The Fort Hays State men hosted Newman Sunday Dec. 19, 2021.

The Fort Hays State men hosted Newman Sunday Dec. 19, 2021.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind - MBB vs. Newman (Dec 19, 2021)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=5axav-115d8a2-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&btn-skin=2"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Tiger Rewind - MBB vs. Newman

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs took care of their business with a thrilling come-from-behind overtime victory over the Los Angeles Chargers last Thursday, avenging an earlier loss to their AFC West rival and taking a two-game lead in the division.

Then the Chiefs sat back and watched everyone else help them out.

On Saturday night, the Colts leaned on Jonathan Taylor to run past the New England Patriots for a 27-17 victory in Indianapolis. The next day, the Pittsburgh Steelers turned to their defense to shut out Tennessee in the second half of their win over the Titans to keep their own playoff hopes alive.

The results left Kansas City (10-4) alone with the best record in the AFC, one game ahead of the Patriots and Titans and two up on the Chargers, Colts and Bengals in the race for the lone bye and home-field advantage throughout the conference playoffs.

“They were great games to watch,” Chiefs coach And Reid said Monday. “I was a viewer like everybody because we didn't have the guys here. But I enjoyed the competition and I know how it lines up — I see that. But the important thing is we take are of our business now like we have been the last few weeks and you know, don't count on anyone but ourselves to get hat done. You have to go back to the process and the hard work and all those things.”

Indeed, it's been a striking about-face for the Chiefs, who began the season 3-4 behind an inconsistent offense and dismal defense as they pursued a third straight trip to the Super Bowl. Patrick Mahomes suddenly looked as if the league figured him out, injuries had begun to mount and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo was at a loss on his side of the ball.

The low point came during a 27-3 loss to the Titans, when the Chiefs allowed them to score on their first five possessions and trailed 27-0 at halftime. Kansas City only managed a field goal in the second half of the lopsided loss.

The turnaround wasn't sudden by any means.

In fact, the Chiefs didn't look a whole lot better the following week, when they squeaked out a 20-17 victory over the Giants at Arrowhead Stadium. Or the week after that, when they took advantage of Aaron Rodgers testing positive for COVID-19 to beat fill-in quarterback Jordan Love and the Packers 13-7 in a game just as ugly as the final score.

Yet they were wins. And at 5-4, the Chiefs finally had some optimism about the second half of the season.

It's gone better than anybody outside of Kansas City could have imagined.

They romped past the Raiders in Las Vegas, finally putting on the field the kind of offense that fans have grown accustomed to seeing over the years. Then their once-maligned defense held three straight opponents to nine points apiece in wins over the Cowboys, Broncos and Raiders. And with their stirring victory over the Chargers on Thursday night, the Chiefs take a seven-game winning streak into Sunday's game against the playoff-contending Steelers.

“I’m not going to tell you that you can’t be excited to be in that position,” Reid, “but you better understand what got you in that position, and it wasn’t being giddy about it. It was about working.”

Or, as Mahomes said, “I think it shows the character of the guys in the locker room.”

“My first few years,” he said, “it's always been jumping out to these leads and then we kind of try to coast almost into the playoffs. This year was the opposite of that. It was, we're going to have to battle every single week to get to where we want to be at. But the job's not finished.”

The Chiefs can clinch their sixth consecutive AFC West title on Sunday if they beat the Steelers and the Chargers lose in Houston. After this weekend, they head to Cincinnati and Denver — two teams still in the playoff hunt.

“We have three more regular-season games, and then going into the playoffs, we have to find a way to continue to get better and better,” Mahomes said, "and try to build that momentum into the playoffs.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs took care of their business with a thrilling come-from-behind overtime victory over the Los Angeles Chargers last Thursday, avenging an earlier loss to their AFC West rival and taking a two-game lead in the division.Then the Chiefs sat back and watched everyone else help them out.On Saturday night, the Colts leaned on Jonathan Taylor to run past the New England Patriots for a 27-17 victory in Indianapolis. The next day, the Pittsburgh Steelers turned to their defense to shut out Tennessee in the second half of their win over the Titans to keep their own playoff hopes alive.The results left Kansas City (10-4) alone with the best record in the AFC, one game ahead of the Patriots and Titans and two up on the Chargers, Colts and Bengals in the race for the lone bye and home-field advantage throughout the conference playoffs.“They were great games to watch,” Chiefs coach And Reid said Monday. “I was a viewer like everybody because we didn't have the guys here. But I enjoyed the competition and I know how it lines up — I see that. But the important thing is we take are of our business now like we have been the last few weeks and you know, don't count on anyone but ourselves to get hat done. You have to go back to the process and the hard work and all those things.”Indeed, it's been a striking about-face for the Chiefs, who began the season 3-4 behind an inconsistent offense and dismal defense as they pursued a third straight trip to the Super Bowl. Patrick Mahomes suddenly looked as if the league figured him out, injuries had begun to mount and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo was at a loss on his side of the ball.The low point came during a 27-3 loss to the Titans, when the Chiefs allowed them to score on their first five possessions and trailed 27-0 at halftime. Kansas City only managed a field goal in the second half of the lopsided loss.The turnaround wasn't sudden by any means.In fact, the Chiefs didn't look a whole lot better the following week, when they squeaked out a 20-17 victory over the Giants at Arrowhead Stadium. Or the week after that, when they took advantage of Aaron Rodgers testing positive for COVID-19 to beat fill-in quarterback Jordan Love and the Packers 13-7 in a game just as ugly as the final score.Yet they were wins. And at 5-4, the Chiefs finally had some optimism about the second half of the season.It's gone better than anybody outside of Kansas City could have imagined.They romped past the Raiders in Las Vegas, finally putting on the field the kind of offense that fans have grown accustomed to seeing over the years. Then their once-maligned defense held three straight opponents to nine points apiece in wins over the Cowboys, Broncos and Raiders. And with their stirring victory over the Chargers on Thursday night, the Chiefs take a seven-game winning streak into Sunday's game against the playoff-contending Steelers.“I’m not going to tell you that you can’t be excited to be in that position,” Reid, “but you better understand what got you in that position, and it wasn’t being giddy about it. It was about working.”Or, as Mahomes said, “I think it shows the character of the guys in the locker room.”“My first few years,” he said, “it's always been jumping out to these leads and then we kind of try to coast almost into the playoffs. This year was the opposite of that. It was, we're going to have to battle every single week to get to where we want to be at. But the job's not finished.”Not by any stretch.The Chiefs can clinch their sixth consecutive AFC West title on Sunday if they beat the Steelers and the Chargers lose in Houston. After this weekend, they head to Cincinnati and Denver — two teams still in the playoff hunt.“We have three more regular-season games, and then going into the playoffs, we have to find a way to continue to get better and better,” Mahomes said, "and try to build that momentum into the playoffs.”

🏈 Chiefs alone in first place in AFC after some weekend help

No. 5 Fort Hays State hosted Central Oklahoma Friday Dec. 17, 2021.

No. 5 Fort Hays State hosted Central Oklahoma Friday Dec. 17, 2021.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind - WBB vs. Central Oklahoma (Dec 17, 2021)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=v2ihg-115d887-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&btn-skin=2"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Tiger Rewind - WBB vs. Central Oklahoma

HAYS, Kan. – After falling down by seven points out of the gate, Fort Hays State stormed back for a 13-point halftime lead and went on to win by 25, 82-57, over Newman University on Sunday afternoon (Dec. 19) at Gross Memorial Coliseum. The Tigers, ranked No. 23 in the D2SIDA Top 25 Poll, moved to 9-1 overall and 4-1 in the MIAA, while the Jets fell to 3-8 overall and 0-6 in the MIAA.

The win marked Fort Hays State's first while in the D2SIDA Top 25. The Tigers were 0-3 so far when ranked in the poll's Top 25, which started in 2014-15. The win was also the 400th inside Gross Memorial Coliseum for Fort Hays State during its NCAA Division II era, now 400-70 inside the coliseum since 1991-92. The Tigers are 635-123 all-time inside Gross Coliseum, which saw its first season in 1973-74. Newman held an 11-4 lead at the 15:25 mark of the first half, but FHSU went on to outscore Newman 40-20 the rest of the way before the break. The Tigers led 44-31 at halftime.

Fort Hays State enjoyed its largest lead of the game at the 6:15 mark of the second half, a 29-point lead of 77-48, before the final margin settled at 25. The Tigers continued their trend of holding another opponent under 60 points, now accomplishing the feat in eight of 10 games so far this season. FHSU is surrendering 56 points per game so far this season, which is second-best NCAA Division II and leads the MIAA. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6468">Jared Vitztum</a>&nbsp;led the Tigers with a double-double of 21 points and 12 rebounds, his fifth of the season. Vitztum was 9-of-12 from the field and 3-of-4 at the free-throw line.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6460">Kaleb Hammeke</a>&nbsp;added 17 points, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6466">Gabe Pieschl</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6470">Nyjee Wright</a>&nbsp;chipped in 10 each.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6459">Traejon Davis</a>&nbsp;nearly reached a double-double off the bench with eight points and nine rebounds. Hammeke led the Tigers in assists with four. FHSU shot 54.2 percent overall for the game, shooting above 50 percent in both halves.

Stevie Strong led the Newman scoring effort with 21 points. Ian Lee also reached double figures with 16. The Tigers held Newman to just 35.2 percent shooting overall, including just a 28.6 percent effort after halftime. The FHSU men are now off for the upcoming holiday and return to the floor on New Year's Day in Tahlequah, Oklahoma at Northeastern State. That will be part of a two-game road conference road swing to Oklahoma.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639970429496.jpeg" alt="FHSU's Jared Vitztum goes in for a layup vs. Newman Sunday at Gross Memorial Coliseum (Courtesy FHSYU Athletics, Nicole Heitmann)" />
 <figcaption>FHSU's Jared Vitztum goes in for a layup vs. Newman Sunday at Gross Memorial Coliseum (Courtesy FHSYU Athletics, Nicole Heitmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>HAYS, Kan. – After falling down by seven points out of the gate, Fort Hays State stormed back for a 13-point halftime lead and went on to win by 25, 82-57, over Newman University on Sunday afternoon (Dec. 19) at Gross Memorial Coliseum. The Tigers, ranked No. 23 in the D2SIDA Top 25 Poll, moved to 9-1 overall and 4-1 in the MIAA, while the Jets fell to 3-8 overall and 0-6 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/1180890304&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-814667509/12-19-21-fhsu-mbb-coach-johnson-interview" title="Mark Johnson Postgame vs. Newman (Dec 19, 2021)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Mark Johnson Postgame vs. Newman (Dec 19, 2021)</a></div></div>The win marked Fort Hays State's first while in the D2SIDA Top 25. The Tigers were 0-3 so far when ranked in the poll's Top 25, which started in 2014-15. The win was also the 400th inside Gross Memorial Coliseum for Fort Hays State during its NCAA Division II era, now 400-70 inside the coliseum since 1991-92. The Tigers are 635-123 all-time inside Gross Coliseum, which saw its first season in 1973-74. Newman held an 11-4 lead at the 15:25 mark of the first half, but FHSU went on to outscore Newman 40-20 the rest of the way before the break. The Tigers led 44-31 at halftime.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1180890334&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-814667509/12-19-21-fhsu-mbb-player-interview" title="Gabe Pieschl Postgame vs. Newman (Dec 19, 2021)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Gabe Pieschl Postgame vs. Newman (Dec 19, 2021)</a></div></div>Fort Hays State enjoyed its largest lead of the game at the 6:15 mark of the second half, a 29-point lead of 77-48, before the final margin settled at 25. The Tigers continued their trend of holding another opponent under 60 points, now accomplishing the feat in eight of 10 games so far this season. FHSU is surrendering 56 points per game so far this season, which is second-best NCAA Division II and leads the MIAA. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6468">Jared Vitztum</a>&nbsp;led the Tigers with a double-double of 21 points and 12 rebounds, his fifth of the season. Vitztum was 9-of-12 from the field and 3-of-4 at the free-throw line.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6460">Kaleb Hammeke</a>&nbsp;added 17 points, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6466">Gabe Pieschl</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6470">Nyjee Wright</a>&nbsp;chipped in 10 each.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6459">Traejon Davis</a>&nbsp;nearly reached a double-double off the bench with eight points and nine rebounds. Hammeke led the Tigers in assists with four. FHSU shot 54.2 percent overall for the game, shooting above 50 percent in both halves.<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/1180890385&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-814667509/12-19-21-fhsu-mbb-vs-newman-highlights" title="Fort Hays State MBB vs. Newman Highlights (Dec 19, 2021)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State MBB vs. Newman Highlights (Dec 19, 2021)</a></div></div>Stevie Strong led the Newman scoring effort with 21 points. Ian Lee also reached double figures with 16. The Tigers held Newman to just 35.2 percent shooting overall, including just a 28.6 percent effort after halftime. The FHSU men are now off for the upcoming holiday and return to the floor on New Year's Day in Tahlequah, Oklahoma at Northeastern State. That will be part of a two-game road conference road swing to Oklahoma.&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

🏀 Tigers pull away from Jets, win by 25 in Hays

DENVER (AP) — Khalid Kareem&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Bengals/status/1472714098521657346?s=20">snatched the ball&nbsp;</a>from backup quarterback Drew Lock on second-and-goal and the Cincinnati Bengals seized a first-place tie with the Baltimore Ravens atop the AFC North with a 15-10 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

Another football was waiting for Kareem in the visitor's locker room after his fourth-quarter heroics with the Broncos (7-7) threatening to retake the lead.

“It’s game-ball worthy, no question about that,” coach Zac Taylor said after the Bengals (8-6) strengthened their grip on their playoff quest in the logjammed AFC race while sending the Broncos' postseason hopes plummeting.

“A really big play by him to step up and take the ball away,” Taylor said. “Fumble, interception, whatever they’re going to call that, tremendous effort.”

Lock immediately realized he'd messed up.

“I should’ve handed that thing off to Javonte," Lock said. “But also, if I run that thing into the end zone, make the defensive end miss, who knows what’s being said right now?”

After wresting the ball from Lock, Kareem tumbled to the ground, bounced up and rumbled down the Broncos' sideline before left tackle Garett Bolles chased him down and hammered out the ball, then smothered the fumble at the Cincinnati 40-yard line.

It turned out Kareem, who left the game with a concussion while the play was being reviewed, was down at his 15-yard line, wiping away his giveback.

Lock and the Broncos would get two more chances but never really had a prayer, gaining just 18 yards on 10 plays.

Lock engineered Denver's only touchdown drive when he went in following a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PFN365/status/1472705206978813954?s=20">scary collision with linebacker Joe Bachie that sent Bridgewater off on a cart</a>&nbsp;and to a hospital for further evaluation of a head injury. Bachie suffered a knee injury on the play and didn't return.

The Broncos said Bridgewater was moving his arms and legs and coach Vic Fangio said after the game that Bridgewater checked out OK but would be held overnight for observation.

Lock threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Tim Patrick with 1:15 left in the third quarter, giving Denver a 10-9 lead, but Patrick was whistled for taunting after the score, which quickly came back to haunt the Broncos.

Brandon McManus had to kick off from his own 20 and Trent Taylor returned it to the Bengals 32. Two plays and 45 seconds after that,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Bengals/status/1472709117718507520?s=20">Tyler Boyd raced into the end zone</a>&nbsp;with a 56-yard touchdown catch from Joe Burrow to make it 15-10 with 30 seconds left in the third quarter.

“That stinks,” Broncos safety Simmons said. “Defensively, you’re playing fairly well. Offense goes down and scores. We take a 1-point lead. The last thing you can do ... is give up a play like that."

