The Fort Hays State men's basketball team is just outside of the Top 25 in the latest editions of the NABC and D2CSC Top 25 Polls, released on Tuesday. The Tigers are the highest vote receiving team in the D2CSC poll, coming just one voting point shy of the Top 25, while they were the second-highest vote receiving team in the NABC poll, just eight voting points shy of the Top 25.

Northwest Missouri State and Central Oklahoma represent the MIAA in the Top 25 of both polls. NWMSU is No. 14 in the NABC poll and No. 15 in the D2CSC Poll. UCO is No. 17 in the NABC poll and No. 23 in the D2CSC Poll.

In the NABC poll, Fort Hays State is joined by Washburn, Missouri Western, and Emporia State in the receiving votes list. FHSU received the most votes of the MIAA teams in the list. Fort Hays State is the only MIAA team listed in the receiving votes list of the D2CSC poll.

Fort Hays State has been among the Top 25 only once this season, holding the No. 16 spot for a week in the D2CSC poll November 14-20. The Tigers have been in the receiving votes section of the NABC poll for four straight polls now.

The Tigers go on the road this week to Missouri Southern and Pittsburg State. It is the start of a three-game road swing for the Tigers over a two-week span.

NABC Top 25 Poll - January 9, 2024 Rank - Team - Record - Pts 1 - MSU Moorhead (Minn.) (15) - 14-0 - 399 2 - Minnesota State (1) - 14-0 - 385 3 - Nova Southeastern (Fla.) - 11-1 - 357 4 - West Texas A&amp;M - 12-1 - 345 5 - Saint Martin's (Wash.) - 13-1 - 321 6 - Dallas Baptist (Texas) - 11-1 - 311 7 - North Georgia - 11-1 - 286 8 - Benedict (S.C.) - 10-0 - 271 9 - Fort Lewis (Colo.) - 12-1 - 270 10 - Angelo State (Texas) - 12-1 - 263 11 - Colorado Mesa - 11-2 - 238 12 - Ferris State (Mich.) - 12-2 - 221 13 - California (Pa.) - 12-1 - 190 14 - Northwest Missouri State - 11-3 - 182 15 - Chico State (Calif.) - 11-2 - 177 16 - East Stroudsburg (Pa.) - 11-1 - 130 17 - Central Oklahoma - 13-3 - 115 18 - St. Thomas Aquinas (N.Y.) - 11-2 - 112 19 - West Georgia - 11-2 - 102 20 - Gannon (Pa.) - 11-2 - 73 21 - Cal State LA - 11-2 - 64 22 - Cal State San Bernardino - 10-3 - 54 23 - Colorado School of Mines - 12-3 - 49 24 - Lander (S.C.) - 10-2 - 44 25 - West Liberty (W.Va.) - 9-3 - 37

Receiving Votes: Post (Conn.) 36,&nbsp;Fort Hays State (Kan.) 29, Minot State (N.D.) 24, Catawba (N.C.) 22, USC Aiken (S.C.) 20, Florida Tech 14, Washburn (Kan.) 14, Saint Michael's (Vt.) 11, Ashland (Ohio) 10, Indianapolis (Ind.) 10, Charleston (W.Va.) 7, Missouri Western 7, Upper Iowa 7, Florida Southern 5, Lubbock Christian (Texas) 4, Minnesota Duluth 3, Emporia State (Kan.) 2, Concord (W.Va.) 1, UNC Pembroke (N.C.) 1.

D2CSC Top 25 Poll - January 9, 2024 Rank - Team - Record - Pts 1 - MSU Moorhead (Minn.) (11) - 14-0 - 367 2 - Nova Southeastern (Fla.) (3) - 11-1 - 340 3 - Minnesota State (1) - 14-0 - 339 4 - Saint Martin's (Wash.) - 13-1 - 320 5 - West Texas A&amp;M - 12-1 - 296 6 - North Georgia - 11-1 - 286 7 - Benedict (S.C.) - 12-0 - 281 8 - California (Pa.) - 12-1 - 280 9 - Dallas Baptist&nbsp; (Texas) - 11-1 - 250 10 - St. Thomas Aquinas (N.Y.) - 11-2 - 238 11 - Ferris State (Mich.) - 12-2 - 221 12 - Angelo State (Texas) - 12-1 - 170 13 - East Stroudsburg (Pa.) - 11-1 - 153 14 - Gannon (Pa.) - 11-2 - 136 15 - Northwest Missouri State - 11-3 - 129 16 - Fort Lewis (Colo.) - 12-1 - 122 17 - Cal State LA - 11-2 - 107 18 - Saint Michael's (Vt.) - 11-2 - 96 19 - Catawba (N.C.) - 7-1 - 96 20 - Colorado Mesa - 11-2 - 94 21 - USC Aiken (S.C.) - 10-2 - 85 22 - Alabama Huntsville - 10-3 - 83 23 - Central Oklahoma - 13-3 - 57 24 - Post (Conn.) - 10-2 - 50 25 - Chico State (Calif.) - 10-2 - 47

Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Fort Hays State – 46; Indianapolis – 37; West Georgia – 35; CSU San Bernardino – 28; West Liberty – 25; Florida Southern – 16; Charleston – 14; Northern Michigan – 8; Lander – 7; Lee – 4

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704840980914.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsThe Fort Hays State men's basketball team is just outside of the Top 25 in the latest editions of the NABC and D2CSC Top 25 Polls, released on Tuesday. The Tigers are the highest vote receiving team in the D2CSC poll, coming just one voting point shy of the Top 25, while they were the second-highest vote receiving team in the NABC poll, just eight voting points shy of the Top 25.Northwest Missouri State and Central Oklahoma represent the MIAA in the Top 25 of both polls. NWMSU is No. 14 in the NABC poll and No. 15 in the D2CSC Poll. UCO is No. 17 in the NABC poll and No. 23 in the D2CSC Poll.In the NABC poll, Fort Hays State is joined by Washburn, Missouri Western, and Emporia State in the receiving votes list. FHSU received the most votes of the MIAA teams in the list. Fort Hays State is the only MIAA team listed in the receiving votes list of the D2CSC poll.Fort Hays State has been among the Top 25 only once this season, holding the No. 16 spot for a week in the D2CSC poll November 14-20. The Tigers have been in the receiving votes section of the NABC poll for four straight polls now.The Tigers go on the road this week to Missouri Southern and Pittsburg State. It is the start of a three-game road swing for the Tigers over a two-week span.NABC Top 25 Poll - January 9, 2024 Rank - Team - Record - Pts 1 - MSU Moorhead (Minn.) (15) - 14-0 - 399 2 - Minnesota State (1) - 14-0 - 385 3 - Nova Southeastern (Fla.) - 11-1 - 357 4 - West Texas A&amp;M - 12-1 - 345 5 - Saint Martin's (Wash.) - 13-1 - 321 6 - Dallas Baptist (Texas) - 11-1 - 311 7 - North Georgia - 11-1 - 286 8 - Benedict (S.C.) - 10-0 - 271 9 - Fort Lewis (Colo.) - 12-1 - 270 10 - Angelo State (Texas) - 12-1 - 263 11 - Colorado Mesa - 11-2 - 238 12 - Ferris State (Mich.) - 12-2 - 221 13 - California (Pa.) - 12-1 - 190 14 - Northwest Missouri State - 11-3 - 182 15 - Chico State (Calif.) - 11-2 - 177 16 - East Stroudsburg (Pa.) - 11-1 - 130 17 - Central Oklahoma - 13-3 - 115 18 - St. Thomas Aquinas (N.Y.) - 11-2 - 112 19 - West Georgia - 11-2 - 102 20 - Gannon (Pa.) - 11-2 - 73 21 - Cal State LA - 11-2 - 64 22 - Cal State San Bernardino - 10-3 - 54 23 - Colorado School of Mines - 12-3 - 49 24 - Lander (S.C.) - 10-2 - 44 25 - West Liberty (W.Va.) - 9-3 - 37Receiving Votes: Post (Conn.) 36,&nbsp;Fort Hays State (Kan.) 29, Minot State (N.D.) 24, Catawba (N.C.) 22, USC Aiken (S.C.) 20, Florida Tech 14, Washburn (Kan.) 14, Saint Michael's (Vt.) 11, Ashland (Ohio) 10, Indianapolis (Ind.) 10, Charleston (W.Va.) 7, Missouri Western 7, Upper Iowa 7, Florida Southern 5, Lubbock Christian (Texas) 4, Minnesota Duluth 3, Emporia State (Kan.) 2, Concord (W.Va.) 1, UNC Pembroke (N.C.) 1.D2CSC Top 25 Poll - January 9, 2024 Rank - Team - Record - Pts 1 - MSU Moorhead (Minn.) (11) - 14-0 - 367 2 - Nova Southeastern (Fla.) (3) - 11-1 - 340 3 - Minnesota State (1) - 14-0 - 339 4 - Saint Martin's (Wash.) - 13-1 - 320 5 - West Texas A&amp;M - 12-1 - 296 6 - North Georgia - 11-1 - 286 7 - Benedict (S.C.) - 12-0 - 281 8 - California (Pa.) - 12-1 - 280 9 - Dallas Baptist&nbsp; (Texas) - 11-1 - 250 10 - St. Thomas Aquinas (N.Y.) - 11-2 - 238 11 - Ferris State (Mich.) - 12-2 - 221 12 - Angelo State (Texas) - 12-1 - 170 13 - East Stroudsburg (Pa.) - 11-1 - 153 14 - Gannon (Pa.) - 11-2 - 136 15 - Northwest Missouri State - 11-3 - 129 16 - Fort Lewis (Colo.) - 12-1 - 122 17 - Cal State LA - 11-2 - 107 18 - Saint Michael's (Vt.) - 11-2 - 96 19 - Catawba (N.C.) - 7-1 - 96 20 - Colorado Mesa - 11-2 - 94 21 - USC Aiken (S.C.) - 10-2 - 85 22 - Alabama Huntsville - 10-3 - 83 23 - Central Oklahoma - 13-3 - 57 24 - Post (Conn.) - 10-2 - 50 25 - Chico State (Calif.) - 10-2 - 47Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Fort Hays State – 46; Indianapolis – 37; West Georgia – 35; CSU San Bernardino – 28; West Liberty – 25; Florida Southern – 16; Charleston – 14; Northern Michigan – 8; Lander – 7; Lee – 4

🏀 Tiger men receiving votes in latest Division II polls

The Fort Hays State women's basketball team looks to rebound from their loss to #11 Central Missouri when they host Lincoln on Saturday, January 6, 2024.

The Fort Hays State women's basketball team looks to rebound from their loss to #11 Central Missouri when they host Lincoln on Saturday, January 6, 2024.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-WBB vs. Lincoln (Jan. 6, 2024)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ab6qv-1545a75-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind-WBB vs. Lincoln (Jan. 6, 2024)

By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football Writer

HOUSTON (AP) — Jim Harbaugh raised the championship trophy as gold and white confetti sprayed over his team and “We Are the Champions” blared.

