CLEVELAND (AP) — The only thing the Chiefs had to worry about in the final minutes Sunday was Patrick Mahomes' ankle.

Mahomes threw two touchdown passes before limping off with an injury in the fourth quarter, Xavier Worthy ran for a score and Kansas City finally had a relatively easy win, 21-7 over the mistake-prone Cleveland Browns.

Mahomes connected for TDs in the first half&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Chiefs/status/1868357953780396068">with Juju Smith-Schuster</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Chiefs/status/1868373621355274266">Noah Gray</a>&nbsp;as the Chiefs (13-1) built a 21-0 lead and then slogged their way through an ugly second half.

The defending Super Bowl champions have 10 wins by seven points or less, with six coming on the game's final play.

Mahomes didn't finish the game, leaving when he got his ankle rolled up on while being tackled. Carson Wentz replaced him for the final 5:23. Mahomes finished 19 of 38 for 159 yards.

After the game, Mahomes said X-rays were negative. He said he would have lobbied harder to stay in if the Browns had gotten within one score.

“We'll get into the rehab part, the treatment part and try to get back on a short week,” said Mahomes, noting the Chiefs will play again Saturday — the second of three games in 11 days. “With all the adrenaline from the game, it's hard to tell now (if he can play). Usually, it's the day after when you get a good sense of it."

Mahomes was driven to the Chiefs' buses on a cart.

Coach Andy Reid was relieved Mahomes was not more seriously hurt.

“It's not broken, that's all I can tell you,” Reid said. “We'll have to see how it goes down the road.”

The Browns (3-11) tried to put up a fight, but had six turnovers. Other than a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Browns/status/1868390624145088796">62-yard TD run from Jerome Ford</a>, Cleveland had few offensive highlights and too many self-inflicted miscues.

Jameis Winston threw more three interceptions — two in the end zone to give him eight in his last three games — and the Browns had two fumbles. The five turnovers made things much easier on Mahomes and the Chiefs, not that they needed a lot of help.

Cleveland running back Nick Chubb suffered a broken foot. It's another setback for the star, who had a devastating knee injury last season.

Winston was pulled after his third pick and replaced by second-year QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who also was intercepted. Coach Kevin Stefanski would not commit to a starter for next week.

“You can't have six turnovers and win,” Stefanski said. “At any level.”

Cleveland's Jerry Jeudy had 11 catches for 108 yards and went over 1,000 for the season.

The Chiefs' second TD — Mahomes' 6-yard pass to Gray with 4:46 left in the first half — came on the same play Browns&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Reflog_18/status/1868374001279795655">star defensive end Myles Garrett left the field in extreme pain</a>&nbsp;with an apparent eye injury.

Garrett was rushing Mahomes and being blocked by Chiefs left tackle Joe Thuney when he suddenly stopped. The league's reigning Defensive Player of the Year immediately grabbed his face mask and pulled off his helmet, flinging it away before dropping to the turf.

He was face down for several minutes before being helped off. As Garrett walked toward the locker room holding a towel to his face, Thuney came over and patted him on the back. Garrett was only gone for a short period before he ran back on to the field and finished the game.

The Chiefs took a 21-0 lead early in the third, capitalizing on a pick by Winston that went off Chubb's hands. Four plays later, Worthy took a deep pitch from Mahomes, turned the corner and scored.

Kansas City's first score was set up by Cleveland's first turnover.

After the Browns forced a three-and-out on Kansas City's first possession, Cleveland's James Proche II fumbled during a punt return and the Chiefs recovered at the 21.

Mahomes then connected with Schuster for a 7-yard TD with 12:12 left in the first quarter.

Taylor Swift ended her world tour. She decided not to hit the road in the NFL just yet.

The pop superstar had been expected to attend the game to cheer on boyfriend Travis Kelce, the Chiefs tight end who grew up in Cleveland. But Swift, who turned 35 on Friday, wasn't on hand despite rumors she would make an appearance.

Taylor has been at several Chiefs games in Kansas City the past two seasons since she began dating Kelce.

Chiefs: S Chamarri Conner suffered a concussion while making a tackle in the second quarter. ... Kelce came up limping after an early play, but walked it off and stayed in. He left the locker room before reporters had access.

Browns: CB Martin Emerson Jr. went to the locker room in the second quarter to be evaluated for a concussion. He did not return. ... DT Shelby Harris (elbow) went out in the second quarter.

Chiefs: Host Houston on Dec. 21 before visiting Pittsburgh on Christmas Day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734303515306.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>CLEVELAND (AP) — The only thing the Chiefs had to worry about in the final minutes Sunday was Patrick Mahomes' ankle.Mahomes threw two touchdown passes before limping off with an injury in the fourth quarter, Xavier Worthy ran for a score and Kansas City finally had a relatively easy win, 21-7 over the mistake-prone Cleveland Browns.Mahomes connected for TDs in the first half&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Chiefs/status/1868357953780396068">with Juju Smith-Schuster</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Chiefs/status/1868373621355274266">Noah Gray</a>&nbsp;as the Chiefs (13-1) built a 21-0 lead and then slogged their way through an ugly second half.The defending Super Bowl champions have 10 wins by seven points or less, with six coming on the game's final play.Mahomes didn't finish the game, leaving when he got his ankle rolled up on while being tackled. Carson Wentz replaced him for the final 5:23. Mahomes finished 19 of 38 for 159 yards.After the game, Mahomes said X-rays were negative. He said he would have lobbied harder to stay in if the Browns had gotten within one score.“We'll get into the rehab part, the treatment part and try to get back on a short week,” said Mahomes, noting the Chiefs will play again Saturday — the second of three games in 11 days. “With all the adrenaline from the game, it's hard to tell now (if he can play). Usually, it's the day after when you get a good sense of it."Mahomes was driven to the Chiefs' buses on a cart.Coach Andy Reid was relieved Mahomes was not more seriously hurt.“It's not broken, that's all I can tell you,” Reid said. “We'll have to see how it goes down the road.”The Browns (3-11) tried to put up a fight, but had six turnovers. Other than a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Browns/status/1868390624145088796">62-yard TD run from Jerome Ford</a>, Cleveland had few offensive highlights and too many self-inflicted miscues.Jameis Winston threw more three interceptions — two in the end zone to give him eight in his last three games — and the Browns had two fumbles. The five turnovers made things much easier on Mahomes and the Chiefs, not that they needed a lot of help.Cleveland running back Nick Chubb suffered a broken foot. It's another setback for the star, who had a devastating knee injury last season.Winston was pulled after his third pick and replaced by second-year QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who also was intercepted. Coach Kevin Stefanski would not commit to a starter for next week.“You can't have six turnovers and win,” Stefanski said. “At any level.”Cleveland's Jerry Jeudy had 11 catches for 108 yards and went over 1,000 for the season.The Chiefs' second TD — Mahomes' 6-yard pass to Gray with 4:46 left in the first half — came on the same play Browns&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Reflog_18/status/1868374001279795655">star defensive end Myles Garrett left the field in extreme pain</a>&nbsp;with an apparent eye injury.Garrett was rushing Mahomes and being blocked by Chiefs left tackle Joe Thuney when he suddenly stopped. The league's reigning Defensive Player of the Year immediately grabbed his face mask and pulled off his helmet, flinging it away before dropping to the turf.He was face down for several minutes before being helped off. As Garrett walked toward the locker room holding a towel to his face, Thuney came over and patted him on the back. Garrett was only gone for a short period before he ran back on to the field and finished the game.The Chiefs took a 21-0 lead early in the third, capitalizing on a pick by Winston that went off Chubb's hands. Four plays later, Worthy took a deep pitch from Mahomes, turned the corner and scored.Kansas City's first score was set up by Cleveland's first turnover.After the Browns forced a three-and-out on Kansas City's first possession, Cleveland's James Proche II fumbled during a punt return and the Chiefs recovered at the 21.Mahomes then connected with Schuster for a 7-yard TD with 12:12 left in the first quarter.<h2>Notable no-show</h2>Taylor Swift ended her world tour. She decided not to hit the road in the NFL just yet.The pop superstar had been expected to attend the game to cheer on boyfriend Travis Kelce, the Chiefs tight end who grew up in Cleveland. But Swift, who turned 35 on Friday, wasn't on hand despite rumors she would make an appearance.Taylor has been at several Chiefs games in Kansas City the past two seasons since she began dating Kelce.<h2>Injuries</h2>Chiefs: S Chamarri Conner suffered a concussion while making a tackle in the second quarter. ... Kelce came up limping after an early play, but walked it off and stayed in. He left the locker room before reporters had access.Browns: CB Martin Emerson Jr. went to the locker room in the second quarter to be evaluated for a concussion. He did not return. ... DT Shelby Harris (elbow) went out in the second quarter.<h2>Up next</h2>Chiefs: Host Houston on Dec. 21 before visiting Pittsburgh on Christmas Day.Browns: At Cincinnati on Sunday.

🏈Mahomes exits Chiefs victory over Browns with ankle injury

Kansas State running back D.J. Giddens has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Giddens, a former Junction City Blue Jay football player,&nbsp; announced his decision about declaring for the Draft on Instagram.

Kansas State running back D.J. Giddens has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734231578610.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Giddens, a former Junction City Blue Jay football player,&nbsp; announced his decision about declaring for the Draft on Instagram.

K-State running back D.J. Giddens declares for NFL Draft

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zeke Mayo hit five 3s and scored 26 points, Hunter Dickinson had 21 points and 14 rebounds, and No. 10 Kansas bounced back from consecutive losses with a 75-60 rout of NC State on Saturday.

