Minnesota.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701047592815.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes signals toward teammates during the first half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes signals toward teammates during the first half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARK ANDERSON AP Sports WriterLAS VEGAS (AP) — Patrick Mahomes passed for 298 yards and two touchdowns, and the Kansas City Chiefs ended their three-game second-half scoring drought to rally past the Las Vegas Raiders 31-17 on Sunday.Kansas City (8-3) fell behind 14-0 in the second quarter but tied it by halftime and pulled away after that. Isiah Pacheco rushed for two touchdowns, and Rashee Rice caught eight passes for 107 yards and a TD.Josh Jacobs rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown for the Raiders (5-7), ending a 12-game streak in which the Chiefs did not allow a 100-yard rusher.The NFL's reigning rushing champion also broke 1,000 yards from scrimmage this season to become the only player to reach that mark each year since 2019. He joined Hall of Famer Marcus Allen as the only Raiders backs to accomplish that in their first five seasons.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701047671044.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) runs in front of Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)." />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) runs in front of Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker).</figcaption>
 </figure>Las Vegas' Aidan O'Connell passed for 248 yards and a touchdown.The Chiefs have held 11 consecutive opponents to 24 or fewer points, just three off the team record. They shut down the Raiders in the second half, holding them to 113 yards after Las Vegas picked up 245 in the first two quarters.Kansas City extended its winning streak to six games over the Raiders, and the Chiefs have beaten their AFC West rival in 16 of the past 18 meetings.More importantly for the Chiefs, they bounced back from a 21-17 loss Monday night to Philadelphia, a Super Bowl rematch in which several receivers dropped passes.Those receivers did a much better job against Las Vegas, especially after the Chiefs fell into an early 14-point hole.The Raiders took the lead on an&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Raiders/status/1728889722771255657?s=20">18-yard pass from O'Connell to Jakobi Meyers</a>&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Raiders/status/1728898614314070212?s=20">63-yard run by Jacobs</a>&nbsp;in which he stiff-armed safety Mike Edwards. But Las Vegas also left points on the board when interim coach Antonio Pierce eschewed going for it on fourth-and-1 and Daniel Carlson missed a 30-yard field goal to the right.Kansas City answered with short two touchdowns in the second quarter to tie the game and end a three-period scoreless stretch.&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Chiefs/status/1728902270165696900?s=20">Pacheco rushed for a 1-yard score</a>&nbsp;and Mahomes connected with&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Chiefs/status/1728907136627798341?s=20">Justin Watson on a 3-yard TD</a>&nbsp;25 seconds before the break.The Chiefs took a 21-14 lead to open the second half on&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Chiefs/status/1728913704572305748?s=20">another 1-yard Pacheco touchdown run</a>. They took full control early in the fourth when Mahomes converted a third-and-6 with a short pass to Rice, who maneuvered down the left sideline&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Chiefs/status/1728921304508600629?s=20">for a 39-yard touchdown</a>&nbsp;and a 28-17 lead.INJURIESChiefs: WR Mecole Hardman (thumb) and RB Jerick McKinnon (groin) did not play.Raiders: DE Maxx Crosby (knee) didn't practice during the week and was doubtful but started. He had one sack. ... LT Kolton Miller (shoulder) played after missing the two previous game. ... S Marcus Epps (neck and shoulder) went out in the second quarter but returned in the third period.UP NEXTChiefs: At Green Bay on Sunday night.Raiders: Las Vegas is off and will return Dec. 10 to host Minnesota.

🏈 Mahomes throws 2 touchdowns as Chiefs rally from 14 down to beat Raiders

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — There was nothing that could stop Abu Sama III, Rocco Becht and the rest of the Iowa State offense on Saturday night.

Not heavy snow that turned “Farmageddon” into “Snowmageddon.” Not the roaring Kansas State student section, which braved the freezing weather to make life miserable in seats just behind the Cyclones anyway. And certainly not the Wildcats' defense, which watched in agony as Iowa State ripped off long scoring plays all night long.

Sama plowed through the snow for 276 yards and three touchdowns, Becht threw for 230 yards and three more scores, and the Cyclones' defense held No. 19 Kansas State on fourth down with less than a minute left to preserve a wild 42-35 victory.

“Kids just responded, and that's been the makeup of this program,” Iowa State coach Matt Campbell said. “It takes kids believing in each other and it takes a coaching staff believing in each other, and that's what makes this really fun tonight.”