Nine years after he took over at Michigan, Harbaugh delivered on the lofty expectations he brought with him to his beloved alma mater.

Blake Corum ran for 134 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns as Harbaugh and the top-ranked Wolverines — undeterred by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-big-ten-settlement-sign-stealing-3b840ce9d0f8f5ca79363d20a749ac45">suspensions and a sign-stealing case</a>&nbsp;that shadowed the program — completed a three-year surge to a national title by beating No. 2 Washington 34-13 Monday night in the College Football Playoff.

“We’re innocent and we stood strong and tall because we knew we were innocent. And I’d like to point that out,” Harbaugh said when asked about off-field issues, jumping in to answer a question posed to his players. “And these guys are innocent. And overcome that? It wasn’t that hard because we knew we were innocent.

“(The season) went exactly how we wanted it to go. It went exactly how we wanted it to go.”

The Wolverines (15-0) sealed their first national title since 1997 when Corum, who scored the winning touchdown in overtime against Alabama in the Rose Bowl, blasted in from the 1-yard line with 3:37 left to put Michigan up by 21 and set off another rousing rendition of “The Victors” from the band.

After a third consecutive playoff appearance, Harbaugh won the championship so many expected when he took over a struggling powerhouse in 2015 — despite missing six regular-season games this season while serving&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harbaugh-michigan-ncaa-suspension-628d4d798d5aaece620dde564d4ffb55">two suspensions.</a>

“That man, he's the reason we're here today,” Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy said of his coach.

And Harbaugh did it with a team his old coach, Bo Schembechler, would have adored. The Wolverines ran for 303 yards against Washington (14-1), and their rugged defense held Michael Penix Jr. and the Huskies’ prolific passing game to just one touchdown while intercepting the Heisman Trophy runner-up twice.

“There are more than 100 Michigan men who are on this team,” Harbaugh said. “What they’ve done is amazing. They will forever be known as national champions.”

Penix’s remarkable six-year college career ended with maybe his worst performance of the season. Usually unfazed by pressure, Penix was not nearly as precise against a Michigan defense that took away his signature deep throws.

“That was a spectacular game by our defense,” Harbaugh said.

The Indiana transfer who came back from two knee surgeries and two shoulder injuries was roughed up by the Wolverines, limping at times, stepped on another time.

Asked how he was feeling, Penix said, still undaunted: “Better than I was three years ago."

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-penix-cfp-b716c321bd81196651daeff1cadce99c">Penix finished 27 for 51 for 255 yards and a touchdown</a>&nbsp;as the Huskies had their 21-game winning streak snapped.

“They've given me everything they possible can,” coach Kalen DeBoer said of a group of players who went 4-8 just two seasons ago and 25-3 since he took over in 2022.

McCarthy had a modest game, throwing for 140 yards and running for 31. But it was enough for him to improve to 27-1 as a starter for the Wolverines.

Michigan gave Washington a taste of life in the Big Ten, where the Pac-12 champions are heading next season, and the Huskies were up for the grind for a while.

Two long touchdown runs by Donovan Edwards and 229 yards rushing in the first quarter put the Wolverines up 17-3 early in the second and conjured up memories of last year's historic Georgia blowout of TCU.

Washington stabilized and didn’t allow the Wolverines another point in the first half. After the Huskies stopped Michigan on a fourth-and-2 from the UW 38 with 4:46 left in the second quarter, Penix went to work.

He found Jalen McMillan on a fourth-and-goal with 42 seconds left for a 3-yard touchdown. After being on the verge of getting buried by the Wolverines, the Huskies fans sang along to “Who Let the Dogs Out,” happily down only 17-10 at half.

Will Johnson’s interception of Penix on the first play of the second half gave Michigan another opportunity to open up a two-touchdown lead, but the Huskies forced a field goal by James Turner to make it 20-10.

“Today was a complete, complete team effort,” Corum said.

Michigan nursed a touchdown lead until halfway through the fourth quarter, when it put together a 71-yard drive, capped by Corum's&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/UMichFootball/status/1744566618670121056">tackle-breaking 12-yard touchdown</a>&nbsp;that finally gave the Wolverines some room with a 27-13 lead and 7:09 left.

Corum, the engine of the ground-and-pound offense and heart and soul of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-michigan-cfp-championship-057a300fc250e20e18eead4b076a80f9">team loaded with fourth-, fifth- and even sixth-year players,</a>&nbsp;missed the CFP last year with a knee injury. He was named offensive player of the final national title game in before the College Football Playoff expands from four teams to 12 next season.

"Michigan, this is for you,” Corum told the Wolverines fans.

Michigan seemed to be steaming toward a third consecutive Big Ten championship when in October it was revealed the NCAA was investigating the program for potentially breaking rules that prohibit in-person scouting of opponents and using video equipment to attempt to decode opponents’ play signals.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-big-ten-sign-stealing-7b8bf1c599791b8d695d0d7b2676d4f8">The scandal turned Connor Stalions,</a>&nbsp;the low-level Michigan recruiting staffer accused of orchestrating the scheme, into a household name and threatened to derail the Wolverines’ season.

The NCAA process will linger well into 2024 and it is unknown what penalties Michigan could face. The Big Ten, though, decided to act quickly and punished Michigan by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harbaugh-ban-michigan-sign-stealing-2b8c5413d953414d88e9b65579cfcf44">suspending Harbaugh</a>&nbsp;for the final three games of the regular season, including matchups with Penn State and rival Ohio State.

With offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore taking Harbaugh’s place, it became Michigan vs. Everybody and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-state-michigan-score-harbaugh-20131d4e3ac7662c51362bc72059c54a">nobody could stop the Wolverines</a>.

Harbaugh returned for the postseason, completed the mission and got to celebrate with his 84-year-old father, Jack — himself a former college football coach — as he accepted the trophy.

Michigan became the first college football program to record 1,000 victories when it beat Maryland in November and won its third national title in January.

“Who has it better than us?” Jack Harbaugh asked the fans during the trophy ceremony. They replied with a boisterous: “Nobody!”

Now the question is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harbaugh-deboer-contract-9777bcff49966191799445b3beff5ddf">whether Harbaugh has coached the team he once quarterbacked for the last time,</a>&nbsp;with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-washington-cfp-championship-ba2da71bcd86b7e05d5fd2d16b63e108">NFL seemingly beckoning again.</a>

Harbaugh said it felt good to no longer be the only coach in the family without a national championship. His father won a Division I-AA title with Western Kentucky and brother John won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens by beating Jim's San Francisco 49ers 11 years ago.

"I can now sit at the big person’s table in the family,” Harbaugh said.

"I just want to enjoy this,” he said. “I hope you give me that. Can I have that? Does it always have to be what’s next, what’s the future?”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704801729404.jpeg" alt="Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh celebrates with the trophy after their win in the national championship NCAA College Football Playoff game against Washington Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)" />
 <figcaption>Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh celebrates with the trophy after their win in the national championship NCAA College Football Playoff game against Washington Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football WriterHOUSTON (AP) — Jim Harbaugh raised the championship trophy as gold and white confetti sprayed over his team and “We Are the Champions” blared.Nine years after he took over at Michigan, Harbaugh delivered on the lofty expectations he brought with him to his beloved alma mater.Blake Corum ran for 134 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns as Harbaugh and the top-ranked Wolverines — undeterred by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-big-ten-settlement-sign-stealing-3b840ce9d0f8f5ca79363d20a749ac45">suspensions and a sign-stealing case</a>&nbsp;that shadowed the program — completed a three-year surge to a national title by beating No. 2 Washington 34-13 Monday night in the College Football Playoff.“We’re innocent and we stood strong and tall because we knew we were innocent. And I’d like to point that out,” Harbaugh said when asked about off-field issues, jumping in to answer a question posed to his players. “And these guys are innocent. And overcome that? It wasn’t that hard because we knew we were innocent.“(The season) went exactly how we wanted it to go. It went exactly how we wanted it to go.”The Wolverines (15-0) sealed their first national title since 1997 when Corum, who scored the winning touchdown in overtime against Alabama in the Rose Bowl, blasted in from the 1-yard line with 3:37 left to put Michigan up by 21 and set off another rousing rendition of “The Victors” from the band.After a third consecutive playoff appearance, Harbaugh won the championship so many expected when he took over a struggling powerhouse in 2015 — despite missing six regular-season games this season while serving&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harbaugh-michigan-ncaa-suspension-628d4d798d5aaece620dde564d4ffb55">two suspensions.</a>“That man, he's the reason we're here today,” Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy said of his coach.And Harbaugh did it with a team his old coach, Bo Schembechler, would have adored. The Wolverines ran for 303 yards against Washington (14-1), and their rugged defense held Michael Penix Jr. and the Huskies’ prolific passing game to just one touchdown while intercepting the Heisman Trophy runner-up twice.“There are more than 100 Michigan men who are on this team,” Harbaugh said. “What they’ve done is amazing. They will forever be known as national champions.”Penix’s remarkable six-year college career ended with maybe his worst performance of the season. Usually unfazed by pressure, Penix was not nearly as precise against a Michigan defense that took away his signature deep throws.“That was a spectacular game by our defense,” Harbaugh said.The Indiana transfer who came back from two knee surgeries and two shoulder injuries was roughed up by the Wolverines, limping at times, stepped on another time.Asked how he was feeling, Penix said, still undaunted: “Better than I was three years ago."<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-penix-cfp-b716c321bd81196651daeff1cadce99c">Penix finished 27 for 51 for 255 yards and a touchdown</a>&nbsp;as the Huskies had their 21-game winning streak snapped.“They've given me everything they possible can,” coach Kalen DeBoer said of a group of players who went 4-8 just two seasons ago and 25-3 since he took over in 2022.McCarthy had a modest game, throwing for 140 yards and running for 31. But it was enough for him to improve to 27-1 as a starter for the Wolverines.Michigan gave Washington a taste of life in the Big Ten, where the Pac-12 champions are heading next season, and the Huskies were up for the grind for a while.Two long touchdown runs by Donovan Edwards and 229 yards rushing in the first quarter put the Wolverines up 17-3 early in the second and conjured up memories of last year's historic Georgia blowout of TCU.Washington stabilized and didn’t allow the Wolverines another point in the first half. After the Huskies stopped Michigan on a fourth-and-2 from the UW 38 with 4:46 left in the second quarter, Penix went to work.He found Jalen McMillan on a fourth-and-goal with 42 seconds left for a 3-yard touchdown. After being on the verge of getting buried by the Wolverines, the Huskies fans sang along to “Who Let the Dogs Out,” happily down only 17-10 at half.Will Johnson’s interception of Penix on the first play of the second half gave Michigan another opportunity to open up a two-touchdown lead, but the Huskies forced a field goal by James Turner to make it 20-10.“Today was a complete, complete team effort,” Corum said.Michigan nursed a touchdown lead until halfway through the fourth quarter, when it put together a 71-yard drive, capped by Corum's&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/UMichFootball/status/1744566618670121056">tackle-breaking 12-yard touchdown</a>&nbsp;that finally gave the Wolverines some room with a 27-13 lead and 7:09 left.Corum, the engine of the ground-and-pound offense and heart and soul of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-michigan-cfp-championship-057a300fc250e20e18eead4b076a80f9">team loaded with fourth-, fifth- and even sixth-year players,</a>&nbsp;missed the CFP last year with a knee injury. He was named offensive player of the final national title game in before the College Football Playoff expands from four teams to 12 next season."Michigan, this is for you,” Corum told the Wolverines fans.Michigan seemed to be steaming toward a third consecutive Big Ten championship when in October it was revealed the NCAA was investigating the program for potentially breaking rules that prohibit in-person scouting of opponents and using video equipment to attempt to decode opponents’ play signals.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-big-ten-sign-stealing-7b8bf1c599791b8d695d0d7b2676d4f8">The scandal turned Connor Stalions,</a>&nbsp;the low-level Michigan recruiting staffer accused of orchestrating the scheme, into a household name and threatened to derail the Wolverines’ season.The NCAA process will linger well into 2024 and it is unknown what penalties Michigan could face. The Big Ten, though, decided to act quickly and punished Michigan by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harbaugh-ban-michigan-sign-stealing-2b8c5413d953414d88e9b65579cfcf44">suspending Harbaugh</a>&nbsp;for the final three games of the regular season, including matchups with Penn State and rival Ohio State.With offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore taking Harbaugh’s place, it became Michigan vs. Everybody and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-state-michigan-score-harbaugh-20131d4e3ac7662c51362bc72059c54a">nobody could stop the Wolverines</a>.Harbaugh returned for the postseason, completed the mission and got to celebrate with his 84-year-old father, Jack — himself a former college football coach — as he accepted the trophy.Michigan became the first college football program to record 1,000 victories when it beat Maryland in November and won its third national title in January.“Who has it better than us?” Jack Harbaugh asked the fans during the trophy ceremony. They replied with a boisterous: “Nobody!”Now the question is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harbaugh-deboer-contract-9777bcff49966191799445b3beff5ddf">whether Harbaugh has coached the team he once quarterbacked for the last time,</a>&nbsp;with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-washington-cfp-championship-ba2da71bcd86b7e05d5fd2d16b63e108">NFL seemingly beckoning again.</a>Harbaugh said it felt good to no longer be the only coach in the family without a national championship. His father won a Division I-AA title with Western Kentucky and brother John won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens by beating Jim's San Francisco 49ers 11 years ago."I can now sit at the big person’s table in the family,” Harbaugh said.As for what's next?"I just want to enjoy this,” he said. “I hope you give me that. Can I have that? Does it always have to be what’s next, what’s the future?”

