LILBURN, Ga. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team cracked the top 10 of the latest WBCA Division II Coaches Poll, with the Tigers slotted 10th in the latest release announced Tuesday (Jan. 2). The Tigers are up six spots from the previous poll and are now the highest-ranked MIAA team in the country.

The Tigers are in the WBCA Top 25 for the fifth straight week. They return to the top 10 for a sixth-straight season, which dates back to 2018-19. Fort Hays State was last ranked among the top 10 in the preseason poll of the 2022-23 season. FHSU opened that year No. 3 in the country after spending the entirety of the 2021-22 campaign inside the top 10.

This is the 99th time Fort Hays State has been listed inside a top 25 weekly release and the 68th week the Tigers have been inside the top 10. FHSU is 152-39 all-time when ranked and 112-23 all-time when ranked inside the top 10.

The Tigers are the top-ranked MIAA program this week, one spot and just one point in front of Thursday's opponent, No. 11 Central Missouri. Pittsburg State is up to 16th this week, while Northwest Missouri State is the lone conference rival in the  receiving votes category.

The Tigers and Jennies will face off in a ranked opponent battle Thursday evening (Jan. 4, 5:30 p.m.) inside Gross Memorial Coliseum before FHSU wraps up the weekend homestand against Lincoln on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 6, 2 p.m.).

For the time being, Fort Hays State will remain No. 23 in the D2CSC Top 25 Poll. Pittsburg State is No. 13 and Central Missouri is No. 17 in that poll, which last released on December 19. The next edition of that poll will release on January 9.

Rank - School (1st) - W-L - Pts. - Last 1 - Grand Valley State (20) - 10-1 - 547 - 1 2 - Ashland (1) - 10-1 - 521 - 2 3 - Gannon (1) - 13-1 - 499 - 3 4 - Catawba - 8-1 - 475 - 4 5 - Ferris State - 6-1 - 464 - 6 6 - Union (Tenn.) - 12-1 - 445 - 8 7 - Southern Nazarene - 10-0 - 392 - 10 8 - Thomas Jefferson - 10-1 - 385 - 11 9 - Colorado Mines - 11-1 - 320 - 15 10 - Fort Hays State - 11-1 - 293 - 16 11 - Central Missouri - 9-2 - 292 - 14 12 - Fairmont State - 10-1 - 242 - 17 13 - Virginia State - 11-1 - 224 - 19 14 - Western Washington - 9-2 - 210 - 20 15 - Tampa - 12-3 - 206 - 7 16 - Pittsburg State - 11-1 - 205 - 22 17 - Montana State Billings - 11-3 - 156 - 21 18 - Texas Woman's - 10-3 - 150 - 5 19 - Northwestern Oklahoma State - 11-1 - 144 - 23 20 - Harding - 9-1 - 135 - RV 21 - West Chester - 8-3 - 116 - 9 22 - Bentley - 8-2 - 112 - 12 23 - Valdosta State - 9-2 - 83 - 25 24 - Assumption - 8-2 - 64 - RV 25 - Texas A&amp;M International - 11-2 - 53 - RV

Dropped Out: No. 15 California (Pa.) (8-3); No. 18 Drury (8-3); No. 24 North Georgia (7-3).

Receiving Votes: Drury (8-3) 50; Califiornia (Pa.) (8-3) 44; Fayetteville State (10-1) 39; Azusa Pacific (10-3) 38; Pace (10-1) 35; Minnesota State Mankato (9-4) 28; Miles (7-1) 25; Georgia Southwestern (7-1) 24; Glenville State (8-4) 16; Texas-Tyler (11-3) 16; North Georgia (7-3) 14; Northwest Missouri State (10-2) 13; Anderson (S.C.) (9-2) 12; Holy Family (12-1) 10; Lee (Tenn.) (9-2) 5.

LILBURN, Ga. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team cracked the top 10 of the latest WBCA Division II Coaches Poll, with the Tigers slotted 10th in the latest release announced Tuesday (Jan. 2). The Tigers are up six spots from the previous poll and are now the highest-ranked MIAA team in the country.The Tigers are in the WBCA Top 25 for the fifth straight week. They return to the top 10 for a sixth-straight season, which dates back to 2018-19. Fort Hays State was last ranked among the top 10 in the preseason poll of the 2022-23 season. FHSU opened that year No. 3 in the country after spending the entirety of the 2021-22 campaign inside the top 10.This is the 99th time Fort Hays State has been listed inside a top 25 weekly release and the 68th week the Tigers have been inside the top 10. FHSU is 152-39 all-time when ranked and 112-23 all-time when ranked inside the top 10.The Tigers are the top-ranked MIAA program this week, one spot and just one point in front of Thursday's opponent, No. 11 Central Missouri. Pittsburg State is up to 16th this week, while Northwest Missouri State is the lone conference rival in the receiving votes category.The Tigers and Jennies will face off in a ranked opponent battle Thursday evening (Jan. 4, 5:30 p.m.) inside Gross Memorial Coliseum before FHSU wraps up the weekend homestand against Lincoln on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 6, 2 p.m.).For the time being, Fort Hays State will remain No. 23 in the D2CSC Top 25 Poll. Pittsburg State is No. 13 and Central Missouri is No. 17 in that poll, which last released on December 19. The next edition of that poll will release on January 9.WBCA DII Coaches Poll - January 2, 2024Rank - School (1st) - W-L - Pts. - Last 1 - Grand Valley State (20) - 10-1 - 547 - 1 2 - Ashland (1) - 10-1 - 521 - 2 3 - Gannon (1) - 13-1 - 499 - 3 4 - Catawba - 8-1 - 475 - 4 5 - Ferris State - 6-1 - 464 - 6 6 - Union (Tenn.) - 12-1 - 445 - 8 7 - Southern Nazarene - 10-0 - 392 - 10 8 - Thomas Jefferson - 10-1 - 385 - 11 9 - Colorado Mines - 11-1 - 320 - 15 10 - Fort Hays State - 11-1 - 293 - 16 11 - Central Missouri - 9-2 - 292 - 14 12 - Fairmont State - 10-1 - 242 - 17 13 - Virginia State - 11-1 - 224 - 19 14 - Western Washington - 9-2 - 210 - 20 15 - Tampa - 12-3 - 206 - 7 16 - Pittsburg State - 11-1 - 205 - 22 17 - Montana State Billings - 11-3 - 156 - 21 18 - Texas Woman's - 10-3 - 150 - 5 19 - Northwestern Oklahoma State - 11-1 - 144 - 23 20 - Harding - 9-1 - 135 - RV 21 - West Chester - 8-3 - 116 - 9 22 - Bentley - 8-2 - 112 - 12 23 - Valdosta State - 9-2 - 83 - 25 24 - Assumption - 8-2 - 64 - RV 25 - Texas A&amp;M International - 11-2 - 53 - RVDropped Out: No. 15 California (Pa.) (8-3); No. 18 Drury (8-3); No. 24 North Georgia (7-3).Receiving Votes: Drury (8-3) 50; Califiornia (Pa.) (8-3) 44; Fayetteville State (10-1) 39; Azusa Pacific (10-3) 38; Pace (10-1) 35; Minnesota State Mankato (9-4) 28; Miles (7-1) 25; Georgia Southwestern (7-1) 24; Glenville State (8-4) 16; Texas-Tyler (11-3) 16; North Georgia (7-3) 14; Northwest Missouri State (10-2) 13; Anderson (S.C.) (9-2) 12; Holy Family (12-1) 10; Lee (Tenn.) (9-2) 5.

🏀 FHSU women crack top 10 in coaches poll

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State continued to receive votes in the latest NABC Top 25 Poll, released on Tuesday (Jan. 2). At 9-3 overall on the season, the Tigers are among the receiving votes section for a third-straight release of the poll.

Central Oklahoma and Northwest Missouri State represent the MIAA in the Top 25. Central Oklahoma slipped from No. 5 to No. 12 this week after a loss to Fort Hays State this past weekend. Northwest Missouri State moved up two spots to No. 19 this week.

Fort Hays State impressively is 3-0 against NABC Top 25 ranked teams so far this season. FHSU won its first meeting of the season with both Central Oklahoma and Northwest Missouri State. The Tigers have received votes in four of the NABC polls released this year, which includes the preseason poll.

Joining the Tigers in the receiving votes section from the MIAA are Washburn and Missouri Western. The Tigers knocked off Missouri Western earlier this season when MWSU was inside the Top 25.

The next release of the D2CSC Top 25 Poll will be on January 9. In the most recent edition of that poll, Central Oklahoma was the only MIAA team inside the Top 25 at No. 8.

Below is the NABC Top 25 Poll for January 2, 2024.

