Fort Hays State Men's Basketball is back among the receiving votes section of the NABC Top 25 Poll. The Tigers have been among the receiving votes section in four releases of the poll this year, which includes the preseason poll and regular season polls released on November 29 and December 6. The MIAA currently has three teams ranked among the Top 25. Northwest Missouri State checks in at No. 5 this week, while Central Oklahoma holds the No. 8 ranking. NWMSU and UCO have been responsible for two of FHSU's three losses this season. Emporia State, which handed Northwest Missouri State its only loss this season, is No. 20 this week. Fort Hays State will play at home twice this week, facing Missouri Southern on Thursday (Jan. 5) and Pittsburg State on Saturday (Jan. 7). Missouri Southern is 8-4 overall and handed Central Oklahoma its only loss of the season so far, while Pittsburg State is 5-8 overall. Below is the NABC Division II Poll for January 3, 2023. Rk&nbsp; Team (1st)&nbsp; Record&nbsp; Points 1. Indiana, Pa. (9) 11-0 391 2. Nova Southeastern, Fla. (3) 12-0 383 3. Black Hills State, S.D. (2) 12-0 372 4. Missouri-St. Louis 12-0 346 5. Northwest Missouri State (2) 12-1 343 6. Lincoln Memorial (Tenn.) 13-1 309 7. Colorado School of Mines 12-1 299 8. Central Oklahoma 12-1 281 9. West Liberty (W.Va.) 11-1 266 10. Augusta (Ga.) 11-1 249 11. Hillsdale (Mich.) 12-1 239 12. Cal State San Bernardino 8-1 210 13. UNC Pembroke 12-1 207 14. Bentley (Mass.) 10-1 192 15. Fort Lewis (Colo.) 11-1 183 16. Dominican (N.Y.) 13-1 156 17. West Virginia State 11-1 153 18. Young Harris (Ga.) 11-0 142 19. Virginia Union 11-2 94 20. Emporia State (Kan.) 10-2 70 21. St. Thomas Aquinas (N.Y.) 12-2 63 22. North Georgia 9-1 55 23. East Stroudsburg (Pa.) 10-1 39 24. Claflin (S.C.) 10-1 31 25. MSU Moorhead 11-2 27

Receiving Votes: Embry-Riddle (Fla.) 13, Indianapolis (Ind.) 13, Florida Southern 10, Mercyhurst (Pa.) 9, Point Loma (Calif.) 8, West Alabama 8, Southern Nazarene (Okla.) 6, Pace (N.Y.) 5, Saint Martin's (Wash.) 5, Hawai'i Hilo 4, Minnesota State 11,&nbsp;Fort Hays State (Kan.) 3, Saint Anselm (N.H.) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672846147608.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State Men's Basketball is back among the receiving votes section of the NABC Top 25 Poll. The Tigers have been among the receiving votes section in four releases of the poll this year, which includes the preseason poll and regular season polls released on November 29 and December 6. The MIAA currently has three teams ranked among the Top 25. Northwest Missouri State checks in at No. 5 this week, while Central Oklahoma holds the No. 8 ranking. NWMSU and UCO have been responsible for two of FHSU's three losses this season. Emporia State, which handed Northwest Missouri State its only loss this season, is No. 20 this week. Fort Hays State will play at home twice this week, facing Missouri Southern on Thursday (Jan. 5) and Pittsburg State on Saturday (Jan. 7). Missouri Southern is 8-4 overall and handed Central Oklahoma its only loss of the season so far, while Pittsburg State is 5-8 overall. Below is the NABC Division II Poll for January 3, 2023. Rk&nbsp; Team (1st)&nbsp; Record&nbsp; Points 1. Indiana, Pa. (9) 11-0 391 2. Nova Southeastern, Fla. (3) 12-0 383 3. Black Hills State, S.D. (2) 12-0 372 4. Missouri-St. Louis 12-0 346 5. Northwest Missouri State (2) 12-1 343 6. Lincoln Memorial (Tenn.) 13-1 309 7. Colorado School of Mines 12-1 299 8. Central Oklahoma 12-1 281 9. West Liberty (W.Va.) 11-1 266 10. Augusta (Ga.) 11-1 249 11. Hillsdale (Mich.) 12-1 239 12. Cal State San Bernardino 8-1 210 13. UNC Pembroke 12-1 207 14. Bentley (Mass.) 10-1 192 15. Fort Lewis (Colo.) 11-1 183 16. Dominican (N.Y.) 13-1 156 17. West Virginia State 11-1 153 18. Young Harris (Ga.) 11-0 142 19. Virginia Union 11-2 94 20. Emporia State (Kan.) 10-2 70 21. St. Thomas Aquinas (N.Y.) 12-2 63 22. North Georgia 9-1 55 23. East Stroudsburg (Pa.) 10-1 39 24. Claflin (S.C.) 10-1 31 25. MSU Moorhead 11-2 27 Receiving Votes: Embry-Riddle (Fla.) 13, Indianapolis (Ind.) 13, Florida Southern 10, Mercyhurst (Pa.) 9, Point Loma (Calif.) 8, West Alabama 8, Southern Nazarene (Okla.) 6, Pace (N.Y.) 5, Saint Martin's (Wash.) 5, Hawai'i Hilo 4, Minnesota State 11,&nbsp;Fort Hays State (Kan.) 3, Saint Anselm (N.H.) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 FHSU men receiving votes in latest NABC poll

A GoFundMe has been set up for the family of Daniel Howard, the Fort Hays State University student-athlete <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/14812a7f-a482-460a-9901-af9dcf781270">shot and killed in Oklahoma City on Jan. 1.</a>

"We want to give Daniel the memorial he deserves, to honor his memory and say our last goodbyes," wrote organizer Stephanie Howard.

Click <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/daniel-howard-home-going-service?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unknown&amp;utm_campaign=comms_w44r+daniel-howard-home-going-service">HERE</a> to visit the GoFundMe page.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672768574845.jpeg" alt="Howard" />
 <figcaption>Howard</figcaption>
 </figure>A GoFundMe has been set up for the family of Daniel Howard, the Fort Hays State University student-athlete <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/14812a7f-a482-460a-9901-af9dcf781270">shot and killed in Oklahoma City on Jan. 1.</a>"We want to give Daniel the memorial he deserves, to honor his memory and say our last goodbyes," wrote organizer Stephanie Howard.Click <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/daniel-howard-home-going-service?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unknown&amp;utm_campaign=comms_w44r+daniel-howard-home-going-service">HERE</a> to visit the GoFundMe page.

GoFundMe organized to help family of slain FHSU student-athlete

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Markquis Nowell had 36 points and nine assists as Kansas State beat No. 6 Texas 116-103 on Tuesday night, setting a school scoring record with a stunning offensive outburst that gave first-year Wildcats coach Jerome Tang his biggest victory.

The Wildcats poured in 58 points in the first half behind 64% shooting and eight 3-pointers. Kansas State then held off a Texas rally as the Longhorns made 11 consecutive shots in the second half and shaved a 20-point deficit under 10 with just under five minutes left.

“We wanted to be aggressive the first five minutes,” said Nowell, who was one assist shy of being the first Kansas State player with at least 30 points and 10 assists. “We’re a really dangerous team when we get it going downhill.”

And they never let up, especially in the second half as the teams traded basket after basket.

Nowell and Kansas State also showed enough poise to get the big shots they needed late to close out the win. Nowell's two free throws with 3:23 remaining made it 100-88 before he swished a step-back 3-pointer on the next possession to put an exclamation point on the night for the Wildcats.

Keyontae Johnson added 28 points and nine rebounds for the Wildcats (13-1, 2-0 Big 12), whose free-flowing offense with Nowell leading the way found just about any open shot the team wanted. Nowell came into the game No. 2 nationally in assists, and his shifty drives and nifty passing had Texas defenders looking for the ball all game.

“People who complain about scoring in college basketball, I think they got to see a whole bunch of scoring tonight. Those of us who consider ourselves defensive coaches? It was a headache,” Tang said. “But it was a lot of fun.”

The scoring display is sure to grab the attention of the rest of the Big 12.

“Every game is a statement game for us," Johnson said. “We were picked last in the conference. We have to keep proving people wrong.”

Tyrese Hunter scored 29 points and Marcus Carr had 27 for the Longhorns, handed their first loss in their new arena, the Moody Center.

Kansas State also sent the Longhorns (12-2, 1-1) to their first loss since head coach Chris Beard was suspended indefinitely without pay following his Dec. 12 arrest on a felony family violence charge. Assistant coach Rodney Terry has been acting head coach since then and had led Texas to five straight wins, including a victory at Oklahoma in the Big 12 opener.

The 116 points were the most Texas has permitted in a Big 12 game.

“We'll work hard to get a lot better defensively,” Terry said. “(Nowell) put his will on the game.”

Sir’Jabari Rice’s three-point play pulled Texas to 77-65 with 11:28 to play and a Longhorns rally was on. A block by Rice against Nowell set up another Longhorns 3-pointer. But the Wildcats kept answering, usually behind Nowell.

“Every time the crowd got into it, our guys were able to silence it,” Tang said. “That was huge.”

Texas has smothered a lot of opponents with aggressive defense that often leads to turnovers and points in transition. Kansas State committed just 12 turnovers, though, and only three in the second half. That sort of ball control kept the Longhorns from getting extra possessions. Texas scored just nine points off K-State turnovers.

“This was a game where both teams' players were making big shots," Tang said. “As long as you don’t turn it over, the ball is going in the hole.”

Kansas State: Made 31 of 33 free throws to maintain a comfortable cushion in the second half.

Texas: School officials have provided no updates on Beard's status with the program. His legal case is scheduled for its first court hearing on Jan. 18.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-texas-chris-beard-top-25-college-basketball-today-99133534a0645c7318c6557d425d5dcf">His fiancée issued a Dec. 23 statement saying he did not choke her during the Dec. 12 incident</a>, contradicting what the arrest warrant affidavit said she initially told police. Beard's attorney has said the coach is innocent.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672831150735.jpeg" alt="Markquis Nowell drives to the basket at No. 6 Texas Tuesday. Nowell scored 36 points in the Wildcats upset win. (Kansas State Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Markquis Nowell drives to the basket at No. 6 Texas Tuesday. Nowell scored 36 points in the Wildcats upset win. (Kansas State Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Markquis Nowell had 36 points and nine assists as Kansas State beat No. 6 Texas 116-103 on Tuesday night, setting a school scoring record with a stunning offensive outburst that gave first-year Wildcats coach Jerome Tang his biggest victory.The Wildcats poured in 58 points in the first half behind 64% shooting and eight 3-pointers. Kansas State then held off a Texas rally as the Longhorns made 11 consecutive shots in the second half and shaved a 20-point deficit under 10 with just under five minutes left.“We wanted to be aggressive the first five minutes,” said Nowell, who was one assist shy of being the first Kansas State player with at least 30 points and 10 assists. “We’re a really dangerous team when we get it going downhill.”And they never let up, especially in the second half as the teams traded basket after basket.Nowell and Kansas State also showed enough poise to get the big shots they needed late to close out the win. Nowell's two free throws with 3:23 remaining made it 100-88 before he swished a step-back 3-pointer on the next possession to put an exclamation point on the night for the Wildcats.Keyontae Johnson added 28 points and nine rebounds for the Wildcats (13-1, 2-0 Big 12), whose free-flowing offense with Nowell leading the way found just about any open shot the team wanted. Nowell came into the game No. 2 nationally in assists, and his shifty drives and nifty passing had Texas defenders looking for the ball all game.“People who complain about scoring in college basketball, I think they got to see a whole bunch of scoring tonight. Those of us who consider ourselves defensive coaches? It was a headache,” Tang said. “But it was a lot of fun.”The scoring display is sure to grab the attention of the rest of the Big 12.“Every game is a statement game for us," Johnson said. “We were picked last in the conference. We have to keep proving people wrong.”Tyrese Hunter scored 29 points and Marcus Carr had 27 for the Longhorns, handed their first loss in their new arena, the Moody Center.Kansas State also sent the Longhorns (12-2, 1-1) to their first loss since head coach Chris Beard was suspended indefinitely without pay following his Dec. 12 arrest on a felony family violence charge. Assistant coach Rodney Terry has been acting head coach since then and had led Texas to five straight wins, including a victory at Oklahoma in the Big 12 opener.The 116 points were the most Texas has permitted in a Big 12 game.“We'll work hard to get a lot better defensively,” Terry said. “(Nowell) put his will on the game.”Sir’Jabari Rice’s three-point play pulled Texas to 77-65 with 11:28 to play and a Longhorns rally was on. A block by Rice against Nowell set up another Longhorns 3-pointer. But the Wildcats kept answering, usually behind Nowell.“Every time the crowd got into it, our guys were able to silence it,” Tang said. “That was huge.”KEEPING IT CLEANTexas has smothered a lot of opponents with aggressive defense that often leads to turnovers and points in transition. Kansas State committed just 12 turnovers, though, and only three in the second half. That sort of ball control kept the Longhorns from getting extra possessions. Texas scored just nine points off K-State turnovers.“This was a game where both teams' players were making big shots," Tang said. “As long as you don’t turn it over, the ball is going in the hole.”BIG PICTUREKansas State: Made 31 of 33 free throws to maintain a comfortable cushion in the second half.Texas: School officials have provided no updates on Beard's status with the program. His legal case is scheduled for its first court hearing on Jan. 18.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-texas-chris-beard-top-25-college-basketball-today-99133534a0645c7318c6557d425d5dcf">His fiancée issued a Dec. 23 statement saying he did not choke her during the Dec. 12 incident</a>, contradicting what the arrest warrant affidavit said she initially told police. Beard's attorney has said the coach is innocent.UP NEXTKansas State plays at No. 19 Baylor.Texas visits Oklahoma State.

🏀 K-State sets school scoring record in upset win No. 6 Texas

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — KJ Adams scored the last of his 16 points on a breakaway dunk with 7 seconds remaining, and No. 3 Kansas fought off Texas Tech 75-72 on Tuesday night, ending the Red Raiders’ home winning streak at 29 games.