🏈 Jim Harbaugh delivers national title; Corum scores 2 TDs; Michigan overpowers Washington

By W.G. RAMIREZ Associated Press

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Sean Payton senses a feeling of disappointment but not discouragement from his Denver Broncos.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/broncos-raiders-score-oconnell-17932e43be5c84cdba7067939184d325">27-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders</a>&nbsp;on Sunday dropped the Broncos to 8-9 to finish Payton's first season as coach in Denver. And now there's plenty to be done before they play a game again.

“I reminded them: ‘Just remember how this feels,'" Payton said. "Because it’s something that you spend so much time in working towards a common goal, and then when you fall short of that, it just doesn’t sit right, it can’t with anyone. You are what your record is. In our league, that’s just the truth. Like I said, you’re disappointed, not discouraged ... because you do have an expectation and then we go from there.

“We begin this offseason, which is going to involve a lot of work.”

The Broncos struggled to find consistency with their offense under the guidance of a coach long known for his offensive X's and O's.

Denver started the season 1-5, including winnable games it lost to Las Vegas and Washington, and one in which it was pummeled for 70 points by Miami. The Broncos finished the season losing three of their last four while being outscored 104-70.

While there was nothing to play for Sunday and the Broncos had their backup quarterback in the game, it was still another indication of exactly how much work Payton is in for during the offseason.

Jarrett Stidham was 20 of 34 for 272 yards with a touchdown and an interception, while not one running back tallied more than 32 yards.

The Broncos finished with 286 yards on offense, marking the 10th straight week they finished with no more than 322. Last year, under highly scrutinized former coach Nathaniel Hackett, the Broncos finished with 323 yards or more in eight games.

“There’s a lot that goes into that,” Payton said. “We’ve had different quarterbacks play. We’ve had different running backs over the years and part of our job is to build the offense around the ingredients that are in the building, and we’ll continue to do that.”

Moving forward, the Broncos must decide what they’re doing with Russell Wilson, whom Payton benched two weeks ago in favor of Stidham, who was victorious against the Los Angeles Chargers in his first start.

Payton, whom Denver acquired in a trade from New Orleans for a first- and second-round pick, bolstered the offensive line by investing in guard Ben Powers and tackle Mike McGlinchey to big-money contracts, in addition to others, surrounding Wilson with the tools and weapons he’d need.

Wilson, who signed a five-year, $242.6 million contract last year, threw for 3,070 yards and 26 touchdowns with eight interceptions and a 98.0 passer rating in 15 starts this season.

If the Broncos are indeed moving on from Wilson, who was 11-19 in two seasons in Denver, they’ll need to find a franchise quarterback, to go along with a No. 1 receiver. Collectively, they’ll need players who can impact the scoreboard and know how to win games.

That includes defensively, with a possible bookend for two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Surtain II, who said he has confidence in what Payton built in his first year.

“There were some games that we should have won, but the main emphasis that we always talk about is finishing key games and that’s something we can improve on moving forward," Surtain said. "Especially in this league, there’s always going to be tough games. But the most important part of games is finishing the right way, for sure.

"Sean brought in that winning culture, his résumé speaks for itself. And we've got the utmost belief in him to lead this team to the promised land, and that’s what we’re looking forward to. The next step is to make it to that next step, which is playoffs and even more.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704713779774.jpeg" alt="Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton talks to reporters following an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024 in Las Vegas. The Raiders won 27-14. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt)" />
 <figcaption>Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton talks to reporters following an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024 in Las Vegas. The Raiders won 27-14. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt)</figcaption>
 </figure>By W.G. RAMIREZ Associated PressLAS VEGAS (AP) — Sean Payton senses a feeling of disappointment but not discouragement from his Denver Broncos.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/broncos-raiders-score-oconnell-17932e43be5c84cdba7067939184d325">27-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders</a>&nbsp;on Sunday dropped the Broncos to 8-9 to finish Payton's first season as coach in Denver. And now there's plenty to be done before they play a game again.“I reminded them: ‘Just remember how this feels,'" Payton said. "Because it’s something that you spend so much time in working towards a common goal, and then when you fall short of that, it just doesn’t sit right, it can’t with anyone. You are what your record is. In our league, that’s just the truth. Like I said, you’re disappointed, not discouraged ... because you do have an expectation and then we go from there.“We begin this offseason, which is going to involve a lot of work.”The Broncos struggled to find consistency with their offense under the guidance of a coach long known for his offensive X's and O's.Denver started the season 1-5, including winnable games it lost to Las Vegas and Washington, and one in which it was pummeled for 70 points by Miami. The Broncos finished the season losing three of their last four while being outscored 104-70.While there was nothing to play for Sunday and the Broncos had their backup quarterback in the game, it was still another indication of exactly how much work Payton is in for during the offseason.Jarrett Stidham was 20 of 34 for 272 yards with a touchdown and an interception, while not one running back tallied more than 32 yards.The Broncos finished with 286 yards on offense, marking the 10th straight week they finished with no more than 322. Last year, under highly scrutinized former coach Nathaniel Hackett, the Broncos finished with 323 yards or more in eight games.“There’s a lot that goes into that,” Payton said. “We’ve had different quarterbacks play. We’ve had different running backs over the years and part of our job is to build the offense around the ingredients that are in the building, and we’ll continue to do that.”Moving forward, the Broncos must decide what they’re doing with Russell Wilson, whom Payton benched two weeks ago in favor of Stidham, who was victorious against the Los Angeles Chargers in his first start.Payton, whom Denver acquired in a trade from New Orleans for a first- and second-round pick, bolstered the offensive line by investing in guard Ben Powers and tackle Mike McGlinchey to big-money contracts, in addition to others, surrounding Wilson with the tools and weapons he’d need.Wilson, who signed a five-year, $242.6 million contract last year, threw for 3,070 yards and 26 touchdowns with eight interceptions and a 98.0 passer rating in 15 starts this season.If the Broncos are indeed moving on from Wilson, who was 11-19 in two seasons in Denver, they’ll need to find a franchise quarterback, to go along with a No. 1 receiver. Collectively, they’ll need players who can impact the scoreboard and know how to win games.That includes defensively, with a possible bookend for two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Surtain II, who said he has confidence in what Payton built in his first year.“There were some games that we should have won, but the main emphasis that we always talk about is finishing key games and that’s something we can improve on moving forward," Surtain said. "Especially in this league, there’s always going to be tough games. But the most important part of games is finishing the right way, for sure."Sean brought in that winning culture, his résumé speaks for itself. And we've got the utmost belief in him to lead this team to the promised land, and that’s what we’re looking forward to. The next step is to make it to that next step, which is playoffs and even more.”

🏈 Broncos coach Sean Payton expresses disappointment but not discouragement after 8-9 season

By DAN GREENSPAN Associated Press

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Chris Jones got what he needed, picking up a sack in the third quarter of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-chargers-score-a2a7d7cc00886055cda31d1d9c3f3808">Kansas City Chiefs’ 13-12 win over the Los Angeles Chargers</a>&nbsp;on Sunday to collect a $1.25 million bonus written into his contract.

Jones came into the game with 9 1/2 sacks and needed a half-sack to earn the bonus.

An&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1744138263164862820?s=20">exuberant Jones ran to the sideline</a>&nbsp;and was swarmed by his teammates after dropping Easton Stick for an 11-yard loss to finish with 10 1/2 sacks. Jones had clearly been going after his money, generating 12 pressures on 31 pass rush snaps,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NextGenStats?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">according to NFL Next Gen Stats</a>.

“Man, the whole team knew the only reason I was playing was for a sack, OK. And 46 plays later,” Jones said.

It was Jones’ third time reaching double-digit sacks in eight seasons with the Chiefs (11-6).

Coach Andy Reid agreed early in the week to give Jones the chance to chase the incentive.

“I think he had eight hurries getting there, so he really played a good game but it took him a while to get the actual sack,” Reid said.

Jones admitted he had tested Reid’s patience with the workload needed to finally take down Stick, having nearly been taken out before he got the sack.

“I was only supposed to play for one quarter,” Jones said. “One quarter turned to two quarters. Two quarters turned to ‘Please, coach, let me get one more drive,’ you know what I mean? So thankful to coach Reid.”

The 29-year-old anchor of the Chiefs defensive front came into the game with plans for the money, intending to reward his fellow defensive linemen, position coaches and coordinator Steve Spagnuolo with luxury watches as gifts. After giving his own interview a soundtrack by playing the Empire of the Sun song “Walking on a Dream,” Jones enthusiastically discussed what would soon be reality.

