By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor

After a week off following a gut-wrenching overtime loss at the hands of Sioux City, the Salina Liberty will get back on the gridiron this Saturday, with a rematch against the Tropics in Topeka.

Salina defeated the Tropics 75-45 in their season opener two weeks ago, and will look for more of the same against an 0-2 unit fresh off a 66-27 loss at the hands of the Billings Outlaws.

With one matchup against Topeka already in hand, the Liberty can put together a well-informed battle plan for this game, as each side gears up for the early rematch.

“In these earlier league games, you don’t usually have film so you’re going in blind if the team has new coaching or players from the year before,” Salina head coach Heron O’Neal said. “With us having seen Topeka before we have film and that’s definitely a positive.”

Through two games, the Liberty are averaging a league-best 57 points per contest, thanks in large part to a veteran-heavy unit led by a promising rookie under center.

“I’ve been very impressed with what we have offensively,” O’Neal said. “We still have pieces that we can fine-tune but I like what I know we can mature into and I feel like we can hang our hats on that unit.”

Defensively, Salina has been middle of the pack in opposing points per game, and has room to grow throughout the early stages of the season.

“Our defense needs to step up,” he said. “We’re in the bottom of the league at getting opponents off the field on third down and we only have two interceptions and three sacks. These are things we must improve but if we can do that we’ll be in a good position to come out with a victory this week.”

Answering that bell will be easier said than done against a Tropics team that ranks third in the CIF in total offense, but with reinforcements and a week to rest the Liberty will be in prime position to take a big win on the road this week.

“I was impressed with Topeka’s offense in our first game,” O’Neal said. “They have some very special players on that unit and they’ve been upgrading their production early in the season. We have a lot of respect for what they can do but our defense will be mentally prepared to make plays and understand what they want to do.”

Kickoff between the Liberty and Tropics is set for 7:05 at the Stormont Vail Events Center in Topeka, and as always, the game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) or streamed live on the Salina Post courtesy of Eagle Radio.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618021366432.png" alt="Coverage of Salina Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of Salina Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing</figcaption>
 </figure>After a week off following a gut-wrenching overtime loss at the hands of Sioux City, the Salina Liberty will get back on the gridiron this Saturday, with a rematch against the Tropics in Topeka.Salina defeated the Tropics 75-45 in their season opener two weeks ago, and will look for more of the same against an 0-2 unit fresh off a 66-27 loss at the hands of the Billings Outlaws.With one matchup against Topeka already in hand, the Liberty can put together a well-informed battle plan for this game, as each side gears up for the early rematch.“In these earlier league games, you don’t usually have film so you’re going in blind if the team has new coaching or players from the year before,” Salina head coach Heron O’Neal said. “With us having seen Topeka before we have film and that’s definitely a positive.”Through two games, the Liberty are averaging a league-best 57 points per contest, thanks in large part to a veteran-heavy unit led by a promising rookie under center.“I’ve been very impressed with what we have offensively,” O’Neal said. “We still have pieces that we can fine-tune but I like what I know we can mature into and I feel like we can hang our hats on that unit.”Defensively, Salina has been middle of the pack in opposing points per game, and has room to grow throughout the early stages of the season.“Our defense needs to step up,” he said. “We’re in the bottom of the league at getting opponents off the field on third down and we only have two interceptions and three sacks. These are things we must improve but if we can do that we’ll be in a good position to come out with a victory this week.”Answering that bell will be easier said than done against a Tropics team that ranks third in the CIF in total offense, but with reinforcements and a week to rest the Liberty will be in prime position to take a big win on the road this week.“I was impressed with Topeka’s offense in our first game,” O’Neal said. “They have some very special players on that unit and they’ve been upgrading their production early in the season. We have a lot of respect for what they can do but our defense will be mentally prepared to make plays and understand what they want to do.”Kickoff between the Liberty and Tropics is set for 7:05 at the Stormont Vail Events Center in Topeka, and as always, the game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) or streamed live on the Salina Post courtesy of Eagle Radio.

Liberty travel to Topeka in search of bounce back win

By JOHN MARSHALL AP Basketball Writer

LAS VEGAS — March has gone from madness to unprecedented.

With Miami's win over Houston and San Diego State's takedown of Alabama on Friday night, the men's NCAA Tournament will not have a No. 1 seed in the Elite Eight for the first time since seeding began in 1979.

"There's not a lot of difference between the best team in the country and the worst team in the country," San Diego State coach Brian Dutcher said. "You're seeing that on this stage."

Purdue, Kansas, Houston and Alabama are all gone, ensuring the Final Four will not have a No. 1 team for the first time since 2011 and the third overall. The four teams deemed by the NCAA to be the best in the country combined to win five tournament games this year, the fewest by three among No. 1 seeds since the field expanded to 64 teams in 1985.

Texas is the lone No. 2 seed remaining after bouncing Xavier out of the bracket 83-71 Friday night under interim coach Rodney Terry. The fewest combined No. 1-2 seeds in the Elite Eight before this year was two (three times).

How crazy has it been? The national title game is guaranteed to have at least one of these teams: San Diego State, Creighton, Florida Atlantic or Kansas State. The Aztecs, Bluejays and Owls have never been to the Elite Eight. The Wildcats were picked to finish last in the Big 12.

It's also a lock the winning coach will be a first-time champion.

"It's a lot of really good programs in the country that have lost — I mean, we could go down the list of them," Alabama coach Nate Oats said. "That's what makes the NCAA Tournament the NCAA Tournament. They're all good teams."

The madness started in the opening round of the East Region, when fairytale Fairleigh Dickinson wrecked brackets around the world by becoming the second No. 16 seed to beat a No. 1.

Arkansas was the next giant killer, taking down reigning national champion and West Region No. 1 seed Kansas in the second round.

The Sweet 16 turned sour on Friday for Alabama, the bracket's No. 1 overall seed. The Crimson Tide were no match for Dutcher's ball-and-body-hawking San Diego State Aztecs in a 71-64 South Region loss in Louisville, Kentucky. San Diego State is the first Mountain West Conference school to reach the Elite Eight.

Miami capped the No. 1 carnage in the Midwest Region by taking apart one of the nation's stingiest defenses in a 89-75 win over Houston in Kansas City, Missouri that had Hurricanes coach Jim Larranaga dancing in the locker room.

"Unfortunately, one off-night and you go home in this tournament," Cougars coach Kelvin Sampson said.

AP Sports Writer Josh Dubow contributed to this report.

By JOHN MARSHALL AP Basketball WriterLAS VEGAS — March has gone from madness to unprecedented.With Miami's win over Houston and San Diego State's takedown of Alabama on Friday night, the men's NCAA Tournament will not have a No. 1 seed in the Elite Eight for the first time since seeding began in 1979."There's not a lot of difference between the best team in the country and the worst team in the country," San Diego State coach Brian Dutcher said. "You're seeing that on this stage."Purdue, Kansas, Houston and Alabama are all gone, ensuring the Final Four will not have a No. 1 team for the first time since 2011 and the third overall. The four teams deemed by the NCAA to be the best in the country combined to win five tournament games this year, the fewest by three among No. 1 seeds since the field expanded to 64 teams in 1985.Texas is the lone No. 2 seed remaining after bouncing Xavier out of the bracket 83-71 Friday night under interim coach Rodney Terry. The fewest combined No. 1-2 seeds in the Elite Eight before this year was two (three times).How crazy has it been? The national title game is guaranteed to have at least one of these teams: San Diego State, Creighton, Florida Atlantic or Kansas State. The Aztecs, Bluejays and Owls have never been to the Elite Eight. The Wildcats were picked to finish last in the Big 12.It's also a lock the winning coach will be a first-time champion."It's a lot of really good programs in the country that have lost — I mean, we could go down the list of them," Alabama coach Nate Oats said. "That's what makes the NCAA Tournament the NCAA Tournament. They're all good teams."The madness started in the opening round of the East Region, when fairytale Fairleigh Dickinson wrecked brackets around the world by becoming the second No. 16 seed to beat a No. 1.Goodbye, Purdue.Arkansas was the next giant killer, taking down reigning national champion and West Region No. 1 seed Kansas in the second round.The Sweet 16 turned sour on Friday for Alabama, the bracket's No. 1 overall seed. The Crimson Tide were no match for Dutcher's ball-and-body-hawking San Diego State Aztecs in a 71-64 South Region loss in Louisville, Kentucky. San Diego State is the first Mountain West Conference school to reach the Elite Eight.Miami capped the No. 1 carnage in the Midwest Region by taking apart one of the nation's stingiest defenses in a 89-75 win over Houston in Kansas City, Missouri that had Hurricanes coach Jim Larranaga dancing in the locker room."Unfortunately, one off-night and you go home in this tournament," Cougars coach Kelvin Sampson said.On to an Elite Eight unlike any other.AP Sports Writer Josh Dubow contributed to this report.