Texas Tech failed to produce a shot on its final possession as Pop Isaacs lost the ball on a drive following contact in the key. The Jayhawks came up with the loose ball, setting the stage for Adams' dunk as defending national champion Kansas won its seventh consecutive game.

“We didn’t have much left,” Kansas coach Bill Self said following a second down-to-the-wire Big 12 game. “If it had gone to overtime, it probably wouldn’t have been a good thing for us today. We played well. Anytime you score 75 points on the road it’s a good thing, especially against a team that guards like Texas Tech.”

Dajuan Harris scored 18 points for the Jayhawks (13-1, 2-0 Big 12), who had rallied to beat Oklahoma State 69-67 on Saturday. Kansas led by a dozen points early in the second half but allowed the Red Raiders to make it close at the finish. Jalen Wilson had 14 points and Gradey Dick scored 11.

Kevin Obanor scored 26 points for Texas Tech, which had not lost at home since falling to West Virginia in February of 2021. Isaacs added 18 points.

“There was a lot of contact, but that’s a good refereeing crew,” Red Raiders coach Mark Adams said of the final sequence. “We hoped we’d get that call, but the guys played their hearts out tonight, and they really responded in the second half.”

The Red Raiders (10-4, 0-2) trailed 67-57 with seven minutes left but got within 71-70 on Lamar Washington’s layup with 1:43 remaining. Texas Tech trailed 73-72 in the final minute when Isaacs' turnover set up Adams’ slam.

“Give them credit. They made shots tonight,” Self said.

Kansas put together a strong offensive flurry toward the end of the first half, outscoring Texas Tech 11-2 over the final four minutes and taking a 43-36 lead at intermission. Adams keyed the surge with eight points, capped by a 10-footer in the lane.

“The most positive things about tonight was we had a great crowd and the guys responded to the crowd,” Mark Adams said. “They also responded to Kansas and played well, particularly in the second half, and that’s something we can build on.”

Kansas: Harris connected on all five of his 3-point attempts, accounting for almost half of the Jayhawks’ total of 11.

Texas Tech: The Red Raiders outscored Kansas 12-5 in the final 3:53.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672830479363.png" alt="Dejuan Harris scored 18 points Tuesday in KU's win at Texas Tech. (Kansas Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Dejuan Harris scored 18 points Tuesday in KU's win at Texas Tech. (Kansas Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — KJ Adams scored the last of his 16 points on a breakaway dunk with 7 seconds remaining, and No. 3 Kansas fought off Texas Tech 75-72 on Tuesday night, ending the Red Raiders’ home winning streak at 29 games.Texas Tech failed to produce a shot on its final possession as Pop Isaacs lost the ball on a drive following contact in the key. The Jayhawks came up with the loose ball, setting the stage for Adams' dunk as defending national champion Kansas won its seventh consecutive game.“We didn’t have much left,” Kansas coach Bill Self said following a second down-to-the-wire Big 12 game. “If it had gone to overtime, it probably wouldn’t have been a good thing for us today. We played well. Anytime you score 75 points on the road it’s a good thing, especially against a team that guards like Texas Tech.”Dajuan Harris scored 18 points for the Jayhawks (13-1, 2-0 Big 12), who had rallied to beat Oklahoma State 69-67 on Saturday. Kansas led by a dozen points early in the second half but allowed the Red Raiders to make it close at the finish. Jalen Wilson had 14 points and Gradey Dick scored 11.Kevin Obanor scored 26 points for Texas Tech, which had not lost at home since falling to West Virginia in February of 2021. Isaacs added 18 points.“There was a lot of contact, but that’s a good refereeing crew,” Red Raiders coach Mark Adams said of the final sequence. “We hoped we’d get that call, but the guys played their hearts out tonight, and they really responded in the second half.”The Red Raiders (10-4, 0-2) trailed 67-57 with seven minutes left but got within 71-70 on Lamar Washington’s layup with 1:43 remaining. Texas Tech trailed 73-72 in the final minute when Isaacs' turnover set up Adams’ slam.“Give them credit. They made shots tonight,” Self said.Kansas put together a strong offensive flurry toward the end of the first half, outscoring Texas Tech 11-2 over the final four minutes and taking a 43-36 lead at intermission. Adams keyed the surge with eight points, capped by a 10-footer in the lane.“The most positive things about tonight was we had a great crowd and the guys responded to the crowd,” Mark Adams said. “They also responded to Kansas and played well, particularly in the second half, and that’s something we can build on.”BIG PICTUREKansas: Harris connected on all five of his 3-point attempts, accounting for almost half of the Jayhawks’ total of 11.Texas Tech: The Red Raiders outscored Kansas 12-5 in the final 3:53.UP NEXTKansas: At West Virginia on Saturday.Texas Tech: Hosts Oklahoma on Saturday

🏀 No. 3 Kansas ends Texas Tech's 29-game home win streak

BOYS PREP BASKETBALL Andale 57, Nickerson 31 Anderson County 68, Fredonia 49 Arkansas City 54, Rose Hill 46 Axtell 66, Onaga 47 Basehor-Linwood 39, Leavenworth 28 Beloit 82, Phillipsburg 50 Bennington 75, Marion 45 Cheney 55, Hesston 37 Chetopa def. Altoona-Midway, forfeit Clifton-Clyde 72, Blue Valley 64 Colby 59, Hoxie 41 Concordia 62, Republic County 38 Dighton 45, Ness City 31 Dodge City 67, Garden Plain 57 Doniphan West 34, Frankfort 31, OT Ellsworth 60, Larned 22 Eudora 41, Louisburg 34 Fort Scott 50, Iola 46 Girard 46, Baxter Springs 20 Halstead 52, Clearwater 30 Hanover 57, Linn 44 Haven 53, Chaparral 41 Hodgeman County 56, Spearville 48 Horton 53, Oskaloosa 42 Jayhawk Linn 49, Crest 46 KC Piper 76, KC Turner 42 Kapaun Mount Carmel 62, Wichita Bishop Carroll 43 Labette County 50, Chanute 38 Logan/Palco 52, Lakeside 39 Metro Academy 78, Bishop Seabury Academy 39 Mission Valley 47, Council Grove 42 Northeast Christian Homeschool 56, Cornerstone Family 32 Olathe East 65, SM West 40 Olpe 52, Burlingame 36 Osage City 68, Central Heights 52 Osborne 51, Thunder Ridge 45 Oswego 53, Yates Center 44 Pike Valley 57, Tescott 30 Pittsburg 75, Parsons 52 Plainville 55, Victoria 49 Pratt 49, Kingman 44 Red Cloud, Neb. 51, Rock Hills 42 Rock Creek 63, Riley County 37 Salina Sacred Heart 64, Minneapolis 54 Silver Lake 50, Rossville 43 Smith Center 62, Stockton 19 Smoky Valley 40, Hoisington 34 St. Mary's Academy 53, Abilene 43 Stafford 55, Otis-Bison 24 Sterling 51, Inman 50 Wamego 60, St. Mary's 55 Washburn Rural 64, Junction City 58 Wichita Classical 67, Berean Academy 43 Wichita Heights 63, Wichita Southeast 41 Wichita Independent 90, Eureka 31 Wilson 60, Natoma 20 POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS Norton vs. Cambridge, Neb., ppd.

GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL Andale 57, Nickerson 31 Anderson County 39, Fredonia 21 Arkansas City 51, Rose Hill 33 Axtell 46, Onaga 40 Berean Academy 47, Wichita Classical 14 Cheney 42, Hesston 38 Cherryvale 61, Erie 28 Clearwater 47, Halstead 30 Clifton-Clyde 55, Blue Valley 28 Colby 55, Hoxie 44 Concordia 51, Republic County 39 Conway Springs 44, Belle Plaine 36" Ellsworth 46, Larned 33 Emporia 43, Topeka Hayden 34 Fairfield 52, Chase 20 Flint Hills Christian 19, Veritas Christian 18 Fort Scott 50, Iola 25 Frankfort 48, Doniphan West 43 Garden Plain 33, Dodge City 22 Girard 63, Baxter Springs 20 Hanover 62, Linn 43 Haven 54, Chaparral 41 Hodgeman County 54, Spearville 41 Independence 28, Coffeyville 20 KC Piper 42, KC Turner 17 Labette County 42, Chanute 30 Marion 37, Bennington 34 Marmaton Valley 31, Uniontown 22 Meade 44, Sublette 35 Minneapolis 53, Salina Sacred Heart 18 Mission Valley 47, Council Grove 33 Moundridge 46, Oxford 11 Ness City 43, Dighton 26 Northeast Christian Homeschool 55, Cornerstone Family 21 Olpe 30, Burlingame 24 Osborne 43, Thunder Ridge 36 Otis-Bison 42, Stafford 28 Phillipsburg 77, Beloit 27 Pratt 61, Kingman 60 Rawlins County 37, Northern Valley 32 Red Cloud, Neb. 51, Rock Hills 42 Red Cloud, S.D. 40, Rock Hills 32 Rock Creek 36, Riley County 19 Smith Center 71, Stockton 24 Smoky Valley 34, Reno County 26 St. Paul 55, Southeast 21 Stanton County 33, Southwestern Hts. 31 Tescott 33, Pike Valley 29 Valley Heights 52, Washington County 34 Victoria 37, Plainville 27 Wallace County 54, Wheatland-Grinnell 33 Washburn Rural 50, Junction City 9 Wichita Bishop Carroll 46, Kapaun Mount Carmel 33 Wichita County 40, Golden Plains 20 Wichita South 70, Wichita North 16 Wichita Southeast 52, Wichita Heights 48 Wilson 50, Natoma 37 POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS Norton vs. Cambridge, Neb., ppd.

BOYS PREP BASKETBALL Andale 57, Nickerson 31 Anderson County 68, Fredonia 49 Arkansas City 54, Rose Hill 46 Axtell 66, Onaga 47 Basehor-Linwood 39, Leavenworth 28 Beloit 82, Phillipsburg 50 Bennington 75, Marion 45 Cheney 55, Hesston 37 Chetopa def. Altoona-Midway, forfeit Clifton-Clyde 72, Blue Valley 64 Colby 59, Hoxie 41 Concordia 62, Republic County 38 Dighton 45, Ness City 31 Dodge City 67, Garden Plain 57 Doniphan West 34, Frankfort 31, OT Ellsworth 60, Larned 22 Eudora 41, Louisburg 34 Fort Scott 50, Iola 46 Girard 46, Baxter Springs 20 Halstead 52, Clearwater 30 Hanover 57, Linn 44 Haven 53, Chaparral 41 Hodgeman County 56, Spearville 48 Horton 53, Oskaloosa 42 Jayhawk Linn 49, Crest 46 KC Piper 76, KC Turner 42 Kapaun Mount Carmel 62, Wichita Bishop Carroll 43 Labette County 50, Chanute 38 Logan/Palco 52, Lakeside 39 Metro Academy 78, Bishop Seabury Academy 39 Mission Valley 47, Council Grove 42 Northeast Christian Homeschool 56, Cornerstone Family 32 Olathe East 65, SM West 40 Olpe 52, Burlingame 36 Osage City 68, Central Heights 52 Osborne 51, Thunder Ridge 45 Oswego 53, Yates Center 44 Pike Valley 57, Tescott 30 Pittsburg 75, Parsons 52 Plainville 55, Victoria 49 Pratt 49, Kingman 44 Red Cloud, Neb. 51, Rock Hills 42 Rock Creek 63, Riley County 37 Salina Sacred Heart 64, Minneapolis 54 Silver Lake 50, Rossville 43 Smith Center 62, Stockton 19 Smoky Valley 40, Hoisington 34 St. Mary's Academy 53, Abilene 43 Stafford 55, Otis-Bison 24 Sterling 51, Inman 50 Wamego 60, St. Mary's 55 Washburn Rural 64, Junction City 58 Wichita Classical 67, Berean Academy 43 Wichita Heights 63, Wichita Southeast 41 Wichita Independent 90, Eureka 31 Wilson 60, Natoma 20 POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS Norton vs. Cambridge, Neb., ppd.GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL Andale 57, Nickerson 31 Anderson County 39, Fredonia 21 Arkansas City 51, Rose Hill 33 Axtell 46, Onaga 40 Berean Academy 47, Wichita Classical 14 Cheney 42, Hesston 38 Cherryvale 61, Erie 28 Clearwater 47, Halstead 30 Clifton-Clyde 55, Blue Valley 28 Colby 55, Hoxie 44 Concordia 51, Republic County 39 Conway Springs 44, Belle Plaine 36" Ellsworth 46, Larned 33 Emporia 43, Topeka Hayden 34 Fairfield 52, Chase 20 Flint Hills Christian 19, Veritas Christian 18 Fort Scott 50, Iola 25 Frankfort 48, Doniphan West 43 Garden Plain 33, Dodge City 22 Girard 63, Baxter Springs 20 Hanover 62, Linn 43 Haven 54, Chaparral 41 Hodgeman County 54, Spearville 41 Independence 28, Coffeyville 20 KC Piper 42, KC Turner 17 Labette County 42, Chanute 30 Marion 37, Bennington 34 Marmaton Valley 31, Uniontown 22 Meade 44, Sublette 35 Minneapolis 53, Salina Sacred Heart 18 Mission Valley 47, Council Grove 33 Moundridge 46, Oxford 11 Ness City 43, Dighton 26 Northeast Christian Homeschool 55, Cornerstone Family 21 Olpe 30, Burlingame 24 Osborne 43, Thunder Ridge 36 Otis-Bison 42, Stafford 28 Phillipsburg 77, Beloit 27 Pratt 61, Kingman 60 Rawlins County 37, Northern Valley 32 Red Cloud, Neb. 51, Rock Hills 42 Red Cloud, S.D. 40, Rock Hills 32 Rock Creek 36, Riley County 19 Smith Center 71, Stockton 24 Smoky Valley 34, Reno County 26 St. Paul 55, Southeast 21 Stanton County 33, Southwestern Hts. 31 Tescott 33, Pike Valley 29 Valley Heights 52, Washington County 34 Victoria 37, Plainville 27 Wallace County 54, Wheatland-Grinnell 33 Washburn Rural 50, Junction City 9 Wichita Bishop Carroll 46, Kapaun Mount Carmel 33 Wichita County 40, Golden Plains 20 Wichita South 70, Wichita North 16 Wichita Southeast 52, Wichita Heights 48 Wilson 50, Natoma 37 POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS Norton vs. Cambridge, Neb., ppd.