“Yeah, the D block know that this was all for them,” Jones said. “The only reason I played for them ’cause I want them to get a Rolex, and I get to buy myself a Rolex without spending my own money.”

Spagnuolo was as invested as Jones’ teammates in the pursuit, giving Jones play calls intended to get him to the quarterback.

“I haven’t had this many one-on-ones all year collectively, and we laughed about that, but I love Spags, man,” Jones said, recalling his sideline conversation with his coordinator after the decisive play.

Whether Jones would get the half-sack needed to claim the bonus was one of the few storylines worth watching in a mostly unimportant game. The Chiefs had already locked up the AFC West and the No. 3 seed in the conference, allowing them to rest quarterback Patrick Mahomes and other key players.

Travis Kelce was inactive, ending the star tight end’s chance to reach the 1,000-yard mark for the eighth straight season. And with Kelce not playing, there was no reason for his girlfriend, pop superstar Taylor Swift, to make the trip to SoFi Stadum before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-golden-globes-awards-show-b684b6e3d6b0ddf07b74a0370413fb7a">attending the Golden Globes in Beverly Hills on Sunday night</a>.

It was Kelce’s decision not to play, according to Reid, who would have gladly made sure Kelce got the 16 yards he needed.

“He didn’t want to be selfish or come across as selfish,” Reid said. “All the players wanted him to play. But he goes, ‘You know what? I don’t like the way it feels.’ He’s not into that. So he chose not to play. I completely understand it, but that’s him. Most guys probably would have gone out and done it, but he said, ‘I’ve got a lot of records. This one here, I’m not gonna do it this way.’”

That left everyone watching Jones and his pursuit of a seven-figure bonus.

“It’s just one of those things that we knew going into the game he needed point-five,” receiver Mecole Hardman said. “So finally he get it, and it was like, ‘Yes!’”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704683730718.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, left, celebrates with teammates after sacking Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Easton Stick during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. The sack earned Jones a $1.25 million contract incentive. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, left, celebrates with teammates after sacking Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Easton Stick during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. The sack earned Jones a $1.25 million contract incentive. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAN GREENSPAN Associated PressINGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Chris Jones got what he needed, picking up a sack in the third quarter of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-chargers-score-a2a7d7cc00886055cda31d1d9c3f3808">Kansas City Chiefs’ 13-12 win over the Los Angeles Chargers</a>&nbsp;on Sunday to collect a $1.25 million bonus written into his contract.Jones came into the game with 9 1/2 sacks and needed a half-sack to earn the bonus.An&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1744138263164862820?s=20">exuberant Jones ran to the sideline</a>&nbsp;and was swarmed by his teammates after dropping Easton Stick for an 11-yard loss to finish with 10 1/2 sacks. Jones had clearly been going after his money, generating 12 pressures on 31 pass rush snaps,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NextGenStats?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">according to NFL Next Gen Stats</a>.“Man, the whole team knew the only reason I was playing was for a sack, OK. And 46 plays later,” Jones said.It was Jones’ third time reaching double-digit sacks in eight seasons with the Chiefs (11-6).Coach Andy Reid agreed early in the week to give Jones the chance to chase the incentive.“I think he had eight hurries getting there, so he really played a good game but it took him a while to get the actual sack,” Reid said.Jones admitted he had tested Reid’s patience with the workload needed to finally take down Stick, having nearly been taken out before he got the sack.“I was only supposed to play for one quarter,” Jones said. “One quarter turned to two quarters. Two quarters turned to ‘Please, coach, let me get one more drive,’ you know what I mean? So thankful to coach Reid.”The 29-year-old anchor of the Chiefs defensive front came into the game with plans for the money, intending to reward his fellow defensive linemen, position coaches and coordinator Steve Spagnuolo with luxury watches as gifts. After giving his own interview a soundtrack by playing the Empire of the Sun song “Walking on a Dream,” Jones enthusiastically discussed what would soon be reality.“Yeah, the D block know that this was all for them,” Jones said. “The only reason I played for them ’cause I want them to get a Rolex, and I get to buy myself a Rolex without spending my own money.”Spagnuolo was as invested as Jones’ teammates in the pursuit, giving Jones play calls intended to get him to the quarterback.“I haven’t had this many one-on-ones all year collectively, and we laughed about that, but I love Spags, man,” Jones said, recalling his sideline conversation with his coordinator after the decisive play.Whether Jones would get the half-sack needed to claim the bonus was one of the few storylines worth watching in a mostly unimportant game. The Chiefs had already locked up the AFC West and the No. 3 seed in the conference, allowing them to rest quarterback Patrick Mahomes and other key players.Travis Kelce was inactive, ending the star tight end’s chance to reach the 1,000-yard mark for the eighth straight season. And with Kelce not playing, there was no reason for his girlfriend, pop superstar Taylor Swift, to make the trip to SoFi Stadum before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-golden-globes-awards-show-b684b6e3d6b0ddf07b74a0370413fb7a">attending the Golden Globes in Beverly Hills on Sunday night</a>.It was Kelce’s decision not to play, according to Reid, who would have gladly made sure Kelce got the 16 yards he needed.“He didn’t want to be selfish or come across as selfish,” Reid said. “All the players wanted him to play. But he goes, ‘You know what? I don’t like the way it feels.’ He’s not into that. So he chose not to play. I completely understand it, but that’s him. Most guys probably would have gone out and done it, but he said, ‘I’ve got a lot of records. This one here, I’m not gonna do it this way.’”That left everyone watching Jones and his pursuit of a seven-figure bonus.“It’s just one of those things that we knew going into the game he needed point-five,” receiver Mecole Hardman said. “So finally he get it, and it was like, ‘Yes!’”

🏈 Chiefs' Chris Jones picks up $1.25 million bonus with sack against Chargers

By JOE REEDY AP Sports Writer

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Mike Edwards returned a fumble 97 yards for a touchdown, Harrison Butker made a 41-yard field goal with 49 seconds remaining, and the AFC West champion Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 13-12 on Sunday while resting most of their starters.

With the Chiefs (11-6) locked into the AFC’s No. 3 seed for the playoffs, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were inactive. Kelce finished with 984 receiving yards, ending the All-Pro tight end’s bid for an eighth straight 1,000-yard season.

Kansas City will host either Buffalo or Miami in next weekend's wild card round.

The Chargers (5-12) closed the season with five straight losses, the last three after coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco were fired on Dec. 15.

Easton Stick, who started the last four games after Justin Herbert suffered a season-ending finger injury, was 28 of 47 passing for 258 yards and had 77 yards rushing on 13 carries. Donald Parham had five receptions for 83 yards.

Cameron Dicker kicked four field goals for the Chargers. Los Angeles ended the season without a touchdown in its last 10 quarters.

Blaine Gabbert, making his first start since 2018 with Tennessee, completed 15 of 30 passes for 154 yards. Gabbert had scrambles of 25 and 14 yards during a nine-play, 51-yard drive late in the fourth quarter that resulted in Butker's second field goal.

Kansas City's go-ahead drive followed Dicker's 20-yard field goal with 4:06 remaining that put the Chargers on top for the first time.

The Chargers were on the 18th play of their opening possession when Stick was sacked by Chiefs defensive lineman Charles Omenihu at the Kansas City 5-yard line and fumbled. Edwards scooped the ball at the 3 and went 97 yards for the fourth touchdown of his five-year career.

It was the longest scoop-and-score in the NFL this season and the third-longest in Chiefs history.

According to Sportradar, it was the seventh time since 2000 a team had a drive of at least 18 plays and turned it over. It was the first of those on which a defensive touchdown was scored.

Butker extended the lead to 10-0 in the second quarter when he connected from 22 yards. The Chargers got field goals from Dicker on their final two drives of the half.

Dicker's 43-yarder with 4:11 remaining in the third quarter got Los Angeles within 10-9.

Chiefs: OL Wanya Morris left in the second quarter with a concussion. ... WR Justyn Ross suffered a hamstring injury in the third quarter and did not return. ... WR Rashee Rice (hamstring), WR Kadarius Toney (hip/ankle) and CB L’Jarius Sneed (calf) were inactive.

Chargers: TE Gerald Everett (first quarter) and OT Trey Pipkins III (third quarter) suffered knee injuries and did not return. ... WR Keenan Allen (heel), LB Kenneth Murray Jr. (shoulder) and OG Zion Johnson (neck) were inactive.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704675979856.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs safety Mike Edwards (21) picks up a fumble before running it back for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs safety Mike Edwards (21) picks up a fumble before running it back for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOE REEDY AP Sports WriterINGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Mike Edwards returned a fumble 97 yards for a touchdown, Harrison Butker made a 41-yard field goal with 49 seconds remaining, and the AFC West champion Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 13-12 on Sunday while resting most of their starters.With the Chiefs (11-6) locked into the AFC’s No. 3 seed for the playoffs, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were inactive. Kelce finished with 984 receiving yards, ending the All-Pro tight end’s bid for an eighth straight 1,000-yard season.Kansas City will host either Buffalo or Miami in next weekend's wild card round.The Chargers (5-12) closed the season with five straight losses, the last three after coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco were fired on Dec. 15.Easton Stick, who started the last four games after Justin Herbert suffered a season-ending finger injury, was 28 of 47 passing for 258 yards and had 77 yards rushing on 13 carries. Donald Parham had five receptions for 83 yards.Cameron Dicker kicked four field goals for the Chargers. Los Angeles ended the season without a touchdown in its last 10 quarters.Blaine Gabbert, making his first start since 2018 with Tennessee, completed 15 of 30 passes for 154 yards. Gabbert had scrambles of 25 and 14 yards during a nine-play, 51-yard drive late in the fourth quarter that resulted in Butker's second field goal.Kansas City's go-ahead drive followed Dicker's 20-yard field goal with 4:06 remaining that put the Chargers on top for the first time.The Chargers were on the 18th play of their opening possession when Stick was sacked by Chiefs defensive lineman Charles Omenihu at the Kansas City 5-yard line and fumbled. Edwards scooped the ball at the 3 and went 97 yards for the fourth touchdown of his five-year career.It was the longest scoop-and-score in the NFL this season and the third-longest in Chiefs history.According to Sportradar, it was the seventh time since 2000 a team had a drive of at least 18 plays and turned it over. It was the first of those on which a defensive touchdown was scored.Butker extended the lead to 10-0 in the second quarter when he connected from 22 yards. The Chargers got field goals from Dicker on their final two drives of the half.Dicker's 43-yarder with 4:11 remaining in the third quarter got Los Angeles within 10-9.INJURIESChiefs: OL Wanya Morris left in the second quarter with a concussion. ... WR Justyn Ross suffered a hamstring injury in the third quarter and did not return. ... WR Rashee Rice (hamstring), WR Kadarius Toney (hip/ankle) and CB L’Jarius Sneed (calf) were inactive.Chargers: TE Gerald Everett (first quarter) and OT Trey Pipkins III (third quarter) suffered knee injuries and did not return. ... WR Keenan Allen (heel), LB Kenneth Murray Jr. (shoulder) and OG Zion Johnson (neck) were inactive.