Crazy Eight: No top seeds among last 8 in March Madness

SEATTLE –&nbsp;K-State held an eight-point lead at halftime on Friday night in the Super 16 of the 2023 Postseason WNIT, but Washington used the energy of its home crowd to secure a 55-48 win at Alaska Airlines Arena.

K-State (19-17) was led by senior Gabby Gregory and sophomore Serena Sundell with a combined 31 points. Gregory carded her 19th&nbsp;20-point game of the season with 21 points on 7-of-13 shooting including a 5-of-9 effort from beyond the arc while playing all 40 minutes.

Sundell tallied 10 points, six rebounds and four assists.

Washington (18-14), playing in front of 3,245 fans, was paced by the tandem of Dalayah Daniels and Trinity Oliver with 17 points each. The Huskies outscored the Wildcats, 38-23, in the second half.

K-State SportsSEATTLE –&nbsp;K-State held an eight-point lead at halftime on Friday night in the Super 16 of the 2023 Postseason WNIT, but Washington used the energy of its home crowd to secure a 55-48 win at Alaska Airlines Arena.K-State (19-17) was led by senior Gabby Gregory and sophomore Serena Sundell with a combined 31 points. Gregory carded her 19th&nbsp;20-point game of the season with 21 points on 7-of-13 shooting including a 5-of-9 effort from beyond the arc while playing all 40 minutes.Sundell tallied 10 points, six rebounds and four assists.Washington (18-14), playing in front of 3,245 fans, was paced by the tandem of Dalayah Daniels and Trinity Oliver with 17 points each. The Huskies outscored the Wildcats, 38-23, in the second half.

K-State falls at Washington in WNIT Super 16

By TOM CANAVAN AP Sports Writer

NEW YORK — Florida Atlantic coach Dusty May had a hard time keeping his emotions in check as he spoke about Kansas State forward Keyontae Johnson.

May's near-tears had nothing to do with preparing his Owls (34-3) to face Johnson and the Wildcats (26-9) in the East Region final on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden with a trip to the Final Four on the line.

Johnson is a special person to May and his family.

As an assistant coach at Florida, May recruited Johnson, met his family and played a major part in getting him to join the Gators. May ended up leaving for the FAU job for the 2018-19 season.

Two year later, Johnson's life changed. During a game against Florida State on Dec. 12, 2020, he collapsed and was rushed to a hospital, where he spent three days in a medically induced coma. He sat out the rest of that season and all of the next, then transferred to Kansas State, where he began playing again this fall and became one of the most important players on a team that reached the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.

The third-seeded Wildcats got there with a 98-93 overtime victory over Michigan State on Thursday night, with Johnson scoring 22 points and getting the go-ahead basket on a reverse dunk after taking an alley-oop pass from Markquis Nowell.

During the game, May said Johnson had noticed his family among the 19,624 fans in the crowd and smiled at them.

"I said, 'Why wouldn't he be cherishing every moment with what he's been through!'" May said. "To come back and play this game on this stage, there's no other way but embracing and enjoying every single moment. And he's obviously doing that."

Johnson said he spoke with at least three doctors when he considered returning to basketball. Two of them said he could play.

"So I just went with what the two doctors said and trusted in God and trusted my faith just with everything," he said Friday after practice. "Just my circle kept me positive and just kept me in an uplifted mood, and it just got me through a lot."

On the court, Johnson — who's averaging team-highs of 17.7 points and 6.9 rebounds — seems to be having a blast.

"I just always try to keep a positive energy around me, always let the guys see I'm happy," Johnson said. "I can't be blessed enough to be here, so just trying to enjoy life, enjoy the moment."

Johnson still had some concerns about his health when he started practicing again last summer. But as he ramped up his work, his stress levels eased and his trust in his doctors grew.

The one person worried at that point was first-year Kansas State coach Jerome Tang, who said Johnson had promised an answer about whether he planned join the Wildcats before the staff took a summer break.

Johnson then took a late visit to Nebraska and didn't decide to attend the school in Manhattan, Kansas, until just before the start of the year.

Johnson said his return serves as motivation for people looking to overcome adversity.

"I don't really think about it, I just go out there and play," Johnson said. "Everything happens for a reason, but I've just got my faith in God and I know he's going to lead the way and not fail me."

Johnson could apply for a medical redshirt that would give him another season at Kansas State, but he could also choose to go to the NBA.

"Basketball was almost taken away from me," he said, "so I go out there to have fun and show my teammates the love and joy that I have for them."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679712375159.jpeg" alt="Kansas State forward Keyontae Johnson (11) dunks in overtime of the Sweet 16 game against Michigan State in the East Regional of the NCAA tournament at Madison Square Garden Thursday in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State forward Keyontae Johnson (11) dunks in overtime of the Sweet 16 game against Michigan State in the East Regional of the NCAA tournament at Madison Square Garden Thursday in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOM CANAVAN AP Sports WriterNEW YORK — Florida Atlantic coach Dusty May had a hard time keeping his emotions in check as he spoke about Kansas State forward Keyontae Johnson.May's near-tears had nothing to do with preparing his Owls (34-3) to face Johnson and the Wildcats (26-9) in the East Region final on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden with a trip to the Final Four on the line.Johnson is a special person to May and his family.As an assistant coach at Florida, May recruited Johnson, met his family and played a major part in getting him to join the Gators. May ended up leaving for the FAU job for the 2018-19 season.Two year later, Johnson's life changed. During a game against Florida State on Dec. 12, 2020, he collapsed and was rushed to a hospital, where he spent three days in a medically induced coma. He sat out the rest of that season and all of the next, then transferred to Kansas State, where he began playing again this fall and became one of the most important players on a team that reached the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.The third-seeded Wildcats got there with a 98-93 overtime victory over Michigan State on Thursday night, with Johnson scoring 22 points and getting the go-ahead basket on a reverse dunk after taking an alley-oop pass from Markquis Nowell.During the game, May said Johnson had noticed his family among the 19,624 fans in the crowd and smiled at them."I said, 'Why wouldn't he be cherishing every moment with what he's been through!'" May said. "To come back and play this game on this stage, there's no other way but embracing and enjoying every single moment. And he's obviously doing that."Johnson said he spoke with at least three doctors when he considered returning to basketball. Two of them said he could play."So I just went with what the two doctors said and trusted in God and trusted my faith just with everything," he said Friday after practice. "Just my circle kept me positive and just kept me in an uplifted mood, and it just got me through a lot."On the court, Johnson — who's averaging team-highs of 17.7 points and 6.9 rebounds — seems to be having a blast."I just always try to keep a positive energy around me, always let the guys see I'm happy," Johnson said. "I can't be blessed enough to be here, so just trying to enjoy life, enjoy the moment."Johnson still had some concerns about his health when he started practicing again last summer. But as he ramped up his work, his stress levels eased and his trust in his doctors grew.The one person worried at that point was first-year Kansas State coach Jerome Tang, who said Johnson had promised an answer about whether he planned join the Wildcats before the staff took a summer break.Johnson then took a late visit to Nebraska and didn't decide to attend the school in Manhattan, Kansas, until just before the start of the year.Johnson said his return serves as motivation for people looking to overcome adversity."I don't really think about it, I just go out there and play," Johnson said. "Everything happens for a reason, but I've just got my faith in God and I know he's going to lead the way and not fail me."Johnson could apply for a medical redshirt that would give him another season at Kansas State, but he could also choose to go to the NBA."Basketball was almost taken away from me," he said, "so I go out there to have fun and show my teammates the love and joy that I have for them."

K-State's Keyontae Johnson thriving 2 years after collapse

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

Guardians ace Shane Bieber was musing about Cleveland manager <a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-baseball-cleveland-guardians-terry-francona-5ac553a2cc1c52b1e97956e1dc00d413">Terry Francona's importance</a>
 to the club earlier this spring when he made a somewhat surprising 
acknowledgement of what baseball's youngest team had done a year ago.

“We kind of maximized our input,” Bieber said, “and our output.”

Indeed,
 that young bunch of Guardians rolled to the AL Central title by a 
whopping 11 games last season. They did it by relying on one of the best
 bullpens in baseball, crafty hitting and speed on the basepaths, and 
some wisdom from their 63-year-old manager, who heads into a new year 
feeling good after a series of serious health concerns.

"Just him being in the clubhouse, it breeds confidence," Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan said.

