BALTIMORE (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were at their magnificent best in the first half, and Kansas City's defense delivered another masterpiece against Lamar Jackson and Baltimore, helping the Chiefs reach the Super Bowl for the fourth time in five years with a 17-10 victory in the AFC championship game Sunday.

Kelce caught 11 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown, and now the big question at next month's Super Bowl in Las Vegas is whether his girlfriend Taylor Swift will be able to make it there in the middle of her tour. The pop star was on hand again Sunday, and the 34-year-old Kelce was at his best.

Kansas City (14-6) will face either San Francisco or Detroit on Feb. 11, and a win would make the Chiefs the first team to win it all in back-to-back seasons since the New England Patriots 19 years ago.

Swift's presence has turned the Chiefs into even more of a glamour team than they already were, but it's been more of a blue-collar performance on the field this season. Aside from Kelce, Mahomes hasn't had the receiving playmakers he's enjoyed in years past.

Instead, the defense has been a big part of why Kansas City won the AFC West and eventually prevailed in two straight road playoff games against Buffalo and Baltimore to win the conference.

The Chiefs led 17-7 at halftime, and Justin Tucker's 43-yard field goal with 2:34 to play was the only scoring of the second half.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706484917159.png" alt="Photo courtesy Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>BALTIMORE (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were at their magnificent best in the first half, and Kansas City's defense delivered another masterpiece against Lamar Jackson and Baltimore, helping the Chiefs reach the Super Bowl for the fourth time in five years with a 17-10 victory in the AFC championship game Sunday.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKansasCityChiefs%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0eWYWDnUALZR8xBpPCJq6gUZm9rDBMprgao3kty8fHkJnz6GvG6JbKjuWZhVHDwzJl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="590" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Kelce caught 11 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown, and now the big question at next month's Super Bowl in Las Vegas is whether his girlfriend Taylor Swift will be able to make it there in the middle of her tour. The pop star was on hand again Sunday, and the 34-year-old Kelce was at his best.Kansas City (14-6) will face either San Francisco or Detroit on Feb. 11, and a win would make the Chiefs the first team to win it all in back-to-back seasons since the New England Patriots 19 years ago.Swift's presence has turned the Chiefs into even more of a glamour team than they already were, but it's been more of a blue-collar performance on the field this season. Aside from Kelce, Mahomes hasn't had the receiving playmakers he's enjoyed in years past.Instead, the defense has been a big part of why Kansas City won the AFC West and eventually prevailed in two straight road playoff games against Buffalo and Baltimore to win the conference.The Chiefs led 17-7 at halftime, and Justin Tucker's 43-yard field goal with 2:34 to play was the only scoring of the second half.

Mahomes, Kelce are headed to the Super Bowl after Chiefs shut down Ravens

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger said Saturday that the program did not have anyone monitoring Kansas State's huddles during a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-state-kansas-state-score-c98e018c63423bc5d79daa5f686d9aa9">78-67 victory</a>&nbsp;over the Wildcats on Wednesday night.

Otzelberger and Kansas State coach Jerome Tang had a pair of intense discussions during the Cyclones’ win, including during the handshake line after the game.

According to a story in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article284703836.html">The Wichita Eagle</a>, Tang and his staff thought Iowa State had team managers or other representatives in the stands behind Kansas State’s bench with the intent of stealing signs. The story cited anonymous sources.

Reading from a prepared statement after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-state-kansas-score-75f1a29f02041fbdcc9aadd5f6600058">Saturday's 79-75 victory</a>&nbsp;over No. 7 Kansas, Otzelberger denied the accusations.

“Ludicrous rumors earlier this week that somehow we were trying to gain an advantage looking into our opponent’s huddles is an affront to our players, our fans and to me,” he said. "It’s not who I am. It’s not what our program is about. And I’m angry that someone would even make that suggestion.

“What is factual is one of their staff members cursed out one of our student managers who was mopping the floor under the basket. So, let’s put this to bed here and now. It didn’t happen. It won’t happen. And others need to be much more careful with their words moving forward.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706397301530.png" alt="Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger during the K-State game -photo courtesy Iowa State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger during the K-State game -photo courtesy Iowa State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>AMES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger said Saturday that the program did not have anyone monitoring Kansas State's huddles during a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-state-kansas-state-score-c98e018c63423bc5d79daa5f686d9aa9">78-67 victory</a>&nbsp;over the Wildcats on Wednesday night.Otzelberger and Kansas State coach Jerome Tang had a pair of intense discussions during the Cyclones’ win, including during the handshake line after the game.According to a story in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article284703836.html">The Wichita Eagle</a>, Tang and his staff thought Iowa State had team managers or other representatives in the stands behind Kansas State’s bench with the intent of stealing signs. The story cited anonymous sources.Reading from a prepared statement after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-state-kansas-score-75f1a29f02041fbdcc9aadd5f6600058">Saturday's 79-75 victory</a>&nbsp;over No. 7 Kansas, Otzelberger denied the accusations.“Ludicrous rumors earlier this week that somehow we were trying to gain an advantage looking into our opponent’s huddles is an affront to our players, our fans and to me,” he said. "It’s not who I am. It’s not what our program is about. And I’m angry that someone would even make that suggestion.“What is factual is one of their staff members cursed out one of our student managers who was mopping the floor under the basket. So, let’s put this to bed here and now. It didn’t happen. It won’t happen. And others need to be much more careful with their words moving forward.”

Iowa State coach: The program wasn't monitoring K-State's huddles

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Tre King had 21 points and nine rebounds, and No. 23 Iowa State knocked off No. 7 Kansas 79-75 on Saturday.

Iowa State (16-4, 5-2) improved to 13-0 at home this season while enhancing its status as a Big 12 contender. Keshon Gilbert scored 16 points for the Cyclones, and reserve Curtis Jones had 15 points.

All three contributed to a season-best performance from the 3-point line for the Cyclones, who went 14 for 30 from beyond the arc.

“Playing in that atmosphere, you think every shot you're taking is going in,” Iowa State guard Tamin Lipsey said. “Just how loud the fans are and the vibe in the whole arena is so good, you take all the shots with confidence.”

Lipsey finished with 10 points, including a 3-pointer and a layup that helped Iowa State seize control early in the second half. Jones' 3-pointer increased the Cyclones' advantage to 55-43 with 11:44 left.

“Honestly, it was just playing for each other,” King said. “Something we pride ourselves on is being a great unselfish team. Credit to each and every one of these guys for finding us in the spots where we were available.”

Hunter Dickinson led Kansas (16-4, 4-3) with 20 points and 15 rebounds. Kevin McCullar Jr. had 16 points on 5-for-18 shooting, and Johnny Furphy finished with 15.

“When you have a team that usually makes four 3s a game hit 14, it definitely makes it more challenging,” Dickinson said. “It makes it harder to try and stage a comeback.”

Kansas closed to 67-63 on a layup by Dickinson and a fast-break dunk by Furphy. But Iowa State held on.

Gilbert’s layup with 2:43 left lifted the Cyclones to a 74-65 lead. After the Jayhawks rallied again, Gilbert connected on a 3 to make it 77-72 with 41 seconds to go.

“We switched a lot,” Kansas coach Bill Self said. “We should have been able to get to shooters better. But give them credit. A lot of it was, could we have done better? Yes. But a lot of it was they made shots they haven't been making.”

It was the only scheduled meeting this season for the longtime rivals, due to a shuffle of Big 12 membership. Saturday marked the 257th game between Iowa State and Kansas. The Jayhawks had won eight of the previous 10.