🏀 Tuesday's prep results

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs began practicing Tuesday for their regular-season finale against the Las Vegas Raiders, which could ultimately earn the AFC West champions the No. 1 playoff seed in the conference in an unprecedented situation for the NFL.

Just as the Chiefs were warming up, the league announced that Week 18 games would be played as scheduled, including Kansas City's visit to Las Vegas on Saturday.

But the league also said the Bills-Bengals game from Monday night, which was suspended when Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest, would not be resumed this week.

The Bills, who are 12-3 and beat Kansas City in their head-to-head matchup, needed to beat the Bengals to keep pace with the Chiefs (13-3) for the best record in the AFC, and with it the top seed and lone first-round postseason bye.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes were scheduled to speak to reporters Tuesday, but the team pushed back their availability out of respect for Hamlin, who remains in critical condition in a Cincinnati hospital.

They are now scheduled to address reporters on Wednesday.

Mahomes was among many Chiefs players who tweeted they were “praying hard” for Hamlin, who collapsed after making a tackle in the first quarter of Monday night's game. Hamlin was surrounded by team and independent medical staff within seconds, and along with local paramedics, they spent about 20 minutes providing emergency care on the field.

The Bills said that Hamlin's heartbeat was restored before the 24-year-old safety was transferred by ambulance to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he remained sedated in the intensive care unit Tuesday.

The Chiefs tweeted they were “sending thoughts and prayers to @HamlinIsland and the @BuffaloBills,” while Frank Clark offered “prayers for Damar” and fellow defensive end Carlos Dunlap tweeted it was “bigger than ball at this point.”

Chiefs wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling tweeted: “Man I hope he’s OK man. We risk our lives daily for this game. And y’all take that ... for granted. Send as many prayers up for him. Lord protect him.”

In a letter sent from Roger Goodell to all teams, and obtained by The Associated Press, the NFL commissioner said: “We advised Buffalo and Cincinnati that last night’s game will not be resumed this week. No decision has been made regarding the possible resumption of the game at a later date and we have not announced any changes to this weekend’s schedule.

“We will promptly advise all clubs of any decisions that are made regarding these matters,” Goodell said.

If the Bills-Bengals game is not completed, and each team is left with a 16-game regular season, it could cost Buffalo the No. 1 seed — even though it beat the Chiefs in October. The Bills are scheduled to play the Patriots on Sunday, but if Kansas City beats the Raiders a day earlier, Buffalo could finish no better than a half-game behind the Chiefs in the standings.

The Bengals, who also beat the Chiefs, would win the AFC North and lock in the No. 3 seed with a win over Baltimore on Sunday.

Not that anyone was worried about the playoffs Tuesday. The focus across the league remained on Hamlin's well-being.

“Please please please be okay,” Chiefs safety Justin Reid tweeted.

NOTES: Chiefs LG Joe Thuney (ankle) and WR Skyy Moore (hand) watched practice from the sideline Tuesday, but did not participate in the portion open to reporters. Both were hurt in last Sunday's win over Denver. Cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (hip) was not seen on the field. ... WR Mecole Hardman was at practice. The Chiefs hoped he would play against the Broncos before a setback in his recovery from an abdominal injury. They must activate him Wednesday or place him on season-ending injured reserve. ... The Chiefs placed practice squad WR Cornell Powell on the injured list and resigned RB Jerrion Ealy.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs began practicing Tuesday for their regular-season finale against the Las Vegas Raiders, which could ultimately earn the AFC West champions the No. 1 playoff seed in the conference in an unprecedented situation for the NFL.Just as the Chiefs were warming up, the league announced that Week 18 games would be played as scheduled, including Kansas City's visit to Las Vegas on Saturday.But the league also said the Bills-Bengals game from Monday night, which was suspended when Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest, would not be resumed this week.The Bills, who are 12-3 and beat Kansas City in their head-to-head matchup, needed to beat the Bengals to keep pace with the Chiefs (13-3) for the best record in the AFC, and with it the top seed and lone first-round postseason bye.Chiefs coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes were scheduled to speak to reporters Tuesday, but the team pushed back their availability out of respect for Hamlin, who remains in critical condition in a Cincinnati hospital.They are now scheduled to address reporters on Wednesday.Mahomes was among many Chiefs players who tweeted they were “praying hard” for Hamlin, who collapsed after making a tackle in the first quarter of Monday night's game. Hamlin was surrounded by team and independent medical staff within seconds, and along with local paramedics, they spent about 20 minutes providing emergency care on the field.The Bills said that Hamlin's heartbeat was restored before the 24-year-old safety was transferred by ambulance to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he remained sedated in the intensive care unit Tuesday.The Chiefs tweeted they were “sending thoughts and prayers to @HamlinIsland and the @BuffaloBills,” while Frank Clark offered “prayers for Damar” and fellow defensive end Carlos Dunlap tweeted it was “bigger than ball at this point.”Chiefs wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling tweeted: “Man I hope he’s OK man. We risk our lives daily for this game. And y’all take that ... for granted. Send as many prayers up for him. Lord protect him.”In a letter sent from Roger Goodell to all teams, and obtained by The Associated Press, the NFL commissioner said: “We advised Buffalo and Cincinnati that last night’s game will not be resumed this week. No decision has been made regarding the possible resumption of the game at a later date and we have not announced any changes to this weekend’s schedule.“We will promptly advise all clubs of any decisions that are made regarding these matters,” Goodell said.If the Bills-Bengals game is not completed, and each team is left with a 16-game regular season, it could cost Buffalo the No. 1 seed — even though it beat the Chiefs in October. The Bills are scheduled to play the Patriots on Sunday, but if Kansas City beats the Raiders a day earlier, Buffalo could finish no better than a half-game behind the Chiefs in the standings.The Bengals, who also beat the Chiefs, would win the AFC North and lock in the No. 3 seed with a win over Baltimore on Sunday.Not that anyone was worried about the playoffs Tuesday. The focus across the league remained on Hamlin's well-being.“Please please please be okay,” Chiefs safety Justin Reid tweeted.NOTES: Chiefs LG Joe Thuney (ankle) and WR Skyy Moore (hand) watched practice from the sideline Tuesday, but did not participate in the portion open to reporters. Both were hurt in last Sunday's win over Denver. Cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (hip) was not seen on the field. ... WR Mecole Hardman was at practice. The Chiefs hoped he would play against the Broncos before a setback in his recovery from an abdominal injury. They must activate him Wednesday or place him on season-ending injured reserve. ... The Chiefs placed practice squad WR Cornell Powell on the injured list and resigned RB Jerrion Ealy.

🏈 Chiefs begin prep with Week 18 set to go on as scheduled

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6f4b3a39-0ade-44e9-a6e1-53fc16430a2d">UPDATE:&nbsp;GoFundMe organized to help family of slain FHSU student-athlete</a>

OKLAHOMA CITY. (AP) — A football player at Fort Hays State University in Kansas was shot and killed outside a bar in Oklahoma City on New Year's Day, police said.

Daniel Howard, 22, died and four other people were injured in the shooting at Sunset Patio Lounge early Sunday, Oklahoma City police said.

Several people were kicked out of the bar after a fight broke out. The shooting occurred when the argument continued in a nearby parking lot, police said.

Some of the injured were bystanders, according to the police news release. Their conditions were not available.

Howard played two years at Northeastern Oklahoma A&amp;M before transferring to Fort Hays State in Kansas in spring of 2022. Howard, a defensive back, played in all 11 games last season, recording 53 tackles.

Officials at Fort Hays and Northeastern Oklahoma A&amp;M issued statements on social media expressing grief after Howard's death and support for his family and friends.

The investigation into the shooting is continuing, police said in a news release.

The Fort Hays State University football team, athletic department, and campus community are mourning the loss of student-athlete&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/daniel-howard/6790">Daniel Howard</a>, who died early Sunday morning in his hometown of Oklahoma City. Howard was a sociology major at FHSU and was 22 years old. "On behalf of the entire Fort Hays State University community, I want to express our profound sorrow that&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/daniel-howard/6790">Daniel Howard's</a>&nbsp;life was tragically cut short," said Fort Hays State University President Dr. Tisa Mason. "Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with Daniel's family, teammates, and friends as they grieve this terrible loss." "We are deeply saddened to say that we have lost a member of our family,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/daniel-howard/6790">Daniel Howard</a>," said head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/chris-brown/1118">Chris Brown</a>. "We are so grateful to have been a part of his life and he will be missed greatly and remembered forever. Daniel was a tremendous teammate, a loving, caring, and supportive individual. He had a great personality and infectious smile. Daniel truly loved his Tiger football family. Please keep his family in your prayers as they go through this difficult time."

Howard came to Fort Hays State in the spring of 2022, a transfer from Northeastern Oklahoma A&amp;M College. He made an immediate impact for the Tiger defense during the 2022 season, playing in all 11 games and making nine starts as a defensive back. He recorded 53 tackles, ranking third on the team, and recorded an interception and a pair of pass breakups. Howard attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&amp;M for three years and played two seasons, where he was a two-time all-conference performer. No further details are available at this time as an investigation is ongoing. Members of the university community who this tragedy has touched are encouraged to connect with our team of professionals in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/health-and-wellness/counseling/">University Health and Wellness Services</a>. You can also contact the Health and Wellness Services team at 800.273.8255.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672765415356.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6f4b3a39-0ade-44e9-a6e1-53fc16430a2d">UPDATE:&nbsp;GoFundMe organized to help family of slain FHSU student-athlete</a>OKLAHOMA CITY. (AP) — A football player at Fort Hays State University in Kansas was shot and killed outside a bar in Oklahoma City on New Year's Day, police said.Daniel Howard, 22, died and four other people were injured in the shooting at Sunset Patio Lounge early Sunday, Oklahoma City police said.Several people were kicked out of the bar after a fight broke out. The shooting occurred when the argument continued in a nearby parking lot, police said.Some of the injured were bystanders, according to the police news release. Their conditions were not available.Howard played two years at Northeastern Oklahoma A&amp;M before transferring to Fort Hays State in Kansas in spring of 2022. Howard, a defensive back, played in all 11 games last season, recording 53 tackles.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Tiger Family, We are deeply saddened to say that we have lost a member of our family, Daniel Howard. We are so grateful to have been able to be a part of his life and he will be missed greatly. Please keep Daniel&#39;s family in your prayers as they go through this difficult time. <a href="https://t.co/BqLfWP4NJK">pic.twitter.com/BqLfWP4NJK</a>&mdash; FHSU Football (@FHSUFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/FHSUFootball/status/1610006504484048901?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Officials at Fort Hays and Northeastern Oklahoma A&amp;M issued statements on social media expressing grief after Howard's death and support for his family and friends.The investigation into the shooting is continuing, police said in a news release.---------------------FHSU AthleticsThe Fort Hays State University football team, athletic department, and campus community are mourning the loss of student-athlete&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/daniel-howard/6790">Daniel Howard</a>, who died early Sunday morning in his hometown of Oklahoma City. Howard was a sociology major at FHSU and was 22 years old. "On behalf of the entire Fort Hays State University community, I want to express our profound sorrow that&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/daniel-howard/6790">Daniel Howard's</a>&nbsp;life was tragically cut short," said Fort Hays State University President Dr. Tisa Mason. "Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with Daniel's family, teammates, and friends as they grieve this terrible loss." "We are deeply saddened to say that we have lost a member of our family,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/daniel-howard/6790">Daniel Howard</a>," said head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/chris-brown/1118">Chris Brown</a>. "We are so grateful to have been a part of his life and he will be missed greatly and remembered forever. Daniel was a tremendous teammate, a loving, caring, and supportive individual. He had a great personality and infectious smile. Daniel truly loved his Tiger football family. Please keep his family in your prayers as they go through this difficult time." <div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Tiger Family, We are deeply saddened to say that we have lost a member of our family, Daniel Howard. We are so grateful to have been able to be a part of his life and he will be missed greatly. Please keep Daniel&#39;s family in your prayers as they go through this difficult time. <a href="https://t.co/BqLfWP4NJK">pic.twitter.com/BqLfWP4NJK</a>&mdash; FHSU Football (@FHSUFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/FHSUFootball/status/1610006504484048901?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Howard came to Fort Hays State in the spring of 2022, a transfer from Northeastern Oklahoma A&amp;M College. He made an immediate impact for the Tiger defense during the 2022 season, playing in all 11 games and making nine starts as a defensive back. He recorded 53 tackles, ranking third on the team, and recorded an interception and a pair of pass breakups. Howard attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&amp;M for three years and played two seasons, where he was a two-time all-conference performer. No further details are available at this time as an investigation is ongoing. Members of the university community who this tragedy has touched are encouraged to connect with our team of professionals in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/health-and-wellness/counseling/">University Health and Wellness Services</a>. You can also contact the Health and Wellness Services team at 800.273.8255.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672727380564.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672727413526.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo</figcaption>
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🏈 Police: FHSU student-athlete shot and killed in Oklahoma

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State picked swept its two-game road swing to Missouri in conference play with a 66-53 win at Lincoln on Monday (Jan. 2). The Tigers scored the first basket of the game and led the rest of the way, leading by 15 at the half before the final margin settled at 13. FHSU is now 10-3 overall, 5-2 in the MIAA, while Lincoln moved to 7-3 overall, 3-3 in the MIAA.