Rank	Team	Record	Points 1.	Nova Southeastern (Fla.) (16)	10-0	400 2.	MSU Moorhead (Minn.)	12-0	382 3.	Minnesota State	13-0	370 4.	West Texas A&amp;M	10-1	336 5.	Saint Martin's (Wash.)	11-1	308 6.	Dallas Baptist (Texas)	9-1	298 7.	North Georgia	9-1	278 8.	Benedict (S.C.)	10-0	262 9.	California (Pa.)	11-0	255 10.	Fort Lewis (Colo.)	9-1	245 11.	Angelo State (Texas)	10-1	243 12.	Central Oklahoma	12-2	232 13.	St. Thomas Aquinas (N.Y.)	11-1	206 14.	Colorado Mesa	9-2	181 15.	Ferris State (Mich.)	11-2	177 16.	Cal State San Bernardino	9-2	140 17.	Gannon (Pa.)	10-1	124 18.	Post (Conn.)	10-1	112 19.	Northwest Missouri State	9-3	94 20.	Chico State (Calif.)	8-2	69 21.	USC Aiken (S.C.)	9-1	66 22.	West Liberty (W.Va.)	9-3	59 23.	Minnesota Duluth	10-3	57 24.	West Georgia	9-2	53 25.	Florida Tech	9-1	32

Receiving Votes: Eastern New Mexico 26, Ashland (Ohio) 25, East Stroudsburg (Pa.) 24, Colorado School of Mines 15, West Alabama 15, Catawba (N.C.) 14, Charleston (W.Va.) 11, Washburn (Kan.) 11, Fort Hays State (Kan.) 8, Lander (S.C.) 7, Illinois Springfield 6, Minot State (N.D.) 6, Augusta (Ga.) 5, Carson-Newman (Tenn.) 4, Concord (W.Va.) 4, Dominican (N.Y.) 4, Lake Superior State (Mich.) 4, Cal State East Bay 3, Saint Michael's (Vt.) 3, Cal State Dominiguez Hills 1, Cal State LA 1, Lincoln Memorial (Tenn.) 1, Missouri Western 1, Southern New Hampshire 1.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State continued to receive votes in the latest NABC Top 25 Poll, released on Tuesday (Jan. 2). At 9-3 overall on the season, the Tigers are among the receiving votes section for a third-straight release of the poll.Central Oklahoma and Northwest Missouri State represent the MIAA in the Top 25. Central Oklahoma slipped from No. 5 to No. 12 this week after a loss to Fort Hays State this past weekend. Northwest Missouri State moved up two spots to No. 19 this week.Fort Hays State impressively is 3-0 against NABC Top 25 ranked teams so far this season. FHSU won its first meeting of the season with both Central Oklahoma and Northwest Missouri State. The Tigers have received votes in four of the NABC polls released this year, which includes the preseason poll.Joining the Tigers in the receiving votes section from the MIAA are Washburn and Missouri Western. The Tigers knocked off Missouri Western earlier this season when MWSU was inside the Top 25.The next release of the D2CSC Top 25 Poll will be on January 9. In the most recent edition of that poll, Central Oklahoma was the only MIAA team inside the Top 25 at No. 8.Below is the NABC Top 25 Poll for January 2, 2024.Rank	Team	Record	Points 1.	Nova Southeastern (Fla.) (16)	10-0	400 2.	MSU Moorhead (Minn.)	12-0	382 3.	Minnesota State	13-0	370 4.	West Texas A&amp;M	10-1	336 5.	Saint Martin's (Wash.)	11-1	308 6.	Dallas Baptist (Texas)	9-1	298 7.	North Georgia	9-1	278 8.	Benedict (S.C.)	10-0	262 9.	California (Pa.)	11-0	255 10.	Fort Lewis (Colo.)	9-1	245 11.	Angelo State (Texas)	10-1	243 12.	Central Oklahoma	12-2	232 13.	St. Thomas Aquinas (N.Y.)	11-1	206 14.	Colorado Mesa	9-2	181 15.	Ferris State (Mich.)	11-2	177 16.	Cal State San Bernardino	9-2	140 17.	Gannon (Pa.)	10-1	124 18.	Post (Conn.)	10-1	112 19.	Northwest Missouri State	9-3	94 20.	Chico State (Calif.)	8-2	69 21.	USC Aiken (S.C.)	9-1	66 22.	West Liberty (W.Va.)	9-3	59 23.	Minnesota Duluth	10-3	57 24.	West Georgia	9-2	53 25.	Florida Tech	9-1	32 Receiving Votes: Eastern New Mexico 26, Ashland (Ohio) 25, East Stroudsburg (Pa.) 24, Colorado School of Mines 15, West Alabama 15, Catawba (N.C.) 14, Charleston (W.Va.) 11, Washburn (Kan.) 11, Fort Hays State (Kan.) 8, Lander (S.C.) 7, Illinois Springfield 6, Minot State (N.D.) 6, Augusta (Ga.) 5, Carson-Newman (Tenn.) 4, Concord (W.Va.) 4, Dominican (N.Y.) 4, Lake Superior State (Mich.) 4, Cal State East Bay 3, Saint Michael's (Vt.) 3, Cal State Dominiguez Hills 1, Cal State LA 1, Lincoln Memorial (Tenn.) 1, Missouri Western 1, Southern New Hampshire 1.

🏀 FHSU men’s receiving votes in third-straight NABC Top 25 poll

The Fort Hays State women's basketball team closes out non-conference play at home against Bethany College on Saturday, December 30, 2023.

The Fort Hays State women's basketball team closes out non-conference play at home against Bethany College on Saturday, December 30, 2023.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-WBB vs. Bethany College (Dec. 30, 2023)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=69g8s-153c1ce-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind-WBB vs. Bethany College (Dec. 30, 2023)

SPRING HILL, Kan. -&nbsp;The roster of invitations for the 51st Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth was announced during the annual Kansas Shrine Bowl Selection Show on Monday, January 1st. The selections are the result of a combination of statewide media votes and Shrine Bowl coaching staff selections from a list of 457 nominees.

Several area players have been selected to play in the 51st
annual Kansas Shrine Bowl All-Star Football Game later this summer.

Hays High running back Malik Bah and Plainville offensive lineman
Mason Hogan have been selected to the West Squad announced New Year’s Day. Norton
tight end Roman Hauser and Ellsworth linebacker Loden West were also selected to the West team..

The West will be coached by McPherson’s Jace Pavlovich. Hays
native and TMP-Marian grad Nicolas Schmidt will be an assistant. Schmidt is the
head coach at Medicine Lodge.

The 51st Kansas Shrine Bowl will be played on Saturday, June
29, 2024 at Welch Stadium in Empora.

2024 Kansas Shrine Bowl West Roster

2024 Kansas Shrine Bowl East Roster

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704149387610.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostSPRING HILL, Kan. -&nbsp;The roster of invitations for the 51st Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth was announced during the annual Kansas Shrine Bowl Selection Show on Monday, January 1st. The selections are the result of a combination of statewide media votes and Shrine Bowl coaching staff selections from a list of 457 nominees.Several area players have been selected to play in the 51st
annual Kansas Shrine Bowl All-Star Football Game later this summer.Hays High running back Malik Bah and Plainville offensive lineman
Mason Hogan have been selected to the West Squad announced New Year’s Day. Norton
tight end Roman Hauser and Ellsworth linebacker Loden West were also selected to the West team..The West will be coached by McPherson’s Jace Pavlovich. Hays
native and TMP-Marian grad Nicolas Schmidt will be an assistant. Schmidt is the
head coach at Medicine Lodge.The 51st Kansas Shrine Bowl will be played on Saturday, June
29, 2024 at Welch Stadium in Empora.2024 Kansas Shrine Bowl West Roster<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704149539521.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>2024 Kansas Shrine Bowl East Roster<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704149566920.png" alt="1-1-24-east-roster_orig.png" />
 <figcaption>1-1-24-east-roster_orig.png</figcaption>
 </figure>

🏈 Hays High's Bah, Plainville's Hogan selected for Shrine Bowl

By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2023-24/central-oklahoma/boxscore/12753">BOX SCORE</a>

EDMOND, Okla. - Fort Hays State's Kaleb Hammeke hit a couple of key late baskets and scored a game-high 19 points and the Tigers picked up their third win over a nationally ranked opponent with a 67-60 victory over No. 5 Central Oklahoma Sunday afternoon at Hamilton Field House.

It's the Tigers (9-3, 4-2 MIAA) first true road win over an an NABC Top-10 opponent since beating No. 1 Central Missouri in Warrensburg on January 4, 2010 and only their third true road win over a Top-10 team in FHSU's Division II history. It's their third win over a ranked team this season.

The win snapped the Bronchos five-game win streak and ended UCO's 16-game home win streak dating back to last season.

In a game that saw 13 ties and nine lead changes, the Tigers outscored UCO (12-2, 4-2 MIAA) 9-2 over the final 1:30 with Hammeke scoring all nine for FHSU. He converted a conventional 3-pount play after being fouled on a layup with 1:20 to play. Hammeke buried a running jumper with 26 seconds to play to push the lead to five. After a UCO turnover, Hammeke b0uried a pair of free throws to get the lead to seven.&nbsp;

Central Oklahoma opened the game on a 7-0 run, only to see FHSU counter with the next nine points. UCO used a 6-0 run to build a six-point lead late in the first half and led 35-29 at halftime.

The Tigers opened the second half with a 7-1 run to tie the game at 36-all then pushed their lead to six with 13:32 to play thanks to two 3-pointers from Bjarni Jonsson and one from Kyle Grill.

UCO responded with a 13-2 run to go up 53-38 with 8:20 to play only to see the Tigers score the next eight points to retake the lead following a timeout.

Hammeke finished with a game-high 19 points including 8-of-10 from the free throw line. Shaun Riley added 12 points. Elijah Nnanabu scored nine and pulled down a career-best 10 rebounds and dished out four assists. Jonsson finished with eight points, while Grill matched his season/career high with seven off the bench for the second-straight game.

Danquez Dawsey finished with a team-high 18 points for the Bronchos and was their only player to reach double figures scoring. The Tigers handcuffed UCO's top scorer Jaden Wells to just five points after entering the game averaging 18.1 per game. 

After making 10-of-12 free throws in the first half, the Bronchos went 6-for-16 from the line in the second half and only 1-of-8 after reaching the bonus in the final seven minutes of the game. After hitting 14 threes in their blowout win over Nebraska-Kearney Friday, they went 2-for-16 against the Tigers.