🏈 Mike Edwards' scoop-and-score, Harrison Butker's field goals propel Chiefs past Chargers

By MARK ANDERSON AP Sports Writer

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Aidan O'Connell passed for 244 yards and two touchdowns, Zamir White rushed for 112 yards and a relentless Las Vegas pass rush helped the Raiders continue their dominance over the Denver Broncos with a 27-14 victory Sunday.

This was the Raiders' eighth consecutive victory over their AFC West rivals and 10th in 11 games. That included a 4-0 record in Las Vegas.

Both teams ended their season at 8-9 and out of the playoffs with a number of questions facing both franchises. That includes whether Raiders own Mark Davis makes interim Antonio Pierce the full-time coach or searches for someone outside the organization. Las Vegas went 5-4 since Pierce replaced Josh McDaniels on Halloween night, and fans chanted “AP!” toward the end of the game.

O'Connell overcame a injury to the index finger on his throwing hand — he didn't play the Raiders' first drive of the second half — to complete a 33-yard touchdown pass to Jakobi Meyers on the first play of the fourth quarter to put the Raiders ahead 24-7.

Meyers also scored a TD in the second quarter, turning what was designed to be a wide receiver pass to a 5-yard run when the play broke down.

Teammate Davante Adams reached 100 catches for the fourth straight season, joining Buffalo’s Stefon Diggs as the only players to accomplish that over the same span. Antonio Brown, who had six such consecutive seasons with Pittsburgh from 2013-18, holds the NFL record.

Las Vegas committed no penalties, the second time that has happened this season. The Raiders also weren't penalized Nov. 26 against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham made his second start in a row in favor of the benched Russell Wilson. Stidham passed for 272 yards with a TD and interception and was sacked five times and hit 11 times. He quarterbacked the Raiders over their final two games last season in place of Derek Carr, who also was benched.

After the teams traded lengthy first-half touchdown drives, Las Vegas took the lead for good on a 49-yard field goal by Daniel Carlson and a 3-yard touchdown pass from O'Connell to Adams. The TD occurred with 7 seconds left and capped a 12-play, 98-yard drive that took just 1:36.

Broncos: RT Mike McGlinchey (ribs) was placed on injured reserve on Saturday. ... WR Courtland Sutton (ankle), TE Nate Adkins (concussion), LB Nik Bonitto (calf) and RB Jaleel McLaughlin (calf) were injured during the game. Raiders: RB Josh Jacobs (quadriceps), TE Michael Mayer (toe) and T Thayer Munford (knee/illness) did not play. Jacobs missed the last four games of the season and Mayer the final three. Munford was injured last week at Indianapolis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704675746760.jpeg" alt="Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham runs a play against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024 in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)" />
 <figcaption>Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham runs a play against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024 in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARK ANDERSON AP Sports WriterLAS VEGAS (AP) — Aidan O'Connell passed for 244 yards and two touchdowns, Zamir White rushed for 112 yards and a relentless Las Vegas pass rush helped the Raiders continue their dominance over the Denver Broncos with a 27-14 victory Sunday.This was the Raiders' eighth consecutive victory over their AFC West rivals and 10th in 11 games. That included a 4-0 record in Las Vegas.Both teams ended their season at 8-9 and out of the playoffs with a number of questions facing both franchises. That includes whether Raiders own Mark Davis makes interim Antonio Pierce the full-time coach or searches for someone outside the organization. Las Vegas went 5-4 since Pierce replaced Josh McDaniels on Halloween night, and fans chanted “AP!” toward the end of the game.O'Connell overcame a injury to the index finger on his throwing hand — he didn't play the Raiders' first drive of the second half — to complete a 33-yard touchdown pass to Jakobi Meyers on the first play of the fourth quarter to put the Raiders ahead 24-7.Meyers also scored a TD in the second quarter, turning what was designed to be a wide receiver pass to a 5-yard run when the play broke down.Teammate Davante Adams reached 100 catches for the fourth straight season, joining Buffalo’s Stefon Diggs as the only players to accomplish that over the same span. Antonio Brown, who had six such consecutive seasons with Pittsburgh from 2013-18, holds the NFL record.Las Vegas committed no penalties, the second time that has happened this season. The Raiders also weren't penalized Nov. 26 against the Kansas City Chiefs.Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham made his second start in a row in favor of the benched Russell Wilson. Stidham passed for 272 yards with a TD and interception and was sacked five times and hit 11 times. He quarterbacked the Raiders over their final two games last season in place of Derek Carr, who also was benched.After the teams traded lengthy first-half touchdown drives, Las Vegas took the lead for good on a 49-yard field goal by Daniel Carlson and a 3-yard touchdown pass from O'Connell to Adams. The TD occurred with 7 seconds left and capped a 12-play, 98-yard drive that took just 1:36.INJURIESBroncos: RT Mike McGlinchey (ribs) was placed on injured reserve on Saturday. ... WR Courtland Sutton (ankle), TE Nate Adkins (concussion), LB Nik Bonitto (calf) and RB Jaleel McLaughlin (calf) were injured during the game. Raiders: RB Josh Jacobs (quadriceps), TE Michael Mayer (toe) and T Thayer Munford (knee/illness) did not play. Jacobs missed the last four games of the season and Mayer the final three. Munford was injured last week at Indianapolis.

🏈 O'Connell, White and pass rush lead Raiders to win over Broncos in season finale

By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=mbball&amp;id=12756">BOX SCORE</a>

HAYS, Kan. - Kaleb Hammeke led three Tigers in double-figures with 24 points and the Tigers held off Lincoln 69-64 Saturday afternoon at Gross Memorial Coliseum. The Tigers improved to 11-3 overall, 6-2 in the MIAA. Lincoln fell to 9-4 overall, 4-3 in the MIAA. It was FHSU's sixth-straight win over Lincoln going back to the 2020-21.

Fort Hays State opened the game on an 11-3 run, thanks two a three-point play by Kaleb Hammeke and and eight straight points by Bjarni Jonsson, including two 3-pointers. The Tiger built a couple of eight point leads in the opening half. Lincoln answered with an 11-2 run to take its first lead at 25-24. They led once more before Jonsson hit another 3-point field goal just before halftime to put the Tigers up 31-29. 

Lincoln scored the first basket of the second half to get the game tied, but FHSU scored the next seven points. The Blue Tigers countered with a 12-5 run to get the game tied again at 43-43 with 11 and a half minutes to play. FHSU took the lead back then used an 8-0 run to produce their only&nbsp; double-figure advantage of 10 points with around seven and-a-half minutes to play. 

Lincoln hit a pair of 3-pointers to trim the down to three. Both teams then had four-point runs and then traded baskets as the lead sat at just three with 2:42 to play. DJ Richardson hit a step-back baseline jumper for LU with 40 seconds to play to close the gap to one. Traejon Davis&nbsp;put FHSU back up three with a drive to the bucket that he put in after his man blew by on defense. FHSU fought off a three-point attempt from nearly 30 feet and the ball went out of bounds off Lincoln.&nbsp;

Jahiem Holden, who had a big second half, sealed the game on a pair of free throws with just three seconds remaining.

Hammeke, Jonsson, and Holden combined for 58 of the team's 69 points. Hammeke led the way with 24 on 7-of-15 shooting and an 8-of-8 effort at the free-throw line. Jonsson scored a career-high 18 points, hitting a new career-high four 3-point field goals in the game. He was an efficient 6-of-9 from the field and 2-of-2 at the charity stripe. Holden was 5-of-7 from the field, made his only 3-point field goal attempt, and went 5-of-5 at the free-throw line. Davis (6) and Elijah Nnanabu&nbsp;(2) were the only other Tigers to score in the game. Hammeke also led the Tigers in rebounds (7) and assists (6).

Richardson led Lincoln with 20 points, followed by Elijah Farr with 19. They both had a team-high five rebounds. Franck Yetna also scored in double figures for Lincoln with 15.

Lincoln made one more 3-point shot than FHSU, but FHSU held a 16-8 scoring advantage at the free-throw line. The teams nearly combined for a perfect day at the free-throw line, FHSU going 16-of-17 and LU 8-of-8.

The win kept Fort Hays State a perfect 13-0 against Lincoln all-time at Gross Memorial Coliseum. Lincoln only has two wins in history in Hays, both before Gross Memorial Coliseum was built.

Fort Hays State remained one game back of Northwest Missouri State in the MIAA standings, but now has sole possession of second place. The Tigers will play their next three games on the road, starting with a trip to Missouri Southern and Pittsburg State next week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

FHSU Sports Information contributed to this story

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704596670186.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State guard Jahiem Holden brings the ball up the court in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Lincoln on Saturday, January 6, 2024. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State guard Jahiem Holden brings the ball up the court in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Lincoln on Saturday, January 6, 2024. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=mbball&amp;id=12756">BOX SCORE</a>HAYS, Kan. - Kaleb Hammeke led three Tigers in double-figures with 24 points and the Tigers held off Lincoln 69-64 Saturday afternoon at Gross Memorial Coliseum. The Tigers improved to 11-3 overall, 6-2 in the MIAA. Lincoln fell to 9-4 overall, 4-3 in the MIAA. It was FHSU's sixth-straight win over Lincoln going back to the 2020-21.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1710448074&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-coach-johnson-v-lincoln-interview-jan-6th-2024" title="Mark Johnson Postgame vs. Lincoln (Jan. 6, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Mark Johnson Postgame vs. Lincoln (Jan. 6, 2024)</a></div></div>Fort Hays State opened the game on an 11-3 run, thanks two a three-point play by Kaleb Hammeke and and eight straight points by Bjarni Jonsson, including two 3-pointers. The Tiger built a couple of eight point leads in the opening half. Lincoln answered with an 11-2 run to take its first lead at 25-24. They led once more before Jonsson hit another 3-point field goal just before halftime to put the Tigers up 31-29. Lincoln scored the first basket of the second half to get the game tied, but FHSU scored the next seven points. The Blue Tigers countered with a 12-5 run to get the game tied again at 43-43 with 11 and a half minutes to play. FHSU took the lead back then used an 8-0 run to produce their only&nbsp; double-figure advantage of 10 points with around seven and-a-half minutes to play. Lincoln hit a pair of 3-pointers to trim the down to three. Both teams then had four-point runs and then traded baskets as the lead sat at just three with 2:42 to play. DJ Richardson hit a step-back baseline jumper for LU with 40 seconds to play to close the gap to one. Traejon Davis&nbsp;put FHSU back up three with a drive to the bucket that he put in after his man blew by on defense. FHSU fought off a three-point attempt from nearly 30 feet and the ball went out of bounds off Lincoln.&nbsp;Jahiem Holden, who had a big second half, sealed the game on a pair of free throws with just three seconds remaining.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1710448146&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-jaheim-holden-interview-v-lincoln-jan-6th-2023" title="Jahiem Holden Postgame vs. Lincoln (Jan. 6, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Jahiem Holden Postgame vs. Lincoln (Jan. 6, 2024)</a></div></div>Hammeke, Jonsson, and Holden combined for 58 of the team's 69 points. Hammeke led the way with 24 on 7-of-15 shooting and an 8-of-8 effort at the free-throw line. Jonsson scored a career-high 18 points, hitting a new career-high four 3-point field goals in the game. He was an efficient 6-of-9 from the field and 2-of-2 at the charity stripe. Holden was 5-of-7 from the field, made his only 3-point field goal attempt, and went 5-of-5 at the free-throw line. Davis (6) and Elijah Nnanabu&nbsp;(2) were the only other Tigers to score in the game. Hammeke also led the Tigers in rebounds (7) and assists (6).<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1710448266&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-mbkb-v-lincoln-highlights-jan-6th-2024" title="Fort Hays State MBB Highlights vs. Lincoln (Jan. 6, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State MBB Highlights vs. Lincoln (Jan. 6, 2024)</a></div></div>Richardson led Lincoln with 20 points, followed by Elijah Farr with 19. They both had a team-high five rebounds. Franck Yetna also scored in double figures for Lincoln with 15.Lincoln made one more 3-point shot than FHSU, but FHSU held a 16-8 scoring advantage at the free-throw line. The teams nearly combined for a perfect day at the free-throw line, FHSU going 16-of-17 and LU 8-of-8.The win kept Fort Hays State a perfect 13-0 against Lincoln all-time at Gross Memorial Coliseum. Lincoln only has two wins in history in Hays, both before Gross Memorial Coliseum was built.Fort Hays State remained one game back of Northwest Missouri State in the MIAA standings, but now has sole possession of second place. The Tigers will play their next three games on the road, starting with a trip to Missouri Southern and Pittsburg State next week.&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Sports Information contributed to this story