The
 Guardians return largely intact, poised to defend their title in an 
otherwise down division, though with some extra pop in the lineup with 
the arrival of <a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-cleveland-new-york-yankees-josh-naylor-cb1b1c0a05da520e9e98b81bd06b8f65">switch-hitter Josh Bell</a>
 and catcher Mike Zunino. Bieber again tops the rotation, while Jose 
Ramirez should finally be at his best for Cleveland after dealing with a
 thumb injury much of last season.

“The way we played last year, 
we had to play a pretty clean game,” Francona said. “If that’s the way 
it is, I’m OK with that. Just know that if someone hits a three-run 
homer every once in a while, it makes it easier.

“Sometimes you 
can outslug some mistakes,” added Francona, who is beginning his 11th 
season in Cleveland. “We didn’t have that ability last year and I didn’t
 mind it because it’s a fun way to play, but it’s a demanding way to 
play.”

1. Cleveland Guardians. Their dream 
season a year ago, which included a wild-card win over Tampa Bay, ended 
with a loss to the Yankees in the divisional round. But the arrival of 
Bell and Zunino, and help from top prospects Bo Naylor and George Valera
 at some point this season, could have Cleveland in the mix for its 
first World Series title since 1948.

2. Minnesota Twins. The return of Carlos Correa on a <a href="https://apnews.com/article/carlos-correa-twins-mets-giants-physical-explainer-271a482bcf7c704282cfb94f1ccb68c1">club-record $200 million contract</a>
 signals the Twins, who led the division for 108 days before fading 
badly, aren't planning to give up easily. It would help their cause if 
lineup mainstays Byron Buxton, Jose Miranda and Jorge Polanco can stay 
healthy.

3. Chicago White Sox. After one of the most disappointing
 seasons in recent memory, Tony La Russa headed off into retirement and 
the White Sox hired longtime Royals coach <a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-chicago-white-sox-coaching-cbc40207fc7c82a8ac2c161c478ebf6f">Pedro Grifol</a>
 as their new manager. He has work ahead of him after Jose Abreu, their 
biggest star, signed a three-year deal with Houston last November.

4. Detroit Tigers. The <a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-miguel-cabrera-detroit-bf2b6a9859d67dac7eb3c3ed54f376ec">last go-around for Miguel Cabrera</a>
 could be a bumpy one. AJ Hinch is back as the manager with new GM Scott
 Harris calling the shots in the front office, but the club hasn't had a
 winning season since 2016 and are a longshot to end that streak. Riley 
Greene and Spencer Torkelson at least provide hope for the future.

5.
 Kansas City Royals. The Royals fired GM Dayton Moore late last season, 
giving the job to his longtime understudy JJ Picollo, and hired Matt 
Quatraro from the Rays to replace fired manage Mike Matheny. But when it
 comes to the roster, little has changed from a team that went 65-97 and
 finished last a year ago.

Cabrera is 
coming off the worst year of his Hall of Fame-caliber career, hitting 
just .254 with five homers and 43 RBIs in 112 games for Detroit. But 
while Cabrera, who turns 40 in April, no doubt hopes to have a big final
 year, the truth is no matter how much he struggles, fans are going to 
head to the ballpark to see the two-time MVP one last time.

“I’m going to go out there and be me," Cabrera said earlier this spring. "If I can hit, I want to be in the lineup.”

Naylor
 and Valera are two of the division's top prospects, but the Guardians' 
duo are hardly the only ones that could make a splash this season. The 
White Sox have high expectations for 24-year-old Cuban outfielder Oscar 
Colas; the Twins are hopeful that second baseman Edouard Julien can 
build off a dominant performance at Double-A and shortstop Royce Lewis 
can return from a torn ACL at some point this season; and the Royals 
could see the midseason arrival of outfielder Tyler Gentry.

Perhaps
 a couple of those hot prospects can follow in the footsteps of Kwan, 
who finished third in voting for AL rookie of the year, and Royals 
infielder Bobby Witt Jr., who finished right behind him in fourth last 
season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679686166467.jpeg" alt="Cleveland Guardians' Josh Bell connects for a run-scoring single against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning of a spring training baseball game Tuesday, March 14, 2023, in Goodyear, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)" />
 <figcaption>Cleveland Guardians' Josh Bell connects for a run-scoring single against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning of a spring training baseball game Tuesday, March 14, 2023, in Goodyear, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterGuardians ace Shane Bieber was musing about Cleveland manager <a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-baseball-cleveland-guardians-terry-francona-5ac553a2cc1c52b1e97956e1dc00d413">Terry Francona's importance</a>
 to the club earlier this spring when he made a somewhat surprising 
acknowledgement of what baseball's youngest team had done a year ago.“We kind of maximized our input,” Bieber said, “and our output.”Indeed,
 that young bunch of Guardians rolled to the AL Central title by a 
whopping 11 games last season. They did it by relying on one of the best
 bullpens in baseball, crafty hitting and speed on the basepaths, and 
some wisdom from their 63-year-old manager, who heads into a new year 
feeling good after a series of serious health concerns."Just him being in the clubhouse, it breeds confidence," Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan said.The
 Guardians return largely intact, poised to defend their title in an 
otherwise down division, though with some extra pop in the lineup with 
the arrival of <a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-cleveland-new-york-yankees-josh-naylor-cb1b1c0a05da520e9e98b81bd06b8f65">switch-hitter Josh Bell</a>
 and catcher Mike Zunino. Bieber again tops the rotation, while Jose 
Ramirez should finally be at his best for Cleveland after dealing with a
 thumb injury much of last season.“The way we played last year, 
we had to play a pretty clean game,” Francona said. “If that’s the way 
it is, I’m OK with that. Just know that if someone hits a three-run 
homer every once in a while, it makes it easier.“Sometimes you 
can outslug some mistakes,” added Francona, who is beginning his 11th 
season in Cleveland. “We didn’t have that ability last year and I didn’t
 mind it because it’s a fun way to play, but it’s a demanding way to 
play.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679686200649.jpeg" alt="AP photo" />
 <figcaption>AP photo</figcaption>
 </figure>HOW THEY PROJECT1. Cleveland Guardians. Their dream 
season a year ago, which included a wild-card win over Tampa Bay, ended 
with a loss to the Yankees in the divisional round. But the arrival of 
Bell and Zunino, and help from top prospects Bo Naylor and George Valera
 at some point this season, could have Cleveland in the mix for its 
first World Series title since 1948.2. Minnesota Twins. The return of Carlos Correa on a <a href="https://apnews.com/article/carlos-correa-twins-mets-giants-physical-explainer-271a482bcf7c704282cfb94f1ccb68c1">club-record $200 million contract</a>
 signals the Twins, who led the division for 108 days before fading 
badly, aren't planning to give up easily. It would help their cause if 
lineup mainstays Byron Buxton, Jose Miranda and Jorge Polanco can stay 
healthy.3. Chicago White Sox. After one of the most disappointing
 seasons in recent memory, Tony La Russa headed off into retirement and 
the White Sox hired longtime Royals coach <a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-chicago-white-sox-coaching-cbc40207fc7c82a8ac2c161c478ebf6f">Pedro Grifol</a>
 as their new manager. He has work ahead of him after Jose Abreu, their 
biggest star, signed a three-year deal with Houston last November.4. Detroit Tigers. The <a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-miguel-cabrera-detroit-bf2b6a9859d67dac7eb3c3ed54f376ec">last go-around for Miguel Cabrera</a>
 could be a bumpy one. AJ Hinch is back as the manager with new GM Scott
 Harris calling the shots in the front office, but the club hasn't had a
 winning season since 2016 and are a longshot to end that streak. Riley 
Greene and Spencer Torkelson at least provide hope for the future.5.
 Kansas City Royals. The Royals fired GM Dayton Moore late last season, 
giving the job to his longtime understudy JJ Picollo, and hired Matt 
Quatraro from the Rays to replace fired manage Mike Matheny. But when it
 comes to the roster, little has changed from a team that went 65-97 and
 finished last a year ago.MIGGY'S FAREWELLCabrera is 
coming off the worst year of his Hall of Fame-caliber career, hitting 
just .254 with five homers and 43 RBIs in 112 games for Detroit. But 
while Cabrera, who turns 40 in April, no doubt hopes to have a big final
 year, the truth is no matter how much he struggles, fans are going to 
head to the ballpark to see the two-time MVP one last time.“I’m going to go out there and be me," Cabrera said earlier this spring. "If I can hit, I want to be in the lineup.”ROOKIE WATCHNaylor
 and Valera are two of the division's top prospects, but the Guardians' 
duo are hardly the only ones that could make a splash this season. The 
White Sox have high expectations for 24-year-old Cuban outfielder Oscar 
Colas; the Twins are hopeful that second baseman Edouard Julien can 
build off a dominant performance at Double-A and shortstop Royce Lewis 
can return from a torn ACL at some point this season; and the Royals 
could see the midseason arrival of outfielder Tyler Gentry.Perhaps
 a couple of those hot prospects can follow in the footsteps of Kwan, 
who finished third in voting for AL rookie of the year, and Royals 
infielder Bobby Witt Jr., who finished right behind him in fourth last 
season.