“We have great players that can make plays, whenever they’re there,” Burrow said. "We didn’t make as many plays as maybe we would have liked, but we got the job done.”

The Broncos bottled up star rookie receiver Ja'Marr Chase and second-year wideout Tee Higgins. Chase was held to a single catch for 3 yards and Higgins had two receptions for 23 yards.

Boyd, however, burned the Broncos for 96 yards on five catches, including his long TD, a critical 19-yard reception that set up a field goal as the first half expired and a 15-yard reception on third-and-10 from his 22 that allowed the Bengals to chew up more clock and yards and forced Denver to burn its last two timeouts before getting the ball back with a minute left.

“We could have played better overall as a team,” Simmons said. “Defensively, the glaring thing for me was no takeaways. You can say what you want but we didn’t get any takeaways. It’s tough to win like that.”

The Bengals took a 6-3 lead into the locker room on a big turn of events in the final 9 seconds of the first half.

Brandon McManus was wide right on a 51-yard field-goal attempt and Cincinnati took over at its 41. A 19-yard pass over the middle to Boyd brought Evan McPherson trotting onto the field to kick a franchise-record 58-yarder as time expired.

That broke the old mark of 57 yards set by Randy Bullock on Dec. 22, 2019, at Miami.

The Bengals played without starting LB Logan Wilson (shoulder) and CB Chidobe Awuzie (COVID-19) and his backup, Vernon Hargreaves III (non-COVID illness).

The Broncos were without starters ILB Kenny Young (concussion) and DE Dre'Mont Jones (foot) and CB Ronald Darby came out for a concussion evaluation.

Bengals: host the Baltimore Ravens on Dec. 26, seeking their first sweep of their AFC North rivals since 2015.

DENVER (AP) — Khalid Kareem&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Bengals/status/1472714098521657346?s=20">snatched the ball&nbsp;</a>from backup quarterback Drew Lock on second-and-goal and the Cincinnati Bengals seized a first-place tie with the Baltimore Ravens atop the AFC North with a 15-10 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday.Another football was waiting for Kareem in the visitor's locker room after his fourth-quarter heroics with the Broncos (7-7) threatening to retake the lead.“It’s game-ball worthy, no question about that,” coach Zac Taylor said after the Bengals (8-6) strengthened their grip on their playoff quest in the logjammed AFC race while sending the Broncos' postseason hopes plummeting.“A really big play by him to step up and take the ball away,” Taylor said. “Fumble, interception, whatever they’re going to call that, tremendous effort.”Lock immediately realized he'd messed up.“I should’ve handed that thing off to Javonte," Lock said. “But also, if I run that thing into the end zone, make the defensive end miss, who knows what’s being said right now?”After wresting the ball from Lock, Kareem tumbled to the ground, bounced up and rumbled down the Broncos' sideline before left tackle Garett Bolles chased him down and hammered out the ball, then smothered the fumble at the Cincinnati 40-yard line.It turned out Kareem, who left the game with a concussion while the play was being reviewed, was down at his 15-yard line, wiping away his giveback.Lock and the Broncos would get two more chances but never really had a prayer, gaining just 18 yards on 10 plays.Lock engineered Denver's only touchdown drive when he went in following a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PFN365/status/1472705206978813954?s=20">scary collision with linebacker Joe Bachie that sent Bridgewater off on a cart</a>&nbsp;and to a hospital for further evaluation of a head injury. Bachie suffered a knee injury on the play and didn't return.The Broncos said Bridgewater was moving his arms and legs and coach Vic Fangio said after the game that Bridgewater checked out OK but would be held overnight for observation.Lock threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Tim Patrick with 1:15 left in the third quarter, giving Denver a 10-9 lead, but Patrick was whistled for taunting after the score, which quickly came back to haunt the Broncos.Brandon McManus had to kick off from his own 20 and Trent Taylor returned it to the Bengals 32. Two plays and 45 seconds after that,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Bengals/status/1472709117718507520?s=20">Tyler Boyd raced into the end zone</a>&nbsp;with a 56-yard touchdown catch from Joe Burrow to make it 15-10 with 30 seconds left in the third quarter.“That stinks,” Broncos safety Simmons said. “Defensively, you’re playing fairly well. Offense goes down and scores. We take a 1-point lead. The last thing you can do ... is give up a play like that."“We have great players that can make plays, whenever they’re there,” Burrow said. "We didn’t make as many plays as maybe we would have liked, but we got the job done.”BOYD TO THE RESCUEThe Broncos bottled up star rookie receiver Ja'Marr Chase and second-year wideout Tee Higgins. Chase was held to a single catch for 3 yards and Higgins had two receptions for 23 yards.Boyd, however, burned the Broncos for 96 yards on five catches, including his long TD, a critical 19-yard reception that set up a field goal as the first half expired and a 15-yard reception on third-and-10 from his 22 that allowed the Bengals to chew up more clock and yards and forced Denver to burn its last two timeouts before getting the ball back with a minute left.“We could have played better overall as a team,” Simmons said. “Defensively, the glaring thing for me was no takeaways. You can say what you want but we didn’t get any takeaways. It’s tough to win like that.”And even tougher to lose like that.TURNAROUNDThe Bengals took a 6-3 lead into the locker room on a big turn of events in the final 9 seconds of the first half.Brandon McManus was wide right on a 51-yard field-goal attempt and Cincinnati took over at its 41. A 19-yard pass over the middle to Boyd brought Evan McPherson trotting onto the field to kick a franchise-record 58-yarder as time expired.That broke the old mark of 57 yards set by Randy Bullock on Dec. 22, 2019, at Miami.INJURIESThe Bengals played without starting LB Logan Wilson (shoulder) and CB Chidobe Awuzie (COVID-19) and his backup, Vernon Hargreaves III (non-COVID illness).The Broncos were without starters ILB Kenny Young (concussion) and DE Dre'Mont Jones (foot) and CB Ronald Darby came out for a concussion evaluation.UP NEXTBengals: host the Baltimore Ravens on Dec. 26, seeking their first sweep of their AFC North rivals since 2015.Broncos: play at Las Vegas on Dec. 26.

🏈 Bridgewater injured in Bengals' victory over Broncos

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nijel Pack scored 15 points, grabbed eight rebounds and dished five assists, sparking Kansas State to a 67-58 win over Nebraska Sunday. 

Pack saw his first full action after missing two games, including the Wildcats' one-point loss to Marquette, after suffering a concussion in practice. 

Pack hit a 3-pointer with 9:44 left to put Kansas State in front for good and Davion Bradford scored five unanswered points to put the Wildcats up, 53-47. Nebraska scored its final field goal with 3:22 left on a layup by Derrick Walker that got the Cornhuskers with in seven, 59-52.

Mark Smith hit a deep 3-pointer with 1:34 left to give Kansas State a 63-55 lead and Ismael Massoud and Pack each hit two free throws in the final minute to preserve the lead. 

Massoud finished with 10 points for the Wildcats (7-3), who were just 23 of 59 from the field (39%), including 6 of 26 from behind the arc.

Nebraska, which has lost five straight games, struggled from the field, hitting 33% from the floor (19 of 58) and hit just 5 of 28 from long range. 

Alonzo Verge Jr. finished with 21 points, five rebounds and five assists to lead Nebraska (5-7), which had just six players score. Bryce McGowens scored 14 points.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nijel Pack scored 15 points, grabbed eight rebounds and dished five assists, sparking Kansas State to a 67-58 win over Nebraska Sunday. Pack saw his first full action after missing two games, including the Wildcats' one-point loss to Marquette, after suffering a concussion in practice. Pack hit a 3-pointer with 9:44 left to put Kansas State in front for good and Davion Bradford scored five unanswered points to put the Wildcats up, 53-47. Nebraska scored its final field goal with 3:22 left on a layup by Derrick Walker that got the Cornhuskers with in seven, 59-52.Mark Smith hit a deep 3-pointer with 1:34 left to give Kansas State a 63-55 lead and Ismael Massoud and Pack each hit two free throws in the final minute to preserve the lead. Massoud finished with 10 points for the Wildcats (7-3), who were just 23 of 59 from the field (39%), including 6 of 26 from behind the arc.Nebraska, which has lost five straight games, struggled from the field, hitting 33% from the floor (19 of 58) and hit just 5 of 28 from long range. Alonzo Verge Jr. finished with 21 points, five rebounds and five assists to lead Nebraska (5-7), which had just six players score. Bryce McGowens scored 14 points.

🏀 Pack's 15 points spark Kansas State past Nebraska

INDIANAPOLIS - Senior wrestler&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5807">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;took home the 184-pound championship at the 42nd Midwest Classic Sunday (Dec. 19), helping Fort Hays State&nbsp;place 17th out of 42 teams.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5790">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;placed fifth at 285 pounds, helping the Tigers total 45.5 team points in the event, second-most among MIAA competition.&nbsp;The Tigers have now claimed three individual champions and 31 placers at&nbsp;the Midwest Classic in their nine appearances all-time. 11th-ranked Verhaeghe advanced to the finals with a 4-2 decision over Alex Kaufman of Central Oklahoma. Facing off with seventh-ranked&nbsp;Aidan Pasuik from Ashland in the finals, Verhaeghe claimed his&nbsp;title with a 7-4 decision as he recorded an escape and a takedown in the first minute of the third period. The Bucyrus, Kan. is the first Tiger to win a championship at the Midwest Classic since both Aaron Meister (174) and Andrew Ubben (285) did so in 2004. While battling through an injury, 10th-ranked&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5790">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;fell in his semifinal by a 12-4 major decision against&nbsp;the fifth-ranked wrestler at&nbsp;285 pounds, Jacob Robb of Mercyhurst. Cooper would then medically forfeit his way to a fifth-place finish in the event. Top-ranked Central Oklahoma came away victorious in the team competition with 106.5 team points. No. 6 McKendree and 12th-ranked Findlay led the way with two champs each. The Tigers have now captured five individual championships and&nbsp;39 placers on the season. Verhaeghe finished the weekend with two wins against ranked opponents while Cooper recorded one-such victory. Fort Hays State will return to the mat early in 2022 when the Tigers travel to Louisville, Ky. for the NWCA National Duals January 7-8. Full FHSU Results from&nbsp;the 42nd Midwest Classic 125 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5792">Broderick Green</a>&nbsp;(1-2) Champ. Round 1 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5792">Broderick Green</a>&nbsp;13-10 won by decision over Zachary Collins (Findlay) 0-2 (Dec 4-2) Champ. Round 2 - Nicholas Daggett (UNC-Pembroke) 2-1 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5792">Broderick Green</a>&nbsp;13-10 (Dec 7-2) Cons. Round 2 - Landen Fischer (Northern State) 3-1 won by major decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5792">Broderick Green</a>&nbsp;13-10 (MD 12-0) 133 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6597">Tom VanValkenburg</a>&nbsp;(0-2) Prelim - Patrick Allis (Western Colorado) 3-1 won by fall over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6597">Tom VanValkenburg</a>&nbsp;8-11 (Fall 1:54) Prelim - Jackson Collins (Tiffin) 1-2 won by fall over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6597">Tom VanValkenburg</a>&nbsp;8-11 (Fall 5:12) 149 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6603">Cason Lindsey</a>&nbsp;(0-2) Champ. Round 1 - Wyatt Turnquist (Northern State) 3-0 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6603">Cason Lindsey</a>&nbsp;13-9 (Dec 7-0) Cons. Round 1 - Logan Mckoy (Seton Hill) 4-5 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6603">Cason Lindsey</a>&nbsp;13-9 (Dec 12-7) 157 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5804">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp;(2-2) Champ. Round 1 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5804">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp;14-8 won by decision over Cliff Owens (UNC-Pembroke) 0-2 (Dec 9-6) Champ. Round 2 - Dallas Boone (King) 9-5 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5804">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp;14-8 (Dec 6-1) Cons. Round 2 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5804">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp;14-8 won by decision over Nathan Conley (Indianapolis) 1-2 (Dec 9-4) Cons. Round 3 - Ben Durocher (UW-Parkside) 3-1 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5804">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp;14-8 (Dec 4-3) 165 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6068">Cody Hicks</a>&nbsp;(1-2) Champ. Round 1 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6068">Cody Hicks</a>&nbsp;11-8 won by decision over Gage Bernall (Lander) 0-2 (Dec 6-2) Champ. Round 2 - Corey Christe (Coker) 9-2 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6068">Cody Hicks</a>&nbsp;11-8 (Dec 3-2) Cons. Round 2 - Connor Weeks (Belmont Abbey) 2-2 won by major decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6068">Cody Hicks</a>&nbsp;11-8 (MD 13-5) 174 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5795">Clint Herrick</a>&nbsp;(0-2) Champ. Round 1 - Andrew Sams (Indianapolis) 3-0 won by major decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5795">Clint Herrick</a>&nbsp;4-10 (MD 14-1) Cons. Round 1 - Austin Morgan (Central Missouri) 5-8 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5795">Clint Herrick</a>&nbsp;4-10 (Dec 8-2) 184 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5807">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;(5-0) Champ. Round 1 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5807">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;25-4 won by decision over Zach Hazen (Central Missouri) 2-9 (Dec 8-1) Champ. Round 2 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5807">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;25-4 won by injury default over Rozell Baker (McKendree) 1-2 (Inj. 4:16) Quarterfinal -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5807">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;25-4 won by major decision over Luke Mcgonigal (Mercyhurst) 2-1 (MD 8-0) Semifinal -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5807">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;27-4 won by decision over Alex Kauffman (Central Oklahoma) 5-1 (Dec 4-2) 1st Place Match -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5807">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;27-4 won by decision over Aidan Pasiuk (Ashland) 13-1 (Dec 7-4) 197 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5794">Tereus Henry</a>&nbsp;(3-2) Prelim -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5794">Tereus Henry</a>&nbsp;16-5 won by fall over Jacob Charette (Findlay) 3-2 (Fall 6:31) Champ. Round 1 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5794">Tereus Henry</a>&nbsp;16-5 won by fall over Justin Osler (American International) 7-8 (Fall 2:37) Champ. Round 2 - Derek Blubaugh (Indianapolis) 3-0 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5794">Tereus Henry</a>&nbsp;16-5 (Dec 5-4) Cons. Round 2 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5794">Tereus Henry</a>&nbsp;16-5 won by tech fall over Ian Lawson (William Jewell) 2-2 (TF-1.5 3:51 (16-0)) Cons. Round 3 - Donald Negus (Colorado Mesa) 9-1 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5794">Tereus Henry</a>&nbsp;16-5 (Dec 7-0) 285 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5790">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;(4-2) Champ. Round 1 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5790">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;22-4 won by decision over Ty Petrey (Ashland) 3-12 (Dec 1-0) Champ. Round 2 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5790">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;22-4 won by decision over Justin Wright (Belmont Abbey) 7-8 (Dec 2-0) Quarterfinal -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5790">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;22-4 won by decision over Gabriel Carranza (Colorado Mesa) 9-3 (Dec 9-6) Semifinal - Jacob Robb (Mercyhurst) 4-1 won by major decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5790">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;23-6 (MD 12-4) Cons. Semi - Sammy Deseriere (Western Colorado) 7-1 won by medical forfeit over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5790">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;23-6 (M. For.) 5th Place Match -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5790">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;23-6&nbsp;won by medical forfeit over Weston Hunt (Colorado School of Mines) 9-3 (M. For.)

