KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — This year's Big 12 Tournament could be a sign of changing times or a mere blip from the way things usually have been.

In its first season in the new-look league, top-ranked Houston romped to a regular-season title and the No. 1 seed, giving the Cougars a double bye into the quarterfinals. They capped their urn with a 30-point win over ailing Kansas, the erstwhile Big 12 power, which fell to the No. 6 seed and will be forced to play a second-round game Wednesday night.

“These conferences, now that we are where we are, would it be better if we didn't play this tournament? Sure. Give us a rest. You risk an injury,” Houston coach Kelvin Sampson said Monday. “But you know what? A conference tournament is important for everybody. It is important for the fans. It's important for the university. And it's important for the conference.”

It's not as if a title will do the Cougars much good. They are almost a lock for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

“Our next game — we've kind of been a next-game team all year long,” said Sampson, who has experience in the Big 12 tourney from his days leading Oklahoma, and whose team could play the Sooners or TCU in the quarterfinal round.

“The only difference now,” he added, “is if you lose, you have to go home.”

Meanwhile, the No. 16 Jayhawks are limping into the tournament without two of their biggest stars. In their 30-point loss to the Cougars on Saturday, big man Hunter Dickinson dislocated his shoulder — an MRI exam showed surgery won't be needed — while fellow All-America candidate Kevin McCullar Jr. continued to have knee pain.

Jayhawks coach Bill Self said late Monday that Dickinson and McCullar would be OK for the NCAA Tournament, but neither will play this week in Kansas City. That leaves the Jayhawks, who already were short on depth, without two of their veteran leaders and most reliable scorers when they step on the floor at T-Mobile Center.

“I don’t feel great about about the big picture only because I don’t know what our health situation is,” Self said. "If we had our five guys and they’re all lined up and they’re healthy we can play with anybody, but we’re not right now.”

Kansas will at least have its coach on the sideline after Self was forced to miss last year's Big 12 tourney when he experienced heart trouble on the eve of the Jayhawks' quarterfinal game. He wound up hospitalized and missed the tournament — Kansas lost to Texas in the finals — and the NCAA Tournament, where the Jayhawks were bounced by Arkansas on the opening weekend.

The Big 12 Tournament begins Tuesday, when newcomer UCF plays Oklahoma State and Cincinnati plays West Virginia. The winner of the opening game plays BYU on Wednesday while the second winner plays the Jayhawks.

The two opening-round games will be played before the Big 12 decides its women's tournament champion Tuesday night.

Now with 14 teams in the league, four earned byes into the quarterfinals on Thursday. The Cougars topped the list and got the preferred early-afternoon tip-off as the No. 1 seed, while Iowa State earned the No. 2 seed despite losing to Kansas State on Saturday. Baylor received the No. 3 seed and Texas Tech slipped into the quarterfinals as the No. 4 seed.

Things will change again next year when Oklahoma and Texas leave for the Southeastern Conference and Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah join the Big 12, making it a 16-team bracket. That will mean four opening-round games rather than two.

Texas won its second Big 12 tourney title in three years last season, and that went a long way toward interim coach Rodney Terry getting the full-time job. The Longhorns would like nothing better than head to the SEC with another trophy.

Oklahoma State coach Mike Boynton is on the hot seat heading into the Big 12 Tournament; the Cowboys were just 12-19 in the regular season and have made the NCAA Tournament only once in his seven seasons. Meanwhile, West Virginia could be playing for the last time under interim coach Josh Eilert, who took over when Bob Huggins resigned before the season.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — This year's Big 12 Tournament could be a sign of changing times or a mere blip from the way things usually have been.In its first season in the new-look league, top-ranked Houston romped to a regular-season title and the No. 1 seed, giving the Cougars a double bye into the quarterfinals. They capped their urn with a 30-point win over ailing Kansas, the erstwhile Big 12 power, which fell to the No. 6 seed and will be forced to play a second-round game Wednesday night.“These conferences, now that we are where we are, would it be better if we didn't play this tournament? Sure. Give us a rest. You risk an injury,” Houston coach Kelvin Sampson said Monday. “But you know what? A conference tournament is important for everybody. It is important for the fans. It's important for the university. And it's important for the conference.”It's not as if a title will do the Cougars much good. They are almost a lock for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.“Our next game — we've kind of been a next-game team all year long,” said Sampson, who has experience in the Big 12 tourney from his days leading Oklahoma, and whose team could play the Sooners or TCU in the quarterfinal round.“The only difference now,” he added, “is if you lose, you have to go home.”Meanwhile, the No. 16 Jayhawks are limping into the tournament without two of their biggest stars. In their 30-point loss to the Cougars on Saturday, big man Hunter Dickinson dislocated his shoulder — an MRI exam showed surgery won't be needed — while fellow All-America candidate Kevin McCullar Jr. continued to have knee pain.Jayhawks coach Bill Self said late Monday that Dickinson and McCullar would be OK for the NCAA Tournament, but neither will play this week in Kansas City. That leaves the Jayhawks, who already were short on depth, without two of their veteran leaders and most reliable scorers when they step on the floor at T-Mobile Center.“I don’t feel great about about the big picture only because I don’t know what our health situation is,” Self said. "If we had our five guys and they’re all lined up and they’re healthy we can play with anybody, but we’re not right now.”SELF IS BACKKansas will at least have its coach on the sideline after Self was forced to miss last year's Big 12 tourney when he experienced heart trouble on the eve of the Jayhawks' quarterfinal game. He wound up hospitalized and missed the tournament — Kansas lost to Texas in the finals — and the NCAA Tournament, where the Jayhawks were bounced by Arkansas on the opening weekend.STARTING THINGS OFFThe Big 12 Tournament begins Tuesday, when newcomer UCF plays Oklahoma State and Cincinnati plays West Virginia. The winner of the opening game plays BYU on Wednesday while the second winner plays the Jayhawks.The two opening-round games will be played before the Big 12 decides its women's tournament champion Tuesday night.BYE, BYE, BYENow with 14 teams in the league, four earned byes into the quarterfinals on Thursday. The Cougars topped the list and got the preferred early-afternoon tip-off as the No. 1 seed, while Iowa State earned the No. 2 seed despite losing to Kansas State on Saturday. Baylor received the No. 3 seed and Texas Tech slipped into the quarterfinals as the No. 4 seed.Things will change again next year when Oklahoma and Texas leave for the Southeastern Conference and Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah join the Big 12, making it a 16-team bracket. That will mean four opening-round games rather than two.SPEAKING OF THE LONGHORNSTexas won its second Big 12 tourney title in three years last season, and that went a long way toward interim coach Rodney Terry getting the full-time job. The Longhorns would like nothing better than head to the SEC with another trophy.COACHING SITUATIONSOklahoma State coach Mike Boynton is on the hot seat heading into the Big 12 Tournament; the Cowboys were just 12-19 in the regular season and have made the NCAA Tournament only once in his seven seasons. Meanwhile, West Virginia could be playing for the last time under interim coach Josh Eilert, who took over when Bob Huggins resigned before the season.

Houston takes No. 1 seed into Big 12 Tournament in first season in the league

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Texas coach Vic Schaefer had watched Kansas State wipe away a 14-point lead, pulling ahead in the fourth quarter of their Big 12 Tournament semifinal, and he knew the outcome would be decided by who made the biggest plays down the stretch.

Madison Booker made some of them. Shay Holle made the biggest.

The senior guard from Austin, Texas, drained a go-ahead 3-pointer from the wing with just over a minute to go Monday, and the sixth-ranked Longhorns held on from there for a 71-64 victory that sent them into a title game rematch with Iowa State.

“I've played them every year I've been here. We'll be excited to be in that game,” said Schaefer, whose team lost to the Cyclones in the finale a year ago. “These kids deserve it. They've had their fair share of trials and challenges throughout the season, and to be where they are today is just remarkable, and I couldn't be more proud of them.”

Booker finished with 17 points, Aaliyah Moore added 14 and Holle scored 11 for the No. 2 seed Longhorns (29-4), who led most of the way before finding themselves behind 57-55 with four minutes to go — and a partisan crowd rooting against them.

Booker answered with a bucket to tie the game, and it was still knotted 61-all when Holle hit her 3 from the wing. She added another basket off a nifty inbound play moments later, giving Texas a five-point lead it would never relinquish.

“We've been together so long. We've been through this before,” said the Longhorns' DeYona Gaston. “We try, in the heat of the moment, to calm each other down. We don't hang our heads low.”

Ayoka Lee had 25 points and 10 rebounds for the third-seeded Wildcats (25-7), who have not played for the Big 12 tourney title since 2005. Serena Sundell added 12 points but also had six of their 17 turnovers.

“We played well enough to win. We just came up on the short end,” Kansas State coach Jeff Mittie said. “I thought it was an outstanding, physical, competitive game. We fought back and played hard and did a lot of really good things.”

Texas and Kansas State split the regular-season series with each winning at home, and despite a big contingent of Wildcat fans at the T-Mobile Center, the Longhorns played the first half as if they were the ones with the home-court advantage.

They played most of the way without Booker, too, after she picked up two fouls just seven minutes into the game.

Shaylee Gonzales helped by drilling a pair of 3-pointers, and Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda had a couple of big baskets off the bench, as the Longhorns built a 24-14 lead by the end of the first quarter. Then, Moore started heating up in the second, helping the regular-season Big 12 runner-ups take a 38-30 lead into the locker room.

It could have been more if not for Lee, who had 18 of the Wildcats' first-half points.

Kansas State slowly ate away at its deficit in the third quarter, even as Booker scored on three straight possessions, and finally wiped out what had been an early 14-point advantage on Brylee Glenn's 3-pointer with four minutes to go.

But the Longhorns showed their mettle in the closing minutes, and Holle and Co. made the plays that mattered the most.