Dajuan Harris Jr. added 15 points and six assists for the Jayhawks (8-2), who scored the first 15 points of the game but didn't have it in hand until midway through the second half, when Dickinson scored eight consecutive points to bury the Wolfpack.

Kansas won its 20th consecutive nonconference home game and avoided its first three-game skid since the 2022-23 season.

Ben Middlebrooks had 14 points and Brandon Huntley-Hatfield finished with 12 for the Wolfpack (7-4), who have lost their last 13 games to Kansas since winning their first matchup at Allen Fieldhouse on Dec. 20, 1958.

NC State was able to get the Kansas big men into foul trouble, and that allowed Middlebrooks to have success. But the Wolfpack didn't get enough production from the perimeter, where Dontrez Styles and Marcus Hill struggled.

Kansas proved it could survive foul trouble in the paint. Dickinson had three fouls and KJ Adams Jr. and Flory Bidunga four apiece with 12 minutes left. But the Jayhawks' guards, and Mayo in particular, were able to take over the game.

The Jayhawks led 48-41 with 13:10 left when Mayo rattled in a 3-pointer from the corner. He added a free throw moments later, then a blow-by layup, giving Kansas a 54-41 lead with 12 minutes to go.

5 — Harris hit a layup with 18:14 left to give him 1,001 points for his career. He's the fifth member of the team to surpass that plateau, joining Mayo, Dickinson, David Coit and Shakeel Moore.

NC State plays Rider on Dec. 22. Kansas plays Brown the same day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734222532840.png" alt="Photo Kansas athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zeke Mayo hit five 3s and scored 26 points, Hunter Dickinson had 21 points and 14 rebounds, and No. 10 Kansas bounced back from consecutive losses with a 75-60 rout of NC State on Saturday.Dajuan Harris Jr. added 15 points and six assists for the Jayhawks (8-2), who scored the first 15 points of the game but didn't have it in hand until midway through the second half, when Dickinson scored eight consecutive points to bury the Wolfpack.Kansas won its 20th consecutive nonconference home game and avoided its first three-game skid since the 2022-23 season.Ben Middlebrooks had 14 points and Brandon Huntley-Hatfield finished with 12 for the Wolfpack (7-4), who have lost their last 13 games to Kansas since winning their first matchup at Allen Fieldhouse on Dec. 20, 1958.<h2>Takeaways</h2>NC State was able to get the Kansas big men into foul trouble, and that allowed Middlebrooks to have success. But the Wolfpack didn't get enough production from the perimeter, where Dontrez Styles and Marcus Hill struggled.Kansas proved it could survive foul trouble in the paint. Dickinson had three fouls and KJ Adams Jr. and Flory Bidunga four apiece with 12 minutes left. But the Jayhawks' guards, and Mayo in particular, were able to take over the game.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Jayhawks led 48-41 with 13:10 left when Mayo rattled in a 3-pointer from the corner. He added a free throw moments later, then a blow-by layup, giving Kansas a 54-41 lead with 12 minutes to go.<h2>Key stat</h2>5 — Harris hit a layup with 18:14 left to give him 1,001 points for his career. He's the fifth member of the team to surpass that plateau, joining Mayo, Dickinson, David Coit and Shakeel Moore.<h2>Up next</h2>NC State plays Rider on Dec. 22. Kansas plays Brown the same day.

🏀 Mayo scores 26 as No. 10 KU beats NC State

&nbsp; The Kansas Shrine Bowl has introduced the coaches who will lead the East and West teams in the 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Dodge City. Each classification 1A through 6A is represented on the coaching staff, while the Head Coach of each team is selected from the previous year’s Kansas Shrine Bowl assistants.

The West team will be led by Dominick Dingle (Wichita Heights) and assisted by Russ Wells (Wichita South – 6A), Mike Vernon (Hutchinson – 5A), Daniel Myears (Mulvane – 4A), Tyson Bauerle (Hesston – 3A), Butch Hayes (Council Grove – 2A), and Alex McMillian (Plainville – 1A). Wells (2020), Vernon (2021) and Bauerle (2018) have all assisted on the West staff in previous Shrine Bowls, while Bauerle also led the 2019 West team to a 26-7 victory as the Head Coach at Memorial Stadium in Dodge City.

The East team will be led by Garrett Michael (Sabetha) and assisted by Josh Koerkenmeier (Blue Valley West – 6A), Jared Swafford (Seaman – 5A), Clete Frazell (Chanute – 4A), Mike Berg (Wellsville – 3A), Logan Wyrick (Humboldt – 2A), and Roger Holthaus (Centralia – 1A). Among the 2025 assistants, only Wyrick (2019) has previously coached in the Kansas Shrine Bowl.

&nbsp; The Kansas Shrine Bowl has introduced the coaches who will lead the East and West teams in the 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Dodge City. Each classification 1A through 6A is represented on the coaching staff, while the Head Coach of each team is selected from the previous year’s Kansas Shrine Bowl assistants.The West team will be led by Dominick Dingle (Wichita Heights) and assisted by Russ Wells (Wichita South – 6A), Mike Vernon (Hutchinson – 5A), Daniel Myears (Mulvane – 4A), Tyson Bauerle (Hesston – 3A), Butch Hayes (Council Grove – 2A), and Alex McMillian (Plainville – 1A). Wells (2020), Vernon (2021) and Bauerle (2018) have all assisted on the West staff in previous Shrine Bowls, while Bauerle also led the 2019 West team to a 26-7 victory as the Head Coach at Memorial Stadium in Dodge City.The East team will be led by Garrett Michael (Sabetha) and assisted by Josh Koerkenmeier (Blue Valley West – 6A), Jared Swafford (Seaman – 5A), Clete Frazell (Chanute – 4A), Mike Berg (Wellsville – 3A), Logan Wyrick (Humboldt – 2A), and Roger Holthaus (Centralia – 1A). Among the 2025 assistants, only Wyrick (2019) has previously coached in the Kansas Shrine Bowl.

Shrine Bowl coaching staffs are announced

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Andy Reid doesn't need to schedule a stress test anytime soon. He seems to get one every week.

The Kansas City Chiefs coach saw his third-string kicker doink a 31-yard field goal off the left upright and through for a victory that secured the Chiefs' ninth straight AFC West title.

It was the Chiefs' 15th straight win in a one-score game over the last two seasons.

Patrick Mahomes led the two-time defending Super Bowl champions (12-1) on a clock-killing 4 1/2-minute drive to set up Matthew Wright’s fourth field goal. The ball clanged off the upright in the latest narrow escape for Kansas City, which is 10-0 this season in one-score games.

The Chiefs have now had&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/OptaSTATS/status/1865987660210405643">three different kickers make a game-winning field goal</a>&nbsp;as time expired this season. No other team in NFL history has had more than one kicker do so in a single season.

After securing a first down inside of the 2-minute warning, both Mahomes and Reid were content with running out the clock for the potential game winner, rather than trying to score a touchdown and leave time on the clock for Justin Herbert and the Chargers.

“I trusted Matthew, so I was good with where we were,” Reid said. “Percentages are pretty high. I know we won a game in that same situation on the opposite end, so I get it, but he’s a solid gamer, so I wasn’t too worried about it.”

Wright said he wasn't thinking about the game situation, instead focusing on what he had to do if it came down to his right leg. As the ball headed toward the upright and started drifting left, Wright said his thought wasn't good.

“It’s not a good one,” he said. “I want it to just go right down the middle, obviously.”

Kansas City's nine straight division titles are two short of the New England Patriots' NFL record of 11.

The Chiefs led 13-0 at halftime after the Chargers (8-5) punted on their first five possessions, but LA woke up in the second half, scoring on each of its three drives. Cameron Dicker's 37-yard field goal put the Chargers ahead 17-16 with 4:35 left.

“We just had to settle in," said Herbert, who was 21 of 30 for 213 yards and a TD. “We didn’t make enough plays in the first half and we didn’t execute the way we wanted to. Pass game, run game, we weren’t moving the ball well. That’s on us and I praise the guys for staying in there, staying patient and making plays in the second half.”

Mahomes then went to work, hitting Xavier Worthy for 14 yards on third-and-10 and scrambling for another first down. After the two-minute warning, Mahomes scrambled, dodged a would-be tackle and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1865974106522611871">lobbed a throw to a kneeling Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;that allowed the Chiefs to run the clock down to zero.

“I went through my reads,” Mahomes said. “As I was ready to run, I just saw 87 just sitting right there in the middle of the field, open. So I fired it to him.”

Mahomes says he's not surprised that Kelce stepped up in the clutch.

“He means the world to me,” he said. “Without getting like emotional, he’s a guy that has really kind of made me who I am in my career. (He's a) true leader on the football field. He's someone that I can just go to at any moment, and he’s going to make a big play happen, and as he’s done throughout his career.”

Mahomes was sacked three times and has taken 13 sacks over the past three games, the most of any three-game stretch in his career.

The Chargers opened the second half with a 13-play, 79-yard drive that concluded with Gus Edwards' 3-yard touchdown run. Following a Chiefs punt, the Chargers then went 74 yards on four plays, aided by 39-yard pass interference penalty on Justin Reid, to take a 14-13 lead. Herbert found Quentin Johnson for a 4-yard touchdown, the Chargers' first TD pass in 13 quarters.

The Chiefs responded with Wright’s third field goal, this one from 50 yards after an unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty against Trey Smith pushed Kansas City back.

The Chiefs settled for Wright's 47-yard field goal on their opening drive, during which Mahomes passed Dan Marino for the most passing yards in the first eight years of a career.