Fort Hays State opened the game with a 9-2 run, started on a 3-point field goal by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/bjarni-jonsson/6901">Bjarni Jonsson</a>. FHSU finished the run with seven straight points with baskets from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/gilbert-peters/6903">Gilbert Peters</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kaleb-hammeke/6897">Kaleb Hammeke</a>, and another from Jonsson. The FHSU lead reached double figures for the first time at 21-11 with 7:44 remaining before halftime on a jumper by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/elijah-nnanabu/6902">Elijah Nnanabu</a>. The Tigers eventually led by 17 on a pair of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/geoff-hamperian/6899">Geoff Hamperian</a>&nbsp;free throws before Lincoln made the final bucket of the opening half. FHSU led 38-23 at the break. The FHSU lead reached 18 four times in the second half. Lincoln tried to make a few bursts late in the second half, getting the lead down to 11 four times. However, FHSU kept its double-digit lead all throughout the second half to move to 2-2 in true road contests this season. Hammeke led the Tigers with 18 points, making seven field goals and three free throws. Jonsson had 12 of his 14 points in the first half and made both of his 3-point field goal attempts in the game.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/traejon-davis/6896">Traejon Davis</a>&nbsp;led the Tigers in rebounds with five, while Nnanabu led in assists with four. Artese Stapleton led Lincoln with 15 points, followed by Kevin Kone with 14 and Sai Witt with 11. Witt and Kone each had eight rebounds, while Stapleton pulled down seven for the Blue Tigers.

FHSU limited Lincoln to just 37.2 percent shooting from the field, including just a 2-of-14 effort (14.3 percent) beyond the 3-point line. FHSU forced Lincoln into 20 turnovers, while committing just six. Fort Hays State returns home at the latter portion of this week for a pair of MIAA games, starting with Missouri Southern on Thursday (Jan. 5) at 7:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672726460845.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State picked swept its two-game road swing to Missouri in conference play with a 66-53 win at Lincoln on Monday (Jan. 2). The Tigers scored the first basket of the game and led the rest of the way, leading by 15 at the half before the final margin settled at 13. FHSU is now 10-3 overall, 5-2 in the MIAA, while Lincoln moved to 7-3 overall, 3-3 in the MIAA.<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/1415093209&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-814667509/01-02-23-coach-mark-johnson-interview" title="Mark Johnson Postgame at Lincoln (Jan. 2, 2022)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Mark Johnson Postgame at Lincoln (Jan. 2, 2022)</a></div></div>Fort Hays State opened the game with a 9-2 run, started on a 3-point field goal by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/bjarni-jonsson/6901">Bjarni Jonsson</a>. FHSU finished the run with seven straight points with baskets from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/gilbert-peters/6903">Gilbert Peters</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kaleb-hammeke/6897">Kaleb Hammeke</a>, and another from Jonsson. The FHSU lead reached double figures for the first time at 21-11 with 7:44 remaining before halftime on a jumper by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/elijah-nnanabu/6902">Elijah Nnanabu</a>. The Tigers eventually led by 17 on a pair of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/geoff-hamperian/6899">Geoff Hamperian</a>&nbsp;free throws before Lincoln made the final bucket of the opening half. FHSU led 38-23 at the break. The FHSU lead reached 18 four times in the second half. Lincoln tried to make a few bursts late in the second half, getting the lead down to 11 four times. However, FHSU kept its double-digit lead all throughout the second half to move to 2-2 in true road contests this season. Hammeke led the Tigers with 18 points, making seven field goals and three free throws. Jonsson had 12 of his 14 points in the first half and made both of his 3-point field goal attempts in the game.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/traejon-davis/6896">Traejon Davis</a>&nbsp;led the Tigers in rebounds with five, while Nnanabu led in assists with four. Artese Stapleton led Lincoln with 15 points, followed by Kevin Kone with 14 and Sai Witt with 11. Witt and Kone each had eight rebounds, while Stapleton pulled down seven for the Blue Tigers.<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/1415093236&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-814667509/01-02-23-fhsu-mbkb-vs-lincoln-highlights" title="Fort Hays State MBB Highlights at Lincoln (Jan. 2, 2022)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State MBB Highlights at Lincoln (Jan. 2, 2022)</a></div></div>FHSU limited Lincoln to just 37.2 percent shooting from the field, including just a 2-of-14 effort (14.3 percent) beyond the 3-point line. FHSU forced Lincoln into 20 turnovers, while committing just six. Fort Hays State returns home at the latter portion of this week for a pair of MIAA games, starting with Missouri Southern on Thursday (Jan. 5) at 7:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Tigers lead wire-to-wire in win over Blue Tigers

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team put on a 3-point shooting clinic in the first half Monday afternoon (Jan. 2), pouring in a season-high 11 triples before intermission en route to an 85-68 road win over Lincoln. The Tigers (12-4, 7-1 MIAA) finished the game with 12 3-pointers while hitting a season-best 56.4 percent from the floor (31-of-55) and 52.2 percent from behind the arc (12-of-23).

After the Tigers won the tip and missed on their first attempt, the teams combined to pour in eight shots in a row, including three triples each. Despite averaging 3.8 3-point field goals per game entering the contest, the Blue Tigers (2-10, 0-6 MIAA) took a 14-11 lead on their fourth 3-pointer less than four minutes into the game. Fort Hays State responded with eight-straight points, taking the lead for good on a pair of buckets from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/olivia-hollenbeck/6845">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jessie-sallach/6847">Jessie Sallach</a>. Lincoln closed within two late in the first quarter before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/emma-ruddle/6846">Emma Ruddle</a>&nbsp;drilled FHSU's fifth triple on the final shot of the frame. After hitting a pair of shots from behind the arc in the opening 10 minutes, sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/megan-earney/6842">Megan Earney</a>&nbsp;added three more in the second period for a career-high 15 points in less than 15 minutes of playing time before the break. Her fifth long-range connection in the final minute of the half helped the Tigers push their lead to 16, 54-38.

The Tigers scored 27 points in each of the first two quarters, their most in a quarter this season, while their 54 points in the opening half is their highest-scoring half of the year to date. The Fort Hays State defense turned things around in the second quarter, limiting LU to just two field goals and creating six turnovers after the Blue Tigers hit 9-of-16 in the opening frame. The pace slowed after halftime, with both teams creating more turnovers on defense. Fort Hays State still hit 50 percent from the floor in both the third and fourth quarters. The Black and Gold Tigers led by as many as 25 early in the fourth quarter on a driving layup from Ruddle before the Blue Tigers made one final push, scoring nine in a row to close within 16. But Fort Hays State bounced back down the stretch, outscoring the home team 11-10 over the final five-plus minutes of the contest. All 11 Tigers that saw the floor scored at least three points, including eight with five or more points. Four scored in double figures, led by Earney's 15 points. Sallach had 14 on 6-of-8 shooting, with Hollenbeck adding 12 points and Ruddle totaling 10.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/sydney-golladay/6844">Sydney Golladay</a>&nbsp;distributed a team-high eight assists, tied for the most by a Tiger this season. Hollenbeck grabbed a team-high four rebounds while blocking two shots. Fort Hays State returns to Gross Memorial Coliseum on Thursday (Jan. 5) when the Tigers host ninth-ranked Missouri Southern in a matchup of the 2021-22 MIAA co-Champions beginning at 5:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672726245089.jpeg" alt="FHSU&nbsp; Athletics photo/Nicole Hietmann" />
 <figcaption>FHSU&nbsp; Athletics photo/Nicole Hietmann</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team put on a 3-point shooting clinic in the first half Monday afternoon (Jan. 2), pouring in a season-high 11 triples before intermission en route to an 85-68 road win over Lincoln. The Tigers (12-4, 7-1 MIAA) finished the game with 12 3-pointers while hitting a season-best 56.4 percent from the floor (31-of-55) and 52.2 percent from behind the arc (12-of-23).<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/1415093182&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-814667509/01-02-23-coach-hobson-interview" title="Tony Hobson Postgame at Lincoln (Jan. 2, 2022)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Tony Hobson Postgame at Lincoln (Jan. 2, 2022)</a></div></div>After the Tigers won the tip and missed on their first attempt, the teams combined to pour in eight shots in a row, including three triples each. Despite averaging 3.8 3-point field goals per game entering the contest, the Blue Tigers (2-10, 0-6 MIAA) took a 14-11 lead on their fourth 3-pointer less than four minutes into the game. Fort Hays State responded with eight-straight points, taking the lead for good on a pair of buckets from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/olivia-hollenbeck/6845">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jessie-sallach/6847">Jessie Sallach</a>. Lincoln closed within two late in the first quarter before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/emma-ruddle/6846">Emma Ruddle</a>&nbsp;drilled FHSU's fifth triple on the final shot of the frame. After hitting a pair of shots from behind the arc in the opening 10 minutes, sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/megan-earney/6842">Megan Earney</a>&nbsp;added three more in the second period for a career-high 15 points in less than 15 minutes of playing time before the break. Her fifth long-range connection in the final minute of the half helped the Tigers push their lead to 16, 54-38.<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/1415093251&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-814667509/01-02-23-fhsu-wbkb-vs-lincoln-highlights" title="Fort Hays State WBB Highlights at Lincoln (Jan. 2, 2022)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State WBB Highlights at Lincoln (Jan. 2, 2022)</a></div></div>The Tigers scored 27 points in each of the first two quarters, their most in a quarter this season, while their 54 points in the opening half is their highest-scoring half of the year to date. The Fort Hays State defense turned things around in the second quarter, limiting LU to just two field goals and creating six turnovers after the Blue Tigers hit 9-of-16 in the opening frame. The pace slowed after halftime, with both teams creating more turnovers on defense. Fort Hays State still hit 50 percent from the floor in both the third and fourth quarters. The Black and Gold Tigers led by as many as 25 early in the fourth quarter on a driving layup from Ruddle before the Blue Tigers made one final push, scoring nine in a row to close within 16. But Fort Hays State bounced back down the stretch, outscoring the home team 11-10 over the final five-plus minutes of the contest. All 11 Tigers that saw the floor scored at least three points, including eight with five or more points. Four scored in double figures, led by Earney's 15 points. Sallach had 14 on 6-of-8 shooting, with Hollenbeck adding 12 points and Ruddle totaling 10.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/sydney-golladay/6844">Sydney Golladay</a>&nbsp;distributed a team-high eight assists, tied for the most by a Tiger this season. Hollenbeck grabbed a team-high four rebounds while blocking two shots. Fort Hays State returns to Gross Memorial Coliseum on Thursday (Jan. 5) when the Tigers host ninth-ranked Missouri Southern in a matchup of the 2021-22 MIAA co-Champions beginning at 5:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 3-Point barrage lifts Tigers past Lincoln

Hays High’s Bryce Salmans and TMP’s Kade Harris were named
to the Kansas Shrine Bowl on Sunday.

The two will be joined on the West team by Hays High Head
Coach Tony Crough, who will serve as the head coach of the West.

Smith Center’s Cauy Haresnape was also named to the West
team.

You can find the complete rosters below.

The 50th Kansas Shrine Bowl is set for July 15th at 7 p.m.
at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays.

Hays High’s Bryce Salmans and TMP’s Kade Harris were named
to the Kansas Shrine Bowl on Sunday.The two will be joined on the West team by Hays High Head
Coach Tony Crough, who will serve as the head coach of the West.Smith Center’s Cauy Haresnape was also named to the West
team.You can find the complete rosters below.The 50th Kansas Shrine Bowl is set for July 15th at 7 p.m.
at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672686470944.jpeg" alt="2023 KS Shrine Bowl East team roster" />
 <figcaption>2023 KS Shrine Bowl East team roster</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672686502856.jpeg" alt="2023 Kansas Shrine Bowl West team roster" />
 <figcaption>2023 Kansas Shrine Bowl West team roster</figcaption>
 </figure>

🏈HHS’ Salmans and TMP’s Harris named to Shrine Bowl

Fort Hays State (9-3, 4-2 MIAA) at Lincoln (7-2, 3-2 MIAA) Monday, January 2 - 3 PM Jason Gym - Jefferson City, Mo. Radio - KJLS (103.3)