The Cyclones used their defense to slow down the Jayhawks. Kansas began the day as the Big 12 leader in shooting percentage, hitting 50.8% for the season. It got off to a slow start on Saturday and shot 45% (27 for 60) for the game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706396556594.png" alt="Photo University of Kansaas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo University of Kansaas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>AMES, Iowa (AP) — Tre King had 21 points and nine rebounds, and No. 23 Iowa State knocked off No. 7 Kansas 79-75 on Saturday.Iowa State (16-4, 5-2) improved to 13-0 at home this season while enhancing its status as a Big 12 contender. Keshon Gilbert scored 16 points for the Cyclones, and reserve Curtis Jones had 15 points.All three contributed to a season-best performance from the 3-point line for the Cyclones, who went 14 for 30 from beyond the arc.“Playing in that atmosphere, you think every shot you're taking is going in,” Iowa State guard Tamin Lipsey said. “Just how loud the fans are and the vibe in the whole arena is so good, you take all the shots with confidence.”Lipsey finished with 10 points, including a 3-pointer and a layup that helped Iowa State seize control early in the second half. Jones' 3-pointer increased the Cyclones' advantage to 55-43 with 11:44 left.“Honestly, it was just playing for each other,” King said. “Something we pride ourselves on is being a great unselfish team. Credit to each and every one of these guys for finding us in the spots where we were available.”Hunter Dickinson led Kansas (16-4, 4-3) with 20 points and 15 rebounds. Kevin McCullar Jr. had 16 points on 5-for-18 shooting, and Johnny Furphy finished with 15.“When you have a team that usually makes four 3s a game hit 14, it definitely makes it more challenging,” Dickinson said. “It makes it harder to try and stage a comeback.”Kansas closed to 67-63 on a layup by Dickinson and a fast-break dunk by Furphy. But Iowa State held on.Gilbert’s layup with 2:43 left lifted the Cyclones to a 74-65 lead. After the Jayhawks rallied again, Gilbert connected on a 3 to make it 77-72 with 41 seconds to go.“We switched a lot,” Kansas coach Bill Self said. “We should have been able to get to shooters better. But give them credit. A lot of it was, could we have done better? Yes. But a lot of it was they made shots they haven't been making.”BIG PICTUREIt was the only scheduled meeting this season for the longtime rivals, due to a shuffle of Big 12 membership. Saturday marked the 257th game between Iowa State and Kansas. The Jayhawks had won eight of the previous 10.GETTING DEFENSIVEThe Cyclones used their defense to slow down the Jayhawks. Kansas began the day as the Big 12 leader in shooting percentage, hitting 50.8% for the season. It got off to a slow start on Saturday and shot 45% (27 for 60) for the game.UP NEXTKansas hosts Oklahoma State on Tuesday.Iowa State visits Baylor on Feb. 3.

Tre King helps Iowa State upset Kansas 

HOUSTON (AP) — Jamal Shead scored 17 points, J’Wan Roberts added 14 points and six rebounds and No. 4 Houston beat Kansas State 74-52 on Saturday to extend its winning streak to four games.

Roberts and Emanuel Sharp each scored nine points in the first half as Houston built a 41-21 halftime lead. Houston (18-2, 5-2 Big 12) shot 40% and was 7 of 21 on 3-pointers.

“Our Holy Trinity doesn’t change,” Houston coach Kelvin Sampson said. “Defend, rebound and take care of the ball. Do those three things, and you have a chance to win.”

Damian Dunn had 13 points for the Cougars, who have won 17 straight home games. Houston forced 18 turnovers and converted them into 25 points and owned a 28-18 advantage in points in the paint.

“Consistency,” Sampson said of Houston’s defense. “I don’t know if our defensive effort was any better against Texas Tech or Central Florida. That’s the way we practice. That’s the standard I hold these kids to.”

Cam Carter scored 16 points and Arthur Kaluma and Dai Dai Ames each added 11 points for Kansas State (14-6, 4-3), which lost its second straight. The Wildcats also shot 40% and were 7 of 21 on 3-pointers.

“They may be the best defensive team I’ve ever seen,” Kansas State coach Jerome Tang said. “It’s just hard to find shots. They do a great job. They’re connected on that end.”

The Cougars jumped out to an 11-0 lead in the first 5 ½ minutes on a jumper by L.J. Cryer, but the Wildcats cut the lead to 13-7 on a 3-pointer by Tylor Perry with 12:45 left in the first half.

Houston responded by outscoring Kansas State 16-5 to open up a 29-12 lead on a 3-pointer by Cryer with 6 ½ minutes left in the half. The Wildcats closed within 32-21 with 2:45 remaining on a 3-pointer by Kaluma, but the Cougars finished the half with a 9-0 run to take a 20-point into halftime on a free throw by Jamal Shead.

Kansas State: The Wildcats missed a chance for another Quad 1 win, falling to 1-3 in Quad 1 games. … The 21 first-half points were a season low for points scored in a half.

Houston: The Cougars had a 38-28 advantage in rebounds and 15-7 in offensive boards. Houston turned that into a 15-7 edge in second chance points. … Houston shot 23 of 34 from the free-throw line.

For the second straight game, Tang was issued a technical foul late in the second half. He said umpire Gary Maxwell told Carter that if he wasn’t quiet, he would get him out of the game, and then, he proceeded to call “two tick tack fouls on him.”

“I got a tech for telling Gary that he’s the adult, and he needs to act like it because he was chirping with one of my players, and I’m always going to defend my guys,” Tang said. “If my guys are wrong, I’m going to correct them. What Gary Maxwell did and said to my player was not warranted, and all I told him was he was better than that as a person and he’s the adult, and I got a tech for that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706388865677.png" alt="Photo KSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo KSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSTON (AP) — Jamal Shead scored 17 points, J’Wan Roberts added 14 points and six rebounds and No. 4 Houston beat Kansas State 74-52 on Saturday to extend its winning streak to four games.Roberts and Emanuel Sharp each scored nine points in the first half as Houston built a 41-21 halftime lead. Houston (18-2, 5-2 Big 12) shot 40% and was 7 of 21 on 3-pointers.“Our Holy Trinity doesn’t change,” Houston coach Kelvin Sampson said. “Defend, rebound and take care of the ball. Do those three things, and you have a chance to win.”Damian Dunn had 13 points for the Cougars, who have won 17 straight home games. Houston forced 18 turnovers and converted them into 25 points and owned a 28-18 advantage in points in the paint.“Consistency,” Sampson said of Houston’s defense. “I don’t know if our defensive effort was any better against Texas Tech or Central Florida. That’s the way we practice. That’s the standard I hold these kids to.”Cam Carter scored 16 points and Arthur Kaluma and Dai Dai Ames each added 11 points for Kansas State (14-6, 4-3), which lost its second straight. The Wildcats also shot 40% and were 7 of 21 on 3-pointers.“They may be the best defensive team I’ve ever seen,” Kansas State coach Jerome Tang said. “It’s just hard to find shots. They do a great job. They’re connected on that end.”The Cougars jumped out to an 11-0 lead in the first 5 ½ minutes on a jumper by L.J. Cryer, but the Wildcats cut the lead to 13-7 on a 3-pointer by Tylor Perry with 12:45 left in the first half.Houston responded by outscoring Kansas State 16-5 to open up a 29-12 lead on a 3-pointer by Cryer with 6 ½ minutes left in the half. The Wildcats closed within 32-21 with 2:45 remaining on a 3-pointer by Kaluma, but the Cougars finished the half with a 9-0 run to take a 20-point into halftime on a free throw by Jamal Shead.BIG PICTUREKansas State: The Wildcats missed a chance for another Quad 1 win, falling to 1-3 in Quad 1 games. … The 21 first-half points were a season low for points scored in a half.Houston: The Cougars had a 38-28 advantage in rebounds and 15-7 in offensive boards. Houston turned that into a 15-7 edge in second chance points. … Houston shot 23 of 34 from the free-throw line.TANG TECHFor the second straight game, Tang was issued a technical foul late in the second half. He said umpire Gary Maxwell told Carter that if he wasn’t quiet, he would get him out of the game, and then, he proceeded to call “two tick tack fouls on him.”“I got a tech for telling Gary that he’s the adult, and he needs to act like it because he was chirping with one of my players, and I’m always going to defend my guys,” Tang said. “If my guys are wrong, I’m going to correct them. What Gary Maxwell did and said to my player was not warranted, and all I told him was he was better than that as a person and he’s the adult, and I got a tech for that.”UP NEXTKansas State: Hosts Oklahoma on Tuesday.Houston: Travels to Texas on Monday.___

Houston beats Kansas State its fourth straight victory

After winning a pair of thriller at Bethel College to open the week, the Kansas Wesleyan basketball teams will travel to Wichita tonight to square off with Friends

The first of these matchups will take place tonight at the Garvey Center, with the women's game set to begin at 5:00.

Women's Game: Kansas Wesleyan (10-9, 8-5), Friends (14-5, 11-2)

KWU and Friends are 3-3 in their last six games but the Coyotes won the previous six. The Falcons prevailed 84-61 on November 15 in Mabee Arena in the first game this season and leads the series 21-18 since February, 2006.

The Falcons entered the week having won five in a row. They defeated Oklahoma Wesleyan 78-50 last Wednesday in Bartlesville and downed Bethel 77-67 Saturday in Wichita. Friends was one game behind conference co-leaders Saint Mary and Tabor in the KCAC standings.