The Tigers look to build off the momentum of the big win when they return home this next week to face Central Missouri (Thursday, Jan. 4) and Lincoln (Saturday, Jan. 6).&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1704081641957.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Kaleb Hammeke brings the ball up the floor in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Newman on Sunday, December 17, 2023 in Wichita, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Kaleb Hammeke brings the ball up the floor in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Newman on Sunday, December 17, 2023 in Wichita, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2023-24/central-oklahoma/boxscore/12753">BOX SCORE</a>EDMOND, Okla. - Fort Hays State's Kaleb Hammeke hit a couple of key late baskets and scored a game-high 19 points and the Tigers picked up their third win over a nationally ranked opponent with a 67-60 victory over No. 5 Central Oklahoma Sunday afternoon at Hamilton Field House.It's the Tigers (9-3, 4-2 MIAA) first true road win over an an NABC Top-10 opponent since beating No. 1 Central Missouri in Warrensburg on January 4, 2010 and only their third true road win over a Top-10 team in FHSU's Division II history. It's their third win over a ranked team this 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/1704791124&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/mark-johnson-postgame-v-central-oklahoma-dec-31-2023" title="Mark Johnson Postgame at #5 Central Oklahoma (Dec. 31, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Mark Johnson Postgame at #5 Central Oklahoma (Dec. 31, 2023)</a></div></div>The win snapped the Bronchos five-game win streak and ended UCO's 16-game home win streak dating back to last season.In a game that saw 13 ties and nine lead changes, the Tigers outscored UCO (12-2, 4-2 MIAA) 9-2 over the final 1:30 with Hammeke scoring all nine for FHSU. He converted a conventional 3-pount play after being fouled on a layup with 1:20 to play. Hammeke buried a running jumper with 26 seconds to play to push the lead to five. After a UCO turnover, Hammeke b0uried a pair of free throws to get the lead to seven.&nbsp;Central Oklahoma opened the game on a 7-0 run, only to see FHSU counter with the next nine points. UCO used a 6-0 run to build a six-point lead late in the first half and led 35-29 at halftime.The Tigers opened the second half with a 7-1 run to tie the game at 36-all then pushed their lead to six with 13:32 to play thanks to two 3-pointers from Bjarni Jonsson and one from Kyle Grill.<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/1704791160&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-central-oklahoma-dec-31-2023" title="Fort Hays State MBB Highlights at #5 Central Oklahoma (Dec. 31, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State MBB Highlights at #5 Central Oklahoma (Dec. 31, 2023)</a></div></div>UCO responded with a 13-2 run to go up 53-38 with 8:20 to play only to see the Tigers score the next eight points to retake the lead following a timeout.Hammeke finished with a game-high 19 points including 8-of-10 from the free throw line. Shaun Riley added 12 points. Elijah Nnanabu scored nine and pulled down a career-best 10 rebounds and dished out four assists. Jonsson finished with eight points, while Grill matched his season/career high with seven off the bench for the second-straight game.Danquez Dawsey finished with a team-high 18 points for the Bronchos and was their only player to reach double figures scoring. The Tigers handcuffed UCO's top scorer Jaden Wells to just five points after entering the game averaging 18.1 per game. After making 10-of-12 free throws in the first half, the Bronchos went 6-for-16 from the line in the second half and only 1-of-8 after reaching the bonus in the final seven minutes of the game. After hitting 14 threes in their blowout win over Nebraska-Kearney Friday, they went 2-for-16 against the Tigers.UP NEXTThe Tigers look to build off the momentum of the big win when they return home this next week to face Central Missouri (Thursday, Jan. 4) and Lincoln (Saturday, Jan. 6).&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Late run lifts Tigers past No. 5 Bronchos

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have grown accustomed to wrapping up the AFC West by the middle of December.

Turns out they're perfectly fine with clinching it on New Year's Eve.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-mahomes-kelce-reid-e6e5b864a2c246fc7c6d58ca87f8e731">Amid an up-and-down season</a>&nbsp;in which the Chiefs have been forced to rely on their defense while their high-profile offense sputtered, Patrick Mahomes and Co. still managed to clinch their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bengals-eliminated-playoffs-chiefs-65bf244aec9d942ab6e69c1f814af6bb#:~:text=The%20Chiefs%20piled%20up%20eight,clinch%20the%20AFC%20West%20title.">eighth consecutive division championship Sunday</a>&nbsp;with a come-from-behind 25-17 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals — their opponent in each of the past two AFC title games.

Harrison Butker was a career-best 6 for 6 on field-goal attempts, Mahomes had 245 yards passing and a touchdown, and Isiah Pacheco ran for a career-best 130 yards to help Kansas City (10-6) secure the No. 3 seed for the playoffs.

“Obviously, we're not winning this in Week 12 or Week 13 like before. We had to battle through adversity and find a way to win," said Mahomes, who went over 4,000 yards passing for his sixth consecutive year as the starter. “Now you're in the playoffs, it's one game, single elimination, and I think we can play with anybody.”

The Bengals (8-8), fighting to avoid postseason elimination, led by 10 early but found themselves trailing 25-17 when Butker hit the last of his field goals — a 46-yarder through blustery wind — with 2:59 remaining in the game.

Four of Butker’s six field goals were from at least 43 yards, including his 54-yarder in the first half.

With one last chance, Bengals quarterback Jake Browning hit Tyler Boyd over the middle to convert a long fourth down and get them into Kansas City territory. But back-to-back sacks by George Karlaftis and Chris Jones ultimately dashed their hopes.

Browning finished with 197 yards passing and a touchdown. Joe Mixon ran for 65 yards and had the TD reception.

“Every guy left it all on the field," Cincinnati coach Zac Taylor said. “It was an emotional game. Physical game. All the things we knew would happen, happened. You have to give Kansas City credit. They got it done down the stretch.”

The Bengals and Chiefs are accustomed to playing high-stakes games when the weather turns frigid, meeting for down-to-the-wire nail-biters in each of the past two AFC championship games. And they are usually accompanied by plenty of trash talk, be it from fans, elected officials or — in the case this past week — players such as Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase.

The animosity usually spills onto the field, too. Midway through the second quarter, Chase and Chiefs cornerback L'Jarius Sneed got into a heated argument, and eventually a team-wide scrum resulted in offsetting personal foul penalties.

“I just be under people's skin sometimes, I guess,” Chase said afterward. “Just trash talking. (He) can't handle it.”

The Bengals jumped ahead 10-7 when an 8 1/2-minute drive resulted in a field goal and a 6 1/2-minute march ended in Mixon's touchdown catch. Cincinnati then got the ball back when Trey Hendrickson ran right around rookie right tackle Wanya Morris, stripped Mahomes from behind and Sam Hubbard was there to pounce on the loose ball.

Pass interference on Sneed in the end zone set up Browning's 1-yard TD run.

“It wasn't the smoothest early,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said.

Butker's first field goal got the Chiefs within 17-10, though, and they had a chance to take the lead when Mahomes saw Marquez Valdes-Scantling wide open on their next possession. But yet another dropped pass — the NFL-leading 40th by Kansas City this season — forced the Chiefs to settle for another field goal to trail 17-13 at the break.

But as the Chiefs' defense stiffened in the second half, their offense began showing signs of life.

They stuffed the Bengals on fourth-and-1 at the Kansas City 6, then drove 82 yards for Butker's third field goal. And when the Bengals had to punt again, Mahomes hit Rashee Rice for 67 yards to set up Butker's chip shot and give the Chiefs the lead. Two more field goals gave them some breathing room in the closing minutes.

“Everybody contributed in this, which I think was great. Nobody gave up hope,” said Reid, whose ninth consecutive 10-win season moved him past the 49ers' George Seifert for the second-longest such streak in NFL history. “The guys executed well, and that is the most important thing right now, at this time of year.”

Cincinnati WR Tee Higgins left in the second quarter with a hamstring injury. He returned to the game but didn't have another catch, finishing with one for 19 yards.

Kansas City WR Justin Watson hurt his chest in the third quarter but returned to the game. The Chiefs are thin at wide receiver with Skyy Moore on injured reserve and Kadarius Toney inactive due to a hip injury.

Chiefs: At the Los Angeles Chargers next weekend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1704071979286.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have grown accustomed to wrapping up the AFC West by the middle of December.Turns out they're perfectly fine with clinching it on New Year's Eve.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-mahomes-kelce-reid-e6e5b864a2c246fc7c6d58ca87f8e731">Amid an up-and-down season</a>&nbsp;in which the Chiefs have been forced to rely on their defense while their high-profile offense sputtered, Patrick Mahomes and Co. still managed to clinch their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bengals-eliminated-playoffs-chiefs-65bf244aec9d942ab6e69c1f814af6bb#:~:text=The%20Chiefs%20piled%20up%20eight,clinch%20the%20AFC%20West%20title.">eighth consecutive division championship Sunday</a>&nbsp;with a come-from-behind 25-17 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals — their opponent in each of the past two AFC title games.Harrison Butker was a career-best 6 for 6 on field-goal attempts, Mahomes had 245 yards passing and a touchdown, and Isiah Pacheco ran for a career-best 130 yards to help Kansas City (10-6) secure the No. 3 seed for the playoffs.“Obviously, we're not winning this in Week 12 or Week 13 like before. We had to battle through adversity and find a way to win," said Mahomes, who went over 4,000 yards passing for his sixth consecutive year as the starter. “Now you're in the playoffs, it's one game, single elimination, and I think we can play with anybody.”The Bengals (8-8), fighting to avoid postseason elimination, led by 10 early but found themselves trailing 25-17 when Butker hit the last of his field goals — a 46-yarder through blustery wind — with 2:59 remaining in the game.Four of Butker’s six field goals were from at least 43 yards, including his 54-yarder in the first half.With one last chance, Bengals quarterback Jake Browning hit Tyler Boyd over the middle to convert a long fourth down and get them into Kansas City territory. But back-to-back sacks by George Karlaftis and Chris Jones ultimately dashed their hopes.Browning finished with 197 yards passing and a touchdown. Joe Mixon ran for 65 yards and had the TD reception.“Every guy left it all on the field," Cincinnati coach Zac Taylor said. “It was an emotional game. Physical game. All the things we knew would happen, happened. You have to give Kansas City credit. They got it done down the stretch.”The Bengals and Chiefs are accustomed to playing high-stakes games when the weather turns frigid, meeting for down-to-the-wire nail-biters in each of the past two AFC championship games. And they are usually accompanied by plenty of trash talk, be it from fans, elected officials or — in the case this past week — players such as Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase.The animosity usually spills onto the field, too. Midway through the second quarter, Chase and Chiefs cornerback L'Jarius Sneed got into a heated argument, and eventually a team-wide scrum resulted in offsetting personal foul penalties.“I just be under people's skin sometimes, I guess,” Chase said afterward. “Just trash talking. (He) can't handle it.”The Bengals jumped ahead 10-7 when an 8 1/2-minute drive resulted in a field goal and a 6 1/2-minute march ended in Mixon's touchdown catch. Cincinnati then got the ball back when Trey Hendrickson ran right around rookie right tackle Wanya Morris, stripped Mahomes from behind and Sam Hubbard was there to pounce on the loose ball.Pass interference on Sneed in the end zone set up Browning's 1-yard TD run.“It wasn't the smoothest early,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said.Butker's first field goal got the Chiefs within 17-10, though, and they had a chance to take the lead when Mahomes saw Marquez Valdes-Scantling wide open on their next possession. But yet another dropped pass — the NFL-leading 40th by Kansas City this season — forced the Chiefs to settle for another field goal to trail 17-13 at the break.But as the Chiefs' defense stiffened in the second half, their offense began showing signs of life.They stuffed the Bengals on fourth-and-1 at the Kansas City 6, then drove 82 yards for Butker's third field goal. And when the Bengals had to punt again, Mahomes hit Rashee Rice for 67 yards to set up Butker's chip shot and give the Chiefs the lead. Two more field goals gave them some breathing room in the closing minutes.“Everybody contributed in this, which I think was great. Nobody gave up hope,” said Reid, whose ninth consecutive 10-win season moved him past the 49ers' George Seifert for the second-longest such streak in NFL history. “The guys executed well, and that is the most important thing right now, at this time of year.”INJURIESCincinnati WR Tee Higgins left in the second quarter with a hamstring injury. He returned to the game but didn't have another catch, finishing with one for 19 yards.Kansas City WR Justin Watson hurt his chest in the third quarter but returned to the game. The Chiefs are thin at wide receiver with Skyy Moore on injured reserve and Kadarius Toney inactive due to a hip injury.UP NEXTBengals: Host Cleveland next weekend.Chiefs: At the Los Angeles Chargers next weekend.

