LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Fort Hays State defensive lineman Myles Menges&nbsp;was named one of 14 finalists from NCAA Division II for the annual Cliff Harris Award. The award is given to the top small college defensive player in the country at the NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA levels. Starting last year, winners from all three levels are selected for the award instead of only one award given to just one individual combining all three levels.

Menges, the 2024 MIAA Defensive Player of the Year, is the fifth Tiger defensive player under head coach Chris Brown's tenure to be named a finalist for the Cliff Harris Award. Menges joins Brock Long (2015), Sie Doe, Jr. (2016), Nathan Shepherd (2017), and Jose Delgado (2018) as Fort Hays State players to be named finalists for this annual award, which began in 2013. Doe, Shepherd, Delgado, and Menges all earned MIAA Defensive Player of the Year honors in the year they were selected as finalists for the Cliff Harris Award. Shepherd was the closest to winning the award, tying as the top vote getter from NCAA Division II in 2017.

Menges was the MIAA Defensive Player of the Year in 2024. He finished the season with 27 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. His most impressive stat was 11 pass breakups by batting down several passes at the line of scrimmage. He led all defensive linemen in NCAA Division II by a landslide, the only one to reach double figures, and it ranked 16th nationally all behind defensive backs, which dominate the category. Menges finished his FHSU career with 182 tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, 2 interceptions, 23 pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.

The winner of the Cliff Harris Award for NCAA Division II is selected by the Cliff Harris Award committee, which includes Pro Football Hall of Famer, Cliff Harris. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, January 7th, 2025.

Below are the finalists for the award from NCAA Division II. Benari Black - Sr, LB, Johnson C. Smith (N.C.) Peyton Buckley - Sr, DB, Augustana (S.D.) Micah Cretsinger - Sr, DB, Saginaw Valley State (Mich.) Jamair Diaz - So, DL, Glenville State (W.Va.) Larry Elder - Gr, DB, Valdosta State (Ga.) Marquise Fleming - Gr, DL, Wingate (N.C.) Ricky Freymond - Jr, DL, Western Colorado Cam Hollobaugh - Jr, LB, Walsh (Ohio) Josiah Johnson - Sr, S, Ouachita Baptist (Ark.) Dion Kuinlan - Gr, DB, Assumption (Mass.) Myles Menges&nbsp;- Gr, DL, Fort Hays State (Kan.) Clay Schulte - Sr, LB, University of Indianapolis Tanner Volk - Sr- S, Central Washington Lashon Young - Fr, DB, Miles (Ala.)

About the Cliff Harris Award:&nbsp;The Cliff Harris Award is an annual recognition program dedicated to celebrating exceptional defensive players in small college football. Named after Pro Football Hall of Famer Cliff Harris, the award acknowledges players who exhibit excellence on the field. The winners from each division are honored in the spring with an all expenses paid trip and VIP tour of 'The Star' in Frisco, TX alongside Cliff. There, they get a one of a kind, behind the scenes look at the most valuable and recognizable sports franchise in the world.

The Trophy: One of the most unique awards in all of college football, the Cliff Harris Award trophy stands almost two-feet tall and weighs 35 pounds. A rare two-figurine sports action bronze sculpture, the Cliff Harris Award represents an actual tackle by NFL Hall of Fame and Dallas Cowboy great Cliff Harris, against Harold Jackson of the Los Angeles Rams. What makes this trophy truly exceptional is its intricate design, showcasing extreme angles and attachment points that secure the two bronze players to a three-tier walnut wood base, setting it apart from any other trophy in all levels of college football. Crafted from fourteen distinct bronze pieces, its assembly process ranks among the most intricate and complex in sports awards. Every winner from DII, DIII and NAIA will receive their own Cliff Harris Award trophy. Sculpted by Raymond Gibby and designed by David Bazzel, this trophy embodies excellence in both craftsmanship and football achievement.

Past Winners 2023: NCAA Division II - Tanner Volk, DB, Central Washington / NCAA Division III - Owen Grover, LB, Wartburg College / NAIA - Tristin Waugh, DL, Grand View University (First year of a winner for all 3 levels) 2022: Caleb Murphy, DL, Ferris State (NCAA Division II) 2021: Sam Roberts, DL, Northwest Missouri State (NCAA Division II) 2019: Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir-Rhyne (NCAA Division II) 2018: Corey Ballentine, DB, Washburn (NCAA Division II) 2017: Michael Joseph, DB, University of Dubuque (NCAA Division III) 2016: Connor Harris, LB, Lindenwood (NCAA Division II) 2015: Marqui Christian, S, Midwestern State (NCAA Division II) 2014: Darius Allen, DL, CSU-Pueblo (NCAA Division II) 2013: Pierre Desir, CB, Lindenwood (NCAA Division II)

Cliff Harris Award Social Media Facebook: Facebook.com/CliffHarrisAward Twitter (X): @CliffHarrisAwdInstagram: @TheCliffHarrisAward

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735952065798.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsLITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Fort Hays State defensive lineman Myles Menges&nbsp;was named one of 14 finalists from NCAA Division II for the annual Cliff Harris Award. The award is given to the top small college defensive player in the country at the NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA levels. Starting last year, winners from all three levels are selected for the award instead of only one award given to just one individual combining all three levels.Menges, the 2024 MIAA Defensive Player of the Year, is the fifth Tiger defensive player under head coach Chris Brown's tenure to be named a finalist for the Cliff Harris Award. Menges joins Brock Long (2015), Sie Doe, Jr. (2016), Nathan Shepherd (2017), and Jose Delgado (2018) as Fort Hays State players to be named finalists for this annual award, which began in 2013. Doe, Shepherd, Delgado, and Menges all earned MIAA Defensive Player of the Year honors in the year they were selected as finalists for the Cliff Harris Award. Shepherd was the closest to winning the award, tying as the top vote getter from NCAA Division II in 2017.Menges was the MIAA Defensive Player of the Year in 2024. He finished the season with 27 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. His most impressive stat was 11 pass breakups by batting down several passes at the line of scrimmage. He led all defensive linemen in NCAA Division II by a landslide, the only one to reach double figures, and it ranked 16th nationally all behind defensive backs, which dominate the category. Menges finished his FHSU career with 182 tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, 2 interceptions, 23 pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.The winner of the Cliff Harris Award for NCAA Division II is selected by the Cliff Harris Award committee, which includes Pro Football Hall of Famer, Cliff Harris. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, January 7th, 2025.Below are the finalists for the award from NCAA Division II. Benari Black - Sr, LB, Johnson C. Smith (N.C.) Peyton Buckley - Sr, DB, Augustana (S.D.) Micah Cretsinger - Sr, DB, Saginaw Valley State (Mich.) Jamair Diaz - So, DL, Glenville State (W.Va.) Larry Elder - Gr, DB, Valdosta State (Ga.) Marquise Fleming - Gr, DL, Wingate (N.C.) Ricky Freymond - Jr, DL, Western Colorado Cam Hollobaugh - Jr, LB, Walsh (Ohio) Josiah Johnson - Sr, S, Ouachita Baptist (Ark.) Dion Kuinlan - Gr, DB, Assumption (Mass.) Myles Menges&nbsp;- Gr, DL, Fort Hays State (Kan.) Clay Schulte - Sr, LB, University of Indianapolis Tanner Volk - Sr- S, Central Washington Lashon Young - Fr, DB, Miles (Ala.)About the Cliff Harris Award:&nbsp;The Cliff Harris Award is an annual recognition program dedicated to celebrating exceptional defensive players in small college football. Named after Pro Football Hall of Famer Cliff Harris, the award acknowledges players who exhibit excellence on the field. The winners from each division are honored in the spring with an all expenses paid trip and VIP tour of 'The Star' in Frisco, TX alongside Cliff. There, they get a one of a kind, behind the scenes look at the most valuable and recognizable sports franchise in the world.The Trophy: One of the most unique awards in all of college football, the Cliff Harris Award trophy stands almost two-feet tall and weighs 35 pounds. A rare two-figurine sports action bronze sculpture, the Cliff Harris Award represents an actual tackle by NFL Hall of Fame and Dallas Cowboy great Cliff Harris, against Harold Jackson of the Los Angeles Rams. What makes this trophy truly exceptional is its intricate design, showcasing extreme angles and attachment points that secure the two bronze players to a three-tier walnut wood base, setting it apart from any other trophy in all levels of college football. Crafted from fourteen distinct bronze pieces, its assembly process ranks among the most intricate and complex in sports awards. Every winner from DII, DIII and NAIA will receive their own Cliff Harris Award trophy. Sculpted by Raymond Gibby and designed by David Bazzel, this trophy embodies excellence in both craftsmanship and football achievement.Past Winners 2023: NCAA Division II - Tanner Volk, DB, Central Washington / NCAA Division III - Owen Grover, LB, Wartburg College / NAIA - Tristin Waugh, DL, Grand View University (First year of a winner for all 3 levels) 2022: Caleb Murphy, DL, Ferris State (NCAA Division II) 2021: Sam Roberts, DL, Northwest Missouri State (NCAA Division II) 2019: Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir-Rhyne (NCAA Division II) 2018: Corey Ballentine, DB, Washburn (NCAA Division II) 2017: Michael Joseph, DB, University of Dubuque (NCAA Division III) 2016: Connor Harris, LB, Lindenwood (NCAA Division II) 2015: Marqui Christian, S, Midwestern State (NCAA Division II) 2014: Darius Allen, DL, CSU-Pueblo (NCAA Division II) 2013: Pierre Desir, CB, Lindenwood (NCAA Division II)Cliff Harris Award Social Media Facebook: Facebook.com/CliffHarrisAward Twitter (X): @CliffHarrisAwdInstagram: @TheCliffHarrisAward

🏈 Menges named finalist for Cliff Harris Award

Saturday, January 4
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB at Missouri Western State, 1:05pm

Sunday, January 5
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
UCF, 1:30pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos, 2pm

Friday, January 3 noneSaturday, January 4
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB at Missouri Western State, 1:05pmSunday, January 5
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
UCF, 1:30pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos, 2pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

MARYVILLE, Mo. – Fort Hays State picked up its first win in over a decade Thursday night at Northwest Missouri State by posting its largest win ever in Maryville. The Tigers turned in a dominating defensive effort and won by 19 points, 58-39 over the Bearcats. FHSU moved to 9-3 overall and 2-1 in the MIAA, while NWMSU moved to 3-9 overall and 1-2 in the MIAA.

Fort Hays State picked up its first win in Maryville since the 2012-13 season when it won 64-60. That season, the Tigers went on to claim a share of the MIAA regular season title with Central Missouri. Since then, Northwest Missouri State has won 11-straight MIAA regular season titles. In their over-a-decade long run of conference titles, the Bearcats won eight-straight games over the Tigers in Bearcat Arena until the Tigers snapped the run on Thursday night. FHSU previous largest margin in a win in Maryville was 11 points in a 79-68 win back during the 2008-09 season.