“I thought our kids were who they are, which is, they're just tough, y'all," Schaefer said. "This group is unlike any team I can remember in a long time. They're just gritty and tough and they can make plays.”

Texas meets Iowa State for the title. The Longhorns beat Baylor for the championship in 2022 and also won the title in '03.

Kansas State waits to see whether its NCAA Tournament seeding is good enough to host any games.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Texas coach Vic Schaefer had watched Kansas State wipe away a 14-point lead, pulling ahead in the fourth quarter of their Big 12 Tournament semifinal, and he knew the outcome would be decided by who made the biggest plays down the stretch.Madison Booker made some of them. Shay Holle made the biggest.The senior guard from Austin, Texas, drained a go-ahead 3-pointer from the wing with just over a minute to go Monday, and the sixth-ranked Longhorns held on from there for a 71-64 victory that sent them into a title game rematch with Iowa State.“I've played them every year I've been here. We'll be excited to be in that game,” said Schaefer, whose team lost to the Cyclones in the finale a year ago. “These kids deserve it. They've had their fair share of trials and challenges throughout the season, and to be where they are today is just remarkable, and I couldn't be more proud of them.”Booker finished with 17 points, Aaliyah Moore added 14 and Holle scored 11 for the No. 2 seed Longhorns (29-4), who led most of the way before finding themselves behind 57-55 with four minutes to go — and a partisan crowd rooting against them.Booker answered with a bucket to tie the game, and it was still knotted 61-all when Holle hit her 3 from the wing. She added another basket off a nifty inbound play moments later, giving Texas a five-point lead it would never relinquish.“We've been together so long. We've been through this before,” said the Longhorns' DeYona Gaston. “We try, in the heat of the moment, to calm each other down. We don't hang our heads low.”Ayoka Lee had 25 points and 10 rebounds for the third-seeded Wildcats (25-7), who have not played for the Big 12 tourney title since 2005. Serena Sundell added 12 points but also had six of their 17 turnovers.“We played well enough to win. We just came up on the short end,” Kansas State coach Jeff Mittie said. “I thought it was an outstanding, physical, competitive game. We fought back and played hard and did a lot of really good things.”Texas and Kansas State split the regular-season series with each winning at home, and despite a big contingent of Wildcat fans at the T-Mobile Center, the Longhorns played the first half as if they were the ones with the home-court advantage.They played most of the way without Booker, too, after she picked up two fouls just seven minutes into the game.Shaylee Gonzales helped by drilling a pair of 3-pointers, and Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda had a couple of big baskets off the bench, as the Longhorns built a 24-14 lead by the end of the first quarter. Then, Moore started heating up in the second, helping the regular-season Big 12 runner-ups take a 38-30 lead into the locker room.It could have been more if not for Lee, who had 18 of the Wildcats' first-half points.Kansas State slowly ate away at its deficit in the third quarter, even as Booker scored on three straight possessions, and finally wiped out what had been an early 14-point advantage on Brylee Glenn's 3-pointer with four minutes to go.But the Longhorns showed their mettle in the closing minutes, and Holle and Co. made the plays that mattered the most.“I thought our kids were who they are, which is, they're just tough, y'all," Schaefer said. "This group is unlike any team I can remember in a long time. They're just gritty and tough and they can make plays.”UP NEXTTexas meets Iowa State for the title. The Longhorns beat Baylor for the championship in 2022 and also won the title in '03.Kansas State waits to see whether its NCAA Tournament seeding is good enough to host any games.

No. 6 Texas beats No. 16 K-State 71-64 in Big 12 semifinals

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Houston is the No. 1 seed in the Big 12 Tournament after
winning the regular-season title in its first year in the league. The
top-ranked Cougars earned one of four double byes into the
quarterfinals on Thursday. Meanwhile, No. 16 Kansas dropped all the
way to the No. 6 seed and will play a second-round game on Wednesday.
The Jayhawks could be missing two of their biggest stars, Hunter
Dickinson and Kevin McCullar Jr., because of injuries. The tournament
begins at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City on Tuesday, when newcomer
UCF plays Oklahoma State and Cincinnati players West Virginia.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Madison Booker had 17 points, Shay Holle hit a go-ahead
3-pointer with just over a minute to go, and sixth-ranked Texas beat
No. 16 Kansas State 71-64 on Monday. That sent the second-seeded
Longhorns into a Big 12 Tournament title game rematch against
fourth-seeded Iowa State. Aaliyah Moore added 14 points and Holle
finished with 11 for Texas, which blew a 14-point lead before
rallying from a 57-55 deficit with four minutes to go. Ayoka Lee had
25 points and 10 rebounds to lead the No. 3 seed Wildcats. Serena
Sundell added 12 points but also had six of Kansas State's 17
turnovers.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Audi Crooks had 25 points, Addy Brown added 16 and
fourth-seeded Iowa State romped to a 85-68 victory over top-seeded
and No. 19 Oklahoma on Monday. The win gives the Cyclones a chance to
defend their women’s Big 12 Tournament title. They beat Texas for
the championship last season and will meet again Tuesday night for
the title. Payton Verhulst had 23 points for the Sooners, who will
head to the SEC next season having lost their last seven Big 12
semifinals. Sahara Williams added 16 points and league co-player of
the year Skylar Vann finished with 12 for Oklahoma.

UNDATED (AP) —
Houston remains atop the AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll
for the third consecutive week. The Cougars received 52 of 62
first-place votes from a national media panel after clinching the Big
12 regular-season title in their first year in the league. Defending
national champ UConn remained second with six first-place votes and
Purdue is third with four first-place votes. North Carolina moved up
to fourth and Kentucky jumped to No. 9 this week. Nevada entered at
No. 23 for the first time since 2019, while Texas Tech returned at
No. 25. San Diego State and South Florida fell out.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs finalized a five-year, $158.75
million contract with Chris Jones on Monday, keeping the All-Pro
tackle in the middle of their defensive line as they chase a
record-setting third consecutive Super Bowl title. Jones will make
$95 million guaranteed over the first three years of the deal, a
person familiar with the details told The Associated Press on
Saturday night, when the framework for the agreement was put in
place. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because
the financial terms for one of the biggest deals for a defensive
player in NFL history were not disclosed. Jones turns 30 in July.

UNDATED (AP) —
Kirk Cousins is heading to the Falcons. Saquon Barkley is joining the
Eagles. Brian Burns is going to the Giants. The first day of the
NFL’s legal tampering period was a free-for-all frenzy with teams
making one big move after another highlighted by Cousins’ decision
to leave Minnesota for Atlanta. The four-time Pro Bowl quarterback
and the Falcons agreed on a $180 million deal, four-year deal with
$100 million guaranteed and a $50 million signing bonus. That's
according to a person with knowledge of the terms who spoke to The
Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal can’t
be signed until the new league year begins on Wednesday.

UNDATED (AP) — A
person familiar says the New York Giants have agreed to acquire edge
rusher Brian Burns from the Carolina Panthers. Burns is getting a
five-year contract worth up to $150 million with $87.5 million in
guarantees, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press
on condition of anonymity because the deal can’t be completed until
Wednesday. Burns, a two-time Pro Bowl pick, will sign his franchise
tag to facilitate the deal. Burns becomes the second-highest paid
defensive end in NFL history. Burns, who turns 26 next month, had 46
sacks in five seasons in Carolina.

GREENVILLE, S.C.
(AP) — The brother of LSU guard Flau'jae Johnson was arrested and
charged with assault and battery and disorderly conduct after getting
involved in his sister's scuffle with South Carolina forward Kamilla
Cardoso. The incident took place late in the Gamecocks' 79-72 victory
Sunday after Cardoso shoved Johnson. Cardoso was ejected. Trayron
Milton jumped over the scorer's table to reach the court and made
contact with Cardoso. He was led away by security. Greenville police
say Milton reached the court by pushing down an SEC employee and
stepping on her shoulders to get past.