<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KJLS">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Fort Hays State heads to Jefferson City, Mo. on Monday (Jan. 2) for its first of two contests this season with Lincoln University. FHSU enters at 9-3 overall on the season and sits in a tie for third in the MIAA standings at 4-2. Lincoln enters the contest on at three-game win streak, now 7-2 overall and 3-2 in the MIAA. Fort Hays State is coming off a 57-46 win at Central Missouri on Saturday (Dec. 31). It was the first conference road win for the Tigers this season in just two tries and first win in a true road contest in just three tries. Lincoln enters with a 5-1 mark at home so far this season after a 78-65 win over Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday. Lincoln is 3-2 in MIAA play, though two of the wins were by a combined three points with a two-point win at Central Missouri and a one-point win at home over Newman. Fort Hays State owns a three-game win streak over Lincoln. The Tigers swept the regular season series last year winning 66-52 in Hays then 73-35 in Jefferson City. The 38-point win for FHSU was its largest in Jefferson City, topping the previous best of 33 by the 2010-11 team. FHSU is just 4-7 all-time in Jefferson City and had lost four straight there until last year's blowout win. FHSU leads the all-time series with Lincoln 18-10. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kaleb-hammeke/6897">Kaleb Hammeke</a>&nbsp;leads FHSU in scoring at 17.5 points per game. He averaged 16 in the two meetings with Lincoln last year.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/jaheim-holden/6906">Jaheim Holden</a>&nbsp;reached double figures in scoring for the Tigers for the third time this year in the win at Central Missouri on Saturday with 12. He along with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/elijah-nnanabu/6902">Elijah Nnanabu</a>&nbsp;(9.1),&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/bjarni-jonsson/6901">Bjarni Jonsson</a>&nbsp;(7.9),&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/traejon-davis/6896">Traejon Davis</a>&nbsp;(7.2), and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/gabe-pieschl/6904">Gabe Pieschl</a>&nbsp;(7.1) all average better than seven points per game. Pieschl leads the team in rebounding at 6.6 per game. Artese Stapleton of Lincoln is the top scorer in the MIAA at 19.8 points per game. He scored at least 13 points in every game for Lincoln this season and topped 20 three times. His season best was 29 points in a loss to nationally ranked Central Oklahoma. Fort Hays State and Lincoln have two of the best scoring defenses in NCAA Division II. As of Thursday (Dec. 29), FHSU ranked fourth and Lincoln ranked 12th&nbsp;nationally. FHSU is allowing 57 points per game, while Lincoln is allowing 61 per game on average.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672629085716.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State (9-3, 4-2 MIAA) at Lincoln (7-2, 3-2 MIAA) Monday, January 2 - 3 PM Jason Gym - Jefferson City, Mo. Radio - KJLS (103.3)<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KJLS">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Fort Hays State heads to Jefferson City, Mo. on Monday (Jan. 2) for its first of two contests this season with Lincoln University. FHSU enters at 9-3 overall on the season and sits in a tie for third in the MIAA standings at 4-2. Lincoln enters the contest on at three-game win streak, now 7-2 overall and 3-2 in the MIAA. Fort Hays State is coming off a 57-46 win at Central Missouri on Saturday (Dec. 31). It was the first conference road win for the Tigers this season in just two tries and first win in a true road contest in just three tries. Lincoln enters with a 5-1 mark at home so far this season after a 78-65 win over Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday. Lincoln is 3-2 in MIAA play, though two of the wins were by a combined three points with a two-point win at Central Missouri and a one-point win at home over Newman. Fort Hays State owns a three-game win streak over Lincoln. The Tigers swept the regular season series last year winning 66-52 in Hays then 73-35 in Jefferson City. The 38-point win for FHSU was its largest in Jefferson City, topping the previous best of 33 by the 2010-11 team. FHSU is just 4-7 all-time in Jefferson City and had lost four straight there until last year's blowout win. FHSU leads the all-time series with Lincoln 18-10. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kaleb-hammeke/6897">Kaleb Hammeke</a>&nbsp;leads FHSU in scoring at 17.5 points per game. He averaged 16 in the two meetings with Lincoln last year.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/jaheim-holden/6906">Jaheim Holden</a>&nbsp;reached double figures in scoring for the Tigers for the third time this year in the win at Central Missouri on Saturday with 12. He along with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/elijah-nnanabu/6902">Elijah Nnanabu</a>&nbsp;(9.1),&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/bjarni-jonsson/6901">Bjarni Jonsson</a>&nbsp;(7.9),&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/traejon-davis/6896">Traejon Davis</a>&nbsp;(7.2), and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/gabe-pieschl/6904">Gabe Pieschl</a>&nbsp;(7.1) all average better than seven points per game. Pieschl leads the team in rebounding at 6.6 per game. Artese Stapleton of Lincoln is the top scorer in the MIAA at 19.8 points per game. He scored at least 13 points in every game for Lincoln this season and topped 20 three times. His season best was 29 points in a loss to nationally ranked Central Oklahoma. Fort Hays State and Lincoln have two of the best scoring defenses in NCAA Division II. As of Thursday (Dec. 29), FHSU ranked fourth and Lincoln ranked 12th&nbsp;nationally. FHSU is allowing 57 points per game, while Lincoln is allowing 61 per game on average.

🏀🎙️ LISTEN - Tiger men look for sweep on mid-Missouri road trip

Fort Hays State Women's Basketball (11-4, 6-1 MIAA) at Lincoln (2-9, 0-5 MIAA) Monday, January 2, 2023 • 1 p.m. Jefferson City, Mo. • Jason Gymnasium Radio&nbsp;• KJLS (103.3)

<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KJLS">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> The Fort Hays State women's basketball team looks to bounce back Monday afternoon (Jan. 2) when the Tigers take on Lincoln beginning at 1 p.m. in Jefferson City, Mo. The Tigers enter the new year 11-4 overall and 6-1 in the MIAA, while the Blue Tigers currently sit at 2-9 on the year and 0-5 in league action. Live video of the contest will be available on The MIAA Network. Fans can purchase access to a single contest for $10, a month-long pass for $25 or a season-long, all-access pass for $125. Both the monthly and year-long passes gain access to any event in any sport streamed on The MIAA Network. Live radio coverage with voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock will be available over the air on KJLS 103.3 FM and online at hayspost.com. Last Time Out - Fort Hays State came up one point short at No. 11 Central Missouri on Saturday (12/31/22), losing 63-62. -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/megan-earney/6842">Megan Earney</a>&nbsp;had a look to win it in the waning seconds, but her corner 3-pointer was off the mark. -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/sydney-golladay/6844">Sydney Golladay</a>&nbsp;led the team with a career-high 17 points after pouring in four 3-pointers, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jessie-sallach/6847">Jessie Sallach</a>&nbsp;tallied a season-best 13 points. - The Tigers trailed by as many as nine but had the chance to win after holding UCM scoreless over the final three-plus minutes. &nbsp; Tiger Notables - Fort Hays State has won 221 games since the start of the 2014-15 season, by far the most of any MIAA team (ESU - 191 wins). - The Tigers are 210-113 (.650) in conference games since joining the MIAA in 2006. -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/sydney-golladay/6844">Sydney Golladay</a>&nbsp;is averaging 5.8 assists per game over the last five contests, including a season-high seven in two-straight. -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/katie-wagner/6848">Katie Wagner</a>&nbsp;(12.3 ppg),&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/olivia-hollenbeck/6845">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;(10.7 ppg),&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/emma-ruddle/6846">Emma Ruddle</a>&nbsp;(9.3 ppg),&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jessie-sallach/6847">Jessie Sallach</a>&nbsp;(8.0 ppg) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/megan-earney/6842">Megan Earney</a>&nbsp;(7.0 ppg) all average at least seven points per game against Lincoln. -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jessie-sallach/6847">Jessie Sallach</a>&nbsp;(16 points) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/emma-ruddle/6846">Emma Ruddle</a>&nbsp;(12 points) both tallied their career-highs against the Blue Tigers. - The Tigers entered the weekend ranking third nationally in assist/turnover ratio (1.40), sixth in turnovers per game (12.0), seventh in scoring defense (52.9) 14th in fouls per game (13.4) and 18th in turnover margin (+6.57). - The Tigers are in pursuit of their 12th-consecutive 20-win season. The current streak of 11 such seasons is the longest active streak in Division II. - FHSU is 62-43 when playing in the state of Missouri during the Hobson era. - The Tigers have a chance to win the league for a third-consecutive year, a feat not accomplished in more than 15 years (Washburn 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06). Series History with Lincoln - The Tigers are 17-1 all-time against Lincoln, including a perfect 8-0 record on the road. - The entire series history has been played during the Hobson era, with the first matchup taking place in 2010. - The Tigers have won 14 in a row, dating back to 2013. - Fort Hays State defeated the Blue Tigers twice last season, including an 11-point road win and a 35-point win at home. On This Day - The Tigers are 5-2 in recorded history on January 2. - Most recently, Fort Hays State lost to Emporia State at home in 2021, 62-61. - The Tigers are 0-2 against the Lady Hornets on January 2 and 5-0 against all other opponents combined. The Coach -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/tony-hobson/1136">Tony Hobson</a>&nbsp;enters his 15th season at Fort Hays State and his 31st season as a head coach at the collegiate level in 2022-23. - He is 322-113 as a Tiger and 732-219 all-time. - Hobson ranks third all-time amongst MIAA head coaches with 322 wins at FHSU. - He ranks in the top 30 in win percentage amongst all active NCAA head coaches and in the top 10 in Division II. - Hobson earned the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Women's Four-Year College Coach of the Year award last season, his 19th career coach of the year award. - He has coached four All-Americans, four Academic All-Americans, two conference players of the year and 48 All-MIAA performers over the last 14 seasons. Scouting the Blue Tigers - Lincoln ranks 12th in the league in scoring offense (62.1 ppg) and 13th in scoring defense (74.6 ppg allowed). - The Blue Tigers rank last in the MIAA with 3.8 3-pointers per game and a 3FG% of .240. - Le'Yanna McGinnis ranks ninth in the league with an average of 15.6 points per game. - The Blue Tigers are 1-4 at home this season. Looking Ahead

Fort Hays State returns to Gross Memorial Coliseum for a three-game homestand beginning Thursday, January 5 when ninth-ranked Missouri Southern comes to town. First tip between the Tigers and Lions is set for 5:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672628800301.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State Women's Basketball (11-4, 6-1 MIAA) at Lincoln (2-9, 0-5 MIAA) Monday, January 2, 2023 • 1 p.m. Jefferson City, Mo. • Jason Gymnasium Radio&nbsp;• KJLS (103.3)<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KJLS">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> The Fort Hays State women's basketball team looks to bounce back Monday afternoon (Jan. 2) when the Tigers take on Lincoln beginning at 1 p.m. in Jefferson City, Mo. The Tigers enter the new year 11-4 overall and 6-1 in the MIAA, while the Blue Tigers currently sit at 2-9 on the year and 0-5 in league action. Live video of the contest will be available on The MIAA Network. Fans can purchase access to a single contest for $10, a month-long pass for $25 or a season-long, all-access pass for $125. Both the monthly and year-long passes gain access to any event in any sport streamed on The MIAA Network. Live radio coverage with voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock will be available over the air on KJLS 103.3 FM and online at hayspost.com. Last Time Out - Fort Hays State came up one point short at No. 11 Central Missouri on Saturday (12/31/22), losing 63-62. -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/megan-earney/6842">Megan Earney</a>&nbsp;had a look to win it in the waning seconds, but her corner 3-pointer was off the mark. -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/sydney-golladay/6844">Sydney Golladay</a>&nbsp;led the team with a career-high 17 points after pouring in four 3-pointers, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jessie-sallach/6847">Jessie Sallach</a>&nbsp;tallied a season-best 13 points. - The Tigers trailed by as many as nine but had the chance to win after holding UCM scoreless over the final three-plus minutes. &nbsp; Tiger Notables - Fort Hays State has won 221 games since the start of the 2014-15 season, by far the most of any MIAA team (ESU - 191 wins). - The Tigers are 210-113 (.650) in conference games since joining the MIAA in 2006. -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/sydney-golladay/6844">Sydney Golladay</a>&nbsp;is averaging 5.8 assists per game over the last five contests, including a season-high seven in two-straight. -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/katie-wagner/6848">Katie Wagner</a>&nbsp;(12.3 ppg),&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/olivia-hollenbeck/6845">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;(10.7 ppg),&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/emma-ruddle/6846">Emma Ruddle</a>&nbsp;(9.3 ppg),&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jessie-sallach/6847">Jessie Sallach</a>&nbsp;(8.0 ppg) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/megan-earney/6842">Megan Earney</a>&nbsp;(7.0 ppg) all average at least seven points per game against Lincoln. -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jessie-sallach/6847">Jessie Sallach</a>&nbsp;(16 points) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/emma-ruddle/6846">Emma Ruddle</a>&nbsp;(12 points) both tallied their career-highs against the Blue Tigers. - The Tigers entered the weekend ranking third nationally in assist/turnover ratio (1.40), sixth in turnovers per game (12.0), seventh in scoring defense (52.9) 14th in fouls per game (13.4) and 18th in turnover margin (+6.57). - The Tigers are in pursuit of their 12th-consecutive 20-win season. The current streak of 11 such seasons is the longest active streak in Division II. - FHSU is 62-43 when playing in the state of Missouri during the Hobson era. - The Tigers have a chance to win the league for a third-consecutive year, a feat not accomplished in more than 15 years (Washburn 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06). Series History with Lincoln - The Tigers are 17-1 all-time against Lincoln, including a perfect 8-0 record on the road. - The entire series history has been played during the Hobson era, with the first matchup taking place in 2010. - The Tigers have won 14 in a row, dating back to 2013. - Fort Hays State defeated the Blue Tigers twice last season, including an 11-point road win and a 35-point win at home. On This Day - The Tigers are 5-2 in recorded history on January 2. - Most recently, Fort Hays State lost to Emporia State at home in 2021, 62-61. - The Tigers are 0-2 against the Lady Hornets on January 2 and 5-0 against all other opponents combined. The Coach -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/tony-hobson/1136">Tony Hobson</a>&nbsp;enters his 15th season at Fort Hays State and his 31st season as a head coach at the collegiate level in 2022-23. - He is 322-113 as a Tiger and 732-219 all-time. - Hobson ranks third all-time amongst MIAA head coaches with 322 wins at FHSU. - He ranks in the top 30 in win percentage amongst all active NCAA head coaches and in the top 10 in Division II. - Hobson earned the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Women's Four-Year College Coach of the Year award last season, his 19th career coach of the year award. - He has coached four All-Americans, four Academic All-Americans, two conference players of the year and 48 All-MIAA performers over the last 14 seasons. Scouting the Blue Tigers - Lincoln ranks 12th in the league in scoring offense (62.1 ppg) and 13th in scoring defense (74.6 ppg allowed). - The Blue Tigers rank last in the MIAA with 3.8 3-pointers per game and a 3FG% of .240. - Le'Yanna McGinnis ranks ninth in the league with an average of 15.6 points per game. - The Blue Tigers are 1-4 at home this season. Looking Ahead Fort Hays State returns to Gross Memorial Coliseum for a three-game homestand beginning Thursday, January 5 when ninth-ranked Missouri Southern comes to town. First tip between the Tigers and Lions is set for 5:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀🎙️ LISTEN - FHSU women look to bounce back at Lincoln Monday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes moved into the rarest of company Sunday, joining Tom Brady and Drew Brees as the only quarterbacks with multiple 5,000-yard passing seasons, and the Chiefs overcame another sloppy start to beat the Broncos for the 15th consecutive time and stay alive for the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

So everything must be good in Kansas City, right?

“There's not a lot satisfying for me,” Mahomes said shortly after the 27-24 victory.