The 39 points scored by the Bearcats were their fewest ever in the all-time series with FHSU, five less than the 44 they scored in a 15-point loss in Hays back in 1949. Researching all-time scores in the NWMSU record book, it was the first time the Bearcats were held under 40 points since the 1959-60 season when they won a one-point decision 39-38 over Southeast Missouri State. It was the first time the Tigers held a team under 40 points since a 65-32 win over Central Christian in 2022. It was the fewest points the Tigers held an opponent to in an MIAA game since 2021-22 when FHSU defeated Lincoln 73-35 in Jefferson City.

Northwest Missouri State is now 0-3 at home so far this season. It is the first time since that 2012-13 season when FHSU won the conference title that the Bearcats have lost at least three games in a season at home. It was the first time NWMSU has lost three-straight games at home since the 2010-11 season, when they lost five straight at home.

The Tigers pulled away methodically in the contest after trailing by five in the early going. FHSU took the lead for good early in the game when Dan Makuna&nbsp;made a basket to push the Tigers in front 9-7. It was part of a 9-0 run that put the Tigers up by six. The first basket of eight-straight points from Kyle Grill&nbsp;pushed the lead into double figures for the first time and FHSU went on to lead by 14 at the half by a score of 32-18.Northwest Missouri brought the lead back inside of 10 points just once in the second half by opening on an 8-3 burst. But, the Tigers countered with a 12-0 run to blow the game open, leading by 21 with 7:27 to play. Muhamed Kante&nbsp;scored six of the final eight points in the run. FHSU held NWMSU scoreless for nearly seven and a half minutes in the run.

The Tigers struggled to score for a little while after their run as the Bearcats battled back within 10 thanks to an 11-0 run, holding FHSU scoreless for just over four minutes. But, that was as close as the Bearcats could get as&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/r-j-crawford/8221">R.J. Crawford</a>&nbsp;snapped the run with a pair of free throws. It started a string of seven-straight points for the Tigers to get the lead back up to 17 before the final margin was 19.

Kaleb Hammeke led the Tigers with 13 points, going 6-of-6 at the free-throw line. Crawford reached double figures as well with 10. Grill provided all eight of his points in his individual burst in the first half. Shaun Riley&nbsp;led the Tigers in rebounds with seven, while Hammeke led in assists with four. The Tigers as a team went 19-of-23 at the charity stripe (82.6 percent). The Tigers had an 11-point advantage at the free-throw line and outscored the Bearcats 17-7 on points off turnovers.

The Tigers held the Bearcats to 27.5 percent shooting percentage from the field, including just 16.7 percent beyond the 3-point line. Emorie Knox was the only NWMSU player to reach double figures in scoring with 10, while Jack Ratigan had eight points and a team-high nine rebounds.

Fort Hays State continues the weekly road swing on Saturday at Missouri Western in St. Joseph. The game time was moved up to 1 p.m. due to the potential winter storm moving into the middle of the United States this weekend.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735880186625.png" alt="Fort Hays State's R.J. Crawford (11) defends NW Missouri State's Luke Mustakas (24) in an NCAA college basketball game on Thursday, January 2, 2025 in Maryville, Mo. (NW Missouri State Athletics photo/Aaron Hare)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's R.J. Crawford (11) defends NW Missouri State's Luke Mustakas (24) in an NCAA college basketball game on Thursday, January 2, 2025 in Maryville, Mo. (NW Missouri State Athletics photo/Aaron Hare)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsMARYVILLE, Mo. – Fort Hays State picked up its first win in over a decade Thursday night at Northwest Missouri State by posting its largest win ever in Maryville. The Tigers turned in a dominating defensive effort and won by 19 points, 58-39 over the Bearcats. FHSU moved to 9-3 overall and 2-1 in the MIAA, while NWMSU moved to 3-9 overall and 1-2 in the MIAA.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1999826947&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-mbkb-coach-mark-johnson-postgame-interview-vs-northwest-missouri-state-jan-2nd-25" title="Mark Johnson Postgame at Northwest Missouri State (Jan. 2, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Mark Johnson Postgame at Northwest Missouri State (Jan. 2, 2025)</a></div></div>Fort Hays State picked up its first win in Maryville since the 2012-13 season when it won 64-60. That season, the Tigers went on to claim a share of the MIAA regular season title with Central Missouri. Since then, Northwest Missouri State has won 11-straight MIAA regular season titles. In their over-a-decade long run of conference titles, the Bearcats won eight-straight games over the Tigers in Bearcat Arena until the Tigers snapped the run on Thursday night. FHSU previous largest margin in a win in Maryville was 11 points in a 79-68 win back during the 2008-09 season.The 39 points scored by the Bearcats were their fewest ever in the all-time series with FHSU, five less than the 44 they scored in a 15-point loss in Hays back in 1949. Researching all-time scores in the NWMSU record book, it was the first time the Bearcats were held under 40 points since the 1959-60 season when they won a one-point decision 39-38 over Southeast Missouri State. It was the first time the Tigers held a team under 40 points since a 65-32 win over Central Christian in 2022. It was the fewest points the Tigers held an opponent to in an MIAA game since 2021-22 when FHSU defeated Lincoln 73-35 in Jefferson City.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1999827211&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-mbkb-postgame-rj-crawford-interview-vs-northwest-missouri-state-jan-2nd-25" title="R.J. Crawford Postgame at Northwest Missouri State (Jan. 2, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">R.J. Crawford Postgame at Northwest Missouri State (Jan. 2, 2025)</a></div></div>Northwest Missouri State is now 0-3 at home so far this season. It is the first time since that 2012-13 season when FHSU won the conference title that the Bearcats have lost at least three games in a season at home. It was the first time NWMSU has lost three-straight games at home since the 2010-11 season, when they lost five straight at home.The Tigers pulled away methodically in the contest after trailing by five in the early going. FHSU took the lead for good early in the game when Dan Makuna&nbsp;made a basket to push the Tigers in front 9-7. It was part of a 9-0 run that put the Tigers up by six. The first basket of eight-straight points from Kyle Grill&nbsp;pushed the lead into double figures for the first time and FHSU went on to lead by 14 at the half by a score of 32-18.Northwest Missouri brought the lead back inside of 10 points just once in the second half by opening on an 8-3 burst. But, the Tigers countered with a 12-0 run to blow the game open, leading by 21 with 7:27 to play. Muhamed Kante&nbsp;scored six of the final eight points in the run. FHSU held NWMSU scoreless for nearly seven and a half minutes in the run.The Tigers struggled to score for a little while after their run as the Bearcats battled back within 10 thanks to an 11-0 run, holding FHSU scoreless for just over four minutes. But, that was as close as the Bearcats could get as&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/r-j-crawford/8221">R.J. Crawford</a>&nbsp;snapped the run with a pair of free throws. It started a string of seven-straight points for the Tigers to get the lead back up to 17 before the final margin was 19.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1999825667&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-mbkb-highlights-vs-1" title="Fort Hays State MBB Highlights at Northwest Missouri State (Jan. 2, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State MBB Highlights at Northwest Missouri State (Jan. 2, 2025)</a></div></div>Kaleb Hammeke led the Tigers with 13 points, going 6-of-6 at the free-throw line. Crawford reached double figures as well with 10. Grill provided all eight of his points in his individual burst in the first half. Shaun Riley&nbsp;led the Tigers in rebounds with seven, while Hammeke led in assists with four. The Tigers as a team went 19-of-23 at the charity stripe (82.6 percent). The Tigers had an 11-point advantage at the free-throw line and outscored the Bearcats 17-7 on points off turnovers.The Tigers held the Bearcats to 27.5 percent shooting percentage from the field, including just 16.7 percent beyond the 3-point line. Emorie Knox was the only NWMSU player to reach double figures in scoring with 10, while Jack Ratigan had eight points and a team-high nine rebounds.UP NEXTFort Hays State continues the weekly road swing on Saturday at Missouri Western in St. Joseph. The game time was moved up to 1 p.m. due to the potential winter storm moving into the middle of the United States this weekend.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Tiger men down NW Missouri State for fifth-straight win

MARYVILLE, Mo. - The third-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team improved to 12-0 with a 70-60 win over Northwest Missouri State Thursday evening inside Bearcat Arena.

The Tigers (12-0, 3-0 MIAA) rallied from a two-point deficit at halftime, just the second time FHSU has not led at the break this season. It was the Tigers' 11th double-digit victory of the year.

Fort Hays State shot a blistering 51.0 percent from the floor (26-of-51), its best shooting game against a DII team on the year.

The teams traded the lead twice in the first quarter. Kate Dilsaver&nbsp;got the Tigers going with a jumper before adding a 3-pointer on the next possession, propelling the visitors to a 12-6 lead. The Bearcats (7-6, 0-3 MIAA) bounced back by scoring the last seven points of the quarter, leading 13-12 after 10 minutes of action.

Fort Hays State responded early in the second quarter, scoring 13 of the first 17 points to race in front by eight, 25-17. Talexa Weeter&nbsp;scored five points during the run, with Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;adding a pair of baskets. Northwest Missouri State mounted another rally, however, with the Bearcats using a 13-4 run to go in front by one, 30-29.The lead changed hands two more times in the frame, with the Tigers trailing by as many as four late in the frame before a Hollenbeck bucket pulled them within 38-36 at the break.

After shooting 76.9 percent from the floor in the second quarter (10-of-13), the Tigers continued their hot shooting in the third period, knocking down 8-of-16 from the floor. FHSU also ratcheted up the defense in the third, limiting the Bearcats to eight points on 3-of-10 shooting while forcing eight turnovers in the stanza.

The momentum shifted for good midway through the frame when Dilsaver drilled back-to-back 3-pointers, helping the Tigers turn a four-point deficit into a 44-42 lead. FHSU led the rest of the way, going up by as many as 13 late in the final period.

Dilsaver, Hollenbeck and Katie DeGarmo&nbsp;all scored over the next two minutes, stretching the Tiger run to 12-0 and building the lead to eight, 50-42. A pair of Hollenbeck baskets in the final minute of the frame gave FHSU a 56-46 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Dilsaver knocked down her career-best fourth 3-pointer midway through the final frame, helping FHSU maintain a three-possession lead. The Tigers hit 7-of-7 from the free-throw line in the final stanza to secure the win.

Hollenbeck led all scorers with 22 points on 9-of-12 shooting while adding three steals and two blocks. Dilsaver contributed a season-high 16 points, one off her career high, while adding five rebounds, three steals and two assists. DeGarmo chipped in 12 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Brooke Loewe&nbsp;dished out six assists alongside seven points, four rebounds and two steals.

Fort Hays State created 15 Bearcat turnovers thanks to 11 steals, with the Tigers scoring 15 points off those turnovers. Both teams collected 28 rebounds in the game.