INDIANAPOLIS - Senior wrestler&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5807">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;took home the 184-pound championship at the 42nd Midwest Classic Sunday (Dec. 19), helping Fort Hays State&nbsp;place 17th out of 42 teams.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5790">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;placed fifth at 285 pounds, helping the Tigers total 45.5 team points in the event, second-most among MIAA competition.&nbsp;The Tigers have now claimed three individual champions and 31 placers at&nbsp;the Midwest Classic in their nine appearances all-time. 11th-ranked Verhaeghe advanced to the finals with a 4-2 decision over Alex Kaufman of Central Oklahoma. Facing off with seventh-ranked&nbsp;Aidan Pasuik from Ashland in the finals, Verhaeghe claimed his&nbsp;title with a 7-4 decision as he recorded an escape and a takedown in the first minute of the third period. The Bucyrus, Kan. is the first Tiger to win a championship at the Midwest Classic since both Aaron Meister (174) and Andrew Ubben (285) did so in 2004. While battling through an injury, 10th-ranked&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5790">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;fell in his semifinal by a 12-4 major decision against&nbsp;the fifth-ranked wrestler at&nbsp;285 pounds, Jacob Robb of Mercyhurst. Cooper would then medically forfeit his way to a fifth-place finish in the event. Top-ranked Central Oklahoma came away victorious in the team competition with 106.5 team points. No. 6 McKendree and 12th-ranked Findlay led the way with two champs each. The Tigers have now captured five individual championships and&nbsp;39 placers on the season. Verhaeghe finished the weekend with two wins against ranked opponents while Cooper recorded one-such victory. Fort Hays State will return to the mat early in 2022 when the Tigers travel to Louisville, Ky. for the NWCA National Duals January 7-8. Full FHSU Results from&nbsp;the 42nd Midwest Classic 125 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5792">Broderick Green</a>&nbsp;(1-2) Champ. Round 1 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5792">Broderick Green</a>&nbsp;13-10 won by decision over Zachary Collins (Findlay) 0-2 (Dec 4-2) Champ. Round 2 - Nicholas Daggett (UNC-Pembroke) 2-1 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5792">Broderick Green</a>&nbsp;13-10 (Dec 7-2) Cons. Round 2 - Landen Fischer (Northern State) 3-1 won by major decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5792">Broderick Green</a>&nbsp;13-10 (MD 12-0) 133 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6597">Tom VanValkenburg</a>&nbsp;(0-2) Prelim - Patrick Allis (Western Colorado) 3-1 won by fall over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6597">Tom VanValkenburg</a>&nbsp;8-11 (Fall 1:54) Prelim - Jackson Collins (Tiffin) 1-2 won by fall over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6597">Tom VanValkenburg</a>&nbsp;8-11 (Fall 5:12) 149 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6603">Cason Lindsey</a>&nbsp;(0-2) Champ. Round 1 - Wyatt Turnquist (Northern State) 3-0 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6603">Cason Lindsey</a>&nbsp;13-9 (Dec 7-0) Cons. Round 1 - Logan Mckoy (Seton Hill) 4-5 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6603">Cason Lindsey</a>&nbsp;13-9 (Dec 12-7) 157 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5804">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp;(2-2) Champ. Round 1 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5804">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp;14-8 won by decision over Cliff Owens (UNC-Pembroke) 0-2 (Dec 9-6) Champ. Round 2 - Dallas Boone (King) 9-5 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5804">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp;14-8 (Dec 6-1) Cons. Round 2 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5804">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp;14-8 won by decision over Nathan Conley (Indianapolis) 1-2 (Dec 9-4) Cons. Round 3 - Ben Durocher (UW-Parkside) 3-1 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5804">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp;14-8 (Dec 4-3) 165 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6068">Cody Hicks</a>&nbsp;(1-2) Champ. Round 1 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6068">Cody Hicks</a>&nbsp;11-8 won by decision over Gage Bernall (Lander) 0-2 (Dec 6-2) Champ. Round 2 - Corey Christe (Coker) 9-2 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6068">Cody Hicks</a>&nbsp;11-8 (Dec 3-2) Cons. Round 2 - Connor Weeks (Belmont Abbey) 2-2 won by major decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6068">Cody Hicks</a>&nbsp;11-8 (MD 13-5) 174 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5795">Clint Herrick</a>&nbsp;(0-2) Champ. Round 1 - Andrew Sams (Indianapolis) 3-0 won by major decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5795">Clint Herrick</a>&nbsp;4-10 (MD 14-1) Cons. Round 1 - Austin Morgan (Central Missouri) 5-8 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5795">Clint Herrick</a>&nbsp;4-10 (Dec 8-2) 184 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5807">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;(5-0) Champ. Round 1 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5807">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;25-4 won by decision over Zach Hazen (Central Missouri) 2-9 (Dec 8-1) Champ. Round 2 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5807">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;25-4 won by injury default over Rozell Baker (McKendree) 1-2 (Inj. 4:16) Quarterfinal -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5807">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;25-4 won by major decision over Luke Mcgonigal (Mercyhurst) 2-1 (MD 8-0) Semifinal -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5807">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;27-4 won by decision over Alex Kauffman (Central Oklahoma) 5-1 (Dec 4-2) 1st Place Match -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5807">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;27-4 won by decision over Aidan Pasiuk (Ashland) 13-1 (Dec 7-4) 197 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5794">Tereus Henry</a>&nbsp;(3-2) Prelim -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5794">Tereus Henry</a>&nbsp;16-5 won by fall over Jacob Charette (Findlay) 3-2 (Fall 6:31) Champ. Round 1 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5794">Tereus Henry</a>&nbsp;16-5 won by fall over Justin Osler (American International) 7-8 (Fall 2:37) Champ. Round 2 - Derek Blubaugh (Indianapolis) 3-0 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5794">Tereus Henry</a>&nbsp;16-5 (Dec 5-4) Cons. Round 2 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5794">Tereus Henry</a>&nbsp;16-5 won by tech fall over Ian Lawson (William Jewell) 2-2 (TF-1.5 3:51 (16-0)) Cons. Round 3 - Donald Negus (Colorado Mesa) 9-1 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5794">Tereus Henry</a>&nbsp;16-5 (Dec 7-0) 285 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5790">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;(4-2) Champ. Round 1 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5790">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;22-4 won by decision over Ty Petrey (Ashland) 3-12 (Dec 1-0) Champ. Round 2 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5790">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;22-4 won by decision over Justin Wright (Belmont Abbey) 7-8 (Dec 2-0) Quarterfinal -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5790">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;22-4 won by decision over Gabriel Carranza (Colorado Mesa) 9-3 (Dec 9-6) Semifinal - Jacob Robb (Mercyhurst) 4-1 won by major decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5790">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;23-6 (MD 12-4) Cons. Semi - Sammy Deseriere (Western Colorado) 7-1 won by medical forfeit over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5790">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;23-6 (M. For.) 5th Place Match -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5790">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;23-6&nbsp;won by medical forfeit over Weston Hunt (Colorado School of Mines) 9-3 (M. For.)FHSU Athletics

🤼 Verhaeghe wins championship, Tigers finish 17th at Midwest Classic

HAYS, Kan. - The fifth-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team led wire-to-wire in a 90-44 blowout victory against Newman Sunday afternoon. The win was FHSU's largest margin of victory against a Division II opponent in more than eight years (109-45 vs OPSU, 11/16/12). The Tigers (9-1, 2-10 MIAA) hit 42.1 percent of their shots from behind the arc (8-of-19), including a lights-out 7-of-12 effort before halftime (58.3 percent). The Jets (2-10, 0-6 MIAA) struggled from the floor all afternoon, connecting on just 29.6 percent of their shots (16-of-54).

Thirteen Tigers saw the floor in the victory, with 12 finding the score sheet.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6438">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;had a flawless day on the offensive end, hitting 8-of-8 from the floor and 5-of-5 from the charity stripe to lead the team with 21 points. Fort Hays State led by double figures less than seven minutes into the game when a&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6435">Cydney Bergmann</a>&nbsp;layup gave the Tigers a 13-3 lead. A 3-pointer from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6445">Megan Earney</a>&nbsp;late in the frame put the Tigers up 13 after 10 minutes, 21-8.

The Tigers doubled that lead by intermission after hitting 76.9 percent from the floor in the second quarter (10-of-13). Fort Hays State hit 5-of-6 from behind the arc in the period, including two from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6447">Lauren West</a>, one triple from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6439">Whitney Randall</a>&nbsp;and another from Earney. After taking control in the first half, Fort Hays State put the hammer down in the third quarter, holding the Jets to just four points and a shooting percentage of 13.3 percent (2-of-15). The Tigers scored 20-straight points over an eight minute, 39 second run, the most consecutive points the Tigers have scored in more than two years (20-0 run vs Bethany, 12/12/19). Hollenbeck did the majority of her damage during the third, hitting four shots and three free throws to singlehandedly outscore Newman by seven, 11-4. The Tiger lead ballooned as high as 49 points midway through the fourth quarter after a layup from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6436">Sydney Golladay</a>&nbsp;put the Tigers in front 84-35. Fort Hays State hit at least half of its shots for the third time this season, finishing the game with a shooting percentage of 55.4 percent (31-of-56). After turning the ball over 21 times on Friday, FHSU matched its season low with just nine turnovers in the win over Newman. The Tigers dominated on the boards, outrebounding Newman 41-26. FHSU scored 20 points off 15 Jet turnovers and outscored the Jets in transition by 28, 30-2. Hollenbeck added a career-high four steals to her team-high 21 points.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6443">Katie Wagner</a>&nbsp;chipped in 14 points, three assists and a team-best eight rebounds. Earney matched her season-high with 11 points after burying a trio of 3-pointers. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6437">Jaden Hobbs</a>&nbsp;had nine of FHSU's 28 assists, while Golladay distributed a career-best seven assists. The Tigers will wrap up the semester Monday (Dec. 20) when they host Bethel in the final non-conference contest of the season. Opening tip inside Gross Memorial Coliseum is set for 6 p.m. in the women's-only contest.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639970910380.jpeg" alt="FHSU's Olivia Hollenbeck goes in for a basket vs. Newman Sunday afternoon at Gross Memorial Coliseum. (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Nicile Heitmann)" />
 <figcaption>FHSU's Olivia Hollenbeck goes in for a basket vs. Newman Sunday afternoon at Gross Memorial Coliseum. (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Nicile Heitmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>HAYS, Kan. - The fifth-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team led wire-to-wire in a 90-44 blowout victory against Newman Sunday afternoon. The win was FHSU's largest margin of victory against a Division II opponent in more than eight years (109-45 vs OPSU, 11/16/12). The Tigers (9-1, 2-10 MIAA) hit 42.1 percent of their shots from behind the arc (8-of-19), including a lights-out 7-of-12 effort before halftime (58.3 percent). The Jets (2-10, 0-6 MIAA) struggled from the floor all afternoon, connecting on just 29.6 percent of their shots (16-of-54).<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/1180890403&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-814667509/12-19-21-fhsu-wbb-vs-newman-highlights" title="Fort Hays State WBB vs. Newman Highlights (Dec 19, 2021)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State WBB vs. Newman Highlights (Dec 19, 2021)</a></div></div>Thirteen Tigers saw the floor in the victory, with 12 finding the score sheet.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6438">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;had a flawless day on the offensive end, hitting 8-of-8 from the floor and 5-of-5 from the charity stripe to lead the team with 21 points. Fort Hays State led by double figures less than seven minutes into the game when a&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6435">Cydney Bergmann</a>&nbsp;layup gave the Tigers a 13-3 lead. A 3-pointer from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6445">Megan Earney</a>&nbsp;late in the frame put the Tigers up 13 after 10 minutes, 21-8.<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/1180890283&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-814667509/12-19-21-fhsu-wbb-coach-hobson-interview" title="Tony Hobson Postgame vs. Newman (Dec 19, 2021)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Tony Hobson Postgame vs. Newman (Dec 19, 2021)</a></div></div>The Tigers doubled that lead by intermission after hitting 76.9 percent from the floor in the second quarter (10-of-13). Fort Hays State hit 5-of-6 from behind the arc in the period, including two from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6447">Lauren West</a>, one triple from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6439">Whitney Randall</a>&nbsp;and another from Earney. After taking control in the first half, Fort Hays State put the hammer down in the third quarter, holding the Jets to just four points and a shooting percentage of 13.3 percent (2-of-15). The Tigers scored 20-straight points over an eight minute, 39 second run, the most consecutive points the Tigers have scored in more than two years (20-0 run vs Bethany, 12/12/19). Hollenbeck did the majority of her damage during the third, hitting four shots and three free throws to singlehandedly outscore Newman by seven, 11-4. The Tiger lead ballooned as high as 49 points midway through the fourth quarter after a layup from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6436">Sydney Golladay</a>&nbsp;put the Tigers in front 84-35. Fort Hays State hit at least half of its shots for the third time this season, finishing the game with a shooting percentage of 55.4 percent (31-of-56). After turning the ball over 21 times on Friday, FHSU matched its season low with just nine turnovers in the win over Newman. The Tigers dominated on the boards, outrebounding Newman 41-26. FHSU scored 20 points off 15 Jet turnovers and outscored the Jets in transition by 28, 30-2. Hollenbeck added a career-high four steals to her team-high 21 points.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6443">Katie Wagner</a>&nbsp;chipped in 14 points, three assists and a team-best eight rebounds. Earney matched her season-high with 11 points after burying a trio of 3-pointers. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6437">Jaden Hobbs</a>&nbsp;had nine of FHSU's 28 assists, while Golladay distributed a career-best seven assists. The Tigers will wrap up the semester Monday (Dec. 20) when they host Bethel in the final non-conference contest of the season. Opening tip inside Gross Memorial Coliseum is set for 6 p.m. in the women's-only contest.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 No. 5 Tiger women cruise past Jets

NEW YORK (AP) —The NBA on Sunday postponed a total of five games involving nine teams in response to rising coronavirus numbers, raising the number of contests that have been pushed back this season to seven.

Called off were three Sunday games: Cleveland at Atlanta, Denver at Brooklyn and New Orleans at Philadelphia. Also shelved were Orlando's game at Toronto on Monday and Washington's game at Brooklyn on Tuesday.

The postponements came on the same day that Atlanta announced star guard Trae Young entered the league's health and safety protocols and the Los Angeles Lakers said coach Frank Vogel also was added to the list.

Leaguewide, through Sunday afternoon, there were at least 68 players who have either been ruled out to play — or in the case of the postponed games, would have been ruled out — because they are in the protocols. That number has soared in recent days, with the NBA just one of many sports leagues worldwide dealing with a rapidly worsening issue.

U.S. officials are expecting a wave of breakthrough infections among the vaccinated given the surge of holiday travelers and gatherings expected in the coming days. The NBA has said 97% of players are fully vaccinated and somewhere around 60% had received boosters as of last week. It was not clear how many of the current positive cases involve those who are ineligible for a booster shot or those who have chosen not to receive one.

Also not clear is how many of the NBA cases involve asymptomatic players. The NFL has revised its protocols so that only unvaccinated players and those experiencing possible symptoms of COVID-19 will be tested. The NHL has five teams shut down through Christmas because of outbreaks, and numerous college games at all levels have been canceled in recent days.

“It is what it is. Just trying to stay safe as possible and that’s all you can do,” Lakers guard Russell Westbrook said of the NBA’s rising numbers. Westbrook was briefly in the protocols late last week, before returning at least three negative coronavirus tests and being cleared to return to play without missing a game.

The league and the National Basketball Players Association have been discussing a plan in which teams in desperate need of players would be able to sign reinforcements to 10-day contracts but without those deals impacting salary cap and luxury tax figures. That deal has not yet been finalized, though talks are continuing.