Rayland Garner scored 24 points and Taylor Jackson had 19 and 12 rebounds in the Falcons' victory over KWU on November 15 in Mabee Arena. The game was tied at 54 after three quarters before Friends pulled away the final 10 minutes.

Garner averages a team-best 17.6 points and grabs 7.3 rebounds per game. Jackson, the Falcons' post player, averages 13.8 points and 11.4 rebounds, which leads the KCAC and ranks sixth in the NAIA.

Men's Game: Kansas Wesleyan (14-5, 11-2), Friends (7-11, 4-9)

KWU has won four in a row and nine of the last 10 against Friends, including a 99-78 victory on November 15 this season. The Falcons last victory was in January, 2022 and they have a 23-18 advantage since January, 2006.

The Falcons won three in a row earlier this month but have lost their last two since then - at Oklahoma Wesleyan 92-61 last Wednesday and 62-43 to Bethel at home last Saturday - entering their game Wednesday at Evangel.

Drew Patterson scored 22 points, KJ Spiller 13 and the Falcons shot 51 percent in the loss to KWU in November. KWU led 44-39 at halftime before pulling away in the second half.

Friends averages 78 points and shoots 35.6 percent beyond the arc. Spiller averages 14.3 points, Patterson 9.5 and Al Emerllahu and Steele Chapman 8.7 each. Spiller also averages a team-best 5.4 rebounds. Opponents average 79 points and are shooting 45 percent.

Both games can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM locally or online at 910kina.com). Tyler Henry and Brooks Garretson will have the call with pregame coverage beginning at 4:30 PM.

After winning a pair of thriller at Bethel College to open the week, the Kansas Wesleyan basketball teams will travel to Wichita tonight to square off with FriendsThe first of these matchups will take place tonight at the Garvey Center, with the women's game set to begin at 5:00.Women's Game: Kansas Wesleyan (10-9, 8-5), Friends (14-5, 11-2)KWU and Friends are 3-3 in their last six games but the Coyotes won the previous six. The Falcons prevailed 84-61 on November 15 in Mabee Arena in the first game this season and leads the series 21-18 since February, 2006.The Falcons entered the week having won five in a row. They defeated Oklahoma Wesleyan 78-50 last Wednesday in Bartlesville and downed Bethel 77-67 Saturday in Wichita. Friends was one game behind conference co-leaders Saint Mary and Tabor in the KCAC standings.Rayland Garner scored 24 points and Taylor Jackson had 19 and 12 rebounds in the Falcons' victory over KWU on November 15 in Mabee Arena. The game was tied at 54 after three quarters before Friends pulled away the final 10 minutes.Garner averages a team-best 17.6 points and grabs 7.3 rebounds per game. Jackson, the Falcons' post player, averages 13.8 points and 11.4 rebounds, which leads the KCAC and ranks sixth in the NAIA.Men's Game: Kansas Wesleyan (14-5, 11-2), Friends (7-11, 4-9)KWU has won four in a row and nine of the last 10 against Friends, including a 99-78 victory on November 15 this season. The Falcons last victory was in January, 2022 and they have a 23-18 advantage since January, 2006.The Falcons won three in a row earlier this month but have lost their last two since then - at Oklahoma Wesleyan 92-61 last Wednesday and 62-43 to Bethel at home last Saturday - entering their game Wednesday at Evangel.Drew Patterson scored 22 points, KJ Spiller 13 and the Falcons shot 51 percent in the loss to KWU in November. KWU led 44-39 at halftime before pulling away in the second half.Friends averages 78 points and shoots 35.6 percent beyond the arc. Spiller averages 14.3 points, Patterson 9.5 and Al Emerllahu and Steele Chapman 8.7 each. Spiller also averages a team-best 5.4 rebounds. Opponents average 79 points and are shooting 45 percent.Live CoverageBoth games can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM locally or online at 910kina.com). Tyler Henry and Brooks Garretson will have the call with pregame coverage beginning at 4:30 PM.

Coyotes Return to the Road to Face Friends

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Milan Momcilovic scored 19 points as No. 23 Iowa State survived a heated game against Kansas State 78-67 on Wednesday night.

Keshon Gilbert added 15 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for the Cyclones (15-4, 4-2 Big 12), who improved to 12-0 at home this season. Curtis Jones scored 18 points.

Arthur Kaluma led Kansas State (14-5, 4-2) with 16 points, as the Wildcats slipped from the top of the conference standings.

“Every game is going to be intense,” Jones said. “We've been preparing for that since June.”

Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger and Kansas State coach Jerome Tang appeared to have a heated exchange during the second half and a prolonged discussion during the postgame handshake line.

“Nothing happened,” Tang said. “We talked about a situation that took place during the game. He (Otzelberger) said he would check into it. I told him thank you and went on.”

Kansas State erased a 14-point, second-half lead by the Cyclones, tying the score on five different occasions. But the Wildcats never went ahead.

“It's so important that you don't relinquish that lead,” Otzelberger said. “Your confidence (grows) as you're out in front or they don't get over that hump.”

Deadlocked at 61, Hason Ward put Iowa State back on top for good with a dunk at the 4:09 mark. A 3-pointer from Jones made it 66-61 with 2:47 remaining.

“That basket gave us a lot of confidence,” Otzelberger said. “The crowd exploded, and we had some margin at that point. So, it was really big.”

Tang was given a technical foul with two minutes remaining, after protesting a foul call.

Momcilovic converted three free throws following the technical and followed with a 3-pointer that pushed Iowa State's lead to 72-62.

“I wasn't trying to get a tech,” Tang said. “I didn't say anything. I just thought it was a bad call and waved my arm. With the intensity of that game and that moment, I would think that we would all be given a little grace.”

Kansas State was sluggish, committing turnovers on each of its first three possessions and missing four of its first five shots. The Wildcats shot just one of eight from 3-point range in the first half.

Play was choppy as the teams were called for a combined 47 fouls and missed a combined 20 free throws.

“It was tough, because of a lot of free throws, a lot of fouls, a lot of stoppage, fans yelling or whatever,” Momcilovic said. “It was tough to really get into a groove.”

Momcilovic hit three of six shots from behind the 3-point arc and made 6 of 8 free throws.

Iowa State, which had won nine of its previous 11 games, benefited from the return of leading scorer Tamin Lipsey, who missed a game with a shoulder injury. Lipsey was averaging 14.5 points per game. He finished with eight points on 2-for-10 shooting Wednesday.

Kansas State was not among the seven Big 12 teams ranked this week, despite being tied atop the conference standings.

Kansas State visits No. 4 Houston on Saturday.

Iowa State hosts No. 7 Kansas on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706181018323.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>AMES, Iowa (AP) — Milan Momcilovic scored 19 points as No. 23 Iowa State survived a heated game against Kansas State 78-67 on Wednesday night.Keshon Gilbert added 15 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for the Cyclones (15-4, 4-2 Big 12), who improved to 12-0 at home this season. Curtis Jones scored 18 points.Arthur Kaluma led Kansas State (14-5, 4-2) with 16 points, as the Wildcats slipped from the top of the conference standings.“Every game is going to be intense,” Jones said. “We've been preparing for that since June.”Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger and Kansas State coach Jerome Tang appeared to have a heated exchange during the second half and a prolonged discussion during the postgame handshake line.“Nothing happened,” Tang said. “We talked about a situation that took place during the game. He (Otzelberger) said he would check into it. I told him thank you and went on.”Otzelberger also declined to elaborate.Kansas State erased a 14-point, second-half lead by the Cyclones, tying the score on five different occasions. But the Wildcats never went ahead.“It's so important that you don't relinquish that lead,” Otzelberger said. “Your confidence (grows) as you're out in front or they don't get over that hump.”Deadlocked at 61, Hason Ward put Iowa State back on top for good with a dunk at the 4:09 mark. A 3-pointer from Jones made it 66-61 with 2:47 remaining.“That basket gave us a lot of confidence,” Otzelberger said. “The crowd exploded, and we had some margin at that point. So, it was really big.”Tang was given a technical foul with two minutes remaining, after protesting a foul call.Momcilovic converted three free throws following the technical and followed with a 3-pointer that pushed Iowa State's lead to 72-62.“I wasn't trying to get a tech,” Tang said. “I didn't say anything. I just thought it was a bad call and waved my arm. With the intensity of that game and that moment, I would think that we would all be given a little grace.”Kansas State was sluggish, committing turnovers on each of its first three possessions and missing four of its first five shots. The Wildcats shot just one of eight from 3-point range in the first half.Play was choppy as the teams were called for a combined 47 fouls and missed a combined 20 free throws.“It was tough, because of a lot of free throws, a lot of fouls, a lot of stoppage, fans yelling or whatever,” Momcilovic said. “It was tough to really get into a groove.”Momcilovic hit three of six shots from behind the 3-point arc and made 6 of 8 free throws.BIG PICTUREIowa State, which had won nine of its previous 11 games, benefited from the return of leading scorer Tamin Lipsey, who missed a game with a shoulder injury. Lipsey was averaging 14.5 points per game. He finished with eight points on 2-for-10 shooting Wednesday.Kansas State was not among the seven Big 12 teams ranked this week, despite being tied atop the conference standings.UP NEXTKansas State visits No. 4 Houston on Saturday.Iowa State hosts No. 7 Kansas on Saturday.