The Tigers will wrap up the weekend on Saturday when the play Missouri Western beginning at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph, Mo. That game was moved up 3.5 hours due to this weekend's predicted winter storm.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735879443640.png" alt="Fort Hays State's Olivia Hollenbeck defends a shot in an NCAA college basketball game against Northwest Missouri State on Thursday, January 2, 2025 in Maryville, Mo, (FHSU Athletics photo/Aaron Hare)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Olivia Hollenbeck defends a shot in an NCAA college basketball game against Northwest Missouri State on Thursday, January 2, 2025 in Maryville, Mo, (FHSU Athletics photo/Aaron Hare)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsMARYVILLE, Mo. - The third-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team improved to 12-0 with a 70-60 win over Northwest Missouri State Thursday evening inside Bearcat Arena.The Tigers (12-0, 3-0 MIAA) rallied from a two-point deficit at halftime, just the second time FHSU has not led at the break this season. It was the Tigers' 11th double-digit victory of the year.Fort Hays State shot a blistering 51.0 percent from the floor (26-of-51), its best shooting game against a DII team on the year.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1999826231&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-wbkb-coach-talia-kahrs-vs" title="Talia Kahrs Postgame at Northwest Missouri State (Jan. 2, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Talia Kahrs Postgame at Northwest Missouri State (Jan. 2, 2025)</a></div></div>The teams traded the lead twice in the first quarter. Kate Dilsaver&nbsp;got the Tigers going with a jumper before adding a 3-pointer on the next possession, propelling the visitors to a 12-6 lead. The Bearcats (7-6, 0-3 MIAA) bounced back by scoring the last seven points of the quarter, leading 13-12 after 10 minutes of action.Fort Hays State responded early in the second quarter, scoring 13 of the first 17 points to race in front by eight, 25-17. Talexa Weeter&nbsp;scored five points during the run, with Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;adding a pair of baskets. Northwest Missouri State mounted another rally, however, with the Bearcats using a 13-4 run to go in front by one, 30-29.The lead changed hands two more times in the frame, with the Tigers trailing by as many as four late in the frame before a Hollenbeck bucket pulled them within 38-36 at the break.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1999825939&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-wbkb-highlights-vs" title="#3 Fort Hays State WBB Highlights at Northwest Missouri State (Jan. 2, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">#3 Fort Hays State WBB Highlights at Northwest Missouri State (Jan. 2, 2025)</a></div></div>After shooting 76.9 percent from the floor in the second quarter (10-of-13), the Tigers continued their hot shooting in the third period, knocking down 8-of-16 from the floor. FHSU also ratcheted up the defense in the third, limiting the Bearcats to eight points on 3-of-10 shooting while forcing eight turnovers in the stanza.The momentum shifted for good midway through the frame when Dilsaver drilled back-to-back 3-pointers, helping the Tigers turn a four-point deficit into a 44-42 lead. FHSU led the rest of the way, going up by as many as 13 late in the final period.Dilsaver, Hollenbeck and Katie DeGarmo&nbsp;all scored over the next two minutes, stretching the Tiger run to 12-0 and building the lead to eight, 50-42. A pair of Hollenbeck baskets in the final minute of the frame gave FHSU a 56-46 lead heading into the fourth quarter.Dilsaver knocked down her career-best fourth 3-pointer midway through the final frame, helping FHSU maintain a three-possession lead. The Tigers hit 7-of-7 from the free-throw line in the final stanza to secure the win.Hollenbeck led all scorers with 22 points on 9-of-12 shooting while adding three steals and two blocks. Dilsaver contributed a season-high 16 points, one off her career high, while adding five rebounds, three steals and two assists. DeGarmo chipped in 12 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Brooke Loewe&nbsp;dished out six assists alongside seven points, four rebounds and two steals.Fort Hays State created 15 Bearcat turnovers thanks to 11 steals, with the Tigers scoring 15 points off those turnovers. Both teams collected 28 rebounds in the game.UP NEXTThe Tigers will wrap up the weekend on Saturday when the play Missouri Western beginning at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph, Mo. That game was moved up 3.5 hours due to this weekend's predicted winter storm.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 No. 3 Tiger women fend off Bearcats, move to 12-0

Fort Hays State's Shane Watts and Myles Menges&nbsp;have been named to the D2Football.com Elite 100 Team. The Elite 100 Team is the D2Football.com version of an All-America team, selected by staff with input from head coaches and professional football scouts. Watts and Menges have already raked in multiple All-America honors for their performances in 2024, helping the Tigers to a strong 8-3 season.

Both Watts and Menges were named to the Squad portion of the Elite 100 Team, Watts at running back and Menges on the defensive line. The team represents the top 100 players in Division II. Included are selections for first and second team offense, defense and special teams as well as 25 "squad" players for both offense and defense. Squad players are equivalent to honorable mention in similar post-season award lists.

Watts ranked fourth in NCAA Division II for total rushing yards (1,303) and all-purpose yards per game (160.8). He ranked seventh in points per game (9.3), eighth in total touchdowns (17) and 10th in total points scored (102). He produced the 20th&nbsp;1,000-yard rushing season in FHSU and first since Kenneth Iheme in 2017. The 1,303 rushing yards ranks sixth for a season in FHSU program history.'

Menges was the MIAA Defensive Player of the Year in 2024. He finished the season with 27 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. His most impressive stat was 11 pass breakups by batting down several passes at the line of scrimmage. He led all defensive linemen in NCAA Division II by a landslide, the only one to reach double figures, and it ranked 16th nationally all behind defensive backs, which dominate the category.

This was Watts' fourth All-America honor for the season, also receiving honors from D2CCA (Second Team), AP (Second Team), and Don Hansen Football Committee (Second Team). This was Menges' third All-America honor for the season, also receiving honors from the AFCA (First Team) and Don Hansen Football Committee (Honorable Mention).&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
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 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State's Shane Watts and Myles Menges&nbsp;have been named to the D2Football.com Elite 100 Team. The Elite 100 Team is the D2Football.com version of an All-America team, selected by staff with input from head coaches and professional football scouts. Watts and Menges have already raked in multiple All-America honors for their performances in 2024, helping the Tigers to a strong 8-3 season.Both Watts and Menges were named to the Squad portion of the Elite 100 Team, Watts at running back and Menges on the defensive line. The team represents the top 100 players in Division II. Included are selections for first and second team offense, defense and special teams as well as 25 "squad" players for both offense and defense. Squad players are equivalent to honorable mention in similar post-season award lists.Watts ranked fourth in NCAA Division II for total rushing yards (1,303) and all-purpose yards per game (160.8). He ranked seventh in points per game (9.3), eighth in total touchdowns (17) and 10th in total points scored (102). He produced the 20th&nbsp;1,000-yard rushing season in FHSU and first since Kenneth Iheme in 2017. The 1,303 rushing yards ranks sixth for a season in FHSU program history.'Menges was the MIAA Defensive Player of the Year in 2024. He finished the season with 27 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. His most impressive stat was 11 pass breakups by batting down several passes at the line of scrimmage. He led all defensive linemen in NCAA Division II by a landslide, the only one to reach double figures, and it ranked 16th nationally all behind defensive backs, which dominate the category.This was Watts' fourth All-America honor for the season, also receiving honors from D2CCA (Second Team), AP (Second Team), and Don Hansen Football Committee (Second Team). This was Menges' third All-America honor for the season, also receiving honors from the AFCA (First Team) and Don Hansen Football Committee (Honorable Mention).&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 FHSU's Watts, Menges named to D2Football.com Elite 100 team

Fort Hays State (8-3, 1-1 MIAA) at Northwest Missouri State (3-8, 1-1 MIAA) Thursday, January 2 • 7:30 p.m. Maryville, Mo. • Bearcat Arena

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

Fort Hays State returns to action on Thursday night at Northwest Missouri State in Maryville, Mo. It will be the start of 17-straight conference games for FHSU, which enters with a record of 8-3 overall and 1-1 in the MIAA. Northwest Missouri State enters with a record of 3-8 overall, also 1-1 in the MIAA.

Fort Hays State is receiving votes in the latest NABC Top 25 Poll, released on Tuesday. The Tigers are the fifth-highest team among the receiving votes list with 17 points in the poll.

This will be the first time the Tigers play an unranked Northwest Missouri State squad since 2016. The Bearcats held a national ranking in the last 14 games against the Tigers, which dates back to March of the 2016 season. The last time the Tigers met an unranked Bearcat squad was in January of 2016 when the Bearcats won at home.

Fort Hays State is in search of its first win at Bearcat Arena since February 13, 2013. The 2012-13 season was the last time Northwest Missouri State did not win an MIAA regular season title, shared by Fort Hays State and Central Missouri. The Bearcats have won 11-straight MIAA regular season titles since, which includes eight-straight wins over FHSU at home in that span.

Last year, FHSU knocked off a nationally ranked NWMSU team in Hays before falling to NWMSU in Maryville in double overtime. Both teams were nationally ranked for the meeting in Maryville, and both eventually went on to compete in the Central Regional of the NCAA Tournament in March. FHSU fell in the opening round of the national tournament by just one point to Minnesota Duluth, while NWMSU won a pair of games before falling to eventual national champion Minnesota State in the regional final.

Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;continues to move closer to the all-time scoring record at FHSU, now with 1,726 points in his career. He is coming off a season-high 24-point performance in the 80-62 win over Regis University back on December 22. He leads the Tigers at 15.2 points and 4.9 assists per game.

Kyle Grill and Shaun Riley&nbsp;continue to average double figures in scoring, Grill at 12.6 points and Riley at 12.0 points per game. Riley is the team leader in rebounds at 6.7 per game. Aiden McDowell&nbsp;and Muhamaed Kante both produced season highs in scoring within the last two games for FHSU. McDowell had 24 in the win over MSU Denver, while Kante had 12 against Regis.

Fort Hays State has been efficient in 3-point shooting so far this season at 42.2 percent, which leads the MIAA and ranks third in NCAA Division II. FHSU also leads the MIAA and ranks third nationally in fewest turnovers per game at just 9.2. The Tigers have been in the process of lowering their scoring defense, a category they led the nation in last year. FHSU is allowing 62.7 points per game, which ranks 10th&nbsp;best in NCAA Division II. The Tigers have held five of 11 opponents inside 60 points this season.