🏈 Butker hits 6 field goals, kicks Chiefs to AFC West title with win over Bengals

By PAT GRAHAM AP Sports Writer

DENVER (AP) — The Denver Broncos got that spark they were looking for with a quarterback switch — from&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1741625787818901940">their defense, anyway</a>.

The red-zone woes are still there for the offense. Same with the struggles to find a consistent ground game. At least, though, the Broncos are headed into a new year on a feel-good note even if they were officially eliminated from the playoff race.

Jarrett&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1741622018070479135">Stidham threw</a>&nbsp;for 224 yards and a touchdown in an uneven performance during his first start in place of a benched Russell Wilson as the Broncos beat the Los Angeles Chargers 16-9 on Sunday.

Stidham earned his first career NFL win as a starter thanks to some timely plays, such as a nifty 54-yard catch-and-run for a score by&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/SNFonNBC/status/1741589190519762975">Lil’Jordan Humphrey</a>&nbsp;and a stellar defensive performance. The Broncos (8-8) forced one turnover and held the Chargers to 2-of-11 on third down.

“Once I got back to my locker, texted my wife just what a cool feeling it is to get my first NFL win,” said Stidham, who earned his first ‘W’ as a starter since leading Auburn to a 63-14 win over Purdue in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 28, 2018. “But with that, it’s not about me. ... It’s about the team getting the eighth win of the year.”

Despite the victory, the Broncos saw their playoff chances end when Kansas City beat Cincinnati. The Broncos haven't been to the playoffs since winning the Super Bowl following the 2015 season.

It was a matchup of backup against backup, with Stidham supplanting Wilson in an effort to try to spark a sporadic offense. The Chargers (5-11) went with Easton Stick for a third straight start after the injury to Justin Herbert.

Stidham was both solid and shaky in stepping in for Wilson, who saw the team average 21.7 points a game under his watch.

“(Stidham) was collected, calm,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said. “He was efficient in and out of the huddle.”

Los Angeles made it 16-9 with 1:17 left on a 52-yard field goal from Cameron Dicker and tried an onside kick. It was recovered by Alex Singleton. Stidham took two knees to end the game.

The game changed complexion at the start of the fourth quarter when D.J. Jones knocked the ball out of the hands of Austin Ekeler, with Josey Jewell recovering the fumble in Chargers territory.

Denver turned the turnover into a 20-yard field goal by Wil Lutz to make it 16-6. The Broncos benefited from a pass interference call on Jerry Jeudy near the goal line on fourth down. Two false start penalties, though, moved them back and faced with another fourth-down call, Payton elected to kick.

The Broncos also made a big play on special teams with Zach Allen blocking a 50-yard field goal by Dicker midway through the fourth quarter. They also thwarted a fake punt attempt in the first half.

The Broncos were short-handed at receiver for Stidham, with receiver Courtland Sutton (concussion) and Marvin Mims Jr. (hamstring) sidelined. Humphrey had two catches for 69 yards, while Jeudy made three receptions for 54 yards after being under the weather earlier in the week.

As a team captain, Wilson briefly got on the field for the opening coin flip. He spent the afternoon on the sideline in what could be the first of his last two games with the Broncos. The nine-time Pro Bowler was benched last Wednesday by Payton, who said he was looking for an offensive boost. Wilson later said he was approached after a win over Kansas City on Oct. 29 about altering his contract or risk being benched.

Wilson has a $37 million injury guarantee for 2025 that’s triggered in March if he fails a physical. The Broncos wanted him to push back the date to give them flexibility, but Wilson rejected it. Payton dodged the topic after the game.

“When the season ends, and you have questions specific to all of that — I wasn’t privy to the dialogue — but you’ll be able to ask the appropriate people,” Payton said. “Russ has been fantastic this week.”

“We were communicating on the sideline," said Stidham, who made two starts last season with the Raiders. "I can’t speak highly enough about him.”

Stick finished with 220 yards passing. He stepped in when Herbert broke his right index finger in the second quarter against the Broncos on Dec. 10.

“I’m just really frustrated and I think we all are, because we don’t have the results,” Stick said. “Right now, we’re not winning football games and that hurts.”

Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack eclipsed the 100-sack mark when he brought down Stidham in the second quarter.

“It’s a landmark number,” Chargers interim coach Giff Smith said. “It’s a crazy number.”

In addition, it was also Mack’s 16th sack of the season, which is a new career best.

Broncos: RT Mike McGlinchey (ribs) and special teams player Delarrin Turner-Yell (knee) left in the first quarter.

Chargers: Host Kansas City on Jan. 6 or 7.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1704080980909.jpeg" alt="Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham (4) looks to pass against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)" />
 <figcaption>Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham (4) looks to pass against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAT GRAHAM AP Sports WriterDENVER (AP) — The Denver Broncos got that spark they were looking for with a quarterback switch — from&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1741625787818901940">their defense, anyway</a>.The red-zone woes are still there for the offense. Same with the struggles to find a consistent ground game. At least, though, the Broncos are headed into a new year on a feel-good note even if they were officially eliminated from the playoff race.Jarrett&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1741622018070479135">Stidham threw</a>&nbsp;for 224 yards and a touchdown in an uneven performance during his first start in place of a benched Russell Wilson as the Broncos beat the Los Angeles Chargers 16-9 on Sunday.Stidham earned his first career NFL win as a starter thanks to some timely plays, such as a nifty 54-yard catch-and-run for a score by&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/SNFonNBC/status/1741589190519762975">Lil’Jordan Humphrey</a>&nbsp;and a stellar defensive performance. The Broncos (8-8) forced one turnover and held the Chargers to 2-of-11 on third down.“Once I got back to my locker, texted my wife just what a cool feeling it is to get my first NFL win,” said Stidham, who earned his first ‘W’ as a starter since leading Auburn to a 63-14 win over Purdue in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 28, 2018. “But with that, it’s not about me. ... It’s about the team getting the eighth win of the year.”Despite the victory, the Broncos saw their playoff chances end when Kansas City beat Cincinnati. The Broncos haven't been to the playoffs since winning the Super Bowl following the 2015 season.It was a matchup of backup against backup, with Stidham supplanting Wilson in an effort to try to spark a sporadic offense. The Chargers (5-11) went with Easton Stick for a third straight start after the injury to Justin Herbert.Stidham was both solid and shaky in stepping in for Wilson, who saw the team average 21.7 points a game under his watch.“(Stidham) was collected, calm,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said. “He was efficient in and out of the huddle.”Los Angeles made it 16-9 with 1:17 left on a 52-yard field goal from Cameron Dicker and tried an onside kick. It was recovered by Alex Singleton. Stidham took two knees to end the game.The game changed complexion at the start of the fourth quarter when D.J. Jones knocked the ball out of the hands of Austin Ekeler, with Josey Jewell recovering the fumble in Chargers territory.Denver turned the turnover into a 20-yard field goal by Wil Lutz to make it 16-6. The Broncos benefited from a pass interference call on Jerry Jeudy near the goal line on fourth down. Two false start penalties, though, moved them back and faced with another fourth-down call, Payton elected to kick.The Broncos also made a big play on special teams with Zach Allen blocking a 50-yard field goal by Dicker midway through the fourth quarter. They also thwarted a fake punt attempt in the first half.The Broncos were short-handed at receiver for Stidham, with receiver Courtland Sutton (concussion) and Marvin Mims Jr. (hamstring) sidelined. Humphrey had two catches for 69 yards, while Jeudy made three receptions for 54 yards after being under the weather earlier in the week.As a team captain, Wilson briefly got on the field for the opening coin flip. He spent the afternoon on the sideline in what could be the first of his last two games with the Broncos. The nine-time Pro Bowler was benched last Wednesday by Payton, who said he was looking for an offensive boost. Wilson later said he was approached after a win over Kansas City on Oct. 29 about altering his contract or risk being benched.Wilson has a $37 million injury guarantee for 2025 that’s triggered in March if he fails a physical. The Broncos wanted him to push back the date to give them flexibility, but Wilson rejected it. Payton dodged the topic after the game.“When the season ends, and you have questions specific to all of that — I wasn’t privy to the dialogue — but you’ll be able to ask the appropriate people,” Payton said. “Russ has been fantastic this week.”Stidham vouched for that.“We were communicating on the sideline," said Stidham, who made two starts last season with the Raiders. "I can’t speak highly enough about him.”Stick finished with 220 yards passing. He stepped in when Herbert broke his right index finger in the second quarter against the Broncos on Dec. 10.“I’m just really frustrated and I think we all are, because we don’t have the results,” Stick said. “Right now, we’re not winning football games and that hurts.”MACK’S SACKSChargers linebacker Khalil Mack eclipsed the 100-sack mark when he brought down Stidham in the second quarter.“It’s a landmark number,” Chargers interim coach Giff Smith said. “It’s a crazy number.”In addition, it was also Mack’s 16th sack of the season, which is a new career best.INJURY REPORTBroncos: RT Mike McGlinchey (ribs) and special teams player Delarrin Turner-Yell (knee) left in the first quarter.UP NEXTChargers: Host Kansas City on Jan. 6 or 7.Broncos: At Las Vegas on Jan. 6 or 7.