Momcilovic leads Iowa State over Kansas State 

Following a 2-2 week, the Kansas Wesleyan basketball teams will take to the road, where they will spend the next three games away from Mabee Arena.

The first of these matchups will take place tonight at Bethel College, with the women's game set to begin at 6:00.

Women's Game: Kansas Wesleyan (9-9, 7-5), Bethel (6-12, 6-6)

Men's Game: Kansas Wesleyan (13-5, 10-2), Bethel (8-9, 6-6)

Both games can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM locally or online at 910kina.com). Tyler Henry and Brooks Garretson will have the call with pregame coverage beginning at 5:30 PM.

Following a 2-2 week, the Kansas Wesleyan basketball teams will take to the road, where they will spend the next three games away from Mabee Arena.The first of these matchups will take place tonight at Bethel College, with the women's game set to begin at 6:00.Women's Game: Kansas Wesleyan (9-9, 7-5), Bethel (6-12, 6-6)<ul>
 <li>The Coyotes have won three straight and 12 of 14 against Bethel. They won 84-63 in Mabee Arena and 70-62 in North Newton last season. KWU has a whopping 31-5 advantage since December, 2005.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>The Threshers lost both of their games last week - 66-51 to Evangel Wednesday in Springfield, Mo. and 77-67 to Friends on Saturday in Wichita. Bethel has rebounded after losing its first five games of the season.</li><li>Freshman Kendall Locke is the leading scorer (14.2) and has surpassed 20 points in four of her last five games including 22 against Evangel and 21 against Friends. She also averages a team-high 5.1 rebounds. Junior Natalie Richards averages 11.7 points and freshman Madyson McKinzie 11.5.</li><li>Bethel averages 69 points and allows 76.6. Rebounding and turnovers have been issues: opponents average nearly eight rebounds a game more (7.7) than the Threshers and they are averaging 17.3 turnovers.</li>
 </ul>Men's Game: Kansas Wesleyan (13-5, 10-2), Bethel (8-9, 6-6)<ul>
 <li>The Coyotes have won the last two games against Bethel but are 5-5 with the Threshers in the last 10. KWU won 77-58 in Mabee Arena in November, 2022 and 79-62 last January. The Coyotes have a 22-13 edge since December, 2005.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>The Threshers defeated Friends 62-43 Saturday in Wichita, edning a two-game skid that came against Oklahoma Wesleyan and Evangel. They're 4-3 second semester and are 5-2 inside Thresher Gym this season.</li><li>Bethel features a balanced scoring attack led by senior guards Keyaun Hoskin (13.3) and Nick Bonner (13.1) and sophomore guard Carmelo Yakubu (12.5). Bonner has a team-best 35 made 3-pointers and Hoskin averages a team-high 5.9 rebounds.</li><li>Bethel averages 73 points and allows 73.6. The Threshers are shooting 43 percent from the field and 34 percent from 3-point range. Opponents are shooting 43 percent overall and 33 percent from long range.</li>
 </ul>Live CoverageBoth games can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM locally or online at 910kina.com). Tyler Henry and Brooks Garretson will have the call with pregame coverage beginning at 5:30 PM.

Coyotes Open Three-Game Road Stretch at Bethel College

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Johnny Furphy sent his parents back home to Australia with quite the lasting impression of their son in Allen Fieldhouse.

The freshman guard had career-highs of 23 points and 11 rebounds, hitting a key 3-pointer down the stretch, and helped No. 7 Kansas overcome a sluggish night from the rest of its starters in a 74-69 victory over Cincinnati on Monday night.

Kevin McCullar Jr. added 20 points despite struggling with his shot, KJ Adams Jr. had 11 points and Hunter Dickinson overcame some foul trouble to score 10 for the Jayhawks (16-3, 4-2), who bounced back nicely from a road loss at West Virginia.

“This was their first home game,” Furphy said of his parents, “so I was happy they could experience that. I've been telling them a lot about Allen Fieldhouse. I'm happy they got to see a win.”

The cold-shooting Bearcats (13-6, 2-4), wrapping up a stretch of six straight against ranked teams, got within 64-57 when Day Day Thomas ended their 6-plus minute field-goal drought with just over 2 1/2 minutes to play. But at the other end, Furphy hit his 3-pointer from the wing as the shot clock expired, and the Jayhawks were able to hang on from there.

“You had some good looks, some blown possessions, and you're still right there. That's the hard part to swallow,” said Cincinnati coach Will Wade, whose team had 16 turnovers and went 3 for 18 from the 3-point arc.

Dan Skillings Jr. led the Bearcats with 16 points. Leading scorer Viktor Lakhin was held to seven on 1-for-6 shooting.

The Bearcats and Jayhawks were meeting for the first time since a top-five showdown in 1996, and they were playing at Allen Fieldhouse for the first time since 1967, when Kansas exacted a bit of revenge for a home loss five years earlier.

Like so many teams unaccustomed to the Phog, Cincinnati was rattled in the opening minutes. Kansas sprinted out to a 12-point lead and Wade was forced to call timeout to keep the game from getting away from his Bearcats.

Cincinnati slowly drew even, though, and briefly took the lead before going to halftime 35-all.

“We have a resilient bunch,” Wade said. “We don't pout. We don't put our heads down.”

McCullar continued to struggle from the field, where he finished 5 for 17, and Dickinson had to sit long stretches after picking up his fourth foul with more than 10 minutes to go. But the Bearcats continued to be bitterly cold from the 3-point arc, where Simas Lukosius was 0 for 6 and nobody else was a whole lot better, and that prevented them from ever taking control.

That came back to haunt Cincinnati when the Jayhawks pulled away in the closing minutes.

“They got a goose egg other than Skillings shooting the ball from the arc, and those were all in the first half,” Jayhawks coach Bill Self said. “We were probably lucky on some of them, but we did a decent job defensively, and that was a big part of the game.”

Kansas retired the No. 33 jersey of Bill “Skinny” Johnson during a halftime ceremony. He was an All-American in 1933 under coach Phog Allen, and led the Jayhawks to three consecutive conference titles. Johnson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1977, three years before his death.

Kansas visits No. 23 Iowa State on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706008214708.png" alt="Kansas guard Johnny Furphy (10) dribbles towards the basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Cincinnati on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024, in Lawrence, Kan. (Kansas Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas guard Johnny Furphy (10) dribbles towards the basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Cincinnati on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024, in Lawrence, Kan. (Kansas Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Johnny Furphy sent his parents back home to Australia with quite the lasting impression of their son in Allen Fieldhouse.The freshman guard had career-highs of 23 points and 11 rebounds, hitting a key 3-pointer down the stretch, and helped No. 7 Kansas overcome a sluggish night from the rest of its starters in a 74-69 victory over Cincinnati on Monday night.Kevin McCullar Jr. added 20 points despite struggling with his shot, KJ Adams Jr. had 11 points and Hunter Dickinson overcame some foul trouble to score 10 for the Jayhawks (16-3, 4-2), who bounced back nicely from a road loss at West Virginia.“This was their first home game,” Furphy said of his parents, “so I was happy they could experience that. I've been telling them a lot about Allen Fieldhouse. I'm happy they got to see a win.”The cold-shooting Bearcats (13-6, 2-4), wrapping up a stretch of six straight against ranked teams, got within 64-57 when Day Day Thomas ended their 6-plus minute field-goal drought with just over 2 1/2 minutes to play. But at the other end, Furphy hit his 3-pointer from the wing as the shot clock expired, and the Jayhawks were able to hang on from there.“You had some good looks, some blown possessions, and you're still right there. That's the hard part to swallow,” said Cincinnati coach Will Wade, whose team had 16 turnovers and went 3 for 18 from the 3-point arc.Dan Skillings Jr. led the Bearcats with 16 points. Leading scorer Viktor Lakhin was held to seven on 1-for-6 shooting.The Bearcats and Jayhawks were meeting for the first time since a top-five showdown in 1996, and they were playing at Allen Fieldhouse for the first time since 1967, when Kansas exacted a bit of revenge for a home loss five years earlier.Like so many teams unaccustomed to the Phog, Cincinnati was rattled in the opening minutes. Kansas sprinted out to a 12-point lead and Wade was forced to call timeout to keep the game from getting away from his Bearcats.Cincinnati slowly drew even, though, and briefly took the lead before going to halftime 35-all.“We have a resilient bunch,” Wade said. “We don't pout. We don't put our heads down.”McCullar continued to struggle from the field, where he finished 5 for 17, and Dickinson had to sit long stretches after picking up his fourth foul with more than 10 minutes to go. But the Bearcats continued to be bitterly cold from the 3-point arc, where Simas Lukosius was 0 for 6 and nobody else was a whole lot better, and that prevented them from ever taking control.That came back to haunt Cincinnati when the Jayhawks pulled away in the closing minutes.“They got a goose egg other than Skillings shooting the ball from the arc, and those were all in the first half,” Jayhawks coach Bill Self said. “We were probably lucky on some of them, but we did a decent job defensively, and that was a big part of the game.”JERSEY RETIREMENTKansas retired the No. 33 jersey of Bill “Skinny” Johnson during a halftime ceremony. He was an All-American in 1933 under coach Phog Allen, and led the Jayhawks to three consecutive conference titles. Johnson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1977, three years before his death.UP NEXTCincinnati plays UCF on Saturday night.Kansas visits No. 23 Iowa State on Saturday.