Final	(21)Saint
Mary's (Cal.)	79	Santa Clara	65	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707734642080.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Houston is the No. 1 seed in the Big 12 Tournament after
winning the regular-season title in its first year in the league. The
top-ranked Cougars earned one of four double byes into the
quarterfinals on Thursday. Meanwhile, No. 16 Kansas dropped all the
way to the No. 6 seed and will play a second-round game on Wednesday.
The Jayhawks could be missing two of their biggest stars, Hunter
Dickinson and Kevin McCullar Jr., because of injuries. The tournament
begins at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City on Tuesday, when newcomer
UCF plays Oklahoma State and Cincinnati players West Virginia.KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Madison Booker had 17 points, Shay Holle hit a go-ahead
3-pointer with just over a minute to go, and sixth-ranked Texas beat
No. 16 Kansas State 71-64 on Monday. That sent the second-seeded
Longhorns into a Big 12 Tournament title game rematch against
fourth-seeded Iowa State. Aaliyah Moore added 14 points and Holle
finished with 11 for Texas, which blew a 14-point lead before
rallying from a 57-55 deficit with four minutes to go. Ayoka Lee had
25 points and 10 rebounds to lead the No. 3 seed Wildcats. Serena
Sundell added 12 points but also had six of Kansas State's 17
turnovers.KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Audi Crooks had 25 points, Addy Brown added 16 and
fourth-seeded Iowa State romped to a 85-68 victory over top-seeded
and No. 19 Oklahoma on Monday. The win gives the Cyclones a chance to
defend their women’s Big 12 Tournament title. They beat Texas for
the championship last season and will meet again Tuesday night for
the title. Payton Verhulst had 23 points for the Sooners, who will
head to the SEC next season having lost their last seven Big 12
semifinals. Sahara Williams added 16 points and league co-player of
the year Skylar Vann finished with 12 for Oklahoma.UNDATED (AP) —
Houston remains atop the AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll
for the third consecutive week. The Cougars received 52 of 62
first-place votes from a national media panel after clinching the Big
12 regular-season title in their first year in the league. Defending
national champ UConn remained second with six first-place votes and
Purdue is third with four first-place votes. North Carolina moved up
to fourth and Kentucky jumped to No. 9 this week. Nevada entered at
No. 23 for the first time since 2019, while Texas Tech returned at
No. 25. San Diego State and South Florida fell out.KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs finalized a five-year, $158.75
million contract with Chris Jones on Monday, keeping the All-Pro
tackle in the middle of their defensive line as they chase a
record-setting third consecutive Super Bowl title. Jones will make
$95 million guaranteed over the first three years of the deal, a
person familiar with the details told The Associated Press on
Saturday night, when the framework for the agreement was put in
place. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because
the financial terms for one of the biggest deals for a defensive
player in NFL history were not disclosed. Jones turns 30 in July.UNDATED (AP) —
Kirk Cousins is heading to the Falcons. Saquon Barkley is joining the
Eagles. Brian Burns is going to the Giants. The first day of the
NFL’s legal tampering period was a free-for-all frenzy with teams
making one big move after another highlighted by Cousins’ decision
to leave Minnesota for Atlanta. The four-time Pro Bowl quarterback
and the Falcons agreed on a $180 million deal, four-year deal with
$100 million guaranteed and a $50 million signing bonus. That's
according to a person with knowledge of the terms who spoke to The
Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal can’t
be signed until the new league year begins on Wednesday.UNDATED (AP) — A
person familiar says the New York Giants have agreed to acquire edge
rusher Brian Burns from the Carolina Panthers. Burns is getting a
five-year contract worth up to $150 million with $87.5 million in
guarantees, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press
on condition of anonymity because the deal can’t be completed until
Wednesday. Burns, a two-time Pro Bowl pick, will sign his franchise
tag to facilitate the deal. Burns becomes the second-highest paid
defensive end in NFL history. Burns, who turns 26 next month, had 46
sacks in five seasons in Carolina.GREENVILLE, S.C.
(AP) — The brother of LSU guard Flau'jae Johnson was arrested and
charged with assault and battery and disorderly conduct after getting
involved in his sister's scuffle with South Carolina forward Kamilla
Cardoso. The incident took place late in the Gamecocks' 79-72 victory
Sunday after Cardoso shoved Johnson. Cardoso was ejected. Trayron
Milton jumped over the scorer's table to reach the court and made
contact with Cardoso. He was led away by security. Greenville police
say Milton reached the court by pushing down an SEC employee and
stepping on her shoulders to get past.MONDAY SCORESTOP-25 COLLEGE
BASKETBALLFinal	(17)Gonzaga	89	San
Francisco	77	Final	(21)Saint
Mary's (Cal.)	79	Santa Clara	65	MAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	Boston	1	Pittsburgh	0	Final	Atlanta	3	Minnesota	0	Final	N.Y.
Yankees	2	Philadelphia	1	Final	Cleveland	5	L.A.
Dodgers	1	Final	Colorado	7	Chicago
White Sox	2	Final	San
Diego	13	Seattle	3	Final	San
Francisco	12	Kansas City	9	Final	Oakland	6	Arizona	5	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Detroit	5	Houston	3	Final	Toronto	9	Tampa
Bay	2	Final	N.Y.
Yankees	5	Baltimore	3	Final	Texas	15	L.A.
Angels	5	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Washington	11	St.
Louis	4	Final	Miami	1	N.Y.
Mets	0	NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Detroit	114	Charlotte	97	Final	Phoenix	117	Cleveland	111	Final	Dallas	127	Chicago	92	Final	Golden
State	112	San Antonio	102	Final	Denver	125	Toronto	119	Final	Boston	121	Portland	99	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUEFinal	N-Y
Rangers	3	New Jersey	1	Final	St.
Louis	5	Boston	1	Final	Winnipeg	3	Washington	0

Tuesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs finalized a five-year, $158.75 million contract with Chris Jones on Monday, keeping the All-Pro tackle in the middle of their defensive line as they chase a record-setting third consecutive Super Bowl title.

Jones will make $95 million guaranteed over the first three years of the deal, a person familiar with the details told The Associated Press on Saturday night, when the framework for the agreement was put in place. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the financial terms for one of the biggest deals for a defensive player in NFL history were not disclosed.

“Five more years of greatness,” Jones said in a brief video posted Monday on X, formally known as Twitter. “This is everything we've dreamed about, talked about. Now let's get some more Super Bowl rings.”

Jones turns 30 in July, so the Chiefs are gambling that there will be no drop-off for one of the league's top pass rushers.

His agents, Michael and Jason Katz, tweeted their congratulations to “the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history.” Jones later tweeted an “A+” to Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt, whose ownership of the franchise was given a failing grade when the NFL Players Association released its annual report card at the scouting combine.

Jones promised Chiefs fans at a victory parade following their overtime win over San Francisco in the Super Bowl that he'd be back to chase a three-peat, but that required getting a long-term deal done with a franchise bumping up against the salary cap.

The sides had tried and failed to do that the past two offseasons, and Jones skipped every offseason workout last year — including a mandatory minicamp and training camp — along with a Week 1 loss to Detroit while at an impasse. He piled up nearly $4 million in fines before agreeing to an incentive-laden one-year deal that got him back on the field this past season.

Jones proceeded to start every game in the regular season and playoffs, including a meaningless regular-season finale against the Chargers, when he got the last sack he needed to reach 10 1/2 for the season and trigger a $1.25 million bonus in his contract.

Jones' teammates certainly harbored no ill-will for his holdout; they rushed from the bench to celebrate the sack with him.

Jones had another half-sack in a wild-card win over Miami in one of the coldest games in NFL history, then helped a team yet to play a road playoff game during its recent run win games at Buffalo and Baltimore. That sent the Chiefs on to their fourth Super Bowl in five years, and the overtime win over the 49ers gave Jones his third championship ring.

Now, the affable defensive tackle will have the opportunity to win a fourth in Kansas City.

Jones was picked by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2016 draft out of Mississippi State, and he quickly earned a spot in the starting lineup. He was a second-team All-Pro in his second season, when he had 15 1/2 sacks, and then began his current run of five consecutive Pro Bowl appearances the following year.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs finalized a five-year, $158.75 million contract with Chris Jones on Monday, keeping the All-Pro tackle in the middle of their defensive line as they chase a record-setting third consecutive Super Bowl title.Jones will make $95 million guaranteed over the first three years of the deal, a person familiar with the details told The Associated Press on Saturday night, when the framework for the agreement was put in place. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the financial terms for one of the biggest deals for a defensive player in NFL history were not disclosed.“Five more years of greatness,” Jones said in a brief video posted Monday on X, formally known as Twitter. “This is everything we've dreamed about, talked about. Now let's get some more Super Bowl rings.”Jones turns 30 in July, so the Chiefs are gambling that there will be no drop-off for one of the league's top pass rushers.His agents, Michael and Jason Katz, tweeted their congratulations to “the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history.” Jones later tweeted an “A+” to Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt, whose ownership of the franchise was given a failing grade when the NFL Players Association released its annual report card at the scouting combine.Jones promised Chiefs fans at a victory parade following their overtime win over San Francisco in the Super Bowl that he'd be back to chase a three-peat, but that required getting a long-term deal done with a franchise bumping up against the salary cap.The sides had tried and failed to do that the past two offseasons, and Jones skipped every offseason workout last year — including a mandatory minicamp and training camp — along with a Week 1 loss to Detroit while at an impasse. He piled up nearly $4 million in fines before agreeing to an incentive-laden one-year deal that got him back on the field this past season.Jones proceeded to start every game in the regular season and playoffs, including a meaningless regular-season finale against the Chargers, when he got the last sack he needed to reach 10 1/2 for the season and trigger a $1.25 million bonus in his contract.Jones' teammates certainly harbored no ill-will for his holdout; they rushed from the bench to celebrate the sack with him.Jones had another half-sack in a wild-card win over Miami in one of the coldest games in NFL history, then helped a team yet to play a road playoff game during its recent run win games at Buffalo and Baltimore. That sent the Chiefs on to their fourth Super Bowl in five years, and the overtime win over the 49ers gave Jones his third championship ring.Now, the affable defensive tackle will have the opportunity to win a fourth in Kansas City.Jones was picked by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2016 draft out of Mississippi State, and he quickly earned a spot in the starting lineup. He was a second-team All-Pro in his second season, when he had 15 1/2 sacks, and then began his current run of five consecutive Pro Bowl appearances the following year.

Chiefs, All-Pro DT Chris Jones finalize 5-year, $158.75M deal with $95M guaranteed

The top 25 teams in The Associated Press' college basketball poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, and total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote and previous ranking.

Others receiving votes: Boise St. 46, South Florida 27, San Diego St. 21, Drake 16, Texas 14, James Madison 14, FAU 11, Florida 8, Princeton 7, Nebraska 6, New Mexico 4, Colorado 2, McNeese St. 2, Colorado St. 1, Wake Forest 1, Indiana St 1.

The top 25 teams in The Associated Press' college basketball poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, and total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote and previous ranking.Record	Pts	Prv1. Houston (52)	28-3	1540	12. UConn (6)	28-3	1471	23. Purdue (4)	28-3	1453	34. North Carolina	25-6	1361	75. Tennessee	24-7	1291	46. Arizona	24-7	1125	57. Iowa St.	24-7	1120	68. Creighton	23-8	1094	109. Kentucky	23-8	1018	1510. Marquette	23-8	1011	811. Duke	24-7	976	912. Auburn	24-7	914	1313. Illinois	23-8	802	1214. Baylor	22-9	786	1115. South Carolina	25-6	567	1716. Kansas	22-9	558	1417. Gonzaga	24-6	511	1918. Utah St.	26-5	486	2219. Alabama	21-10	432	1620. BYU	22-9	381	2021. Saint Mary's	24-7	306	2322. Washington St	23-8	239	1823. Nevada	26-6	223	-24. Dayton	24-6	155	2525. Texas Tech	22-9	149	-Others receiving votes: Boise St. 46, South Florida 27, San Diego St. 21, Drake 16, Texas 14, James Madison 14, FAU 11, Florida 8, Princeton 7, Nebraska 6, New Mexico 4, Colorado 2, McNeese St. 2, Colorado St. 1, Wake Forest 1, Indiana St 1.