The Cavaliers had five players enter the protocols on Sunday, the team said. All five — center Jarrett Allen, forwards Lamar Stevens and Dylan Windler and guards Denzel Valentine and RJ Nembhard — tested positive for COVID-19, according to a person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team did not release that specific detail.

They joined Isaac Okoro and Evan Mobley, who entered the protocols previously.

Vogel won't be on the bench when his Lakers play Sunday at Chicago. David Fizdale will coach in Vogel's place, the Lakers said. The Bulls are returning to the court after having two games postponed last week.

Chicago still doesn't have all of its players back yet, either. Among those listed as out Sunday and still in protocols is Olympic gold medalist Zach LaVine.

Through Saturday’s games, those were the only games the NBA had pushed back during this outbreak. But on Sunday, the league added significantly to the list of postponements, with teams simply not having enough players to compete.

Brooklyn alone has 10 players, plus some staff, in the protocols.

“It’s just crazy,” Nets forward Blake Griffin said.

Brooklyn's list of players in protocols includes Kevin Durant, James Harden and — even though he’s still not yet able to play — Kyrie Irving, who has sat out all season for not complying with New York City's vaccine mandate. The team reversed course Friday and said Irving would be welcomed back “for games and practices in which he is eligible to participate,” knowing he’d still miss two games at the Knicks and trips to Toronto and Golden State.

The Nets had eight available players for Saturday night's game against Orlando. The Magic had nine, including four players — Aleem Ford, Hassani Gravett, B.J. Johnson and Admiral Schofield — who were signed late last week to hardship contracts because of virus issues and injuries decimating Orlando's roster.

Here's how necessary they were: Magic coach Jamahl Mosley had all four on the court together in two separate stretches of Orlando's win.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639341015562.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —The NBA on Sunday postponed a total of five games involving nine teams in response to rising coronavirus numbers, raising the number of contests that have been pushed back this season to seven.Called off were three Sunday games: Cleveland at Atlanta, Denver at Brooklyn and New Orleans at Philadelphia. Also shelved were Orlando's game at Toronto on Monday and Washington's game at Brooklyn on Tuesday.The postponements came on the same day that Atlanta announced star guard Trae Young entered the league's health and safety protocols and the Los Angeles Lakers said coach Frank Vogel also was added to the list.Leaguewide, through Sunday afternoon, there were at least 68 players who have either been ruled out to play — or in the case of the postponed games, would have been ruled out — because they are in the protocols. That number has soared in recent days, with the NBA just one of many sports leagues worldwide dealing with a rapidly worsening issue.U.S. officials are expecting a wave of breakthrough infections among the vaccinated given the surge of holiday travelers and gatherings expected in the coming days. The NBA has said 97% of players are fully vaccinated and somewhere around 60% had received boosters as of last week. It was not clear how many of the current positive cases involve those who are ineligible for a booster shot or those who have chosen not to receive one.Also not clear is how many of the NBA cases involve asymptomatic players. The NFL has revised its protocols so that only unvaccinated players and those experiencing possible symptoms of COVID-19 will be tested. The NHL has five teams shut down through Christmas because of outbreaks, and numerous college games at all levels have been canceled in recent days.“It is what it is. Just trying to stay safe as possible and that’s all you can do,” Lakers guard Russell Westbrook said of the NBA’s rising numbers. Westbrook was briefly in the protocols late last week, before returning at least three negative coronavirus tests and being cleared to return to play without missing a game.The league and the National Basketball Players Association have been discussing a plan in which teams in desperate need of players would be able to sign reinforcements to 10-day contracts but without those deals impacting salary cap and luxury tax figures. That deal has not yet been finalized, though talks are continuing.The Cavaliers had five players enter the protocols on Sunday, the team said. All five — center Jarrett Allen, forwards Lamar Stevens and Dylan Windler and guards Denzel Valentine and RJ Nembhard — tested positive for COVID-19, according to a person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team did not release that specific detail.They joined Isaac Okoro and Evan Mobley, who entered the protocols previously.Vogel won't be on the bench when his Lakers play Sunday at Chicago. David Fizdale will coach in Vogel's place, the Lakers said. The Bulls are returning to the court after having two games postponed last week.Chicago still doesn't have all of its players back yet, either. Among those listed as out Sunday and still in protocols is Olympic gold medalist Zach LaVine.Through Saturday’s games, those were the only games the NBA had pushed back during this outbreak. But on Sunday, the league added significantly to the list of postponements, with teams simply not having enough players to compete.Brooklyn alone has 10 players, plus some staff, in the protocols.“It’s just crazy,” Nets forward Blake Griffin said.Brooklyn's list of players in protocols includes Kevin Durant, James Harden and — even though he’s still not yet able to play — Kyrie Irving, who has sat out all season for not complying with New York City's vaccine mandate. The team reversed course Friday and said Irving would be welcomed back “for games and practices in which he is eligible to participate,” knowing he’d still miss two games at the Knicks and trips to Toronto and Golden State.The Nets had eight available players for Saturday night's game against Orlando. The Magic had nine, including four players — Aleem Ford, Hassani Gravett, B.J. Johnson and Admiral Schofield — who were signed late last week to hardship contracts because of virus issues and injuries decimating Orlando's roster.Here's how necessary they were: Magic coach Jamahl Mosley had all four on the court together in two separate stretches of Orlando's win.———

NBA postpones more games as COVID rocks sports world

Newman (3-7, 0-5 MIAA) at Fort Hays State (8-1, 3-1 MIAA) Sunday, December 19 – 4 pm Hays, Kan. – Gross Memorial Coliseum Game Sponsor:&nbsp;Redeem Designs National Anthem:&nbsp;Dighton High School Promotions:&nbsp;Retro Night - First 250 fans will receive a&nbsp;retro t-shirt courtesy of game sponsor Redeem Designs. Gates open at 1 pm for women's game at 2 pm. Halftime Performance:&nbsp;Tiger Debs Radio: KJLS (103.3-FM)

<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KJLS">LISTEN LIVE</a> Fort Hays State Men's Basketball looks to get back on the winning track on Sunday afternoon (Dec. 19) when it hosts Newman University at 4 pm. The Tigers are now 8-1 overall, 3-1 in the MIAA after taking their first loss of the season on Friday night to Central Oklahoma. Newman enters the game at 3-7 overall and 0-5 in the MIAA. Despite giving up a season-high 77 points on Friday night in the loss to Central Oklahoma, Fort Hays State moved down only one spot in scoring defense to second nationally. The Tigers are now allowing 55.9 points per game this season, only behind West Alabama allowing 54.6 per game. There are only four men's teams in the nation allowing less than 60 points per game, and the other two are highly ranked in the NABC Top 25 Poll (No. 1 Lubbock Christian and No. 3 Mercyhurst). Fort Hays State is one of the top teams nationally in field goal percentage defense as well, ranking sixth with a 38.2 percent success rate for opponents. FHSU leads the MIAA in both field goal percentage defense and 3-point field goal percentage defense (28.6 percent). <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6460">Kaleb Hammeke</a>&nbsp;finished just two points shy of his career high on Friday night, scoring 30 against Central Oklahoma. However, he did set a new career-high for 3-point field goal makes in a game with eight, which was just one shy of the single-game school record held by Geoff Eck and Rodney Malloy. He has scored over 20 points in the last three contests and now leads the team at 15.9 points per game. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6468">Jared Vitztum</a>&nbsp;continues to average a double-double for the season at 14.1 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. He has four double-doubles in points and rebounds in nine games this season. He leads the MIAA in rebounding, the only player in the conference averaging double figures. Stevie Strong leads Newman in scoring for players appearing in all 10 of their contests this season. He averages 14.3 points per game and has 24 3-point field goals for the season, which is 16 more than any of his other teammates.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639873896290.jpeg" alt="FHSU's Bjarni Jonsson (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Nicole Heitmann)" />
 <figcaption>FHSU's Bjarni Jonsson (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Nicole Heitmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>Newman (3-7, 0-5 MIAA) at Fort Hays State (8-1, 3-1 MIAA) Sunday, December 19 – 4 pm Hays, Kan. – Gross Memorial Coliseum Game Sponsor:&nbsp;Redeem Designs National Anthem:&nbsp;Dighton High School Promotions:&nbsp;Retro Night - First 250 fans will receive a&nbsp;retro t-shirt courtesy of game sponsor Redeem Designs. Gates open at 1 pm for women's game at 2 pm. Halftime Performance:&nbsp;Tiger Debs Radio: KJLS (103.3-FM)<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KJLS">LISTEN LIVE</a> Fort Hays State Men's Basketball looks to get back on the winning track on Sunday afternoon (Dec. 19) when it hosts Newman University at 4 pm. The Tigers are now 8-1 overall, 3-1 in the MIAA after taking their first loss of the season on Friday night to Central Oklahoma. Newman enters the game at 3-7 overall and 0-5 in the MIAA. Despite giving up a season-high 77 points on Friday night in the loss to Central Oklahoma, Fort Hays State moved down only one spot in scoring defense to second nationally. The Tigers are now allowing 55.9 points per game this season, only behind West Alabama allowing 54.6 per game. There are only four men's teams in the nation allowing less than 60 points per game, and the other two are highly ranked in the NABC Top 25 Poll (No. 1 Lubbock Christian and No. 3 Mercyhurst). Fort Hays State is one of the top teams nationally in field goal percentage defense as well, ranking sixth with a 38.2 percent success rate for opponents. FHSU leads the MIAA in both field goal percentage defense and 3-point field goal percentage defense (28.6 percent). <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6460">Kaleb Hammeke</a>&nbsp;finished just two points shy of his career high on Friday night, scoring 30 against Central Oklahoma. However, he did set a new career-high for 3-point field goal makes in a game with eight, which was just one shy of the single-game school record held by Geoff Eck and Rodney Malloy. He has scored over 20 points in the last three contests and now leads the team at 15.9 points per game. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6468">Jared Vitztum</a>&nbsp;continues to average a double-double for the season at 14.1 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. He has four double-doubles in points and rebounds in nine games this season. He leads the MIAA in rebounding, the only player in the conference averaging double figures. Stevie Strong leads Newman in scoring for players appearing in all 10 of their contests this season. He averages 14.3 points per game and has 24 3-point field goals for the season, which is 16 more than any of his other teammates.&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

🏀 LISTEN - FHSU men look to return to winning ways against Newman Sunday

No. 5/14 Fort Hays State (8-1, 3-1&nbsp;MIAA) vs. Newman (2-9, 0-5&nbsp;MIAA) Sunday, December 19, 2021 • 2 p.m. Hays, Kan. • Gross Memorial Coliseum Game Sponsor:&nbsp;Redeem Designs National Anthem:&nbsp;Dighton High School Promotions:&nbsp;Retro Night - First 250 fans will receive a&nbsp;retro t-shirt courtesy of game sponsor Redeem Designs Halftime Performance:&nbsp;Tiger Debs Radio: KJLS (103.3-FM)

<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KJLS">LISTEN LIVE</a> The fifth-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team looks keep things rolling Sunday (Dec. 19) when the Tigers host Newman beginning at 2 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum. Sunday will be Retro Night at the Coliseum, with fans encouraged to wear&nbsp;throwback Tiger gear! The first 250 fans in the door will receive a FREE retro t-shirt courtey of game sponsor Redeem Designs. The Tigers enter the matchup 8-1 overall and 3-1 in conference play after getting back into the win column Friday against Central Oklahoma, while Newman (2-9, 0-5 MIAA) comes to the Coliseum on a five-game losing streak. Fort Hays State has taken care of business in the all-time series against Newman, winning 20 of the 21 matchups dating back to 1984, including a perfect 12-0 record in Hays.&nbsp;FHSU is 11-1 against Newman during the&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1043">Tony Hobson</a>&nbsp;era, including seven wins at home. The Tigers are the only team in the MIAA with four players ranked in the top 25 in the league in scoring.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6443">Katie Wagner</a>&nbsp;is sixth in the conference with a team-high 17.1 points per game, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6438">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;ranks 18th with 11.4 points per night.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6439">Whitney Randall</a>&nbsp;is close behind in 21st with an average of 11.2 points per contest while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6447">Lauren West</a>&nbsp;is 24th with 10.7 points per matchup.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6437">Jaden Hobbs</a>&nbsp;is also averaging in double figures with an average of 10.0 points per game. Fort Hays State is grabbing 40.4 rebounds per game, tied for second-most in the MIAA. Wagner ranks third in the conference in total rebounding (10.2 per game) and second in defensive rebounds (8.0 per game). Friday's win helped the Tigers keep an impressive streak alive. Fort Hays State has not lost consecutive games inside Gross Memorial Coliseum in more than 10 years (January 2011). Newman is averaging 59.8 points per game, second-fewest in the MIAA. Tiffany Dortland leads the Jets with an average of 10.4 points per night. She has hit 20 shots from behind the arc, good for a .364 shooting percentage from 3-point range. Co-head coaches Drew Johnson and Nicole Ohlde-Johnson are in their first year in charge at Newman after coaching at Bethel, whom the Tigers will play on Monday (Dec. 20) to wrap up the semester.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639873753148.jpeg" alt="FHSU's Olivia Hollenbeck (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Nicole Heitmann)" />
 <figcaption>FHSU's Olivia Hollenbeck (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Nicole Heitmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>No. 5/14 Fort Hays State (8-1, 3-1&nbsp;MIAA) vs. Newman (2-9, 0-5&nbsp;MIAA) Sunday, December 19, 2021 • 2 p.m. Hays, Kan. • Gross Memorial Coliseum Game Sponsor:&nbsp;Redeem Designs National Anthem:&nbsp;Dighton High School Promotions:&nbsp;Retro Night - First 250 fans will receive a&nbsp;retro t-shirt courtesy of game sponsor Redeem Designs Halftime Performance:&nbsp;Tiger Debs Radio: KJLS (103.3-FM)<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KJLS">LISTEN LIVE</a> The fifth-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team looks keep things rolling Sunday (Dec. 19) when the Tigers host Newman beginning at 2 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum. Sunday will be Retro Night at the Coliseum, with fans encouraged to wear&nbsp;throwback Tiger gear! The first 250 fans in the door will receive a FREE retro t-shirt courtey of game sponsor Redeem Designs. The Tigers enter the matchup 8-1 overall and 3-1 in conference play after getting back into the win column Friday against Central Oklahoma, while Newman (2-9, 0-5 MIAA) comes to the Coliseum on a five-game losing streak. Fort Hays State has taken care of business in the all-time series against Newman, winning 20 of the 21 matchups dating back to 1984, including a perfect 12-0 record in Hays.&nbsp;FHSU is 11-1 against Newman during the&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1043">Tony Hobson</a>&nbsp;era, including seven wins at home. The Tigers are the only team in the MIAA with four players ranked in the top 25 in the league in scoring.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6443">Katie Wagner</a>&nbsp;is sixth in the conference with a team-high 17.1 points per game, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6438">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;ranks 18th with 11.4 points per night.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6439">Whitney Randall</a>&nbsp;is close behind in 21st with an average of 11.2 points per contest while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6447">Lauren West</a>&nbsp;is 24th with 10.7 points per matchup.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6437">Jaden Hobbs</a>&nbsp;is also averaging in double figures with an average of 10.0 points per game. Fort Hays State is grabbing 40.4 rebounds per game, tied for second-most in the MIAA. Wagner ranks third in the conference in total rebounding (10.2 per game) and second in defensive rebounds (8.0 per game). Friday's win helped the Tigers keep an impressive streak alive. Fort Hays State has not lost consecutive games inside Gross Memorial Coliseum in more than 10 years (January 2011). Newman is averaging 59.8 points per game, second-fewest in the MIAA. Tiffany Dortland leads the Jets with an average of 10.4 points per night. She has hit 20 shots from behind the arc, good for a .364 shooting percentage from 3-point range. Co-head coaches Drew Johnson and Nicole Ohlde-Johnson are in their first year in charge at Newman after coaching at Bethel, whom the Tigers will play on Monday (Dec. 20) to wrap up the semester.&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

🏀 LISTEN - No. 5 FHSU women host Jets Sunday afternoon

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Remy Martin hit a 3-pointer with one minute to go to extend a three-point lead and help No. 7 Kansas over Stephen F. Austin 80-72 on Saturday night.