AL Central Preview: Guardians try defending lackluster division

By TOM CANAVAN AP Sports Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Markquis Nowell broke the NCAA Tournament record for assists in a game with 19, his last two on spectacular passes in the final minute of overtime, and Kansas State beat Michigan State 98-93 on Thursday night in a Sweet 16 thriller at Madison Square Garden.

Playing in his hometown and fighting through a second-half ankle injury, Nowell found Keyontae Johnson for a reverse alley-oop with 58 seconds left in OT to give the Wildcats (26-9) the lead for good in this back-and-forth East Region semifinal. He then threw an inbound pass to Ismael Massoud, who knocked down a jumper with 15 seconds left for a 96-93 lead.

With Michigan State needing a 3 to tie, Nowell stole the ball from the Spartans' Tyson Walker and drove for a clinching layup at the buzzer. The 5-foot-8, Harlem-raised Nowell finished with 20 points and five steals in a signature performance at basketball's most famous arena that drew tweets of praise from&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PatrickMahomes/status/1639055465060474880">Patrick Mahomes</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/KDTrey5/status/1639071625432936448">Kevin Durant</a>.

“That was a legendary display of controlling a basketball game Markquis,” Durant tweeted.

Johnson scored 22 points for the No. 3 seed Wildcats, who will face either fourth-seeded Tennessee or ninth-seeded Florida Atlantic on Saturday as they seek the program's first Final Four berth since 1964.

A.J. Hoggard scored a career-high 25 points for seventh-seeded Michigan State (21-13). Joey Hauser added 18 points and Walker had 16, including a layup with 5 seconds left in regulation that forced the first overtime of this year's NCAA Tournament.

UNLV's Mark Wade had the previous NCAA tourney assists record with 18 during the Runnin' Rebels 1987 Final Four win over Indiana.

Nowell turned his ankle early in the second half, was helped off the court and had it taped. Michigan State took the lead with him sidelined, and when he returned, he pushed off the ankle&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MarchMadnessMBB/status/1639055043642163201">to bank in a 3-pointer that beat the shot clock</a>&nbsp;and tied the game at 55-all.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679621520833.jpeg" alt="Kansas State guard Markquis Nowell reacts after a play in the second half of a Sweet 16 college basketball game against Michigan State in the East Regional of the NCAA tournament at Madison Square Garden, Thursday, March 23, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)." />
 <figcaption>Kansas State guard Markquis Nowell reacts after a play in the second half of a Sweet 16 college basketball game against Michigan State in the East Regional of the NCAA tournament at Madison Square Garden, Thursday, March 23, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger).</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOM CANAVAN AP Sports WriterNEW YORK (AP) — Markquis Nowell broke the NCAA Tournament record for assists in a game with 19, his last two on spectacular passes in the final minute of overtime, and Kansas State beat Michigan State 98-93 on Thursday night in a Sweet 16 thriller at Madison Square Garden.Playing in his hometown and fighting through a second-half ankle injury, Nowell found Keyontae Johnson for a reverse alley-oop with 58 seconds left in OT to give the Wildcats (26-9) the lead for good in this back-and-forth East Region semifinal. He then threw an inbound pass to Ismael Massoud, who knocked down a jumper with 15 seconds left for a 96-93 lead.With Michigan State needing a 3 to tie, Nowell stole the ball from the Spartans' Tyson Walker and drove for a clinching layup at the buzzer. The 5-foot-8, Harlem-raised Nowell finished with 20 points and five steals in a signature performance at basketball's most famous arena that drew tweets of praise from&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PatrickMahomes/status/1639055465060474880">Patrick Mahomes</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/KDTrey5/status/1639071625432936448">Kevin Durant</a>.“That was a legendary display of controlling a basketball game Markquis,” Durant tweeted.Johnson scored 22 points for the No. 3 seed Wildcats, who will face either fourth-seeded Tennessee or ninth-seeded Florida Atlantic on Saturday as they seek the program's first Final Four berth since 1964.A.J. Hoggard scored a career-high 25 points for seventh-seeded Michigan State (21-13). Joey Hauser added 18 points and Walker had 16, including a layup with 5 seconds left in regulation that forced the first overtime of this year's NCAA Tournament.UNLV's Mark Wade had the previous NCAA tourney assists record with 18 during the Runnin' Rebels 1987 Final Four win over Indiana.Nowell turned his ankle early in the second half, was helped off the court and had it taped. Michigan State took the lead with him sidelined, and when he returned, he pushed off the ankle&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MarchMadnessMBB/status/1639055043642163201">to bank in a 3-pointer that beat the shot clock</a>&nbsp;and tied the game at 55-all.Turns out he was just getting started.

🏀 Nowell breaks NCAA assist record, KSU beats MSU in OT

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — KU forward Zach Clemence is the third Jayhawk to enter the transfer portal. Cam Martin and Bobby Petitford are also looking to leave. 

Clemence played in 20 games this past season and hit double figures once against Oklahoma.

Once an athlete's name is entered in the database, coaches and staff from other schools are permitted to make contact with the athlete to inquire about their interest in visiting the campus and accepting a scholarship.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — KU forward Zach Clemence is the third Jayhawk to enter the transfer portal. Cam Martin and Bobby Petitford are also looking to leave. Clemence played in 20 games this past season and hit double figures once against Oklahoma.Once an athlete's name is entered in the database, coaches and staff from other schools are permitted to make contact with the athlete to inquire about their interest in visiting the campus and accepting a scholarship.

Three KU basketball players in transfer portal

By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Sports Writer

NEW YORK — Stories of New York City point guards have an almost mythical quality.

There are Hall of Famers and trailblazers such as Bob Cousy and Nate "Tiny" Archibald. In the 1980s, Kenny Smith and Kenny Anderson followed a similar path — from the same Catholic high school in Queens to the Atlantic Coast Conference to the NBA.

From Pearl Washington to Mark Jackson, Stephon Marbury to Sue Bird, tenacious players forged by rugged games played at the famous courts at Rucker Park and West Fourth Street are a part of basketball lore.

And while New York City high schools haven't been pumping out stars in recent years the way they used to, three of the four teams that have reached the NCAA Tournament's East Regional at Madison Square Garden have point guards with Big Apple backgrounds.

Michigan State's Tyson Walker and Kansas State's Markquis Nowell will renew their acquaintance in the Sweet 16 when the seventh-seeded Spartans (21-12) face the third-seeded Wildcats (25-9) on Thursday night.

"I grew up playing in parks with him," Nowell said. "I just want to give a big shoutout to New York City for breeding tough and gritty guards and just give him a shoutout."

The other point guard who's making a homecoming this week will only be able to watch his team at The Garden. No. 4 seed Tennessee managed to reach the second weekend of the tournament without the injured Zakai Zeigler, who blew out his left knee on Feb. 28.

"I had no doubt in my mind that we were going to be here in this situation," said Zeigler, who grew up on Long Island and finished his high school career in the Bronx. "So now that I'm back here and I can have some pizza, I feel great."

The Volunteers (25-10) face ninth-seeded FAU (33-3) in the late game of the doubleheader.

The 5-foot-8 Nowell became one of the breakout stars of this NCAA Tournament when he went off for 27 points in a second-round victory against Kentucky.

Nowell, whose Twitter handle is @MrNewYorkCityy and is @mr.newyorkcity on Instagram, grew up in Harlem, attended high school in the Bronx and went to college at Arkansas Little-Rock before transferring to Manhattan — Kansas, that is.

"I made a promise to myself back when I was in high school that I was going to do anything and everything in my power to be the best player that came out of New York," Nowell said. "So I kind of keep that edge and that kind of just reminds me every day that I wake up that I still have more work to do. Guys like Carmelo (Anthony), Bernard King and all the greats came out of New York, so that just keeps me grounded and keeps me working hard."

Ask Nowell about the New York City point guards he idolized in high school and he brings up the Mavericks' Kemba Walker, who led UConn to a national championship and was a first-round pick in the NBA draft in 2011, and the Pelicans' Jose Alvarado, who played at Georgia Tech.

Alvarado went to Christ the King High School in Queens, a power in both boys and girls basketball that also produced Bird and the Spartans' Walker.

Like Nowell, Walker started his college career at a mid-major (Northeastern) and transferred after two seasons to Michigan State in 2021.

According to 247 Sports rankings, the last top-30 national recruit to come from a New York City high school was Moses Brown, a 7-footer who went to UCLA from Archbishop Molloy, where Smith and Anderson starred in the '80s.