Furphy has career-highs of 23 points as Kansas beats Cincinnati 

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

On Monday, the Salina Liberty announced that Sam Sellers, former long-time head football coach at Salina South, had been named as the team's new General Manager.

Sellers replaces a Liberty legend in Francis Flax, who oversaw the recent golden age of Salina football, including a CIF title in 2022, before retiring this offseason.

The new GM will be tasked with a big challenge, as the Liberty join the newly reformed Arena Football League, which will feature 16 teams spanning from Oregon to New York.

While big challenges undoubtedly lie ahead, Sellers is ready to meet those head-on, as Salina looks to take its championship-caliber brand of football to the biggest stage imaginable.

“Joining the AFL is such a big opportunity,” Sellers said. “It’s the highest level of indoor sports and there are some big-time people involved with this thing. The season opener will be played on NFL Network, there’s a lot of brand recognition, and there are a lot of great things that haven’t even been made public yet. What an unbelievable opportunity for the city of Salina to be able to showcase this town and show people what we’re about.”

While a GM role at this level would be attractive to anyone, Sellers is looking forward to remaining in a place that’s become synonymous with home over several decades of service on the gridiron.

“We took some time to step back and think about things but we love raising our family here in Salina,” he said. “I think the world of guys like Dan Mendicina and Coach Flax, and what really stuck out in our meeting was just how important this community is to our ownership group.”

The new move has also excited head coach Heron O’Neal, who will remain in control of football operations as the Liberty look to continue their winning ways.

“I am very excited that Sam has been hired as GM,” O’Neal said. “He is well-known in our community, and I think he will bring in different fans and sponsors with his background. Sam and I have already begun matching wits to produce a great product for Salina and the surrounding area, and with him in charge of the business and myself in charge of the football I know Liberty Nation is in great hands.”

While the stage the Liberty will play on has changed, the expectations have not, and Salina will look to pick up right where they left off when the season gets underway this spring.

“For the last four years, this team has been in the CIF championship game and they’re all about winning,” Sellers said. “Talking to Coach O’Neal that’s a huge thing for everyone in the organization. It’s a big jump but with a guy like that leading this team and with the guys he’s bringing in we’re excited for the opportunity and our goal is to play in the Arena Bowl and compete for a championship even in year one.”

Salina opens their 2024 campaign on Sunday, April 28th at home against the Southwest Kansas Storm.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostOn Monday, the Salina Liberty announced that Sam Sellers, former long-time head football coach at Salina South, had been named as the team's new General Manager.Sellers replaces a Liberty legend in Francis Flax, who oversaw the recent golden age of Salina football, including a CIF title in 2022, before retiring this offseason.The new GM will be tasked with a big challenge, as the Liberty join the newly reformed Arena Football League, which will feature 16 teams spanning from Oregon to New York.While big challenges undoubtedly lie ahead, Sellers is ready to meet those head-on, as Salina looks to take its championship-caliber brand of football to the biggest stage imaginable.“Joining the AFL is such a big opportunity,” Sellers said. “It’s the highest level of indoor sports and there are some big-time people involved with this thing. The season opener will be played on NFL Network, there’s a lot of brand recognition, and there are a lot of great things that haven’t even been made public yet. What an unbelievable opportunity for the city of Salina to be able to showcase this town and show people what we’re about.”While a GM role at this level would be attractive to anyone, Sellers is looking forward to remaining in a place that’s become synonymous with home over several decades of service on the gridiron.“We took some time to step back and think about things but we love raising our family here in Salina,” he said. “I think the world of guys like Dan Mendicina and Coach Flax, and what really stuck out in our meeting was just how important this community is to our ownership group.”The new move has also excited head coach Heron O’Neal, who will remain in control of football operations as the Liberty look to continue their winning ways.“I am very excited that Sam has been hired as GM,” O’Neal said. “He is well-known in our community, and I think he will bring in different fans and sponsors with his background. Sam and I have already begun matching wits to produce a great product for Salina and the surrounding area, and with him in charge of the business and myself in charge of the football I know Liberty Nation is in great hands.”While the stage the Liberty will play on has changed, the expectations have not, and Salina will look to pick up right where they left off when the season gets underway this spring.“For the last four years, this team has been in the CIF championship game and they’re all about winning,” Sellers said. “Talking to Coach O’Neal that’s a huge thing for everyone in the organization. It’s a big jump but with a guy like that leading this team and with the guys he’s bringing in we’re excited for the opportunity and our goal is to play in the Arena Bowl and compete for a championship even in year one.”Salina opens their 2024 campaign on Sunday, April 28th at home against the Southwest Kansas Storm.

Sellers, O'Neal to Usher in New Era of Liberty Football

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Travis Kelce caught two touchdown passes from Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs advanced to their sixth straight AFC championship game with a 27-24 win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night.

Isiah Pacheco scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 4-yard run 40 seconds into the fourth quarter in a game the teams traded leads five times. The Chiefs then clinched the win by running out the clock after Buffalo’s Tyler Bass was wide right on a 44-yard field goal attempt with 1:43 remaining.

The defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs (13-6) move on to Baltimore to face Lamar Jackson and the conference’s top-seeded Ravens, who beat Houston 34-10 on Saturday.

“There’s no weakness there,” Mahomes said of the Ravens. "It’s going to take our best effort. Defense, offense, special teams, they do it all. It’s always a great challenge and that stadium’s going to be rocking, so we’re excited for the challenge.”

Kansas City is 0-1 in the playoffs against the Ravens, following a 30-7 loss in the 2010 wild-card round. Baltimore defeated Kansas City 36-35 in their most recent regular-season matchup in Week 2 of the 2021 season.

Kansas City has never lost in the divisional round since Mahomes took over as starter in 2018, and the Chiefs have now won five consecutive playoff games since a 27-24 overtime loss to Cincinnati in the AFC championship game during the 2021 season.

Mahomes, a two-time NFL MVP, can also check off another first on his record by winning his first road start in the playoffs — not counting Super Bowls — and improving his postseason mark to 13-3.

“First of all, this is a great environment, man," Mahomes said of Buffalo. “It really is. We did hear it all week, man, about playing a road game, and we’re here to prove a point and show that we can play anywhere.”

The Bills (12-7) had their third consecutive postseason end in the divisional round, following losses to Cincinnati last year and the Chiefs in 2021. And the Chiefs ended Buffalo’s season for the third time in four years, including a 38-24 decision at Kansas City in the 2020 season AFC championship game.