The shortest of the Cyclones' six touchdowns was a tying 33-yard pass from Becht to Jayden Higgins in the fourth quarter, and the longest an 82-yard pass to Jaylin Noel that gave Iowa State (7-5, 6-3 Big 12) the lead with 8:04 to go.

In between, Sama had TD runs of 60, 71 and 77 yards while finishing with the fourth-best rushing performance in school history. And the fleet-footed Noel had another 79-yard TD catch to finish with three grabs for 160 yards and two scores.

Kansas State (8-4, 6-3) still had a chance to tie the game late, twice converting on fourth down while marching inside the Iowa State 20. But on yet another fourth down, Will Howard's pass to the end zone with less than a minute left fell incomplete.

He finished with 288 yards and a touchdown pass, a TD run and an interception for the Wildcats. Ben Sinnott had 10 catches for 136 yards and a score, while D.J. Giddens and Treshaun Ward also had touchdown runs.

It wasn't the offense that was their problem, though.

“We didn't play good defense at all,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. “That was a poor performance on defense, period.”

Heavy snow fell all game, and more than a dozen workers tried to keep yard lines and hash marks clear. But the field soon became the kind of playing surface better suited to sled dogs and snowmobiles. Players slipped, stumbled and slid, and more than once they ran over a woebegone official, photographer or cheerleader when they couldn't stop at the sideline.

“That was my first snow game,” said Becht, who went to high school near Tampa, Florida. “It wasn't really that cold, just the snow was falling in your eyes. That was the worst thing about it. But I had fun out there today.”

Indeed, the longtime Big 12 rivals played a wildly different yet equally entertaining game.

Kansas State was content to mush through the snow on long, methodical drives, even if it meant converting on third and fourth down to keep them alive. Giddens and Ward did most of the work, but Howard's connection with Sinnott and wide receiver Jayce Brown was a big reason why the Wildcats were able to keep getting into the end zone.

Iowa State was perfectly happy scoring in one big play.

Sama took the first carry of the game 71 yards for a score, then the first carry of the second quarter 77 yards for another. He also had that 60-yard touchdown run in the second half, sandwiched around Brecht's 79-yard TD pass to Noel and his 33-yard pass to Higgins that knotted the game 35-all early in the fourth quarter.

The Cyclones had one more big play in them.

On third-and-16 at their own 18-yard line, Becht completed a pass to Noel well short of the first-down marker. But somehow, five different Wildcats failed to corral him near the sideline, and he ran untouched 82 yards for the go-ahead score.

“I couldn't be prouder,” Campbell said. “I think the future is really bright, but I think the reality also, man — we have a chance to go for an eighth win, a bowl victory. There are still a lot of things to play for.”

Iowa State had already qualified for its sixth bowl game in the last seven years. Now, the destination could be a bit better.

Kansas State hoped it would be playing for a chance to defend its Big 12 title on Saturday night. But when Texas, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State won before the Wildcats kicked off, they were left playing for bowl positioning.