"Are we as good as we once was? Well, if you take away all the kids that grew up in New York that go to prep school outside of New York ... and consider them New York, yes, we are," said Cardozo High School coach Ron Neclario, the winningest NYC public school coach ever. "Do we have as many high, high, high majors? Maybe not, but we have plenty of low-majors. We have plenty of mid-majors."

Where Nowell leans into his New York roots, Walker takes a low-key approach.

"Just got to be tough. Got a different type of finesse with you," he said.

Walker was also a difference-maker in the second round of the tournament, scoring 23 points to lead Michigan State past second-seeded Marquette.

"I think sometimes the New York swagger is a very cocky swagger, and sometimes that's good," Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said. "He's kind of had the happy medium. He's got enough cockiness to be confident, and yet he's an unbelievable kid."

Izzo joked after beating Marquette about how Walker owed him cab ride and a slice of pizza for helping him earn a trip home.

"Got me my pizza last night," Izzo said. "I'm looking for the cab ride today."

Nowell is one of four Kansas State players from the New York area, along with Tykei Greene, Nae'Qwan Tomlin and Ismael Massoud. None has ever played at The Garden, only dreamed about it.

"I had my big brother, my father, my uncles working me out every day for a moment like this," Nowell said. "Standing here, being here at Madison Square Garden."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679536647349.jpeg" alt="Kansas State guard Markquis Nowell, front center, practices before the team's Sweet 16 college basketball game at the NCAA East Regional of the NCAA Tournament Wednesday in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State guard Markquis Nowell, front center, practices before the team's Sweet 16 college basketball game at the NCAA East Regional of the NCAA Tournament Wednesday in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Sports WriterNEW YORK — Stories of New York City point guards have an almost mythical quality.There are Hall of Famers and trailblazers such as Bob Cousy and Nate "Tiny" Archibald. In the 1980s, Kenny Smith and Kenny Anderson followed a similar path — from the same Catholic high school in Queens to the Atlantic Coast Conference to the NBA.From Pearl Washington to Mark Jackson, Stephon Marbury to Sue Bird, tenacious players forged by rugged games played at the famous courts at Rucker Park and West Fourth Street are a part of basketball lore.And while New York City high schools haven't been pumping out stars in recent years the way they used to, three of the four teams that have reached the NCAA Tournament's East Regional at Madison Square Garden have point guards with Big Apple backgrounds.Michigan State's Tyson Walker and Kansas State's Markquis Nowell will renew their acquaintance in the Sweet 16 when the seventh-seeded Spartans (21-12) face the third-seeded Wildcats (25-9) on Thursday night."I grew up playing in parks with him," Nowell said. "I just want to give a big shoutout to New York City for breeding tough and gritty guards and just give him a shoutout."The other point guard who's making a homecoming this week will only be able to watch his team at The Garden. No. 4 seed Tennessee managed to reach the second weekend of the tournament without the injured Zakai Zeigler, who blew out his left knee on Feb. 28."I had no doubt in my mind that we were going to be here in this situation," said Zeigler, who grew up on Long Island and finished his high school career in the Bronx. "So now that I'm back here and I can have some pizza, I feel great."The Volunteers (25-10) face ninth-seeded FAU (33-3) in the late game of the doubleheader.The 5-foot-8 Nowell became one of the breakout stars of this NCAA Tournament when he went off for 27 points in a second-round victory against Kentucky.Nowell, whose Twitter handle is @MrNewYorkCityy and is @mr.newyorkcity on Instagram, grew up in Harlem, attended high school in the Bronx and went to college at Arkansas Little-Rock before transferring to Manhattan — Kansas, that is."I made a promise to myself back when I was in high school that I was going to do anything and everything in my power to be the best player that came out of New York," Nowell said. "So I kind of keep that edge and that kind of just reminds me every day that I wake up that I still have more work to do. Guys like Carmelo (Anthony), Bernard King and all the greats came out of New York, so that just keeps me grounded and keeps me working hard."Ask Nowell about the New York City point guards he idolized in high school and he brings up the Mavericks' Kemba Walker, who led UConn to a national championship and was a first-round pick in the NBA draft in 2011, and the Pelicans' Jose Alvarado, who played at Georgia Tech.Alvarado went to Christ the King High School in Queens, a power in both boys and girls basketball that also produced Bird and the Spartans' Walker.Like Nowell, Walker started his college career at a mid-major (Northeastern) and transferred after two seasons to Michigan State in 2021.According to 247 Sports rankings, the last top-30 national recruit to come from a New York City high school was Moses Brown, a 7-footer who went to UCLA from Archbishop Molloy, where Smith and Anderson starred in the '80s."Are we as good as we once was? Well, if you take away all the kids that grew up in New York that go to prep school outside of New York ... and consider them New York, yes, we are," said Cardozo High School coach Ron Neclario, the winningest NYC public school coach ever. "Do we have as many high, high, high majors? Maybe not, but we have plenty of low-majors. We have plenty of mid-majors."Where Nowell leans into his New York roots, Walker takes a low-key approach."Just got to be tough. Got a different type of finesse with you," he said.Walker was also a difference-maker in the second round of the tournament, scoring 23 points to lead Michigan State past second-seeded Marquette."I think sometimes the New York swagger is a very cocky swagger, and sometimes that's good," Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said. "He's kind of had the happy medium. He's got enough cockiness to be confident, and yet he's an unbelievable kid."Izzo joked after beating Marquette about how Walker owed him cab ride and a slice of pizza for helping him earn a trip home."Got me my pizza last night," Izzo said. "I'm looking for the cab ride today."Nowell is one of four Kansas State players from the New York area, along with Tykei Greene, Nae'Qwan Tomlin and Ismael Massoud. None has ever played at The Garden, only dreamed about it."I had my big brother, my father, my uncles working me out every day for a moment like this," Nowell said. "Standing here, being here at Madison Square Garden."

🏀 NYC guards lead Wildcats, Spartans to Sweet 16 in MSG

By DENNIS WASZAK Jr. AP Pro Football Writer

The New York Jets and former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman agreed to terms on a one-year deal Wednesday, according to a person with knowledge of the contract.

The speedy and versatile Hardman gives the Jets and new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett another playmaker on what could be a much-improved offense.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Jets hadn't announced the agreement. ESPN first reported Hardman and the Jets agreed to terms on a contract. Financial terms weren't immediately available, but NFL Network reported it could be worth up to $6.5 million.

The 25-year-old Hardman spent his first four seasons with the Chiefs after being a second-round draft pick out of Georgia in 2019. He has 151 catches for 2,088 yards and 16 touchdowns in his career and has rushed 20 times for 125 yards and two scores.

Hardman also adds value on special teams. He has averaged 9.0 yards on punt returns and 23.8 yards on kickoffs — with one touchdown return on each during his career.

With Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers saying last week he intends to play for the Jets this season and the teams continuing to work out details, New York has added a couple of playmaking pieces on offense.

Along with Hardman, the Jets also signed former Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard to a four-year, $44 million deal last week. The addition of Hardman made fellow wide receiver Elijah Moore expendable.

New York traded Moore and the No. 74 pick in this year's draft to Cleveland for the 42nd overall selection, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been finalized, but the Jets will have three of the top 50 picks in the draft next month: Nos. 13, 42 and 43.

One or more of those picks could factor in a potential trade for Rodgers.

The Jets still have a deep wide receiver room with AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson, Corey Davis and Denzel Mims on the roster, to go along with Hardman and Lazard.

Hardman played in only eight regular-season games last season because of an abdominal injury. He returned for the AFC championship game and had two catches for 10 yards and rushed twice for 7 yards before reinjuring his abdomen. Hardman sat out the Chiefs' Super Bowl victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.

NOTES: The Jets announced they have re-signed FB Nick Bawden, who spent last season on injured reserve after being hurt in training camp. ... New York also made its signing of former Ravens OL Trystan Colon official.

AP Sports Writer Tom Withers contributed.