AP Top 25

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Monday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Monday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/natxodff/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>- Monday Sports Headlines- Great Bend Tribune's Jim Misunas- Sounds of the Weekend

Monday on Sports Day (Listen)

INDIANAPOLIS - The Fort Hays State men's basketball team earned an at-large bid into the 2024 NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Championships, announced Sunday (March 10) by the NCAA office. With a record of 23-7, the Tigers received the No. 6 seed in the Central Region and will take on No. 3 seed Minnesota Duluth in the regional quarterfinals on Saturday (March 16).

Minnesota State is the top seed in the region and will host the regional in Mankato, Minn. March 16, 17 and 19.

This is Fort Hays State's 14th trip to an NCAA Central Regional and first since 2016. It is the eighth appearance in an NCAA regional under head coach Mark Johnson. The Tigers are 10-12 all-time in the tournament, including a 7-8 record in neutral-site contests. This will be the first-ever meeting between the Tigers and Bulldogs (25-6).

The Tigers last played in the NCAA Tournament in the 2016 regional quarterfinals. The Tigers are 3-4 in regional quarterfinal games. Fort Hays State has played in three regional title games, winning one en route to its national title in 1996.

Two other MIAA schools join FHSU in the field of eight, including No. 2 Northwest Missouri State and No. 5 Pittsburg State. The Northern Sun has four teams in the field, and the Great American Conference earned one bid.

The winner of the Central Region will meet up with seven other regional champions at the 2024 NCAA Division II Men's Elite Eight in Evansville, Ind. March 26-30.

More information on the regional, including game times, ticket information and more will be released as it becomes available.

2024 NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Championship Central Region Tournament Quarterfinal Matchups

No. 1 Minnesota State (29-2) vs. No. 8 Arkansas Tech (25-6)

No. 2 Northwest Missouri State (27-4) vs. No. 7 Southwest Minnesota State (19-12)

No. 3 Minnesota Duluth (25-6) vs. No. 6 Fort Hays State (23-7)

No. 4 MSU Moorhead (24-5) vs. No. 5 Pittsburg State (21-10)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710177954328.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>INDIANAPOLIS - The Fort Hays State men's basketball team earned an at-large bid into the 2024 NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Championships, announced Sunday (March 10) by the NCAA office. With a record of 23-7, the Tigers received the No. 6 seed in the Central Region and will take on No. 3 seed Minnesota Duluth in the regional quarterfinals on Saturday (March 16).Minnesota State is the top seed in the region and will host the regional in Mankato, Minn. March 16, 17 and 19.This is Fort Hays State's 14th trip to an NCAA Central Regional and first since 2016. It is the eighth appearance in an NCAA regional under head coach Mark Johnson. The Tigers are 10-12 all-time in the tournament, including a 7-8 record in neutral-site contests. This will be the first-ever meeting between the Tigers and Bulldogs (25-6).The Tigers last played in the NCAA Tournament in the 2016 regional quarterfinals. The Tigers are 3-4 in regional quarterfinal games. Fort Hays State has played in three regional title games, winning one en route to its national title in 1996.Two other MIAA schools join FHSU in the field of eight, including No. 2 Northwest Missouri State and No. 5 Pittsburg State. The Northern Sun has four teams in the field, and the Great American Conference earned one bid.The winner of the Central Region will meet up with seven other regional champions at the 2024 NCAA Division II Men's Elite Eight in Evansville, Ind. March 26-30.More information on the regional, including game times, ticket information and more will be released as it becomes available.2024 NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Championship Central Region Tournament Quarterfinal MatchupsNo. 1 Minnesota State (29-2) vs. No. 8 Arkansas Tech (25-6)No. 2 Northwest Missouri State (27-4) vs. No. 7 Southwest Minnesota State (19-12)No. 3 Minnesota Duluth (25-6) vs. No. 6 Fort Hays State (23-7)No. 4 MSU Moorhead (24-5) vs. No. 5 Pittsburg State (21-10)

Men's Basketball Picked for 14th NCAA DII Regional Tournament

By Matt McMullen Senior Team Reporter

The Kansas City Chiefs received one compensatory pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on Friday, pushing their overall total to seven selections.

Compensatory picks are allotted to teams that lost significant free agents the year prior and are determined by a formula based on salary, playing time and postseason honors. The newly acquired selection is in the fifth round (No. 172 overall).

Here's a look at the Chiefs' updated allotment of draft selections this year.

Round 5: No. 172 overall (Compensatory Pick)

The 2024 NFL Draft kicks off on April 25 in Detroit and will continue over the course of three days.

By Matt McMullen Senior Team ReporterThe Kansas City Chiefs received one compensatory pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on Friday, pushing their overall total to seven selections.Compensatory picks are allotted to teams that lost significant free agents the year prior and are determined by a formula based on salary, playing time and postseason honors. The newly acquired selection is in the fifth round (No. 172 overall).Here's a look at the Chiefs' updated allotment of draft selections this year.Round 1: No. 32 overallRound 2: No. 64 overallRound 3: No. 95 overallRound 4: No. 131 overallRound 5 (via Dallas): No. 158 overallRound 5: No. 172 overall (Compensatory Pick)Round 7: No. 252 overallThe 2024 NFL Draft kicks off on April 25 in Detroit and will continue over the course of three days.

Chiefs Receive One Compensatory Pick in the 2024 NFL Draft

Baseball Sunday @ Butler Game 1 - Butler 15, Barton 5 6-innings Game 2 - Barton 15, Butler 5 7-innings

Barton 13-6 overall, 2-2 in league Butler 10-8 overall, 2-2 in league

* Barton hosts Kansas Wesleyan JV Tuesday at 2:00pm

Barton Softball Saturday @ Garden City Game 1 - Barton 14, Garden City 1&nbsp; 5-innings Game 2 - Barton 16, Garden City 4&nbsp; 6-innings

Baseball Sunday @ Butler Game 1 - Butler 15, Barton 5 6-innings Game 2 - Barton 15, Butler 5 7-inningsBarton 13-6 overall, 2-2 in league Butler 10-8 overall, 2-2 in league* Barton hosts Kansas Wesleyan JV Tuesday at 2:00pmBarton Softball Saturday @ Garden City Game 1 - Barton 14, Garden City 1&nbsp; 5-innings Game 2 - Barton 16, Garden City 4&nbsp; 6-inningsBarton 9-9 overall, 7-3 in league*Barton hosts Cowley Tuesday @ 1:00pm

Barton Baseball/Softball Results

By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info

For the second straight year hardware will be returning to Great Bend as the Barton Community College swimming programs had a solid four-day performance at the NJCAA National Swimming &amp; Diving Championships held at the Anne Wilder Aquatic Complex in Fort Pierce, FL.

Sitting in third place following opening day action, the Lady Cougars remained steady over the final three days, in securing the program's second straight third place finish and program's third-straight top-4 finish with a 560-point accumulation over the 25 events.

Capturing the team title was Indian River as the Pioneers captured their 42nd constitutive national championship with a four-day total 1,374. Finishing runner-up was Southwestern Oregon with 674 while Jamestown came in fourth place 138 points back of Barton.

Highlighting the women performances was long distance specialist Aleksandra Cicha. Making her first appearance on the big stage, the freshman recorded the Cougars top individual finishes with a trio of fourth placings. Cicha's biggest impact came on the opening day swimming to the program's second fastest time (11:14.23) in the 1000-yard freestyle.

Cicha also aided to one of the team's highest relay finishes, taking the second leg following Silvana Jacquez Viveros opening shift while giving way to Caroline Tipton and Elena Lara as the four-pack combined for the program's fifth fastest 800-yard freestyle relay stoppage (8:25.99) in earning the first of three team third place finishes.

Lara led team high point honors with 54, as the freshman assisted within Barton's other pair of third place relay finishes while picking up two sixth's and a fifth place individually. The final 50-point producer was Jacquez 51, as the sophomore's highest individual finish came in the 200-yard backstroke (2:14.00).

Joining Lara and Jacquez Viveros on both third place 200-yard and 400-yard medley relays was Claire Holt and Caroline Tipton.

On the men's side, Barton stayed within arm's reach of hardware but was unable to overcome the point differential down the stretch in placing fourth for the second straight year and inside the top-4 for the fifth straight season earning 467 points.

Indian River State claimed the program's 50th straight national title behind 1,330 points with Southwest Oregon finishing runner-up at 806 and Iowa Central Community College rounding out in third with 590 points.