Late in the second quarter,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chargers-herbert-3717688e0ee935d8dd58030b9ca654c1">Herbert was hit by Kansas City linebacker Nick Bolton</a>, forcing him to miss a play and leading to the Chargers' fifth punt. The Chiefs responded with a 9-play, 77-yard drive that ended with DeAndre Hopkins' TD catch.

Kansas City's halftime lead was its largest of the season and it shut out an opponent in the first half for the first time.

Kelce finished with 45 yards receiving and has 12,010 in his career, trailing only Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten among tight ends. He is the fastest to reach 12,000 yards among tight ends.

Herbert missed only one play after the hit by Bolton after trainers looked at his left leg. Taylor Heinicke replaced him. ... TE Will Dissly left the game with a right shoulder injury in the third quarter. ... WR Jalen Reagor was hurt in the third quarter.

Chiefs T DJ Humphries left in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733713305366.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Andy Reid doesn't need to schedule a stress test anytime soon. He seems to get one every week.The Kansas City Chiefs coach saw his third-string kicker doink a 31-yard field goal off the left upright and through for a victory that secured the Chiefs' ninth straight AFC West title.It was the Chiefs' 15th straight win in a one-score game over the last two seasons.Patrick Mahomes led the two-time defending Super Bowl champions (12-1) on a clock-killing 4 1/2-minute drive to set up Matthew Wright’s fourth field goal. The ball clanged off the upright in the latest narrow escape for Kansas City, which is 10-0 this season in one-score games.The Chiefs have now had&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/OptaSTATS/status/1865987660210405643">three different kickers make a game-winning field goal</a>&nbsp;as time expired this season. No other team in NFL history has had more than one kicker do so in a single season.After securing a first down inside of the 2-minute warning, both Mahomes and Reid were content with running out the clock for the potential game winner, rather than trying to score a touchdown and leave time on the clock for Justin Herbert and the Chargers.“I trusted Matthew, so I was good with where we were,” Reid said. “Percentages are pretty high. I know we won a game in that same situation on the opposite end, so I get it, but he’s a solid gamer, so I wasn’t too worried about it.”Wright said he wasn't thinking about the game situation, instead focusing on what he had to do if it came down to his right leg. As the ball headed toward the upright and started drifting left, Wright said his thought wasn't good.“It’s not a good one,” he said. “I want it to just go right down the middle, obviously.”Kansas City's nine straight division titles are two short of the New England Patriots' NFL record of 11.The Chiefs led 13-0 at halftime after the Chargers (8-5) punted on their first five possessions, but LA woke up in the second half, scoring on each of its three drives. Cameron Dicker's 37-yard field goal put the Chargers ahead 17-16 with 4:35 left.“We just had to settle in," said Herbert, who was 21 of 30 for 213 yards and a TD. “We didn’t make enough plays in the first half and we didn’t execute the way we wanted to. Pass game, run game, we weren’t moving the ball well. That’s on us and I praise the guys for staying in there, staying patient and making plays in the second half.”Mahomes then went to work, hitting Xavier Worthy for 14 yards on third-and-10 and scrambling for another first down. After the two-minute warning, Mahomes scrambled, dodged a would-be tackle and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1865974106522611871">lobbed a throw to a kneeling Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;that allowed the Chiefs to run the clock down to zero.“I went through my reads,” Mahomes said. “As I was ready to run, I just saw 87 just sitting right there in the middle of the field, open. So I fired it to him.”Mahomes says he's not surprised that Kelce stepped up in the clutch.“He means the world to me,” he said. “Without getting like emotional, he’s a guy that has really kind of made me who I am in my career. (He's a) true leader on the football field. He's someone that I can just go to at any moment, and he’s going to make a big play happen, and as he’s done throughout his career.”Mahomes was sacked three times and has taken 13 sacks over the past three games, the most of any three-game stretch in his career.The Chargers opened the second half with a 13-play, 79-yard drive that concluded with Gus Edwards' 3-yard touchdown run. Following a Chiefs punt, the Chargers then went 74 yards on four plays, aided by 39-yard pass interference penalty on Justin Reid, to take a 14-13 lead. Herbert found Quentin Johnson for a 4-yard touchdown, the Chargers' first TD pass in 13 quarters.The Chiefs responded with Wright’s third field goal, this one from 50 yards after an unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty against Trey Smith pushed Kansas City back.The Chiefs settled for Wright's 47-yard field goal on their opening drive, during which Mahomes passed Dan Marino for the most passing yards in the first eight years of a career.Late in the second quarter,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chargers-herbert-3717688e0ee935d8dd58030b9ca654c1">Herbert was hit by Kansas City linebacker Nick Bolton</a>, forcing him to miss a play and leading to the Chargers' fifth punt. The Chiefs responded with a 9-play, 77-yard drive that ended with DeAndre Hopkins' TD catch.Kansas City's halftime lead was its largest of the season and it shut out an opponent in the first half for the first time.<h2>Receiving royalty</h2>Kelce finished with 45 yards receiving and has 12,010 in his career, trailing only Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten among tight ends. He is the fastest to reach 12,000 yards among tight ends.<h2>Injuries</h2>Herbert missed only one play after the hit by Bolton after trainers looked at his left leg. Taylor Heinicke replaced him. ... TE Will Dissly left the game with a right shoulder injury in the third quarter. ... WR Jalen Reagor was hurt in the third quarter.Chiefs T DJ Humphries left in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury.<h2>Up next</h2>Chargers: Host Tampa Bay next Sunday.Chiefs: At Cleveland next Sunday.

🏈 Chiefs win 9th straight AFC West title, beating Chargers on bank-shot field goal

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– K-State Nation is heading back to the Valley of the Sun, as Kansas State officials announced Sunday afternoon that the Wildcats have accepted an invitation to play Rutgers in the Rate Bowl inside Chase Field – home of MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks – in Phoenix, Arizona.

The game, which is the only bowl matchup between members of the Big 12 and Big Ten Conferences, will take place on Thursday, December 26 at 4:30 p.m. (CT) and air on ESPN.This is the 19th&nbsp;time overall and the eighth time for a bowl game that the Wildcats will play in the state of Arizona. 

It is the fifth time K-State will play in what is now known as the Rate Bowl as it also played in the game in 1993 (known as Copper Bowl and played in Tucson, Arizona), 2001 (Insight.com Bowl), 2013 (Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl) and 2017 (Cactus Bowl).

"We are excited to spend the holidays in Arizona and represent the Big 12 and our University in the Rate Bowl," said K-State head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/chris-klieman/2502">Chris Klieman</a>, the first head coach in school history to lead his team to five bowl games in his first six seasons. "The staff at the Fiesta Bowl runs a first-class operation, and I know our players and coaches are looking forward to the trip and the extra work on the field, which is critical to our continued development as a program."K-State finished with an 8-4 regular-season record in 2024, marking the fourth-straight season the Wildcats have won at least eight games.

The Wildcats are one of just nine Power 4 teams to win at least eight games in each of the last four seasons, joining Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, Notre Dame, Clemson, Ole Miss, Oregon and Ohio State. The Wildcats have been among the nation's leaders in bowl appearances since 1993 as the Wildcats are tied for 16th nationally and rank second in the Big 12 with 25. K-State will also be one of just 15 Power 4 teams to play in a bowl game at least 13 times in the last 15 years.

"We would like to thank Erik Moses and his staff for welcoming K-State Nation to the Phoenix area," said Athletics Director&nbsp;Gene Taylor. "It is good to be heading back to Arizona, and this will be a memorable week for our fans and program. We look forward to an exciting holiday experience."

Kansas State opened the 2024 campaign with a 7-1 record with wins over a pair of teams ranked No. 20 at the time in Arizona (31-7) and Oklahoma State (42-20), and the Wildcats were the only team this season to win at Colorado, a team that finished 23rd&nbsp;in the final College Football Playoff Top 25. 

Kansas State also retained the Governor's Cup with its 16th-straight win over Kansas, tied for the longest active uninterrupted winning streak in the nation. The Wildcats will be looking to right the ship from a 1-3 mark in November as they lost at Houston and to each of the Big 12 Championship Game participants, Arizona State and Iowa State.K-State and Rutgers will meet for just the second time ever, and both matchups will be in bowl games, as the Scarlet Knights earned a 37-10 win over the Wildcats in the inaugural Texas Bowl in 2006. 

This is the fifth time in school history that Kansas State will face a Big Ten team in a bowl game with the last being a 31-14 victory over Michigan in the 2013 Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, which was also the last time overall that the Wildcats faced a Big Ten foe.Rutgers finished the regular season with a 7-5 overall record and a 4-5 mark in conference action to tie for ninth place in the Big Ten. After starting the season 4-0 with wins over Howard, Akron, at Virginia Tech and against Washington, RU lost each of its next four games. However, Rutgers went 3-1 in November with wins over Minnesota, Maryland and Michigan State.The Scarlett Knights are playing in a bowl game for the 13th&nbsp;time in school history and third time in the last four years. 

They lost to Wake Forest in the 2021 Gator Bowl and defeated Miami in last year's Pinstripe Bowl.Tickets in the official K-State sections are available now online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/bowlgame">www.kstatesports.com/bowlgame</a>&nbsp;and via phone beginning at 8:30 a.m. Monday. Remaining tickets in the official K-State sections are priced by the bowl between $35 and $160. Tickets in some sections were sold out through pre-orders.

All Ahearn Fund members and fans who pre-ordered tickets will receive communication with information regarding their requests by the end of the day.The K-State Alumni Association will also provide official travel packages to the bowl game. 