🏈 Stidham uneven, Broncos rely on defense to beat Chargers

Fort Hays State (8-3, 3-2 MIAA) at Central Oklahoma (12-1, 4-1 MIAA) Sunday, December 31 • 2 p.m. Edmond, Okla. • Hamilton Field House

Radio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;The MIAA Network&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>&nbsp; Fort Hays State men's basketball returns from its mandatory holiday break on Sunday at Central Oklahoma. The Tigers enter the game at 8-3 overall and 3-2 in the MIAA, while the Bronchos are 12-1 overall and 4-1 in the MIAA. In the latest national polls, UCO holds a No. 5 ranking in the NABC poll and a No. 8 ranking in the D2CSC poll. Tipoff is at 2 p.m. inside Hamilton Field House in Edmond.

Fort Hays State holds a 21-13 advantage in the all-time series, despite the Bronchos winning the last five meetings between the teams. UCO won all three meetings between the teams last year, winning the home-away series in the regular season and then a meeting in the MIAA Tournament semifinals that ended FHSU's season.

The Tigers are coming off a tough two-point overtime loss at Newman University. It was their second overtime loss this season, both which have been in road contests. FHSU has lost just three times to Newman in Mark Johnson's coaching tenure, and all three were in Wichita by two points or less.

Even though the Tigers own the best scoring defense in NCAA Division II at 56.8 points per game, they have allowed 76 and 77 points in their last two road games, which both resulted in losses. The Tigers have allowed more than 70 points in all three losses this year, but held the opponent under 70 in regulation of both overtime losses. The opposition has averaged 76 points per game in FHSU's three losses this season, but just 49.6 points per game in FHSU's eight wins this season.

The Tigers have held the opposition to less than 50 points in its last six wins, which includes three wins in MIAA play. The Tigers held Northeastern State to just 43 in a road contest in Tahlequah, then held Northwest Missouri State and Missouri Western to 49 points each in a pair of wins at home.

The fewest points the Tigers have allowed at Hamilton Field House in Edmond is 66, which has occurred three times (twice in wins, once in a loss). The Tigers allowed 66 to the Bronchos last year in Edmond, but did not have enough offense in a 15-point loss. This will be the fifth straight meeting in which the Bronchos hold a Top 25 national ranking.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703979136755.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State (8-3, 3-2 MIAA) at Central Oklahoma (12-1, 4-1 MIAA) Sunday, December 31 • 2 p.m. Edmond, Okla. • Hamilton Field HouseRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;The MIAA Network&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>&nbsp; Fort Hays State men's basketball returns from its mandatory holiday break on Sunday at Central Oklahoma. The Tigers enter the game at 8-3 overall and 3-2 in the MIAA, while the Bronchos are 12-1 overall and 4-1 in the MIAA. In the latest national polls, UCO holds a No. 5 ranking in the NABC poll and a No. 8 ranking in the D2CSC poll. Tipoff is at 2 p.m. inside Hamilton Field House in Edmond.Fort Hays State holds a 21-13 advantage in the all-time series, despite the Bronchos winning the last five meetings between the teams. UCO won all three meetings between the teams last year, winning the home-away series in the regular season and then a meeting in the MIAA Tournament semifinals that ended FHSU's season.The Tigers are coming off a tough two-point overtime loss at Newman University. It was their second overtime loss this season, both which have been in road contests. FHSU has lost just three times to Newman in Mark Johnson's coaching tenure, and all three were in Wichita by two points or less.Even though the Tigers own the best scoring defense in NCAA Division II at 56.8 points per game, they have allowed 76 and 77 points in their last two road games, which both resulted in losses. The Tigers have allowed more than 70 points in all three losses this year, but held the opponent under 70 in regulation of both overtime losses. The opposition has averaged 76 points per game in FHSU's three losses this season, but just 49.6 points per game in FHSU's eight wins this season.The Tigers have held the opposition to less than 50 points in its last six wins, which includes three wins in MIAA play. The Tigers held Northeastern State to just 43 in a road contest in Tahlequah, then held Northwest Missouri State and Missouri Western to 49 points each in a pair of wins at home.The fewest points the Tigers have allowed at Hamilton Field House in Edmond is 66, which has occurred three times (twice in wins, once in a loss). The Tigers allowed 66 to the Bronchos last year in Edmond, but did not have enough offense in a 15-point loss. This will be the fifth straight meeting in which the Bronchos hold a Top 25 national ranking.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀🎧 LISTEN - Tiger men tangle with No. 5 Bronchos Sunday in Edmond

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Basketball Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas coach Bill Self made sure to educate his team about its history against Wichita State.

Or at least about the last time the schools played.

Even though they first faced off in 1908, and are separated by a mere 161 miles, the schools have played only 16 times over the years. But that includes a pair of NCAA Tournament games, and their most recent matchup in 2015, when the Shockers surprised the Jayhawks in the Midwest Regional in Omaha, Nebraska.

There was no such upset Saturday. Hunter Dickinson had 22 points and 13 rebounds, Kevin McCullar Jr. went 10 for 10 from the foul line and added 20 points, and the second-ranked Jayhawks rolled to an 86-67 win over the Shockers.

“Coach told us the history of us playing against Wichita State, and how the last time we played them it was really unfortunate,” said Dickinson, who also had four assists. “We knew they were going to come in and give us their best shot.”

Elmarko Jackson added a career-best 12 points for the Jayhawks (12-1), who have won 25 straight games in December and will take an eight-game winning streak into Big 12 play when they take on TCU next Saturday.

Dalen Ridgnal scored 13 points for the Shockers (8-5), who also lost to Kansas State at T-Mobile Center last week. Xavier Bell added 11 points and Quincy Ballard finished with 10.

“We needed to play well to beat a team of this caliber," Shockers coach Paul Mills said. “Give them a lot of credit. They had a lot to do with our inability to really get into a flow."

The game was tied 14-all when Jackson scored three straight baskets, including a fast-break dunk, to give the Jayhawks the lead. Dickinson added back-to-back baskets off his own misses. By the time Parker Braun scored an easy layup off a slick assist from K.J. Adams Jr., the Jayhawks had taken a 43-27 lead heading to the locker room.

Dickinson opened the second half by drilling a 3-pointer from the top of the key. Jackson added his own 3 from the wing. And when Dickinson picked the pocket of Harlond Beverly and McCullar scored in traffic at the other end, the Kansas lead had grown to 51-27 and Mills was forced to call timeout.

The Jayhawks led by as much as 28 in the second half before cruising to the finish.

“It's the last game of 2023,” Self said. “I just tried to spin it like it's a circled game for Wichita State and we have to respect that, and play with the intensity we know they will come out with. I think we did.”

Wichita State was just 4 of 20 from beyond the 3-point arc and shot 50% from the foul line, and that won't fly against one of the nation's best teams. The Shockers also had 13 assists to 15 turnovers.

Kansas freshman Johnny Furphy was back after missing a game to return home to Australia. He only had seven points, but his ability to hit shots from long range was important in creating better spacing and opening up the floor.

Wichita State opens American Athletic Conference play against North Texas on Thursday night.

Kansas welcomes the Horned Frogs to Allen Fieldhouse next Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703987896941.jpeg" alt="Kansas center Hunter Dickinson (1) shoots during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Wichita State Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (Kansas Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas center Hunter Dickinson (1) shoots during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Wichita State Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (Kansas Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Basketball WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas coach Bill Self made sure to educate his team about its history against Wichita State.Or at least about the last time the schools played.Even though they first faced off in 1908, and are separated by a mere 161 miles, the schools have played only 16 times over the years. But that includes a pair of NCAA Tournament games, and their most recent matchup in 2015, when the Shockers surprised the Jayhawks in the Midwest Regional in Omaha, Nebraska.There was no such upset Saturday. Hunter Dickinson had 22 points and 13 rebounds, Kevin McCullar Jr. went 10 for 10 from the foul line and added 20 points, and the second-ranked Jayhawks rolled to an 86-67 win over the Shockers.“Coach told us the history of us playing against Wichita State, and how the last time we played them it was really unfortunate,” said Dickinson, who also had four assists. “We knew they were going to come in and give us their best shot.”Elmarko Jackson added a career-best 12 points for the Jayhawks (12-1), who have won 25 straight games in December and will take an eight-game winning streak into Big 12 play when they take on TCU next Saturday.Dalen Ridgnal scored 13 points for the Shockers (8-5), who also lost to Kansas State at T-Mobile Center last week. Xavier Bell added 11 points and Quincy Ballard finished with 10.“We needed to play well to beat a team of this caliber," Shockers coach Paul Mills said. “Give them a lot of credit. They had a lot to do with our inability to really get into a flow."The game was tied 14-all when Jackson scored three straight baskets, including a fast-break dunk, to give the Jayhawks the lead. Dickinson added back-to-back baskets off his own misses. By the time Parker Braun scored an easy layup off a slick assist from K.J. Adams Jr., the Jayhawks had taken a 43-27 lead heading to the locker room.Dickinson opened the second half by drilling a 3-pointer from the top of the key. Jackson added his own 3 from the wing. And when Dickinson picked the pocket of Harlond Beverly and McCullar scored in traffic at the other end, the Kansas lead had grown to 51-27 and Mills was forced to call timeout.The Jayhawks led by as much as 28 in the second half before cruising to the finish.“It's the last game of 2023,” Self said. “I just tried to spin it like it's a circled game for Wichita State and we have to respect that, and play with the intensity we know they will come out with. I think we did.”BIG PICTUREWichita State was just 4 of 20 from beyond the 3-point arc and shot 50% from the foul line, and that won't fly against one of the nation's best teams. The Shockers also had 13 assists to 15 turnovers.Kansas freshman Johnny Furphy was back after missing a game to return home to Australia. He only had seven points, but his ability to hit shots from long range was important in creating better spacing and opening up the floor.UP NEXTWichita State opens American Athletic Conference play against North Texas on Thursday night.Kansas welcomes the Horned Frogs to Allen Fieldhouse next Saturday.