Barton's lone national title came in Thursday's final event of the 200-yard medley relay with Javan Titus, Ethan Baylin, Dominik Strba and Louis Ainley topping the seven team field in 3:20.78 falling 0.19-seconds off the program's top time. The four-pack nearly doubled up with a second national title in Friday's 200-medley relay finishing runner-up with the second quickest time in program history (1:30.93).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710156035042.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoFor the second straight year hardware will be returning to Great Bend as the Barton Community College swimming programs had a solid four-day performance at the NJCAA National Swimming &amp; Diving Championships held at the Anne Wilder Aquatic Complex in Fort Pierce, FL.Sitting in third place following opening day action, the Lady Cougars remained steady over the final three days, in securing the program's second straight third place finish and program's third-straight top-4 finish with a 560-point accumulation over the 25 events.Capturing the team title was Indian River as the Pioneers captured their 42nd constitutive national championship with a four-day total 1,374. Finishing runner-up was Southwestern Oregon with 674 while Jamestown came in fourth place 138 points back of Barton.Highlighting the women performances was long distance specialist Aleksandra Cicha. Making her first appearance on the big stage, the freshman recorded the Cougars top individual finishes with a trio of fourth placings. Cicha's biggest impact came on the opening day swimming to the program's second fastest time (11:14.23) in the 1000-yard freestyle.Cicha also aided to one of the team's highest relay finishes, taking the second leg following Silvana Jacquez Viveros opening shift while giving way to Caroline Tipton and Elena Lara as the four-pack combined for the program's fifth fastest 800-yard freestyle relay stoppage (8:25.99) in earning the first of three team third place finishes.Lara led team high point honors with 54, as the freshman assisted within Barton's other pair of third place relay finishes while picking up two sixth's and a fifth place individually. The final 50-point producer was Jacquez 51, as the sophomore's highest individual finish came in the 200-yard backstroke (2:14.00).Joining Lara and Jacquez Viveros on both third place 200-yard and 400-yard medley relays was Claire Holt and Caroline Tipton.On the men's side, Barton stayed within arm's reach of hardware but was unable to overcome the point differential down the stretch in placing fourth for the second straight year and inside the top-4 for the fifth straight season earning 467 points.Indian River State claimed the program's 50th straight national title behind 1,330 points with Southwest Oregon finishing runner-up at 806 and Iowa Central Community College rounding out in third with 590 points.Barton's lone national title came in Thursday's final event of the 200-yard medley relay with Javan Titus, Ethan Baylin, Dominik Strba and Louis Ainley topping the seven team field in 3:20.78 falling 0.19-seconds off the program's top time. The four-pack nearly doubled up with a second national title in Friday's 200-medley relay finishing runner-up with the second quickest time in program history (1:30.93).

Barton women third, men finish fourth at the NJCAA Championships 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State struggled hitting shots early and tried to battle out of a 13-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter, but a late comeback rally came up short as Pittsburg State claimed the MIAA Tournament title on Sunday (March 10). FHSU is now 24-7 overall, while PSU also moved to 24-7 overall.

The Fort Hays State women's basketball team earned an at-large bid into the 2024 NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Championship, announced Sunday (March 10). The Tigers secured the No. 3 seed in the Central Region and will take on sixth-seeded Northwest Missouri State in the quarterfinal round on Friday, March 15.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State struggled hitting shots early and tried to battle out of a 13-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter, but a late comeback rally came up short as Pittsburg State claimed the MIAA Tournament title on Sunday (March 10). FHSU is now 24-7 overall, while PSU also moved to 24-7 overall.The Fort Hays State women's basketball team earned an at-large bid into the 2024 NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Championship, announced Sunday (March 10). The Tigers secured the No. 3 seed in the Central Region and will take on sixth-seeded Northwest Missouri State in the quarterfinal round on Friday, March 15.

Late Comeback Effort Comes Up Short for Tigers in MIAA Championship Game

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Houston senior point guard Jamal Shead was voted by Big 12 coaches as the conference's player of the year after helping lead the top-ranked Cougars to the regular-season title in their inaugural season in the league.

Shead, also tabbed as the top defensive player, was the only unanimous pick on the first team announced Sunday. He goes into the postseason averaging 13.2 points, 6.2 assists and 2.3 steals.

The other first-team picks were Kansas senior center Hunter Dickinson, the Michigan transfer who was also newcomer of the year, along with Iowa State sophomore guard Tamin Lipsey, Kansas guard Kevin McCullar Jr. and Texas forward Dylan Disu.

Kelvin Sampson of the Cougars (28-3) was named by his Big 12 peers as coach of the year.

Baylor guard Ja'Kobe Walter was picked as freshman of the year.

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Houston senior point guard Jamal Shead was voted by Big 12 coaches as the conference's player of the year after helping lead the top-ranked Cougars to the regular-season title in their inaugural season in the league.Shead, also tabbed as the top defensive player, was the only unanimous pick on the first team announced Sunday. He goes into the postseason averaging 13.2 points, 6.2 assists and 2.3 steals.The other first-team picks were Kansas senior center Hunter Dickinson, the Michigan transfer who was also newcomer of the year, along with Iowa State sophomore guard Tamin Lipsey, Kansas guard Kevin McCullar Jr. and Texas forward Dylan Disu.Kelvin Sampson of the Cougars (28-3) was named by his Big 12 peers as coach of the year.Baylor guard Ja'Kobe Walter was picked as freshman of the year.

Big 12 coaches pick Houston guard Jamal Shead as player of year and top defender

IRVING, Texas (AP) —
Houston point guard Jamal Shead has been voted by Big 12 coaches as
the conference’s player of the year. Shead, the senior also tabbed
as top defensive player, was the only unanimous pick on the first
team revealed Sunday. The other first-team picks are Kansas center
Hunter Dickinson, the Michigan transfer who was also the newcomer of
the year, along with Iowa State sophomore guard Tamin Lipsey, Kansas
guard Kevin McCullar Jr. and Texas forward Dylan Disu. Kelvin Sampson
of the 28-3 Cougars was named coach of the year after they won the
regular-season title in their inaugural Big 12 season.

UNDATED (AP) — A
person familiar with the details told The Associated Press that
quarterback Russell Wilson has agreed to sign a one-year deal with
the Pittsburgh Steelers. The person spoke to the AP on condition of
anonymity Sunday night because the contract hasn’t been finalized
and added Wilson will receive the veteran’s minimum of $1.21
million while the Denver Broncos pay the remainder of his $39 million
salary. Wilson posted his intentions on X, formerly known as Twitter.
He was 11-19 in two seasons with the Broncos.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) —
A person familiar with the deal tells The Associated Press that
quarterback Baker Mayfield is staying with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
after agreeing to a three-year contract worth up to $115 million. The
person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the
agreement, which includes $50 million guaranteed, has not been
finalized. Mayfield has played with four different teams over the
past three seasons. He resurrected his career in 2023, joining the
Bucs on a one-year contract after Tom Brady retired and leading the
team to a third consecutive NFC South title. The agreement comes two
days after Tampa Bay finalized a two-year, $52 million deal with
receiver Mike Evans.

SANTA CLARA, Calif.
(AP) — The San Francisco 49ers are planning to cut their longest
tenured player by releasing defensive tackle Arik Armstead in a
salary cap move. A person informed of the team’s decision said
Armstead will be released and hit the open market after the start of
the new league year on Wednesday. The person spoke on condition of
anonymity because the team has not announced the move. Bleacher
Report first reported that the Niners planned to release Armstead.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) —
Scottie Scheffler is the best in golf from tee to green. He was hot
with the putter at Bay Hill and the result was predictable. Scheffler
demolished a strong field to win by five shots. It's the largest
margin at the Arnold Palmer Invitational since Tiger Woods in 2012.
Scheffler shot a 66 in the final round while playing in the last
group. That was the best score by two shots on Sunday. U.S. Open
champion Wyndham Clark had a 70 and was runner-up. 


AVONDALE, Ariz. (AP)
— Christopher Bell surged into the lead when Martin Truex Jr. was
forced to pit and pulled away for an emotional NASCAR Cup Series win
at Phoenix Raceway. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver’s victory comes on
the heels of a pair of heartbreaks in the desert. Two years ago, JGR
vice chairman Coy Gibbs was found dead in his hotel room following
his son Ty’s Xfinity season championship. Bell made it to the Cup
Series championship four in November, but a broken rotor spoiled his
championship hopes in the season finale at Phoenix. Bell’s win in
the No. 20 Toyota also ended Chevrolet’s perfect start to the
season after winning the first three races. He is the eighth winner
in as many races at Phoenix Raceway’s mile tri-oval.

GREENVILLE, S.C.
(AP) — South Carolina forward Kamilla Cardoso was one of six
players ejected from the Southeastern Conference Tournament
championship game after she shoved LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson to the
floor late in the fourth quarter. Gamecocks guard MiLaysia Fulwiley
had stolen the ball from Johnson, who wrapped her up and was called
for an intentional foul. Johnson bumped South Carolina’s Ashlyn
Watkins while heading to her bench, and then the 6-foot-7 Cardoso
rushed in and pushed the 5-10 Johnson to the ground. In all, four
South Carolina players were ejected and the Gamecocks had six
remaining. LSU was left with only five players after two were
disqualified. Cardoso apologized in a social media post after the
game.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) —
Caitlin Clark overcame a cold start to score 30 of her 34 points
after halftime in third-ranked Iowa's rally past Nebraska 94-89 in
overtime to win a third straight Big Ten Tournament. Hannah Stuelke
finished with 25 points and nine rebounds for the Hawkeyes after they
trailed by 13 points in the first half. Their superstar Clark missed
all nine of her 3-point attempts in the first half. She hit a 3 with
51 seconds left in overtime to give Iowa the lead for good. Alexis
Markowski had 23 points and 13 rebounds for Nebraska.

SAN DIEGO (AP) —
Lindsey Horan scored on a header in first-half stoppage time and the
United States beat Brazil 1-0 on Sunday to win the CONCACAF Women’s
Gold Cup. The United States lifted the trophy despite being stunned
by a loss to Mexico in the group stage of the tournament. It was the
first women’s Gold Cup, with the event created to bring teams in
the region more meaningful competition. It was the fourth time that
the United States faced Brazil in a tournament final. The Americans
also won the previous three, including the 2004 and 2008 Olympics.
The game drew a sellout crowd of 31,528 to San Diego’s Snapdragon
Stadium, a record crowd for a CONCACAF women’s match.