Visit the Alumni Association's official bowl travel page –&nbsp;<a href="http://www.k-statesportstours.com/">www.k-statesportstours.com</a>&nbsp;– for travel package information.– k-statesports.com –How to follow the Cats:&nbsp;For complete information on K-State Football, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/">www.kstatesports.com</a>&nbsp;and follow the team's social media channels on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.x.com/kstatefb">X (formerly Twitter)</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.instagram.com/kstatefb">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/kstatesports">Facebook</a>.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– K-State Nation is heading back to the Valley of the Sun, as Kansas State officials announced Sunday afternoon that the Wildcats have accepted an invitation to play Rutgers in the Rate Bowl inside Chase Field – home of MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks – in Phoenix, Arizona.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">That desert heat <a href="https://twitter.com/RateBowl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RateBowl</a> <a href="https://t.co/St3dwtfg3g">pic.twitter.com/St3dwtfg3g</a>&mdash; K-State Football (@KStateFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateFB/status/1865856831504908556?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The game, which is the only bowl matchup between members of the Big 12 and Big Ten Conferences, will take place on Thursday, December 26 at 4:30 p.m. (CT) and air on ESPN.This is the 19th&nbsp;time overall and the eighth time for a bowl game that the Wildcats will play in the state of Arizona. <div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Big12FB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Big12FB</a> goin&#39; bowling 🎳 🏈 <a href="https://twitter.com/RateBowl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RateBowl</a> 🗓️ December 26 ⏰ 5:30 p.m. EST 🗺️ Phoenix, AZ 🏟️ Chase Field 📺 ESPN <a href="https://t.co/defTuCE91C">pic.twitter.com/defTuCE91C</a>&mdash; Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) <a href="https://twitter.com/Big12Conference/status/1865858486514418014?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>It is the fifth time K-State will play in what is now known as the Rate Bowl as it also played in the game in 1993 (known as Copper Bowl and played in Tucson, Arizona), 2001 (Insight.com Bowl), 2013 (Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl) and 2017 (Cactus Bowl)."We are excited to spend the holidays in Arizona and represent the Big 12 and our University in the Rate Bowl," said K-State head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/chris-klieman/2502">Chris Klieman</a>, the first head coach in school history to lead his team to five bowl games in his first six seasons. "The staff at the Fiesta Bowl runs a first-class operation, and I know our players and coaches are looking forward to the trip and the extra work on the field, which is critical to our continued development as a program."K-State finished with an 8-4 regular-season record in 2024, marking the fourth-straight season the Wildcats have won at least eight games. The Wildcats are one of just nine Power 4 teams to win at least eight games in each of the last four seasons, joining Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, Notre Dame, Clemson, Ole Miss, Oregon and Ohio State. The Wildcats have been among the nation's leaders in bowl appearances since 1993 as the Wildcats are tied for 16th nationally and rank second in the Big 12 with 25. K-State will also be one of just 15 Power 4 teams to play in a bowl game at least 13 times in the last 15 years."We would like to thank Erik Moses and his staff for welcoming K-State Nation to the Phoenix area," said Athletics Director&nbsp;Gene Taylor. "It is good to be heading back to Arizona, and this will be a memorable week for our fans and program. We look forward to an exciting holiday experience."Kansas State opened the 2024 campaign with a 7-1 record with wins over a pair of teams ranked No. 20 at the time in Arizona (31-7) and Oklahoma State (42-20), and the Wildcats were the only team this season to win at Colorado, a team that finished 23rd&nbsp;in the final College Football Playoff Top 25. Kansas State also retained the Governor's Cup with its 16th-straight win over Kansas, tied for the longest active uninterrupted winning streak in the nation. The Wildcats will be looking to right the ship from a 1-3 mark in November as they lost at Houston and to each of the Big 12 Championship Game participants, Arizona State and Iowa State.K-State and Rutgers will meet for just the second time ever, and both matchups will be in bowl games, as the Scarlet Knights earned a 37-10 win over the Wildcats in the inaugural Texas Bowl in 2006. This is the fifth time in school history that Kansas State will face a Big Ten team in a bowl game with the last being a 31-14 victory over Michigan in the 2013 Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, which was also the last time overall that the Wildcats faced a Big Ten foe.Rutgers finished the regular season with a 7-5 overall record and a 4-5 mark in conference action to tie for ninth place in the Big Ten. After starting the season 4-0 with wins over Howard, Akron, at Virginia Tech and against Washington, RU lost each of its next four games. However, Rutgers went 3-1 in November with wins over Minnesota, Maryland and Michigan State.The Scarlett Knights are playing in a bowl game for the 13th&nbsp;time in school history and third time in the last four years. They lost to Wake Forest in the 2021 Gator Bowl and defeated Miami in last year's Pinstripe Bowl.Tickets in the official K-State sections are available now online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/bowlgame">www.kstatesports.com/bowlgame</a>&nbsp;and via phone beginning at 8:30 a.m. Monday. Remaining tickets in the official K-State sections are priced by the bowl between $35 and $160. Tickets in some sections were sold out through pre-orders.All Ahearn Fund members and fans who pre-ordered tickets will receive communication with information regarding their requests by the end of the day.The K-State Alumni Association will also provide official travel packages to the bowl game. Visit the Alumni Association's official bowl travel page –&nbsp;<a href="http://www.k-statesportstours.com/">www.k-statesportstours.com</a>&nbsp;– for travel package information.– k-statesports.com –How to follow the Cats:&nbsp;For complete information on K-State Football, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/">www.kstatesports.com</a>&nbsp;and follow the team's social media channels on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.x.com/kstatefb">X (formerly Twitter)</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.instagram.com/kstatefb">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/kstatesports">Facebook</a>.

K-State will face Rutgers in the Rate Bowl

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Tamar Bates had 29 points and five steals to help Missouri beat Hunter Dickinson and No. 1 Kansas 76-67 on Sunday.

Mark Mitchell scored 17 points in Missouri’s first win over Kansas since a 74-71 victory on Feb. 4, 2012. Anthony Robinson II had 11 points and five steals for the Tigers (8-1), and Josh Gray grabbed a team-leading 10 rebounds.

Dickinson had 19 points and 14 rebounds, but he also committed seven turnovers. The Jayhawks (7-2) have lost two straight on the road after falling 76-63 against Creighton on Wednesday night.

Missouri opened a 57-33 lead with 14:15 remaining on a jump shot from Tony Perkins. But the Jayhawks outscored the Tigers 30-8 over the next 11:55.

Bates scored 18 to help Missouri to a 39-25 lead at the break. The Tigers then opened the second half with a 16-6 run.

Kansas: Missouri's size and defensive pressure were too much for the Jayhawks, who are 5-5 at Mizzou Arena since it opened in 2004.

Missouri: Improved to 4-5 against Kansas when the Jayhawks are ranked No. 1 in The Associated Press poll.

Mitchell hit a 3-pointer to lift Missouri to a 68-63 lead with 2:03 remaining. Gray then hit a pair of free throws and Bates converted a layup to make it 72-63 with 1:16 to play.

Kansas committed 22 turnovers, including 14 in the first half.

Kansas: Hosts North Carolina State on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733689285820.png" alt="Photo Mizzou Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Mizzou Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Tamar Bates had 29 points and five steals to help Missouri beat Hunter Dickinson and No. 1 Kansas 76-67 on Sunday.Mark Mitchell scored 17 points in Missouri’s first win over Kansas since a 74-71 victory on Feb. 4, 2012. Anthony Robinson II had 11 points and five steals for the Tigers (8-1), and Josh Gray grabbed a team-leading 10 rebounds.Dickinson had 19 points and 14 rebounds, but he also committed seven turnovers. The Jayhawks (7-2) have lost two straight on the road after falling 76-63 against Creighton on Wednesday night.Missouri opened a 57-33 lead with 14:15 remaining on a jump shot from Tony Perkins. But the Jayhawks outscored the Tigers 30-8 over the next 11:55.Bates scored 18 to help Missouri to a 39-25 lead at the break. The Tigers then opened the second half with a 16-6 run.<h2>Takeaways</h2>Kansas: Missouri's size and defensive pressure were too much for the Jayhawks, who are 5-5 at Mizzou Arena since it opened in 2004.Missouri: Improved to 4-5 against Kansas when the Jayhawks are ranked No. 1 in The Associated Press poll.<h2>Key moment</h2>Mitchell hit a 3-pointer to lift Missouri to a 68-63 lead with 2:03 remaining. Gray then hit a pair of free throws and Bates converted a layup to make it 72-63 with 1:16 to play.<h2>Key stat</h2>Kansas committed 22 turnovers, including 14 in the first half.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas: Hosts North Carolina State on Saturday.

🏀 Bates scores 29 points to help Missouri beat No. 1 Kansas 

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Cam Skattebo and Arizona State are on quite a run in their Big 12 debut after being the preseason pick to finish at the bottom of the conference.

Now the Sun Devils will represent their new 16-team league in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-playoff-boise-state-f72744b06516f1404697b1c5455bae20">12-team College Football Playoff</a>&nbsp;after a 45-19 win over Iowa State in the Big 12 championship game Saturday.

The tough-running Skattebo had 170 yards rushing, including a 28-yard gain on the first offensive snap. There were long, tackle-evading runs to open the two drives he ended with short touchdowns, and he later turned a short pass into another score.

“I’ve got the best seat in the house,” said Sam Leavitt, the freshman quarterback who hands off to Skattebo. “Get ready for a gain of 5 or whatever, and I just see the dude kind of weaving through some traffic ... and busts loose.”