🏀 Dickinson's double-double helps No. 2 Kansas to win over Wichita State

GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post

HAYS, Kan. - Olivia Hollenbeck recorded a double-double and the 16th-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team forced 25 turnovers and cruised to a 75-41 win over Bethany College 75-41 Saturday afternoon at Gross Memorial Coliseum.

It's the sixth time this season the Tigers (11-1, 5-1 MIAA) have held an opponent under 50 points this season.

Hollenbeck scored 15 points and 10 rebounds for her second double-double of the season and sixth of her career. Six of her rebounds were on the offensive glass, helping the Tigers to 20 second-chance points.

The Tigers matched their season high with 42 points in the paint while outrebounding the Swedes by 18. They finished the game with a season-high 22 offensive rebounds.

Both teams were sluggish out of the gates, combining to hit 22 percent from the floor over the first eight minutes of action before Clary Donica scored seven points over the final 1:45 of the first quarter to give FHSU a 13-9 lead.

The Swedes (6-6) scored the first five points in the second quarter before Hollenbeck gave the Tigers the lead for good with a traditional 3-point play. The Lincoln, Neb. native finished the contest a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line, tied for the most single-game FT makes without a miss in her career.

Hollenbeck's bucket prompted a 12-0 Tiger run spanning the next four-plus minutes, propelling the Tigers to a 25-14 lead. The FHSU defense forced six turnovers and four missed shots during the run.

After Bethany cut within nine, Megan Earney&nbsp;responded with FHSU's first 3-point basket late in the second quarter, putting the Tigers back up by double figures, where the lead remained for the rest of the afternoon.

FHSU limited the Swedes to just three made baskets in each of the final two quarters, doubling them up in the third quarter, 18-9, and outscoring them by 13 in the final frame, 22-9.

Landon Forbes&nbsp;finished the game with a career-high seven points, including her first-career 3-pointer with less than one minute to go. Donica finished the day with 13 points in 12 minutes of action off the bench, with Katie Wagner&nbsp;scoring in double figures for the 11th time this season with 12 points and a team-high four steals. Brooke Loewe&nbsp;dished out six assists and added a career-high two blocks in the win. All 12 Tigers to see the floor scored at least one point, with seven scoring five or more points.

The Tigers will return to conference play for the rest of the season beginning Thursday (Jan. 4, 5:30 p.m.) when FHSU hosts No. 14 Central Missouri.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703977541416.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Olivia Hollenbeck (33) drives in for a layup in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Bethany College on Saturday, December 30, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo/NIcole Heitmann)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Olivia Hollenbeck (33) drives in for a layup in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Bethany College on Saturday, December 30, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo/NIcole Heitmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>GERARD WELLBROCK Hays PostHAYS, Kan. - Olivia Hollenbeck recorded a double-double and the 16th-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team forced 25 turnovers and cruised to a 75-41 win over Bethany College 75-41 Saturday afternoon at Gross Memorial Coliseum.It's the sixth time this season the Tigers (11-1, 5-1 MIAA) have held an opponent under 50 points this 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/1704101607&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-814667509/12-30-23-coach-talia-kahrs-post-game-interview" title="Talia Kahrs Postgame vs. Bethany College (Dec. 30, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Talia Kahrs Postgame vs. Bethany College (Dec. 30, 2023)</a></div></div>Hollenbeck scored 15 points and 10 rebounds for her second double-double of the season and sixth of her career. Six of her rebounds were on the offensive glass, helping the Tigers to 20 second-chance points.The Tigers matched their season high with 42 points in the paint while outrebounding the Swedes by 18. They finished the game with a season-high 22 offensive rebounds.<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/1704101658&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-814667509/12-30-23-olivia-hollenbeck-post-game-interview" title="Olivia Hollenbeck Postgame vs. Bethany College (Dec. 30, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Olivia Hollenbeck Postgame vs. Bethany College (Dec. 30, 2023)</a></div></div>Both teams were sluggish out of the gates, combining to hit 22 percent from the floor over the first eight minutes of action before Clary Donica scored seven points over the final 1:45 of the first quarter to give FHSU a 13-9 lead.The Swedes (6-6) scored the first five points in the second quarter before Hollenbeck gave the Tigers the lead for good with a traditional 3-point play. The Lincoln, Neb. native finished the contest a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line, tied for the most single-game FT makes without a miss in her career.<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/1704101628&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-814667509/12-30-23-fhsu-wbkb-vs-bethany-college-highlights" title="Fort Hays State WBB Highlights vs. Bethany College (Dec. 30, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State WBB Highlights vs. Bethany College (Dec. 30, 2023)</a></div></div>Hollenbeck's bucket prompted a 12-0 Tiger run spanning the next four-plus minutes, propelling the Tigers to a 25-14 lead. The FHSU defense forced six turnovers and four missed shots during the run.After Bethany cut within nine, Megan Earney&nbsp;responded with FHSU's first 3-point basket late in the second quarter, putting the Tigers back up by double figures, where the lead remained for the rest of the afternoon.FHSU limited the Swedes to just three made baskets in each of the final two quarters, doubling them up in the third quarter, 18-9, and outscoring them by 13 in the final frame, 22-9.Landon Forbes&nbsp;finished the game with a career-high seven points, including her first-career 3-pointer with less than one minute to go. Donica finished the day with 13 points in 12 minutes of action off the bench, with Katie Wagner&nbsp;scoring in double figures for the 11th time this season with 12 points and a team-high four steals. Brooke Loewe&nbsp;dished out six assists and added a career-high two blocks in the win. All 12 Tigers to see the floor scored at least one point, with seven scoring five or more points.The Tigers will return to conference play for the rest of the season beginning Thursday (Jan. 4, 5:30 p.m.) when FHSU hosts No. 14 Central Missouri.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 No. 16 FHSU women cruise past Bethany

#16 Fort Hays State (10-1, 5-1 MIAA) vs. Bethany College (6-6, 4-2 KCAC) Saturday, December 30 • 2 p.m. Hays, Kan. • Gross Memorial Coliseum

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

The No. 16 Fort Hays State women's basketball team opens a three-game homestand Saturday when the Tigers host Bethany College in their final non-conference tune-up of the season. First tip is set for 2 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.

Saturday's contest will end a long layoff for each squad, with the Tigers (10-1, 5-1 MIAA) playing for the first time in 11 days and the Swedes (6-6, 4-2 KCAC) taking to the floor for the first time in three weeks.

The Tigers have been virtually unbeatable in regular season, non-conference games over the last 15 seasons. Since the start of the 2009-10 season, Fort Hays State is 99-5 against non-MIAA teams during the regular season. A win Saturday would be FHSU's 100th-such victory over the last 15 seasons.

FHSU's defense continues to lead the conference and rank amongst the best in the country. The Tigers are allowing just 52.3 points per game this season, best in the conference and sixth-best in Division II. Fort Hays State also ranks 15th in the country in field goal percentage defense (34.6 percent) and third in the league with 9.8 steals per night.

The Tigers closed out their last road trip with two of its best shooting performances of the season thus far, combining to hit 23 3-pointers in wins at Newman (10-of-23) and at Central Oklahoma (13-of-21). The 23 made 3-pointers in those two games were more than they had made in the previous five games combined.

Emma Ruddle&nbsp;was a major contributor to the 3-point barrage, knocking down a trio of triples against the Jets before hitting four at UCO. She has hit multiple 3-pointers in each of the last three games and seven times this season.

Katie Wagner&nbsp;leads the team with 17.6 points per game, third-best in the conference, and 8.7 rebounds each night, sixth-best in the MIAA. Her five double-doubles are one off the MIAA lead and tied for 20th-most in the country. She is one rebound shy of moving into eighth all-time at Fort Hays State and recently moved into the top 10 in scoring in program history.

Fort Hays State also ranks second in the league with 16.2 assists per night, with a trio of Tigers ranking in the top 12 in the conference in dishing out assists. Sydney Golladay&nbsp;is ninth with 2.9 per game, with Brooke Loewe&nbsp;close behind in 10th with 2.8 per night and Wagner ranking 12th with 2.7 per contest. No other school has more than two individuals in the top 18 in assists.

Fort Hays State is 21-3 all-time against Bethany, including a 16-3 mark in games played in Hays. The Tigers forced 33 turnovers and knocked down 50 percent from the floor in an 80-46 win over Bethany last season in Hays (12/19/22). The Tigers never trailed in the contest. A balanced offensive attack saw 12 different Tigers score, including nine players with five or more points. Ellie Stearns&nbsp;recorded her first career double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;paced the team in scoring with 15 points.