It was another disappointing finish for a Bills team that won its fourth consecutive AFC East title, and was on a six-game roll since a 20-17 win at Kansas City on Dec. 10.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705892120097.png" alt="Photo courtesy Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Travis Kelce caught two touchdown passes from Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs advanced to their sixth straight AFC championship game with a 27-24 win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night.Isiah Pacheco scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 4-yard run 40 seconds into the fourth quarter in a game the teams traded leads five times. The Chiefs then clinched the win by running out the clock after Buffalo’s Tyler Bass was wide right on a 44-yard field goal attempt with 1:43 remaining.The defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs (13-6) move on to Baltimore to face Lamar Jackson and the conference’s top-seeded Ravens, who beat Houston 34-10 on Saturday.“There’s no weakness there,” Mahomes said of the Ravens. "It’s going to take our best effort. Defense, offense, special teams, they do it all. It’s always a great challenge and that stadium’s going to be rocking, so we’re excited for the challenge.”Kansas City is 0-1 in the playoffs against the Ravens, following a 30-7 loss in the 2010 wild-card round. Baltimore defeated Kansas City 36-35 in their most recent regular-season matchup in Week 2 of the 2021 season.Kansas City has never lost in the divisional round since Mahomes took over as starter in 2018, and the Chiefs have now won five consecutive playoff games since a 27-24 overtime loss to Cincinnati in the AFC championship game during the 2021 season.Mahomes, a two-time NFL MVP, can also check off another first on his record by winning his first road start in the playoffs — not counting Super Bowls — and improving his postseason mark to 13-3.“First of all, this is a great environment, man," Mahomes said of Buffalo. “It really is. We did hear it all week, man, about playing a road game, and we’re here to prove a point and show that we can play anywhere.”The Bills (12-7) had their third consecutive postseason end in the divisional round, following losses to Cincinnati last year and the Chiefs in 2021. And the Chiefs ended Buffalo’s season for the third time in four years, including a 38-24 decision at Kansas City in the 2020 season AFC championship game.It was another disappointing finish for a Bills team that won its fourth consecutive AFC East title, and was on a six-game roll since a 20-17 win at Kansas City on Dec. 10.___

Kelce scores twice, Chiefs beat Bills to advance to AFC championship

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Arthur Kaluma had 23 points, Cam Carter scored 12 of his 15 points in the second half and Kansas State beat Oklahoma State 70-66 Saturday night, handing the Cowboys their fifth loss in a row.

Tylor Perry, with 1.2 seconds left on the shot clock, lobbed an inbound pass from the baseline to Carter for an alley-oop layup to give Kansas State a 68-66 lead with 24 seconds left. Oklahoma State lost the ball out of bounds and Carter made two free throws to make it a two-possession game with 8.7 remaining.

Kaluma, who topped the 1,000-point plateau for his career with a dunk late in the first half, made 7 of 12 from the field, including three 3-pointers. The transfer from Creighton finished with seven rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks. Will McNair Jr. added 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting for Kansas State (14-4, 4-1 Big 12).

The Wildcats, who won the regular-season conference title last season, have won back-to-back games — including a 68-64 overtime win against No. 9 Baylor — and six of their last seven.

Javon Small hit a 3-pointer to give Oklahoma State (8-10, 0-5) its biggest lead of the game at 54-44 midway through the second half. McNair answered with a layup and Perry hit a 3 then converted a three-point play to trim the deficit to four with 8:39 to play. Connor Dow made a 3-pointer about a minute later to make it 59-52, but the Wildcats scored nine of the next 10 points. Carter banked in a straight-away 3 to cap the spurt and give Kansas State a 61-60 lead — its first since 20-19 — with 3:31 to play.

Eric Dailey Jr. scored 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting for the Cowboys. Small finished with 11 points, eight rebounds, five assists and five steals and John-Michael Wright also scored 11.

Oklahoma State plays host to No. 19 TCU on Tuesday. Kansas State visits No. 24 Iowa State on Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705808255564.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Arthur Kaluma had 23 points, Cam Carter scored 12 of his 15 points in the second half and Kansas State beat Oklahoma State 70-66 Saturday night, handing the Cowboys their fifth loss in a row.Tylor Perry, with 1.2 seconds left on the shot clock, lobbed an inbound pass from the baseline to Carter for an alley-oop layup to give Kansas State a 68-66 lead with 24 seconds left. Oklahoma State lost the ball out of bounds and Carter made two free throws to make it a two-possession game with 8.7 remaining.Kaluma, who topped the 1,000-point plateau for his career with a dunk late in the first half, made 7 of 12 from the field, including three 3-pointers. The transfer from Creighton finished with seven rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks. Will McNair Jr. added 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting for Kansas State (14-4, 4-1 Big 12).The Wildcats, who won the regular-season conference title last season, have won back-to-back games — including a 68-64 overtime win against No. 9 Baylor — and six of their last seven.Javon Small hit a 3-pointer to give Oklahoma State (8-10, 0-5) its biggest lead of the game at 54-44 midway through the second half. McNair answered with a layup and Perry hit a 3 then converted a three-point play to trim the deficit to four with 8:39 to play. Connor Dow made a 3-pointer about a minute later to make it 59-52, but the Wildcats scored nine of the next 10 points. Carter banked in a straight-away 3 to cap the spurt and give Kansas State a 61-60 lead — its first since 20-19 — with 3:31 to play.Eric Dailey Jr. scored 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting for the Cowboys. Small finished with 11 points, eight rebounds, five assists and five steals and John-Michael Wright also scored 11.Oklahoma State plays host to No. 19 TCU on Tuesday. Kansas State visits No. 24 Iowa State on Wednesday.

Kaluma scores 23, helps Kansas State beat Oklahoma State 

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — RaeQuan Battle scored 23 points and grabbed nine rebounds, Pat Suemnick added a career-high 20 points and West Virginia beat No. 3 Kansas 91-85 on Saturday.

Fans stormed the court after the Mountaineers (7-11, 2-3 Big 12) improved to 7-5 against Kansas in Morgantown and broke a six-game losing streak in the series.

West Virginia set the pace with an early 3-point shooting barrage and outhustled the Jayhawks to get key free throws in the end.

Kansas (15-3, 3-2) trailed for most of the second half until K.J. Adams hit two free throws for an 81-80 lead with 2:41 remaining. Suemnick answered with a bank shot over Hunter Dickinson 35 seconds later to give the Mountaineers the lead for good.

West Virginia sealed the win by making nine of 10 free throws in the final 34 seconds.

Kerr Kriisa added 15 points for the Mountaineers.

Kevin McCullar led Kansas with 24 points and Dickinson scored 19. Freshman Johnny Furphy hit three 3-pointers and grabbed three rebounds in the first four minutes but went 22 minutes before scoring again and finished with 13 points.

The Mountaineers, the Big 12’s worst 3-point shooting team, made 12 of 21 (57%) from beyond the arc, including nine of their first 11.

Kansas could drop several spots in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">AP Top 25</a>&nbsp;poll.

Kansas: It's the most points allowed this season by the Jayhawks, who ran into a determined team that has beaten two straight ranked opponents at home.

West Virginia: With West Virginia center Jesse Edwards still out with a broken wrist, interim coach Josh Eilert stressed the importance of rebounding. The Mountaineers outrebounded Kansas 31-22, the Jayhawks' lowest total this season.

Kansas: Hosts Cincinnati on Monday night.

West Virginia: Plays at UCF on Tuesday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705797626212.png" alt="Photo University of Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo University of Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — RaeQuan Battle scored 23 points and grabbed nine rebounds, Pat Suemnick added a career-high 20 points and West Virginia beat No. 3 Kansas 91-85 on Saturday.Fans stormed the court after the Mountaineers (7-11, 2-3 Big 12) improved to 7-5 against Kansas in Morgantown and broke a six-game losing streak in the series.West Virginia set the pace with an early 3-point shooting barrage and outhustled the Jayhawks to get key free throws in the end.Kansas (15-3, 3-2) trailed for most of the second half until K.J. Adams hit two free throws for an 81-80 lead with 2:41 remaining. Suemnick answered with a bank shot over Hunter Dickinson 35 seconds later to give the Mountaineers the lead for good.West Virginia sealed the win by making nine of 10 free throws in the final 34 seconds.Kerr Kriisa added 15 points for the Mountaineers.Kevin McCullar led Kansas with 24 points and Dickinson scored 19. Freshman Johnny Furphy hit three 3-pointers and grabbed three rebounds in the first four minutes but went 22 minutes before scoring again and finished with 13 points.The Mountaineers, the Big 12’s worst 3-point shooting team, made 12 of 21 (57%) from beyond the arc, including nine of their first 11.POLL IMPLICATIONSKansas could drop several spots in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">AP Top 25</a>&nbsp;poll.BIG PICTUREKansas: It's the most points allowed this season by the Jayhawks, who ran into a determined team that has beaten two straight ranked opponents at home.West Virginia: With West Virginia center Jesse Edwards still out with a broken wrist, interim coach Josh Eilert stressed the importance of rebounding. The Mountaineers outrebounded Kansas 31-22, the Jayhawks' lowest total this season.UP NEXTKansas: Hosts Cincinnati on Monday night.West Virginia: Plays at UCF on Tuesday night.

