HAYS, Kan. - A big second half helped the sixth-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team rally from a 20-point deficit to defeat Northwest Missouri State by double figures on Thursday, winning 84-71. The rally matched FHSU's largest comeback in an MIAA game since joining the league in 2006 (20 points at UNK, 2/2/19).

Junior Talexa Weeter erupted for a career-high 45 points, one shy of the Tiger program record and just the fourth 40-plus point game by a Tiger in team history. It was the first 40-point game for a Tiger since Petrece Faulkner's school-record 46 points at Adams State in 1993 (2/6/93).

Weeter's 45 points are tied for the most by a Division II women's basketball player this season. She broke the school record with 17 made free throws and tied the program mark with 20 free-throw attempts.

The Tigers (11-1, 2-1 MIAA) hit three of their first four shots to race out to a quick 9-5 lead, but the Bearcats bounced back after the first two minutes. NWMSU (9-4, 2-1 MIAA) hit 10-of-12 from the floor to go on a 30-7 run spanning the end of the first quarter and the start of the second, building a 42-22 lead which is the largest deficit of the season for the Tigers.

Fort Hays State bounced back over the final five minutes, scoring the final nine points of the frame while creating eight-straight Bearcat misses to close within 42-31 at halftime.

Weeter scored 11 points in the first six minutes of the second half to help close the gap before a pair of Ellie Stearns 3-pointers tied things up at 50 with 14 minutes to play. Stearns added a layup on the next possession to give FHSU the lead before an Olivia Mortensen 3-pointer put the Tigers up 57-52 entering the fourth quarter.

The Goodland, Kan. native put the nail in the coffin in the fourth quarter, scoring 16 points on three field goals and 9-of-10 shooting from the free-throw line. Weeter drew 13 fouls in the game, finishing the night shooting 13-of-19 from the floor, 2-of-3 from behind the arc and 17-of-20 from the free-throw line. She added 10 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season.

The Tigers hit 59.3 percent (16-of-27) in the second half while they matched their season low with only nine turnovers.\

Brooke Loewe totaled 12 points and seven assists, while Mortensen scored 11 points alongside four blocks, the most by a Tiger in a game this season. Stearns recorded 10 points and three steals, giving the Tigers four in double figures for a fourth time this season.

The Tigers will wrap up a five-game homestand on Saturday when they host Missouri Western. Tipoff is slated for 4 p.m., with the women to follow the men due to the men's game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767328256407.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Talexa Weeter (22) attempts a shot over Northwest MIssouri State's Sadie Maas (32) on Thursday, January 1, 2026 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmen)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Talexa Weeter (22) attempts a shot over Northwest MIssouri State's Sadie Maas (32) on Thursday, January 1, 2026 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmen)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. - A big second half helped the sixth-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team rally from a 20-point deficit to defeat Northwest Missouri State by double figures on Thursday, winning 84-71. The rally matched FHSU's largest comeback in an MIAA game since joining the league in 2006 (20 points at UNK, 2/2/19).Junior Talexa Weeter erupted for a career-high 45 points, one shy of the Tiger program record and just the fourth 40-plus point game by a Tiger in team history. It was the first 40-point game for a Tiger since Petrece Faulkner's school-record 46 points at Adams State in 1993 (2/6/93).<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/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2240172377&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/kahrs-post-int-v-nwmsu-jan-1" title="Talia Kahrs Postgame vs. NW Missouri State (Jan. 1, 2026)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Talia Kahrs Postgame vs. NW Missouri State (Jan. 1, 2026)</a></div></div>Weeter's 45 points are tied for the most by a Division II women's basketball player this season. She broke the school record with 17 made free throws and tied the program mark with 20 free-throw attempts.The Tigers (11-1, 2-1 MIAA) hit three of their first four shots to race out to a quick 9-5 lead, but the Bearcats bounced back after the first two minutes. NWMSU (9-4, 2-1 MIAA) hit 10-of-12 from the floor to go on a 30-7 run spanning the end of the first quarter and the start of the second, building a 42-22 lead which is the largest deficit of the season for the Tigers.Fort Hays State bounced back over the final five minutes, scoring the final nine points of the frame while creating eight-straight Bearcat misses to close within 42-31 at halftime.<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/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2240172530&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/weeter-post-int-v-nwmsu-jan-1" title="Talexa Weeter Postgame vs. NW Missouri State (Jan, 1, 2026)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Talexa Weeter Postgame vs. NW Missouri State (Jan, 1, 2026)</a></div></div>Weeter scored 11 points in the first six minutes of the second half to help close the gap before a pair of Ellie Stearns 3-pointers tied things up at 50 with 14 minutes to play. Stearns added a layup on the next possession to give FHSU the lead before an Olivia Mortensen 3-pointer put the Tigers up 57-52 entering the fourth quarter.The Goodland, Kan. native put the nail in the coffin in the fourth quarter, scoring 16 points on three field goals and 9-of-10 shooting from the free-throw line. Weeter drew 13 fouls in the game, finishing the night shooting 13-of-19 from the floor, 2-of-3 from behind the arc and 17-of-20 from the free-throw line. She added 10 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season.The Tigers hit 59.3 percent (16-of-27) in the second half while they matched their season low with only nine turnovers.\<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/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2240172197&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-nwmsu-jan-1-2026" title="#6 Fort Hays State WBB Highlights vs. NW Missouri State (Jan. 1, 2026)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">#6 Fort Hays State WBB Highlights vs. NW Missouri State (Jan. 1, 2026)</a></div></div>Brooke Loewe totaled 12 points and seven assists, while Mortensen scored 11 points alongside four blocks, the most by a Tiger in a game this season. Stearns recorded 10 points and three steals, giving the Tigers four in double figures for a fourth time this season.<h2>Up next</h2>The Tigers will wrap up a five-game homestand on Saturday when they host Missouri Western. Tipoff is slated for 4 p.m., with the women to follow the men due to the men's game.

🏀 Weeter's 45 points help No. 6 Tigers rally past Bearcats

Northwest Missouri State (8-5, 1-1 MIAA) at Fort Hays State (8-3, 0-2 MIAA) Thursday, January 1&nbsp;• 7:30 p.m. Hays, Kan.&nbsp;• Gross Memorial Coliseum

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

Game Sponsor: Redeem Designs Promotions: Retro t-shirt giveaway before the game / Retro concession prices on select items ($1 popcorn and $1 small drinks)

Fort Hays State Men's Basketball begins the long 17-game stretch of conference games for the remainder of the regular season on New Year's Day when they play host to Northwest Missouri State. Tipoff is set at 7:30 p.m. at Gross Memorial Coliseum. Both teams enter with eight wins overall for the season, FHSU at 8-3 and NWMSU at 8-5. The Tigers are seeking their first win of the season in MIAA play.

Fort Hays State enters this game on a three-game win streak, all in non-conference play. The Tigers started the string with a 19-point win over William Jewell at home, a four-point win over MSU Denver on the road, and then an impressive 60-point win over Regis on the road. The 60-point win at Regis was the largest margin of victory in program history in a true away contest. It tied the fifth-largest margin of victory all-time against collegiate opponents as the Tigers have defeated six other schools by at least 60 in their home venues. Three of the 60-plus point victories have been against schools from Colorado and all three are currently members of the RMAC.

Fort Hays State dropped its first two games of MIAA play on the road at Central Missouri and Washburn. Both have started the season strong as Washburn is still unbeaten and ranked No. 1 in the nation, while Central Missouri is 11-4 overall and receiving votes in the latest national poll.

Northwest Missouri State is coming off a nine-point loss at William Jewell back on December 20. The Bearcats have been in a win-loss pattern over their last eight games, going 4-4. They picked up a 77-70 win over Emporia State at home back on December 4 to even their conference record at 1-1, as they lost by 22 to Missouri Western in the game prior on December 2.

In the 60-point win over Regis, Fort Hays State hit a season-high 17 3-point field goals. It was the first time this year they made at least 10 in a game. It was just two shy of the school record for most made in a game. Jahvari Martino was blazing hot from long range on the two-game trip to Denver before Christmas, going 9-of-13 beyond the arc (.692). He has made multiple 3-point field goals in three-straight games and scored a season-high 20 points at both MSU Denver and Regis.

Dan Mukuna continues to lead the Tigers at 18.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. He led the Tigers with 25 and 21 points on the trip to Denver before the holiday break, averaging 23 points for the week. He owns the second-best field goal percentage in the MIAA at 67 percent, which ranks eighth nationally. Kyle Grill (13.7) and Martino (11.5) also average double figures in scoring for FHSU. Lucas Hammeke averages 3.5 assists per game.