By DENNIS WASZAK Jr. AP Pro Football WriterThe New York Jets and former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman agreed to terms on a one-year deal Wednesday, according to a person with knowledge of the contract.The speedy and versatile Hardman gives the Jets and new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett another playmaker on what could be a much-improved offense.The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Jets hadn't announced the agreement. ESPN first reported Hardman and the Jets agreed to terms on a contract. Financial terms weren't immediately available, but NFL Network reported it could be worth up to $6.5 million.The 25-year-old Hardman spent his first four seasons with the Chiefs after being a second-round draft pick out of Georgia in 2019. He has 151 catches for 2,088 yards and 16 touchdowns in his career and has rushed 20 times for 125 yards and two scores.Hardman also adds value on special teams. He has averaged 9.0 yards on punt returns and 23.8 yards on kickoffs — with one touchdown return on each during his career.With Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers saying last week he intends to play for the Jets this season and the teams continuing to work out details, New York has added a couple of playmaking pieces on offense.Along with Hardman, the Jets also signed former Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard to a four-year, $44 million deal last week. The addition of Hardman made fellow wide receiver Elijah Moore expendable.New York traded Moore and the No. 74 pick in this year's draft to Cleveland for the 42nd overall selection, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been finalized, but the Jets will have three of the top 50 picks in the draft next month: Nos. 13, 42 and 43.One or more of those picks could factor in a potential trade for Rodgers.The Jets still have a deep wide receiver room with AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson, Corey Davis and Denzel Mims on the roster, to go along with Hardman and Lazard.Hardman played in only eight regular-season games last season because of an abdominal injury. He returned for the AFC championship game and had two catches for 10 yards and rushed twice for 7 yards before reinjuring his abdomen. Hardman sat out the Chiefs' Super Bowl victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.NOTES: The Jets announced they have re-signed FB Nick Bawden, who spent last season on injured reserve after being hurt in training camp. ... New York also made its signing of former Ravens OL Trystan Colon official.AP Sports Writer Tom Withers contributed.

🏈 AP source: Jets, WR Mecole Hardman agree on 1-year deal

By RONALD BLUM AP Baseball Writer

MIAMI — Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout had dreamed of this moment, along with millions of fans throughout Japan and the United States: the two biggest stars on the planet, longtime teammates, facing each other at 60 feet, 6 inches, the world title at stake.

And then Ohtani got Trout to swing under a slider on the outside corner, sealing Japan's 3-2 win Tuesday night and its first World Baseball Classic title since 2009.

"This is the best moment in my life," Ohtani said through a translator.

Ohtani, the two-way star who has captivated fans across two continents, was voted MVP of the WBC after batting .435 with one homer, four doubles, eight RBIs and 10 walks while going 2-0 with a save and a 1.86 ERA on the mound, striking out 11 in 9 2/3 innings.

"I think every baseball fan wanted to see that. I've been answering questions about it for the last month-and a-half," said Trout, Ohtani's Los Angeles Angels teammate since 2018.

"Did you think it was going to end in any other way?"

Watching the eighth and ninth innings unfold, Japan first baseman Kazuma Okamoto was in disbelief.

"I thought it was like a Manga," he said through an interpreter, referring to a Japanese comic book.

U.S. manager Mark DeRosa savored the matchup — except for the ending.

"I just would have liked to have seen Mike hit a 500-foot homer," he said.

Ohtani had given a pregame pep talk in Japan's clubhouse.

"Let's stop admiring them," he said, according to a Los Angeles Times translation of the video posted on the website Samurai Japan. "If you admire them, you can't surpass them. We came here to surpass them, to reach the top. For one day, let's throw away our admiration for them and just think about winning."

Japan then joined the Dominican Republic in 2013 as the only unbeaten champions of baseball's premier national team tournament. The Samurai Warriors went 7-0 and outscored opponents 56-18, reaching the final for the first time since winning the first two WBCs in 2006 and 2009. No other nation has won the title more than once.

Trea Turner put the U.S. ahead in the second against Shota Imanaga (1-0) with his fifth home run of the tournament, tying the WBC record set by South Korea's Seung Yuop Lee in 2006.

Munetaka Murakami tied the score on the first pitch of the bottom half off Merrill Kelly (0-1) driving an up fastball 432 feet into the right-field upper deck, a 115.1 mph bullet. Japan loaded the bases and Lars Nootbaar, the first non-Japanese-born player to appear for the Samurai Warriors, followed with a run-scoring groundout off Aaron Loup for a 2-1 lead.

Okamoto boosted the lead in the fourth when he sent a flat slider from Kyle Freeland over the wall in left-center for another solo homer. Kyle Schwarber pulled the Americans within a run when he went deep in the eighth off Yu Darvish.

Ohtani was Japan's designated hitter and first went to the bullpen ahead of the sixth inning. He returned to the dugout and beat out an infield single in the seventh before again walking down the left-field line to Japan's bullpen and warming up for his third mound appearance of the tournament.

He walked big league batting champion Jeff McNeil to begin the ninth, then got six-time All-Star Mookie Betts to ground into a double play.

That brought up Trout, the U.S. captain, a 10-time All-Star and a three-time MVP.

"I saw him take a big deep breath to try and control his emotions," DeRosa said. "I can't even imagine being in that moment, the two best players on the planet locking horns as teammates in that spot."

Ohtani started with a slider low, then got Trout to swing through a 100 mph fastball. Another fastball sailed outside and Trout missed a 99.8 mph pitch over the middle. A 101.6 offering, the fastest of Ohtani's 15 pitches, was low and way outside.

Ohtani stepped off the mound and blew on his pitching hand. He went back to a offspeed option, a slider.

Trout grimaced after his futile swing, his 12th strikeout of a tournament in which he hit .296 with one homer and seven RBIs. Ohtani raised both arms and threw his glove, then his cap, as teammates mobbed him.

Ohtani got his second career save, the first since a 2016 playoff game with the Pacific League's Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. He and Trout had hugged behind the batting cage during pregame workouts, then held their nation's flag while leading their teams toward home plate in single file during the introductions, Trout down the right-field line and Ohtani in left.

Several thousand fans had arrived hours early to watch Ohtani take batting practice and applauded when he hit a drive off the video board above the second deck in center.

"What he's doing in the game is what probably 90% of the guys in that clubhouse did in Little League or in youth tournaments, and he's able to pull it off on the biggest stages," DeRosa said. "He is a unicorn to the sport. I think other guys will try it, but I don't think they're going to do it to his level."

Japan gets $3 million in prize money and the U.S. $1.7 million. Half of each goes to players, the other half to the national baseball federaton.

MLB openers are March 30, the same day the season starts in Japan.

By RONALD BLUM AP Baseball WriterMIAMI — Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout had dreamed of this moment, along with millions of fans throughout Japan and the United States: the two biggest stars on the planet, longtime teammates, facing each other at 60 feet, 6 inches, the world title at stake.Of course, the count went full.And then Ohtani got Trout to swing under a slider on the outside corner, sealing Japan's 3-2 win Tuesday night and its first World Baseball Classic title since 2009."This is the best moment in my life," Ohtani said through a translator.Ohtani, the two-way star who has captivated fans across two continents, was voted MVP of the WBC after batting .435 with one homer, four doubles, eight RBIs and 10 walks while going 2-0 with a save and a 1.86 ERA on the mound, striking out 11 in 9 2/3 innings."I think every baseball fan wanted to see that. I've been answering questions about it for the last month-and a-half," said Trout, Ohtani's Los Angeles Angels teammate since 2018."Did you think it was going to end in any other way?"Watching the eighth and ninth innings unfold, Japan first baseman Kazuma Okamoto was in disbelief."I thought it was like a Manga," he said through an interpreter, referring to a Japanese comic book.U.S. manager Mark DeRosa savored the matchup — except for the ending."I just would have liked to have seen Mike hit a 500-foot homer," he said.Ohtani had given a pregame pep talk in Japan's clubhouse."Let's stop admiring them," he said, according to a Los Angeles Times translation of the video posted on the website Samurai Japan. "If you admire them, you can't surpass them. We came here to surpass them, to reach the top. For one day, let's throw away our admiration for them and just think about winning."Japan then joined the Dominican Republic in 2013 as the only unbeaten champions of baseball's premier national team tournament. The Samurai Warriors went 7-0 and outscored opponents 56-18, reaching the final for the first time since winning the first two WBCs in 2006 and 2009. No other nation has won the title more than once.Trea Turner put the U.S. ahead in the second against Shota Imanaga (1-0) with his fifth home run of the tournament, tying the WBC record set by South Korea's Seung Yuop Lee in 2006.Munetaka Murakami tied the score on the first pitch of the bottom half off Merrill Kelly (0-1) driving an up fastball 432 feet into the right-field upper deck, a 115.1 mph bullet. Japan loaded the bases and Lars Nootbaar, the first non-Japanese-born player to appear for the Samurai Warriors, followed with a run-scoring groundout off Aaron Loup for a 2-1 lead.Okamoto boosted the lead in the fourth when he sent a flat slider from Kyle Freeland over the wall in left-center for another solo homer. Kyle Schwarber pulled the Americans within a run when he went deep in the eighth off Yu Darvish.Ohtani was Japan's designated hitter and first went to the bullpen ahead of the sixth inning. He returned to the dugout and beat out an infield single in the seventh before again walking down the left-field line to Japan's bullpen and warming up for his third mound appearance of the tournament.He walked big league batting champion Jeff McNeil to begin the ninth, then got six-time All-Star Mookie Betts to ground into a double play.That brought up Trout, the U.S. captain, a 10-time All-Star and a three-time MVP."I saw him take a big deep breath to try and control his emotions," DeRosa said. "I can't even imagine being in that moment, the two best players on the planet locking horns as teammates in that spot."Ohtani started with a slider low, then got Trout to swing through a 100 mph fastball. Another fastball sailed outside and Trout missed a 99.8 mph pitch over the middle. A 101.6 offering, the fastest of Ohtani's 15 pitches, was low and way outside.Ohtani stepped off the mound and blew on his pitching hand. He went back to a offspeed option, a slider.Trout grimaced after his futile swing, his 12th strikeout of a tournament in which he hit .296 with one homer and seven RBIs. Ohtani raised both arms and threw his glove, then his cap, as teammates mobbed him.Ohtani got his second career save, the first since a 2016 playoff game with the Pacific League's Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. He and Trout had hugged behind the batting cage during pregame workouts, then held their nation's flag while leading their teams toward home plate in single file during the introductions, Trout down the right-field line and Ohtani in left.Several thousand fans had arrived hours early to watch Ohtani take batting practice and applauded when he hit a drive off the video board above the second deck in center."What he's doing in the game is what probably 90% of the guys in that clubhouse did in Little League or in youth tournaments, and he's able to pull it off on the biggest stages," DeRosa said. "He is a unicorn to the sport. I think other guys will try it, but I don't think they're going to do it to his level."MONEY MATTERSJapan gets $3 million in prize money and the U.S. $1.7 million. Half of each goes to players, the other half to the national baseball federaton.UP NEXTMLB openers are March 30, the same day the season starts in Japan.