There was the pick he threw in the end zone and the mechanics that went awry in the second half. There was the fumbled punt return that led to a Denver touchdown, a sloppy snap on a point-after attempt and even a blocked field goal.

Yet the Chiefs (13-3) still managed to escape a 17-13 third-quarter deficit and rally for their fourth consecutive win.

“When I don't have my best stuff and guys step up and we still win football games,” said Mahomes, who nevertheless finished with 328 yards passing and three touchdowns, “that's a good thing.”

Jerick McKinnon had two touchdown catches while Blake Bell and Isiah Pacheco also scored for the Chiefs, who began the day tied with Buffalo for the best record in the AFC; the Bills play Cincinnati on Monday night.

“We'll watch it,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said with a smile.

For a while the Broncos (4-12) looked as if they might cap a chaotic week that began with the firing of first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett in a stunning victory. But a late letdown by one of the league's best defenses, an another interception from embattled quarterback Russell Wilson, resulted in the first loss for interim coach Jerry Rosburg.

“I saw players and coaches digging in to do all they could possibly do to win that game,” he said. “That all said, it wasn't good enough. It wasn't good enough and I'm heartbroken for those guys because they deserve a win.”

Wilson threw for 222 yards and a touchdown while also running for a pair of scores, the second of them — after two costly penalties on the Kansas City defense — pulling Denver within 27-24 with 6:14 left in the game.

The Broncos got the ball back with just under four minutes to go, too, and picked up a quick first down. But the Kansas City defense stiffened near midfield, and Chris Jones sacked Wilson on fourth-and-2 to effectively end the game.

The Chiefs' sluggish start against the downtrodden Broncos wasn't all that surprising. They've habitually played down to the opposition, whether it was in their overtime win at Houston or their 34-28 victory over the Broncos three weeks ago.

But the Chiefs also have proven over the years their ability to strike quickly, and they did that after falling behind for the first time Sunday. Mahomes answered with long passes to Toney and McKinnon, a penalty on third down gave them a fresh set of downs, and McKinnon turned a screen pass into a touchdown reception for the fifth straight game.

That streak is the longest for an NFL running back since Bill Dudley of the Lions in 1947.

“If I would have told you I saw it was coming, nah,” McKinnon said, “but that's what you put the work in the offseason for, when you're opportunity comes you're ready for the moment.”

The Chiefs struggled to maintain momentum after halftime, though, going three-and-out on their first three possessions. And the Broncos, with their third play-caller of the season in offensive coordinator Justin Outten, capitalized with a 63-yard touchdown drive that gave them a 17-13 lead late in the third quarter.

Then the Chiefs began looking like the Chiefs. And the Broncos like the Broncos.

Mahomes led the AFC West champs briskly downfield before hitting Bell from 17 yards for his first regular-season touchdown catch. And on the very next play, Wilson threw a wobbler under pressure that L'Jarius Sneed picked off, setting up McKinnon's second touchdown catch of the day and his eighth in the past five games.

The Broncos scored in the fourth quarter to give themselves a chance before Kansas City put the game away.

“When you win and you don't feel like you play you best ball, that's a really good thing,” Mahomes said. “We have to find a way to, for four quarters, play our best football when we get to the playoffs. And I feel like we haven't done that.”

Mahomes improved to 11-0 against Denver, joining Andrew Luck (11-0 vs Tennessee) as the only QBs in the Super Bowl era with more than 10 wins and no losses against an opponent. ... The Chiefs' 15 straight wins over Denver is tied for the third-longest streak of any team against an opponent in NFL history. The Broncos have not won against the Chiefs since Sept. 17, 2015. ... Wilson ran for 27 yards, giving him 4,948 for his career and passing Randall Cunningham for third among quarterbacks.

Broncos: RB Marlon Mack (hamstring) left in the first quarter and LG Dalton Risner (elbow) in the third. CB Damarri Mathis went into the concussion protocol in the second. LB Baron Browning (back) and DL D.J. Jones (knee) were inactive.

Chiefs: LG Joe Thuney (ankle) left late in the third quarter and WR Skyy Moore (hand) in the fourth. Sneed also hurt his hip on his interception return in the fourth.

The Broncos conclude their season next Sunday against the Chargers.

The Chiefs visit the Raiders on Sunday in their regular-season finale.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672610964644.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon (1) celebrates after scoring past Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) and teammate JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)." />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon (1) celebrates after scoring past Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) and teammate JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel).</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes moved into the rarest of company Sunday, joining Tom Brady and Drew Brees as the only quarterbacks with multiple 5,000-yard passing seasons, and the Chiefs overcame another sloppy start to beat the Broncos for the 15th consecutive time and stay alive for the No. 1 seed in the AFC.So everything must be good in Kansas City, right?“There's not a lot satisfying for me,” Mahomes said shortly after the 27-24 victory.There was the pick he threw in the end zone and the mechanics that went awry in the second half. There was the fumbled punt return that led to a Denver touchdown, a sloppy snap on a point-after attempt and even a blocked field goal.Yet the Chiefs (13-3) still managed to escape a 17-13 third-quarter deficit and rally for their fourth consecutive win.“When I don't have my best stuff and guys step up and we still win football games,” said Mahomes, who nevertheless finished with 328 yards passing and three touchdowns, “that's a good thing.”Jerick McKinnon had two touchdown catches while Blake Bell and Isiah Pacheco also scored for the Chiefs, who began the day tied with Buffalo for the best record in the AFC; the Bills play Cincinnati on Monday night.“We'll watch it,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said with a smile.For a while the Broncos (4-12) looked as if they might cap a chaotic week that began with the firing of first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett in a stunning victory. But a late letdown by one of the league's best defenses, an another interception from embattled quarterback Russell Wilson, resulted in the first loss for interim coach Jerry Rosburg.“I saw players and coaches digging in to do all they could possibly do to win that game,” he said. “That all said, it wasn't good enough. It wasn't good enough and I'm heartbroken for those guys because they deserve a win.”Wilson threw for 222 yards and a touchdown while also running for a pair of scores, the second of them — after two costly penalties on the Kansas City defense — pulling Denver within 27-24 with 6:14 left in the game.The Broncos got the ball back with just under four minutes to go, too, and picked up a quick first down. But the Kansas City defense stiffened near midfield, and Chris Jones sacked Wilson on fourth-and-2 to effectively end the game.The Chiefs' sluggish start against the downtrodden Broncos wasn't all that surprising. They've habitually played down to the opposition, whether it was in their overtime win at Houston or their 34-28 victory over the Broncos three weeks ago.But the Chiefs also have proven over the years their ability to strike quickly, and they did that after falling behind for the first time Sunday. Mahomes answered with long passes to Toney and McKinnon, a penalty on third down gave them a fresh set of downs, and McKinnon turned a screen pass into a touchdown reception for the fifth straight game.That streak is the longest for an NFL running back since Bill Dudley of the Lions in 1947.“If I would have told you I saw it was coming, nah,” McKinnon said, “but that's what you put the work in the offseason for, when you're opportunity comes you're ready for the moment.”The Chiefs struggled to maintain momentum after halftime, though, going three-and-out on their first three possessions. And the Broncos, with their third play-caller of the season in offensive coordinator Justin Outten, capitalized with a 63-yard touchdown drive that gave them a 17-13 lead late in the third quarter.Then the Chiefs began looking like the Chiefs. And the Broncos like the Broncos.Mahomes led the AFC West champs briskly downfield before hitting Bell from 17 yards for his first regular-season touchdown catch. And on the very next play, Wilson threw a wobbler under pressure that L'Jarius Sneed picked off, setting up McKinnon's second touchdown catch of the day and his eighth in the past five games.The Broncos scored in the fourth quarter to give themselves a chance before Kansas City put the game away.“When you win and you don't feel like you play you best ball, that's a really good thing,” Mahomes said. “We have to find a way to, for four quarters, play our best football when we get to the playoffs. And I feel like we haven't done that.”STATS AND STREAKSMahomes improved to 11-0 against Denver, joining Andrew Luck (11-0 vs Tennessee) as the only QBs in the Super Bowl era with more than 10 wins and no losses against an opponent. ... The Chiefs' 15 straight wins over Denver is tied for the third-longest streak of any team against an opponent in NFL history. The Broncos have not won against the Chiefs since Sept. 17, 2015. ... Wilson ran for 27 yards, giving him 4,948 for his career and passing Randall Cunningham for third among quarterbacks.INJURIESBroncos: RB Marlon Mack (hamstring) left in the first quarter and LG Dalton Risner (elbow) in the third. CB Damarri Mathis went into the concussion protocol in the second. LB Baron Browning (back) and DL D.J. Jones (knee) were inactive.Chiefs: LG Joe Thuney (ankle) left late in the third quarter and WR Skyy Moore (hand) in the fourth. Sneed also hurt his hip on his interception return in the fourth.UP NEXTThe Broncos conclude their season next Sunday against the Chargers.The Chiefs visit the Raiders on Sunday in their regular-season finale.

🏈 Sluggish Chiefs beat Broncos for 15th straight time

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Markquis Nowell had a game-high 23 points and 10 assists, Keyontae Johnson scored 18, and Abayomi Iyiola added a career-best 14 points as Kansas State rallied from a 14-point deficit to beat No. 24 West Virginia 82-76 in overtime in the Big 12 opener for both teams on Saturday night.

The Wildcats (12-1) scored the first six points in overtime after West Virginia forced the extra period on a tying 3-pointer by Keadrian Johnson (nine points) with one second left in regulation. It was West Virginia’s third 3-pointer in the game.

Nowell took over in the extra period, scoring five points and helping Kansas State hold off the Mountaineers.

“He is just such a competitor,” Kansas State coach Jerome Tang said. “We are both competitors and we both want to win and you’ll never fault him for effort. I am so proud of him.”

Tre Mitchell scored 16 points and Emmitt Matthews Jr. added 12 for West Virginia (10-3, 0-1), which had 20 turnovers. The Wildcats scored 22 points off those miscues.

“They outplayed us and we had some guys do some really stupid things that enabled them to get back in the games,” West Virginia coach Bob Huggins said. “At the start of the game, we were passing the ball, defending, but we gave up too many point-blank shots because we are out of position. We gave this game away.”

The Wildcats shot 29 of 69 (42%) from the field, while West Virginia was 26 of 63 (41%).

“I said this to the team, ‘How do you miss a one-footer? How do you continue to miss that many free throws,’” Huggins said. “The bad news is that this is probably one the easiest places to play in the league.”

Kansas State took its first lead eight minutes into the second half at 44-42 after going nearly six minutes without a basket at the start of the game.

“I am very proud of the guys and I know we had fight in us,” Tang said. “I told the guys let’s settle down and for us to just continue and rebound.”

West Virginia: The Mountaineers went cold in the second half and lost a double-digit halftime lead. They will need to work on not turning the ball over after having 20 in the loss.

Kansas State: Despite the slow start, the Wildcats found a way to win. The 21-point first half was the team's lowest scoring half this season.

West Virginia: Travels to Oklahoma State on Monday .

Kansas State: Travels to Texas on Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672580559151.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Markquis Nowell had a game-high 23 points and 10 assists, Keyontae Johnson scored 18, and Abayomi Iyiola added a career-best 14 points as Kansas State rallied from a 14-point deficit to beat No. 24 West Virginia 82-76 in overtime in the Big 12 opener for both teams on Saturday night.The Wildcats (12-1) scored the first six points in overtime after West Virginia forced the extra period on a tying 3-pointer by Keadrian Johnson (nine points) with one second left in regulation. It was West Virginia’s third 3-pointer in the game.Nowell took over in the extra period, scoring five points and helping Kansas State hold off the Mountaineers.“He is just such a competitor,” Kansas State coach Jerome Tang said. “We are both competitors and we both want to win and you’ll never fault him for effort. I am so proud of him.”Tre Mitchell scored 16 points and Emmitt Matthews Jr. added 12 for West Virginia (10-3, 0-1), which had 20 turnovers. The Wildcats scored 22 points off those miscues.“They outplayed us and we had some guys do some really stupid things that enabled them to get back in the games,” West Virginia coach Bob Huggins said. “At the start of the game, we were passing the ball, defending, but we gave up too many point-blank shots because we are out of position. We gave this game away.”The Wildcats shot 29 of 69 (42%) from the field, while West Virginia was 26 of 63 (41%).“I said this to the team, ‘How do you miss a one-footer? How do you continue to miss that many free throws,’” Huggins said. “The bad news is that this is probably one the easiest places to play in the league.”Kansas State took its first lead eight minutes into the second half at 44-42 after going nearly six minutes without a basket at the start of the game.“I am very proud of the guys and I know we had fight in us,” Tang said. “I told the guys let’s settle down and for us to just continue and rebound.”BIG PICTUREWest Virginia: The Mountaineers went cold in the second half and lost a double-digit halftime lead. They will need to work on not turning the ball over after having 20 in the loss.Kansas State: Despite the slow start, the Wildcats found a way to win. The 21-point first half was the team's lowest scoring half this season.UP NEXTWest Virginia: Travels to Oklahoma State on Monday .Kansas State: Travels to Texas on Tuesday.

🏀 Kansas State rallies, beats No. 24 West Virginia in OT

WARRENSBURG, Mo. – Fort Hays State moved to 9-3 overall and 4-2 in the MIAA with a 57-46 win at Central Missouri on Saturday at the Multipurpose Building. The Tigers led by two at halftime and created space with a 10-0 run to open the second half before winning by 11.