Aiden Gair, Royce Williams, and Matthew Mayes are all averaging just north of 13 points per game for the Bearcats. Williams is the team leader in rebounds at 5.8 per game, while Gair dishes out 3.1 assists per game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767108554931.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsNorthwest Missouri State (8-5, 1-1 MIAA) at Fort Hays State (8-3, 0-2 MIAA) Thursday, January 1&nbsp;• 7:30 p.m. Hays, Kan.&nbsp;• Gross Memorial ColiseumRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;MIAA Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>Game Sponsor: Redeem Designs Promotions: Retro t-shirt giveaway before the game / Retro concession prices on select items ($1 popcorn and $1 small drinks)Fort Hays State Men's Basketball begins the long 17-game stretch of conference games for the remainder of the regular season on New Year's Day when they play host to Northwest Missouri State. Tipoff is set at 7:30 p.m. at Gross Memorial Coliseum. Both teams enter with eight wins overall for the season, FHSU at 8-3 and NWMSU at 8-5. The Tigers are seeking their first win of the season in MIAA play.Fort Hays State enters this game on a three-game win streak, all in non-conference play. The Tigers started the string with a 19-point win over William Jewell at home, a four-point win over MSU Denver on the road, and then an impressive 60-point win over Regis on the road. The 60-point win at Regis was the largest margin of victory in program history in a true away contest. It tied the fifth-largest margin of victory all-time against collegiate opponents as the Tigers have defeated six other schools by at least 60 in their home venues. Three of the 60-plus point victories have been against schools from Colorado and all three are currently members of the RMAC.Fort Hays State dropped its first two games of MIAA play on the road at Central Missouri and Washburn. Both have started the season strong as Washburn is still unbeaten and ranked No. 1 in the nation, while Central Missouri is 11-4 overall and receiving votes in the latest national poll.Northwest Missouri State is coming off a nine-point loss at William Jewell back on December 20. The Bearcats have been in a win-loss pattern over their last eight games, going 4-4. They picked up a 77-70 win over Emporia State at home back on December 4 to even their conference record at 1-1, as they lost by 22 to Missouri Western in the game prior on December 2.In the 60-point win over Regis, Fort Hays State hit a season-high 17 3-point field goals. It was the first time this year they made at least 10 in a game. It was just two shy of the school record for most made in a game. Jahvari Martino was blazing hot from long range on the two-game trip to Denver before Christmas, going 9-of-13 beyond the arc (.692). He has made multiple 3-point field goals in three-straight games and scored a season-high 20 points at both MSU Denver and Regis.Dan Mukuna continues to lead the Tigers at 18.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. He led the Tigers with 25 and 21 points on the trip to Denver before the holiday break, averaging 23 points for the week. He owns the second-best field goal percentage in the MIAA at 67 percent, which ranks eighth nationally. Kyle Grill (13.7) and Martino (11.5) also average double figures in scoring for FHSU. Lucas Hammeke averages 3.5 assists per game.Aiden Gair, Royce Williams, and Matthew Mayes are all averaging just north of 13 points per game for the Bearcats. Williams is the team leader in rebounds at 5.8 per game, while Gair dishes out 3.1 assists per game.

🏀🎧 LISTEN: Tigers host Bearcats to begin 2026 portion of schedule

#6 Fort Hays State Women's Basketball (10-1, 1-1 MIAA) vs. Northwest Missouri State (9-3, 2-0 MIAA) Thursday, January 1, 2026 • 5:30 p.m. Hays, Kan. • Gross Memorial Coliseum

Game Sponsor: Redeem Designs Promotions: Retro t-shirt giveaway, retro concession prices on select items ($1 popcorn, $1 small drinks)

The sixth-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team rings in the new year when the Tigers host Northwest Missouri State on Thursday. First tip in the conference clash is set for 5:30 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.

Quick Hits - The Tigers poured in a school-record 69.8 percent from the floor in their most recent game, a 92-49 win over Chadron State. It was the best shooting performance by a DII team so far this season. - This is the first New Year's Day game for the Tigers in team history. They were scheduled to play on January 1, 2022, but that game at Northeastern State was postponed due to COVID-19 protocols with the RiverHawks. - Now the program leader in career assists, Brooke Loewe entered the holiday break as the DII active career leader with 502 career assists. She ranks 10th in career assists amongst active players across all NCAA divisions and leads all divisions with her average of 10.4 assists per game this season. - Loewe accounts for 15 percent of the 39 double-digit assist performances in DII so far this season. - Talexa Weeter leads Division II and ranks third across all NCAA divisions with an average of 27.5 points per game. She's scored more than 20 points in 10 of 11 games this season, including four with 30-plus. - The Tigers have started off hot all season, averaging more points in the first quarter (22.1) than any other. - FHSU is averaging nearly 19 fast break points per contest while allowing less than six points in transition per night. - The Tigers have won 14 in a row at home against Northwest Missouri State. - Fort Hays State leads Division II with an average of 20.7 assists per game.

20 Wins Now the Norm - Fort Hays State has now reached the 20-win plateau in each of the last 14 seasons, extending the longest active streak of 20-win seasons in Division II. FHSU's streak is tied for the sixth-longest active streak of 20-win seasons across all NCAA Divisions. - FHSU reached the 20-win plateau just eight times over the first 42 years of the program before the current streak began in 2011-12, including no more than two consecutive 20-win campaigns during that time. - The next-best active streak of 20-win seasons in the MIAA is four (MWSU), while the next-best streak in DII is Drury with 12. - Only five DI programs have longer active stretches of 20-win seasons, including UConn (32), Baylor (25), Stanford (23), Florida Gulf Coast (21) and Louisville (15). Fort Hays State's run of 14-straight 20-win seasons is tied with South Carolina and South Dakota State for sixth-best in all NCAA women's basketball.

National Rankings - FHSU leads in the country with 20.7 assists per game while ranking fourth in field goal percentage (48.8 percent), fourth in assist/turnover ratio (1.25), ninth in 3-point percentage (37.3 percent), 11th in winning percentage (90.9 percent), 14th in scoring offense (79.1 ppg) and 14th in fewest fouls (13.6 per game). - Brooke Loewe's 10.4 assists per game are the most across all NCAA divisions. The DI lead is 9.2 assists per game, while the second-best average in DII is 6.8 (Lydia Haack, Concordia-St. Paul). - Talexa Weeter leads Division II and ranks third across all NCAA divisions with an average of 27.5 points per game. - Loewe's 14 assists in a game, a feat she accomplished twice in five days, are the most in a game by a DII athlete this season. - Loewe has six games with 10-plus assists, the most of any DII athlete. Only two other DII student-athletes have had multiple 10-plus assist games this season (CSP's Lydia Haack - 4, UNK's Jillian Aschoff - 2). There have been 39 double-digit assist performances so far this season in Division II - Loewe accounts for 15 percent of those. - Ellie Stearns ranks fifth in the conference with 2.1 3-pointers made per game. - Olivia&nbsp; Mortensen ranks second in the MIAA with a field goal percentage of 53.5 percent - Weeter ranks second in the MIAA in rebounds (8.6 per game) and fourth in the MIAA in field goal percentage (51.2 percent). - Loewe ranks sixth in the MIAA with an average of 2.0 steals per game.

MIAA Athlete of the Week x 3 - Talexa Weeter earned two of the first three and three of the first five MIAA Athlete of the Week awards this season. - The junior averaged 32.5 points and 10.5 rebounds while shooting 60.5 percent from the floor in the first two games of the season. - The Goodland, Kan. native then averaged 33.5 points and 10.0 rebounds in the two wins in Denver last week. - Weeter then totaled 32 points and 13 rebounds in a blowout win over No. 6 Pittsburg State.

Fresh Start - Olivia Mortensen is the 14th true freshman to start a season opener for the Tigers during the DII era (since 1991-92) and the first since Ellie Stearns in 2022.

On This Date - This is the first game in recorded history for the women's basketball team on New Year's Day. - The Tigers were scheduled to play on January 1, 2022 at Northeastern State, but that game was postponed due to COVID-19 protocols within the RiverHawk program. - FHSU has played four times on New Year's Eve, going 2-2.

Last Time Out - The No. 7 Tigers shot a school-record 69.8 percent from the floor in a 92-49 win over Chadron State last year (12/19/25). - FHSU hit 13-of-13 in the second quarter alone and shot 82.1 percent (23-of-28) in the first half. - Olivia Mortensen hit 12-of-13 from the floor to rack up 27 points. - Talexa Weeter scored 22 points in 22 minutes of action. - Brooke Loewe distributed 13 assists in less than 21 minutes on the floor, pushing her over 500 assists for her career.

Scouting the Bearcats - After dropping three of their first four games, the Bearcats have won eight in a row. It is the longest active winning streak in the MIAA and 12th-longest in Division II. - The Bearcats lead the MIAA in field goal percentage defense, allowing teams to shoot just 34.4 percent from the floor. - Bailey Birmingham hits an MIAA-best 2.55 3-pointers per game. - Sadie Maas ranks second in the conference with an average of 1.83 blocks per contest. - Andrea Lopreato scored 40 points in a game earlier this season against Sioux Falls. She is the only player in the MIAA to score more points in a game than Talexa Weeter this year.

Series History with Northwest Missouri State - Fort Hays State is 26-11 all-time against the Bearcats, including a dominant 22-2 run since 2011. - The Tigers are 14-2 at home against the Bearcats, including wins in each of the last 14 games. NWMSU won its first two games in Hays in 1986 and 2006 but hasn't won since. - The Tigers have won four in a row overall. - FHSU is 5-1 against NWMSU under head coach Talia Kahrs, including a 2-0 record at home. - The Tigers and Bearcats have never played an overtime game. - FHSU is 23-8 against Northwest in MIAA regular season contests.

Last Meeting with the Bearcats - 7th-ranked FHSU picked up its ninth 20-plus point win of the season, defeating Northwest Missouri State 84-60 (1/18/25). - FHSU hit 63.3 percent from the floor in the first half before cooling a bit in the second half, shooting 53.8 percent overall. - Five Tigers scored in double figures, including Brooke Loewe who recorded 13 points and 11 assists for her third double-double of the season.