🏀 Tiger men grind out home win over Lincoln

TOPEKA – The Hays High wrestling team their final four duals
and finished second at the Topeka Seaman Duals Saturday in Topeka.

After losing 44-34 to Washburn Rural to open the day, the
Indians defeated Pittsburg 51-21, Topeka Seaman B-Team 84-0, Lansing 37-33 and
the Seaman varsity 60-16.

Washburn Rural won all five of their duals to win the team title.

Elijah McCullough, Tacoma Augustine, Harley Zimmerman and Will
Linenberger all finished 5-0 for HHS and were named all tournament.

Tianna Napue, Katie Gutierrez, Lexi Burton and Lexi Barnett
all won their brackets for the HHS girls.

Topeka-Washburn Rural defeated Hays 44-34

Hays PostTOPEKA – The Hays High wrestling team their final four duals
and finished second at the Topeka Seaman Duals Saturday in Topeka.After losing 44-34 to Washburn Rural to open the day, the
Indians defeated Pittsburg 51-21, Topeka Seaman B-Team 84-0, Lansing 37-33 and
the Seaman varsity 60-16.Washburn Rural won all five of their duals to win the team title.Elijah McCullough, Tacoma Augustine, Harley Zimmerman and Will
Linenberger all finished 5-0 for HHS and were named all tournament.Tianna Napue, Katie Gutierrez, Lexi Burton and Lexi Barnett
all won their brackets for the HHS girls.HHS Boys ResultsTopeka-Washburn Rural defeated Hays 44-34<ul>
 <li>106&nbsp;-&nbsp;Ryder Harrison (Topeka-Washburn Rural HS)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Camden Luck (Hays)&nbsp;Fall 2:00</li><li>113&nbsp;-&nbsp;Elijah McCullough (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Unknown (Unattached)&nbsp;Forf</li><li>120&nbsp;-&nbsp;Walker Doyal (Topeka-Washburn Rural HS)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Grady Lind (Hays)&nbsp;Fall 3:33</li><li>126&nbsp;-&nbsp;Tacoma Augustine (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Levi Hoskinson (Topeka-Washburn Rural HS)&nbsp;Fall 0:39</li><li>132&nbsp;-&nbsp;Easton Broxterman (Topeka-Washburn Rural HS)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Jace Myers (Hays)&nbsp;Fall 0:42</li><li>138&nbsp;-&nbsp;Landen Kocher-Munoz (Topeka-Washburn Rural HS)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Brant Pfannenstiel (Hays)&nbsp;Fall 5:10</li><li>144&nbsp;-&nbsp;Harley Zimmerman (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Brodye Kocher-Munoz (Topeka-Washburn Rural HS)&nbsp;Maj 13-1</li><li>150&nbsp;-&nbsp;Kristjan Marshall (Topeka-Washburn Rural HS)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Roberto Macias (Hays)&nbsp;TF 16-1</li><li>157&nbsp;-&nbsp;Brody Byrne (Topeka-Washburn Rural HS)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Corbin Luck (Hays)&nbsp;Fall 2:33</li><li>165&nbsp;-&nbsp;Chase Calhoon (Topeka-Washburn Rural HS)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Logan Schoenberger (Hays)&nbsp;Fall 2:35</li><li>175&nbsp;-&nbsp;Jadyn Baum (Topeka-Washburn Rural HS)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Jonathan Rigler (Hays)&nbsp;Dec 6-3</li><li>190&nbsp;-&nbsp;Dalton Meyers (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Gavin Homeyer (Topeka-Washburn Rural HS)&nbsp;Fall 0:52</li><li>215&nbsp;-&nbsp;Jaxson Chartier (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Baron Blankenship (Topeka-Washburn Rural HS)&nbsp;Fall 4:43</li><li>285&nbsp;-&nbsp;Will Linenberger (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;AJ Payne (Topeka-Washburn Rural HS)&nbsp;Fall 0:50</li>
 </ul>Hays defeated Pittsburg 51-21<ul>
 <li>106&nbsp;-&nbsp;Camden Luck (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Unknown (Unattached)&nbsp;Forf</li><li>113&nbsp;-&nbsp;Elijah McCullough (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Evan Antoni (Pittsburg)&nbsp;Fall 0:16</li><li>120&nbsp;-&nbsp;Grady Lind (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Tyler Koroush (Pittsburg)&nbsp;Fall 1:34</li><li>126&nbsp;-&nbsp;Tacoma Augustine (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Anthony Alexander (Pittsburg)&nbsp;Fall 3:08</li><li>132&nbsp;-&nbsp;Caleb Hartman (Pittsburg)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Jace Myers (Hays)&nbsp;Dec 6-3</li><li>138&nbsp;-&nbsp;Trevor McPartlen (Pittsburg)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Brant Pfannenstiel (Hays)&nbsp;Fall 5:45</li><li>144&nbsp;-&nbsp;Harley Zimmerman (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Ciaran Walker (Pittsburg)&nbsp;Fall 1:26</li><li>150&nbsp;-&nbsp;Eismael Hernandez (Pittsburg)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Roberto Macias (Hays)&nbsp;Dec 9-7</li><li>157&nbsp;-&nbsp;Corbin Luck (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Ashton Bauder (Pittsburg)&nbsp;SV-1 8-6</li><li>165&nbsp;-&nbsp;Logan Schoenberger (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Maximus Goodwin (Pittsburg)&nbsp;Fall 2:32</li><li>175&nbsp;-&nbsp;DeMarus Partee (Pittsburg)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Jonathan Rigler (Hays)&nbsp;Fall 3:07</li><li>190&nbsp;-&nbsp;Dalton Meyers (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Unknown (Unattached)&nbsp;Forf</li><li>215&nbsp;-&nbsp;Stone Peery (Pittsburg)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Jaxson Chartier (Hays)&nbsp;Dec 9-5</li><li>285&nbsp;-&nbsp;Will Linenberger (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Austin Jasso (Pittsburg)&nbsp;Fall 0:47</li>
 </ul>Hays defeated Seaman B 84-0<ul>
 <li>106&nbsp;-&nbsp;Camden Luck (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Unknown (Unattached)&nbsp;Forf</li><li>113&nbsp;-&nbsp;Elijah McCullough (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Colton Beeghly (Seaman B)&nbsp;Fall 1:27</li><li>120&nbsp;-&nbsp;Grady Lind (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Kyson Foster (Seaman B)&nbsp;Fall 2:59</li><li>126&nbsp;-&nbsp;Tacoma Augustine (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Unknown (Unattached)&nbsp;Forf</li><li>132&nbsp;-&nbsp;Jace Myers (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Isaac Thompson (Seaman B)&nbsp;Fall 1:19</li><li>138&nbsp;-&nbsp;Brant Pfannenstiel (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Unknown (Unattached)&nbsp;Forf</li><li>144&nbsp;-&nbsp;Harley Zimmerman (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Grady Piper (Seaman B)&nbsp;Fall 0:44</li><li>150&nbsp;-&nbsp;Roberto Macias (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Ethan Villines (Seaman B)&nbsp;Fall 2:49</li><li>157&nbsp;-&nbsp;Corbin Luck (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Kane Tillman (Seaman B)&nbsp;Fall 1:09</li><li>165&nbsp;-&nbsp;Logan Schoenberger (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Andrew Nixon (Seaman B)&nbsp;Fall 1:59</li><li>175&nbsp;-&nbsp;Jonathan Rigler (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Unknown (Unattached)&nbsp;Forf</li><li>190&nbsp;-&nbsp;Dalton Meyers (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Bodie Alexander (Seaman B)&nbsp;Fall 1:52</li><li>215&nbsp;-&nbsp;Jaxson Chartier (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Tristian Wilson (Seaman B)&nbsp;Fall 0:58</li><li>285&nbsp;-&nbsp;Will Linenberger (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;William Schefers (Seaman B)&nbsp;Fall 0:21</li>
 </ul>Hays defeated Lansing 37-33<ul>
 <li>106&nbsp;-&nbsp;Caden Garcia (Lansing)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Camden Luck (Hays)&nbsp;Fall 5:10</li><li>113&nbsp;-&nbsp;Elijah McCullough (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Elijah Dickson (Lansing)&nbsp;Maj 12-1</li><li>120&nbsp;-&nbsp;Sawyer Jorgensen (Lansing)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Grady Lind (Hays)&nbsp;Fall 3:10</li><li>126&nbsp;-&nbsp;Tacoma Augustine (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Jacob Garner (Lansing)&nbsp;Fall 5:17</li><li>132&nbsp;-&nbsp;Riley Dilka (Lansing)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Jace Myers (Hays)&nbsp;Fall 1:03</li><li>138&nbsp;-&nbsp;Brant Pfannenstiel (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Unknown (Unattached)&nbsp;Forf</li><li>144&nbsp;-&nbsp;Harley Zimmerman (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Unknown (Unattached)&nbsp;Forf</li><li>150&nbsp;-&nbsp;Justin Shields (Lansing)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Roberto Macias (Hays)&nbsp;Fall 1:04</li><li>157&nbsp;-&nbsp;Aidan Lessard (Lansing)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Corbin Luck (Hays)&nbsp;Dec 5-4</li><li>165&nbsp;-&nbsp;Logan Schoenberger (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Unknown (Unattached)&nbsp;Forf</li><li>175&nbsp;-&nbsp;Jonathan Rigler (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Xavier Harmon (Lansing)&nbsp;Dec 9-4</li><li>190&nbsp;-&nbsp;Noah Mathis (Lansing)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Dalton Meyers (Hays)&nbsp;Dec 5-1</li><li>215&nbsp;-&nbsp;Elijah Mathis (Lansing)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Jaxson Chartier (Hays)&nbsp;Dec 7-0</li><li>285&nbsp;-&nbsp;Will Linenberger (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Jonathan Showers (Lansing)&nbsp;Fall 1:04</li>
 </ul>Hays defeated Seaman 60-16<ul>
 <li>106&nbsp;-&nbsp;Camden Luck (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Maddox Malone (Seaman )&nbsp;Fall 3:10</li><li>113&nbsp;-&nbsp;Elijah McCullough (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Aaron Haynes (Seaman )&nbsp;Fall 3:54</li><li>120&nbsp;-&nbsp;Meko Ortega (Seaman )&nbsp;over&nbsp;Grady Lind (Hays)&nbsp;Fall 3:55</li><li>126&nbsp;-&nbsp;Tacoma Augustine (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Deegan Frazier (Seaman )&nbsp;Fall 3:50</li><li>132&nbsp;-&nbsp;Jace Myers (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Ross Shipley (Seaman )&nbsp;Fall 3:20</li><li>138&nbsp;-&nbsp;Brant Pfannenstiel (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Cody Lord (Seaman )&nbsp;Fall 4:00</li><li>144&nbsp;-&nbsp;Harley Zimmerman (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Colin Little (Seaman )&nbsp;Fall 4:06</li><li>150&nbsp;-&nbsp;Roberto Macias (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Brennen Bowers (Seaman )&nbsp;Fall 1:53</li><li>157&nbsp;-&nbsp;Gabe Brannick (Seaman )&nbsp;over&nbsp;Corbin Luck (Hays)&nbsp;Dec 10-3</li><li>165&nbsp;-&nbsp;Samson Tootle (Seaman )&nbsp;over&nbsp;Logan Schoenberger (Hays)&nbsp;Dec 8-2</li><li>175&nbsp;-&nbsp;Jonathan Rigler (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Michael McCullough (Seaman )&nbsp;Fall 3:01</li><li>190&nbsp;-&nbsp;Dalton Meyers (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Deyton Mentzer (Seaman )&nbsp;DQ</li><li>215&nbsp;-&nbsp;Hunter Reno (Seaman )&nbsp;over&nbsp;Jaxson Chartier (Hays)&nbsp;Maj 11-1</li><li>285&nbsp;-&nbsp;Will Linenberger (Hays)&nbsp;over&nbsp;Henry Reichart (Seaman )&nbsp;Fall 0:30</li>
 </ul>