Central Missouri held the early advantage, but never led by more than four prior to FHSU taking its first lead at 14-13 on a&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/bjarni-jonsson/6901">Bjarni Jonsson</a>&nbsp;3-point field goal from the left corner. FHSU also led by four at 19-15 before few more lead changes the remainder of the first half. A driving layup by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/jaheim-holden/6906">Jaheim Holden</a>&nbsp;gave the Tigers a two-point advantage, 27-25, at the break. The Tigers opened up their advantage with staunch defense to open the second half, holding the Mules scoreless over the first 6:42 of action.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kaleb-hammeke/6897">Kaleb Hammeke</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/elijah-nnanabu/6902">Elijah Nnanabu</a>&nbsp;did all of the damage for FHSU in their 10-0 run to open the second frame, Hammeke with a pair of threes and Nnanabu with a pair of twos. After FHSU was starting to cruise up 14 with 11:47 to play, the UCM offense came to life with an 8-0 run to get the lead back down to six with 10:16 to play. However, Nnanabu buried a 3-point field goal to snap the run and FHSU pushed its lead back to double figures with 7:38 to play on a Jonsson jumper. UCM brought the lead back inside 10 only one time at nine points with 3:47 to play before FHSU regained its double-figure lead to close out the contest. Hammeke led the Tigers with 16 points with three of his four field goals in the game beyond the 3-point line. Holden finished with 12 points after leading the team with nine at the half. He hit two 3-point field goals and was 5-of-6 from the field, while dishing out a team-high four assists.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/gabe-pieschl/6904">Gabe Pieschl</a>&nbsp;led the Tigers in rebounds with 12, helping the team win the battle on the glass by five. The Tigers surrendered just two second-chance points in the game.

FHSU was very efficient from the field in the second-half, going 11-of-18 (61.1 percent). FHSU shot 45.8 percent overall for the game. The Tigers held the Mules to just 34.6 percent from the field. The 46 points were the lowest allowed to an MIAA opponent so far this year by the Tigers. Mikel Henderson led UCM, now 6-6 overall and 2-4 in the MIAA, with 18 points and four assists. Gaven Pinkley also reached double figures in scoring for the Mules with 11. Garrett Luinstra pulled down a team-best seven rebounds. Fort Hays State will open the new year on Monday with a 3 p.m. tipoff at Lincoln University. The Blue Tigers will enter the game on a three-game win streak, now 7-2 overall and 3-2 in the MIAA after a win over Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672536345924.jpeg" alt="FHSU's Kaleb Hammeke drives to the basket Saturday vs. Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Mo. (FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid)" />
 <figcaption>FHSU's Kaleb Hammeke drives to the basket Saturday vs. Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Mo. (FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsWARRENSBURG, Mo. – Fort Hays State moved to 9-3 overall and 4-2 in the MIAA with a 57-46 win at Central Missouri on Saturday at the Multipurpose Building. The Tigers led by two at halftime and created space with a 10-0 run to open the second half before winning by 11.<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/1413980998&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-814667509/12-31-22-coach-johnson-interview" title="Mark Johnson Postgame at Central Missouri (Dec. 31, 2022)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Mark Johnson Postgame at Central Missouri (Dec. 31, 2022)</a></div></div>Central Missouri held the early advantage, but never led by more than four prior to FHSU taking its first lead at 14-13 on a&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/bjarni-jonsson/6901">Bjarni Jonsson</a>&nbsp;3-point field goal from the left corner. FHSU also led by four at 19-15 before few more lead changes the remainder of the first half. A driving layup by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/jaheim-holden/6906">Jaheim Holden</a>&nbsp;gave the Tigers a two-point advantage, 27-25, at the break. The Tigers opened up their advantage with staunch defense to open the second half, holding the Mules scoreless over the first 6:42 of action.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kaleb-hammeke/6897">Kaleb Hammeke</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/elijah-nnanabu/6902">Elijah Nnanabu</a>&nbsp;did all of the damage for FHSU in their 10-0 run to open the second frame, Hammeke with a pair of threes and Nnanabu with a pair of twos. After FHSU was starting to cruise up 14 with 11:47 to play, the UCM offense came to life with an 8-0 run to get the lead back down to six with 10:16 to play. However, Nnanabu buried a 3-point field goal to snap the run and FHSU pushed its lead back to double figures with 7:38 to play on a Jonsson jumper. UCM brought the lead back inside 10 only one time at nine points with 3:47 to play before FHSU regained its double-figure lead to close out the contest. Hammeke led the Tigers with 16 points with three of his four field goals in the game beyond the 3-point line. Holden finished with 12 points after leading the team with nine at the half. He hit two 3-point field goals and was 5-of-6 from the field, while dishing out a team-high four assists.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/gabe-pieschl/6904">Gabe Pieschl</a>&nbsp;led the Tigers in rebounds with 12, helping the team win the battle on the glass by five. The Tigers surrendered just two second-chance points in the game.<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/1413981016&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-814667509/12-31-22-fhsu-mbkb-vs-central-mo-highlights" title="Fort Hays State MBB Highlights at Central Missouri (Dec. 31, 2022)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State MBB Highlights at Central Missouri (Dec. 31, 2022)</a></div></div>FHSU was very efficient from the field in the second-half, going 11-of-18 (61.1 percent). FHSU shot 45.8 percent overall for the game. The Tigers held the Mules to just 34.6 percent from the field. The 46 points were the lowest allowed to an MIAA opponent so far this year by the Tigers. Mikel Henderson led UCM, now 6-6 overall and 2-4 in the MIAA, with 18 points and four assists. Gaven Pinkley also reached double figures in scoring for the Mules with 11. Garrett Luinstra pulled down a team-best seven rebounds. Fort Hays State will open the new year on Monday with a 3 p.m. tipoff at Lincoln University. The Blue Tigers will enter the game on a three-game win streak, now 7-2 overall and 3-2 in the MIAA after a win over Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Big second half carries Tiger men past Central Missouri

WARRENSBURG, Mo. - A battle between the top two teams in the MIAA women's basketball standings lived up to the billing Saturday afternoon, with 11th-ranked Central Missouri holding on to defeat Fort Hays State 63-62. The Tigers had a chance to win at the buzzer after holding the Jennies scoreless for the final three-plus minutes, but a corner 3-pointer in the waning seconds was off the mark.

The Tigers were battling from behind all afternoon after Central Missouri (10-0, 6-0 MIAA) scored the first five points of the game.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/sydney-golladay/6844">Sydney Golladay</a>&nbsp;got the Tigers (11-4, 6-1 MIAA) on the board with a 3-pointer before adding another triple two minutes later, ending a 6-0 Jennie run. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jessie-sallach/6847">Jessie Sallach</a>&nbsp;dropped in her second layup of the game in the final minute of the first quarter to close within three before UCM ended the frame with another basket, pushing the lead to 19-14 after 10 minutes of play. The Tigers closed within two on four separate occasions early in the second quarter before a six-plus minute scoreless stretch allowed the Jennies to push their lead as high as nine. Golladay ended the drought with 35 seconds to go until halftime with her third 3-pointer of the half.

While the offense was unable to find a rhythm, the Tiger defense forced seven-consecutive missed shots by the Jennies over the final seven-plus minutes of the first half. UCM did all of its damage at the charity stripe, hitting 9-of-10 free throws to build a 34-26 halftime lead. Sallach helped the Tigers close within one midway through the third quarter with six early points in the second half. The Jennies responded to a 6-0 Tiger run with seven-consecutive points of their own.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/megan-earney/6842">Megan Earney</a>&nbsp;broke up the run with a triple before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ellie-stearns/6851">Ellie Stearns</a>&nbsp;poured in another 3-pointer just before the end of the quarter. The Tigers outscored UCM 16-11 in the fourth quarter, but were never able to get over the hump and take the lead. The Jennies pushed their lead back to eight midway through the quarter and led by six with 3:10 remaining before the Tigers made one final push. Sallach fought her way into the paint for her sixth bucket of the game with 90 seconds to go before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/kate-dilsaver/6841">Kate Dilsaver</a>&nbsp;poked away a steal on the defensive end. Earney drilled a deep 3-pointer from the right wing with 38 seconds on the clock, helping the Tigers close within one. The Tiger defense forced the Jennies into a tough shot that was missed, giving FHSU its chance to steal the win that was ultimately missed. The Jennies outscored FHSU at the line by nine, 21-12. Fort Hays State was whistled for 25 fouls, compared to just 19 on the Jennies. Golladay finished the game with a career-high 17 points thanks to a personal-best four 3-pointers while adding a team-high five assists. Sallach tallied a season-high 13 points and led the Tigers with six rebounds. Fort Hays State will wrap up its trip to the Show-Me State with a Monday matinee (Jan. 2, 1 p.m.) in Jefferson City, Mo. when the Tigers take on the Blue Tigers of Lincoln University.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672536131855.jpeg" alt="FHSU Sydney Golloday scored a career-high 17 points Saturday at Central Missouri. (FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid)" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Sydney Golloday scored a career-high 17 points Saturday at Central Missouri. (FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsWARRENSBURG, Mo. - A battle between the top two teams in the MIAA women's basketball standings lived up to the billing Saturday afternoon, with 11th-ranked Central Missouri holding on to defeat Fort Hays State 63-62. The Tigers had a chance to win at the buzzer after holding the Jennies scoreless for the final three-plus minutes, but a corner 3-pointer in the waning seconds was off the mark.<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/1413980992&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-814667509/12-31-22-coach-hobson-interview" title="Tony Hobson Postgame at #11 Central Missouri (Dec. 31, 2022)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Tony Hobson Postgame at #11 Central Missouri (Dec. 31, 2022)</a></div></div>The Tigers were battling from behind all afternoon after Central Missouri (10-0, 6-0 MIAA) scored the first five points of the game.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/sydney-golladay/6844">Sydney Golladay</a>&nbsp;got the Tigers (11-4, 6-1 MIAA) on the board with a 3-pointer before adding another triple two minutes later, ending a 6-0 Jennie run. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jessie-sallach/6847">Jessie Sallach</a>&nbsp;dropped in her second layup of the game in the final minute of the first quarter to close within three before UCM ended the frame with another basket, pushing the lead to 19-14 after 10 minutes of play. The Tigers closed within two on four separate occasions early in the second quarter before a six-plus minute scoreless stretch allowed the Jennies to push their lead as high as nine. Golladay ended the drought with 35 seconds to go until halftime with her third 3-pointer of the half.<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/1413981055&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-814667509/12-31-22-fhsu-wbkb-vs-central-mo-highlights" title="Fort Hays State WBB Highlight at #11 Central Missouri (Dec. 31, 2022)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State WBB Highlight at #11 Central Missouri (Dec. 31, 2022)</a></div></div>While the offense was unable to find a rhythm, the Tiger defense forced seven-consecutive missed shots by the Jennies over the final seven-plus minutes of the first half. UCM did all of its damage at the charity stripe, hitting 9-of-10 free throws to build a 34-26 halftime lead. Sallach helped the Tigers close within one midway through the third quarter with six early points in the second half. The Jennies responded to a 6-0 Tiger run with seven-consecutive points of their own.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/megan-earney/6842">Megan Earney</a>&nbsp;broke up the run with a triple before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ellie-stearns/6851">Ellie Stearns</a>&nbsp;poured in another 3-pointer just before the end of the quarter. The Tigers outscored UCM 16-11 in the fourth quarter, but were never able to get over the hump and take the lead. The Jennies pushed their lead back to eight midway through the quarter and led by six with 3:10 remaining before the Tigers made one final push. Sallach fought her way into the paint for her sixth bucket of the game with 90 seconds to go before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/kate-dilsaver/6841">Kate Dilsaver</a>&nbsp;poked away a steal on the defensive end. Earney drilled a deep 3-pointer from the right wing with 38 seconds on the clock, helping the Tigers close within one. The Tiger defense forced the Jennies into a tough shot that was missed, giving FHSU its chance to steal the win that was ultimately missed. The Jennies outscored FHSU at the line by nine, 21-12. Fort Hays State was whistled for 25 fouls, compared to just 19 on the Jennies. Golladay finished the game with a career-high 17 points thanks to a personal-best four 3-pointers while adding a team-high five assists. Sallach tallied a season-high 13 points and led the Tigers with six rebounds. Fort Hays State will wrap up its trip to the Show-Me State with a Monday matinee (Jan. 2, 1 p.m.) in Jefferson City, Mo. when the Tigers take on the Blue Tigers of Lincoln University.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Tigers rally comes up short against No. 11 Jennies

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Bryce Young's decision to opt in to the Sugar Bowl only enhanced his chances of cashing in as a pro.

Young
 passed for 321 yards and five touchdowns in a game that other top NFL 
prospects might have skipped, and No. 5 Alabama responded to an early 
two-score deficit with 35 straight points to defeat 11th-ranked Kansas 
State 45-20 on Saturday.

“For me it was just about doing 
everything I can to help the team,” Young said. "We had pride in how we 
played and how we prepared — us wanting to finish, us wanting to push 
ourselves and hold each other accountable.”

While a number of 
pro-bound college stars sat out bowl games that were not part of the 
College Football Playoff, the Crimson Tide and Wildcats had their best 
prospects on the field for the Sugar Bowl and they made a number of 
memorable plays — from Young's pivotal passes to Kansas State running 
back Deuce Vaughn's 88-yard touchdown run to interceptions by Alabama's 
Jordan Battle and Brian Branch.

“These guys sent a message to 
everybody that you create value for yourself by playing football,” 
Alabama coach Nick Saban said. “It speaks volumes of your character when
 you choose to be a part of your team and you can be counted on to be 
part of your team, regardless of the circumstances."

With the game
 in hand in the fourth quarter, Young was ceremoniously substituted out,
 raising his right hand to Alabama fans who loudly rose to their feet as
 the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner trotted to the sideline.

Kansas State coach Chris Klieman asked a member of Alabama's staff to thank Young for playing.

“That’s
 what college football is about. I was happy Bryce played,” Klieman 
said. “That was really good for college football and really good for 
kids to see.”

Jermaine Burton caught three passes for 87 yards and
 a touchdown for Alabama (11-2). Tide running back Jahmyr Gibbs had 142 
yards from scrimmage — 76 rushing and 66 receiving. Young's other 
touchdowns went to Isaiah Bond (6 yards), Cameron Latu (1 yard), 
Ja'Corey Brooks (32 yards) and Kobe Prentice (47 yards). Jase McClelland
 added a 17-yard scoring run.