Ohtani fans Trout; Japan tops US 3-2 for WBC championship

By JOHN MARSHALL AP Basketball Writer

Jerome Tang took his time finding the right players to fit into the program he wanted to build at Kansas State.

They meshed just right, taking <a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-sweet-16-kansas-tang-63e449c8d08c70b3726732c7246bb7a5">Tang and the Wildcats to the Sweet 16</a> in a season that started with them being picked to finish last in the Big 12.

Anchored
 by fifth-year seniors Markquis Nowell, Desi Sills, Tykei Greene and 
Abayomi Iyiola, Kansas State is heading from the Little Apple to the Big
 Apple to face Michigan State at Madison Square Garden on Thursday.

“To
 have guys who have 100 college games under their belt, there are just 
certain things that you pick up that it doesn’t matter how talented you 
are that you can’t gain it except through experience,” Tang said.

Super seniors have had a huge impact on the teams that have made it this far in <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">March Madness.</a>

Nine
 of the 16 remaining teams have players in fifth seasons granted by the 
NCAA due to the pandemic. They bring experience, leadership and presence
 with them on these deep runs into the bracket.

“There is no 
substitute for experience,” Texas interim coach Rodney Terry said. “They
 understand what type of urgency you have to play with this time of 
year. They will help the young guys with that.”

Terry has leaned on his “old” players since <a href="https://apnews.com/article/beard-mississippi-texas-81a865ff1626f1a9c1cbefa8b53b2c6a">former coach Chris Beard</a>
 was fired in December. Texas has six players 22 or older, including 
super seniors Marcus Carr, Sir’Jabari Rice, Timmy Allen and Christian 
Bishop.

Carr started his college career at Pittsburgh in 2017, had
 a three-year stint at Minnesota that included a redshirt year and is 
the Longhorns' leading scorer at 15.8 points per game. Rice, a New 
Mexico State transfer, chips in 12.8 points and hit seven 3-pointers 
against Colgate. Allen adds 10.3 points after transferring from Utah two
 years ago and Bishop has been a valuable role player in two seasons 
since leaving Creighton.

“We’ve been battle tested time and time again,” Allen said.

Souley
 Boum is Xavier's leading scorer at 16.5 points per game, helping the 
Musketeers reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2017 after stints
 at San Francisco and UTEP.

Jordan Miller is Miami's 
second-leading scorer at 15.1 points and is making his second trip to 
the Sweet 16 after starting his career at George Mason. Rasir Bolton has
 given Gonzaga another scoring option, 3-point shooting and clutch shots
 in two seasons since playing at Penn State and Iowa State.

David 
Singleton has been UCLA's sharpshooter in his five seasons in Westwood, 
hitting 43% from the 3-point arc. He suffered a sprained ankle against 
Northwestern in the second round, though the Bruins are hoping he can 
play Thursday against Gonzaga.

Even teams that didn't advance to the Sweet 16 had huge impacts from super seniors.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-furman-upset-f1cbb8736abedf5624bbf36a5f2c1281">Furman pulled off one of the biggest upsets</a>
 of March Madness' first weekend, knocking off No. 4 seed Virginia after
 reaching the Tournament for the first time since 1980. Jalen Slawson 
and Mike Bothwell were a big part of the Paladins' success, averaging 
more than 33 combined points after deciding to play together for a fifth
 season.

“They weren’t just scorers. They weren’t just really good
 basketball players. They became leaders,” Furman coach Bob Richey said.
 “They learned how to bear the burden of expectation. They learned how 
to bear the burden of people thinking, hey, is this story going to be 
written how it’s supposed to be written?”

The
 Wildcats weren't given much of a chance this season. Tang took a 
calculated approach to building his roster after 19 seasons as an 
assistant at Baylor, searching for players who would be the right fit.

Nowell,
 a 5-foot-7 guard who plays well above his size, averaged 12.4 points 
under Bruce Weber last season. He upped it to 17.1 while finishing 
second nationally with 7.8 assists per game.

Sills arrived in 
Manhattan following stints at Arkansas and Arkansas State. Greene played
 two seasons at Manhattan — the one in New York — and Stony Brook before
 heading to Kansas State. Iyiola, a 6-9 forward from Nigeria, played at 
Stetson, Arkansas and Hofstra.

The quartet helped Tang navigate a successful first season.

“I
 feel like we’re trying to set a standard, trying to build a legacy for 
the younger guys that that’s what you want to play in, the best 
tournament in the country," Sill said. "So we’re going to keep on 
working hard, just try to keep doing what we do so they know what the 
standards are when we leave.”

AP Sports Writers Jim Vertuno, Fred Goodall and Aaron Beard contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679498648397.jpeg" alt="Kansas State guard Markquis Nowell celebrates after scoring against Kentucky during the second half of a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Greensboro, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State guard Markquis Nowell celebrates after scoring against Kentucky during the second half of a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Greensboro, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN MARSHALL AP Basketball WriterJerome Tang took his time finding the right players to fit into the program he wanted to build at Kansas State.They meshed just right, taking <a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-sweet-16-kansas-tang-63e449c8d08c70b3726732c7246bb7a5">Tang and the Wildcats to the Sweet 16</a> in a season that started with them being picked to finish last in the Big 12.Four have been downright super.Anchored
 by fifth-year seniors Markquis Nowell, Desi Sills, Tykei Greene and 
Abayomi Iyiola, Kansas State is heading from the Little Apple to the Big
 Apple to face Michigan State at Madison Square Garden on Thursday.“To
 have guys who have 100 college games under their belt, there are just 
certain things that you pick up that it doesn’t matter how talented you 
are that you can’t gain it except through experience,” Tang said.Super seniors have had a huge impact on the teams that have made it this far in <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">March Madness.</a>Nine
 of the 16 remaining teams have players in fifth seasons granted by the 
NCAA due to the pandemic. They bring experience, leadership and presence
 with them on these deep runs into the bracket.“There is no 
substitute for experience,” Texas interim coach Rodney Terry said. “They
 understand what type of urgency you have to play with this time of 
year. They will help the young guys with that.”Terry has leaned on his “old” players since <a href="https://apnews.com/article/beard-mississippi-texas-81a865ff1626f1a9c1cbefa8b53b2c6a">former coach Chris Beard</a>
 was fired in December. Texas has six players 22 or older, including 
super seniors Marcus Carr, Sir’Jabari Rice, Timmy Allen and Christian 
Bishop.Carr started his college career at Pittsburgh in 2017, had
 a three-year stint at Minnesota that included a redshirt year and is 
the Longhorns' leading scorer at 15.8 points per game. Rice, a New 
Mexico State transfer, chips in 12.8 points and hit seven 3-pointers 
against Colgate. Allen adds 10.3 points after transferring from Utah two
 years ago and Bishop has been a valuable role player in two seasons 
since leaving Creighton.“We’ve been battle tested time and time again,” Allen said.Souley
 Boum is Xavier's leading scorer at 16.5 points per game, helping the 
Musketeers reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2017 after stints
 at San Francisco and UTEP.Jordan Miller is Miami's 
second-leading scorer at 15.1 points and is making his second trip to 
the Sweet 16 after starting his career at George Mason. Rasir Bolton has
 given Gonzaga another scoring option, 3-point shooting and clutch shots
 in two seasons since playing at Penn State and Iowa State.David 
Singleton has been UCLA's sharpshooter in his five seasons in Westwood, 
hitting 43% from the 3-point arc. He suffered a sprained ankle against 
Northwestern in the second round, though the Bruins are hoping he can 
play Thursday against Gonzaga.Even teams that didn't advance to the Sweet 16 had huge impacts from super seniors.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-furman-upset-f1cbb8736abedf5624bbf36a5f2c1281">Furman pulled off one of the biggest upsets</a>
 of March Madness' first weekend, knocking off No. 4 seed Virginia after
 reaching the Tournament for the first time since 1980. Jalen Slawson 
and Mike Bothwell were a big part of the Paladins' success, averaging 
more than 33 combined points after deciding to play together for a fifth
 season.“They weren’t just scorers. They weren’t just really good
 basketball players. They became leaders,” Furman coach Bob Richey said.
 “They learned how to bear the burden of expectation. They learned how 
to bear the burden of people thinking, hey, is this story going to be 
written how it’s supposed to be written?”Kansas State still has pen to paper.The
 Wildcats weren't given much of a chance this season. Tang took a 
calculated approach to building his roster after 19 seasons as an 
assistant at Baylor, searching for players who would be the right fit.One was already there.Nowell,
 a 5-foot-7 guard who plays well above his size, averaged 12.4 points 
under Bruce Weber last season. He upped it to 17.1 while finishing 
second nationally with 7.8 assists per game.Sills arrived in 
Manhattan following stints at Arkansas and Arkansas State. Greene played
 two seasons at Manhattan — the one in New York — and Stony Brook before
 heading to Kansas State. Iyiola, a 6-9 forward from Nigeria, played at 
Stetson, Arkansas and Hofstra.The quartet helped Tang navigate a successful first season.“I
 feel like we’re trying to set a standard, trying to build a legacy for 
the younger guys that that’s what you want to play in, the best 
tournament in the country," Sill said. "So we’re going to keep on 
working hard, just try to keep doing what we do so they know what the 
standards are when we leave.”AP Sports Writers Jim Vertuno, Fred Goodall and Aaron Beard contributed to this report.