The Jayhawks (9-1) led 73-70 before Martin buried the 3 from the top of the key. Christian Braun scored a game-high 21 points, Ochai Agbaji had 18, Martin contributed 15 and Jalen Wilson scored 10.

The Lumberjacks (8-4) were led by David Kachelries with 18 points, Gavin Kensmil scored 16, Sadaidriene Hall had 14 and Calvin Solomon scored 10.

The Jayhawks held the lead most of the game, with Stephen F. Austin behind by 12 early in the first half,. But the Lumberjacks fought back and had the lead five minutes into the second half — despite committing 20 turnovers that led to 28 points for Kansas.

Stephen F. Austin: This is its only game against a Power Five conference team all season, and kept pace.

Kansas: The Jayhawks committed 14 turnovers and struggled scoring inside the paint, looking like a different team than the one that beat Missouri last weekend by 37.

Stephen F. Austin: Hosts Jackson State on Tuesday.

Kansas: Visits former Big 12 foe Colorado on Tuesday.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Remy Martin hit a 3-pointer with one minute to go to extend a three-point lead and help No. 7 Kansas over Stephen F. Austin 80-72 on Saturday night.The Jayhawks (9-1) led 73-70 before Martin buried the 3 from the top of the key. Christian Braun scored a game-high 21 points, Ochai Agbaji had 18, Martin contributed 15 and Jalen Wilson scored 10.The Lumberjacks (8-4) were led by David Kachelries with 18 points, Gavin Kensmil scored 16, Sadaidriene Hall had 14 and Calvin Solomon scored 10.The Jayhawks held the lead most of the game, with Stephen F. Austin behind by 12 early in the first half,. But the Lumberjacks fought back and had the lead five minutes into the second half — despite committing 20 turnovers that led to 28 points for Kansas.BIG PICTUREStephen F. Austin: This is its only game against a Power Five conference team all season, and kept pace.Kansas: The Jayhawks committed 14 turnovers and struggled scoring inside the paint, looking like a different team than the one that beat Missouri last weekend by 37.UP NEXTStephen F. Austin: Hosts Jackson State on Tuesday.Kansas: Visits former Big 12 foe Colorado on Tuesday.

🏀 Martin’s late 3 lifts No. 7 Kansas over Stephen F. Austin

INDIANAPOLIS - Fort Hays State wrestling seniors&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5807">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;(184)&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5790">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;(285) are both guaranteed to finish in the top six after reaching the semifinals in their respective weight classes after Saturday's (Dec. 18) day one of the 42nd Midwest Classic. The Tigers had a solid team performance overall, going 13-14 and compiling 31.5 team points to sit in 16th out of 42 Division II programs. Verhaeghe and Cooper will both compete on day two Sunday, with action set to begin at 8 a.m. (9 a.m. ET). Verhaeghe, the 11th-ranked wrestler at 184 pounds, started the day with an 8-1 decision before reaching the quarterfinals with an injury default in the second period. Verhaeghe would make the semifinals with a 8-0 major decision over 12th-ranked Luke Mcgonigal from Mercyhurst. Verhaeghe will face Alex Kaufman from Central Oklahoma in his semifinal. Cooper, currently ranked 10th at 285 pounds, began his day with a pair of narrow decisions,&nbsp;1-0 and 2-0. He wrapped up his day one performance with a comeback 9-6 decision over Gabriel Carranza from Colorado Mesa. Cooper will face fifth-ranked Jacob Robb from Mercyhurst in his semifinal match. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5794">Tereus Henry</a>&nbsp;also picked up three wins on day one, going 3-2 including two pins and one technical fall to rack up seven team points. Both of his losses were decisions against ranked opponents, including a 5-4 loss to the 12th-ranked wrestler at 197 pounds and a 7-0 decision in the third consolation round against the fourth-ranked wrestler. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5804">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp;won a pair of matches at 157 pounds, including a 9-6 decision in the opening round and a 9-4 decision in the consolation bracket. His first loss was to the 12th-ranked wrestler at 157 pounds. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5792">Broderick Green</a>&nbsp;(125) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6068">Cody Hicks</a>&nbsp;(165) also won their first matches before dropping the next two to finish 1-2 overall. Hicks defeated the 11th-ranked wrestler at 165 pounds in the opening round, while&nbsp;Green hung around with the second-ranked wrestler at 125 pounds in the second round before suffering a 7-2 loss. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6597">Tom VanValkenburg</a>&nbsp;(133),&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6603">Cason Lindsey</a>&nbsp;(149) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5795">Clint Herrick</a>&nbsp;(174) all went 0-2 on the day. Full FHSU Results from Day 1 of the 42nd Midwest Classic 125 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5792">Broderick Green</a>&nbsp;(1-2) Champ. Round 1 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5792">Broderick Green</a>&nbsp;13-10 won by decision over Zachary Collins (Findlay) 0-2 (Dec 4-2) Champ. Round 2 - Nicholas Daggett (UNC-Pembroke) 2-1 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5792">Broderick Green</a>&nbsp;13-10 (Dec 7-2) Cons. Round 2 - Landen Fischer (Northern State) 3-1 won by major decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5792">Broderick Green</a>&nbsp;13-10 (MD 12-0) 133 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6597">Tom VanValkenburg</a>&nbsp;(0-2) Prelim - Patrick Allis (Western Colorado) 3-1 won by fall over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6597">Tom VanValkenburg</a>&nbsp;8-11 (Fall 1:54) Prelim - Jackson Collins (Tiffin) 1-2 won by fall over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6597">Tom VanValkenburg</a>&nbsp;8-11 (Fall 5:12) 149 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6603">Cason Lindsey</a>&nbsp;(0-2) Champ. Round 1 - Wyatt Turnquist (Northern State) 3-0 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6603">Cason Lindsey</a>&nbsp;13-9 (Dec 7-0) Cons. Round 1 - Logan Mckoy (Seton Hill) 4-5 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6603">Cason Lindsey</a>&nbsp;13-9 (Dec 12-7) 157 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5804">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp;(2-2) Champ. Round 1 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5804">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp;14-8 won by decision over Cliff Owens (UNC-Pembroke) 0-2 (Dec 9-6) Champ. Round 2 - Dallas Boone (King) 9-5 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5804">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp;14-8 (Dec 6-1) Cons. Round 2 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5804">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp;14-8 won by decision over Nathan Conley (Indianapolis) 1-2 (Dec 9-4) Cons. Round 3 - Ben Durocher (UW-Parkside) 3-1 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5804">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp;14-8 (Dec 4-3) 165 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6068">Cody Hicks</a>&nbsp;(1-2) Champ. Round 1 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6068">Cody Hicks</a>&nbsp;11-8 won by decision over Gage Bernall (Lander) 0-2 (Dec 6-2) Champ. Round 2 - Corey Christe (Coker) 9-2 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6068">Cody Hicks</a>&nbsp;11-8 (Dec 3-2) Cons. Round 2 - Connor Weeks (Belmont Abbey) 2-2 won by major decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6068">Cody Hicks</a>&nbsp;11-8 (MD 13-5) 174 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5795">Clint Herrick</a>&nbsp;(0-2) Champ. Round 1 - Andrew Sams (Indianapolis) 3-0 won by major decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5795">Clint Herrick</a>&nbsp;4-10 (MD 14-1) Cons. Round 1 - Austin Morgan (Central Missouri) 5-8 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5795">Clint Herrick</a>&nbsp;4-10 (Dec 8-2) 184 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5807">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;(3-0) Champ. Round 1 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5807">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;25-4 won by decision over Zach Hazen (Central Missouri) 2-9 (Dec 8-1) Champ. Round 2 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5807">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;25-4 won by injury default over Rozell Baker (McKendree) 1-2 (Inj. 4:16) Quarterfinal -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5807">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;25-4 won by major decision over Luke Mcgonigal (Mercyhurst) 2-1 (MD 8-0) 197 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5794">Tereus Henry</a>&nbsp;(3-2) Prelim -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5794">Tereus Henry</a>&nbsp;16-5 won by fall over Jacob Charette (Findlay) 3-2 (Fall 6:31) Champ. Round 1 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5794">Tereus Henry</a>&nbsp;16-5 won by fall over Justin Osler (American International) 7-8 (Fall 2:37) Champ. Round 2 - Derek Blubaugh (Indianapolis) 3-0 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5794">Tereus Henry</a>&nbsp;16-5 (Dec 5-4) Cons. Round 2 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5794">Tereus Henry</a>&nbsp;16-5 won by tech fall over Ian Lawson (William Jewell) 2-2 (TF-1.5 3:51 (16-0)) Cons. Round 3 - Donald Negus (Colorado Mesa) 9-1 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5794">Tereus Henry</a>&nbsp;16-5 (Dec 7-0) 285 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5790">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;(3-0) Champ. Round 1 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5790">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;22-4 won by decision over Ty Petrey (Ashland) 3-12 (Dec 1-0) Champ. Round 2 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5790">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;22-4 won by decision over Justin Wright (Belmont Abbey) 7-8 (Dec 2-0) Quarterfinal -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5790">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;22-4 won by decision over Gabriel Carranza (Colorado Mesa) 9-3 (Dec 9-6)&nbsp;&nbsp;

INDIANAPOLIS - Fort Hays State wrestling seniors&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5807">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;(184)&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5790">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;(285) are both guaranteed to finish in the top six after reaching the semifinals in their respective weight classes after Saturday's (Dec. 18) day one of the 42nd Midwest Classic. The Tigers had a solid team performance overall, going 13-14 and compiling 31.5 team points to sit in 16th out of 42 Division II programs. Verhaeghe and Cooper will both compete on day two Sunday, with action set to begin at 8 a.m. (9 a.m. ET). Verhaeghe, the 11th-ranked wrestler at 184 pounds, started the day with an 8-1 decision before reaching the quarterfinals with an injury default in the second period. Verhaeghe would make the semifinals with a 8-0 major decision over 12th-ranked Luke Mcgonigal from Mercyhurst. Verhaeghe will face Alex Kaufman from Central Oklahoma in his semifinal. Cooper, currently ranked 10th at 285 pounds, began his day with a pair of narrow decisions,&nbsp;1-0 and 2-0. He wrapped up his day one performance with a comeback 9-6 decision over Gabriel Carranza from Colorado Mesa. Cooper will face fifth-ranked Jacob Robb from Mercyhurst in his semifinal match. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5794">Tereus Henry</a>&nbsp;also picked up three wins on day one, going 3-2 including two pins and one technical fall to rack up seven team points. Both of his losses were decisions against ranked opponents, including a 5-4 loss to the 12th-ranked wrestler at 197 pounds and a 7-0 decision in the third consolation round against the fourth-ranked wrestler. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5804">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp;won a pair of matches at 157 pounds, including a 9-6 decision in the opening round and a 9-4 decision in the consolation bracket. His first loss was to the 12th-ranked wrestler at 157 pounds. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5792">Broderick Green</a>&nbsp;(125) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6068">Cody Hicks</a>&nbsp;(165) also won their first matches before dropping the next two to finish 1-2 overall. Hicks defeated the 11th-ranked wrestler at 165 pounds in the opening round, while&nbsp;Green hung around with the second-ranked wrestler at 125 pounds in the second round before suffering a 7-2 loss. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6597">Tom VanValkenburg</a>&nbsp;(133),&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6603">Cason Lindsey</a>&nbsp;(149) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5795">Clint Herrick</a>&nbsp;(174) all went 0-2 on the day. Full FHSU Results from Day 1 of the 42nd Midwest Classic 125 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5792">Broderick Green</a>&nbsp;(1-2) Champ. Round 1 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5792">Broderick Green</a>&nbsp;13-10 won by decision over Zachary Collins (Findlay) 0-2 (Dec 4-2) Champ. Round 2 - Nicholas Daggett (UNC-Pembroke) 2-1 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5792">Broderick Green</a>&nbsp;13-10 (Dec 7-2) Cons. Round 2 - Landen Fischer (Northern State) 3-1 won by major decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5792">Broderick Green</a>&nbsp;13-10 (MD 12-0) 133 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6597">Tom VanValkenburg</a>&nbsp;(0-2) Prelim - Patrick Allis (Western Colorado) 3-1 won by fall over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6597">Tom VanValkenburg</a>&nbsp;8-11 (Fall 1:54) Prelim - Jackson Collins (Tiffin) 1-2 won by fall over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6597">Tom VanValkenburg</a>&nbsp;8-11 (Fall 5:12) 149 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6603">Cason Lindsey</a>&nbsp;(0-2) Champ. Round 1 - Wyatt Turnquist (Northern State) 3-0 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6603">Cason Lindsey</a>&nbsp;13-9 (Dec 7-0) Cons. Round 1 - Logan Mckoy (Seton Hill) 4-5 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6603">Cason Lindsey</a>&nbsp;13-9 (Dec 12-7) 157 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5804">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp;(2-2) Champ. Round 1 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5804">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp;14-8 won by decision over Cliff Owens (UNC-Pembroke) 0-2 (Dec 9-6) Champ. Round 2 - Dallas Boone (King) 9-5 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5804">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp;14-8 (Dec 6-1) Cons. Round 2 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5804">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp;14-8 won by decision over Nathan Conley (Indianapolis) 1-2 (Dec 9-4) Cons. Round 3 - Ben Durocher (UW-Parkside) 3-1 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5804">Anthony Scantlin</a>&nbsp;14-8 (Dec 4-3) 165 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6068">Cody Hicks</a>&nbsp;(1-2) Champ. Round 1 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6068">Cody Hicks</a>&nbsp;11-8 won by decision over Gage Bernall (Lander) 0-2 (Dec 6-2) Champ. Round 2 - Corey Christe (Coker) 9-2 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6068">Cody Hicks</a>&nbsp;11-8 (Dec 3-2) Cons. Round 2 - Connor Weeks (Belmont Abbey) 2-2 won by major decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6068">Cody Hicks</a>&nbsp;11-8 (MD 13-5) 174 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5795">Clint Herrick</a>&nbsp;(0-2) Champ. Round 1 - Andrew Sams (Indianapolis) 3-0 won by major decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5795">Clint Herrick</a>&nbsp;4-10 (MD 14-1) Cons. Round 1 - Austin Morgan (Central Missouri) 5-8 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5795">Clint Herrick</a>&nbsp;4-10 (Dec 8-2) 184 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5807">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;(3-0) Champ. Round 1 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5807">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;25-4 won by decision over Zach Hazen (Central Missouri) 2-9 (Dec 8-1) Champ. Round 2 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5807">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;25-4 won by injury default over Rozell Baker (McKendree) 1-2 (Inj. 4:16) Quarterfinal -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5807">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;25-4 won by major decision over Luke Mcgonigal (Mercyhurst) 2-1 (MD 8-0) 197 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5794">Tereus Henry</a>&nbsp;(3-2) Prelim -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5794">Tereus Henry</a>&nbsp;16-5 won by fall over Jacob Charette (Findlay) 3-2 (Fall 6:31) Champ. Round 1 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5794">Tereus Henry</a>&nbsp;16-5 won by fall over Justin Osler (American International) 7-8 (Fall 2:37) Champ. Round 2 - Derek Blubaugh (Indianapolis) 3-0 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5794">Tereus Henry</a>&nbsp;16-5 (Dec 5-4) Cons. Round 2 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5794">Tereus Henry</a>&nbsp;16-5 won by tech fall over Ian Lawson (William Jewell) 2-2 (TF-1.5 3:51 (16-0)) Cons. Round 3 - Donald Negus (Colorado Mesa) 9-1 won by decision over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5794">Tereus Henry</a>&nbsp;16-5 (Dec 7-0) 285 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5790">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;(3-0) Champ. Round 1 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5790">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;22-4 won by decision over Ty Petrey (Ashland) 3-12 (Dec 1-0) Champ. Round 2 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5790">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;22-4 won by decision over Justin Wright (Belmont Abbey) 7-8 (Dec 2-0) Quarterfinal -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5790">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;22-4 won by decision over Gabriel Carranza (Colorado Mesa) 9-3 (Dec 9-6)&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

🤼‍♂️ FHSU's Cooper and Verhaeghe still alive after day one at Midwest Classic

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Tylor Perry tied his season high with 23 points as North Texas beat Wichita State 62-52 on Saturday.