Career Stats vs. NWMSU - Talexa Weeter - 7.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.0 apg in 3 games - 1 game with 10+ points - Brooke Loewe - 5.0 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 3.6 apg in 7 games - 1 double-double - Ellie Stearns - 3.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 0.9 apg in 8 games

Looking Ahead The Tigers wrap up a five-game homestand on Saturday, January 3 when they host Missouri Western. First tip is set for 4 p.m., with the women playing second in the doubleheader due to the men's game being picked as the 38 the Spot MIAA Game of the Week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767108260095.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics#6 Fort Hays State Women's Basketball (10-1, 1-1 MIAA) vs. Northwest Missouri State (9-3, 2-0 MIAA) Thursday, January 1, 2026 • 5:30 p.m. Hays, Kan. • Gross Memorial ColiseumRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;MIAA Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>Game Sponsor: Redeem Designs Promotions: Retro t-shirt giveaway, retro concession prices on select items ($1 popcorn, $1 small drinks)The sixth-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team rings in the new year when the Tigers host Northwest Missouri State on Thursday. First tip in the conference clash is set for 5:30 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.Quick Hits - The Tigers poured in a school-record 69.8 percent from the floor in their most recent game, a 92-49 win over Chadron State. It was the best shooting performance by a DII team so far this season. - This is the first New Year's Day game for the Tigers in team history. They were scheduled to play on January 1, 2022, but that game at Northeastern State was postponed due to COVID-19 protocols with the RiverHawks. - Now the program leader in career assists, Brooke Loewe entered the holiday break as the DII active career leader with 502 career assists. She ranks 10th in career assists amongst active players across all NCAA divisions and leads all divisions with her average of 10.4 assists per game this season. - Loewe accounts for 15 percent of the 39 double-digit assist performances in DII so far this season. - Talexa Weeter leads Division II and ranks third across all NCAA divisions with an average of 27.5 points per game. She's scored more than 20 points in 10 of 11 games this season, including four with 30-plus. - The Tigers have started off hot all season, averaging more points in the first quarter (22.1) than any other. - FHSU is averaging nearly 19 fast break points per contest while allowing less than six points in transition per night. - The Tigers have won 14 in a row at home against Northwest Missouri State. - Fort Hays State leads Division II with an average of 20.7 assists per game.20 Wins Now the Norm - Fort Hays State has now reached the 20-win plateau in each of the last 14 seasons, extending the longest active streak of 20-win seasons in Division II. FHSU's streak is tied for the sixth-longest active streak of 20-win seasons across all NCAA Divisions. - FHSU reached the 20-win plateau just eight times over the first 42 years of the program before the current streak began in 2011-12, including no more than two consecutive 20-win campaigns during that time. - The next-best active streak of 20-win seasons in the MIAA is four (MWSU), while the next-best streak in DII is Drury with 12. - Only five DI programs have longer active stretches of 20-win seasons, including UConn (32), Baylor (25), Stanford (23), Florida Gulf Coast (21) and Louisville (15). Fort Hays State's run of 14-straight 20-win seasons is tied with South Carolina and South Dakota State for sixth-best in all NCAA women's basketball.National Rankings - FHSU leads in the country with 20.7 assists per game while ranking fourth in field goal percentage (48.8 percent), fourth in assist/turnover ratio (1.25), ninth in 3-point percentage (37.3 percent), 11th in winning percentage (90.9 percent), 14th in scoring offense (79.1 ppg) and 14th in fewest fouls (13.6 per game). - Brooke Loewe's 10.4 assists per game are the most across all NCAA divisions. The DI lead is 9.2 assists per game, while the second-best average in DII is 6.8 (Lydia Haack, Concordia-St. Paul). - Talexa Weeter leads Division II and ranks third across all NCAA divisions with an average of 27.5 points per game. - Loewe's 14 assists in a game, a feat she accomplished twice in five days, are the most in a game by a DII athlete this season. - Loewe has six games with 10-plus assists, the most of any DII athlete. Only two other DII student-athletes have had multiple 10-plus assist games this season (CSP's Lydia Haack - 4, UNK's Jillian Aschoff - 2). There have been 39 double-digit assist performances so far this season in Division II - Loewe accounts for 15 percent of those. - Ellie Stearns ranks fifth in the conference with 2.1 3-pointers made per game. - Olivia&nbsp; Mortensen ranks second in the MIAA with a field goal percentage of 53.5 percent - Weeter ranks second in the MIAA in rebounds (8.6 per game) and fourth in the MIAA in field goal percentage (51.2 percent). - Loewe ranks sixth in the MIAA with an average of 2.0 steals per game.MIAA Athlete of the Week x 3 - Talexa Weeter earned two of the first three and three of the first five MIAA Athlete of the Week awards this season. - The junior averaged 32.5 points and 10.5 rebounds while shooting 60.5 percent from the floor in the first two games of the season. - The Goodland, Kan. native then averaged 33.5 points and 10.0 rebounds in the two wins in Denver last week. - Weeter then totaled 32 points and 13 rebounds in a blowout win over No. 6 Pittsburg State.Fresh Start - Olivia Mortensen is the 14th true freshman to start a season opener for the Tigers during the DII era (since 1991-92) and the first since Ellie Stearns in 2022.On This Date - This is the first game in recorded history for the women's basketball team on New Year's Day. - The Tigers were scheduled to play on January 1, 2022 at Northeastern State, but that game was postponed due to COVID-19 protocols within the RiverHawk program. - FHSU has played four times on New Year's Eve, going 2-2.Last Time Out - The No. 7 Tigers shot a school-record 69.8 percent from the floor in a 92-49 win over Chadron State last year (12/19/25). - FHSU hit 13-of-13 in the second quarter alone and shot 82.1 percent (23-of-28) in the first half. - Olivia Mortensen hit 12-of-13 from the floor to rack up 27 points. - Talexa Weeter scored 22 points in 22 minutes of action. - Brooke Loewe distributed 13 assists in less than 21 minutes on the floor, pushing her over 500 assists for her career.Scouting the Bearcats - After dropping three of their first four games, the Bearcats have won eight in a row. It is the longest active winning streak in the MIAA and 12th-longest in Division II. - The Bearcats lead the MIAA in field goal percentage defense, allowing teams to shoot just 34.4 percent from the floor. - Bailey Birmingham hits an MIAA-best 2.55 3-pointers per game. - Sadie Maas ranks second in the conference with an average of 1.83 blocks per contest. - Andrea Lopreato scored 40 points in a game earlier this season against Sioux Falls. She is the only player in the MIAA to score more points in a game than Talexa Weeter this year.Series History with Northwest Missouri State - Fort Hays State is 26-11 all-time against the Bearcats, including a dominant 22-2 run since 2011. - The Tigers are 14-2 at home against the Bearcats, including wins in each of the last 14 games. NWMSU won its first two games in Hays in 1986 and 2006 but hasn't won since. - The Tigers have won four in a row overall. - FHSU is 5-1 against NWMSU under head coach Talia Kahrs, including a 2-0 record at home. - The Tigers and Bearcats have never played an overtime game. - FHSU is 23-8 against Northwest in MIAA regular season contests.Last Meeting with the Bearcats - 7th-ranked FHSU picked up its ninth 20-plus point win of the season, defeating Northwest Missouri State 84-60 (1/18/25). - FHSU hit 63.3 percent from the floor in the first half before cooling a bit in the second half, shooting 53.8 percent overall. - Five Tigers scored in double figures, including Brooke Loewe who recorded 13 points and 11 assists for her third double-double of the season.Career Stats vs. NWMSU - Talexa Weeter - 7.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.0 apg in 3 games - 1 game with 10+ points - Brooke Loewe - 5.0 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 3.6 apg in 7 games - 1 double-double - Ellie Stearns - 3.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 0.9 apg in 8 gamesLooking Ahead The Tigers wrap up a five-game homestand on Saturday, January 3 when they host Missouri Western. First tip is set for 4 p.m., with the women playing second in the doubleheader due to the men's game being picked as the 38 the Spot MIAA Game of the Week.

🏀🎧 LISTEN: No. 6 Tigers ring in new year against Bearcats

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)

Thursday, January 1
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
MWBKB vs. Northwest Missouri State, 5:05pm

Saturday, January 3
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
UCF, 11:30am &nbsp;KJLS: Fort Hays State MWBKB vs. Missouri Western State, 1:30pm

Sunday, January 4
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs FB at Los Angeles Raiders, 2:00pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Thursday, January 1
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
MWBKB vs. Northwest Missouri State, 5:05pmFriday, January 2
 noneSaturday, January 3
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
UCF, 11:30am &nbsp;KJLS: Fort Hays State MWBKB vs. Missouri Western State, 1:30pmSunday, January 4
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs FB at Los Angeles Raiders, 2:00pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

Wednesday, December 31
 none

Saturday, January 3
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
UCF, 11:30am &nbsp;KJLS: Fort Hays State MWBKB vs. Missouri Western State, 1:35pm

Sunday, January 4
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs FB at Los Angeles Raiders, TBD

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Wednesday, December 31
 noneThursday, January 1
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
MWBKB vs. Northwest Missouri State, 5:05pmFriday, January 2
 noneSaturday, January 3
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
UCF, 11:30am &nbsp;KJLS: Fort Hays State MWBKB vs. Missouri Western State, 1:35pmSunday, January 4
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs FB at Los Angeles Raiders, TBD

Tuesday, December 30
 none

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Tuesday, December 30
 noneWednesday, December 31
 noneThursday, January 1
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
MWBKB vs. Northwest Missouri State, 5:05pmFriday, January 2
 noneSaturday, January 3
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
UCF, 11:30am &nbsp;KJLS: Fort Hays State MWBKB vs. Missouri Western State, 1:35pmSunday, January 4
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs FB at Los Angeles Raiders, TBD

LANCASTER, Pa. – Linebacker John Johnson, defensive lineman Gaven Haselhorst, and offensive lineman Josh Shaw of Fort Hays State were named to the D2Football.com Elite 100 Team for the 2025 season, released on Monday (Dec. 29). All three were All-MIAA First Team selections in 2025. The Elite 100 Team is the D2Football.com version of an All-America team, selected by staff with input from head coaches and professional football scouts.

For Johnson, this is his second All-America type of honor after receiving an All-America Honorable Mention selection from Don Hansen Football Committee back in 2023. He was an All-Super Region selection for the second time in his career as well from D2CCA in 2025. He led FHSU and ranked second in the MIAA for total tackles with 113. At the end of the regular season he ranked sixth nationally in total tackles before eventually finishing sixth in NCAA Division II for solo tackles per game and 11th in total tackles per game. He reached double figures in tackles in six games throughout 2025, including a career-high 17 against Central Missouri. Johnson added 9.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles this year. He finished his career at FHSU with 343 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 5 forced fumbles, 4 sacks, and 3 interceptions. The 343 tackles ranks fourth in FHSU's NCAA Division II history. Johnson was a three-time All-MIAA selection.