🏀 Super seniors lead the way into March Madness Sweet 16

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Basketball Writer

Wichita State hired Paul Mills away from Oral Roberts on Wednesday to
 turn around its languishing men's basketball program, landing what has 
been one of the hottest names among mid-major coaches.

The 50-year-old Mills led the the Golden Eagles to two of the past three NCAA Tournaments, engineering upsets of <a href="https://apnews.com/article/duane-washington-max-abmas-kevin-obanor-ohio-state-buckeyes-mens-basketball-oral-roberts-golden-eagles-mens-basketball-7ccd7f375ce63804f43c16d19e1b0561">Ohio State</a> and <a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-florida-gators-mens-basketball-oral-roberts-golden-eagles-mens-basketball-kevin-obanor-indiana-48f05625d469ed0d79963ed44c882c6c">Florida</a> as a No. 15 seed in 2021 before going 30-5 this past season and <a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-duke-oral-roberts-ncaa-scheyer-a1451db96cdc4482f3a9c7228363fb0f">losing to Duke</a> as a No. 5 seed.

He replaces <a href="https://apnews.com/article/wichita-state-basketball-issac-brown-fired-36c746f553a25400ac84782c028fa3df">Isaac Brown, who was fired after three seasons</a> as the Shockers slowly slipped toward mediocrity.

"My
 family and I are extremely excited about being a part of Wichita 
State,” said Mills, who will be introduced during a news conference 
Thursday at Charles Koch Arena. “The rich history, winning tradition and
 unbelievable community support will keep us working on behalf of the 
greatest fans in all of college basketball.”

Mills got his break 
in coaching when he joined Scott Drew's first staff at Baylor in 2003, 
working alongside future Kansas State coach Jerome Tang in helping to 
turn around a program that had been mired in controversy. Mills stayed 
for 14 years, helping to reach seven NCAA Tournaments, before replacing 
Scott Sutton at Oral Roberts before the 2017 season.

Mills went 
just 11-21 each of his first two seasons in Tulsa, but the seeds of a 
turnaround had been planted, and the Golden Eagles have not had a losing
 season since. The biggest step came two years ago, when Mills led Oral 
Roberts to the Sweet 16 of an NCAA Tournament played entirely within an 
Indianapolis “bubble environment” because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679508804970.jpeg" alt="Oral Roberts head coach Paul Mills calls a play against Duke during the first half of a first-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament on March 16, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)" />
 <figcaption>Oral Roberts head coach Paul Mills calls a play against Duke during the first half of a first-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament on March 16, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Basketball WriterWichita State hired Paul Mills away from Oral Roberts on Wednesday to
 turn around its languishing men's basketball program, landing what has 
been one of the hottest names among mid-major coaches.The 50-year-old Mills led the the Golden Eagles to two of the past three NCAA Tournaments, engineering upsets of <a href="https://apnews.com/article/duane-washington-max-abmas-kevin-obanor-ohio-state-buckeyes-mens-basketball-oral-roberts-golden-eagles-mens-basketball-7ccd7f375ce63804f43c16d19e1b0561">Ohio State</a> and <a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-florida-gators-mens-basketball-oral-roberts-golden-eagles-mens-basketball-kevin-obanor-indiana-48f05625d469ed0d79963ed44c882c6c">Florida</a> as a No. 15 seed in 2021 before going 30-5 this past season and <a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-duke-oral-roberts-ncaa-scheyer-a1451db96cdc4482f3a9c7228363fb0f">losing to Duke</a> as a No. 5 seed.He replaces <a href="https://apnews.com/article/wichita-state-basketball-issac-brown-fired-36c746f553a25400ac84782c028fa3df">Isaac Brown, who was fired after three seasons</a> as the Shockers slowly slipped toward mediocrity."My
 family and I are extremely excited about being a part of Wichita 
State,” said Mills, who will be introduced during a news conference 
Thursday at Charles Koch Arena. “The rich history, winning tradition and
 unbelievable community support will keep us working on behalf of the 
greatest fans in all of college basketball.”Mills got his break 
in coaching when he joined Scott Drew's first staff at Baylor in 2003, 
working alongside future Kansas State coach Jerome Tang in helping to 
turn around a program that had been mired in controversy. Mills stayed 
for 14 years, helping to reach seven NCAA Tournaments, before replacing 
Scott Sutton at Oral Roberts before the 2017 season.Mills went 
just 11-21 each of his first two seasons in Tulsa, but the seeds of a 
turnaround had been planted, and the Golden Eagles have not had a losing
 season since. The biggest step came two years ago, when Mills led Oral 
Roberts to the Sweet 16 of an NCAA Tournament played entirely within an 
Indianapolis “bubble environment” because of the COVID-19 pandemic.The
 Golden Eagles slipped to 19-12 the following year before winning 30 
games and the Summit League title this past season, when they were led 
by high-scoring guard Max Abmas, an honorable mention All-American 
selection.“Paul Mills’ heart for people, passion for life and 
approach to the development of young people and programs is energizing,”
 Wichita State athletic director Kevin Saal said in a statement. “He 
aligns with Shocker Athletics’ core values, facilitates a first-class 
student-athlete experience and fuels broad-based competitive 
excellence."The hiring of Mills comes as the Shockers try to 
position themselves at the forefront of a new-look American Athletic 
Conference. Perennial powerhouse Houston is joining Central Florida and 
Cincinnati in leaving for the Big 12 after this season, and six new 
schools are due to arrive from Conference USA for the start of next 
season.Wichita State, a power under Ralph Miller and Gene 
Smithson in the 1960s, returned to prominence when Mark Turgeon took 
over in 2000. But it was under Gregg Marshall, who resigned in November 
2020 <a href="https://apnews.com/article/wichita-state-shockers-mens-basketball-billy-kennedy-marshall-gregg-marshall-coaching-a9004a83bfb4bebec6564da79a1594da">amid allegations of verbal and physical abuse of players</a>,
 that it began to soar. The Shockers advanced to the Final Four in 2013,
 finished the regular season unbeaten the following year and at one 
point went to seven consecutive NCAA Tournaments.Brown, who was 
Marshall's top recruiter, led them back to the NCAA Tournament in his 
first year. But the Shockers were just 15-13 last year and 17-15 this 
past season, leading Saal to decide that a coaching change was 
necessary.Turns out the answer Saal was looking for was just a few hours south at Oral Roberts.