Both teams will find out their bowl destinations next weekend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700975339646.jpeg" alt="Kansas State quarterback Will Howard (18) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State quarterback Will Howard (18) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — There was nothing that could stop Abu Sama III, Rocco Becht and the rest of the Iowa State offense on Saturday night.Not heavy snow that turned “Farmageddon” into “Snowmageddon.” Not the roaring Kansas State student section, which braved the freezing weather to make life miserable in seats just behind the Cyclones anyway. And certainly not the Wildcats' defense, which watched in agony as Iowa State ripped off long scoring plays all night long.Sama plowed through the snow for 276 yards and three touchdowns, Becht threw for 230 yards and three more scores, and the Cyclones' defense held No. 19 Kansas State on fourth down with less than a minute left to preserve a wild 42-35 victory.“Kids just responded, and that's been the makeup of this program,” Iowa State coach Matt Campbell said. “It takes kids believing in each other and it takes a coaching staff believing in each other, and that's what makes this really fun tonight.”The shortest of the Cyclones' six touchdowns was a tying 33-yard pass from Becht to Jayden Higgins in the fourth quarter, and the longest an 82-yard pass to Jaylin Noel that gave Iowa State (7-5, 6-3 Big 12) the lead with 8:04 to go.In between, Sama had TD runs of 60, 71 and 77 yards while finishing with the fourth-best rushing performance in school history. And the fleet-footed Noel had another 79-yard TD catch to finish with three grabs for 160 yards and two scores.Kansas State (8-4, 6-3) still had a chance to tie the game late, twice converting on fourth down while marching inside the Iowa State 20. But on yet another fourth down, Will Howard's pass to the end zone with less than a minute left fell incomplete.He finished with 288 yards and a touchdown pass, a TD run and an interception for the Wildcats. Ben Sinnott had 10 catches for 136 yards and a score, while D.J. Giddens and Treshaun Ward also had touchdown runs.It wasn't the offense that was their problem, though.“We didn't play good defense at all,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. “That was a poor performance on defense, period.”Heavy snow fell all game, and more than a dozen workers tried to keep yard lines and hash marks clear. But the field soon became the kind of playing surface better suited to sled dogs and snowmobiles. Players slipped, stumbled and slid, and more than once they ran over a woebegone official, photographer or cheerleader when they couldn't stop at the sideline.“That was my first snow game,” said Becht, who went to high school near Tampa, Florida. “It wasn't really that cold, just the snow was falling in your eyes. That was the worst thing about it. But I had fun out there today.”Indeed, the longtime Big 12 rivals played a wildly different yet equally entertaining game.Kansas State was content to mush through the snow on long, methodical drives, even if it meant converting on third and fourth down to keep them alive. Giddens and Ward did most of the work, but Howard's connection with Sinnott and wide receiver Jayce Brown was a big reason why the Wildcats were able to keep getting into the end zone.Iowa State was perfectly happy scoring in one big play.Sama took the first carry of the game 71 yards for a score, then the first carry of the second quarter 77 yards for another. He also had that 60-yard touchdown run in the second half, sandwiched around Brecht's 79-yard TD pass to Noel and his 33-yard pass to Higgins that knotted the game 35-all early in the fourth quarter.The Cyclones had one more big play in them.On third-and-16 at their own 18-yard line, Becht completed a pass to Noel well short of the first-down marker. But somehow, five different Wildcats failed to corral him near the sideline, and he ran untouched 82 yards for the go-ahead score.It proved to be the difference.“I couldn't be prouder,” Campbell said. “I think the future is really bright, but I think the reality also, man — we have a chance to go for an eighth win, a bowl victory. There are still a lot of things to play for.”BIG PICTUREIowa State had already qualified for its sixth bowl game in the last seven years. Now, the destination could be a bit better.Kansas State hoped it would be playing for a chance to defend its Big 12 title on Saturday night. But when Texas, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State won before the Wildcats kicked off, they were left playing for bowl positioning.UP NEXTBoth teams will find out their bowl destinations next weekend.

Iowa State relies on big plays for snowy win over K-State

CINCINNATI (AP) — Jason Bean returned from injury and threw a pair of touchdown passes and ran for two more, helping Kansas snap a two-game losing streak with a 49-16 victory at Cincinnati.

Bean who was injured two weeks ago in a loss to Texas Tech and missed last week’s loss to Kansas State, passed for 250 yards and rushed for 90. He had touchdown runs of 43 and 50 yards to seal the game in the fourth quarter.

“It felt good to get back out there with the boys,” Bean said. “Last week was tough just sitting on the sideline watching. I wanted to come out and make a statement this week.”

Devin Neal rushed for 106 yards and two TDs for the Jayhawks (8-4, 5-4 Big 12) who had their first winning season since 2008.

“I’m very proud of our guys and their perseverance after losing two (straight) and get a road win to cap the season,” Kansas head coach Lance Leipold said. “It’s a testament to how far this program’s come in a very short two and a half years.”

Kansas will learn its next destination when bowl pairings are announced on Sunday, Dec. 3.

“I sure hope we get a great destination because these guys deserve it,” Leipold said.

Corey Kiner ran for 106 yards on 18 carries and has 1,047 yards rushing this season, one of few bright spots for the Bearcats (3-9, 1-8 Big 12) in a very difficult season.

Cincinnati used a pair of quarterbacks in the first half.

Emory Jones started, then Brady Lichtenberg's first pass attempt was intercepted by Cobee Bryant early in the second quarter, leading to Neal's 13-yard TD to put the Jayhawks ahead 7-3.

With 5:31 left in the first half, Neal found tight end Jared Casey in the end zone for a 15-yard TD, making the score 14-3.

There was a big momentum swing just before halftime

Jones returned to toss an 11-yard TD pass to Ryan Montgomery to cut the deficit to 14-10 with 22 seconds left in the half.