Perry converted all 10 of his foul shots.

Thomas Bell had 13 points for the Mean Green (7-3), who notched their fifth straight victory. Abou Ousmane added 10 points.

Morris Udeze had 17 points for the Shockers (8-3). Craig Porter Jr. added 12 points.

Wichita State totaled a season-low 18 second-half points.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Tylor Perry tied his season high with 23 points as North Texas beat Wichita State 62-52 on Saturday.Perry converted all 10 of his foul shots.Thomas Bell had 13 points for the Mean Green (7-3), who notched their fifth straight victory. Abou Ousmane added 10 points.Morris Udeze had 17 points for the Shockers (8-3). Craig Porter Jr. added 12 points.Wichita State totaled a season-low 18 second-half points.

🏀 Perry scores 23, lifts North Texas over Wichita State

Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus reviews Thursday night's win over the Chargers.

The Holthus Hotline airs Saturday morning around 8:00 a.m. on 96.9, KFIX.

Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus reviews Thursday night's win over the Chargers.The Holthus Hotline airs Saturday morning around 8:00 a.m. on 96.9, KFIX.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1179720664%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-NCLUqdqrzh7&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/holthus-hotline-dec-18-2021/s-NCLUqdqrzh7" title="Holthus Hotline (Dec 18, 2021)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Holthus Hotline (Dec 18, 2021)</a></div></div>

🎧 Holthus Hotline with Mitch Holthus

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State took its first loss of the 2021-22 season on Friday night to Central Oklahoma at Gross Memorial Coliseum. The Bronchos were on fire in the first half and built a 21-point lead at halftime before winning the game 77-60. The Tigers, ranked No. 23 in the latest D2SIDA Top 25 Poll, are now 8-1 overall, 3-1 in the MIAA, while the Bronchos moved to 8-2 overall, 4-1 in the MIAA.

The Tigers scored the first basket of the game and then held their final lead at 9-8 four minutes into the action before the Bronchos outscored them 41-19 the remainder of the first half. UCO's high-powered offense was in full gear in the opening half, shooting 66.7 percent from the field (18-of-27) with eight 3-point field goals. FHSU shot just 29 percent as a team in the first half (9-of-31) and was just 23.5 percent beyond the 3-point line, though&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6460">Kaleb Hammeke</a>&nbsp;had 16 of the team's 28 points as the break on a 6-of-9 shooting effort with four 3-point field goals. UCO led 49-28 at the half. The Tiger shooting effort gained some traction early in the second half and they pulled within 12 points of the Bronchos with 9:31 to go. But the comeback effort ran out of gas and UCO countered with an 8-0 run to push the lead back to 20 and put the game away.

Hammeke remained hot throughout the contest, burying a career-high eight 3-point field goals. He shot 11-of-18 overall from the field and finished with 30 points, providing exactly half of the Tiger scoring effort. He was 8-of-12 beyond the arc, coming up just one 3-point field goal shy of tying the FHSU record of nine in a game held by Geoff Eck and Rodney Malloy. His 30 points was just two shy of his career high of 32 that he scored in an overtime win at Missouri Southern last season. Hammeke has had over 20 points in the last three contests. Hammeke was the only Tiger to score in double figures.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6468">Jared Vitztum</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6470">Nyjee Wright</a>&nbsp;each had eight and Vitztum pulled down a team-high eight rebounds. Isaiah Wade led the UCO scoring effort with 21 points, while Camryn Givens had 16 and Callen Haydon and Jaden Wells each had 12. Wells and Givens each had a team-best seven rebounds, while Haydon provided a team-high seven assists. The Bronchos cooled a bit in the second half, but still managed to shoot 55.6 percent overall for the game and 50 percent beyond the 3-point line. The Tigers look to rebound from the setback against Newman University on Sunday. Tipoff is set for 4 pm inside Gross Memorial Coliseum, which follows the women's contest at 2 pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639802758464.jpeg" alt="FHSU's Kaleb Hammeke attempts a 3-pointer Friday vs. Central Oklahoma at Gross Memorial Coliseum (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Nicole Hietmann)" />
 <figcaption>FHSU's Kaleb Hammeke attempts a 3-pointer Friday vs. Central Oklahoma at Gross Memorial Coliseum (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Nicole Hietmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State took its first loss of the 2021-22 season on Friday night to Central Oklahoma at Gross Memorial Coliseum. The Bronchos were on fire in the first half and built a 21-point lead at halftime before winning the game 77-60. The Tigers, ranked No. 23 in the latest D2SIDA Top 25 Poll, are now 8-1 overall, 3-1 in the MIAA, while the Bronchos moved to 8-2 overall, 4-1 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/1179990418&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-814667509/12-17-2021-fhsu-mens-coach-mark-johnson-postgame-interview" title="Mark Johnson Postgame vs. Central Oklahoma (Dec 17, 2021)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Mark Johnson Postgame vs. Central Oklahoma (Dec 17, 2021)</a></div></div>The Tigers scored the first basket of the game and then held their final lead at 9-8 four minutes into the action before the Bronchos outscored them 41-19 the remainder of the first half. UCO's high-powered offense was in full gear in the opening half, shooting 66.7 percent from the field (18-of-27) with eight 3-point field goals. FHSU shot just 29 percent as a team in the first half (9-of-31) and was just 23.5 percent beyond the 3-point line, though&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6460">Kaleb Hammeke</a>&nbsp;had 16 of the team's 28 points as the break on a 6-of-9 shooting effort with four 3-point field goals. UCO led 49-28 at the half. The Tiger shooting effort gained some traction early in the second half and they pulled within 12 points of the Bronchos with 9:31 to go. But the comeback effort ran out of gas and UCO countered with an 8-0 run to push the lead back to 20 and put the game away.<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/1179990871&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-814667509/12-17-2021-fhsu-men-bb-vs-cen-oklahoma-highlights" title="Fort Hays State MBB vs. Central Oklahoma Highlights (Dec 17, 2021)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State MBB vs. Central Oklahoma Highlights (Dec 17, 2021)</a></div></div>Hammeke remained hot throughout the contest, burying a career-high eight 3-point field goals. He shot 11-of-18 overall from the field and finished with 30 points, providing exactly half of the Tiger scoring effort. He was 8-of-12 beyond the arc, coming up just one 3-point field goal shy of tying the FHSU record of nine in a game held by Geoff Eck and Rodney Malloy. His 30 points was just two shy of his career high of 32 that he scored in an overtime win at Missouri Southern last season. Hammeke has had over 20 points in the last three contests. Hammeke was the only Tiger to score in double figures.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6468">Jared Vitztum</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6470">Nyjee Wright</a>&nbsp;each had eight and Vitztum pulled down a team-high eight rebounds. Isaiah Wade led the UCO scoring effort with 21 points, while Camryn Givens had 16 and Callen Haydon and Jaden Wells each had 12. Wells and Givens each had a team-best seven rebounds, while Haydon provided a team-high seven assists. The Bronchos cooled a bit in the second half, but still managed to shoot 55.6 percent overall for the game and 50 percent beyond the 3-point line. The Tigers look to rebound from the setback against Newman University on Sunday. Tipoff is set for 4 pm inside Gross Memorial Coliseum, which follows the women's contest at 2 pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

🏀 Hammeke goes for 30 in Tigers loss to Central Oklahoma

Hays High hit the road for the first time in the basketball season. Their first trip was the longest trip of the season with a destination ending in Liberal.

Turnovers doomed Hays in the first half for Friday night's matchup. The Indians trailed 6-0 before getting a basket with 4:25 left in the quarter. Hays trailed 8-4 and had the ball but turned it over and then couldn't rebound a free throw miss that led to a Redskin three pointer for an 11-4 score.&nbsp;

Liberal went on a 25-8 run building a 21 point lead at 33-12. Freshman Katie Linenberger scored the last five points of the half to close the gap down to 33-17 at halftime.

Hays cut their 23 first half turnovers down to 10 in the second half but could not draw much closer than 16. Liberal outscored Hays 29-22 in the second half for a 62-39 win.

Hays was led by Carly Lang's 10 points. The Indians fall to 2-3 and 0-1 in the Western Athletic Conference. Liberal improves to 4-1 and opens the conference standings at 1-0.&nbsp;

Hays is off until January 4th when they travel to Pratt.

Hays trailed 2-1 in the first minute of the game. It would be the only time they trailed the entire night. Jordan Dale gave the Indians a 3-2 lead and Carson Kieffer scored 12 first quarter points to push Hays to a 22-4 lead by quarter break.

Jace Linenberger took over in the second quarter scoring 10 of his 14 points. Linenberger had a double-double by halftime with 12 points and 10 rebounds. The Indians' advantage swelled to 45-12 at halftime.

Hays led by 40 at the end of three quarter and won by the same margin 73-33. Eleven players saw the floor and ten scored.

Kieffer scored a game high 16, all in the first half. Linenberger posted 14 points and 11 rebounds.&nbsp;

Hays improves to 4-1 and starts WAC play at 1-0. Liberal drops to 2-3 and 0-1. The Indians are off until January 4th when they travel to Pratt.

Hays High hit the road for the first time in the basketball season. Their first trip was the longest trip of the season with a destination ending in Liberal.Girls Hays 39 - Liberal 62Turnovers doomed Hays in the first half for Friday night's matchup. The Indians trailed 6-0 before getting a basket with 4:25 left in the quarter. Hays trailed 8-4 and had the ball but turned it over and then couldn't rebound a free throw miss that led to a Redskin three pointer for an 11-4 score.&nbsp;Liberal went on a 25-8 run building a 21 point lead at 33-12. Freshman Katie Linenberger scored the last five points of the half to close the gap down to 33-17 at halftime.Highlights<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/1179978391&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&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-814667509/12-17-21-hhs-wbb-vs-liberal-highlights" title="12 - 17 - 21 HHS WBB Vs Liberal Highlights" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">12 - 17 - 21 HHS WBB Vs Liberal Highlights</a></div></div>Hays cut their 23 first half turnovers down to 10 in the second half but could not draw much closer than 16. Liberal outscored Hays 29-22 in the second half for a 62-39 win.Coach Len Melvin<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/1179978379&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&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-814667509/12-17-21-hhs-wbb-coach-len-melvin-interview" title="12 - 17 - 21 HHS WBB Coach Len Melvin Interview" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">12 - 17 - 21 HHS WBB Coach Len Melvin Interview</a></div></div>Hays was led by Carly Lang's 10 points. The Indians fall to 2-3 and 0-1 in the Western Athletic Conference. Liberal improves to 4-1 and opens the conference standings at 1-0.&nbsp;Hays is off until January 4th when they travel to Pratt.Boys #9 Hays 73 - Liberal 33Hays trailed 2-1 in the first minute of the game. It would be the only time they trailed the entire night. Jordan Dale gave the Indians a 3-2 lead and Carson Kieffer scored 12 first quarter points to push Hays to a 22-4 lead by quarter break.Jace Linenberger took over in the second quarter scoring 10 of his 14 points. Linenberger had a double-double by halftime with 12 points and 10 rebounds. The Indians' advantage swelled to 45-12 at halftime.Highlights<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/1179978361&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&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-814667509/12-17-21-hhs-mbb-vs-liberal-highlights" title="12 - 17 - 21 HHS MBB Vs Liberal Highlights" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">12 - 17 - 21 HHS MBB Vs Liberal Highlights</a></div></div>Hays led by 40 at the end of three quarter and won by the same margin 73-33. Eleven players saw the floor and ten scored.Kieffer scored a game high 16, all in the first half. Linenberger posted 14 points and 11 rebounds.&nbsp;Coach Alex Hutchins<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/1179978361&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&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-814667509/12-17-21-hhs-mbb-vs-liberal-highlights" title="12 - 17 - 21 HHS MBB Vs Liberal Highlights" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">12 - 17 - 21 HHS MBB Vs Liberal Highlights</a></div></div>Hays improves to 4-1 and starts WAC play at 1-0. Liberal drops to 2-3 and 0-1. The Indians are off until January 4th when they travel to Pratt.

🏀 Hays basketball splits in Liberal

HAYS – The TMP-Marian Lady Monarchs led wire-to-wire and had
three players score in double-figures as they closed out the pre-holiday
portion of their schedule with a 75-39 win over Stockton.

Sophia Balthazor scored the first field goal of the game for
TMP (4-2, 3-0 MCL)` and Kassidi Yost put TMP up 4-0. 

Stockton’s&nbsp; Olivia Dix closed the gap to two with her first
field goal of the game for the Tigers (0-6, 0-3 MCL) to make it a 4-2 TMP lead, and that was as close as the
game would be the rest of the way.

The Monarchs answered with a 19-4 run to end the first
quarter and led 23-6 after one.

Balthazor scored 11 of her career-high 28 points in the
opening frame.

The second quarter was more of the same for the Monarchs. 

They opened the second period on a 15-4 run to lead 38-10
and they took a 43-18 lead into the halftime break thanks to a Megan Hamel
three at the end of the first half.

The third quarter was Yost’s turn to lead the was
offensively, scoring nine of her 11 points in the third period. 

Hamel knocked in another three-pointer at the end of the
third quarter to put TMP up 70-29. 

With the running clock in the fourth quarter TMP secured a
75-39 victory, their third in-a-row.

Balthazor knocked in four three-pointers for a third
straight game and led all scorers with 28 points.

Emilee Lane added 13 points and eight rebounds and Kassidi
Yost chipped in 11 points.

The Monarchs are off until Friday, Jan. 7 against Sacred Heart.