Northwest Missouri State had a coaching change in the offseason with the departure of Ben McCollum, now the head coach at Drake University. Great Bend native Matt Keeley now leads the Bearcats after spending seven seasons leading Ottawa University (Ariz.). Emorie Knox, transfer from Ouachita Baptist University, leads NWMSU at 14.8 points and 3.7 assists per game. Luke Moustakas (10.6) and Spencer Schomers (10.1) also average double figures in scoring for the Bearcats.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
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 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State (8-3, 1-1 MIAA) at Northwest Missouri State (3-8, 1-1 MIAA) Thursday, January 2 • 7:30 p.m. Maryville, Mo. • Bearcat ArenaRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;MIAA Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>Fort Hays State returns to action on Thursday night at Northwest Missouri State in Maryville, Mo. It will be the start of 17-straight conference games for FHSU, which enters with a record of 8-3 overall and 1-1 in the MIAA. Northwest Missouri State enters with a record of 3-8 overall, also 1-1 in the MIAA.Fort Hays State is receiving votes in the latest NABC Top 25 Poll, released on Tuesday. The Tigers are the fifth-highest team among the receiving votes list with 17 points in the poll.This will be the first time the Tigers play an unranked Northwest Missouri State squad since 2016. The Bearcats held a national ranking in the last 14 games against the Tigers, which dates back to March of the 2016 season. The last time the Tigers met an unranked Bearcat squad was in January of 2016 when the Bearcats won at home.Fort Hays State is in search of its first win at Bearcat Arena since February 13, 2013. The 2012-13 season was the last time Northwest Missouri State did not win an MIAA regular season title, shared by Fort Hays State and Central Missouri. The Bearcats have won 11-straight MIAA regular season titles since, which includes eight-straight wins over FHSU at home in that span.Last year, FHSU knocked off a nationally ranked NWMSU team in Hays before falling to NWMSU in Maryville in double overtime. Both teams were nationally ranked for the meeting in Maryville, and both eventually went on to compete in the Central Regional of the NCAA Tournament in March. FHSU fell in the opening round of the national tournament by just one point to Minnesota Duluth, while NWMSU won a pair of games before falling to eventual national champion Minnesota State in the regional final.Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;continues to move closer to the all-time scoring record at FHSU, now with 1,726 points in his career. He is coming off a season-high 24-point performance in the 80-62 win over Regis University back on December 22. He leads the Tigers at 15.2 points and 4.9 assists per game.Kyle Grill and Shaun Riley&nbsp;continue to average double figures in scoring, Grill at 12.6 points and Riley at 12.0 points per game. Riley is the team leader in rebounds at 6.7 per game. Aiden McDowell&nbsp;and Muhamaed Kante both produced season highs in scoring within the last two games for FHSU. McDowell had 24 in the win over MSU Denver, while Kante had 12 against Regis.Fort Hays State has been efficient in 3-point shooting so far this season at 42.2 percent, which leads the MIAA and ranks third in NCAA Division II. FHSU also leads the MIAA and ranks third nationally in fewest turnovers per game at just 9.2. The Tigers have been in the process of lowering their scoring defense, a category they led the nation in last year. FHSU is allowing 62.7 points per game, which ranks 10th&nbsp;best in NCAA Division II. The Tigers have held five of 11 opponents inside 60 points this season.Northwest Missouri State had a coaching change in the offseason with the departure of Ben McCollum, now the head coach at Drake University. Great Bend native Matt Keeley now leads the Bearcats after spending seven seasons leading Ottawa University (Ariz.). Emorie Knox, transfer from Ouachita Baptist University, leads NWMSU at 14.8 points and 3.7 assists per game. Luke Moustakas (10.6) and Spencer Schomers (10.1) also average double figures in scoring for the Bearcats.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀🎧 LISTEN: Tigers return to MIAA play at Northwest Missouri State Thursday

#3/#4 Fort Hays State (11-0, 2-0 MIAA) at Northwest Missouri State (7-5, 0-2 MIAA) Thursday, January 2, 2025 • 5:30 p.m. Maryville, Mo. • Bearcat Arena

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

The third-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team will resume conference play this week when the Tigers travel to Missouri for a pair of MIAA matchups. First up is a matchup with Northwest Missouri State on Thursday, with the opening tip set for 5:30 p.m. from Bearcat Arena.

Now 11-0 overall and 2-0 in MIAA play, the Tigers are one of four remaining undefeated teams in NCAA Division II and one of 20 undefeated teams across all levels of NCAA women's basketball (seven DI, nine DIII). Other undefeated DII teams include Cal State-Dominguez Hills at 12-0, North Georgia at 10-0 and Chowan at 7-0.FHSU's 11 wins to start the season makes this the second-best start in program history behind only the 15-0 start to start the 2018-19 season. This is tied for the seventh-longest winning streak in program history.

The Tigers lead the country with 31.9 defensive rebounds per night. FHSU also ranks second in DII with 19.0 assists per contest, third with a field goal percentage defense of 31.7 percent, fifth in assist/turnover ratio at 1.30 and sixth in scoring margin at plus-23.0.

Brooke Loewe is averaging 6.2 assists per night, tops in the MIAA and eighth-best across all Division II. The junior guard boasts and assist/turnover ratio of 2.27, second-best in the conference and 13th in the country.

Olivia Hollembeck&nbsp;ranks fourth in the conference in scoring, putting up a team-best 16.8 points per contest while knocking down 66.4 percent from the floor, the fourth-best shooting percentage in DII. She also leads the team in steals and blocks, averaging 2.82 steals per game and 1.64 blocks per outing. The graduate student is the conference leader in steals while ranking third in the MIAA in blocks.

Katie DeGarmo&nbsp;needs 19 points to tie Kate Lehman for second all-time on the FHSU scoring list (1,917 pts). The Maize, Kan. native leads the team with 7.3 rebounds per game, eighth-best in the conference.

Talexa Weeter&nbsp;has scored in double figures in each of the last nine game, tied for the longest active streak on the team with DeGarmo. She ranks 11th in the league in scoring (13.9 ppg) and is fifth in field-goal percentage (55.0 percent).The Tigers are 24-11 all-time against the Bearcats, including an 8-8 tie in games played in Maryville. Fort Hays State is 3-1 against NWMSU during the Talia Kahrs&nbsp;era, including an 0-1 mark on the road. The Tigers have won each of the last two meetings, 12 of the last 13 since 2018 and 20 of the last 22 since 2011. Fort Hays State is 21-8 against Northwest in MIAA regular season conference contests.

In the most recent meeting the Tigers led wire-to-wire in a 62-47 win over Northwest Missouri State in the regional quarterfinals last March (3/15/24). Fort Hays State held the Bearcats to one field goal in the first quarter and forced six first period turnovers, with the Tigers leading 16-8 after 10 minutes. FHSU hit 8-of-14 in the final period to secure the victory. Hollenbeck led all scorers with 20 points, adding seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. DeGarmo recorded her fourth-consecutive double-double, totaling 19 points and 15 rebounds.

After opening the year 7-1, including wins over fifth-ranked Ashland and top-ranked Minnesota State, the Bearcats have dropped each of the last four games to dip to 7-5 overall and 0-2 in conference play. The Bearcats average 63.3 points per game and knock down 6.7 3-pointers per game. NWMSU is tied for third in the MIAA with just 13.8 turnovers per night. Caely Kesten leads the team with 11.8 points per game, while Kelsey Fields also averages in double figures with 10.6 points per contest. Freshman Sadie Maas leads the conference with 21 blocks on the year, averaging 1.8 per game.

Hollenbeck averages 15.3 points in nine career games against NWMSU, including eight games scoring in double figures. DeGarmo has played 10 times against the Bearcats, averaging 12.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. She's scored in double figures in six of those games, including a pair of double-doubles.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735680748566.png" alt="2024-12-31 (1).png" />
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 </figure>FHSU Athletics#3/#4 Fort Hays State (11-0, 2-0 MIAA) at Northwest Missouri State (7-5, 0-2 MIAA) Thursday, January 2, 2025 • 5:30 p.m. Maryville, Mo. • Bearcat ArenaRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a>| Video:&nbsp;MIAA Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The third-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team will resume conference play this week when the Tigers travel to Missouri for a pair of MIAA matchups. First up is a matchup with Northwest Missouri State on Thursday, with the opening tip set for 5:30 p.m. from Bearcat Arena.Now 11-0 overall and 2-0 in MIAA play, the Tigers are one of four remaining undefeated teams in NCAA Division II and one of 20 undefeated teams across all levels of NCAA women's basketball (seven DI, nine DIII). Other undefeated DII teams include Cal State-Dominguez Hills at 12-0, North Georgia at 10-0 and Chowan at 7-0.FHSU's 11 wins to start the season makes this the second-best start in program history behind only the 15-0 start to start the 2018-19 season. This is tied for the seventh-longest winning streak in program history.The Tigers lead the country with 31.9 defensive rebounds per night. FHSU also ranks second in DII with 19.0 assists per contest, third with a field goal percentage defense of 31.7 percent, fifth in assist/turnover ratio at 1.30 and sixth in scoring margin at plus-23.0.Brooke Loewe is averaging 6.2 assists per night, tops in the MIAA and eighth-best across all Division II. The junior guard boasts and assist/turnover ratio of 2.27, second-best in the conference and 13th in the country.Olivia Hollembeck&nbsp;ranks fourth in the conference in scoring, putting up a team-best 16.8 points per contest while knocking down 66.4 percent from the floor, the fourth-best shooting percentage in DII. She also leads the team in steals and blocks, averaging 2.82 steals per game and 1.64 blocks per outing. The graduate student is the conference leader in steals while ranking third in the MIAA in blocks.Katie DeGarmo&nbsp;needs 19 points to tie Kate Lehman for second all-time on the FHSU scoring list (1,917 pts). The Maize, Kan. native leads the team with 7.3 rebounds per game, eighth-best in the conference.Talexa Weeter&nbsp;has scored in double figures in each of the last nine game, tied for the longest active streak on the team with DeGarmo. She ranks 11th in the league in scoring (13.9 ppg) and is fifth in field-goal percentage (55.0 percent).The Tigers are 24-11 all-time against the Bearcats, including an 8-8 tie in games played in Maryville. Fort Hays State is 3-1 against NWMSU during the Talia Kahrs&nbsp;era, including an 0-1 mark on the road. The Tigers have won each of the last two meetings, 12 of the last 13 since 2018 and 20 of the last 22 since 2011. Fort Hays State is 21-8 against Northwest in MIAA regular season conference contests.In the most recent meeting the Tigers led wire-to-wire in a 62-47 win over Northwest Missouri State in the regional quarterfinals last March (3/15/24). Fort Hays State held the Bearcats to one field goal in the first quarter and forced six first period turnovers, with the Tigers leading 16-8 after 10 minutes. FHSU hit 8-of-14 in the final period to secure the victory. Hollenbeck led all scorers with 20 points, adding seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. DeGarmo recorded her fourth-consecutive double-double, totaling 19 points and 15 rebounds.After opening the year 7-1, including wins over fifth-ranked Ashland and top-ranked Minnesota State, the Bearcats have dropped each of the last four games to dip to 7-5 overall and 0-2 in conference play. The Bearcats average 63.3 points per game and knock down 6.7 3-pointers per game. NWMSU is tied for third in the MIAA with just 13.8 turnovers per night. Caely Kesten leads the team with 11.8 points per game, while Kelsey Fields also averages in double figures with 10.6 points per contest. Freshman Sadie Maas leads the conference with 21 blocks on the year, averaging 1.8 per game.Hollenbeck averages 15.3 points in nine career games against NWMSU, including eight games scoring in double figures. DeGarmo has played 10 times against the Bearcats, averaging 12.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. She's scored in double figures in six of those games, including a pair of double-doubles.

🏀🎧 LISTEN: #3 FHSU women open 2025 at Northwest Missouri State

The Kansas Shrine Bowl has announced the 88 players who have received invitations to play in the 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Memorial Stadium in Dodge City, Kansas. The initial invitations are the result of a selection process combining statewide media votes and Kansas Shrine Bowl coaching staff selections from a list of 447 nominees. In addition to filling position-specific needs on the roster, the selection process includes additional criteria regarding geographic restrictions, classification size, and limits on the number of players that may be selected per school. To learn more about the full selection process, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/SelectionProcess">www.KansasShrineBowl.com/SelectionProcess</a>.

Dalton Meyers of Hays High School and Roy Bright Jr. of Plainville have been selected to play from northwest Kansas. Alex McMillian of Plainville will be one of the coaches for the West squad.