The Jayhawks responded by driving 56 yards in two plays in 17 seconds. Bean's 26-yard TD pass to Mason Fairchild made the halftime score 21-10.

“We've been able to that ... answer a score really late in the half,” Leipold said. “It kind of took a little wind out of them.”

Neal took a direct snap and ran 30 yards untouched for a touchdown making the score 28-10 early in the third quarter.

“We had some really high goals for this team this year,” Bean said. "I’m just really proud of this team for what they’ve done this season. We still have more to accomplish.”

Kansas: Neal now has 3,006 rushing yards for his career, placing him fifth all-time on the school's list. He needs 69 yards to pass Laverne Smith for fourth place.

Cincinnati: The Bearcats, two years removed from a College Football Playoff appearance under Luke Fickell, finished Scott Satterfield's first season as head coach with their worst record since 1999.

“This is going to be a hard winter," Satterfield said. "We are going to have a meeting to see who is staying then we get back to work. We had some undisciplined play that cost us a lot of games. We have 22 recruits coming in. When the transfer portal opens up on December 4, we will hit that hard.”

Kansas: The Jayhawks will play in a bowl game for the second straight year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700974795463.jpeg" alt="Kansas quarterback Jason Bean celebrates after running for a touchdown in an NCAA football game against Cincinnati on Saturday, November 25, 2023 in Cincinnati. (Kansas Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas quarterback Jason Bean celebrates after running for a touchdown in an NCAA football game against Cincinnati on Saturday, November 25, 2023 in Cincinnati. (Kansas Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>CINCINNATI (AP) — Jason Bean returned from injury and threw a pair of touchdown passes and ran for two more, helping Kansas snap a two-game losing streak with a 49-16 victory at Cincinnati.Bean who was injured two weeks ago in a loss to Texas Tech and missed last week’s loss to Kansas State, passed for 250 yards and rushed for 90. He had touchdown runs of 43 and 50 yards to seal the game in the fourth quarter.“It felt good to get back out there with the boys,” Bean said. “Last week was tough just sitting on the sideline watching. I wanted to come out and make a statement this week.”Devin Neal rushed for 106 yards and two TDs for the Jayhawks (8-4, 5-4 Big 12) who had their first winning season since 2008.“I’m very proud of our guys and their perseverance after losing two (straight) and get a road win to cap the season,” Kansas head coach Lance Leipold said. “It’s a testament to how far this program’s come in a very short two and a half years.”Kansas will learn its next destination when bowl pairings are announced on Sunday, Dec. 3.“I sure hope we get a great destination because these guys deserve it,” Leipold said.Corey Kiner ran for 106 yards on 18 carries and has 1,047 yards rushing this season, one of few bright spots for the Bearcats (3-9, 1-8 Big 12) in a very difficult season.Cincinnati used a pair of quarterbacks in the first half.Emory Jones started, then Brady Lichtenberg's first pass attempt was intercepted by Cobee Bryant early in the second quarter, leading to Neal's 13-yard TD to put the Jayhawks ahead 7-3.With 5:31 left in the first half, Neal found tight end Jared Casey in the end zone for a 15-yard TD, making the score 14-3.There was a big momentum swing just before halftimeJones returned to toss an 11-yard TD pass to Ryan Montgomery to cut the deficit to 14-10 with 22 seconds left in the half.The Jayhawks responded by driving 56 yards in two plays in 17 seconds. Bean's 26-yard TD pass to Mason Fairchild made the halftime score 21-10.“We've been able to that ... answer a score really late in the half,” Leipold said. “It kind of took a little wind out of them.”Neal took a direct snap and ran 30 yards untouched for a touchdown making the score 28-10 early in the third quarter.“We had some really high goals for this team this year,” Bean said. "I’m just really proud of this team for what they’ve done this season. We still have more to accomplish.”THE TAKEAWAYKansas: Neal now has 3,006 rushing yards for his career, placing him fifth all-time on the school's list. He needs 69 yards to pass Laverne Smith for fourth place.Cincinnati: The Bearcats, two years removed from a College Football Playoff appearance under Luke Fickell, finished Scott Satterfield's first season as head coach with their worst record since 1999.“This is going to be a hard winter," Satterfield said. "We are going to have a meeting to see who is staying then we get back to work. We had some undisciplined play that cost us a lot of games. We have 22 recruits coming in. When the transfer portal opens up on December 4, we will hit that hard.”UP NEXTKansas: The Jayhawks will play in a bowl game for the second straight year.Cincinnati: Season is over.