This is the first All-America honor for Haselhorst as a Tiger. He was also an All-Super Region selection this year by the D2CCA. Haselhorst was the only unanimous All-MIAA First Team selection on the defensive line for the 2025 season. He finished the year with 39 tackles, 6.0 sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 interception. He led the Tigers in tackles for loss, while ranking ninth in the MIAA. He ranked fourth in the conference in sacks per game (0.55). Haselhorst is a two-time All-MIAA selection overall.

This is the first All-America honor for Shaw strictly based on performance on the field. He was a CSC Academic All-America Second Team selection last year, which combines a players athletic and academic performance. Shaw was a three-time All-MIAA selection on the offensive line and this was the second-straight year he earned first-team honors. He started all 11 games on the offensive line for FHSU, mainly at left guard, and even made a couple of spot starts at left tackle due to injuries. He helped the Tiger offense generate 3,409 yards for the season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767070347958.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsLANCASTER, Pa. – Linebacker John Johnson, defensive lineman Gaven Haselhorst, and offensive lineman Josh Shaw of Fort Hays State were named to the D2Football.com Elite 100 Team for the 2025 season, released on Monday (Dec. 29). All three were All-MIAA First Team selections in 2025. The Elite 100 Team is the D2Football.com version of an All-America team, selected by staff with input from head coaches and professional football scouts.For Johnson, this is his second All-America type of honor after receiving an All-America Honorable Mention selection from Don Hansen Football Committee back in 2023. He was an All-Super Region selection for the second time in his career as well from D2CCA in 2025. He led FHSU and ranked second in the MIAA for total tackles with 113. At the end of the regular season he ranked sixth nationally in total tackles before eventually finishing sixth in NCAA Division II for solo tackles per game and 11th in total tackles per game. He reached double figures in tackles in six games throughout 2025, including a career-high 17 against Central Missouri. Johnson added 9.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles this year. He finished his career at FHSU with 343 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 5 forced fumbles, 4 sacks, and 3 interceptions. The 343 tackles ranks fourth in FHSU's NCAA Division II history. Johnson was a three-time All-MIAA selection.This is the first All-America honor for Haselhorst as a Tiger. He was also an All-Super Region selection this year by the D2CCA. Haselhorst was the only unanimous All-MIAA First Team selection on the defensive line for the 2025 season. He finished the year with 39 tackles, 6.0 sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 interception. He led the Tigers in tackles for loss, while ranking ninth in the MIAA. He ranked fourth in the conference in sacks per game (0.55). Haselhorst is a two-time All-MIAA selection overall.This is the first All-America honor for Shaw strictly based on performance on the field. He was a CSC Academic All-America Second Team selection last year, which combines a players athletic and academic performance. Shaw was a three-time All-MIAA selection on the offensive line and this was the second-straight year he earned first-team honors. He started all 11 games on the offensive line for FHSU, mainly at left guard, and even made a couple of spot starts at left tackle due to injuries. He helped the Tiger offense generate 3,409 yards for the season.

🏈 Johnson, Haselhorst, and Shaw named to D2Football.com Elite 100 team

Monday, December 29 KAYS: Hawk Talk with
Bill Self, 6:00pm &nbsp;KFIX: Chiefs Kingdom, 6:00pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Monday, December 29 KAYS: Hawk Talk with
Bill Self, 6:00pm &nbsp;KFIX: Chiefs Kingdom, 6:00pmTuesday, December 30
 noneWednesday, December 31
 noneThursday, January 1
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
MWBKB vs. Northwest Missouri State, 5:05pmFriday, January 2
 noneSaturday, January 3
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
UCF, 11:30am &nbsp;KJLS: Fort Hays State MWBKB vs. Missouri Western State, 1:35pmSunday, January 4
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs FB at Los Angeles Raiders, TBD

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — PJ Haggerty scored 23 of his 24 points in the second half as Kansas State held on to defeat Louisiana-Monroe, 94-85 on Sunday.

Haggerty, who was third in the nation in scoring (22.8 points per game) entering the game, was 0-for-6 from the field in the first half. He went 7-for-10 (9-for-9 on free throws) the rest of the way to earn his ninth 20-point game of the year. He also grabbed eight rebounds to pace K-State.

Nate Johnson added 14 points and Abdi Bashir Jr. scored 11 for the Wildcats (9-4) as they finished their non-conference slate on a four-game winning streak.

ULM led for much of the first half until the Wildcats took the lead for good on David Castillo's three-pointer that started an 8-0 run. K-State led 46-36 at the half, and stretched their lead to as many as 20 points in the second frame.

The Warhawks (3-11) were led by Krystian Lewis (25 points) and Lavell Brodnex (21 points, eight rebounds), and MJ Russell chipped in with 17 points.

K-State shot 47% from the field and 29% from deep, out-rebounded ULM 43-30, and got 28 bench points to ULM's 8.

Kansas State begins their Big 12 schedule on Saturday when they host BYU.

Louisiana-Monroe hosts Southern Miss on Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766959257356.png" alt="K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — PJ Haggerty scored 23 of his 24 points in the second half as Kansas State held on to defeat Louisiana-Monroe, 94-85 on Sunday.Haggerty, who was third in the nation in scoring (22.8 points per game) entering the game, was 0-for-6 from the field in the first half. He went 7-for-10 (9-for-9 on free throws) the rest of the way to earn his ninth 20-point game of the year. He also grabbed eight rebounds to pace K-State.Nate Johnson added 14 points and Abdi Bashir Jr. scored 11 for the Wildcats (9-4) as they finished their non-conference slate on a four-game winning streak.ULM led for much of the first half until the Wildcats took the lead for good on David Castillo's three-pointer that started an 8-0 run. K-State led 46-36 at the half, and stretched their lead to as many as 20 points in the second frame.The Warhawks (3-11) were led by Krystian Lewis (25 points) and Lavell Brodnex (21 points, eight rebounds), and MJ Russell chipped in with 17 points.K-State shot 47% from the field and 29% from deep, out-rebounded ULM 43-30, and got 28 bench points to ULM's 8.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas State begins their Big 12 schedule on Saturday when they host BYU.Louisiana-Monroe hosts Southern Miss on Thursday.

🏀 Haggerty's big second-half leads K-State past Louisiana-Monroe

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Sunday, December 28
 none

Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus discusses the Chiefs Christmas loss to the Broncos as well as the Chiefs moving to Kansas.

The Holthus Hotline airs Saturday's at 8:00 a.m. on 96.9, KFIX.

Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus discusses the Chiefs Christmas loss to the Broncos as well as the Chiefs moving to Kansas.The Holthus Hotline airs Saturday's at 8:00 a.m. on 96.9, KFIX.<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/soundcloud%3Atracks%3A2236834358%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-Ug7P7pcvQxr&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/holthus-hotline-december-27-2025/s-Ug7P7pcvQxr" title="Holthus Hotline (December 27, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Holthus Hotline (December 27, 2025)</a></div></div>

🎧 Holthus Hotline with Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus

Saturday, December 27
 none

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Saturday, December 27
 noneSunday, December 28
 none

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Friday, December 26
 noneSaturday, December 27
 noneSunday, December 28
 none

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Broncos coach Sean Payton sent his offense back onto the field on fourth down Thursday night, the ball inside the Kansas City Chiefs' 10-yard line and less than 2 minutes left on the clock — and no intention of ever snapping it.

Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones didn't know that. And when he jumped, and the offsides penalty gave Denver a fresh set of down, Bo Nix needed a mere three more plays to hit R.J. Harvey with the go-ahead touchdown pass in a 20-13 victory Thursday night.

One secured when the Broncos made one last stop in the closing second at their end of the field.

“We were going to take the delay-of-game,” Payton said afterward. “Obviously that changed the complexion of the clock, and that was a big play. We were going to take the penalty and kick the field goal. That was the plan.”

Now, the Broncos (13-3) are one step closer to locking up the AFC West, which they can do while watching at home if Houston beats the Chargers on Saturday. They also have a chance to still land the No. 1 seed and first-round playoff bye.

“It would be relaxing,” Payton said of clinching this weekend. “It would be nice.”

Nix also ran for a touchdown while throwing for 182 yards as the Broncos beat the Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium for the first time since September 17, 2015. They also have won four of the last five in the series following a string of 16 consecutive losses.

“It's great to get that win," Payton said. “You always have to remember this: You're playing the heart of a champion, Andy Reid and this team. I don't care who comes out of that locker room. This is a team that basically has been at the top of our league for the better part of this century, and there's a ton of respect we have for what they've been able to accomplish.”

Third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-travis-kelce-fc73aef71f5c8d0a026cdf486d885cf8">tight end Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;tried to give Kansas City a chance in the final seconds, driving quickly down field after the Broncos had taken the lead. But a third-down pass at the Denver 26 was just out of Kelce's reach, and Oladokun overthrew Marquise Brown in the end zone on fourth down to seal the outcome.

The Chiefs (6-10) were missing Patrick Mahomes and backup quarterback Gardner Minshew, both of whom tore ligaments in their knees in back-to-back weeks, and were left to watch the game together from a suite. They also were missing Rashee Rice and several players on both sides of the ball that had been so crucial to their three straight Super Bowl trips.

Oladokun wound up with 66 yards passing. Kelce had five catches for 36 of those yards in what might have been the last game played by the Pro Bowl tight end at Arrowhead Stadium — he plans to announce soon after the season whether he is retiring.

“I’ll let that be a decision I’ll make with my family, friends, the Chiefs organization when the time comes," Kelce said.