Additional invitations to play in the 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth may be extended to nominees who were not among the initial 88 selections. Roster replacements are selected by the Kansas Shrine Bowl coaching staff in a case where an invited player declines their invitation to play or must withdraw from participating for any reason.

“We are excited to extend an invitation to this group of young men to represent themselves, their families, their communities and their high school football programs in a showcase that is so much bigger than just an all-star football game,” said Brice Kesler, Executive Director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. “I hope the players understand how difficult of a roster this is to get selected for, and I want to congratulate them for all their hard-work and dedication that has earned them this opportunity. They are joining a very select fraternity of Kansas high school football players who have had the opportunity, since 1974, to play a game they love and make a life changing impact for the kids of Shriners Children’s.”

In addition to playing in the annual East vs. West all-star football game, Kansas Shrine Bowl participants get the opportunity to meet and interact with the Patient Ambassadors from Shriners Children’s during the Hospital Experience event during game week. For many, the Hospital Experience is the highlight of their time at the Kansas Shrine Bowl and showcases the true purpose of the Kansas Shrine Bowl.

The Shrine Bowl of Kansas Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children’s Hospital. Since 1974, nearly $4 million has been sent to Shriners Children’s thanks to the supporters of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. Shriners Children’s is a world-renowned healthcare system with hospitals, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care centers and outreach locations across the globe. Shriners Children’s is dedicated to improving the lives of children every day by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients’ ability to pay.

To show your support for these players and the children and families that benefit from the efforts of the Kansas Shrine Bowl, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/Support">www.KansasShrineBowl.com/Support</a>.

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 </figure>Kansas Shrine Bowl&nbsp;The Kansas Shrine Bowl has announced the 88 players who have received invitations to play in the 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Memorial Stadium in Dodge City, Kansas. The initial invitations are the result of a selection process combining statewide media votes and Kansas Shrine Bowl coaching staff selections from a list of 447 nominees. In addition to filling position-specific needs on the roster, the selection process includes additional criteria regarding geographic restrictions, classification size, and limits on the number of players that may be selected per school. To learn more about the full selection process, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/SelectionProcess">www.KansasShrineBowl.com/SelectionProcess</a>.Dalton Meyers of Hays High School and Roy Bright Jr. of Plainville have been selected to play from northwest Kansas. Alex McMillian of Plainville will be one of the coaches for the West squad.Additional invitations to play in the 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth may be extended to nominees who were not among the initial 88 selections. Roster replacements are selected by the Kansas Shrine Bowl coaching staff in a case where an invited player declines their invitation to play or must withdraw from participating for any reason.“We are excited to extend an invitation to this group of young men to represent themselves, their families, their communities and their high school football programs in a showcase that is so much bigger than just an all-star football game,” said Brice Kesler, Executive Director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. “I hope the players understand how difficult of a roster this is to get selected for, and I want to congratulate them for all their hard-work and dedication that has earned them this opportunity. They are joining a very select fraternity of Kansas high school football players who have had the opportunity, since 1974, to play a game they love and make a life changing impact for the kids of Shriners Children’s.”In addition to playing in the annual East vs. West all-star football game, Kansas Shrine Bowl participants get the opportunity to meet and interact with the Patient Ambassadors from Shriners Children’s during the Hospital Experience event during game week. For many, the Hospital Experience is the highlight of their time at the Kansas Shrine Bowl and showcases the true purpose of the Kansas Shrine Bowl.The Shrine Bowl of Kansas Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children’s Hospital. Since 1974, nearly $4 million has been sent to Shriners Children’s thanks to the supporters of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. Shriners Children’s is a world-renowned healthcare system with hospitals, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care centers and outreach locations across the globe. Shriners Children’s is dedicated to improving the lives of children every day by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients’ ability to pay.To show your support for these players and the children and families that benefit from the efforts of the Kansas Shrine Bowl, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/Support">www.KansasShrineBowl.com/Support</a>.

Hays High, Plainville players selected for 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl

Fort Hays State men's basketball closes out 2024 against Regis (Colo.) on Sunday, December 22, 2024 at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kan.

Fort Hays State men's basketball closes out 2024 against Regis (Colo.) on Sunday, December 22, 2024 at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kan.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-MBB vs. Regis (December 22, 2024)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=5jqhf-178ccd2-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind-MBB vs. Regis 

Thursday, January 2
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB at Northwest Missouri State, 5:05pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6pm

Thursday, January 2
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB at Northwest Missouri State, 5:05pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6pmFriday, January 3 noneSaturday, January 4
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB at Missouri Western State, 1:05pmSunday, January 5
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
UCF, 1:30pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos, 2pm

5th-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball closes out first semester play against Quincy (Ill.) at the Big Island Holiday Classic in Hilo, Hawai'i on Friday, December 20, 2024.

5th-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball closes out first semester play against Quincy (Ill.) at the Big Island Holiday Classic in Hilo, Hawai'i on Friday, December 20, 2024.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-WBB vs. Quincy (December 20, 2024)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=dihqe-178ccb9-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind-WBB vs. Quincy (Ill.)

Wednesday, January 1 noneThursday, January 2
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB at Northwest Missouri State, 5:05pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6pmFriday, January 3 noneSaturday, January 4
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB at Missouri Western State, 1:05pmSunday, January 5
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
UCF, 1:30pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos, 2pm

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Javon Small hit the go-ahead free throw with 1.8 seconds remaining, and short-handed West Virginia held on after blowing an 18-point second-half lead to beat seventh-ranked Kansas 62-61 in an intense Big 12 opener for both teams Tuesday.

Eduardo Andre had 15 points and Small finished with 13 for the Mountaineers (10-2, 1-0), who built a 38-20 lead despite missing two of their three leading scorers to injuries, only to watch Kansas (9-3, 0-1) use a 15-2 run to get back in the game.

Zeke Mayo, who led the Jayhawks with 27 points, converted a three-point play to tie the game 61-all with 16 seconds left. Small was fouled by Kansas freshman Flory Bidunga at the other end and made the second of two free throws, and KJ Adams missed a contested shot as time expired that would have sent the game to overtime.

It was the first conference-opening loss for Kansas since Jan. 8, 1991, and the first win for the Mountaineers in 12 tries in Allen Fieldhouse. They had lost six of their last seven games to the Jayhawks.

West Virginia played its fourth game without star forward Tucker DeVries and also was missing big man Amani Hansberry to an ankle injury. But the Mountaineers committed just six turnovers while never getting rattled by the noise in the Phog.

Kansas missed 15 of its first 19 shots, digging a hole that it spend the entire game trying to escape. Mayo gave the Jayhawks a chance, going 13 for 13 at the foul line, including several of them in the closing minutes.

Small struggled from the field, going 0 for 6 from the 3-point arc. But he also had 11 rebounds and six assists, and he made the free throw that mattered with 1.8 seconds to go.

Kansas went 19 of 21 from the foul line. West Virginia only attempted six free throws, making four — including the winner.

West Virginia plays Oklahoma State on Saturday. Kansas heads to UCF on Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735679295068.png" alt="Photo West Virginia Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo West Virginia Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Javon Small hit the go-ahead free throw with 1.8 seconds remaining, and short-handed West Virginia held on after blowing an 18-point second-half lead to beat seventh-ranked Kansas 62-61 in an intense Big 12 opener for both teams Tuesday.Eduardo Andre had 15 points and Small finished with 13 for the Mountaineers (10-2, 1-0), who built a 38-20 lead despite missing two of their three leading scorers to injuries, only to watch Kansas (9-3, 0-1) use a 15-2 run to get back in the game.Zeke Mayo, who led the Jayhawks with 27 points, converted a three-point play to tie the game 61-all with 16 seconds left. Small was fouled by Kansas freshman Flory Bidunga at the other end and made the second of two free throws, and KJ Adams missed a contested shot as time expired that would have sent the game to overtime.It was the first conference-opening loss for Kansas since Jan. 8, 1991, and the first win for the Mountaineers in 12 tries in Allen Fieldhouse. They had lost six of their last seven games to the Jayhawks.<h2>Takeaways</h2>West Virginia played its fourth game without star forward Tucker DeVries and also was missing big man Amani Hansberry to an ankle injury. But the Mountaineers committed just six turnovers while never getting rattled by the noise in the Phog.Kansas missed 15 of its first 19 shots, digging a hole that it spend the entire game trying to escape. Mayo gave the Jayhawks a chance, going 13 for 13 at the foul line, including several of them in the closing minutes.<h2>Key moment</h2>Small struggled from the field, going 0 for 6 from the 3-point arc. But he also had 11 rebounds and six assists, and he made the free throw that mattered with 1.8 seconds to go.<h2>Key stat</h2>Kansas went 19 of 21 from the foul line. West Virginia only attempted six free throws, making four — including the winner.<h2>Up next</h2>West Virginia plays Oklahoma State on Saturday. Kansas heads to UCF on Sunday.

🏀 West Virginia hits go-ahead FT with 1.8 seconds left to beat KU

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Longtime coach Jack Hartman and Utah State star Wayne Estes, who was tragically killed while trying to provide help at the site of an auto accident after his final game, are among eight coaches and players who will be posthumously inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame revealed its latest class Tuesday. The date of the induction ceremony has not been announced.

The other members include Dave Meyers, who helped UCLA win the NCAA title in 1973 and ‘75; Duquesne’s Sihugo Green, the first overall pick in the 1956 NBA draft; Lennie Rosenbluth, who led North Carolina to a 32-0 record and then 1957 NCAA title; New Mexico State's Sam Lacey, the fifth overall pick in the 1970 NBA draft; John Rudometkin, the first Southern California player to score more than 1,000 points in two seasons; and Tom Stith of St. Bonaventure, who average 26.5 points for his career.

Hartman, who played football and basketball at Oklahoma State, is perhaps the most high-profile member of the class. He played quarterback in the Canadian Football League after college before turning his attention to coaching, first as an assistant at his alma mater and later at Coffeyville (Kansas) Community College and Southern Illinois.

It was at Kansas State where Hartman made his biggest splash. He followed Tex Winter and Cotton Fitzsimmons in leading the Wildcats to four Elite Eights during 16 seasons, finishing first or second in the Big Eight in 10 of those years.

Hartman retired in 1986 with a 589–279 record. He died in 1998 at the age of 73.