The Sun Devils (11-2, No. 15 CFP), with their 34-year-old head coach Kenny Dillingham, take a six-game winning streak into the playoff.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-state-big-12-championship-30d6b067883fe860632f83c9310f9d58">Iowa State</a>&nbsp;(10-3, No. 16 CFP), which already had the first 10-win season in the program’s 133-year history, trailed 24-10 before turnovers in its own territory on its first three drives after halftime. Arizona State capitalized with Leavitt throwing touchdowns each time.

“It doesn’t get that much more deflating than that,” Cyclones coach Matt Campbell said. “Their ability to take care of the football and our inability to do that in the third quarter was just paralyzing.”

Skattebo struck the Heisman Trophy pose multiple times during the game, and he wore a Big 12 championship T-shirt afterward.

“Nobody respects the fact that I’m the best running back in the country. And I’m going to stand on that,” he said. “I’m going to keep proving people wrong. And whatever NFL team takes me is going to get a gem.”

That can wait until after Arizona State’s guaranteed playoff spot as one of the five highest-ranked conference champions. The Sun Devils almost certainly will rank below Mountain West champion Boise State (12-1, No 10).

That would give the Broncos a first-round bye and send the Sun Devils on the road for a first-round game, much to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-12-football-championship-brett-yormark-892c43ee3b982b725df53e05bdc122bb">dismay of Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark</a>, who before the title game re-iterated his feelings about that.

“Last year, they left a team out because of a quarterback (then-undefeated Florida State). We’re 11-1 with our starting quarterback, having beat four ranked teams and we won the Big 12 championship,” Dillingham said. “We made a standard that the quarterback is that valuable ... I definitely think we should host a game.”

Xavier Guillory had TD catches of 8 and 21 yards in a 71-second span after the Iowa State turnovers. Skattebo then turned a third-down swing pass into a 33-yard score for a 45-10 lead that he punctuated with one of his Heisman poses.

Skattebo’s 2,074 yards from scrimmage (1,568 rushing and 506 receiving) are a single-season school record.

Before his 3-yard TD, Skattebo had a 47-yard run when he spun away at the line from defenders, then shrugged off others. He had a 2-yard score in the final minute of the first half after a 53-yard run, again after contact at the line before twisting and turning through chasing Cyclones.

“He’s an ‘A’ player, and he played an ‘A’ game today,” Campbell said. “In these moments, you need your ‘A’ players to play ‘A’ football, and he certainly did it.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733621387772.png" alt="Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo (4) celebrates after running the ball for a touchdown against Iowa State in the first half of the Big 12 Conference championship NCAA college football game, in Arlington, Texas, Saturday Dec. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)" />
 <figcaption>Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo (4) celebrates after running the ball for a touchdown against Iowa State in the first half of the Big 12 Conference championship NCAA college football game, in Arlington, Texas, Saturday Dec. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)</figcaption>
 </figure>ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Cam Skattebo and Arizona State are on quite a run in their Big 12 debut after being the preseason pick to finish at the bottom of the conference.Now the Sun Devils will represent their new 16-team league in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-playoff-boise-state-f72744b06516f1404697b1c5455bae20">12-team College Football Playoff</a>&nbsp;after a 45-19 win over Iowa State in the Big 12 championship game Saturday.The tough-running Skattebo had 170 yards rushing, including a 28-yard gain on the first offensive snap. There were long, tackle-evading runs to open the two drives he ended with short touchdowns, and he later turned a short pass into another score.“I’ve got the best seat in the house,” said Sam Leavitt, the freshman quarterback who hands off to Skattebo. “Get ready for a gain of 5 or whatever, and I just see the dude kind of weaving through some traffic ... and busts loose.”The Sun Devils (11-2, No. 15 CFP), with their 34-year-old head coach Kenny Dillingham, take a six-game winning streak into the playoff.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-state-big-12-championship-30d6b067883fe860632f83c9310f9d58">Iowa State</a>&nbsp;(10-3, No. 16 CFP), which already had the first 10-win season in the program’s 133-year history, trailed 24-10 before turnovers in its own territory on its first three drives after halftime. Arizona State capitalized with Leavitt throwing touchdowns each time.“It doesn’t get that much more deflating than that,” Cyclones coach Matt Campbell said. “Their ability to take care of the football and our inability to do that in the third quarter was just paralyzing.”Skattebo struck the Heisman Trophy pose multiple times during the game, and he wore a Big 12 championship T-shirt afterward.“Nobody respects the fact that I’m the best running back in the country. And I’m going to stand on that,” he said. “I’m going to keep proving people wrong. And whatever NFL team takes me is going to get a gem.”That can wait until after Arizona State’s guaranteed playoff spot as one of the five highest-ranked conference champions. The Sun Devils almost certainly will rank below Mountain West champion Boise State (12-1, No 10).That would give the Broncos a first-round bye and send the Sun Devils on the road for a first-round game, much to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-12-football-championship-brett-yormark-892c43ee3b982b725df53e05bdc122bb">dismay of Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark</a>, who before the title game re-iterated his feelings about that.“Last year, they left a team out because of a quarterback (then-undefeated Florida State). We’re 11-1 with our starting quarterback, having beat four ranked teams and we won the Big 12 championship,” Dillingham said. “We made a standard that the quarterback is that valuable ... I definitely think we should host a game.”Xavier Guillory had TD catches of 8 and 21 yards in a 71-second span after the Iowa State turnovers. Skattebo then turned a third-down swing pass into a 33-yard score for a 45-10 lead that he punctuated with one of his Heisman poses.Skattebo’s 2,074 yards from scrimmage (1,568 rushing and 506 receiving) are a single-season school record.Before his 3-yard TD, Skattebo had a 47-yard run when he spun away at the line from defenders, then shrugged off others. He had a 2-yard score in the final minute of the first half after a 53-yard run, again after contact at the line before twisting and turning through chasing Cyclones.“He’s an ‘A’ player, and he played an ‘A’ game today,” Campbell said. “In these moments, you need your ‘A’ players to play ‘A’ football, and he certainly did it.”

Arizona State makes College Football Playoff with win over Iowa State

NEW YORK (AP) — Zuby Ejiofor posted career highs scoring 28 points and grabbing 13 rebounds and St. John's used an offensive eruption after halftime to beat Kansas State 88-71 in a Big 12-Big East Battle contest on Saturday.

Ejiofor finished 11-for-17 shooting, Kadary Richmond scored 13 points and RJ Luis Jr. and reserve Simeon Wilcher each scored 11 for St. John's (7-2). The Red Storm had a 51-40 rebound advantage and a 17-10 edge in assists.

Brendan Hausen scored 21 of his 27 points before halftime, David N'Guessan scored 15 points and Coleman Hawkins 11 and grabbed nine rebounds for the Wildcats (6-3).

In a game of runs, St. John's ran away with it after halftime, starting with an 18-5 run over the first 4 1/2 minutes to go up 53-44 with consecutive 3-pointers from Luis and Aaron Scott. Ruben Prey's 3 gave the Red Storm a 62-50 lead at 11:01 to play and they led by double digits for the remainder. St. John's scored 53 points after intermission.

The first half featured runs by both teams.

St. John's used a 12-1 run turning a 16-7 deficit to a 19-17 lead; it's first lead of the game. The Wildcats countered with a 14-2 outburst in which Hausen sank three 3s and Max Jones added another for a 31-21 lead. St. John's rallied with an 8-0 spurt that took just a little more than minute to get within 31-28 with 3:42 left before halftime. The Wildcats led 39-35 at halftime.

It was the first time the two teams faced each other since Dec. 10, 1965, when then first-year head coach Lou Carnesseca led St. John’s to a 72-65 win. Carnesecca died at age 99 on Nov. 30.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733603540446.png" alt="Photo Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Zuby Ejiofor posted career highs scoring 28 points and grabbing 13 rebounds and St. John's used an offensive eruption after halftime to beat Kansas State 88-71 in a Big 12-Big East Battle contest on Saturday.Ejiofor finished 11-for-17 shooting, Kadary Richmond scored 13 points and RJ Luis Jr. and reserve Simeon Wilcher each scored 11 for St. John's (7-2). The Red Storm had a 51-40 rebound advantage and a 17-10 edge in assists.Brendan Hausen scored 21 of his 27 points before halftime, David N'Guessan scored 15 points and Coleman Hawkins 11 and grabbed nine rebounds for the Wildcats (6-3).In a game of runs, St. John's ran away with it after halftime, starting with an 18-5 run over the first 4 1/2 minutes to go up 53-44 with consecutive 3-pointers from Luis and Aaron Scott. Ruben Prey's 3 gave the Red Storm a 62-50 lead at 11:01 to play and they led by double digits for the remainder. St. John's scored 53 points after intermission.The first half featured runs by both teams.St. John's used a 12-1 run turning a 16-7 deficit to a 19-17 lead; it's first lead of the game. The Wildcats countered with a 14-2 outburst in which Hausen sank three 3s and Max Jones added another for a 31-21 lead. St. John's rallied with an 8-0 spurt that took just a little more than minute to get within 31-28 with 3:42 left before halftime. The Wildcats led 39-35 at halftime.It was the first time the two teams faced each other since Dec. 10, 1965, when then first-year head coach Lou Carnesseca led St. John’s to a 72-65 win. Carnesecca died at age 99 on Nov. 30.

🏀 Ejiofor's 28-points leads St. John's over Kansas State

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;Led by senior defensive end&nbsp;Brendan Mott&nbsp;as the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year and an All-Big 12 First Team honoree, Kansas State&nbsp;football&nbsp;collected 17 total postseason conference honors as league announced the 2024 Coaches’ All-Big 12 selections on Thursday.