🤼‍♂️ HHS boys finish second at Topeka Seaman Duals

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Tylor Perry scored 25 points and Kansas State beat UCF 77-52 on Saturday night in the Knights' inaugural game as a Big 12 Conference member.

Perry was 7 of 13 from the floor and made six 3-pointers and all five of his free throws. Arthur Kaluma added 14 points for Kansas State (11-3, 1-0), which has won eight of its last nine games. Cam Carter chipped in 12 points and blocked three shots. Perry and Carter combined for 11 of the Wildcats' 18 assists. Will McNair Jr. scored 11 points.

Darius Johnson scored 10 points for UCF (9-4, 0-1), which shot 34% (22 of 65) from the floor and missed 16 of 21 3-point attempts.

Kansas State scored the first 10 points of the game and led 35-19 at the break. Kaluma scored 11 first-half points and Perry chipped in eight. Perry hit a pair of 3-pointers during a 13-0 run later in the second half that stretched the Wildcats' lead to 60-25 with 12 minutes left. It was their largest of the game.

Kansas State plays at West Virginia on Tuesday.

UCF hosts second-ranked Kansas on Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704599119944.jpeg" alt="Kansas State guard Dorian Finister (3) drives to the basket in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Central Florida Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, in Manhattan, Kan. (KSU Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State guard Dorian Finister (3) drives to the basket in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Central Florida Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, in Manhattan, Kan. (KSU Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Associated PressMANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Tylor Perry scored 25 points and Kansas State beat UCF 77-52 on Saturday night in the Knights' inaugural game as a Big 12 Conference member.Perry was 7 of 13 from the floor and made six 3-pointers and all five of his free throws. Arthur Kaluma added 14 points for Kansas State (11-3, 1-0), which has won eight of its last nine games. Cam Carter chipped in 12 points and blocked three shots. Perry and Carter combined for 11 of the Wildcats' 18 assists. Will McNair Jr. scored 11 points.Darius Johnson scored 10 points for UCF (9-4, 0-1), which shot 34% (22 of 65) from the floor and missed 16 of 21 3-point attempts.Kansas State scored the first 10 points of the game and led 35-19 at the break. Kaluma scored 11 first-half points and Perry chipped in eight. Perry hit a pair of 3-pointers during a 13-0 run later in the second half that stretched the Wildcats' lead to 60-25 with 12 minutes left. It was their largest of the game.Kansas State plays at West Virginia on Tuesday.UCF hosts second-ranked Kansas on Wednesday.

🏀 Kansas State routs UCF in the Knights' Big 12 Conference inaugural

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/stats/2023-24/lincoln/boxscore/12787">BOX SCORE</a>

HAYS, Kan. - Olivia Hollenbeck scored 19 points and the Fort Hays State knocked down nine 3-pointers in a 74-62 win over Lincoln Saturday afternoon at Gross Memorial Coliseum.&nbsp;It was the most made 3-pointers by the Tigers at home in more than one year (nine vs. Newman, 12/18/22).

The win along with Saturday's other results around the conference has the 10th-ranked Tigers (12-2, 6-2 MIAA) move back into a tie for first place in the MIAA standings.

Fort Hays State jumped out to a quick start, hitting over 50 percent from the floor in the opening quarter (8-of-15) to build an eight-point lead. The Tigers led by as many as 11 early in the second quarter before Lincoln (5-8, 1-6 MIAA) grabbed the momentum with a 15-0 run, Jessie Sallach hit a 3-pointer to end the 6:39 scoring drought and pulled FHSU within a point at 26-25 at halftime.

The Sallach basket was the start of a 13-0 Fort Hays State run which was keyed by 3-pointers from Sydney Golladay and Ellis Stearns. The Tigers hit 8-of-16 shots in the third quarter then 6-of-8 in the fourth.

Fort Hays State led by as many as 16 early in the fourth quarter on a Kate Dilsaver&nbsp;driving layup before Lincoln mounted a rally down the stretch. The Blue Tigers pulled as close as six with three minutes to go but FHSU hit 9-of-10 free throws in the final quarter to seal the win.

Hollenbeck went 8-of-9 from the floor and added two blocks which moved her in to third place on the career blocked shot chart and finished with 19 points which moved her to 19th on the all-time scoring list.

Golladay was one assist shy of her first career double-double, with the point guard totaling 11 points and a career-best nine assists alongside two steals. The junior knocked down multiple 3-pointers for the second game in a row.

Katie Wagner&nbsp;contributed 13 points and a team-high seven rebounds, allowing the Maize, Kan. native to climb into ninth on the all-time scoring list at FHSU and into sole possession of seventh on the rebounds chart.

The Tiger defense forced 16 Lincoln turnovers, with FHSU turning those into 17 points. The Tigers made the most of six offensive rebounds, scoring 10 second-chance points.

Fort Hays State will head out on the road for its next three contests, beginning Thursday in Joplin, Mo. against Missouri Southern.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704595137122.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State guard Sydney Golladay dribbles the ball up the floor in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Lincoln on Saturday, January 6, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State guard Sydney Golladay dribbles the ball up the floor in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Lincoln on Saturday, January 6, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/stats/2023-24/lincoln/boxscore/12787">BOX SCORE</a>HAYS, Kan. - Olivia Hollenbeck scored 19 points and the Fort Hays State knocked down nine 3-pointers in a 74-62 win over Lincoln Saturday afternoon at Gross Memorial Coliseum.&nbsp;It was the most made 3-pointers by the Tigers at home in more than one year (nine vs. Newman, 12/18/22).The win along with Saturday's other results around the conference has the 10th-ranked Tigers (12-2, 6-2 MIAA) move back into a tie for first place in the MIAA standings.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1710367419&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-coach-kars-v-lincoln-interview-jan-6th-2024" title="Talia Kahrs Postgame vs. Lincoln (Jan. 6, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Talia Kahrs Postgame vs. Lincoln (Jan. 6, 2024)</a></div></div>Fort Hays State jumped out to a quick start, hitting over 50 percent from the floor in the opening quarter (8-of-15) to build an eight-point lead. The Tigers led by as many as 11 early in the second quarter before Lincoln (5-8, 1-6 MIAA) grabbed the momentum with a 15-0 run, Jessie Sallach hit a 3-pointer to end the 6:39 scoring drought and pulled FHSU within a point at 26-25 at halftime.The Sallach basket was the start of a 13-0 Fort Hays State run which was keyed by 3-pointers from Sydney Golladay and Ellis Stearns. The Tigers hit 8-of-16 shots in the third quarter then 6-of-8 in the fourth.Fort Hays State led by as many as 16 early in the fourth quarter on a Kate Dilsaver&nbsp;driving layup before Lincoln mounted a rally down the stretch. The Blue Tigers pulled as close as six with three minutes to go but FHSU hit 9-of-10 free throws in the final quarter to seal the win.Hollenbeck went 8-of-9 from the floor and added two blocks which moved her in to third place on the career blocked shot chart and finished with 19 points which moved her to 19th on the all-time scoring list.Golladay was one assist shy of her first career double-double, with the point guard totaling 11 points and a career-best nine assists alongside two steals. The junior knocked down multiple 3-pointers for the second game in a row.Katie Wagner&nbsp;contributed 13 points and a team-high seven rebounds, allowing the Maize, Kan. native to climb into ninth on the all-time scoring list at FHSU and into sole possession of seventh on the rebounds chart.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1710362541&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-wbkb-v-lincoln-hilights-jan-6th-2024" title="Fort Hays State WBB Highlights vs. Lincoln (Jan. 6, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State WBB Highlights vs. Lincoln (Jan. 6, 2024)</a></div></div>The Tiger defense forced 16 Lincoln turnovers, with FHSU turning those into 17 points. The Tigers made the most of six offensive rebounds, scoring 10 second-chance points.Fort Hays State will head out on the road for its next three contests, beginning Thursday in Joplin, Mo. against Missouri Southern.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀  No. 10 Tiger women hold off Lincoln

By DAVID SMALE Associated Press

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Hunter Dickinson scored with 3.4 seconds left to lift No. 2 Kansas past TCU 83-81 on Saturday.

Dickinson, who led Kansas with 30 points, hit a pair of free throws after a flagrant foul on TCU’s Ernest Udeh Jr. with less than a minute remaining to tie the game. Dickinson then followed Dajuan Harris Jr.'s miss in the final seconds.

“Hopefully I won’t have to take an elbow (to the face) to get a chance to win the game,” Dickinson said. “But I’ll do whatever it takes to win the game.