Final	San
Francisco	5	Chicago White Sox	4	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707734642080.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRVING, Texas (AP) —
Houston point guard Jamal Shead has been voted by Big 12 coaches as
the conference’s player of the year. Shead, the senior also tabbed
as top defensive player, was the only unanimous pick on the first
team revealed Sunday. The other first-team picks are Kansas center
Hunter Dickinson, the Michigan transfer who was also the newcomer of
the year, along with Iowa State sophomore guard Tamin Lipsey, Kansas
guard Kevin McCullar Jr. and Texas forward Dylan Disu. Kelvin Sampson
of the 28-3 Cougars was named coach of the year after they won the
regular-season title in their inaugural Big 12 season.UNDATED (AP) — A
person familiar with the details told The Associated Press that
quarterback Russell Wilson has agreed to sign a one-year deal with
the Pittsburgh Steelers. The person spoke to the AP on condition of
anonymity Sunday night because the contract hasn’t been finalized
and added Wilson will receive the veteran’s minimum of $1.21
million while the Denver Broncos pay the remainder of his $39 million
salary. Wilson posted his intentions on X, formerly known as Twitter.
He was 11-19 in two seasons with the Broncos.TAMPA, Fla. (AP) —
A person familiar with the deal tells The Associated Press that
quarterback Baker Mayfield is staying with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
after agreeing to a three-year contract worth up to $115 million. The
person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the
agreement, which includes $50 million guaranteed, has not been
finalized. Mayfield has played with four different teams over the
past three seasons. He resurrected his career in 2023, joining the
Bucs on a one-year contract after Tom Brady retired and leading the
team to a third consecutive NFC South title. The agreement comes two
days after Tampa Bay finalized a two-year, $52 million deal with
receiver Mike Evans.SANTA CLARA, Calif.
(AP) — The San Francisco 49ers are planning to cut their longest
tenured player by releasing defensive tackle Arik Armstead in a
salary cap move. A person informed of the team’s decision said
Armstead will be released and hit the open market after the start of
the new league year on Wednesday. The person spoke on condition of
anonymity because the team has not announced the move. Bleacher
Report first reported that the Niners planned to release Armstead.ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) —
Scottie Scheffler is the best in golf from tee to green. He was hot
with the putter at Bay Hill and the result was predictable. Scheffler
demolished a strong field to win by five shots. It's the largest
margin at the Arnold Palmer Invitational since Tiger Woods in 2012.
Scheffler shot a 66 in the final round while playing in the last
group. That was the best score by two shots on Sunday. U.S. Open
champion Wyndham Clark had a 70 and was runner-up. 
AVONDALE, Ariz. (AP)
— Christopher Bell surged into the lead when Martin Truex Jr. was
forced to pit and pulled away for an emotional NASCAR Cup Series win
at Phoenix Raceway. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver’s victory comes on
the heels of a pair of heartbreaks in the desert. Two years ago, JGR
vice chairman Coy Gibbs was found dead in his hotel room following
his son Ty’s Xfinity season championship. Bell made it to the Cup
Series championship four in November, but a broken rotor spoiled his
championship hopes in the season finale at Phoenix. Bell’s win in
the No. 20 Toyota also ended Chevrolet’s perfect start to the
season after winning the first three races. He is the eighth winner
in as many races at Phoenix Raceway’s mile tri-oval.GREENVILLE, S.C.
(AP) — South Carolina forward Kamilla Cardoso was one of six
players ejected from the Southeastern Conference Tournament
championship game after she shoved LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson to the
floor late in the fourth quarter. Gamecocks guard MiLaysia Fulwiley
had stolen the ball from Johnson, who wrapped her up and was called
for an intentional foul. Johnson bumped South Carolina’s Ashlyn
Watkins while heading to her bench, and then the 6-foot-7 Cardoso
rushed in and pushed the 5-10 Johnson to the ground. In all, four
South Carolina players were ejected and the Gamecocks had six
remaining. LSU was left with only five players after two were
disqualified. Cardoso apologized in a social media post after the
game.MINNEAPOLIS (AP) —
Caitlin Clark overcame a cold start to score 30 of her 34 points
after halftime in third-ranked Iowa's rally past Nebraska 94-89 in
overtime to win a third straight Big Ten Tournament. Hannah Stuelke
finished with 25 points and nine rebounds for the Hawkeyes after they
trailed by 13 points in the first half. Their superstar Clark missed
all nine of her 3-point attempts in the first half. She hit a 3 with
51 seconds left in overtime to give Iowa the lead for good. Alexis
Markowski had 23 points and 13 rebounds for Nebraska.SAN DIEGO (AP) —
Lindsey Horan scored on a header in first-half stoppage time and the
United States beat Brazil 1-0 on Sunday to win the CONCACAF Women’s
Gold Cup. The United States lifted the trophy despite being stunned
by a loss to Mexico in the group stage of the tournament. It was the
first women’s Gold Cup, with the event created to bring teams in
the region more meaningful competition. It was the fourth time that
the United States faced Brazil in a tournament final. The Americans
also won the previous three, including the 2004 and 2008 Olympics.
The game drew a sellout crowd of 31,528 to San Diego’s Snapdragon
Stadium, a record crowd for a CONCACAF women’s match.SUNDAY SCORESTOP-25 COLLEGE
BASKETBALLFinal	(3)Purdue	78	Wisconsin	70	Final	(12)Illinois	73	Iowa	61	MAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	Miami	3	Houston	0	Final	Detroit	3	N.Y.
Mets	2	Final	Washington	7	Minnesota	3	Final	N.Y.
Yankees	9	Atlanta	8	Final	Cincinnati	5	Cleveland	3	Final	L.A.
Angels	5	San Diego	4	Final	Chicago
Cubs	5	Texas	1	Final	Seattle	8	San
Francisco	3	Final	San
Francisco	5	Chicago White Sox	4	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Baltimore	11	Toronto	6	Final	Boston	7	Tampa
Bay	6	Final	Oakland	6	Kansas
City	3	Final	Toronto	6	Baltimore	6	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Philadelphia	9	Pittsburgh	7	Final	St.
Louis	12	Miami	8	Final	Colorado	3	Milwaukee	1	Final	L.A.
Dodgers	12	Arizona	1	NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Milwaukee	124	L.A.
Clippers	117	Final	New
Orleans	116	Atlanta	103	Final	Washington	110	Miami	108	Final	Houston	112	Sacramento	104	Final	Indiana	111	Orlando	97	Final	Oklahoma
City	124	Memphis	93	Final	Brooklyn	120	Cleveland	101	Final	Philadelphia	79	New
York	73	Final	L.A.
Lakers	120	Minnesota	109	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUEFinal	Edmonton	4	Pittsburgh	0	Final
OT	Minnesota	4	Nashville	3	Final	Carolina	7	Calgary	2	Final	Chicago	7	Arizona	4

Monday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

Reece Hemmerling of the Barton Community College baseball team has been named the week five KJCCC West Pitcher of the Week.

Making just his second start of the season Hemmerling tossed his way to his first collegiate complete game shutout in last Friday's series opening 6-0 win over North Iowa Area Community College.

Needing just six pitches to get through the first frame, the sophomore sent the Trojans down in order three of his seven innings in allowing just three hits with two coming in the final frame to finish with a season best seven strikeouts and just two walks improving to 2-0 on the season.

The award is the second for the Cougars this season as Hemmerling joins Cole Schieffer's week four Player of the Week honor.

Most recently Hemmerling took a hard luck loss on Wednesday hosting Butler Community College in the teams' conference opener. Surrendering a pair of first inning runs, Hemmerling sent the Grizzlies down in order four straight innings keeping the Cougars in the game and tied at two into the top of the seventh. Getting the first two batters out, Hemmerling allowed two runners aboard before an RBI single and fielding error would result in Barton's 4-3 loss and giving the first blemish of his five appearances. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710081721782.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoReece Hemmerling of the Barton Community College baseball team has been named the week five KJCCC West Pitcher of the Week.Making just his second start of the season Hemmerling tossed his way to his first collegiate complete game shutout in last Friday's series opening 6-0 win over North Iowa Area Community College.Needing just six pitches to get through the first frame, the sophomore sent the Trojans down in order three of his seven innings in allowing just three hits with two coming in the final frame to finish with a season best seven strikeouts and just two walks improving to 2-0 on the season.The award is the second for the Cougars this season as Hemmerling joins Cole Schieffer's week four Player of the Week honor.Most recently Hemmerling took a hard luck loss on Wednesday hosting Butler Community College in the teams' conference opener. Surrendering a pair of first inning runs, Hemmerling sent the Grizzlies down in order four straight innings keeping the Cougars in the game and tied at two into the top of the seventh. Getting the first two batters out, Hemmerling allowed two runners aboard before an RBI single and fielding error would result in Barton's 4-3 loss and giving the first blemish of his five appearances.

Barton's Hemmerling pitches way to KJCCC West’s Week Five honor

By Ryan Prickett FHSU Sports Info

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team clinched its sixth trip to the MIAA Championship game with a 56-49 win over Northwest Missouri State Saturday (March 9) in the semifinals of the 2024 MIAA Championship, presented by Southern Bank. The Tigers (24-6) never trailed in the second half, holding on over the last 60 seconds thanks to hitting each of their last five shot attempts (1-for-1 FG, 4-for-4 FT).

Looking to lift its third MIAA tournament trophy, Fort Hays State will take on Pittsburg State in the conference title game Sunday afternoon (March 10) beginning at 1 p.m. inside historic Municipal Auditorium.