K-State’s 17 total selections ranked fifth in the conference behind Colorado (21), Arizona State (19), BYU (18) and Iowa State (18). It was the fourth-straight season the Wildcats combined for at least 15 All-Big 12 honors.

Mott, who was an honorable mention pick a year ago, collected the Wildcats’ conference-leading sixth Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year accolade since the award was introduced following the 2006 season, two more than the next closest school (Texas – 4). He joins former Wildcat winners Meshak Williams (2012), Ryan Mueller (2014), Jordan Willis (2016) and Felix Anudike-Uzomah (2021 and 2022).

A product of Iowa City, Iowa, Mott led the Big 12 during the regular season with 8.5 sacks, a mark that also ranked 21st nationally. His season high of 2.5 sacks at Colorado was the most by any Big 12 player in a game this season and most by a Wildcat since Anudike-Uzomah had 3.0 sacks at Texas Tech in 2022. Mott also led the Wildcats and tied for fourth in the Big 12 with 11.5 tackles for loss. He helped&nbsp;K-State&nbsp;defensive ends earn All-Big 12 First Team honors for the fourth time in the last five seasons.

K-State’s All-Big 12 Second Team honors included running back&nbsp;DJ Giddens, tight end&nbsp;Garrett Oakley, linebacker&nbsp;Austin Romaine&nbsp;and offensive linemen&nbsp;Easton Kilty&nbsp;and&nbsp;Sam Hecht. Giddens earned his second All-Big 12 honor in as many seasons as he was an honorable mention pick a year ago, while Romaine is on the All-Big 12 team for the first time after earning votes for the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year award last year. Oakley, Kilty and Hecht were each honored for the first time.

Giddens, a native of Junction City, finished the regular season ranking 11th nationally and fourth in the Big 12 with 1,343 rushing yards on 205 carries, scoring seven touchdowns while also adding 258 receiving yards and another score on 21 catches. A semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award, Giddens ranks second nationally with 10 rushes of at least 30 yards and fourth with 17 rushes of at least 20 yards. He enters postseason play ranked 10th in the nation and fourth in the Big 12 with 133.4 scrimmage yards per game.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;Led by senior defensive end&nbsp;Brendan Mott&nbsp;as the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year and an All-Big 12 First Team honoree, Kansas State&nbsp;football&nbsp;collected 17 total postseason conference honors as league announced the 2024 Coaches’ All-Big 12 selections on Thursday.K-State’s 17 total selections ranked fifth in the conference behind Colorado (21), Arizona State (19), BYU (18) and Iowa State (18). It was the fourth-straight season the Wildcats combined for at least 15 All-Big 12 honors.Mott, who was an honorable mention pick a year ago, collected the Wildcats’ conference-leading sixth Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year accolade since the award was introduced following the 2006 season, two more than the next closest school (Texas – 4). He joins former Wildcat winners Meshak Williams (2012), Ryan Mueller (2014), Jordan Willis (2016) and Felix Anudike-Uzomah (2021 and 2022).A product of Iowa City, Iowa, Mott led the Big 12 during the regular season with 8.5 sacks, a mark that also ranked 21st nationally. His season high of 2.5 sacks at Colorado was the most by any Big 12 player in a game this season and most by a Wildcat since Anudike-Uzomah had 3.0 sacks at Texas Tech in 2022. Mott also led the Wildcats and tied for fourth in the Big 12 with 11.5 tackles for loss. He helped&nbsp;K-State&nbsp;defensive ends earn All-Big 12 First Team honors for the fourth time in the last five seasons.K-State’s All-Big 12 Second Team honors included running back&nbsp;DJ Giddens, tight end&nbsp;Garrett Oakley, linebacker&nbsp;Austin Romaine&nbsp;and offensive linemen&nbsp;Easton Kilty&nbsp;and&nbsp;Sam Hecht. Giddens earned his second All-Big 12 honor in as many seasons as he was an honorable mention pick a year ago, while Romaine is on the All-Big 12 team for the first time after earning votes for the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year award last year. Oakley, Kilty and Hecht were each honored for the first time.Giddens, a native of Junction City, finished the regular season ranking 11th nationally and fourth in the Big 12 with 1,343 rushing yards on 205 carries, scoring seven touchdowns while also adding 258 receiving yards and another score on 21 catches. A semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award, Giddens ranks second nationally with 10 rushes of at least 30 yards and fourth with 17 rushes of at least 20 yards. He enters postseason play ranked 10th in the nation and fourth in the Big 12 with 133.4 scrimmage yards per game.

K-State Garners 17 Selections on Coaches’ All-Big 12 Teams

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Pop Isaacs helped unranked Creighton upset No. 1 Kansas 76-63 on Wednesday night, scoring a season-high 27 points and matching his career high with six 3-pointers.

Kansas cut a 13-point deficit to one early in the second half, but Isaacs hit back-to-back 3s to rebuild the lead as the Bluejays (6-3) pulled away for their second straight victory over a top-ranked opponent. They knocked off Connecticut 85-66 in Omaha in February.

The Jayhawks (7-1) lost a regular-season game against an unranked nonconference opponent for the first time in three years. Creighton had been in 16 straight Associated Press polls before dropping out this week following losses in three of its previous four games.

Students rushed the court at the final buzzer as flames shot out of the top of the goal standards.

Isaacs’ shooting display overshadowed what was supposed to be the featured matchup between two of the nation’s best big men, the 7-foot-1 Ryan Kalkbrenner and the Jayhawks’ 7-2 Hunter Dickinson.

Kalkbrenner, who had missed the Bluejays' previous game because of a lower-body injury, and Steven Ashworth each scored 17 points.

The Jayhawks struggled offensively and never led. Dajuan Harris had 15 points and AJ Storr and Zeke Mayo added 12 apiece for Kansas.

Kansas: The Jayhawks could never find a rhythm offensively. Dickinson had difficulty getting touches and took only four shots, making two.

Creighton: When the Bluejays make their 3-pointers, they’re tough to beat. They came into the game shooting 32% from distance but were 12 of 29 against the Jayhawks.

Issacs' back-to-back 3s early in the second half stemmed Kansas' comeback attempt, putting the Bluejays up 49-40.

Greg McDermott, the Bluejays' career coaching wins leader and a former coach at Iowa State, won for the first time in his 11 games against Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733368687597.png" alt="Photo Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Pop Isaacs helped unranked Creighton upset No. 1 Kansas 76-63 on Wednesday night, scoring a season-high 27 points and matching his career high with six 3-pointers.Kansas cut a 13-point deficit to one early in the second half, but Isaacs hit back-to-back 3s to rebuild the lead as the Bluejays (6-3) pulled away for their second straight victory over a top-ranked opponent. They knocked off Connecticut 85-66 in Omaha in February.The Jayhawks (7-1) lost a regular-season game against an unranked nonconference opponent for the first time in three years. Creighton had been in 16 straight Associated Press polls before dropping out this week following losses in three of its previous four games.Students rushed the court at the final buzzer as flames shot out of the top of the goal standards.Isaacs’ shooting display overshadowed what was supposed to be the featured matchup between two of the nation’s best big men, the 7-foot-1 Ryan Kalkbrenner and the Jayhawks’ 7-2 Hunter Dickinson.Kalkbrenner, who had missed the Bluejays' previous game because of a lower-body injury, and Steven Ashworth each scored 17 points.The Jayhawks struggled offensively and never led. Dajuan Harris had 15 points and AJ Storr and Zeke Mayo added 12 apiece for Kansas.<h2>Takeaways</h2>Kansas: The Jayhawks could never find a rhythm offensively. Dickinson had difficulty getting touches and took only four shots, making two.Creighton: When the Bluejays make their 3-pointers, they’re tough to beat. They came into the game shooting 32% from distance but were 12 of 29 against the Jayhawks.<h2>Key moment</h2>Issacs' back-to-back 3s early in the second half stemmed Kansas' comeback attempt, putting the Bluejays up 49-40.<h2>Key stat</h2>Greg McDermott, the Bluejays' career coaching wins leader and a former coach at Iowa State, won for the first time in his 11 games against Kansas.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas: At Missouri on Sunday.Creighton: Hosts UNLV on Saturday.

🏀 Creighton knocks off No. 1 Kansas behind Pop Isaacs' 27 points

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/documents/2024/12/4/2025_Early_Signing_Day_Release.pdf">Signing Day Bios</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/2025-26">Signing Days Roster</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=23822&amp;type=Archive">Watch Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/chris-klieman-signing-day-press-conference-december-4-2025/4930">Listen to Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;announced Wednesday the signing of 26 prospects during the early 2025 signing period.

So far, K-State’s Class of 2025 is comprised of 24 high school prospects and two community-college transfers. Of the 26 overall players, 15 players are on defense, 10 are on offense and there is one specialist. There are five linebackers, four safeties, four wide receivers, three offensive linemen, two cornerbacks and defensive ends, one defensive back, one defensive tackle, one punter/kicker, one quarterback, one running back and one tight end.

K-State cast a wide net as the 26 signees hail from 12 different states, the second time in the last three years the Wildcats had signees from at least 12 states (13 in 2023). Once again, Kansas leads in terms of numbers from one state with five, as it marks the 16th-straight season the Wildcats have signed at least four in-state prep players. Additionally, the Class of 2025 includes five players from Texas, four from Florida and Missouri, and one apiece from Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Maryland, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina and Ohio.