“We had a little bit of a taste in 
our mouth that if we had a dominant performance, it would show people 
that we probably did deserve to do a little better than we did in terms 
of the playoff picture,” Saban said. “But I’m most proud that there was a
 team out there that cared.”

Kansas State (10-4) entered its first
 Sugar Bowl on a four-game winning streak and was riding high after 
knocking off No. 3 TCU — a CFP team — in the Big 12 title game.

Although
 Battle's leaping interception of Will Howard ended K-State's opening 
drive on the Alabama 21, the Wildcats scored the Sugar Bowl’s first 10 
points, surging in front on Ty Zentner's 41-yard field goal and Vaughn's
 long run.

Alabama was on the brink of punting a third time when 
Young, on third and 10, stepped up in a collapsing pocket and flicked a 
short pass to Gibbs, who was cutting across the middle and turned up 
field for 60 yards. Young stepped up similarly to avoid pressure on his 
touchdown pass to Bond soon after.

Young threw over the top to Burton for 47 yards to setup his scoring pass to Latu that put Alabama in front for good.

Kansas
 State drove to the Alabama 2 late in the first half — converting two 
fourth-downs along the way — only to fail on fourth-and-goal when Howard
 threw out of reach of tight end Ben Sinnott, who was breaking open 
after Will Anderson fell while trying to cover him.

“I would have done it again,” Klieman said. “I’m never going to second-guess myself."

Young
 needed just 51 seconds to produce another touchdown, completing passes 
of 12, 28 and 22 yards before hitting Burton from 12 yards out to make 
it 21-10 at halftime.

“That was a huge swing in the game,” Saban said.

Kansas
 State paid for another risk when its onside kick to open the second 
half was recovered by Alabama, which scored shortly after on Young's 
strike to Ja'Corey Brooks in the corner of the end zone.

“We came here to win, man,” Klieman said. “We didn’t come here to try to keep this thing close.”

Kansas
 State: Howard finished 18-of-35 passing for 210 yards. Vaughn rushed 
for 133 yards on 22 carries. Jordan Schippers had a late 1-yard TD run.

Alabama:
 The Tide upended the narrative that it doesn't get up for low-stakes 
bowl games, having lost by two touchdowns in each of its previous two 
Sugar Bowls that were not part of the BCS or CFP. Alabama has now won 10
 Sugar Bowls in 17 appearances.

Kansas State: Opens its 2023 campaign at home against Southeast Missouri on Sept. 2.

Alabama: Hosts Middle Tennessee on Sept. 2 to begin its 2023 season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672529135974.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Bryce Young's decision to opt in to the Sugar Bowl only enhanced his chances of cashing in as a pro.Young
 passed for 321 yards and five touchdowns in a game that other top NFL 
prospects might have skipped, and No. 5 Alabama responded to an early 
two-score deficit with 35 straight points to defeat 11th-ranked Kansas 
State 45-20 on Saturday.“For me it was just about doing 
everything I can to help the team,” Young said. "We had pride in how we 
played and how we prepared — us wanting to finish, us wanting to push 
ourselves and hold each other accountable.”While a number of 
pro-bound college stars sat out bowl games that were not part of the 
College Football Playoff, the Crimson Tide and Wildcats had their best 
prospects on the field for the Sugar Bowl and they made a number of 
memorable plays — from Young's pivotal passes to Kansas State running 
back Deuce Vaughn's 88-yard touchdown run to interceptions by Alabama's 
Jordan Battle and Brian Branch.“These guys sent a message to 
everybody that you create value for yourself by playing football,” 
Alabama coach Nick Saban said. “It speaks volumes of your character when
 you choose to be a part of your team and you can be counted on to be 
part of your team, regardless of the circumstances."With the game
 in hand in the fourth quarter, Young was ceremoniously substituted out,
 raising his right hand to Alabama fans who loudly rose to their feet as
 the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner trotted to the sideline.Kansas State coach Chris Klieman asked a member of Alabama's staff to thank Young for playing.“That’s
 what college football is about. I was happy Bryce played,” Klieman 
said. “That was really good for college football and really good for 
kids to see.”Jermaine Burton caught three passes for 87 yards and
 a touchdown for Alabama (11-2). Tide running back Jahmyr Gibbs had 142 
yards from scrimmage — 76 rushing and 66 receiving. Young's other 
touchdowns went to Isaiah Bond (6 yards), Cameron Latu (1 yard), 
Ja'Corey Brooks (32 yards) and Kobe Prentice (47 yards). Jase McClelland
 added a 17-yard scoring run.“We had a little bit of a taste in 
our mouth that if we had a dominant performance, it would show people 
that we probably did deserve to do a little better than we did in terms 
of the playoff picture,” Saban said. “But I’m most proud that there was a
 team out there that cared.”Kansas State (10-4) entered its first
 Sugar Bowl on a four-game winning streak and was riding high after 
knocking off No. 3 TCU — a CFP team — in the Big 12 title game.Although
 Battle's leaping interception of Will Howard ended K-State's opening 
drive on the Alabama 21, the Wildcats scored the Sugar Bowl’s first 10 
points, surging in front on Ty Zentner's 41-yard field goal and Vaughn's
 long run.Alabama was on the brink of punting a third time when 
Young, on third and 10, stepped up in a collapsing pocket and flicked a 
short pass to Gibbs, who was cutting across the middle and turned up 
field for 60 yards. Young stepped up similarly to avoid pressure on his 
touchdown pass to Bond soon after.Young threw over the top to Burton for 47 yards to setup his scoring pass to Latu that put Alabama in front for good.Kansas
 State drove to the Alabama 2 late in the first half — converting two 
fourth-downs along the way — only to fail on fourth-and-goal when Howard
 threw out of reach of tight end Ben Sinnott, who was breaking open 
after Will Anderson fell while trying to cover him.“I would have done it again,” Klieman said. “I’m never going to second-guess myself."Young
 needed just 51 seconds to produce another touchdown, completing passes 
of 12, 28 and 22 yards before hitting Burton from 12 yards out to make 
it 21-10 at halftime.“That was a huge swing in the game,” Saban said.Kansas
 State paid for another risk when its onside kick to open the second 
half was recovered by Alabama, which scored shortly after on Young's 
strike to Ja'Corey Brooks in the corner of the end zone.“We came here to win, man,” Klieman said. “We didn’t come here to try to keep this thing close.”THE TAKEAWAYKansas
 State: Howard finished 18-of-35 passing for 210 yards. Vaughn rushed 
for 133 yards on 22 carries. Jordan Schippers had a late 1-yard TD run.Alabama:
 The Tide upended the narrative that it doesn't get up for low-stakes 
bowl games, having lost by two touchdowns in each of its previous two 
Sugar Bowls that were not part of the BCS or CFP. Alabama has now won 10
 Sugar Bowls in 17 appearances.UP NEXTKansas State: Opens its 2023 campaign at home against Southeast Missouri on Sept. 2.Alabama: Hosts Middle Tennessee on Sept. 2 to begin its 2023 season.

🏈 Young throws for 5 TDs, Alabama tops K-State in Sugar Bowl

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The last time Kansas needed to overcome a 15-point halftime deficit was on the biggest stage in college basketball.

The Jayhawks certainly weren't going to be intimidated by one in Allen Fieldhouse.

With another raucous home crowd behind it, the nation's No. 4 team quickly wiped out the big lead Oklahoma State had painstakingly built. And when KJ Adams scored the go-ahead basket with 4.8 seconds left, the Jayhawks twice stopped the Cowboys at the other end to squeak out a 69-67 victory Saturday in the Big 12 opener for both teams.

“There aren't any 15-point plays," said Jalen Wilson, who was instrumental in helping the Jayhawks rally from the same hole to beat North Carolina for the national title, “so the main thing was to win every 4 minutes and that's what we did.”

Wilson finished with 20 points and Adams had 14 to lead the Jayhawks (12-0), who trailed 45-30 at the break before a 22-5 run wiped out the deficit and propelled them to their 32nd consecutive conference-opening win.

“It could have went to 20 real quick or we could get it down to 10,” Wilson said. “We all came together, shook off the first half, understood we're at home. Fifteen points can seem like a lot but it's not.”

The Cowboys (8-5) didn't give up after the comeback, finding themselves with the lead again in the closing minutes.

Kansas took it back on Kevin McCullar Jr.'s 3-pointer with 45 seconds left, and Wilson added two free throws moments later to stretch the lead to 67-64. But the Cowboys' Bryce Thompson, who began his career at Kansas and matched a career high with 23 points, drilled his own 3-pointer with 14.8 seconds left to tie the game at 67.

The Jayhawks raced up court, got the ball to Adams and he made a nifty lay-in to regain the lead.

“We always run plays where I screen and roll out real fast,” Adams said. “It was just like that.”

Oklahoma State lost the ball at the other end trying to score in transition, and with 1.1 seconds on the clock, the Cowboys got the inbounds pass to Thompson, whose shot was swatted from behind. A final inbounds pass was batted away.

Thompson hit seven 3-pointers but dealt with second-half foul trouble for the Cowboys, who have lost four straight and nine of their last 10 to the Jayhawks. John-Michael Wright also had four 3s and finished with 19 points.

“We gave ourselves a chance right up there to the end,” Cowboys coach Mike Boynton said, “but there’s no moral victories.”

The last instruction Oklahoma State got before tipoff came on a whiteboard held by a staff member: “Alert The Lob Backdoor.” The Cowboys shut that down and just about everything else.

McCullar had three turnovers in the first 5 minutes and four in the half. Adams also had four in the half. And one of the two 3-pointers that Gradey Dick hit was a desperation bank high off the glass.

Oklahoma State capitalized at the other end, taking advantage of wide open skip passes for their own easy 3s. Thompson hit four of them in the first 15 minutes, and two more attempts were halfway down before bouncing out. Wright's fall-away 3 with 1:56 left forced Kansas to call timeout, and his buzzer-beater gave Oklahoma State a 45-30 halftime lead.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672533254596.png" alt="Kansas Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The last time Kansas needed to overcome a 15-point halftime deficit was on the biggest stage in college basketball.The Jayhawks certainly weren't going to be intimidated by one in Allen Fieldhouse.With another raucous home crowd behind it, the nation's No. 4 team quickly wiped out the big lead Oklahoma State had painstakingly built. And when KJ Adams scored the go-ahead basket with 4.8 seconds left, the Jayhawks twice stopped the Cowboys at the other end to squeak out a 69-67 victory Saturday in the Big 12 opener for both teams.“There aren't any 15-point plays," said Jalen Wilson, who was instrumental in helping the Jayhawks rally from the same hole to beat North Carolina for the national title, “so the main thing was to win every 4 minutes and that's what we did.”Wilson finished with 20 points and Adams had 14 to lead the Jayhawks (12-0), who trailed 45-30 at the break before a 22-5 run wiped out the deficit and propelled them to their 32nd consecutive conference-opening win.“It could have went to 20 real quick or we could get it down to 10,” Wilson said. “We all came together, shook off the first half, understood we're at home. Fifteen points can seem like a lot but it's not.”The Cowboys (8-5) didn't give up after the comeback, finding themselves with the lead again in the closing minutes.Kansas took it back on Kevin McCullar Jr.'s 3-pointer with 45 seconds left, and Wilson added two free throws moments later to stretch the lead to 67-64. But the Cowboys' Bryce Thompson, who began his career at Kansas and matched a career high with 23 points, drilled his own 3-pointer with 14.8 seconds left to tie the game at 67.The Jayhawks raced up court, got the ball to Adams and he made a nifty lay-in to regain the lead.“We always run plays where I screen and roll out real fast,” Adams said. “It was just like that.”Oklahoma State lost the ball at the other end trying to score in transition, and with 1.1 seconds on the clock, the Cowboys got the inbounds pass to Thompson, whose shot was swatted from behind. A final inbounds pass was batted away.Thompson hit seven 3-pointers but dealt with second-half foul trouble for the Cowboys, who have lost four straight and nine of their last 10 to the Jayhawks. John-Michael Wright also had four 3s and finished with 19 points.“We gave ourselves a chance right up there to the end,” Cowboys coach Mike Boynton said, “but there’s no moral victories.”The last instruction Oklahoma State got before tipoff came on a whiteboard held by a staff member: “Alert The Lob Backdoor.” The Cowboys shut that down and just about everything else.McCullar had three turnovers in the first 5 minutes and four in the half. Adams also had four in the half. And one of the two 3-pointers that Gradey Dick hit was a desperation bank high off the glass.Oklahoma State capitalized at the other end, taking advantage of wide open skip passes for their own easy 3s. Thompson hit four of them in the first 15 minutes, and two more attempts were halfway down before bouncing out. Wright's fall-away 3 with 1:56 left forced Kansas to call timeout, and his buzzer-beater gave Oklahoma State a 45-30 halftime lead.The Cowboys were 9 of 18 from the arc in the first half. Kansas had 11 turnovers.Then came the comeback.It began when DaJuan Harris Jr. drilled a 3 in front of the Kansas bench. It continued with 11 straight points after Thompson hit another 3 of his own. And by the time Wilson hit a 3-pointer with 10:54 to go, the Jayhawks had ridden a 22-5 surge to not only wipe out their halftime deficit but take their first lead since the opening minutes.Kansas wasn't able to draw away, though. And that set up a frantic final 10 minutes.“It's the exact same thing as the national championship,” Jayhawks coach Bill Self said. “You turn it up, tie it earlier than you ever expect and then it becomes a basketball game.”BIG PICTUREOklahoma State. The pressure of Allen Fieldhouse was evident in the second half. The Cowboys' first three possessions ended with a missed shot, another miss as the shot clock sounded and a shot-clock violation. By the time they finally got their legs under them, Kansas had wiped out their advantage and made for a tense finish.Kansas: Even during the Jayhawks' 22-5 second-half run, when they went scoreless on three straight possessions, their defense kept Oklahoma State from regaining momentum. It helped that they only turned it over once after the break.UP NEXTOklahoma State: Plays No. 24 West Virginia on Monday night.Kansas: Heads to Texas Tech on Tuesday night.

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