As for the Tiger men, after shooting lights out against Central Oklahoma in the quarterfinals, Pittsburg State did it again to Fort Hays State in the semifinals of the MIAA Tournament on Saturday night (March 9). Pittsburg State hit 14-of-20 3-point field goal attempts on its way to a 69-51 victory over FHSU. Fort Hays State is now 23-7 overall, while Pittsburg State moved to 21-9 overall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710081400624.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By Ryan Prickett FHSU Sports InfoKANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team clinched its sixth trip to the MIAA Championship game with a 56-49 win over Northwest Missouri State Saturday (March 9) in the semifinals of the 2024 MIAA Championship, presented by Southern Bank. The Tigers (24-6) never trailed in the second half, holding on over the last 60 seconds thanks to hitting each of their last five shot attempts (1-for-1 FG, 4-for-4 FT).Looking to lift its third MIAA tournament trophy, Fort Hays State will take on Pittsburg State in the conference title game Sunday afternoon (March 10) beginning at 1 p.m. inside historic Municipal Auditorium.As for the Tiger men, after shooting lights out against Central Oklahoma in the quarterfinals, Pittsburg State did it again to Fort Hays State in the semifinals of the MIAA Tournament on Saturday night (March 9). Pittsburg State hit 14-of-20 3-point field goal attempts on its way to a 69-51 victory over FHSU. Fort Hays State is now 23-7 overall, while Pittsburg State moved to 21-9 overall.

Tiger Women Advance at MIAA Tourney, Men bow out

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and star Chris Jones have agreed to the framework of a five-year contract that includes $95 million guaranteed and keeps the All-Pro defensive tackle off the upcoming free-agent market, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press late Saturday.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the contract details were still being finalized. But the money that is guaranteed is expected to come over the first three years with another two years that are not guaranteed.

Jones, who turns 30 in July, becomes one of the highest-paid defensive players in NFL history, falling just behind the $34 million average annual salary that is being earned by San Francisco pass rusher Nick Bosa. The deal eclipses the $31.6 million average of Rams defensive end Aaron Donald, who had long represented the financial benchmark for a defensive player.

Jones' agents, Michael and Jason Katz, tweeted their congratulations in a post on X, formally known as Twitter, to “the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history.”

Jones tweeted moments later: “KC….5 more years of greatness! 3x”

Jones made it clear immediately after the Chiefs beat the 49ers in overtime in the Super Bowl last month in Las Vegas, allowing them to raise their second straight Lombardi Trophy and third in five years, that he was eager to chase a three-peat. But he first needed to reach an agreement to remain in Kansas City, which had proven difficult over the past two offseasons.

In fact, Jones and the Chiefs were at such an impasse entering the final year of his previous contract that he skipped the entire offseason program, including a mandatory minicamp and training camp, and Week 1 of the regular season. Jones piled up nearly $4 million in fines before agreeing to an incentive-laden one-year deal that got him back on the field this past season.

Jones responded by starting every game the rest of the way, including a meaningless regular-season finale against the Chargers, when he got the last sack he needed to reach 10 1/2 for the season and trigger a $1.25 million bonus in his contract.

Jones had another half-sack in a wild-card win over Miami in one of the coldest games in NFL history, then helped Kansas City win road games over Buffalo and Baltimore to return to the Super Bowl. In that game, the Chiefs fell behind early before rallying to force overtime, then winning the game on Patrick Mahomes' touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman.

The Chiefs have been aggressive in trying to keep the core of the league's second-ranked defense together next season.

Earlier in the week, the Chiefs used the franchise tag on L'Jarius Sneed, giving them the option of keeping one of the best cover cornerbacks expected to hit free agency on a $19.8 million contract next season. The Chiefs also could sign him to a long-term deal or even trade him, which not only would provide some draft capital but also some salary cap relief.

Shortly after tagging Sneed, the Chiefs signed pending free-agent linebacker Drue Tranquill to a $19 million, three-year deal that included a $4.5 million signing bonus and $12.5 million guaranteed. Tranquill signed a one-year deal with Kansas City relatively late in free agency last year, but he emerged as one of the unsung heroes of coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's defense.

There is nothing unsung about Jones, though.

The fearsome defensive tackle has been a game-wrecker almost since the moment Kansas City drafted him in the second round out of Mississippi State in 2016. Jones moved into the starting lineup by the sixth game of his rookie season, earned second-team All-Pro honors while piling up 15 1/2 sacks in 2018, and then began a run of five straight Pro Bowls the following year.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and star Chris Jones have agreed to the framework of a five-year contract that includes $95 million guaranteed and keeps the All-Pro defensive tackle off the upcoming free-agent market, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press late Saturday.The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the contract details were still being finalized. But the money that is guaranteed is expected to come over the first three years with another two years that are not guaranteed.Jones, who turns 30 in July, becomes one of the highest-paid defensive players in NFL history, falling just behind the $34 million average annual salary that is being earned by San Francisco pass rusher Nick Bosa. The deal eclipses the $31.6 million average of Rams defensive end Aaron Donald, who had long represented the financial benchmark for a defensive player.Jones' agents, Michael and Jason Katz, tweeted their congratulations in a post on X, formally known as Twitter, to “the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history.”Jones tweeted moments later: “KC….5 more years of greatness! 3x”Jones made it clear immediately after the Chiefs beat the 49ers in overtime in the Super Bowl last month in Las Vegas, allowing them to raise their second straight Lombardi Trophy and third in five years, that he was eager to chase a three-peat. But he first needed to reach an agreement to remain in Kansas City, which had proven difficult over the past two offseasons.In fact, Jones and the Chiefs were at such an impasse entering the final year of his previous contract that he skipped the entire offseason program, including a mandatory minicamp and training camp, and Week 1 of the regular season. Jones piled up nearly $4 million in fines before agreeing to an incentive-laden one-year deal that got him back on the field this past season.Jones responded by starting every game the rest of the way, including a meaningless regular-season finale against the Chargers, when he got the last sack he needed to reach 10 1/2 for the season and trigger a $1.25 million bonus in his contract.Jones had another half-sack in a wild-card win over Miami in one of the coldest games in NFL history, then helped Kansas City win road games over Buffalo and Baltimore to return to the Super Bowl. In that game, the Chiefs fell behind early before rallying to force overtime, then winning the game on Patrick Mahomes' touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman.The Chiefs have been aggressive in trying to keep the core of the league's second-ranked defense together next season.Earlier in the week, the Chiefs used the franchise tag on L'Jarius Sneed, giving them the option of keeping one of the best cover cornerbacks expected to hit free agency on a $19.8 million contract next season. The Chiefs also could sign him to a long-term deal or even trade him, which not only would provide some draft capital but also some salary cap relief.Shortly after tagging Sneed, the Chiefs signed pending free-agent linebacker Drue Tranquill to a $19 million, three-year deal that included a $4.5 million signing bonus and $12.5 million guaranteed. Tranquill signed a one-year deal with Kansas City relatively late in free agency last year, but he emerged as one of the unsung heroes of coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's defense.There is nothing unsung about Jones, though.The fearsome defensive tackle has been a game-wrecker almost since the moment Kansas City drafted him in the second round out of Mississippi State in 2016. Jones moved into the starting lineup by the sixth game of his rookie season, earned second-team All-Pro honors while piling up 15 1/2 sacks in 2018, and then began a run of five straight Pro Bowls the following year.

Chiefs and DT Chris Jones agree to framework of 5-year deal that includes $95M in guarantees

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Ayoka Lee had a double-double and became Kansas State's all-time leader in rebounds, Serena Sundell added 14 points and eight assists and the No. 16 Wildcats beat West Virginia 65-62 Saturday night in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament.

Lee finished with 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting with 11 rebounds, three blocks and a steal. The 6-foot-6 senior has 1,088 career rebounds, moving past Kendra Wecker (2001-05; 1,087) into first in Wildcats history.

Gabby Gregory hit back-to-back 3-pointers to give Kansas State a 57-51 lead with 6:49 to play, but Jayla Hemingway hit a 3 before Harrison scored in the lane, converted a three-point play and then made a layup in a 10-2 spurt that made it 61-all with 3 minutes to play. Lee made a layup to put the Wildcats back in front with 2:45 remaining before Sundell hit a pull-up jumper on the baseline to make it 65-51 with 59 seconds left.

Ja’Naiya Quinerly, an 81% free-throw shooter, made 1 of 2 from the foul line to make it a one-possession game with 45.9 seconds to play and the West Virginia defense forced a shot clock violation. After a Mountaineers timeout, Kylee Blacksten missed a potential tying 3 with 8 seconds left. Lee missed two free throws with 3.1 seconds to go before Quinerly’s step-back 3 at the buzzer rimmed out.

Quinerly hit two 3s to spark a 16-4 run that gave West Virginia a 12-point lead when she capped the spurt with a layup that made it 21-9 with 4:29 left in the first quarter. Lee scored the final six points of the period. A layup by Gisela Sanchez to open the scoring in the second cut the deficit to four with 7:48 to go in the half. The Wildcats scored 15 of the final 19 points in the second quarter to take a 34-31 lead at intermission.

Quinerly led No. 6 seed West Virginia (24-7) with 27 points, including five 3-pointers, and Jordan Harrison scored 16.

Gregory scored 11 points for third-seeded Kansas State (25-6).

The Wildcats shot 57% (27 of 47) from the field and outrebounded the Mountaineers 35-21.

Kansas State plays No. 6 and second-seeded Texas in the semifinals.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Ayoka Lee had a double-double and became Kansas State's all-time leader in rebounds, Serena Sundell added 14 points and eight assists and the No. 16 Wildcats beat West Virginia 65-62 Saturday night in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament.Lee finished with 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting with 11 rebounds, three blocks and a steal. The 6-foot-6 senior has 1,088 career rebounds, moving past Kendra Wecker (2001-05; 1,087) into first in Wildcats history.Gabby Gregory hit back-to-back 3-pointers to give Kansas State a 57-51 lead with 6:49 to play, but Jayla Hemingway hit a 3 before Harrison scored in the lane, converted a three-point play and then made a layup in a 10-2 spurt that made it 61-all with 3 minutes to play. Lee made a layup to put the Wildcats back in front with 2:45 remaining before Sundell hit a pull-up jumper on the baseline to make it 65-51 with 59 seconds left.Ja’Naiya Quinerly, an 81% free-throw shooter, made 1 of 2 from the foul line to make it a one-possession game with 45.9 seconds to play and the West Virginia defense forced a shot clock violation. After a Mountaineers timeout, Kylee Blacksten missed a potential tying 3 with 8 seconds left. Lee missed two free throws with 3.1 seconds to go before Quinerly’s step-back 3 at the buzzer rimmed out.Quinerly hit two 3s to spark a 16-4 run that gave West Virginia a 12-point lead when she capped the spurt with a layup that made it 21-9 with 4:29 left in the first quarter. Lee scored the final six points of the period. A layup by Gisela Sanchez to open the scoring in the second cut the deficit to four with 7:48 to go in the half. The Wildcats scored 15 of the final 19 points in the second quarter to take a 34-31 lead at intermission.Quinerly led No. 6 seed West Virginia (24-7) with 27 points, including five 3-pointers, and Jordan Harrison scored 16.Gregory scored 11 points for third-seeded Kansas State (25-6).The Wildcats shot 57% (27 of 47) from the field and outrebounded the Mountaineers 35-21.Kansas State plays No. 6 and second-seeded Texas in the semifinals.