Bean returns from injury to help Kansas beat Cincinnati 

Class 6A Gardner-Edgerton 22, Derby 19

Class 5A Mill Valley 62, Kapaun Mount Carmel 37

Class 4A St. Thomas Aquinas 35, Andover Central 7

Class 2A Nemaha Central 28, Hoisington 14

Class 1A Conway Springs 35, Jefferson North 6

8-Player Div II Axtell 50, South Central 0

8-Player Div I Lyndon 34, Wichita County 6

Class 6A Gardner-Edgerton 22, Derby 19Class 5A Mill Valley 62, Kapaun Mount Carmel 37Class 4A St. Thomas Aquinas 35, Andover Central 7Class 3A Cheney 34, Topeka Hayden 7Class 2A Nemaha Central 28, Hoisington 14Class 1A Conway Springs 35, Jefferson North 68-Player Div II Axtell 50, South Central 08-Player Div I Lyndon 34, Wichita County 66-Player Cheylin 57, Cunningham 8

🏈 Saturday's KSHSAA state championship results

HONOLULU (AP) — Hunter Dickinson scored 17 points and grabbed 20 rebounds and No. 1 Kansas pulled away for a 69-60 victory over No. 7 Tennessee on Wednesday.

The Jayhawks (5-1) bounced back from a 14-point loss a day earlier to take third place in the Maui Invitational over the Volunteers (4-2), who have dropped their last two games.

Kevin McCullar Jr. had 14 points, KJ Adams Jr. added 13 and Dajuan Harris Jr. chipped in eight assists for Kansas, which led by as many as 11 in the closing minutes.

Tennessee’s Santiago Vescovi hit a 3-pointer from the left wing to tie it at 49 with 12:44 to play, but Kansas answered with back-to-back buckets from Dickinson to pull ahead for good.

The Volunteers led by as many as seven in the first half.

Vescovi made five 3-pointers and finished with 21 points. Dalton Knecht and Jordan Gainey contributed 13 apiece and Jonas Aidoo had 11 rebounds.

It was the fifth meeting between the teams in the last six seasons. Tennessee had won the last two meetings, but Kansas still leads the all-time series, 5-3.

The game was a rematch of the Battle 4 Atlantis championship a year ago. Tennessee won that game 64-50.

Tennessee was playing back-to-back games against top-three teams for the first time in program history. It hung tough with No. 2 Purdue on Tuesday, but faded down the stretch and came up short, 71-67.

HONOLULU (AP) — Hunter Dickinson scored 17 points and grabbed 20 rebounds and No. 1 Kansas pulled away for a 69-60 victory over No. 7 Tennessee on Wednesday.The Jayhawks (5-1) bounced back from a 14-point loss a day earlier to take third place in the Maui Invitational over the Volunteers (4-2), who have dropped their last two games.Kevin McCullar Jr. had 14 points, KJ Adams Jr. added 13 and Dajuan Harris Jr. chipped in eight assists for Kansas, which led by as many as 11 in the closing minutes.Tennessee’s Santiago Vescovi hit a 3-pointer from the left wing to tie it at 49 with 12:44 to play, but Kansas answered with back-to-back buckets from Dickinson to pull ahead for good.The Volunteers led by as many as seven in the first half.Vescovi made five 3-pointers and finished with 21 points. Dalton Knecht and Jordan Gainey contributed 13 apiece and Jonas Aidoo had 11 rebounds.The score was tied at 35 at the half.It was the fifth meeting between the teams in the last six seasons. Tennessee had won the last two meetings, but Kansas still leads the all-time series, 5-3.The game was a rematch of the Battle 4 Atlantis championship a year ago. Tennessee won that game 64-50.BIG PICTURETennessee was playing back-to-back games against top-three teams for the first time in program history. It hung tough with No. 2 Purdue on Tuesday, but faded down the stretch and came up short, 71-67.Kansas took the court at the Stan Sheriff Center about 12 hours after it was routed by No. 4 Marquette 73-59 in the tournament semifinals Tuesday.UP NEXTTennessee will visit North Carolina next Wednesday as part of the ACC/SEC Challenge.Kansas will host Eastern Illinois on Tuesday and UConn three nights later in the Big East-Big 12 Battle.