RaeQuan Battle leads West Virginia in upset of Kansas

HOUSTON (AP) —Jack Burke Jr., who was the oldest living Masters champion and staged the greatest comeback ever at Augusta National for one of his two majors, died Friday in Houston. He was 100.

Burke, a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, also won the PGA Championship and was equally skilled as a teacher. He built the fabled Champions Golf Club in Houston and delivered lessons along with a dose of homespun wisdom.

“Why did golf give us 34 rules when God only gave us 10 commandments?” he said over dinner at his home in Houston in 2000, one of endless examples of a sharp wit always grounded in common sense.

His passing was confirmed by Steve Timms, the CEO and president of the Houston Golf Association who spoke with Burke's wife, Robin.

Burke won two majors in 1956 when he was the PGA player of the year, none more famous than his staggering rally at the Masters when he started the final round eight shots behind Ken Venturi. In conditions so blustery only two players broke par, Burke posted a 1-under 71 for a one-shot victory over Venturi, who shot 80.

Later that year, Burke defeated Ted Kroll, 3 and 2, to win the PGA Championship.

Those were among his 16 victories on the PGA Tour, including four straight in early 1952, three of them by six shots or more. He was on five straight Ryder Cup teams and won seven of his eight matches. The lone loss was in 1957 when Burke was a playing captain and Great Britain won for the first time since World War II.

Burke’s last PGA Tour victory was in 1963, but his career was far from over. He was as much a teacher as a player, and a Texan through and through.

Born in Fort Worth, he grew up in Houston while his father, Jack Burke, was the head pro at River Oaks Country Club. His father died when Burke was serving in the Marines during World War II, where he taught combat skills at Miramar near San Diego.

“They asked me to help with teaching martial arts because, as a golfer, I’m familiar with timing and balance — and both are very important,” Burke told the USGA in 2017. “I had been instructing golf all my life because my dad taught me how to teach. So teaching these other things was not a problem.”

When the war ended, Burke became a teaching pro in New Jersey and then got a job as an assistant under Claude Harmon at Winged Foot. That led to a club pro job at Metropolis Country Club in New York.

He finished 45th on the money list in nine events in 1949, and he was credited with his first PGA Tour victory a year later at the Bing Crosby Pro-Am at Pebble Beach.

For all he achieved inside the ropes, Burke is equally known for his teaching skills. He could be funny and harsh, always getting his point across, all for the love of the game.

“When a primitive hunter threw a spear at his prey, you better believe he followed through and finished with his weight on his left foot,” Burke once said. “Reverse pivots in the jungle could be fatal. That saber-toothed tiger would eat you.”

Burke was perturbed when a member at Champions asked him for a quick look at his swing. Burke offered a suggestion and as he walked away, the member said, “Thanks for the tip.”

“I don’t give tips,” Burke wrote in his book. “This isn’t Churchill Downs. It took me 60 years to acquire the knowledge necessary to offer that man a suggestion. Just because the advice comprised one sentence doesn’t mean it didn’t include a lot of thought.”

His book was titled, “It’s Only a Game,” and was published in 2006, two years after he served as an assistant captain at the Ryder Cup in 2004 at Oakland Hills, where Europe recorded its biggest victory. Burke cited the high-priced tuxedos they wore to the gala as an example of how riches in golf had softened the players. He also mentioned how much players seemed to enjoy their time playing table tennis and video games.

“I closed my eyes and imagined Ben Hogan sitting at the car racing game, his hat turned backwards, giggling and shouting to Arnold Palmer, who was waiting his turn,” Burke wrote.

He was old-school even when he was young, the son of a PGA professional, a straight shooter from Texas who learned from Claude Harmon and others.

Burke was part of the original PGA Hall of Fame in Pinehurst and was among PGA champions not ushered into the new World Golf Hall of Fame when it opened in 1998 in Florida. But he was the first one selected through the Veteran’s Category in 2000.

Burke was among eight inducted that evening and as he stood at the podium on a typical emotional ceremony, he quipped, “With all these tears, I might be standing in casual water.”

But he paid a somber tribute to so many PGA professionals who were not in the new shrine, from Harmon to Jack Grout, Johnny Revolta to Paul Runyan.

“Without these great teachers, none of us would be in here,” Burke said. “Those fellas are probably not going to get in the Hall of Fame, but I want to say to you tonight, ‘You’re coming in with me.’ I’m bringing the teachers in.”

His second wife, Robin, was the Curtis Cup captain in 2016 and helped Burke run Champions. The club hosted the U.S. Women’s Open in December 2020. Burke was 97 and still engaging, a twinkle in those blue eyes, irreverent as always.

“The USGA has never owned a golf course,” he said that week at his home. “But they come to your course and tell you how to run it.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705683931189.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSTON (AP) —Jack Burke Jr., who was the oldest living Masters champion and staged the greatest comeback ever at Augusta National for one of his two majors, died Friday in Houston. He was 100.Burke, a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, also won the PGA Championship and was equally skilled as a teacher. He built the fabled Champions Golf Club in Houston and delivered lessons along with a dose of homespun wisdom.“Why did golf give us 34 rules when God only gave us 10 commandments?” he said over dinner at his home in Houston in 2000, one of endless examples of a sharp wit always grounded in common sense.His passing was confirmed by Steve Timms, the CEO and president of the Houston Golf Association who spoke with Burke's wife, Robin.Burke won two majors in 1956 when he was the PGA player of the year, none more famous than his staggering rally at the Masters when he started the final round eight shots behind Ken Venturi. In conditions so blustery only two players broke par, Burke posted a 1-under 71 for a one-shot victory over Venturi, who shot 80.Later that year, Burke defeated Ted Kroll, 3 and 2, to win the PGA Championship.Those were among his 16 victories on the PGA Tour, including four straight in early 1952, three of them by six shots or more. He was on five straight Ryder Cup teams and won seven of his eight matches. The lone loss was in 1957 when Burke was a playing captain and Great Britain won for the first time since World War II.Burke’s last PGA Tour victory was in 1963, but his career was far from over. He was as much a teacher as a player, and a Texan through and through.Born in Fort Worth, he grew up in Houston while his father, Jack Burke, was the head pro at River Oaks Country Club. His father died when Burke was serving in the Marines during World War II, where he taught combat skills at Miramar near San Diego.“They asked me to help with teaching martial arts because, as a golfer, I’m familiar with timing and balance — and both are very important,” Burke told the USGA in 2017. “I had been instructing golf all my life because my dad taught me how to teach. So teaching these other things was not a problem.”When the war ended, Burke became a teaching pro in New Jersey and then got a job as an assistant under Claude Harmon at Winged Foot. That led to a club pro job at Metropolis Country Club in New York.He finished 45th on the money list in nine events in 1949, and he was credited with his first PGA Tour victory a year later at the Bing Crosby Pro-Am at Pebble Beach.For all he achieved inside the ropes, Burke is equally known for his teaching skills. He could be funny and harsh, always getting his point across, all for the love of the game.“When a primitive hunter threw a spear at his prey, you better believe he followed through and finished with his weight on his left foot,” Burke once said. “Reverse pivots in the jungle could be fatal. That saber-toothed tiger would eat you.”Burke was perturbed when a member at Champions asked him for a quick look at his swing. Burke offered a suggestion and as he walked away, the member said, “Thanks for the tip.”“I don’t give tips,” Burke wrote in his book. “This isn’t Churchill Downs. It took me 60 years to acquire the knowledge necessary to offer that man a suggestion. Just because the advice comprised one sentence doesn’t mean it didn’t include a lot of thought.”His book was titled, “It’s Only a Game,” and was published in 2006, two years after he served as an assistant captain at the Ryder Cup in 2004 at Oakland Hills, where Europe recorded its biggest victory. Burke cited the high-priced tuxedos they wore to the gala as an example of how riches in golf had softened the players. He also mentioned how much players seemed to enjoy their time playing table tennis and video games.“I closed my eyes and imagined Ben Hogan sitting at the car racing game, his hat turned backwards, giggling and shouting to Arnold Palmer, who was waiting his turn,” Burke wrote.He was old-school even when he was young, the son of a PGA professional, a straight shooter from Texas who learned from Claude Harmon and others.Burke was part of the original PGA Hall of Fame in Pinehurst and was among PGA champions not ushered into the new World Golf Hall of Fame when it opened in 1998 in Florida. But he was the first one selected through the Veteran’s Category in 2000.Burke was among eight inducted that evening and as he stood at the podium on a typical emotional ceremony, he quipped, “With all these tears, I might be standing in casual water.”But he paid a somber tribute to so many PGA professionals who were not in the new shrine, from Harmon to Jack Grout, Johnny Revolta to Paul Runyan.“Without these great teachers, none of us would be in here,” Burke said. “Those fellas are probably not going to get in the Hall of Fame, but I want to say to you tonight, ‘You’re coming in with me.’ I’m bringing the teachers in.”His second wife, Robin, was the Curtis Cup captain in 2016 and helped Burke run Champions. The club hosted the U.S. Women’s Open in December 2020. Burke was 97 and still engaging, a twinkle in those blue eyes, irreverent as always.“The USGA has never owned a golf course,” he said that week at his home. “But they come to your course and tell you how to run it.”