The Broncos were nearly two-touchdown favorites, according to BetMGM, yet the Chiefs may have been inspired by hearing about the Vikings, who earlier in the day&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lions-vikings-score-3d9f572ff2afb9031d1a1b5b63140887">knocked off the favored Lions</a>&nbsp;behind their defense and their own third-string quarterback.

After giving up a grinding, 14-play drive that soaked up more than half the first quarter and net the Broncos a field goal, Kansas City allowed little else through the first 30 minutes. And along the way, a defense put its top two cornerbacks on injured reserve this week managed to pick off Nix, setting up a short field that Oladokun converted into his first career touchdown throw.

It also happened to be Brashard Smith's first career touchdown catch.

The Broncos tried to answer with another 8-plus minute drive late in the half, but Courtland Sutton dropped a would-be touchdown toss in the closing seconds, and Wil Lutz had to kick his second chip-shot field goal to make it 7-6 at the break.

Denver finally got one of its long, time-consuming drives into the end zone in the third quarter, though. The Chiefs had pushed the lead to 10-6 when the Broncos churned through 72 yards in nearly 10 minutes, and Nix finished by scrambling nine yards for the score.

And the inability of the Kansas City offense to do much of anything was its undoing.

The Chiefs managed just 16 yards on their first three possessions of the second half, and that gave the Broncos a chance. They drove 65 yards late in the fourth quarter, twice converting on third down and then getting a fourth-down gift when Jones went early inside the 10-yard line, allowing Nix to find Harvey in the back of the end zone for the eventual winning score.

“We just did what we had to do,” Nix said.

Broncos: C Luke Wattenberg (shoulder) was placed on injured reserve earlier in the day.

Chiefs: WR Nikko Remigio (knee) was placed on IR. OL Jaylon Moore (knee) and DT Derrick Nnadi (illness) were inactive.

Denver wraps up the regular season next week against the Chargers.

Kansas City finishes its season next week in Las Vegas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766746328379.png" alt="Photo courtesy Denver Broncos" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Denver Broncos</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Broncos coach Sean Payton sent his offense back onto the field on fourth down Thursday night, the ball inside the Kansas City Chiefs' 10-yard line and less than 2 minutes left on the clock — and no intention of ever snapping it.Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones didn't know that. And when he jumped, and the offsides penalty gave Denver a fresh set of down, Bo Nix needed a mere three more plays to hit R.J. Harvey with the go-ahead touchdown pass in a 20-13 victory Thursday night.One secured when the Broncos made one last stop in the closing second at their end of the field.“We were going to take the delay-of-game,” Payton said afterward. “Obviously that changed the complexion of the clock, and that was a big play. We were going to take the penalty and kick the field goal. That was the plan.”Now, the Broncos (13-3) are one step closer to locking up the AFC West, which they can do while watching at home if Houston beats the Chargers on Saturday. They also have a chance to still land the No. 1 seed and first-round playoff bye.“It would be relaxing,” Payton said of clinching this weekend. “It would be nice.”Nix also ran for a touchdown while throwing for 182 yards as the Broncos beat the Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium for the first time since September 17, 2015. They also have won four of the last five in the series following a string of 16 consecutive losses.“It's great to get that win," Payton said. “You always have to remember this: You're playing the heart of a champion, Andy Reid and this team. I don't care who comes out of that locker room. This is a team that basically has been at the top of our league for the better part of this century, and there's a ton of respect we have for what they've been able to accomplish.”Third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-travis-kelce-fc73aef71f5c8d0a026cdf486d885cf8">tight end Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;tried to give Kansas City a chance in the final seconds, driving quickly down field after the Broncos had taken the lead. But a third-down pass at the Denver 26 was just out of Kelce's reach, and Oladokun overthrew Marquise Brown in the end zone on fourth down to seal the outcome.The Chiefs (6-10) were missing Patrick Mahomes and backup quarterback Gardner Minshew, both of whom tore ligaments in their knees in back-to-back weeks, and were left to watch the game together from a suite. They also were missing Rashee Rice and several players on both sides of the ball that had been so crucial to their three straight Super Bowl trips.Oladokun wound up with 66 yards passing. Kelce had five catches for 36 of those yards in what might have been the last game played by the Pro Bowl tight end at Arrowhead Stadium — he plans to announce soon after the season whether he is retiring.“I’ll let that be a decision I’ll make with my family, friends, the Chiefs organization when the time comes," Kelce said.The Broncos were nearly two-touchdown favorites, according to BetMGM, yet the Chiefs may have been inspired by hearing about the Vikings, who earlier in the day&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lions-vikings-score-3d9f572ff2afb9031d1a1b5b63140887">knocked off the favored Lions</a>&nbsp;behind their defense and their own third-string quarterback.After giving up a grinding, 14-play drive that soaked up more than half the first quarter and net the Broncos a field goal, Kansas City allowed little else through the first 30 minutes. And along the way, a defense put its top two cornerbacks on injured reserve this week managed to pick off Nix, setting up a short field that Oladokun converted into his first career touchdown throw.It also happened to be Brashard Smith's first career touchdown catch.The Broncos tried to answer with another 8-plus minute drive late in the half, but Courtland Sutton dropped a would-be touchdown toss in the closing seconds, and Wil Lutz had to kick his second chip-shot field goal to make it 7-6 at the break.Denver finally got one of its long, time-consuming drives into the end zone in the third quarter, though. The Chiefs had pushed the lead to 10-6 when the Broncos churned through 72 yards in nearly 10 minutes, and Nix finished by scrambling nine yards for the score.And the inability of the Kansas City offense to do much of anything was its undoing.The Chiefs managed just 16 yards on their first three possessions of the second half, and that gave the Broncos a chance. They drove 65 yards late in the fourth quarter, twice converting on third down and then getting a fourth-down gift when Jones went early inside the 10-yard line, allowing Nix to find Harvey in the back of the end zone for the eventual winning score.“We just did what we had to do,” Nix said.<h2>Injuries</h2>Broncos: C Luke Wattenberg (shoulder) was placed on injured reserve earlier in the day.Chiefs: WR Nikko Remigio (knee) was placed on IR. OL Jaylon Moore (knee) and DT Derrick Nnadi (illness) were inactive.<h2>Up next</h2>Denver wraps up the regular season next week against the Chargers.Kansas City finishes its season next week in Las Vegas.

🏈 Defense lifts Broncos to win over the Chiefs on Christmas

Thursday, December 25
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs FB vs. Denver Broncos, 6:00pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Thursday, December 25
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs FB vs. Denver Broncos, 6:00pmFriday, December 26
 noneSaturday, December 27
 noneSunday, December 28
 none

Wednesday, December 24
 none

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Wednesday, December 24
 noneThursday, December 25
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs FB vs. Denver Broncos, 6:00pmFriday, December 26
 noneSaturday, December 27
 noneSunday, December 28
 none

LILBURN, Ga. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team moved up another spot in this week's WBCA NCAA Division II Coaches Poll released Tuesday (Dec. 23), with the Tigers now slotted sixth.

Entering the holiday break 10-1 overall, the Tigers collected 446 points in the voting process this week, up from 435 last week. Defending national champion Grand Valley State remains a unanimous pick atop the poll, while Central Region rival Minnesota State-Mankato holds steady in the No. 2 spot. One other MIAA team is listed in this week's poll, with Pittsburg State now slotted No. 13.

This is the 10th time the Tigers have been ranked sixth in the NCAA Division II coaches poll and the first since FHSU was in the No. 6 spot twice last season. FHSU is 13-3 when ranked sixth, 195-49 overall when ranked and 141-29 when slotted inside the top 10. The Tigers have now been ranked 127 times in the team's DII era, including 86 appearances inside the top 10.

Fort Hays State has been inside the top 10 each week this season, occupying six of the top 10 spots so far this year. FHSU opened the year ninth in the preseason before moving to No. 3 in the first regular season release. The Tigers then dipped to No. 4, then No. 8 and finally No. 7 before climbing to sixth this week.

The Tigers will return to action on New Year's Day when they host Northwest Missouri State beginning at 5:30 p.m.

WBCA NCAA Division II Coaches Poll - December 23, 2025 Rank - School (1st) - Record - Points - Last 1 - Grand Valley State (23) - 10-0 - 575 - 1 2 - Minnesota State Mankato - 13-0 - 550 - 2 3 - Texas Woman's - 9-1 - 517 - 4 4 - Nova Southeastern - 12-0 - 474 - 6 5 - Gannon - 12-1 - 466 - 5 6 - Fort Hays State - 10-1 - 446 - 7 7 - Lubbock Christian - 12-1 - 413 - 3 8 - West Texas A&amp;M - 11-1 - 405 - 9 9 - Indiana (Pa.) - 10-0 - 398 - 10 10 - Coker - 10-1 - 392 - 8 11 - Colorado Mesa - 13-1 - 355 - 11 12 - Northern Michigan - 11-1 - 293 - 14 13 - Pittsburg State - 9-2 - 286 - 12 14 - Cal Poly Pomona - 9-1 - 281 - 15 15 - Northwestern Oklahoma State - 10-1 - 216 - 19 16 - Central Washington - 10-1 - 200 - 20 17 - Harding - 9-2 - 195 - 17 18 - Bentley - 6-1 - 189 - 18 19 - Malone - 10-1 - 161 - 16 20 - Embry-Riddle - 7-2 - 149 - 13 21 - Fairmont State - 8-2 - 132 - 21 22 - Columbus State - 10-2 - 107 - 24 23 - Ferris State - 8-3 - 50 - 23 24 - Miles - 9-2 - 49 - 22 25 - Lincoln Memorial - 9-1 - 46 - RV