Estes was just 21 when he died on Feb. 8, 1965. The 6-foot-6 forward had just scored 48 points for Utah State against Denver in his final game, pushing him past 2,000 points for his career, when he stopped at the scene of a car accident near campus. Estes was crossing the street when he accidentally touched a downed power line, fatally electrocuting him.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735670756194.png" alt="Longtime coach Jack Hartman -photo courtesy KSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Longtime coach Jack Hartman -photo courtesy KSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Longtime coach Jack Hartman and Utah State star Wayne Estes, who was tragically killed while trying to provide help at the site of an auto accident after his final game, are among eight coaches and players who will be posthumously inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.The Hall of Fame revealed its latest class Tuesday. The date of the induction ceremony has not been announced.The other members include Dave Meyers, who helped UCLA win the NCAA title in 1973 and ‘75; Duquesne’s Sihugo Green, the first overall pick in the 1956 NBA draft; Lennie Rosenbluth, who led North Carolina to a 32-0 record and then 1957 NCAA title; New Mexico State's Sam Lacey, the fifth overall pick in the 1970 NBA draft; John Rudometkin, the first Southern California player to score more than 1,000 points in two seasons; and Tom Stith of St. Bonaventure, who average 26.5 points for his career.Hartman, who played football and basketball at Oklahoma State, is perhaps the most high-profile member of the class. He played quarterback in the Canadian Football League after college before turning his attention to coaching, first as an assistant at his alma mater and later at Coffeyville (Kansas) Community College and Southern Illinois.It was at Kansas State where Hartman made his biggest splash. He followed Tex Winter and Cotton Fitzsimmons in leading the Wildcats to four Elite Eights during 16 seasons, finishing first or second in the Big Eight in 10 of those years.Hartman retired in 1986 with a 589–279 record. He died in 1998 at the age of 73.Estes was just 21 when he died on Feb. 8, 1965. The 6-foot-6 forward had just scored 48 points for Utah State against Denver in his final game, pushing him past 2,000 points for his career, when he stopped at the scene of a car accident near campus. Estes was crossing the street when he accidentally touched a downed power line, fatally electrocuting him.

Former K-State coach named to National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame

LILBURN, Ga. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team will ring in the new year as the third-ranked team in the country after the Tigers jumped two spots in the latest WBCA NCAA Division II Coaches Poll, released Tuesday by the coaches association.

The Tigers accumulated 509 points in the balloting process, 56 points behind top-ranked Grand Valley State. Pittsburg State is the only other MIAA team mentioned in this week's poll, with the Gorillas slotted 14th.

The 11-0 Tigers are one of four remaining undefeated teams in Division II and one of 20 undefeated teams across all divisions of NCAA women's basketball (seven DI, nine DIII). Other DII yet to lose this season include fifth-ranked Cal State Dominguez Hills (12-0), seventh-ranked North Georgia (10-0) and unranked Chowan (7-0).

This is the 110th time the Tigers have been ranked in the national coaches poll during the program's DII era. It is the 10th time FHSU has been ranked third, the 42nd time they have been in the top five and the 71st time the Tigers have occupied a spot in the top 10. It's the first time the Tigers have been ranked third in the country since January 4, 2022.

Fort Hays State is 168-43 when ranked in the poll, including a 20-6 mark when ranked third, a 72-16 record when ranked in the top five and a 117-24 mark when ranked in the top 10.After a pair of wins in Hawaii as the fifth-ranked team in the country, FHSU has now played 28 games when ranked fifth, more than any other spot in the poll. The Tigers will match that total this week when they play twice as the third-ranked team. FHSU will resume conference play Thursday (Jan. 2, 5:30 p.m.) when they take on Northwest Missouri State on the road before taking on Missouri Western on Saturday (Jan. 4, 1:30 p.m.).

WBCA NCAA DII Coaches Poll - December 31, 2024 Rk. - School (1st) - W-L - Pts. - Last 1 - Grand Valley State (19) - 12-1 - 565 - 1 2 - Texas Woman's (2) - 11-1 - 542 - 2 3 - Fort Hays State - 11-0 - 509 - 5 T4 - Bentley - 11-1 - 498 - 5 T5 - Cal State Dominguez Hills (1) - 12-0 - 479 - 9 6 - Montana State Billings - 13-2 - 434 - 3 7 - North Georgia (1) - 10-0 - 366 - 18 8 - Azusa Pacific - 10-1 - 363 - 11 9 - Gannon - 13-2 - 361 - 4 10 - Minnesota State Mankato - 11-2 - 351 - 13 11 - Seton Hill - 12-1 - 293 - 12 12 - Tampa - 11-2 - 290 - 15 13 - Union (Tenn.) - 10-2 - 272 - 17 14 - Pittsburg State - 10-2 - 261 - 8 15 - Carson-Newman - 10-2 - 258 - 10 16 - Concordia-St. Paul - 12-1 - 227 - 14 17 - Cal Poly Pomona - 9-1 - 225 - 23 18 - Texas-Tyler - 9-2 - 212 - 16 19 - Ashland - 11-3 - 179 - 21 20 - Lubbock Christian - 10-3 - 165 - 7 21 - Embry-Riddle - 10-1 - 110 - 25 22 - Nova Southeastern - 9-2 - 77 - RV 23 - Coker - 10-1 - 64 - RV 24 - Belmont Abbey - 10-2 - 61 - RV 25 - Southwest Minnesota State - 11-2 - 47 - RV

Dropped Out:&nbsp;No. 19 Ferris State (8-3); No. 20 Lee, TN (9-3); No. 22 Northern Michigan (8-2); No. 24 Central Washington (8-2).

Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Francis Marion (9-1) 42; Indiana, PA (10-1) 38; Assumption (10-2) 32; California State L.A. (7-2) 26; Ferris State (8-3) 25; Alaska Anchorage (11-2) 18; Fairmont State (9-3)16; Miles (7-2) 15; Harding (9-2) 13; UNC Pembroke (10-3) 9; Northern Michigan (8-2) 7; Central Washington (8-2 5; West Virginia Wesleyan (9-1) 5; Lee, TN, (9-3) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735681499666.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsLILBURN, Ga. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team will ring in the new year as the third-ranked team in the country after the Tigers jumped two spots in the latest WBCA NCAA Division II Coaches Poll, released Tuesday by the coaches association.The Tigers accumulated 509 points in the balloting process, 56 points behind top-ranked Grand Valley State. Pittsburg State is the only other MIAA team mentioned in this week's poll, with the Gorillas slotted 14th.The 11-0 Tigers are one of four remaining undefeated teams in Division II and one of 20 undefeated teams across all divisions of NCAA women's basketball (seven DI, nine DIII). Other DII yet to lose this season include fifth-ranked Cal State Dominguez Hills (12-0), seventh-ranked North Georgia (10-0) and unranked Chowan (7-0).This is the 110th time the Tigers have been ranked in the national coaches poll during the program's DII era. It is the 10th time FHSU has been ranked third, the 42nd time they have been in the top five and the 71st time the Tigers have occupied a spot in the top 10. It's the first time the Tigers have been ranked third in the country since January 4, 2022.Fort Hays State is 168-43 when ranked in the poll, including a 20-6 mark when ranked third, a 72-16 record when ranked in the top five and a 117-24 mark when ranked in the top 10.After a pair of wins in Hawaii as the fifth-ranked team in the country, FHSU has now played 28 games when ranked fifth, more than any other spot in the poll. The Tigers will match that total this week when they play twice as the third-ranked team. FHSU will resume conference play Thursday (Jan. 2, 5:30 p.m.) when they take on Northwest Missouri State on the road before taking on Missouri Western on Saturday (Jan. 4, 1:30 p.m.).WBCA NCAA DII Coaches Poll - December 31, 2024 Rk. - School (1st) - W-L - Pts. - Last 1 - Grand Valley State (19) - 12-1 - 565 - 1 2 - Texas Woman's (2) - 11-1 - 542 - 2 3 - Fort Hays State - 11-0 - 509 - 5 T4 - Bentley - 11-1 - 498 - 5 T5 - Cal State Dominguez Hills (1) - 12-0 - 479 - 9 6 - Montana State Billings - 13-2 - 434 - 3 7 - North Georgia (1) - 10-0 - 366 - 18 8 - Azusa Pacific - 10-1 - 363 - 11 9 - Gannon - 13-2 - 361 - 4 10 - Minnesota State Mankato - 11-2 - 351 - 13 11 - Seton Hill - 12-1 - 293 - 12 12 - Tampa - 11-2 - 290 - 15 13 - Union (Tenn.) - 10-2 - 272 - 17 14 - Pittsburg State - 10-2 - 261 - 8 15 - Carson-Newman - 10-2 - 258 - 10 16 - Concordia-St. Paul - 12-1 - 227 - 14 17 - Cal Poly Pomona - 9-1 - 225 - 23 18 - Texas-Tyler - 9-2 - 212 - 16 19 - Ashland - 11-3 - 179 - 21 20 - Lubbock Christian - 10-3 - 165 - 7 21 - Embry-Riddle - 10-1 - 110 - 25 22 - Nova Southeastern - 9-2 - 77 - RV 23 - Coker - 10-1 - 64 - RV 24 - Belmont Abbey - 10-2 - 61 - RV 25 - Southwest Minnesota State - 11-2 - 47 - RVDropped Out:&nbsp;No. 19 Ferris State (8-3); No. 20 Lee, TN (9-3); No. 22 Northern Michigan (8-2); No. 24 Central Washington (8-2).Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Francis Marion (9-1) 42; Indiana, PA (10-1) 38; Assumption (10-2) 32; California State L.A. (7-2) 26; Ferris State (8-3) 25; Alaska Anchorage (11-2) 18; Fairmont State (9-3)16; Miles (7-2) 15; Harding (9-2) 13; UNC Pembroke (10-3) 9; Northern Michigan (8-2) 7; Central Washington (8-2 5; West Virginia Wesleyan (9-1) 5; Lee, TN, (9-3) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Tiger women climb to No. 3 in WBCA poll

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – After starting the 2024-25 season ranked No. 16 in the NABC Top 25 Poll, Fort Hays State Men's Basketball has played it's way back into the receiving votes section national poll. In the latest poll released on Tuesday, the Tigers, now 8-3 overall on the season, received 17 votes in the poll. They are the fifth-highest team listed in the receiving votes section.

Fort Hays State fell short in a couple of tough games to open the season in Minnesota against Southwest Minnesota State and Concordia-St. Paul, a pair of teams also among the receiving votes list of the poll. Southwest Minnesota State and Concordia-St. Paul are both 10-3 overall on the season. The Tigers have gone 8-1 overall since their 0-2 start to the season. Their only other loss was to Washburn, currently ranked No. 2 in the nation at 12-0 overall.

The Tigers have won their last four games, which included a 16-point win over a No. 22 ranked MSU Denver squad in Hays on December 20. MSU Denver slipped back into the receiving votes list in the latest Top 25 Poll.

Fort Hays State goes on the road this week to Northwest Missouri State (Thur. Jan. 2) and Missouri Western (Sat. Jan. 4). FHSU is looking for its first win at Northwest Missouri State since 2013, and Missouri Western is also in the receiving votes list of the national poll this week. With a new coach at the helm, NWMSU is 3-8 so far this season and this will be the first time in 15 meetings the Bearcats will not hold a national ranking in the matchup with FHSU. Missouri Western is currently 9-3 overall.

The Tigers will be back at home the following week for games against Nebraska-Kearney (Tue. Jan. 7) and Emporia State (Thur. Jan. 9).