Jack Burke Jr., oldest living Masters champion, has died at age 100

Fresh off a perfect 4-0 performance a week ago, the Kansas Wesleyan basketball teams will be back on the road this Wednesday as they travel to Sterling to tangle with the Warriors.

Women's Game: Kansas Wesleyan (8-8, 6-4), Sterling (7-9, 4-6)

Men's Game: Kansas Wesleyan (12-4, 9-1), Sterling (9-6, 5-5)

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;910KINA.com.

Tyler Henry and Brooks Garretson will have the call with pregame starting at 5:30 on Wednesday.

Fresh off a perfect 4-0 performance a week ago, the Kansas Wesleyan basketball teams will be back on the road this Wednesday as they travel to Sterling to tangle with the Warriors.Women's Game: Kansas Wesleyan (8-8, 6-4), Sterling (7-9, 4-6)<ul>
 <li>The Coyotes have lost four in a row and seven of eight to Sterling. They are 15-27 against the Warriors and 5-17 in games played in Sterling since 2005. Sterling won 76-57 last December in Mabee Arena and 76-66 last February in Sterling.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>The Warriors have lost four in a row including a 79-75 setback against Friends on Saturday in Wichita and lost to Bethel 87-85 last Wednesday in Sterling. They are the three-time defending KCAC regular-season champions (KWU won the 2019-20 title with Sterling second a game back).</li><li>Korynn Clason, the lone returning starter from last season, leads the KCAC in scoring and is 10th&nbsp;in the NAIA at 21.3 points per game. She was named this week's KCAC Offensive Player of the Week having scored 40 against Bethel and 23 vs. Friends. She also averages a team-best 6.0 rebounds. Teammate Alissa Heskamp is third in scoring in the KCAC at 15.1 while Kali Briar averages 10.9 points.</li><li>Sterling averages 69.5 points but allows 74.8 and is committing an average of 18.6 turnovers per game. The Warriors shoot 41.7 percent overall, 32.8 from the perimeter.</li>
 </ul>Men's Game: Kansas Wesleyan (12-4, 9-1), Sterling (9-6, 5-5)<ul>
 <li>The Coyotes have won four of the last five and 14 of the last 16 against Sterling. The Warriors, though, upset them 75-66 in Mabee Arena in the first round of last year's KCAC tournament. The Coyotes won 81-54 last December in Salina and 87-69 in February in Sterling.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>The Warriors have lost three in a row including a 92-85 double overtime loss to Friends on Saturday in Wichita. They lost to Bethel 64-52 last Wednesday in Sterling and lost to Oklahoma Wesleyan 74-67 January 6 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.</li><li>Guards Mooch Austin (15.3) and Brandon Doss (11.4) are the top scorers. Forward Lucas Briar and guard Jayden Garrison also score in double figures (10.1 each). Sterling also has two players who stand 6-feet-10 - starting center Adel Mellack (3.8 points, 4.8 rebounds) and reserve forward Elias Ngoga (4.8 points, 5.3 rebounds).</li><li>Sterling averages 77.5 points and leads the KCAC in 3-point shooting at 39.3 percent, 43.4 percent overall. Doss, Garrison, and Briar have made at least 30 3-pointers each this season. Opponents are averaging 73 points and shooting 41 percent.</li>
 </ul>LIVE COVERAGERadio 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;910KINA.com.Tyler Henry and Brooks Garretson will have the call with pregame starting at 5:30 on Wednesday.

Coyotes Head to Sterling in Search of Wins Over Warriors

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Hunter Dickinson believes Kansas' offense is starting to reach its potential.

The 7-foot-2 center had 21 points and seven rebounds, and the third-ranked Jayhawks rolled past Oklahoma State 90-66 on Tuesday night.

In front of a crowd that was maybe half full and included a significant number of Kansas fans, the Jayhawks shot 62% and never trailed.

“We were kind of due for one of these wins where we build an early lead and maintain it throughout the game," Dickinson said. "We’re very talented, and I think it was just a matter of time before we put the offense together and everybody just had a really good game at once. I think we just did a really good job of not getting complacent.”

Kevin McCullar Jr. scored 18 points and KJ Adams Jr. scored 16 for the Jayhawks (15-2, 3-1 Big 12).

Johnny Furphy matched a season high by scoring all 15 of his points in the first half for Kansas. The 6-9 freshman guard from Australia also had seven rebounds in just his third start.

“I think Johnny’s done a really good job these past couple of games when he’s been in the starting lineup just being confident and being himself," Dickinson said. "I think the four vets are just looking for him to go out there and play his game.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705486838754.jpeg" alt="KU File Photo - Hunter Dickinson scores 21 vs OSU" />
 <figcaption>KU File Photo - Hunter Dickinson scores 21 vs OSU</figcaption>
 </figure>STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Hunter Dickinson believes Kansas' offense is starting to reach its potential.The 7-foot-2 center had 21 points and seven rebounds, and the third-ranked Jayhawks rolled past Oklahoma State 90-66 on Tuesday night.In front of a crowd that was maybe half full and included a significant number of Kansas fans, the Jayhawks shot 62% and never trailed.“We were kind of due for one of these wins where we build an early lead and maintain it throughout the game," Dickinson said. "We’re very talented, and I think it was just a matter of time before we put the offense together and everybody just had a really good game at once. I think we just did a really good job of not getting complacent.”Kevin McCullar Jr. scored 18 points and KJ Adams Jr. scored 16 for the Jayhawks (15-2, 3-1 Big 12).Johnny Furphy matched a season high by scoring all 15 of his points in the first half for Kansas. The 6-9 freshman guard from Australia also had seven rebounds in just his third start.“I think Johnny’s done a really good job these past couple of games when he’s been in the starting lineup just being confident and being himself," Dickinson said. "I think the four vets are just looking for him to go out there and play his game.”Bryce Thompson led Oklahoma State with 20 points. The former Kansas guard surpassed 1,000 career points after entering the night with 986.Javon Small, Oklahoma State's season leader with nearly 15 points per game, finished with two on 1-for-10 shooting as the Cowboys (8-9, 0-4) dropped their fourth straight.Oklahoma State was winless in the conference, but they had taken then-No. 18 Baylor to overtime in their last home game on Jan. 6. And the Cowboys had registered home wins against the Jayhawks in 2018 and 2021 under coach Mike Boynton.Kansas took control of this one early, shooting a blistering 67.7% from the field in the first half to take a 48-33 lead at the break.Late in the first half,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/AustinCEckert/status/1747452481607455044?s=20">Nicolas Timberlake dunked on Thompson</a>&nbsp;to give Kansas a 46-27 edge.“That was a great play,” Furphy said. “I passed that ahead. I didn’t fully expect him to get up that high, but I heard Kev (McCullar) scream out, ‘Dunk that!'”Thompson hit a 3-pointer as time expired in the first half to cut Kansas' lead to 15 at the break.The Jayhawks kept the pressure on, and their largest lead was 28 points in the second half."We lost to a really good team that played well tonight,” Boynton said. “That’s really the bottom line, and for us we’ve got to figure out what we want to have as the identity and the legacy of this particular team. And we need to have those answers before Saturday when we play again.”BIG PICTUREKansas: The Jayhawks followed their school-record low two-turnover performance against Oklahoma by producing 21 assists to 11 turnovers against the Cowboys.Oklahoma State: The Cowboys scored just 42 points on 32% shooting in a loss at Iowa State on Saturday, then shot 40% against Kansas.UP NEXTKansas: Visits West Virginia on Saturday.Oklahoma State: Visits Kansas State on Saturday.