Others receiving votes: Vanguard U. (7-1) 30; Daemen (9-2) 28; Henderson State (7-2) 13; Union (Tenn.) (9-4) 13; Winston-Salem State (10-1) 10; St. Mary's (Texas) (7-2) 9; Belmont Abbey (9-1) 6; Alaska Anchorage (8-3) 3; Westmont (8-2) 3.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766535215825.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsLILBURN, Ga. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team moved up another spot in this week's WBCA NCAA Division II Coaches Poll released Tuesday (Dec. 23), with the Tigers now slotted sixth.Entering the holiday break 10-1 overall, the Tigers collected 446 points in the voting process this week, up from 435 last week. Defending national champion Grand Valley State remains a unanimous pick atop the poll, while Central Region rival Minnesota State-Mankato holds steady in the No. 2 spot. One other MIAA team is listed in this week's poll, with Pittsburg State now slotted No. 13.This is the 10th time the Tigers have been ranked sixth in the NCAA Division II coaches poll and the first since FHSU was in the No. 6 spot twice last season. FHSU is 13-3 when ranked sixth, 195-49 overall when ranked and 141-29 when slotted inside the top 10. The Tigers have now been ranked 127 times in the team's DII era, including 86 appearances inside the top 10.Fort Hays State has been inside the top 10 each week this season, occupying six of the top 10 spots so far this year. FHSU opened the year ninth in the preseason before moving to No. 3 in the first regular season release. The Tigers then dipped to No. 4, then No. 8 and finally No. 7 before climbing to sixth this week.The Tigers will return to action on New Year's Day when they host Northwest Missouri State beginning at 5:30 p.m.WBCA NCAA Division II Coaches Poll - December 23, 2025 Rank - School (1st) - Record - Points - Last 1 - Grand Valley State (23) - 10-0 - 575 - 1 2 - Minnesota State Mankato - 13-0 - 550 - 2 3 - Texas Woman's - 9-1 - 517 - 4 4 - Nova Southeastern - 12-0 - 474 - 6 5 - Gannon - 12-1 - 466 - 5 6 - Fort Hays State - 10-1 - 446 - 7 7 - Lubbock Christian - 12-1 - 413 - 3 8 - West Texas A&amp;M - 11-1 - 405 - 9 9 - Indiana (Pa.) - 10-0 - 398 - 10 10 - Coker - 10-1 - 392 - 8 11 - Colorado Mesa - 13-1 - 355 - 11 12 - Northern Michigan - 11-1 - 293 - 14 13 - Pittsburg State - 9-2 - 286 - 12 14 - Cal Poly Pomona - 9-1 - 281 - 15 15 - Northwestern Oklahoma State - 10-1 - 216 - 19 16 - Central Washington - 10-1 - 200 - 20 17 - Harding - 9-2 - 195 - 17 18 - Bentley - 6-1 - 189 - 18 19 - Malone - 10-1 - 161 - 16 20 - Embry-Riddle - 7-2 - 149 - 13 21 - Fairmont State - 8-2 - 132 - 21 22 - Columbus State - 10-2 - 107 - 24 23 - Ferris State - 8-3 - 50 - 23 24 - Miles - 9-2 - 49 - 22 25 - Lincoln Memorial - 9-1 - 46 - RVDropped out: No. 25 Daemen (9-2).Others receiving votes: Vanguard U. (7-1) 30; Daemen (9-2) 28; Henderson State (7-2) 13; Union (Tenn.) (9-4) 13; Winston-Salem State (10-1) 10; St. Mary's (Texas) (7-2) 9; Belmont Abbey (9-1) 6; Alaska Anchorage (8-3) 3; Westmont (8-2) 3.

🏀 Tiger women climb to No. 6 in WBCA poll

Tuesday, December 23
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with
Bill Self, 6:00pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Tuesday, December 23
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with
Bill Self, 6:00pmWednesday, December 24
 noneThursday, December 25
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs FB vs. Denver Broncos, 6:00pmFriday, December 26
 noneSaturday, December 27
 noneSunday, December 28
 none

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Tre White and Flory Bidunga each had 18 points and eight rebounds as No. 17 Kansas used balanced scoring to beat Davidson 90-61 on Monday night.

Six players finished in double figures for the Jayhawks (10-3), including all five starters. Bryson Tiller added 11 points and Jamari McDowell scored 10. Melvin Council Jr. had 10 points, nine assists and seven rebounds.

Kohl Rosario provided 13 points off the bench as Kansas shot 58% from the field, including 11 for 21 (52%) on 3-pointers. The Jayhawks had 27 assists on 37 baskets and outrebounded Davidson 42-31. White nabbed four of the team's 13 steals.

Roberts Blums was the only player in double figures for the Wildcats (8-4) with 13 points off the bench. Davidson was limited to 36% shooting from the floor and went 2 for 6 at the free-throw line.

Kansas played its second consecutive game without Darryn Peterson. The freshman star, who missed seven straight games earlier this season due to injury, is averaging 25 points in four games.

Kansas led by 19 before Davidson went on a 10-2 run to trim it to 36-25. The Wildcats hit six straight shots during one stretch, though they never cut the deficit to single digits. When White hit his fourth 3 of the first half, the lead was back up to 46-26.

Kansas went to the locker room with a 51-30 cushion. The Jayhawks were led by White’s 16 points. Bidunga and Council each had 10.

The second half didn't start much better for Davidson, as the Wildcats were outscored 7-2 in the first 2:51, leading coach Matt McKillup to exhaust his timeouts with 17:09 left.

Kansas wasted no time distancing itself from the overmatched Wildcats. When Bidunga threw down an alley-oop dunk with 13:03 left in the opening half, the Jayhawks already had stretched the lead to 17-6. Davidson didn't reach double figures until 10:36 remained in the first half.

Kansas is off until starting Big 12 play Jan. 3 at UCF.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766455346133.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Tre White and Flory Bidunga each had 18 points and eight rebounds as No. 17 Kansas used balanced scoring to beat Davidson 90-61 on Monday night.Six players finished in double figures for the Jayhawks (10-3), including all five starters. Bryson Tiller added 11 points and Jamari McDowell scored 10. Melvin Council Jr. had 10 points, nine assists and seven rebounds.Kohl Rosario provided 13 points off the bench as Kansas shot 58% from the field, including 11 for 21 (52%) on 3-pointers. The Jayhawks had 27 assists on 37 baskets and outrebounded Davidson 42-31. White nabbed four of the team's 13 steals.Roberts Blums was the only player in double figures for the Wildcats (8-4) with 13 points off the bench. Davidson was limited to 36% shooting from the floor and went 2 for 6 at the free-throw line.Kansas played its second consecutive game without Darryn Peterson. The freshman star, who missed seven straight games earlier this season due to injury, is averaging 25 points in four games.But the Jayhawks barely missed him.Kansas led by 19 before Davidson went on a 10-2 run to trim it to 36-25. The Wildcats hit six straight shots during one stretch, though they never cut the deficit to single digits. When White hit his fourth 3 of the first half, the lead was back up to 46-26.Kansas went to the locker room with a 51-30 cushion. The Jayhawks were led by White’s 16 points. Bidunga and Council each had 10.The second half didn't start much better for Davidson, as the Wildcats were outscored 7-2 in the first 2:51, leading coach Matt McKillup to exhaust his timeouts with 17:09 left.Kansas wasted no time distancing itself from the overmatched Wildcats. When Bidunga threw down an alley-oop dunk with 13:03 left in the opening half, the Jayhawks already had stretched the lead to 17-6. Davidson didn't reach double figures until 10:36 remained in the first half.<h2>Up next</h2>Davidson hosts Duquesne on Dec. 30.Kansas is off until starting Big 12 play Jan. 3 at UCF.

🏀Kansas uses balanced scoring to defeat Davidson 

Monday, December 22
 KFIX: Chiefs Kingdom,
6:00pm
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs. Davidson, 5:30pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Monday, December 22
 KFIX: Chiefs Kingdom,
6:00pm
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs. Davidson, 5:30pmTuesday, December 23
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with
Bill Self, 6:00pmWednesday, December 24
 noneThursday, December 25
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs FB vs. Denver Broncos, 6:00pmFriday, December 26
 noneSaturday, December 27
 noneSunday, December 28
 none

Wichita State University men’s basketball head coach Paul Mills is sharing a deeply personal story after surviving a life-threatening cardiac emergency earlier this month—an experience he says could have ended very differently had even a few circumstances changed.

Mills explained that two weeks ago, following a road game at Northern Iowa, he began experiencing severe chest pain and difficulty breathing immediately after the final buzzer.

“I realized something wasn’t right,” Mills said. “It felt like my chest had a skeletal fracture, and it was extremely hard to breathe.”

Despite the pain, Mills completed postgame responsibilities before sitting down in the locker room, exhausted and struggling to move. With a winter storm impacting travel plans, the team ultimately boarded a late-night flight rather than returning by bus. Mills said that decision may have saved his life.

After landing shortly after 1 a.m., Mills told his wife he needed to go to the hospital. Doctors immediately performed an EKG and identified abnormalities, admitting him overnight while a cardiac team was called in. Mills said the next thing he remembers is waking up after undergoing emergency cardiac surgery.

Doctors later told Mills his right coronary artery was 100 percent blocked and had gone without blood flow for approximately six hours. Multiple stents were inserted to restore circulation.

According to his cardiologist, survival rates for that type of cardiac event drop to about 50 percent if treatment is not received within the first hour.

“There were so many moments where this could have gone the other way,” Mills said. “If we had gotten on a bus, if I had gone to a hotel, if I had gone to the wrong hospital, or if I had ignored the pain and gone to sleep—I likely wouldn’t be here.”

Mills credited what he described as a series of providential circumstances for his survival, noting that he does not drink or smoke and runs regularly.

“I thought I was doing everything right,” he said. “What I didn’t realize was that about 80 percent of my cholesterol issue was hereditary.”