HAYS – The TMP-Marian Lady Monarchs led wire-to-wire and had
three players score in double-figures as they closed out the pre-holiday
portion of their schedule with a 75-39 win over Stockton.<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/1179966463&color=%23294b71&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-814667509/12-17-21-tmp-girls-coach-int" title="12 - 17 - 21 TMP coach Rose McFarland" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">12 - 17 - 21 TMP coach Rose McFarland</a></div></div>Sophia Balthazor scored the first field goal of the game for
TMP (4-2, 3-0 MCL)` and Kassidi Yost put TMP up 4-0. Stockton’s&nbsp; Olivia Dix closed the gap to two with her first
field goal of the game for the Tigers (0-6, 0-3 MCL) to make it a 4-2 TMP lead, and that was as close as the
game would be the rest of the way.The Monarchs answered with a 19-4 run to end the first
quarter and led 23-6 after one.Balthazor scored 11 of her career-high 28 points in the
opening frame.The second quarter was more of the same for the Monarchs. They opened the second period on a 15-4 run to lead 38-10
and they took a 43-18 lead into the halftime break thanks to a Megan Hamel
three at the end of the first half.The third quarter was Yost’s turn to lead the was
offensively, scoring nine of her 11 points in the third period. Hamel knocked in another three-pointer at the end of the
third quarter to put TMP up 70-29. With the running clock in the fourth quarter TMP secured a
75-39 victory, their third in-a-row.<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/1179966421&color=%23294b71&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-814667509/12-17-21-tmp-girls-highlights" title="12 - 17 - 21 TMP Girls Highlights vs Stockton" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">12 - 17 - 21 TMP Girls Highlights vs Stockton</a></div></div>Balthazor knocked in four three-pointers for a third
straight game and led all scorers with 28 points.Emilee Lane added 13 points and eight rebounds and Kassidi
Yost chipped in 11 points.The Monarchs are off until Friday, Jan. 7 against Sacred Heart.

🏀TMP girls cruise to win over Stockton

HAYS, Kan. - The fifth-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team used a dominant third quarter to rally and defeat Central Oklahoma Friday evening&nbsp; inside Gross Memorial Coliseum, 78-71. The Tigers (8-1, 3-1 MIAA) trailed by four at halftime, but a 3-pointer from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6437">Jaden Hobbs</a>&nbsp;two-and-a-half minutes into the third quarter put FHSU in front for good. The Tigers were able to overcome 21 turnovers in the contest, FHSU's most in a game in seven years (2/8/14 at Emporia State). Central Oklahoma (7-4, 3-2 MIAA) nearly matched the Tigers with 20 turnovers of its own.

Both sides turned the ball over six times in the opening frame, leading to a low-scoring opening 10 minutes. The Tigers led by two at the end of the first, 14-12, after five first-quarter points from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6443">Katie Wagner</a>. Fort Hays State hit 7-of-10 from the floor in the second quarter, but seven more Tiger turnovers helped UCO take a 36-32 lead into the locker room. Wagner scored four points in the first 49 seconds of the second half to quickly tie the score before UCO momentarily went back in front with a pair of free throws. A Hobbs 3-pointer sparked a 15-4 Tiger run, helping the Tigers go in front by as many as 12, 54-42. Hollenbeck hit 5-of-7 from the free-throw line and added a pair of layups during the run for nine of her 12 points.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6439">Whitney Randall</a>&nbsp;hit a pair of jumpers back-to-back to build the lead to six before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6447">Lauren West</a>&nbsp;capped off the run with a driving layup.

Central Oklahoma closed within two on multiple occasions in the fourth quarter, but the Tigers had an answer each time to maintain the lead. UCO opened the quarter on a 12-5 run to narrow the gap to 61-59.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6435">Cydney Bergmann</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6443">Katie Wagner</a>&nbsp;helped the Tigers bounce back with a pair of jump shots before the Bronchos again closed within two. West had the response this time, hitting a floater in the lane to give the Tigers a two-possession advantage. The visitors hit a bucket the next trip down to again draw within one score, but a pull-up jumper from Hobbs rattled in with 1:49 to go to keep the Bronchos at bay. Fort Hays State sealed the game at the free-throw line, hitting 9-of-12 over the final 91 seconds to secure the win. Hobbs led the Tigers with 17 points and added five assists. Four other Tiger scored in double figures, giving FHSU five players with more than 10 points for the first time this season. Hollenbeck had her first double-double of the season with 12 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. Wagner totaled 13 points and five rebounds, while West picked up 12 points and four steals. Bergmann was the final Tiger in double figures, scoring a season-high 10 points. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6436">Sydney Golladay</a>&nbsp;scored two points in eight minutes of action in her first game back since suffering a knee injury during the final game of the regular season last February. The Tigers finished the game shooting 45.5 percent from the floor (25-of-55) while holding UCO to a shooting percentage of 37.9 percent (25-of-66). With the teams making the same number of field goals, FHSU made up the difference at the charity stripe. The Tigers hit 24-of-34 from the free-throw line, while the Bronchos managed to make 17-of-21 from the line. Fort Hays State continues conference play Sunday (Dec. 19) when the Tigers host Newman beginning at 2 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639802300495.jpeg" alt="FHSU's Lauren West attempts a shot vs. Central Oklahoma Friday night at Gross Memorial Coliseum (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Nicole Heitmann)" />
 <figcaption>FHSU's Lauren West attempts a shot vs. Central Oklahoma Friday night at Gross Memorial Coliseum (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Nicole Heitmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>HAYS, Kan. - The fifth-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team used a dominant third quarter to rally and defeat Central Oklahoma Friday evening&nbsp; inside Gross Memorial Coliseum, 78-71. The Tigers (8-1, 3-1 MIAA) trailed by four at halftime, but a 3-pointer from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6437">Jaden Hobbs</a>&nbsp;two-and-a-half minutes into the third quarter put FHSU in front for good. The Tigers were able to overcome 21 turnovers in the contest, FHSU's most in a game in seven years (2/8/14 at Emporia State). Central Oklahoma (7-4, 3-2 MIAA) nearly matched the Tigers with 20 turnovers of its own.<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/1179990262&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-814667509/12-17-2021-fhsu-womens-coach-tony-hobson-postgame-interview" title="Tony Hobson Postgame vs. Central Oklahoma (Dec 17, 2021)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Tony Hobson Postgame vs. Central Oklahoma (Dec 17, 2021)</a></div></div>Both sides turned the ball over six times in the opening frame, leading to a low-scoring opening 10 minutes. The Tigers led by two at the end of the first, 14-12, after five first-quarter points from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6443">Katie Wagner</a>. Fort Hays State hit 7-of-10 from the floor in the second quarter, but seven more Tiger turnovers helped UCO take a 36-32 lead into the locker room. Wagner scored four points in the first 49 seconds of the second half to quickly tie the score before UCO momentarily went back in front with a pair of free throws. A Hobbs 3-pointer sparked a 15-4 Tiger run, helping the Tigers go in front by as many as 12, 54-42. Hollenbeck hit 5-of-7 from the free-throw line and added a pair of layups during the run for nine of her 12 points.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6439">Whitney Randall</a>&nbsp;hit a pair of jumpers back-to-back to build the lead to six before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6447">Lauren West</a>&nbsp;capped off the run with a driving layup.<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/1179990676&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-814667509/12-17-2021-fhsu-women-vs-central-oklahoma-highlights" title="#5 Fort Hays State WBB vs. Central Oklahoma Highlights (Dec 17, 2021)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">#5 Fort Hays State WBB vs. Central Oklahoma Highlights (Dec 17, 2021)</a></div></div>Central Oklahoma closed within two on multiple occasions in the fourth quarter, but the Tigers had an answer each time to maintain the lead. UCO opened the quarter on a 12-5 run to narrow the gap to 61-59.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6435">Cydney Bergmann</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6443">Katie Wagner</a>&nbsp;helped the Tigers bounce back with a pair of jump shots before the Bronchos again closed within two. West had the response this time, hitting a floater in the lane to give the Tigers a two-possession advantage. The visitors hit a bucket the next trip down to again draw within one score, but a pull-up jumper from Hobbs rattled in with 1:49 to go to keep the Bronchos at bay. Fort Hays State sealed the game at the free-throw line, hitting 9-of-12 over the final 91 seconds to secure the win. Hobbs led the Tigers with 17 points and added five assists. Four other Tiger scored in double figures, giving FHSU five players with more than 10 points for the first time this season. Hollenbeck had her first double-double of the season with 12 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. Wagner totaled 13 points and five rebounds, while West picked up 12 points and four steals. Bergmann was the final Tiger in double figures, scoring a season-high 10 points. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6436">Sydney Golladay</a>&nbsp;scored two points in eight minutes of action in her first game back since suffering a knee injury during the final game of the regular season last February. The Tigers finished the game shooting 45.5 percent from the floor (25-of-55) while holding UCO to a shooting percentage of 37.9 percent (25-of-66). With the teams making the same number of field goals, FHSU made up the difference at the charity stripe. The Tigers hit 24-of-34 from the free-throw line, while the Bronchos managed to make 17-of-21 from the line. Fort Hays State continues conference play Sunday (Dec. 19) when the Tigers host Newman beginning at 2 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 No. 5 Tiger women rally past Bronchos

The TMP Lady Monarchs close out the pre-holiday portion of their schedule with a MCL matchup against the Stockton Tigers.

The game is scheduled to tipoff at 6:30 p.m. with the boys to follow from Al Billinger Fieldhouse.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/337022">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

The TMP Lady Monarchs close out the pre-holiday portion of their schedule with a MCL matchup against the Stockton Tigers.The game is scheduled to tipoff at 6:30 p.m. with the boys to follow from Al Billinger Fieldhouse.Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/337022">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/337022?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏀🎥 WATCH LIVE Thomas More Prep-Marian vs Stockton

The Hays High Indians are on the road Friday night as they open Western Athletic Conference play in Liberal.

The girls game will tipoff at approximately 6:30 with the boys to follow at about 8:15 from Liberal High School.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/337021">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

The Hays High Indians are on the road Friday night as they open Western Athletic Conference play in Liberal.The girls game will tipoff at approximately 6:30 with the boys to follow at about 8:15 from Liberal High School.Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/337021">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/337021?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏀🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays High at Liberal

Central Oklahoma (7-2, 3-1 MIAA) at Fort Hays State (8-0, 3-0 MIAA) Friday, December 17 - 7:30 pm Hays, Kan. - Gross Memorial Coliseum Game Sponsor:&nbsp;Riverside Chiropractic National Anthem:&nbsp;Carter Muehleisen Promotion:&nbsp;FHSU Faculty/Staff Appreciation Halftime Performance:&nbsp;Tiger Debs Radio: KJLS (103.3-FM|)

<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KJLS">LISTEN LIVE</a> Fort Hays State Men's Basketball will face another strong challenge at home on Friday night (Dec. 17) when Central Oklahoma comes to Gross Memorial Coliseum. The undefeated Tigers (8-0, 3-0 MIAA) look to slow the MIAA's top scoring attack as the Bronchos enter at 7-2 overall, 3-1 in the MIAA. FHSU moved into the D2SIDA Top 25 this week, holding a national ranking of No. 23 in the poll, while it received the most votes of any team outside the NABC Top 25. This game pits the nation's best scoring defense in Fort Hays State against the MIAA's best scoring offense in Central Oklahoma. The Tigers are allowing only 53.3 points per game this season and have held all but one of their opponents under 60 points this season. The Tigers are also among the top 10 nationally in field goal percentage defense (2nd) and 3-point field goal percentage defense (8th). They are allowing teams to shoot just 36.1 percent overall and 26.5 percent beyond the arc. In home games so far this season, FHSU is allowing just 48.7 points per game. Central Oklahoma on the other hand averages 84.9 points per game and has scored at least 75 points in all but one game this season, that being an 86-65 loss at Midwestern State (Texas). UCO scored 75 points in its other loss, beat on a last-second tip in against Missouri Southern. The Bronchos have done the majority of their high scoring at home, where they are 6-0 this season averaging 90.8 points per game inside Hamilton Field House, but hold just a 1-2 away record averaging just 73 points per game away from home. The Tigers have done the conference's best defense vs. the conference's best offense matchup once already this season when Emporia State led the MIAA in scoring offense. The Hornets entered averaging 84.6 points and finished with 76 in a game the Tigers won by two in overtime. Both teams scored 69 points in regulation. It was the only game so far this season the Tigers won by less than 10 points. Fort Hays State is in the D2SIDA Top 25 for the first time since the 2015-16 season. That year, the Tigers held a No. 24 ranking in the poll for a week before dropping out. That was the only time the Tigers were in the D2SIDA Top 25, a poll that has only been in existence since the 2014-15 season. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6468">Jared Vitztum</a>&nbsp;is averaging a double-double for the season at 14.9 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. He has four double-doubles to his credit this season after leading Division II in double-doubles during the regular season in 2020-21.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6460">Kaleb Hammeke</a>&nbsp;is averaging 14.1 points per game and a team-best 3.4 assists per game.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6470">Nyjee Wright</a>&nbsp;is also averaging double figures at 11.6 points per game.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6472">Geoff Hamperian</a>&nbsp;is the top scorer off the bench for the Tigers at 8.0 points per game. Central Oklahoma has four players averaging better than 12 points per game. Camryn Givens and Isaiah Wade lead the way at 17.9 points per game each. Wade is the second-best rebounder in the MIAA behind Vitztum of FHSU, averaging 9.9 per game. Jaden Wells (13.4) and Callen Haydon (12.4) also average double figures in scoring for the Bronchos.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639697355783.jpeg" alt="FHSU's Traejon Davis (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Nicole Heitmann)" />
 <figcaption>FHSU's Traejon Davis (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Nicole Heitmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>Central Oklahoma (7-2, 3-1 MIAA) at Fort Hays State (8-0, 3-0 MIAA) Friday, December 17 - 7:30 pm Hays, Kan. - Gross Memorial Coliseum Game Sponsor:&nbsp;Riverside Chiropractic National Anthem:&nbsp;Carter Muehleisen Promotion:&nbsp;FHSU Faculty/Staff Appreciation Halftime Performance:&nbsp;Tiger Debs Radio: KJLS (103.3-FM|)<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KJLS">LISTEN LIVE</a> Fort Hays State Men's Basketball will face another strong challenge at home on Friday night (Dec. 17) when Central Oklahoma comes to Gross Memorial Coliseum. The undefeated Tigers (8-0, 3-0 MIAA) look to slow the MIAA's top scoring attack as the Bronchos enter at 7-2 overall, 3-1 in the MIAA. FHSU moved into the D2SIDA Top 25 this week, holding a national ranking of No. 23 in the poll, while it received the most votes of any team outside the NABC Top 25. This game pits the nation's best scoring defense in Fort Hays State against the MIAA's best scoring offense in Central Oklahoma. The Tigers are allowing only 53.3 points per game this season and have held all but one of their opponents under 60 points this season. The Tigers are also among the top 10 nationally in field goal percentage defense (2nd) and 3-point field goal percentage defense (8th). They are allowing teams to shoot just 36.1 percent overall and 26.5 percent beyond the arc. In home games so far this season, FHSU is allowing just 48.7 points per game. Central Oklahoma on the other hand averages 84.9 points per game and has scored at least 75 points in all but one game this season, that being an 86-65 loss at Midwestern State (Texas). UCO scored 75 points in its other loss, beat on a last-second tip in against Missouri Southern. The Bronchos have done the majority of their high scoring at home, where they are 6-0 this season averaging 90.8 points per game inside Hamilton Field House, but hold just a 1-2 away record averaging just 73 points per game away from home. The Tigers have done the conference's best defense vs. the conference's best offense matchup once already this season when Emporia State led the MIAA in scoring offense. The Hornets entered averaging 84.6 points and finished with 76 in a game the Tigers won by two in overtime. Both teams scored 69 points in regulation. It was the only game so far this season the Tigers won by less than 10 points. Fort Hays State is in the D2SIDA Top 25 for the first time since the 2015-16 season. That year, the Tigers held a No. 24 ranking in the poll for a week before dropping out. That was the only time the Tigers were in the D2SIDA Top 25, a poll that has only been in existence since the 2014-15 season. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6468">Jared Vitztum</a>&nbsp;is averaging a double-double for the season at 14.9 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. He has four double-doubles to his credit this season after leading Division II in double-doubles during the regular season in 2020-21.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6460">Kaleb Hammeke</a>&nbsp;is averaging 14.1 points per game and a team-best 3.4 assists per game.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6470">Nyjee Wright</a>&nbsp;is also averaging double figures at 11.6 points per game.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6472">Geoff Hamperian</a>&nbsp;is the top scorer off the bench for the Tigers at 8.0 points per game. Central Oklahoma has four players averaging better than 12 points per game. Camryn Givens and Isaiah Wade lead the way at 17.9 points per game each. Wade is the second-best rebounder in the MIAA behind Vitztum of FHSU, averaging 9.9 per game. Jaden Wells (13.4) and Callen Haydon (12.4) also average double figures in scoring for the Bronchos.&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