“It’s really fun to go out there with guys that know how to win, get it done at the end of the day.”

Kansas (13-1, 1-0 Big 12) also got 18 points from KJ Adams Jr. Kevin McCullar Jr. had 16 points and Harris scored 10.

TCU (11-3, 0-1) was led by Trevian Tennyson with 24 points. He was joined in double figures by Emanuel Miller with 20 points and Micah Peavy and Jameer Nelson Jr. with 10 points each.

“Tennyson was great,” Kansas coach Bill Self said. “Jamie has said publicly that he was their best shooter since Desmond (Bane). We did a terrible job guarding him, but I thought he was terrific.”

Kansas did not have a field goal from anyone outside of Dickinson, McCullar or Adams until Harris hit a layup with 16:04 left in the second half.

“I’ve said this all along — we’re all for that,” Self said when asked if the Jayhawks need a fourth contributor. “Juan (Harris) had a terrible first half. But then he makes the hardest shot in the game and he made the past to win it.

“We’re all for somebody else stepping up. But you know, we’re not going to win all our games with four guys doing all the scoring, but that’s the way it was today.”

The Jayhawks couldn’t shake the Horned Frogs in the first half. Their largest lead was just six points (30-24). Each time Kansas tried to pull away, TCU responded. The Horned Frogs took two late leads before Kansas got a jumper from McCullar to take a 41-40 lead into halftime.

“I’m proud of our players, no question about it,” TCU head coach Jamie Dixon said. “I love their execution, love their intensity, love the ball pressure that we displayed for the entire game. I’m proud of how the guys handled the last minute. I’m proud of everything they did. But we didn’t get the win. Disappointed by that.”

Dickinson led a trio of Jayhawks in double figures in the first half with 18 points.

Both teams shot better than 50% in the first half. TCU was 17 of 33 (51.5%), while Kansas had as many makes with one less attempt for 53.1% from the field.

TCU: The Horned Frogs are not intimidated by playing in Allen Fieldhouse. After handing Kansas the second-worst loss at Allen Fieldhouse in Self’s coaching career last season, the Frogs took Kansas to the wire again Saturday.

Kansas: The Jayhawks are fast starters in league competition. Kansas has won 33 straight conference openers, dating back to 1991 when the Jayhawks lost to Oklahoma.

Kansas: Visits Central Florida on Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704598537251.jpeg" alt="Kansas center Hunter Dickinson celebrates after his basket that gave his team a win over TCU during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Lawrence, Kan., Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas center Hunter Dickinson celebrates after his basket that gave his team a win over TCU during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Lawrence, Kan., Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID SMALE Associated PressLAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Hunter Dickinson scored with 3.4 seconds left to lift No. 2 Kansas past TCU 83-81 on Saturday.Dickinson, who led Kansas with 30 points, hit a pair of free throws after a flagrant foul on TCU’s Ernest Udeh Jr. with less than a minute remaining to tie the game. Dickinson then followed Dajuan Harris Jr.'s miss in the final seconds.“Hopefully I won’t have to take an elbow (to the face) to get a chance to win the game,” Dickinson said. “But I’ll do whatever it takes to win the game.“It’s really fun to go out there with guys that know how to win, get it done at the end of the day.”Kansas (13-1, 1-0 Big 12) also got 18 points from KJ Adams Jr. Kevin McCullar Jr. had 16 points and Harris scored 10.TCU (11-3, 0-1) was led by Trevian Tennyson with 24 points. He was joined in double figures by Emanuel Miller with 20 points and Micah Peavy and Jameer Nelson Jr. with 10 points each.“Tennyson was great,” Kansas coach Bill Self said. “Jamie has said publicly that he was their best shooter since Desmond (Bane). We did a terrible job guarding him, but I thought he was terrific.”Kansas did not have a field goal from anyone outside of Dickinson, McCullar or Adams until Harris hit a layup with 16:04 left in the second half.“I’ve said this all along — we’re all for that,” Self said when asked if the Jayhawks need a fourth contributor. “Juan (Harris) had a terrible first half. But then he makes the hardest shot in the game and he made the past to win it.“We’re all for somebody else stepping up. But you know, we’re not going to win all our games with four guys doing all the scoring, but that’s the way it was today.”The Jayhawks couldn’t shake the Horned Frogs in the first half. Their largest lead was just six points (30-24). Each time Kansas tried to pull away, TCU responded. The Horned Frogs took two late leads before Kansas got a jumper from McCullar to take a 41-40 lead into halftime.“I’m proud of our players, no question about it,” TCU head coach Jamie Dixon said. “I love their execution, love their intensity, love the ball pressure that we displayed for the entire game. I’m proud of how the guys handled the last minute. I’m proud of everything they did. But we didn’t get the win. Disappointed by that.”Dickinson led a trio of Jayhawks in double figures in the first half with 18 points.Both teams shot better than 50% in the first half. TCU was 17 of 33 (51.5%), while Kansas had as many makes with one less attempt for 53.1% from the field.THE TAKEAWAYTCU: The Horned Frogs are not intimidated by playing in Allen Fieldhouse. After handing Kansas the second-worst loss at Allen Fieldhouse in Self’s coaching career last season, the Frogs took Kansas to the wire again Saturday.Kansas: The Jayhawks are fast starters in league competition. Kansas has won 33 straight conference openers, dating back to 1991 when the Jayhawks lost to Oklahoma.UP NEXTTCU: Hosts No. 11 Oklahoma on Wednesday.Kansas: Visits Central Florida on Wednesday.

🏀 Dickinson’s late shot gives No. 2 Kansas win over TCU

Fort Hays State (10-3, 5-2 MIAA) vs. Lincoln (9-3, 4-2 MIAA) Saturday, January 6 • 4 p.m. Hays, Kan. • Gross Memorial Coliseum

Radio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;The MIAA Network&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

Game Sponsor:&nbsp;Redeem Designs Promotions:&nbsp;Retro Day - Retro t-shirt giveaway (first 250 fans) and retro concession prices ($1 popcorn and soft drinks)

The Fort Hays State men's basketball team closes out its weekend homestand with Lincoln University on Saturday afternoon. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, which follows the women's contest. FHSU enters at 10-3 overall, 5-2 in the MIAA, while Lincoln is 9-3 overall and 4-2 in the MIAA.

Fort Hays State notched a 61-51 win over Central Missouri on Thursday night to remain one game behind Northwest Missouri State in the MIAA standings. Lincoln is just a half game back of FHSU after a 90-67 win at Nebraska-Kearney on Thursday night.

Fort Hays State holds a 20-10 advantage in the all-time series with Lincoln. FHSU has won five straight games in the series going back to the 2020-21 season. FHSU swept the regular season series between the teams last year, winning 66-53 in Jefferson City and 59-57 in Hays. Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;hit a turn-around buzzer-beating shot in the left corner last year to lift FHSU to the two-point win in Hays. FHSU has won the last 12 meetings with Lincoln in Hays. Lincoln's last win in Hays occurred during the 1968-69 season.

Fort Hays State continues to own the nation's top scoring defense at just 56.6 points allowed per game. They increased their lead in the category by holding UCM to 51 on Thursday night, now at 3.5 points per game better than Alaska-Anchorage (60.1). The MIAA currently has four teams among the top 10 nationally for scoring defense, which also includes Northwest Missouri State (3rd, 60.6), Central Oklahoma (4th, 61.7), and Central Missouri (9th, 63.7).

Fort Hays State has also made it tough for their opponents to hit shots this season, currently ranking second nationally in field goal percentage defense. FHSU has held the opposition to 37.2 percent shooting from the field this season, only behind Lander University at 36.8 percent. FHSU has held nine of 13 opponents to less than 40 percent shooting from the field this season.

Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;leads FHSU at 14.1 points and 3.6 assists per game. Shaun Riley&nbsp;leads the Tigers in rebounding average at 5.4 per game and is coming off a season-high 16 points in the win over Central Missouri on Thursday night. Elijah Nnanabu&nbsp;is the only other Tiger averaging double figures in scoring at 10.6 points per game. Hammeke (17), Riley, and Nnanabu (13) were the three Tigers that scored in double figures in the win over Central Missouri.

Lincoln has three players averaging double figures in scoring, led by DJ Richardson at 15.6 points per game. Elijah Farr is one of the three that averages double figures at 12.2 per game and leads the team in rebounding at 8.5 per contest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704485439110.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State (10-3, 5-2 MIAA) vs. Lincoln (9-3, 4-2 MIAA) Saturday, January 6 • 4 p.m. Hays, Kan. • Gross Memorial ColiseumRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;The MIAA Network&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>Game Sponsor:&nbsp;Redeem Designs Promotions:&nbsp;Retro Day - Retro t-shirt giveaway (first 250 fans) and retro concession prices ($1 popcorn and soft drinks)The Fort Hays State men's basketball team closes out its weekend homestand with Lincoln University on Saturday afternoon. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, which follows the women's contest. FHSU enters at 10-3 overall, 5-2 in the MIAA, while Lincoln is 9-3 overall and 4-2 in the MIAA.Fort Hays State notched a 61-51 win over Central Missouri on Thursday night to remain one game behind Northwest Missouri State in the MIAA standings. Lincoln is just a half game back of FHSU after a 90-67 win at Nebraska-Kearney on Thursday night.Fort Hays State holds a 20-10 advantage in the all-time series with Lincoln. FHSU has won five straight games in the series going back to the 2020-21 season. FHSU swept the regular season series between the teams last year, winning 66-53 in Jefferson City and 59-57 in Hays. Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;hit a turn-around buzzer-beating shot in the left corner last year to lift FHSU to the two-point win in Hays. FHSU has won the last 12 meetings with Lincoln in Hays. Lincoln's last win in Hays occurred during the 1968-69 season.Fort Hays State continues to own the nation's top scoring defense at just 56.6 points allowed per game. They increased their lead in the category by holding UCM to 51 on Thursday night, now at 3.5 points per game better than Alaska-Anchorage (60.1). The MIAA currently has four teams among the top 10 nationally for scoring defense, which also includes Northwest Missouri State (3rd, 60.6), Central Oklahoma (4th, 61.7), and Central Missouri (9th, 63.7).Fort Hays State has also made it tough for their opponents to hit shots this season, currently ranking second nationally in field goal percentage defense. FHSU has held the opposition to 37.2 percent shooting from the field this season, only behind Lander University at 36.8 percent. FHSU has held nine of 13 opponents to less than 40 percent shooting from the field this season.Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;leads FHSU at 14.1 points and 3.6 assists per game. Shaun Riley&nbsp;leads the Tigers in rebounding average at 5.4 per game and is coming off a season-high 16 points in the win over Central Missouri on Thursday night. Elijah Nnanabu&nbsp;is the only other Tiger averaging double figures in scoring at 10.6 points per game. Hammeke (17), Riley, and Nnanabu (13) were the three Tigers that scored in double figures in the win over Central Missouri.Lincoln has three players averaging double figures in scoring, led by DJ Richardson at 15.6 points per game. Elijah Farr is one of the three that averages double figures at 12.2 per game and leads the team in rebounding at 8.5 per contest.