Despite being released from the intensive care unit on a Wednesday, Mills returned to the bench just days later for Wichita State’s game against DePaul, under strict medical supervision and while wearing heart-monitoring equipment.

“I wouldn’t recommend getting out of the ICU on a Wednesday and coaching on a Saturday,” Mills said. “But I wanted to show up for our players.”

Mills said doctors initially warned his wife they were uncertain about his long-term quality of life, and a chaplain was brought in following surgery. Today, however, Mills says he feels better than he has in years.

“It’s like living your whole life with low water pressure and suddenly everything is wide open,” he said. “I had no idea how restricted my blood flow was.”

Mills said the experience has changed his perspective on life and work, and he urged others—especially young people—not to ignore warning signs or skip routine medical checkups.

“There are two conditions,” Mills said. “There’s death, and there’s life. And I have life. For that, I’m grateful.”

He closed his remarks by reflecting on the meaning of the holiday season.

“Christmas is both sacred and solemn,” Mills said. “Some families have empty chairs at the table. We almost had that. Don’t take a single day for granted.”

Mills ended with a message he said now carries deeper meaning than ever before:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766374573296.png" alt="Wichita State University Head Men's Basketball addresses the media following their game versus Eastern Kentucky on Dec. 21, 2025 (Photo from Wichita State University Youtube video)" />
 <figcaption>Wichita State University Head Men's Basketball addresses the media following their game versus Eastern Kentucky on Dec. 21, 2025 (Photo from Wichita State University Youtube video)</figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch PostWichita State University men’s basketball head coach Paul Mills is sharing a deeply personal story after surviving a life-threatening cardiac emergency earlier this month—an experience he says could have ended very differently had even a few circumstances changed.Mills explained that two weeks ago, following a road game at Northern Iowa, he began experiencing severe chest pain and difficulty breathing immediately after the final buzzer.“I realized something wasn’t right,” Mills said. “It felt like my chest had a skeletal fracture, and it was extremely hard to breathe.”Despite the pain, Mills completed postgame responsibilities before sitting down in the locker room, exhausted and struggling to move. With a winter storm impacting travel plans, the team ultimately boarded a late-night flight rather than returning by bus. Mills said that decision may have saved his life.After landing shortly after 1 a.m., Mills told his wife he needed to go to the hospital. Doctors immediately performed an EKG and identified abnormalities, admitting him overnight while a cardiac team was called in. Mills said the next thing he remembers is waking up after undergoing emergency cardiac surgery.Doctors later told Mills his right coronary artery was 100 percent blocked and had gone without blood flow for approximately six hours. Multiple stents were inserted to restore circulation.According to his cardiologist, survival rates for that type of cardiac event drop to about 50 percent if treatment is not received within the first hour.“There were so many moments where this could have gone the other way,” Mills said. “If we had gotten on a bus, if I had gone to a hotel, if I had gone to the wrong hospital, or if I had ignored the pain and gone to sleep—I likely wouldn’t be here.”Mills credited what he described as a series of providential circumstances for his survival, noting that he does not drink or smoke and runs regularly.“I thought I was doing everything right,” he said. “What I didn’t realize was that about 80 percent of my cholesterol issue was hereditary.”Despite being released from the intensive care unit on a Wednesday, Mills returned to the bench just days later for Wichita State’s game against DePaul, under strict medical supervision and while wearing heart-monitoring equipment.“I wouldn’t recommend getting out of the ICU on a Wednesday and coaching on a Saturday,” Mills said. “But I wanted to show up for our players.”Mills said doctors initially warned his wife they were uncertain about his long-term quality of life, and a chaplain was brought in following surgery. Today, however, Mills says he feels better than he has in years.“It’s like living your whole life with low water pressure and suddenly everything is wide open,” he said. “I had no idea how restricted my blood flow was.”Mills said the experience has changed his perspective on life and work, and he urged others—especially young people—not to ignore warning signs or skip routine medical checkups.“There are two conditions,” Mills said. “There’s death, and there’s life. And I have life. For that, I’m grateful.”He closed his remarks by reflecting on the meaning of the holiday season.“Christmas is both sacred and solemn,” Mills said. “Some families have empty chairs at the table. We almost had that. Don’t take a single day for granted.”Mills ended with a message he said now carries deeper meaning than ever before:

Wichita State coach shares story of cardiac emergency

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Cam Ward threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns, and the Tennessee Titans snapped an 11-game home skid by beating the Kansas City Chiefs 26-9 on Sunday.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tennessee-titans">The Titans</a>&nbsp;(3-12) improved to 1-7 at home this season with their first win at Nissan Stadium since Nov. 3, 2024. The skid matched the franchise's worst since moving to Tennessee in 1997.

With two games left, the Chiefs (6-9) are assured of their first losing record since 2012 — their most recent season without&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/andy-reid">Andy Reid</a>&nbsp;as their coach. Kansas City has lost four straight, its longest skid since 2017, and six of seven.

A week after Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending torn ACL, his backup, Gardner Minshew, was knocked out of the game&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-gardner-minshew-oladokun-0e3f9902a0a84f1e40042ecb5e86520e">with a knee injury</a>&nbsp;early in the second quarter.

Ward posted his highest passer rating of this season at 122.3, and he overtook Marcus Mariota for the most yards passing by a rookie for the franchise. He helped the Titans roll up a season-high 377 yards of offense against a Chiefs defense that came in as the NFL's eighth-stingiest in yards allowed.

The rookie threw a shovel pass to Chig Okonkwo that went 7 yards to put the Titans ahead to stay late in the first half. Ward also found fellow rookie Chimere Dike for a 1-yard TD in the third quarter.

Tony Pollard ran for 102 yards, giving him three straight 100-yard rushing games for the first time in his career. Tyjae Spears added a 4-yard rushing TD, and Joey Slye had a 27-yard field goal for the final margin.

Three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons tackled Kareem Hunt in the end zone&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Titans/status/2002816587255222583?s=20">for a safety</a>&nbsp;and a 2-0 lead early in the second quarter. Simmons also batted down a pair of passes. The Titans finished with four sacks.

The battered Chiefs came in with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-analysis-e69b6b5189701cb15ae0271a75837820">Mahomes on injured reserve</a>&nbsp;along with right tackle Jawaan Taylor. They also declared nine players out Friday, including five starters, led by wide receiver Rashee Rice, left tackle Jaylon Moore and cornerback Trent McDuffie.

Minshew made his first start of the season. After he got hurt, the Chiefs turned to Chris Oladokun, just signed to the roster from the practice squad, to play in his second career game.

Oladokun handed off on his first five snaps. Then he connected with Travis Kelce for his first NFL completion, and Oladokun drove the Chiefs to a trio of field goals by Harrison Butker.

Titans LT Dan Moore hurt a right knee early in the second quarter but returned. Cornerback Marcus Harris hurt a knee in the second quarter and didn't return.

The Chiefs host Denver on Thursday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766354478713.png" alt="Photo courtesy Tennessee Titans" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Tennessee Titans</figcaption>
 </figure>NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Cam Ward threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns, and the Tennessee Titans snapped an 11-game home skid by beating the Kansas City Chiefs 26-9 on Sunday.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tennessee-titans">The Titans</a>&nbsp;(3-12) improved to 1-7 at home this season with their first win at Nissan Stadium since Nov. 3, 2024. The skid matched the franchise's worst since moving to Tennessee in 1997.With two games left, the Chiefs (6-9) are assured of their first losing record since 2012 — their most recent season without&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/andy-reid">Andy Reid</a>&nbsp;as their coach. Kansas City has lost four straight, its longest skid since 2017, and six of seven.A week after Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending torn ACL, his backup, Gardner Minshew, was knocked out of the game&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-gardner-minshew-oladokun-0e3f9902a0a84f1e40042ecb5e86520e">with a knee injury</a>&nbsp;early in the second quarter.Ward posted his highest passer rating of this season at 122.3, and he overtook Marcus Mariota for the most yards passing by a rookie for the franchise. He helped the Titans roll up a season-high 377 yards of offense against a Chiefs defense that came in as the NFL's eighth-stingiest in yards allowed.The rookie threw a shovel pass to Chig Okonkwo that went 7 yards to put the Titans ahead to stay late in the first half. Ward also found fellow rookie Chimere Dike for a 1-yard TD in the third quarter.Tony Pollard ran for 102 yards, giving him three straight 100-yard rushing games for the first time in his career. Tyjae Spears added a 4-yard rushing TD, and Joey Slye had a 27-yard field goal for the final margin.Three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons tackled Kareem Hunt in the end zone&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Titans/status/2002816587255222583?s=20">for a safety</a>&nbsp;and a 2-0 lead early in the second quarter. Simmons also batted down a pair of passes. The Titans finished with four sacks.The battered Chiefs came in with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-analysis-e69b6b5189701cb15ae0271a75837820">Mahomes on injured reserve</a>&nbsp;along with right tackle Jawaan Taylor. They also declared nine players out Friday, including five starters, led by wide receiver Rashee Rice, left tackle Jaylon Moore and cornerback Trent McDuffie.Minshew made his first start of the season. After he got hurt, the Chiefs turned to Chris Oladokun, just signed to the roster from the practice squad, to play in his second career game.Oladokun handed off on his first five snaps. Then he connected with Travis Kelce for his first NFL completion, and Oladokun drove the Chiefs to a trio of field goals by Harrison Butker.<h2>Injuries</h2>Titans LT Dan Moore hurt a right knee early in the second quarter but returned. Cornerback Marcus Harris hurt a knee in the second quarter and didn't return.<h2>Up next</h2>The Chiefs host Denver on Thursday night.The Titans host New Orleans next Sunday.