🏀📻 LISTEN - Tiger men face potent UCO team Friday

No. 5/14 Fort Hays State (7-1, 2-1&nbsp;MIAA) vs. Central Oklahoma (7-3, 3-1 MIAA) Friday, December 17, 2021 • 5:30 p.m. Hays, Kan. • Gross Memorial Coliseum Game Sponsor:&nbsp;Riverside Chiropractic National Anthem:&nbsp;Carter Muehleisen Promotions:&nbsp;FHSU Faculty/Staff Appreciation Halftime Performance:&nbsp;Tiger Debs Radio: KJLS (103.3-FM)

<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KJLS">LISTEN LIVE</a> The fifth-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team opens a stretch of three games in four days Friday (Dec. 17) when the Tigers host Central Oklahoma. First tip between the Tigers (7-1, 2-1 MIAA) and Bronchos&nbsp;(7-3, 3-1 MIAA) is slated for 5:30 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum. Fort Hays State is looking to bounce back after dropping its first game of the season last weekend, while the Bronchos head into Friday on a three-game winning streak. The Tigers have not lost back-to-back games at home since January 2011. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6443">Katie Wagner</a>&nbsp;continues to lead the Tigers in scoring (17.6 ppg) and rebounding (10.9 rpg). She is one of five Tigers averaging at least 12.0 points at home this year, with Wagner (15.8 ppg),&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6438">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;(14.0),&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6439">Whitney Randall</a>&nbsp;(12.0),&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6437">Jaden Hobbs</a>&nbsp;(12.0) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6447">Lauren West</a>&nbsp;(12.0) all scoring in double figures inside Gross Memorial Coliseum this season. Hollenbeck has hit 62.3 percent from the floor this season (38-of-61), helping the Tigers to a team shooting percentage of 43.7 percent, fourth-best in the MIAA. FHSU leads the conference in rebounding margin, with the Tigers grabbing an average of eight more rebounds than their opponents on a nightly basis. Hobbs has played four games against the Bronchos and has scored in double figures each time. The Alva, Okla. native averages 14.5 points and 4.8 assists against UCO. Hollenbeck nearly averaged one point per minute in her last appearance against the Bronchos, scoring 18 points in 19 minutes in a 73-58 Tiger victory last season in Hays (2/6/21). Friday will be Randall's 131st game as a Tiger. She ranks fifth on the DII active player list in games played. Fort Hays State holds a 14-5 edge in the all-time series, including wins in each of the last three meetings and victories in six of the last seven contests. The teams split a home-and-home series late in FHSU's NAIA era (1989-90) before resuming the series in 2013 when UCO joined the MIAA. The Black and Gold are 9-1 against the Bronchos in Hays.&nbsp;The Tigers are 13-4 against UCO under Hobson and 8-1 in games played in Hays. The Bronchos have played well at home this season, winning all for games, but are just 3-3 away from Hamilton Field House so far this year. UCO leads the MIAA in both rebounds (41.2 per game) and assists (17.3 per game). The Bronchos are scoring 73.0 points per game but allowing 67.1 points per game, fourth-most in the MIAA. Kelsey Johnson leads the nation with eight double-doubles in 10 games so far this year. She is third in the league in scoring (19.4 ppg) and second in rebounding (11.0). Alayzha Knapp is the only other Broncho scoring in double figures on a nightly basis, averaging right at 10.0 ppg. Head coach Guy Hardaker is in his 16th year at the helm and holds a record of 288-161.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639697107931.jpeg" alt="FHSU's Lauren West (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Nicole Hietmann)" />
 <figcaption>FHSU's Lauren West (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Nicole Hietmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>No. 5/14 Fort Hays State (7-1, 2-1&nbsp;MIAA) vs. Central Oklahoma (7-3, 3-1 MIAA) Friday, December 17, 2021 • 5:30 p.m. Hays, Kan. • Gross Memorial Coliseum Game Sponsor:&nbsp;Riverside Chiropractic National Anthem:&nbsp;Carter Muehleisen Promotions:&nbsp;FHSU Faculty/Staff Appreciation Halftime Performance:&nbsp;Tiger Debs Radio: KJLS (103.3-FM)<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KJLS">LISTEN LIVE</a> The fifth-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team opens a stretch of three games in four days Friday (Dec. 17) when the Tigers host Central Oklahoma. First tip between the Tigers (7-1, 2-1 MIAA) and Bronchos&nbsp;(7-3, 3-1 MIAA) is slated for 5:30 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum. Fort Hays State is looking to bounce back after dropping its first game of the season last weekend, while the Bronchos head into Friday on a three-game winning streak. The Tigers have not lost back-to-back games at home since January 2011. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6443">Katie Wagner</a>&nbsp;continues to lead the Tigers in scoring (17.6 ppg) and rebounding (10.9 rpg). She is one of five Tigers averaging at least 12.0 points at home this year, with Wagner (15.8 ppg),&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6438">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;(14.0),&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6439">Whitney Randall</a>&nbsp;(12.0),&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6437">Jaden Hobbs</a>&nbsp;(12.0) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6447">Lauren West</a>&nbsp;(12.0) all scoring in double figures inside Gross Memorial Coliseum this season. Hollenbeck has hit 62.3 percent from the floor this season (38-of-61), helping the Tigers to a team shooting percentage of 43.7 percent, fourth-best in the MIAA. FHSU leads the conference in rebounding margin, with the Tigers grabbing an average of eight more rebounds than their opponents on a nightly basis. Hobbs has played four games against the Bronchos and has scored in double figures each time. The Alva, Okla. native averages 14.5 points and 4.8 assists against UCO. Hollenbeck nearly averaged one point per minute in her last appearance against the Bronchos, scoring 18 points in 19 minutes in a 73-58 Tiger victory last season in Hays (2/6/21). Friday will be Randall's 131st game as a Tiger. She ranks fifth on the DII active player list in games played. Fort Hays State holds a 14-5 edge in the all-time series, including wins in each of the last three meetings and victories in six of the last seven contests. The teams split a home-and-home series late in FHSU's NAIA era (1989-90) before resuming the series in 2013 when UCO joined the MIAA. The Black and Gold are 9-1 against the Bronchos in Hays.&nbsp;The Tigers are 13-4 against UCO under Hobson and 8-1 in games played in Hays. The Bronchos have played well at home this season, winning all for games, but are just 3-3 away from Hamilton Field House so far this year. UCO leads the MIAA in both rebounds (41.2 per game) and assists (17.3 per game). The Bronchos are scoring 73.0 points per game but allowing 67.1 points per game, fourth-most in the MIAA. Kelsey Johnson leads the nation with eight double-doubles in 10 games so far this year. She is third in the league in scoring (19.4 ppg) and second in rebounding (11.0). Alayzha Knapp is the only other Broncho scoring in double figures on a nightly basis, averaging right at 10.0 ppg. Head coach Guy Hardaker is in his 16th year at the helm and holds a record of 288-161.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀📻 LISTEN - No. 5 Tiger women battle Bronchos Friday

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Travis Kelce scored on a 34-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes in overtime and the Kansas City Chiefs rallied for a 34-28 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night.

Kelce caught a tying 7-yard touchdown pass with 1:16 left in the fourth quarter, then ended the game with his catch-and-run in overtime. On first-and-10, Kelce pulled in Mahomes' pass at the 30 and eluded two tackles en route to the end zone, where he was swarmed by teammates.

“Everybody is talking about him losing a step, he looked fast to me,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said after the 32-year-old Kelce had 10 receptions for a career-best 191 yards and two touchdowns.

Mahomes finished 31 of 47 for a season-high 410 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Kelce had been held to six total receptions the past two games, but he broke out in a big way. He had five catches for 142 yards in the fourth quarter and overtime.

“After three catches the past two games, I knew I could do a better job of working him into the mix. We threw a couple new things in there and it worked out OK,” Reid said. “His endurance down the stretch for an elder statesman — he’s not over the hill — his acceleration is something.”

Justin Herbert gave the Chargers a 28-21 lead with 2:19 remaining on a 8-yard TD pass to Keenan Allen.

Los Angeles' defeat came after a terrifying injury to tight end Donald Parham. The 24-year-old appeared to lose consciousness after slamming his head on the turf in the first quarter. He was helped off on a stretcher and taken to a hospital, where the team said he is in stable condition.

Tyreek Hill had 12 receptions for 148 yards and a TD for the Chiefs, who have won seven straight to improve to 10-4 and remain on top of the AFC West. Hill's 1-yard touchdown and a 2-point conversion tied the game at 21 in the fourth quarter — that score was set up by Kelce's 69-yard catch.

It is the second straight season the Chiefs have come to the Chargers’ Hollywood Park home and won in overtime.

Herbert threw two touchdowns and ran for another score, but the Chargers (8-6) came up empty on three red-zone drives. Herbert completed 22 of 38 passes for 236 yards and an interception.

“I really liked the way we managed the entire game tonight. It didn’t go down for us today, but we gave ourselves an opportunity. We just didn’t finish the game off defensively,” Chargers coach Brandon Staley said.

The Chargers fell behind 10-0 early in the second quarter before scoring on two straight drives to take a 14-10 lead at halftime. Herbert scored on a 1-yard keeper off left end and then connected with Jalen Guyton for a 4-yard TD on the next drive.

The Chiefs benefited off Chargers' mistakes for their first 10 points. After Los Angeles turned it over on downs, Kansas City went 95 yards in 11 plays, culminating in Michael Burton's 7-yard run up the middle.

The Chiefs then turned Anthony Hitchens' interception of Herbert into points on Harrison Butker's 30-yard field goal.

Chargers running back Austin Ekeler scored a touchdown for the sixth straight game with a 2-yard run off left end to extend their lead to 21-13 early in the fourth quarter. The TD came after Uchenna Nwosu tipped Mahomes' screen pass intended for Clyde Edwards-Helaire at the KC 4 and returned it 2 yards.

It is the third time since 1994 a Chargers player has reached the end zone in at least six consecutive games. LaDainian Tomlinson had a seven-game streak in 2004 and Natrone Means had a six-game run in 1994.

Parham was being evaluated for a head injury at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.

Parham got his hands on a 5-yard pass from Herbert in the back of the end zone on fourth-and-goal, but he dropped the ball when the back of his head hit the ground. A camera zoomed on his face showed his eyes closed and his mouth open. A teammate briefly tried to move Parham’s left arm, but it was frozen in a bent position.

Trainers and medical personnel removed Parham’s facemask from his helmet and placed him on a backboard. The 24-year-old’s arms were shaking as he was wheeled off while concerned players from both teams watched.

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Travis Kelce scored on a 34-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes in overtime and the Kansas City Chiefs rallied for a 34-28 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night.Kelce caught a tying 7-yard touchdown pass with 1:16 left in the fourth quarter, then ended the game with his catch-and-run in overtime. On first-and-10, Kelce pulled in Mahomes' pass at the 30 and eluded two tackles en route to the end zone, where he was swarmed by teammates.“Everybody is talking about him losing a step, he looked fast to me,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said after the 32-year-old Kelce had 10 receptions for a career-best 191 yards and two touchdowns.Mahomes finished 31 of 47 for a season-high 410 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Kelce had been held to six total receptions the past two games, but he broke out in a big way. He had five catches for 142 yards in the fourth quarter and overtime.“After three catches the past two games, I knew I could do a better job of working him into the mix. We threw a couple new things in there and it worked out OK,” Reid said. “His endurance down the stretch for an elder statesman — he’s not over the hill — his acceleration is something.”Justin Herbert gave the Chargers a 28-21 lead with 2:19 remaining on a 8-yard TD pass to Keenan Allen.Los Angeles' defeat came after a terrifying injury to tight end Donald Parham. The 24-year-old appeared to lose consciousness after slamming his head on the turf in the first quarter. He was helped off on a stretcher and taken to a hospital, where the team said he is in stable condition.Tyreek Hill had 12 receptions for 148 yards and a TD for the Chiefs, who have won seven straight to improve to 10-4 and remain on top of the AFC West. Hill's 1-yard touchdown and a 2-point conversion tied the game at 21 in the fourth quarter — that score was set up by Kelce's 69-yard catch.It is the second straight season the Chiefs have come to the Chargers’ Hollywood Park home and won in overtime.Herbert threw two touchdowns and ran for another score, but the Chargers (8-6) came up empty on three red-zone drives. Herbert completed 22 of 38 passes for 236 yards and an interception.“I really liked the way we managed the entire game tonight. It didn’t go down for us today, but we gave ourselves an opportunity. We just didn’t finish the game off defensively,” Chargers coach Brandon Staley said.The Chargers fell behind 10-0 early in the second quarter before scoring on two straight drives to take a 14-10 lead at halftime. Herbert scored on a 1-yard keeper off left end and then connected with Jalen Guyton for a 4-yard TD on the next drive.The Chiefs benefited off Chargers' mistakes for their first 10 points. After Los Angeles turned it over on downs, Kansas City went 95 yards in 11 plays, culminating in Michael Burton's 7-yard run up the middle.The Chiefs then turned Anthony Hitchens' interception of Herbert into points on Harrison Butker's 30-yard field goal.SIX STRAIGHT FOR EKELERChargers running back Austin Ekeler scored a touchdown for the sixth straight game with a 2-yard run off left end to extend their lead to 21-13 early in the fourth quarter. The TD came after Uchenna Nwosu tipped Mahomes' screen pass intended for Clyde Edwards-Helaire at the KC 4 and returned it 2 yards.It is the third time since 1994 a Chargers player has reached the end zone in at least six consecutive games. LaDainian Tomlinson had a seven-game streak in 2004 and Natrone Means had a six-game run in 1994.SCARY MOMENTParham was being evaluated for a head injury at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.Parham got his hands on a 5-yard pass from Herbert in the back of the end zone on fourth-and-goal, but he dropped the ball when the back of his head hit the ground. A camera zoomed on his face showed his eyes closed and his mouth open. A teammate briefly tried to move Parham’s left arm, but it was frozen in a bent position.Trainers and medical personnel removed Parham’s facemask from his helmet and placed him on a backboard. The 24-year-old’s arms were shaking as he was wheeled off while concerned players from both teams watched.RED ZONE WOESThe Chargers could have had at least a 20-10 lead at halftime had coach Brandon Staley opted for a field goal instead of going for it on fourth down. Andre Roberts took the opening kickoff 75 yards and Los Angeles drove to the 5 before turning it over on downs on four straight incompletions by Herbert.The Chargers could have kicked a field goal on the last play of the first half, but Herbert couldn't connect with Allen on fourth-and-goal from the 1.Early in the fourth quarter, Los Angeles had second-and-goal, but Ben Niemann recovered Joshua Kelley's fumble at the 2.The Chiefs also were not immune to red-zone failures. They were down 14-13 and had fourth-and-goal at the 2 when Mahomes' pass to Mecole Hardman was incomplete.INJURIESChargers: S Derwin James aggravated a hamstring injury during the third quarter.UP NEXTChiefs: Host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 26.Chargers: Travel to the Houston Texans on Dec. 26.