NABC Top 25 Poll for Tuesday, December 31, 2024 Rank - School - Record - Points - Prev. 1. Nova Southeastern, Fla. (15) - 11-0 - 398 - 1 2. Washburn, Kan. - 12-0 - 383 - 2 3. Daemen, N.Y. (1) - 11-0 - 354 - 4 4. Ferris State, Mich. - 12-1 - 338 - 5 5. Minot State, N.D. - 15-0 - 328 - 12 6. Alabama Huntsville - 11-1 - 308 - 13 7. Pace, N.Y. - 12-0 - 304 - 11 8. West Liberty, W.Va. - 11-1 - 279 - 3 9. Lincoln Memorial, Tenn. - 9-1 - 261 - 14 10. DBU, Texas - 12-2 - 221 - 15 11. Fairmont State, W.Va. - 10-1 - 216 - 7 12. MSU Moorhead, Minn. - 10-2 - 207 - 6 13. West Texas A&amp;M - 9-2 - 181 - 8 14. Lake Superior State, Mich. - 9-2 - 177 - 17 15. Florida Southern - 12-2 - 174 - 20 16. Colorado School of Mines - 9-2 - 168 - 10 17. Findlay, Ohio - 10-1 - 166 - 25 18. Coker, S.C. - 11-1 - 120 - 16 19. Columbus State, Ga.9-1 - 83 - NR 20. Missouri S&amp;T - 8-1 - 78 - NR 21. Lenoir-Rhyne, N.C. - 10-2 - 61 - NR 22. Saint Martin's, Wash. - 13-2 - 53 - NR 23. Cal State San Bernardino - 10-3 - 44 - 18 24. Hillsdale, Mich. - 10-2 - 33 - 19 T25. Cal Poly Pomona - 8-2 - 24 - 21 T25. Valdosta State, Ga. - 9-2 - 24 - NR

Receiving Votes: MSU Denver (Colo.) 22, Assumption (Mass.) 19, Winona State (Minn.) 19, Southern Nazarene (Okla.) 18,&nbsp;Fort Hays State (Kan.) 17, Gannon (Pa.) 17, North Georgia 17, Palm Beach Atlantic (Fla.) 16, Northwest Nazarene (Idaho) 14, West Chester (Pa.) 11, Midwestern State (Texas) 8, Northern Michigan 8, Southwest Minnesota State 6, Upper Iowa 6, Concordia-St. Paul (Minn.) 5, Lubbock Christian (Texas) 3, Missouri Western 3, Eastern New Mexico 3, Kentucky Wesleyan 2, Point Loma (Calif.) 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735680963372.png" alt="Fort Hays State's Kyle Grill (1) drives in for a layup in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against MSU Denver on Friday, December 20, 2024 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Gillian Lynch)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Kyle Grill (1) drives in for a layup in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against MSU Denver on Friday, December 20, 2024 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Gillian Lynch)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – After starting the 2024-25 season ranked No. 16 in the NABC Top 25 Poll, Fort Hays State Men's Basketball has played it's way back into the receiving votes section national poll. In the latest poll released on Tuesday, the Tigers, now 8-3 overall on the season, received 17 votes in the poll. They are the fifth-highest team listed in the receiving votes section.Fort Hays State fell short in a couple of tough games to open the season in Minnesota against Southwest Minnesota State and Concordia-St. Paul, a pair of teams also among the receiving votes list of the poll. Southwest Minnesota State and Concordia-St. Paul are both 10-3 overall on the season. The Tigers have gone 8-1 overall since their 0-2 start to the season. Their only other loss was to Washburn, currently ranked No. 2 in the nation at 12-0 overall.The Tigers have won their last four games, which included a 16-point win over a No. 22 ranked MSU Denver squad in Hays on December 20. MSU Denver slipped back into the receiving votes list in the latest Top 25 Poll.Fort Hays State goes on the road this week to Northwest Missouri State (Thur. Jan. 2) and Missouri Western (Sat. Jan. 4). FHSU is looking for its first win at Northwest Missouri State since 2013, and Missouri Western is also in the receiving votes list of the national poll this week. With a new coach at the helm, NWMSU is 3-8 so far this season and this will be the first time in 15 meetings the Bearcats will not hold a national ranking in the matchup with FHSU. Missouri Western is currently 9-3 overall.The Tigers will be back at home the following week for games against Nebraska-Kearney (Tue. Jan. 7) and Emporia State (Thur. Jan. 9).NABC Top 25 Poll for Tuesday, December 31, 2024 Rank - School - Record - Points - Prev. 1. Nova Southeastern, Fla. (15) - 11-0 - 398 - 1 2. Washburn, Kan. - 12-0 - 383 - 2 3. Daemen, N.Y. (1) - 11-0 - 354 - 4 4. Ferris State, Mich. - 12-1 - 338 - 5 5. Minot State, N.D. - 15-0 - 328 - 12 6. Alabama Huntsville - 11-1 - 308 - 13 7. Pace, N.Y. - 12-0 - 304 - 11 8. West Liberty, W.Va. - 11-1 - 279 - 3 9. Lincoln Memorial, Tenn. - 9-1 - 261 - 14 10. DBU, Texas - 12-2 - 221 - 15 11. Fairmont State, W.Va. - 10-1 - 216 - 7 12. MSU Moorhead, Minn. - 10-2 - 207 - 6 13. West Texas A&amp;M - 9-2 - 181 - 8 14. Lake Superior State, Mich. - 9-2 - 177 - 17 15. Florida Southern - 12-2 - 174 - 20 16. Colorado School of Mines - 9-2 - 168 - 10 17. Findlay, Ohio - 10-1 - 166 - 25 18. Coker, S.C. - 11-1 - 120 - 16 19. Columbus State, Ga.9-1 - 83 - NR 20. Missouri S&amp;T - 8-1 - 78 - NR 21. Lenoir-Rhyne, N.C. - 10-2 - 61 - NR 22. Saint Martin's, Wash. - 13-2 - 53 - NR 23. Cal State San Bernardino - 10-3 - 44 - 18 24. Hillsdale, Mich. - 10-2 - 33 - 19 T25. Cal Poly Pomona - 8-2 - 24 - 21 T25. Valdosta State, Ga. - 9-2 - 24 - NRReceiving Votes: MSU Denver (Colo.) 22, Assumption (Mass.) 19, Winona State (Minn.) 19, Southern Nazarene (Okla.) 18,&nbsp;Fort Hays State (Kan.) 17, Gannon (Pa.) 17, North Georgia 17, Palm Beach Atlantic (Fla.) 16, Northwest Nazarene (Idaho) 14, West Chester (Pa.) 11, Midwestern State (Texas) 8, Northern Michigan 8, Southwest Minnesota State 6, Upper Iowa 6, Concordia-St. Paul (Minn.) 5, Lubbock Christian (Texas) 3, Missouri Western 3, Eastern New Mexico 3, Kentucky Wesleyan 2, Point Loma (Calif.) 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Tiger men receiving votes in latest NABC Top 25 poll

Fort Hays State men's basketball hosts No. 22 MSU Denver on Friday, December 20, 204 at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kan.

Fort Hays State men's basketball hosts No. 22 MSU Denver on Friday, December 20, 204 at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kan.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-MBB vs. #22 MSU Denver" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=8xdnq-178cc98-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind-MBB vs. #22 MSU Denver

Tuesday, December 31
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
West Virginia, 11:30am

Tuesday, December 31
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
West Virginia, 11:30amWednesday, January 1 noneThursday, January 2
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB at Northwest Missouri State, 5:05pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6pmFriday, January 3 noneSaturday, January 4
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB at Missouri Western State, 1:05pmSunday, January 5
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
UCF, 1:30pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos, 2pm

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Coleman Hawkins had 20 points and 10 rebounds, Dug McDaniel added 17 points and Kansas State led No. 16 Cincinnati nearly wire-to-wire in a 70-67 victory Monday night to open the 20-game Big 12 conference grind.

David N'Guessan also had 13 points, and C.J. Jones made four free throws in the final 20 seconds, helping the Wildcats (7-5, 1-0) snap a three-game losing streak that had concluded their bitterly disappointing nonconference slate.

Kansas State led the Bearcats (10-2, 0-1) for all but 24 seconds, but was left clinging to a 65-63 lead after Aziz Bandaogo's dunk with 27 seconds to go. Hawkins was fouled and made the first of two free throws with 23 seconds remaining, but Max Jones was there to tap the miss to C.J. Jones, who was fouled and made two free throws to extend the lead.

Bandaogo scored again with 8.9 seconds left, but C.J. Jones made the last of his two foul shots to put the game away.

Dan Skillings Jr. led Cincinnati with 18 points. Dillon Mitchell had 15 points and 11 rebounds.

Cincinnati committed 15 turnovers that the Wildcats turned into 15 points. Two of those turnovers came in the last two minutes.

Kansas State won despite 3-point sharpshooter Brendan Hausen going just 1 for 8 from beyond the arc.

Max Jones had eight points and five boards, but no play was bigger than when he kept alive Hawkins' missed free throw in the waning seconds. That got C.J. Jones to the foul line and he provided Kansas State some breathing room.

The Wildcats were 16 of 20 at the foul line. Cincinnati was 4 for 7.

Cincinnati plays Arizona on Saturday. Kansas State visits TCU the same day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735610859876.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Coleman Hawkins had 20 points and 10 rebounds, Dug McDaniel added 17 points and Kansas State led No. 16 Cincinnati nearly wire-to-wire in a 70-67 victory Monday night to open the 20-game Big 12 conference grind.David N'Guessan also had 13 points, and C.J. Jones made four free throws in the final 20 seconds, helping the Wildcats (7-5, 1-0) snap a three-game losing streak that had concluded their bitterly disappointing nonconference slate.Kansas State led the Bearcats (10-2, 0-1) for all but 24 seconds, but was left clinging to a 65-63 lead after Aziz Bandaogo's dunk with 27 seconds to go. Hawkins was fouled and made the first of two free throws with 23 seconds remaining, but Max Jones was there to tap the miss to C.J. Jones, who was fouled and made two free throws to extend the lead.Bandaogo scored again with 8.9 seconds left, but C.J. Jones made the last of his two foul shots to put the game away.Dan Skillings Jr. led Cincinnati with 18 points. Dillon Mitchell had 15 points and 11 rebounds.<h2>Takeaways</h2>Cincinnati committed 15 turnovers that the Wildcats turned into 15 points. Two of those turnovers came in the last two minutes.Kansas State won despite 3-point sharpshooter Brendan Hausen going just 1 for 8 from beyond the arc.<h2>Key moment</h2>Max Jones had eight points and five boards, but no play was bigger than when he kept alive Hawkins' missed free throw in the waning seconds. That got C.J. Jones to the foul line and he provided Kansas State some breathing room.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Wildcats were 16 of 20 at the foul line. Cincinnati was 4 for 7.<h2>Up next</h2>Cincinnati plays Arizona on Saturday. Kansas State visits TCU the same day.___

🏀 K-State hits late FTs to put away No. 16 Cincinnati

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;of Fort Hays State was named the MIAA Men's Basketball Athlete of the Week on Monday for his efforts over the past couple of weeks. This week's honor combined games from the two weeks prior to the holiday break. Hammeke helped the Tigers to a 4-0 record over that span and a team milestone, while also reaching an individual milestone.

Hammeke helped FHSU enter the holiday break on a four-game win streak by averaging 16.3 points, 5.8 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game over a four-game stretch. He led the Tigers in scoring in three of the four games, which included a season-high 24 points in the 18-point win over Regis on December 22. He tied his career high for assists with nine in the 66-50 win over nationally ranked MSU Denver. He scored the final seven points for FHSU in its win over William Jewell on the road in a matchup of teams that both made the NCAA Tournament last year.