The Swedes have wins in each of their last last two games and a 3-1 record on the road. First-year head coach Sarah Bartel took over after spending two seasons as the top assistant for former head coach Keith Ferguson, who is now the head coach at Northeastern State. R'Manie Pulling leads the team with 11.2 points per game, while Lauren Gleason is hitting 52.9 percent from the floor to pace the team.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703799417684.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics#16 Fort Hays State (10-1, 5-1 MIAA) vs. Bethany College (6-6, 4-2 KCAC) Saturday, December 30 • 2 p.m. Hays, Kan. • Gross Memorial ColiseumRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;The MIAA Network&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The No. 16 Fort Hays State women's basketball team opens a three-game homestand Saturday when the Tigers host Bethany College in their final non-conference tune-up of the season. First tip is set for 2 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.Saturday's contest will end a long layoff for each squad, with the Tigers (10-1, 5-1 MIAA) playing for the first time in 11 days and the Swedes (6-6, 4-2 KCAC) taking to the floor for the first time in three weeks.The Tigers have been virtually unbeatable in regular season, non-conference games over the last 15 seasons. Since the start of the 2009-10 season, Fort Hays State is 99-5 against non-MIAA teams during the regular season. A win Saturday would be FHSU's 100th-such victory over the last 15 seasons.FHSU's defense continues to lead the conference and rank amongst the best in the country. The Tigers are allowing just 52.3 points per game this season, best in the conference and sixth-best in Division II. Fort Hays State also ranks 15th in the country in field goal percentage defense (34.6 percent) and third in the league with 9.8 steals per night.The Tigers closed out their last road trip with two of its best shooting performances of the season thus far, combining to hit 23 3-pointers in wins at Newman (10-of-23) and at Central Oklahoma (13-of-21). The 23 made 3-pointers in those two games were more than they had made in the previous five games combined.Emma Ruddle&nbsp;was a major contributor to the 3-point barrage, knocking down a trio of triples against the Jets before hitting four at UCO. She has hit multiple 3-pointers in each of the last three games and seven times this season.Katie Wagner&nbsp;leads the team with 17.6 points per game, third-best in the conference, and 8.7 rebounds each night, sixth-best in the MIAA. Her five double-doubles are one off the MIAA lead and tied for 20th-most in the country. She is one rebound shy of moving into eighth all-time at Fort Hays State and recently moved into the top 10 in scoring in program history.Fort Hays State also ranks second in the league with 16.2 assists per night, with a trio of Tigers ranking in the top 12 in the conference in dishing out assists. Sydney Golladay&nbsp;is ninth with 2.9 per game, with Brooke Loewe&nbsp;close behind in 10th with 2.8 per night and Wagner ranking 12th with 2.7 per contest. No other school has more than two individuals in the top 18 in assists.Fort Hays State is 21-3 all-time against Bethany, including a 16-3 mark in games played in Hays. The Tigers forced 33 turnovers and knocked down 50 percent from the floor in an 80-46 win over Bethany last season in Hays (12/19/22). The Tigers never trailed in the contest. A balanced offensive attack saw 12 different Tigers score, including nine players with five or more points. Ellie Stearns&nbsp;recorded her first career double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;paced the team in scoring with 15 points.The Swedes have wins in each of their last last two games and a 3-1 record on the road. First-year head coach Sarah Bartel took over after spending two seasons as the top assistant for former head coach Keith Ferguson, who is now the head coach at Northeastern State. R'Manie Pulling leads the team with 11.2 points per game, while Lauren Gleason is hitting 52.9 percent from the floor to pace the team.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀🎧 LISTEN - No. 16 Tiger women host Bethany College Saturday

Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus discusses the Chiefs Christmas Day loss to the Raiders and previews Sunday's showdown with the Bengals.

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 Day loss to the Raiders and previews Sunday's showdown with the Bengals.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/1702912539%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-8K3sAoA5xWI&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-dec-30-2023/s-8K3sAoA5xWI" title="Holthus Hotline (Dec. 30, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Holthus Hotline (Dec. 30, 2023)</a></div></div>

🎧 Holthus Hotline with Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw for two touchdowns and ran for one, DJ Giddens rushed for 151 yards and a score, and Kansas State beat No. 19 North Carolina State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Thursday night.

Johnson, a freshman making his first start after Will Howard entered the transfer portal, threw for 178 yards, rushed for 71 and directed a 15-play, 72-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter that put the game away and closed out a solid season for coach Chris Klieman's Wildcats (9-4).

Quarterback Brennan Armstrong rushed for 121 yards and a touchdown and threw for 164 yards in his final game for the Wolfpack (9-4), who fell short of winning 10 games for the second time in program history.

Kansas State led 21-7 late in the second quarter and 21-10 at halftime, but N.C. State rallied in the third quarter, thanks in part to some trickery. Trent Pennix ran for a 60-yard touchdown on a fake punt with 1:50 left in the period. But Armstrong's 2-point conversion pass was incomplete, allowing the Wildcats to maintain a 21-19 lead.

Johnson and Giddens took over from there. Giddens had six rushes for 25 yards on a drive that took 7:24 off the clock and concluded with Johnson's 8-yard touchdown pass to Jayce Brown with 2:48 remaining.

Jacob Parrish intercepted Armstrong on N.C. State's next play from scrimmage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703818024803.jpeg" alt="Kansas State running back DJ Giddens (31) runs for a touchdown on a fourth-and-1 pass play against North Carolina State during the first half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl NCAA college football game Thursday, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State running back DJ Giddens (31) runs for a touchdown on a fourth-and-1 pass play against North Carolina State during the first half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl NCAA college football game Thursday, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)</figcaption>
 </figure>ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw for two touchdowns and ran for one, DJ Giddens rushed for 151 yards and a score, and Kansas State beat No. 19 North Carolina State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Thursday night.Johnson, a freshman making his first start after Will Howard entered the transfer portal, threw for 178 yards, rushed for 71 and directed a 15-play, 72-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter that put the game away and closed out a solid season for coach Chris Klieman's Wildcats (9-4).Quarterback Brennan Armstrong rushed for 121 yards and a touchdown and threw for 164 yards in his final game for the Wolfpack (9-4), who fell short of winning 10 games for the second time in program history.Kansas State led 21-7 late in the second quarter and 21-10 at halftime, but N.C. State rallied in the third quarter, thanks in part to some trickery. Trent Pennix ran for a 60-yard touchdown on a fake punt with 1:50 left in the period. But Armstrong's 2-point conversion pass was incomplete, allowing the Wildcats to maintain a 21-19 lead.Johnson and Giddens took over from there. Giddens had six rushes for 25 yards on a drive that took 7:24 off the clock and concluded with Johnson's 8-yard touchdown pass to Jayce Brown with 2:48 remaining.Jacob Parrish intercepted Armstrong on N.C. State's next play from scrimmage.

🏈 Freshman QB Avery Johnson leads Kansas State past No. 19 N.C. State in Pop-Tarts Bowl

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — When it comes to college bowl games these days, storylines often are as much about who's not playing rather than who actually is going to be on the field.

With many stars choosing to opt out of postseason trips in favor of entering the transfer portal or preparing for the NFL draft, matchups like Thursday's Pop-Tarts Bowl between No. 19 North Carolina State and Kansas State essentially become showcases for younger players and those older ones relishing an opportunity to take the field one more time.

“I am going to enjoy one last ride with my teammates,” Kansas State All-American guard Cooper Beebe said. "There is a lot to enjoy and I'm excited to see a lot of these young guys step out for the first time and see what they can do.”

The Wildcats (8-4) will be missing several key players, including quarterback Will Howard, who entered the transfer portal. They will also be without second-leading rusher Treshaun Ward and safety Kobe Savage.

That leaves freshman quarterback Avery Johnson to lead the Wildcats against a North Carolina State defense that will be without All-American linebacker Payton Wilson, who opted out to begin preparing for the NFL draft.

Johnson appeared in seven games during the regular season, throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for six more.

“I’ve always had the greatest confidence in myself to just be able to go out there and do what I’m capable of doing,” Johnson said. “I have a great support system around me. The team believes in me, the coaches believe in me and it ultimately makes my job easier.”

NC State (9-3) will also be integrating several new players into the starting lineup because of absences.

The Wolfpack will miss Wilson, who was the team's leading tackler as well as ACC defensive player of the year; however, there's still plenty of motivation for NC State to finish strong Thursday with the prospect of a rare 10-win season on the line.

“It's important to me," Wolfpack quarterback Brennan Armstrong said. "I think that's where it starts. Each person has to look at how important it is to them and take it out on the field.”

NC State has just one 10-win season in its program history. The Wolfpack went 11-3 in 2002, including a victory in the Gator Bowl. The Wolfpack won five straight games down the stretch to get into position to finish with double-digit wins. They won two of those games largely without Armstrong in the lineup.

NC State, which is appearing in a bowl game for the third time in four seasons, is seeking its first postseason win since 2017.

Kansas State will play its first game under interim offensive coordinator Conor Riley, who was promoted from offensive line coach after Collin Klein departed for Texas A&amp;M earlier this month.

Players are excited for Riley to get the opportunity to lead the offense, noting the enthusiasm and fire the coach is known for instilling among the team's linemen. Senior Hayden Gillum joked that one of the benefits of the promotion is the linemen won't have to hear Riley yelling on the sideline Thursday because the interim coordinator will move upstairs to work from the coaching booth.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — When it comes to college bowl games these days, storylines often are as much about who's not playing rather than who actually is going to be on the field.With many stars choosing to opt out of postseason trips in favor of entering the transfer portal or preparing for the NFL draft, matchups like Thursday's Pop-Tarts Bowl between No. 19 North Carolina State and Kansas State essentially become showcases for younger players and those older ones relishing an opportunity to take the field one more time.“I am going to enjoy one last ride with my teammates,” Kansas State All-American guard Cooper Beebe said. "There is a lot to enjoy and I'm excited to see a lot of these young guys step out for the first time and see what they can do.”The Wildcats (8-4) will be missing several key players, including quarterback Will Howard, who entered the transfer portal. They will also be without second-leading rusher Treshaun Ward and safety Kobe Savage.That leaves freshman quarterback Avery Johnson to lead the Wildcats against a North Carolina State defense that will be without All-American linebacker Payton Wilson, who opted out to begin preparing for the NFL draft.Johnson appeared in seven games during the regular season, throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for six more.“I’ve always had the greatest confidence in myself to just be able to go out there and do what I’m capable of doing,” Johnson said. “I have a great support system around me. The team believes in me, the coaches believe in me and it ultimately makes my job easier.”NC State (9-3) will also be integrating several new players into the starting lineup because of absences.The Wolfpack will miss Wilson, who was the team's leading tackler as well as ACC defensive player of the year; however, there's still plenty of motivation for NC State to finish strong Thursday with the prospect of a rare 10-win season on the line.“It's important to me," Wolfpack quarterback Brennan Armstrong said. "I think that's where it starts. Each person has to look at how important it is to them and take it out on the field.”CHANCE FOR HISTORYNC State has just one 10-win season in its program history. The Wolfpack went 11-3 in 2002, including a victory in the Gator Bowl. The Wolfpack won five straight games down the stretch to get into position to finish with double-digit wins. They won two of those games largely without Armstrong in the lineup.NC State, which is appearing in a bowl game for the third time in four seasons, is seeking its first postseason win since 2017.NEW PLAYCALLERKansas State will play its first game under interim offensive coordinator Conor Riley, who was promoted from offensive line coach after Collin Klein departed for Texas A&amp;M earlier this month.Players are excited for Riley to get the opportunity to lead the offense, noting the enthusiasm and fire the coach is known for instilling among the team's linemen. Senior Hayden Gillum joked that one of the benefits of the promotion is the linemen won't have to hear Riley yelling on the sideline Thursday because the interim coordinator will move upstairs to work from the coaching booth.