🏈Titans knock Gardner Minshew out of game and and beat the Chiefs 

Sunday, December 21
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs FB at Tennessee Titans, 11:00am

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Sunday, December 21
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs FB at Tennessee Titans, 11:00am

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post Sports

ST. GEORGE, Kan. - Hays led just once in a 56-32 loss to host Rock Creek in the Flurry on Flush tournament championship on Saturday evening from Rock Creek High School.

Hays (6-2) hit a three on the games' first possession. #1-4A Rock Creek (6-0) responded with ten straight points, forcing the Indians to take a timeout at the 3:11 mark.

The Indians came out of the timeout with a field goal to get within five at 10-5. It was as close as Hays would be rest of the game. The Mustangs finished the first quarter with a 14-7 lead.

Hays had opportunities in the second quarter. Trailing 19-9, the Indians had three possessions to make the score a single digit difference. Hays trailed 22-11 with three minutes remaining and missed a shot on their next four possession.

Rock Creek led by twelve at halftime 24-12.

The difference on the scoreboard remained in the double digits for the remainder of the game.

The Indians failed to score on three straight possessions down 29-16 midway through the third. Rock Creek led 34-20 after three quarters and ended up winning 56-32.

Hays heads into the Christmas break with a 6-2 record. Both losses have come in tournament championships. Izaac Fox was named to the all-tournament team.

Hays returns to action January 6th when they host Manhattan.

Pfeifer 5, Burkholder 0, Homeier 3, Oakley 5, Harmoney 3, Fox 6, Smalley 0, Day 2, Otte 0, Ruder 8.

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post SportsST. GEORGE, Kan. - Hays led just once in a 56-32 loss to host Rock Creek in the Flurry on Flush tournament championship on Saturday evening from Rock Creek High School.Hays (6-2) hit a three on the games' first possession. #1-4A Rock Creek (6-0) responded with ten straight points, forcing the Indians to take a timeout at the 3:11 mark.The Indians came out of the timeout with a field goal to get within five at 10-5. It was as close as Hays would be rest of the game. The Mustangs finished the first quarter with a 14-7 lead.Hays had opportunities in the second quarter. Trailing 19-9, the Indians had three possessions to make the score a single digit difference. Hays trailed 22-11 with three minutes remaining and missed a shot on their next four possession.Rock Creek led by twelve at halftime 24-12.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2233579676&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=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/hhs-mbkb-vs-rock-creek" title="HHS MBKB vs Rock Creek Highlights 12-20-2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS MBKB vs Rock Creek Highlights 12-20-2025</a></div></div>The difference on the scoreboard remained in the double digits for the remainder of the game.The Indians failed to score on three straight possessions down 29-16 midway through the third. Rock Creek led 34-20 after three quarters and ended up winning 56-32.Coach Sean Dreiling<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2233579463&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=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/hhs-mbkb-vs-rock-creek-coach" title="HHS MBKB vs Rock Creek Coach Sean Dreiling Interview 12-20-2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS MBKB vs Rock Creek Coach Sean Dreiling Interview 12-20-2025</a></div></div>Hays heads into the Christmas break with a 6-2 record. Both losses have come in tournament championships. Izaac Fox was named to the all-tournament team.Hays returns to action January 6th when they host Manhattan.Pfeifer 5, Burkholder 0, Homeier 3, Oakley 5, Harmoney 3, Fox 6, Smalley 0, Day 2, Otte 0, Ruder 8.

🏀 Hays falls to top-ranked Rock Creek in tournament finale

DENVER – Fort Hays State went on a huge run out of the gate and just kept rolling on its way to a 60-point win, 102-42, over Regis on Saturday. The Tigers improved to 8-3 overall in their final non-conference of the season, while Regis fell to 1-8 overall. It was the largest win over Regis in the 31-game series history between the schools.

After holding MSU Denver scoreless for a big swath of the second half on Thursday, the Tigers did it to the Rangers for the first 9:45 of the game on Saturday. The Tigers started the game on a 22-0 run. The lead reached 31-2 before Regis hit its first field goal of the game just over 12 minutes into the game. The Tigers reached 40 points before Regis finally climbed into double digits at the 4:44 mark. The Tigers led by 35 at halftime, 55-20, even though the lead reached 37 in the first half.

In the second half, FHSU's lead reached 50 (78-28) on back-to-back 3-point field goals by Ben Johnson and Blake Danitschek. The lead went past 60 when Tory Homan hit a 3-point field goal with 4:11 to play in the game, putting the Tigers up 96-34. The margin nearly reached 70, capped at 68 (102-34) on another Ben Johnson 3-pointer with 2:05 to play. Regis scored the final eight points of the game to get the final margin back to 60.

The 102 points was the most scored by the Tigers since the 2020-21 season when they defeated Missouri Southern in overtime in Joplin 102-94. The last time FHSU scored 100 in regulation was during the 2019-20 season in a 106-57 win over Sterling. Fort Hays State shot a scorching-hot 63.5 percent from the field as a team, its best of the season.

Fort Hays State hit 17-of-29 3-point field goals as a team, falling just two makes shy of the school record 19 set against McPherson College during the national championship season of 1995-96. The 17 makes were the most beyond the arc since the Tigers hit 17 against Central Oklahoma in Edmond in 2020-21. Five Tigers hit multiple threes in the game, led by six from Jahvari Martino who was a scorching-hot 6-of-7 beyond the arc.

All but one of Martino's baskets in the game was a three as he finished with 20 points. Dan Mukuna led the way with 21 points, while tying Lucas Hammeke, Ben Johnson, and Eli Lawson for top rebounding honors on the team, each with five. Mukuna and Johnson also led in assists with four each. Kyle Grill was the only other Tiger in double figures scoring with 12 points, but all 12 Tigers who played scored. The Tigers set new season highs for field goals made in a game (40), assists (23), and steals (14).

Gunner Walters led the Rangers in scoring with 11 points and assists with five. The Tigers held Regis to just 35.7 percent shooting from the field and a 2-of-16 effort beyond the 3-point line.

The 42 points was the lowest scored by a Tiger opponent so far this season, two less than the 44 scored by Manhattan Christian back on November 29.

Fort Hays State returns to action on New Year's Day, January 1, in a conference game against Northwest Missouri State at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766292308185.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Dan Makuna makes a move towards the basket against Regis on Saturday, December 20, 2025 in Denver, Colo. (FHSU Athletics photo/Regis Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Dan Makuna makes a move towards the basket against Regis on Saturday, December 20, 2025 in Denver, Colo. (FHSU Athletics photo/Regis Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsDENVER – Fort Hays State went on a huge run out of the gate and just kept rolling on its way to a 60-point win, 102-42, over Regis on Saturday. The Tigers improved to 8-3 overall in their final non-conference of the season, while Regis fell to 1-8 overall. It was the largest win over Regis in the 31-game series history between the schools.<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/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2233569977&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/johnson-post-int-v-regis-dec" title="Mark Johnson Postgame at Regis (Dec. 20, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Mark Johnson Postgame at Regis (Dec. 20, 2025)</a></div></div>After holding MSU Denver scoreless for a big swath of the second half on Thursday, the Tigers did it to the Rangers for the first 9:45 of the game on Saturday. The Tigers started the game on a 22-0 run. The lead reached 31-2 before Regis hit its first field goal of the game just over 12 minutes into the game. The Tigers reached 40 points before Regis finally climbed into double digits at the 4:44 mark. The Tigers led by 35 at halftime, 55-20, even though the lead reached 37 in the first half.In the second half, FHSU's lead reached 50 (78-28) on back-to-back 3-point field goals by Ben Johnson and Blake Danitschek. The lead went past 60 when Tory Homan hit a 3-point field goal with 4:11 to play in the game, putting the Tigers up 96-34. The margin nearly reached 70, capped at 68 (102-34) on another Ben Johnson 3-pointer with 2:05 to play. Regis scored the final eight points of the game to get the final margin back to 60.The 102 points was the most scored by the Tigers since the 2020-21 season when they defeated Missouri Southern in overtime in Joplin 102-94. The last time FHSU scored 100 in regulation was during the 2019-20 season in a 106-57 win over Sterling. Fort Hays State shot a scorching-hot 63.5 percent from the field as a team, its best of the season.<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/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2233570280&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/curley-post-int-v-regis-dec-20" title="Tegan Curley Postgame at Regis (Dec. 20, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Tegan Curley Postgame at Regis (Dec. 20, 2025)</a></div></div>Fort Hays State hit 17-of-29 3-point field goals as a team, falling just two makes shy of the school record 19 set against McPherson College during the national championship season of 1995-96. The 17 makes were the most beyond the arc since the Tigers hit 17 against Central Oklahoma in Edmond in 2020-21. Five Tigers hit multiple threes in the game, led by six from Jahvari Martino who was a scorching-hot 6-of-7 beyond the arc.All but one of Martino's baskets in the game was a three as he finished with 20 points. Dan Mukuna led the way with 21 points, while tying Lucas Hammeke, Ben Johnson, and Eli Lawson for top rebounding honors on the team, each with five. Mukuna and Johnson also led in assists with four each. Kyle Grill was the only other Tiger in double figures scoring with 12 points, but all 12 Tigers who played scored. The Tigers set new season highs for field goals made in a game (40), assists (23), and steals (14).Gunner Walters led the Rangers in scoring with 11 points and assists with five. The Tigers held Regis to just 35.7 percent shooting from the field and a 2-of-16 effort beyond the 3-point line.<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/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2233572677&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-highlights-v-regis" title="Fort Hays State MBB Highlights at Regis (Dec. 20, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State MBB Highlights at Regis (Dec. 20, 2025)</a></div></div>The 42 points was the lowest scored by a Tiger opponent so far this season, two less than the 44 scored by Manhattan Christian back on November 29.<h2>Up next</h2>Fort Hays State returns to action on New Year's Day, January 1, in a conference game against Northwest Missouri State at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.