Over the four-game span, Hammeke shot 51.1 percent from the field, scored in double figures all four games, hit 57.1 percent (8-of-14) of his 3-point field goal attempts, and had at least three assists in all four games.

In the win over nationally ranked MSU Denver, Hammeke helped the Tigers reach 1,700 wins as a program. FHSU is only the sixth NCAA Division II program to reach the 1,700 wins mark in its men's basketball history. By scoring 15 points in the game, Hammeke went past the 1,700 points mark for his career, becoming only the second Tiger to reach the milestone joining Alonzo Goldston. Hammeke now sits just 40 points shy of Goldston's school record 1,766 points, currently with 1,726. He is also just five assists shy of 500 for his career.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735588538060.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;of Fort Hays State was named the MIAA Men's Basketball Athlete of the Week on Monday for his efforts over the past couple of weeks. This week's honor combined games from the two weeks prior to the holiday break. Hammeke helped the Tigers to a 4-0 record over that span and a team milestone, while also reaching an individual milestone.Hammeke helped FHSU enter the holiday break on a four-game win streak by averaging 16.3 points, 5.8 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game over a four-game stretch. He led the Tigers in scoring in three of the four games, which included a season-high 24 points in the 18-point win over Regis on December 22. He tied his career high for assists with nine in the 66-50 win over nationally ranked MSU Denver. He scored the final seven points for FHSU in its win over William Jewell on the road in a matchup of teams that both made the NCAA Tournament last year.Over the four-game span, Hammeke shot 51.1 percent from the field, scored in double figures all four games, hit 57.1 percent (8-of-14) of his 3-point field goal attempts, and had at least three assists in all four games.In the win over nationally ranked MSU Denver, Hammeke helped the Tigers reach 1,700 wins as a program. FHSU is only the sixth NCAA Division II program to reach the 1,700 wins mark in its men's basketball history. By scoring 15 points in the game, Hammeke went past the 1,700 points mark for his career, becoming only the second Tiger to reach the milestone joining Alonzo Goldston. Hammeke now sits just 40 points shy of Goldston's school record 1,766 points, currently with 1,726. He is also just five assists shy of 500 for his career.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Hammeke named MIAA Men's Basketball Athlete of the Week

The 5th-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team takes on Truman State in their first game of the Big Island Holiday Classic in Hilo, Hawai'i on Thursday, December 19, 2024.

The 5th-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team takes on Truman State in their first game of the Big Island Holiday Classic in Hilo, Hawai'i on Thursday, December 19, 2024.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-WBB vs. Truman State (December 19, 2024)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=cgm2d-178cc4a-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind-WBB vs. Truman (Dec. 19, 2024)

Monday, December 30
 KFIX: Chiefs Kingdom,
6pm

Monday, December 30
 KFIX: Chiefs Kingdom,
6pmTuesday, December 31
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
West Virginia, 11:30amWednesday, January 1 noneThursday, January 2
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB at Northwest Missouri State, 5:05pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6pmFriday, January 3 noneSaturday, January 4
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB at Missouri Western State, 1:05pmSunday, January 5
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
UCF, 1:30pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos, 2pm

Sunday, December 29 none&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sunday, December 29 none&nbsp;&nbsp;

CINCINNATI (AP) — This time, near the very end of a mostly agonizing season, the Cincinnati Bengals made enough plays to win.

Joe Burrow threw his third touchdown pass to Tee Higgins with 1:07 left in overtime, and the Bengals kept their slim playoff hopes alive with a wild 30-24 win over the Denver Broncos on Saturday.

“This is one of the crazy ones I’ve been involved with in the NFL,” Burrow said. “It feels like we had a couple of those this year, and it’s nice to come out on top in one.”

After Denver’s second punt in overtime, Burrow completed a 31-yard pass to Higgins to the Denver 3, and then went back to the lanky receiver for the final play in Cincinnati's fourth consecutive victory. Higgins finished with 11 receptions for 131 yards.

Cade York had a chance to win it for Cincinnati with about three minutes left in overtime, but his 33-yard field goal bounced off the left upright. Denver then went three-and-out, including a Bo Nix incompletion on third down, handing the ball right back to Burrow and the Bengals (8-8).

“Tough one to lose,” Denver coach Sean Payton said. “We had our opportunities. The will to compete and answer, it was pretty impressive. In the end, we didn’t make enough plays, and they did.”

It was the Bengals’ first win this season against a team with a winning record. They need another victory in their final game at Pittsburgh and some help from other teams to make it to the postseason for the first time since 2022.

“We know we can hang with anybody,” Burrow said. “We’ve proven that this year. We played everybody this year close. It’s just about making the plays down the stretch to win those games. Today we did. The last four weeks we have. We’ve got to continue to do it.”

The Broncos (9-7) would have secured an AFC wild card with a victory over the Bengals. They’ll have another opportunity to earn a postseason berth when they host Kansas City next weekend. A victory over the Chiefs also would eliminate the Bengals.

Burrow continued his stellar season, going 39 for 49 for 412 yards and three touchdowns, all to Higgins. Ja’Marr Chase finished with nine receptions for 102 yards.

Burrow has at least 250 yards passing and three touchdowns in eight straight games, extending his NFL record.

“I don’t know that anybody can stand on the field and watch Joe Burrow and say he’s not the best player in the world,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said.

Burrow’s 1-yard touchdown run gave Cincinnati a 24-17 lead with 1:29 left in regulation. On the play before Burrow’s TD, Chase Brown hurt his right ankle on an awkward slide while going down in an effort to help the Bengals run out the remaining time.

Brown’s injury stopped the clock, and Nix threw a spectacular 25-yard touchdown pass to a leaping Marvin Mims Jr. for the tying score with 8 seconds left.

Nix was 24 for 31 for 219 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. Mims finished with eight catches for 103 yards and two TDs.

Burrow made full use of his two featured receivers. Burrow, Higgins and Chase made life difficult for the Broncos all game long.

“I just throw it where the defense tells me to,” Burrow said. “If they’re going to double Ja’Marr, I’m going to throw it to Tee. If Ja’Marr is going to get a one-on-one, I’m going to throw it to him.”

Both receivers are in interesting contract situations. Chase was the NFL leader in receptions, yards receiving and receiving touchdowns going into Week 17. He is likely headed for a massive new contract that will make him one of the highest-paid receivers in the league. Higgins is playing under the franchise tag, and the Bengals may not want to pay what it will take to bring him back next season.

Broncos: CB Damarri Mathis left in the first quarter with a hamstring injury.

Bengals: Right tackle Amarius Mims left late in the first half with a hand injury.

Broncos: Finish the regular season at home against the AFC West champions. The day and time for the game have yet to be announced.

Bengals: At Pittsburgh at a date and time still be determined. The Bengals lost to the Steelers 44-38 on Dec. 1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735556746368.jpeg" alt="Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) makes a catch for a touchdown in front of Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss (21) during the second half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)" />
 <figcaption>Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) makes a catch for a touchdown in front of Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss (21) during the second half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)</figcaption>
 </figure>CINCINNATI (AP) — This time, near the very end of a mostly agonizing season, the Cincinnati Bengals made enough plays to win.A familiar connection closed it out.Joe Burrow threw his third touchdown pass to Tee Higgins with 1:07 left in overtime, and the Bengals kept their slim playoff hopes alive with a wild 30-24 win over the Denver Broncos on Saturday.“This is one of the crazy ones I’ve been involved with in the NFL,” Burrow said. “It feels like we had a couple of those this year, and it’s nice to come out on top in one.”After Denver’s second punt in overtime, Burrow completed a 31-yard pass to Higgins to the Denver 3, and then went back to the lanky receiver for the final play in Cincinnati's fourth consecutive victory. Higgins finished with 11 receptions for 131 yards.Cade York had a chance to win it for Cincinnati with about three minutes left in overtime, but his 33-yard field goal bounced off the left upright. Denver then went three-and-out, including a Bo Nix incompletion on third down, handing the ball right back to Burrow and the Bengals (8-8).“Tough one to lose,” Denver coach Sean Payton said. “We had our opportunities. The will to compete and answer, it was pretty impressive. In the end, we didn’t make enough plays, and they did.”It was the Bengals’ first win this season against a team with a winning record. They need another victory in their final game at Pittsburgh and some help from other teams to make it to the postseason for the first time since 2022.“We know we can hang with anybody,” Burrow said. “We’ve proven that this year. We played everybody this year close. It’s just about making the plays down the stretch to win those games. Today we did. The last four weeks we have. We’ve got to continue to do it.”The Broncos (9-7) would have secured an AFC wild card with a victory over the Bengals. They’ll have another opportunity to earn a postseason berth when they host Kansas City next weekend. A victory over the Chiefs also would eliminate the Bengals.Burrow continued his stellar season, going 39 for 49 for 412 yards and three touchdowns, all to Higgins. Ja’Marr Chase finished with nine receptions for 102 yards.Burrow has at least 250 yards passing and three touchdowns in eight straight games, extending his NFL record.“I don’t know that anybody can stand on the field and watch Joe Burrow and say he’s not the best player in the world,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said.Burrow’s 1-yard touchdown run gave Cincinnati a 24-17 lead with 1:29 left in regulation. On the play before Burrow’s TD, Chase Brown hurt his right ankle on an awkward slide while going down in an effort to help the Bengals run out the remaining time.Brown’s injury stopped the clock, and Nix threw a spectacular 25-yard touchdown pass to a leaping Marvin Mims Jr. for the tying score with 8 seconds left.Nix was 24 for 31 for 219 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. Mims finished with eight catches for 103 yards and two TDs.<h2>The big three</h2>Burrow made full use of his two featured receivers. Burrow, Higgins and Chase made life difficult for the Broncos all game long.“I just throw it where the defense tells me to,” Burrow said. “If they’re going to double Ja’Marr, I’m going to throw it to Tee. If Ja’Marr is going to get a one-on-one, I’m going to throw it to him.”Both receivers are in interesting contract situations. Chase was the NFL leader in receptions, yards receiving and receiving touchdowns going into Week 17. He is likely headed for a massive new contract that will make him one of the highest-paid receivers in the league. Higgins is playing under the franchise tag, and the Bengals may not want to pay what it will take to bring him back next season.<h2>Injuries</h2>Broncos: CB Damarri Mathis left in the first quarter with a hamstring injury.Bengals: Right tackle Amarius Mims left late in the first half with a hand injury.<h2>Up next</h2>Broncos: Finish the regular season at home against the AFC West champions. The day and time for the game have yet to be announced.Bengals: At Pittsburgh at a date and time still be determined. The Bengals lost to the Steelers 44-38 on Dec. 1.

🏈 Burrow throws 3-yard TD pass in OT as the Bengals beat the Broncos

Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus discusses the Chiefs Christmas Day win over the Steelers and looks ahead to the regular season finale.

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

Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus discusses the Chiefs Christmas Day win over the Steelers and looks ahead to the regular season finale.The Holthus Hotline airs Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. on 96.9, KFIX.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1995368419%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-C6RB3MM5la5&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/holthus-hotline-december-28-2024/s-C6RB3MM5la5" title="Holthus Hotline (December 28, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Holthus Hotline (December 28, 2024)</a></div></div>

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