No. 19 NC State, Kansas State excited for opportunity to finish on winning note in Pop-Tarts Bowl

Courtesy of the Kansas Shrine Bowl

KANSAS-&nbsp;The Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors is pleased to announce Brice Kesler as its new Executive Director effective January 1, 2024.&nbsp; Kesler will replace B.J. Harris, whose resignation was accepted in November to step down at the end of 2023 to pursue additional career opportunities.

“Hiring Brice to take on the role of Executive Director is another step in the right direction for the Kansas Shrine Bowl,” said Drew Couch, 2024 President of the Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors. “We put on a grand event with our football game to raise money for Shrine Kids. With the addition of our wrestling event and hopefully others in the future, Brice is the guy that will help lead the Kansas Shrine Bowl organization into the future.”

Brice has served as the Business &amp; Office Manager for the Kansas Shrine Bowl since March of 2021. Prior to joining the Kansas Shrine Bowl staff, Brice’s career began as a Business Development Executive and Sports Director for Rocking M Media in Goodland, Kansas. Brice then moved to North Platte, Nebraska to become the Sports Director at Eagle Radio before returning to Kansas and becoming part of the Kansas Shrine Bowl staff.

“I’m honored and thankful to the Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors for awarding me this opportunity to lead such a wonderful organization,” said Brice Kesler. “Seeing the impact that this organization has on children and families from all across the state and beyond is a powerful motivator. I’m excited to be in a position to lead that effort forward and continue to promote the tremendous work done by Shriners in Kansas through the lens of our premier all-star events.”

Alongside new Executive Director Brice Kesler, Whitney Kesler will continue her role as Events &amp; Business Manager for the Kansas Shrine Bowl. Whitney joined the Kansas Shrine Bowl staff in May of 2023 after eight years as the Assistant Director/Sports Coordinator at Baldwin City Recreation Commission. Brice and Whitney will continue to lead the corporate partnership development of the Kansas Shrine Bowl, while exploring new ways to expand the statewide footprint and awareness of the organization and Shriners Children’s.

“Serving in this position has been the most rewarding role of my career,” said B.J. Harris, who served in the role of Executive Director since 2017. “I'm forever grateful to the Board of Directors and staff, and look forward to seeing the continued growth of the Kansas Shrine Bowl and the organization's increased impact on the patients of Shriners Children's."

The Kansas Shrine Bowl is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children’s. Since its inception in 1974, the Kansas Shrine &nbsp;Bowl has been promoting Kansas talent and the incredible network of Shriners Children’s Hospitals by &nbsp;donating more than $3.8 million. To learn more about the organization and its cause visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/" target="_blank">www.KansasShrineBowl.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703782918495.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Shrine Bowl." />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Shrine Bowl.</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of the Kansas Shrine BowlKANSAS-&nbsp;The Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors is pleased to announce Brice Kesler as its new Executive Director effective January 1, 2024.&nbsp; Kesler will replace B.J. Harris, whose resignation was accepted in November to step down at the end of 2023 to pursue additional career opportunities.“Hiring Brice to take on the role of Executive Director is another step in the right direction for the Kansas Shrine Bowl,” said Drew Couch, 2024 President of the Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors. “We put on a grand event with our football game to raise money for Shrine Kids. With the addition of our wrestling event and hopefully others in the future, Brice is the guy that will help lead the Kansas Shrine Bowl organization into the future.”Brice has served as the Business &amp; Office Manager for the Kansas Shrine Bowl since March of 2021. Prior to joining the Kansas Shrine Bowl staff, Brice’s career began as a Business Development Executive and Sports Director for Rocking M Media in Goodland, Kansas. Brice then moved to North Platte, Nebraska to become the Sports Director at Eagle Radio before returning to Kansas and becoming part of the Kansas Shrine Bowl staff.“I’m honored and thankful to the Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors for awarding me this opportunity to lead such a wonderful organization,” said Brice Kesler. “Seeing the impact that this organization has on children and families from all across the state and beyond is a powerful motivator. I’m excited to be in a position to lead that effort forward and continue to promote the tremendous work done by Shriners in Kansas through the lens of our premier all-star events.”Alongside new Executive Director Brice Kesler, Whitney Kesler will continue her role as Events &amp; Business Manager for the Kansas Shrine Bowl. Whitney joined the Kansas Shrine Bowl staff in May of 2023 after eight years as the Assistant Director/Sports Coordinator at Baldwin City Recreation Commission. Brice and Whitney will continue to lead the corporate partnership development of the Kansas Shrine Bowl, while exploring new ways to expand the statewide footprint and awareness of the organization and Shriners Children’s.“Serving in this position has been the most rewarding role of my career,” said B.J. Harris, who served in the role of Executive Director since 2017. “I'm forever grateful to the Board of Directors and staff, and look forward to seeing the continued growth of the Kansas Shrine Bowl and the organization's increased impact on the patients of Shriners Children's."The Kansas Shrine Bowl is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children’s. Since its inception in 1974, the Kansas Shrine &nbsp;Bowl has been promoting Kansas talent and the incredible network of Shriners Children’s Hospitals by &nbsp;donating more than $3.8 million. To learn more about the organization and its cause visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/" target="_blank">www.KansasShrineBowl.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 Kansas Shrine Bowl names new executive director

PHOENIX (AP) — Kansas was one of Power Five football's worst teams not that long ago, going through two full seasons with one combined win.

The Jayhawks began rebuilding in coach Lance Leipold's first season, went to a bowl game a year ago and now have a large trophy to take back home with them to Lawrence.

Jason Bean threw for 449 yards and all six of his touchdown passes to two receivers, and penalty-plagued Kansas outlasted UNLV 49-36 in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl on Tuesday night.

“I said it one time and I kind of chuckle, that we can be in the conversation for a conference championship," Leipold said. “I never would have thought I would have said that that quick at Kansas.”

The Jayhawks (9-4) tried to make things hard on themselves Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703657265904.jpeg" alt="UNLV wide receiver Jacob De Jesus is tackled by Kansas safety O.J. Burroughs (5) and linebacker Taiwan Berryhill Jr. during the first half of the Guaranteed Rate Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)" />
 <figcaption>UNLV wide receiver Jacob De Jesus is tackled by Kansas safety O.J. Burroughs (5) and linebacker Taiwan Berryhill Jr. during the first half of the Guaranteed Rate Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)</figcaption>
 </figure>PHOENIX (AP) — Kansas was one of Power Five football's worst teams not that long ago, going through two full seasons with one combined win.The Jayhawks began rebuilding in coach Lance Leipold's first season, went to a bowl game a year ago and now have a large trophy to take back home with them to Lawrence.Jason Bean threw for 449 yards and all six of his touchdown passes to two receivers, and penalty-plagued Kansas outlasted UNLV 49-36 in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl on Tuesday night.“I said it one time and I kind of chuckle, that we can be in the conversation for a conference championship," Leipold said. “I never would have thought I would have said that that quick at Kansas.”The Jayhawks (9-4) tried to make things hard on themselves Tuesday.Ranked 14th nationally for fewest penalties with 55 during the regular season, Kansas was flagged 18 times for 210 yards, including four personal fouls.The Jayhawks made up for it with an explosive offense that produced 591 total yards at Chase Field, home of baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks.Luke Grimm had four catches for 160 yards and three touchdowns. Lawrence Arnold added six catches for 132 yards and three more scores, giving Kansas two receivers with three touchdowns in a game for the first time in program history.Bean finished 19 of 28 and overcame two interceptions in the third quarter to lead Kansas to its first postseason win since the 2008 Insight Bowl, also in Phoenix.“That's an example of this whole season,” said Bean, who took over as Kansas' starter when Jalon Daniels went out with a back injury three games into the season. “We've had our ups and downs and that's just a credit to our attitude to stay kind of even keel.”Jayden Maiava threw two touchdown passes in the third quarter to rally UNLV (9-5) nearly all the way back from a 21-point deficit early in the second. He added a 50-yard touchdown pass to Senika McKie and finished 24 of 35 for 291 yards with two interceptions.The Rebels just couldn't stop Kansas and came up short in their first bowl game since 2014.A tough ending to coach Barry Odom's first season, but UNLV finished with its most wins since the Randall Cunningham team went 11-2 in 1984.“I thought the progress that the program made was substantial from where we started back when we got the job and started working together,” Odom said.UNLV got off to a fast start, moving quickly down the field for Maiava’s 3-yard touchdown pass to Vincent Davis.Bean took over from there, hitting Grimm on touchdowns of 6 and 60 yards, and a 15-yarder to Arnold. Devin Neal's 1-yard run put Kansas up 28-10 at halftime.Maiava rallied UNLV to 28-24 with a pair of TD passes, but Kansas kept scoring.Bean hit Arnold on touchdown passes of 40 and 56 yards, then put the Jayhawks up 49-30 with a 43-yard TD to Grimm.“We tried a little bit of everything,” Odom said. “Any good defense, the number of explosive plays, the lower the number is the better you're going to be as a defense. It sounds easy, but it's hard to do.”THE TAKEAWAYKansas: The Jayhawks picked a bad time to become undisciplined, but got away with it because of their explosive offense.UNLV: The Rebels managed to climb most of the way out of the big early hole, but never could catch the Jayhawks and remained winless in bowl games since 2000.UP NEXTUNLV: Odom has some success to build on for his second season and should have plenty of key players back, including Maiava. The Rebels had the nation's 71st-ranked recruiting class in the early signing period, according to the 247 Sports composite.Kansas: Neal announced before the game that he will return for another season, and the Jayhawks' defensive front is loaded with underclassmen on the two-deep roster. Kansas had the No. 44 recruiting class in the early signing period.