Of the 26 signees on Wednesday, 14 are expected to enroll at K-State for the 2025 spring semester. The list includes:&nbsp;Logan Bartley,&nbsp;Nunu Concepcion,&nbsp;Jemyri Davis,&nbsp;Dillon Duff,&nbsp;Monterrio Elston Jr.,&nbsp;Noah King,&nbsp;Adonis Moise,&nbsp;Cub Patton,&nbsp;Weston Polk,&nbsp;Larry Porter IV,&nbsp;Sawyer Schilke,&nbsp;Brad Stanyer,&nbsp;Patrick Tackie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Dylan Villarouel.

Kansas State may add more prospects to the Class of 2025 during the regular signing period, which opens on Wednesday, February 5.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/documents/2024/12/4/2025_Early_Signing_Day_Release.pdf">Signing Day Bios</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/2025-26">Signing Days Roster</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=23822&amp;type=Archive">Watch Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/chris-klieman-signing-day-press-conference-december-4-2025/4930">Listen to Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;announced Wednesday the signing of 26 prospects during the early 2025 signing period.So far, K-State’s Class of 2025 is comprised of 24 high school prospects and two community-college transfers. Of the 26 overall players, 15 players are on defense, 10 are on offense and there is one specialist. There are five linebackers, four safeties, four wide receivers, three offensive linemen, two cornerbacks and defensive ends, one defensive back, one defensive tackle, one punter/kicker, one quarterback, one running back and one tight end.K-State cast a wide net as the 26 signees hail from 12 different states, the second time in the last three years the Wildcats had signees from at least 12 states (13 in 2023). Once again, Kansas leads in terms of numbers from one state with five, as it marks the 16th-straight season the Wildcats have signed at least four in-state prep players. Additionally, the Class of 2025 includes five players from Texas, four from Florida and Missouri, and one apiece from Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Maryland, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina and Ohio.Of the 26 signees on Wednesday, 14 are expected to enroll at K-State for the 2025 spring semester. The list includes:&nbsp;Logan Bartley,&nbsp;Nunu Concepcion,&nbsp;Jemyri Davis,&nbsp;Dillon Duff,&nbsp;Monterrio Elston Jr.,&nbsp;Noah King,&nbsp;Adonis Moise,&nbsp;Cub Patton,&nbsp;Weston Polk,&nbsp;Larry Porter IV,&nbsp;Sawyer Schilke,&nbsp;Brad Stanyer,&nbsp;Patrick Tackie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Dylan Villarouel.Kansas State may add more prospects to the Class of 2025 during the regular signing period, which opens on Wednesday, February 5.RYAN LACKEY

K-State Signs 26 During 2025 Early Signing Period

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Ayoka Lee scored 15 points and became Kansas State's all-time leading scorer as the 13th-ranked Wildcats blasted Eastern Illinois 90-43 on Tuesday night.

<a href="https://x.com/KStateWBB/status/1864125520327397726">Lee scored her 13th point on a layup at the 6:59 mark of the third quarter</a>&nbsp;to give her 2,334 points, one more than Kendra Wecker had in her career that ended in 2005.

Zyanna Walker led the Wildcats (8-1) with 16 points, matching her career high, to go with a career-high 10 assists, four rebounds, four steals and two blocks. Taryn Sides scored 12 points and Jaelyn Glenn and Kennedy Taylor had 11 each.

Kiyley Flowers had nine points to pace the Panthers (2-4), who shot 28%.

K-State shot 54.5% and was 11 of 20 from 3-point range, led by Sides going 4 of 4.

Walker had 11 points at the half as the Wildcats shot 57% to race to a 41-19 lead as the Panthers shot 29%.

Walker opened the game with a pair of fastbreak layups and Lee had five points in the last minute as Kansas State took a 20-7 lead in the first quarter. Glenn started and ended a 12-0 run in the second quarter that produced a 35-11 lead.

The Wildcats scored the first 17 points of the second half to lead by 39.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Ayoka Lee scored 15 points and became Kansas State's all-time leading scorer as the 13th-ranked Wildcats blasted Eastern Illinois 90-43 on Tuesday night.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">During tonight&#39;s home game versus Eastern Illinois, Ayoka Lee reached #1 on the list of K-State All-Time Scoring Leaders. Her layup at 6:59 of the 3rd quarter surpassed the record held by Kendra Wecker. She now sits at the top with 2,336 points, 15 from today’s game.… <a href="https://t.co/3uT81CD4gx">pic.twitter.com/3uT81CD4gx</a>&mdash; K-State Women&#39;s Basketball (@KStateWBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateWBB/status/1864133501567815845?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://x.com/KStateWBB/status/1864125520327397726">Lee scored her 13th point on a layup at the 6:59 mark of the third quarter</a>&nbsp;to give her 2,334 points, one more than Kendra Wecker had in her career that ended in 2005.Zyanna Walker led the Wildcats (8-1) with 16 points, matching her career high, to go with a career-high 10 assists, four rebounds, four steals and two blocks. Taryn Sides scored 12 points and Jaelyn Glenn and Kennedy Taylor had 11 each.Kiyley Flowers had nine points to pace the Panthers (2-4), who shot 28%.K-State shot 54.5% and was 11 of 20 from 3-point range, led by Sides going 4 of 4.Walker had 11 points at the half as the Wildcats shot 57% to race to a 41-19 lead as the Panthers shot 29%.Walker opened the game with a pair of fastbreak layups and Lee had five points in the last minute as Kansas State took a 20-7 lead in the first quarter. Glenn started and ended a 12-0 run in the second quarter that produced a 35-11 lead.The Wildcats scored the first 17 points of the second half to lead by 39.

🏀 Ayoka Lee sets scoring record for K-State women in win over Eastern Illinois

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Dana Dimel, who spent 20 years as a part of Bill Snyder’s K-State coaching staff, passed away Tuesday at the age of 62, his family announced. He is survived by his wife, Julie, and children, Winston and Josey.

Dimel, who spent the 2024 season on former Wildcat assistant Bret Bielema’s staff at Illinois, served three stints on Snyder's staff at K-State following an All-America playing career as an offensive tackle for the Wildcats from 1984-86.

He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant in Manhattan in 1987-88 leading into eight seasons (1989-96) as an assistant coach. He returned to K-State for one season in 2005 and then returned to K-State for the third time and spent nine seasons (2009-17) as the program's offensive coordinator and running backs/tight ends coach.

Overall Dimel was a part of 12 bowl teams during 19 seasons in Manhattan. The Wildcats posted an 11-win season (2012) with a Big 12 Championship, two 10-win campaigns (1995 and 2011) and five nine-win seasons (1993, 1994, 1996, 2014, and 2016) during that span, and finished in the top-25 of the BCS and CFP rankings on three occasions – 2011 (No. 8 BCS), 2012 (No. 5 BCS), and 2014 (No. 11 CFP).

Dimel, a Columbus, Ohio, native, compiled the most wins of any active offensive coordinator in college football from 2011-17 (61) and was a part of eight straight bowl appearances. Overall, in his 32 seasons as a head or assistant coach, Dimel mentored 37 players who went on to play in the NFL.

In addition to his time at K-State, Dimel had successful head coaching stops at Wyoming (1997-1999), Houston (2000-2002) and UTEP (2018-2023).

“Obviously, we are very saddened by the passing of Dana," said former Wildcat coach Bill Snyder. "He was a special friend and coaching companion. I admired his passion for helping his players and fellow coaches. He was a big part of the development of the Kansas State football program, and along with his wife Julie, very meaningful in the Manhattan community.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733242304015.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. – Dana Dimel, who spent 20 years as a part of Bill Snyder’s K-State coaching staff, passed away Tuesday at the age of 62, his family announced. He is survived by his wife, Julie, and children, Winston and Josey.Dimel, who spent the 2024 season on former Wildcat assistant Bret Bielema’s staff at Illinois, served three stints on Snyder's staff at K-State following an All-America playing career as an offensive tackle for the Wildcats from 1984-86.He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant in Manhattan in 1987-88 leading into eight seasons (1989-96) as an assistant coach. He returned to K-State for one season in 2005 and then returned to K-State for the third time and spent nine seasons (2009-17) as the program's offensive coordinator and running backs/tight ends coach.Overall Dimel was a part of 12 bowl teams during 19 seasons in Manhattan. The Wildcats posted an 11-win season (2012) with a Big 12 Championship, two 10-win campaigns (1995 and 2011) and five nine-win seasons (1993, 1994, 1996, 2014, and 2016) during that span, and finished in the top-25 of the BCS and CFP rankings on three occasions – 2011 (No. 8 BCS), 2012 (No. 5 BCS), and 2014 (No. 11 CFP).Dimel, a Columbus, Ohio, native, compiled the most wins of any active offensive coordinator in college football from 2011-17 (61) and was a part of eight straight bowl appearances. Overall, in his 32 seasons as a head or assistant coach, Dimel mentored 37 players who went on to play in the NFL.In addition to his time at K-State, Dimel had successful head coaching stops at Wyoming (1997-1999), Houston (2000-2002) and UTEP (2018-2023).“Obviously, we are very saddened by the passing of Dana," said former Wildcat coach Bill Snyder. "He was a special friend and coaching companion. I admired his passion for helping his players and fellow coaches. He was a big part of the development of the Kansas State football program, and along with his wife Julie, very meaningful in the Manhattan community.”

Longtime K-State coach Dana Dimel passes away

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Achor Achor scored 21 points to lead six in double figures and a late flurry of 3-pointers gave Kansas State the school scoring record in a 120-73 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Sunday.

The Wildcats scored their last 21 points on seven 3-pointers and finished with 21 3-pointers — the second most in school history — in 40 attempts.

A 3-pointer by Taj Manning gave K-State 117 points with 2 minutes to go, breaking the school record of 116 points set in a win over Texas last season. Dug McDaniel added a 3-pointer a minute later for the final score.

Led by Achor, Kansas State (6-2) had 68 bench points. McDaniel had 18 points and 10 assists and David Castillo, who made five 3-pointers, had 17 points. Among the starters, David N’Guessan had 17 points, Brendan Hausen 14 and Max Jones 12.

Chop Paljor scored 15, Dante Sawyer 12 and Kyle Brown 10 for the Lions (1-8).

Kansas State shot 62% overall and 53% from 3-point distance. The Wildcats had only 36 points in the paint but made 19 of their 25 two-point tries.

The Wildcats turned six UAPB turnovers into 16 points and led 30-11 with 12 1/2 minutes left in the first half. Hausen scored nine points and N’Guessan seven in the outburst.

K-State scored 54 points in the first 15 minutes, shooting 57% overall and making 9 of 16 3-pointers in that span. The Wildcats led 54-24 with 5 minutes left and 63-33 at halftime. Castillo had 11 points and Achor scored 10.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733102148949.png" alt="Photo - K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo - K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Achor Achor scored 21 points to lead six in double figures and a late flurry of 3-pointers gave Kansas State the school scoring record in a 120-73 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Sunday.The Wildcats scored their last 21 points on seven 3-pointers and finished with 21 3-pointers — the second most in school history — in 40 attempts.A 3-pointer by Taj Manning gave K-State 117 points with 2 minutes to go, breaking the school record of 116 points set in a win over Texas last season. Dug McDaniel added a 3-pointer a minute later for the final score.Led by Achor, Kansas State (6-2) had 68 bench points. McDaniel had 18 points and 10 assists and David Castillo, who made five 3-pointers, had 17 points. Among the starters, David N’Guessan had 17 points, Brendan Hausen 14 and Max Jones 12.Chop Paljor scored 15, Dante Sawyer 12 and Kyle Brown 10 for the Lions (1-8).Kansas State shot 62% overall and 53% from 3-point distance. The Wildcats had only 36 points in the paint but made 19 of their 25 two-point tries.The Wildcats turned six UAPB turnovers into 16 points and led 30-11 with 12 1/2 minutes left in the first half. Hausen scored nine points and N’Guessan seven in the outburst.K-State scored 54 points in the first 15 minutes, shooting 57% overall and making 9 of 16 3-pointers in that span. The Wildcats led 54-24 with 5 minutes left and 63-33 at halftime. Castillo had 11 points and Achor scored 10.

🏀 K- State buries Arkansas-Pine Bluff with school-record 120 points

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Rocco Becht threw for two touchdowns and ran for another and No. 17 Iowa State's defense came up with big stops in the second half to help the Cyclones beat Kansas State 29-21 on a cold Saturday night for the first 10-win season in program history.

About three hours after the game ended, they had their ticket to the Big 12 championship game punched when BYU's win over Houston provided the help they needed to advance to a meeting with Arizona State next Saturday night at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The Cyclones (10-2, 7-2 Big 12, No. 18 CFP) will make their second appearance in the conference championship game. They lost to Oklahoma in 2020.

“It will have been earned. Our kids have really never wavered," said Iowa State coach Matt Campbell, whose team bounced back from two straight losses after a 7-0 start and won their third straight. “It'll be a great opportunity for our program and obviously for our fanbase to be able to be a part of that with us.”

Becht’s first touchdown pass, a 15-yarder to Jayden Higgins, came after Myles Purchase recovered Avery Johnson’s errant pitch on the game’s first play from scrimmage. Becht’s 9-yard TD pass to Jaylin Noel came after Joey Petersen picked up Keagan Johnson’s fumble. Noel went over 1,000 yards receiving for the season with the catch.

Becht’s 5-yard run put the Cyclones up 24-14 at half.

“The ability for our kids to make critical plays in critical moments was certainly the difference in the game,” Campbell said. “We knew with the weather and the field, it was going to be a hard-fought football game. We were going to have to make those plays. Probably fitting for this team to win that way and finish the regular season. Really excited for them and what they’ve accomplished, and certainly for what the future holds for them as well.”

A safety and Kyle Konrardy’s 20-yard field goal gave Iowa State an eight-point lead in the middle of the fourth quarter.

The Wildcats (8-4, 5-4, No. 24 CFP) turned over the ball on downs at the Cyclones’ 35 when a pass went off Garrett Oakley’s hands on a fourth-and-2 with 4:59 left. They got the ball back for a final possession with no timeouts and 1:11 left when Kyle Konrardy missed what would have been a game-clinching 37-yard field goal. K-State went nowhere, with Avery Johnson knocked out of the game on third down and Ta’Quan Roberson throwing incomplete on fourth-and-15.

Becht took a knee, and the fans poured out of the stands to celebrate with the Cyclones on the field.

“Can’t play a team like that and make the mistakes we made,” K-State coach Chris Klieman said. "We made some mistakes in that first half that led to points, and you can’t do that against good football teams. That’s obvious.

“Congratulations to Matt and his team. They’ll represent the Big 12 well. They don’t make mistakes, and we made them today, and that got us down at halftime.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1733031518300.jpeg" alt="Kansas State receiver Jayce Brown caught a 65 yard touchdown pass during K State's 29-21 loss to Iowa State/ Photo courtesy of K State Football on X" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State receiver Jayce Brown caught a 65 yard touchdown pass during K State's 29-21 loss to Iowa State/ Photo courtesy of K State Football on X</figcaption>
 </figure>AMES, Iowa (AP) — Rocco Becht threw for two touchdowns and ran for another and No. 17 Iowa State's defense came up with big stops in the second half to help the Cyclones beat Kansas State 29-21 on a cold Saturday night for the first 10-win season in program history.About three hours after the game ended, they had their ticket to the Big 12 championship game punched when BYU's win over Houston provided the help they needed to advance to a meeting with Arizona State next Saturday night at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.The Cyclones (10-2, 7-2 Big 12, No. 18 CFP) will make their second appearance in the conference championship game. They lost to Oklahoma in 2020.“It will have been earned. Our kids have really never wavered," said Iowa State coach Matt Campbell, whose team bounced back from two straight losses after a 7-0 start and won their third straight. “It'll be a great opportunity for our program and obviously for our fanbase to be able to be a part of that with us.”Becht’s first touchdown pass, a 15-yarder to Jayden Higgins, came after Myles Purchase recovered Avery Johnson’s errant pitch on the game’s first play from scrimmage. Becht’s 9-yard TD pass to Jaylin Noel came after Joey Petersen picked up Keagan Johnson’s fumble. Noel went over 1,000 yards receiving for the season with the catch.Becht’s 5-yard run put the Cyclones up 24-14 at half.“The ability for our kids to make critical plays in critical moments was certainly the difference in the game,” Campbell said. “We knew with the weather and the field, it was going to be a hard-fought football game. We were going to have to make those plays. Probably fitting for this team to win that way and finish the regular season. Really excited for them and what they’ve accomplished, and certainly for what the future holds for them as well.”A safety and Kyle Konrardy’s 20-yard field goal gave Iowa State an eight-point lead in the middle of the fourth quarter.The Wildcats (8-4, 5-4, No. 24 CFP) turned over the ball on downs at the Cyclones’ 35 when a pass went off Garrett Oakley’s hands on a fourth-and-2 with 4:59 left. They got the ball back for a final possession with no timeouts and 1:11 left when Kyle Konrardy missed what would have been a game-clinching 37-yard field goal. K-State went nowhere, with Avery Johnson knocked out of the game on third down and Ta’Quan Roberson throwing incomplete on fourth-and-15.Becht took a knee, and the fans poured out of the stands to celebrate with the Cyclones on the field.“Can’t play a team like that and make the mistakes we made,” K-State coach Chris Klieman said. "We made some mistakes in that first half that led to points, and you can’t do that against good football teams. That’s obvious.“Congratulations to Matt and his team. They’ll represent the Big 12 well. They don’t make mistakes, and we made them today, and that got us down at halftime.”Avery Johnson threw touchdown passes of 28 and 65 yards to Jayce Brown in the first half, and his 7-yarder to Oakley pulled K-State within 24-21 late in the third quarter. He threw for 220 yards and ran for 64 on 13 carries, and Brown caught three balls for 106 yards.The Cyclones made a huge stop earlier in the third after DJ Giddens’s 36-yard run set up K-State inside the 5-yard line. They kept the Wildcats out of the end zone, and then Darien Porter blew through the right side of the line to block Chris Tennant’s 21-yard field-goal try.The defense recorded a safety when Jacob Ellis chased Avery Johnson into his own end zone. Johnson desperately unloaded the ball and was called for intentional grounding.<h2>The Takeaway</h2>Kansas State: The Wildcats failed to play spoiler after finding out their hopes of making the Big 12 championship game were squashed earlier in the day. Two turnovers, having a field goal blocked, surrendering a safety and failing to convert two fourth-and-2s hurt.Iowa State: The Cyclones' seven conference wins are the second-most in program history — they had eight in 2020 — and their 17 wins since 2023 mark their best two-year stretch. They also finished in the top four of the Big 12 for the seventh time in eight seasons.<h2>Poll implications</h2>Iowa State could move up a bit with No. 12 Clemson losing this week.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas State: Will play in a bowl game.Iowa State: Will play in a bowl game and possibly the Big 12 championship game.

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