No. 16 Kansas State women beat West Virginia 65-62 in Big 12 quarters

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press the Kansas City Chiefs and All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones had agreed on the framework of a five-year deal that includes $95 million guaranteed. The move keeps Jones with the Super Bowl champions ahead of free agency starting this week. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the details of the contract were still being finalized. Jones will become one of the highest-paid defensive players in NFL history, just behind the $34 million average annual salary that is being earned by San Francisco pass rusher Nick Bosa.

HOUSTON (AP) — Jamal Shead had 13 points, six rebounds and eight assists, Damian Dunn added 12 points and No. 1 Houston claimed the Big 12 regular-season title in its first season in the conference, dominating No. 14 Kansas 76-46 on Saturday. L.J. Cryer scored 11 points and J’Wan Roberts had 10 points and eight rebounds for the Cougars. Kansas’ Hunter Dickinson had 11 points and six rebounds but left with 11:08 remaining holding his right shoulder after battling for a rebound. Kevin McCullar Jr., who tweaked his knee earlier in the week against Kansas State, was scoreless in 15 minutes in the first half. He didn’t play in the second half.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Arthur Kaluma scored 23 points, Cam Carter added 21 and Kansas State beat sixth-ranked Iowa State 65-58 on Saturday. David N’Guessan added 11 points and a career-high 16 rebounds on senior day for the Wildcats, who gave their flickering NCAA tourney hopes a big boost heading into the Big 12 Tournament. Curtis Jones had 16 points and Keshon Gilbert and Tamin Lipsey 13 apiece for the Cyclones. They trailed by as many as 17 in the second half, managed to trim their deficit to single digits, but could not come all the way back like they did against BYU earlier in the week.

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Pop Isaacs scored 20 points and hit the first of Texas Tech’s four consecutive 3-pointers after No. 11 Baylor took its only lead after halftime in the Red Raiders' 78-68 victory. The Red Raiders had missed their first five 3s of the second half before Issacs connected with 7:03 left for a 56-54 lead. After Baylor tied the game, the Red Raiders scored 11 points in a row. Darrion Williams had 16 points and 11 rebounds for Texas Tech. Ja’Kobe Walter had 15 points for Baylor, while Jayden Nunn scored 14 and RayJ Dennis added 12. Both teams finished the regular season 22-9.

PROVO, Utah (AP) — Fousseyni Traore scored 19 points and Jaxson Robinson added 17 to lead No. 20 BYU to an 85-71 victory over Oklahoma State. Spencer Johnson had 14 points, 10 rebounds and five assists for the Cougars. BYU earned its sixth straight home win and clinched the fifth seed in the upcoming Big 12 Tournament. Javon Small led Oklahoma State with 34 points, including 29 of his team’s 42 in the second half. The Cowboys dropped their fifth consecutive game and will be the 13th seed in the league tournament.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Tyrese Hunter scored a career-high 30 points on 9-for-13 shooting, Dylan Disu scored 16 points and Texas beat Oklahoma 94-80 to close the Big 12 Conference regular season. Rivaldo Soares tied a career-high 21 points for Oklahoma before leaving the game with 3:13 remaining after teammate Sam Goodwin stepped on his foot on the defensive end. The Longhorns started the second half with an 8-0 run for their first double-digit lead at 48-35. Disu and Abmas each made layups and Hunter made a pair of foul shots and a mid-range jump shot in the middle of the lane within the first two minutes after halftime.

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Darius Johnson scored a career-high 33 points and UCF held off TCU for a 79-77 victory on Saturday night. Johnson scored four points and Jaylin Sellers converted a three-point play to give UCF a 66-65 lead with 4:15 to play. Johnson then shot 6 of 6 from the line to stretch the Knights’ lead to 78-74 with 15 seconds left. Emanuel Miller’s pull-up jumper for TCU was off at the buzzer. Johnson made five 3-pointers and 10 free throws to go with a career-best nine rebounds for UCF (16-14, 7-11). Jameer Nelson Jr. scored 15 points to lead TCU (20-11, 9-9).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Ayoka Lee had a double-double and became Kansas State’s all-time leader in rebounds, Serena Sundell added 14 points and eight assists and the No. 16 Wildcats beat West Virginia 65-62 in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament. Lee finished with 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting with 11 rebounds, three blocks and a steal. The 6-foot-6 senior has 1,088 career rebounds, moving past Kendra Wecker into first in Wildcats history. Ja’Naiya Quinerly led No. 6 seed West Virginia with 27 points, including five 3-pointers, and Jordan Harrison scored 16. Third-seeded Kansas State plays No. 6 and second-seeded Texas in the semifinals.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Madison Booker scored 21 points and Aaliyah Moore added 19 to help No. 6 Texas pull away from Kansas for a 76-60 victory in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament on Saturday. Texas (28-4) also got 15 points from Taylor Jones. Shay Holle scored the first eight points in the fourth quarter to help the Longhorns put the game away as they outscored Kansas 28-17 in the period. Holle finished with 10. Kansas (19-12) was led by S’Mya Nichols with 20 points. Holly Kersgieter added 17 and Zakiyah Franklin added 13.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Scottie Scheffler and Shane Lowry share the lead in the Arnold Palmer Invitational after another tough day at Bay Hill. Scheffler one-putted his last seven greens. Lowry also had a strong finish. They were helped plenty by Will Zalatoris. He had a five-shot lead until making two double bogeys over the last five holes. That allowed Scheffler and Lowry to share the lead and lot of others to catch up. That includes Rory McIlroy. He drove the par-4 10th green and shot 30 on the back nine. McIlroy is only four behind. Scheffler and Lowry lead Wyndham Clark by one.

Final	(17)South Carolina	93	Mississippi St.	89	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707734642080.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press the Kansas City Chiefs and All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones had agreed on the framework of a five-year deal that includes $95 million guaranteed. The move keeps Jones with the Super Bowl champions ahead of free agency starting this week. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the details of the contract were still being finalized. Jones will become one of the highest-paid defensive players in NFL history, just behind the $34 million average annual salary that is being earned by San Francisco pass rusher Nick Bosa.HOUSTON (AP) — Jamal Shead had 13 points, six rebounds and eight assists, Damian Dunn added 12 points and No. 1 Houston claimed the Big 12 regular-season title in its first season in the conference, dominating No. 14 Kansas 76-46 on Saturday. L.J. Cryer scored 11 points and J’Wan Roberts had 10 points and eight rebounds for the Cougars. Kansas’ Hunter Dickinson had 11 points and six rebounds but left with 11:08 remaining holding his right shoulder after battling for a rebound. Kevin McCullar Jr., who tweaked his knee earlier in the week against Kansas State, was scoreless in 15 minutes in the first half. He didn’t play in the second half.MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Arthur Kaluma scored 23 points, Cam Carter added 21 and Kansas State beat sixth-ranked Iowa State 65-58 on Saturday. David N’Guessan added 11 points and a career-high 16 rebounds on senior day for the Wildcats, who gave their flickering NCAA tourney hopes a big boost heading into the Big 12 Tournament. Curtis Jones had 16 points and Keshon Gilbert and Tamin Lipsey 13 apiece for the Cyclones. They trailed by as many as 17 in the second half, managed to trim their deficit to single digits, but could not come all the way back like they did against BYU earlier in the week.LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Pop Isaacs scored 20 points and hit the first of Texas Tech’s four consecutive 3-pointers after No. 11 Baylor took its only lead after halftime in the Red Raiders' 78-68 victory. The Red Raiders had missed their first five 3s of the second half before Issacs connected with 7:03 left for a 56-54 lead. After Baylor tied the game, the Red Raiders scored 11 points in a row. Darrion Williams had 16 points and 11 rebounds for Texas Tech. Ja’Kobe Walter had 15 points for Baylor, while Jayden Nunn scored 14 and RayJ Dennis added 12. Both teams finished the regular season 22-9.PROVO, Utah (AP) — Fousseyni Traore scored 19 points and Jaxson Robinson added 17 to lead No. 20 BYU to an 85-71 victory over Oklahoma State. Spencer Johnson had 14 points, 10 rebounds and five assists for the Cougars. BYU earned its sixth straight home win and clinched the fifth seed in the upcoming Big 12 Tournament. Javon Small led Oklahoma State with 34 points, including 29 of his team’s 42 in the second half. The Cowboys dropped their fifth consecutive game and will be the 13th seed in the league tournament.AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Tyrese Hunter scored a career-high 30 points on 9-for-13 shooting, Dylan Disu scored 16 points and Texas beat Oklahoma 94-80 to close the Big 12 Conference regular season. Rivaldo Soares tied a career-high 21 points for Oklahoma before leaving the game with 3:13 remaining after teammate Sam Goodwin stepped on his foot on the defensive end. The Longhorns started the second half with an 8-0 run for their first double-digit lead at 48-35. Disu and Abmas each made layups and Hunter made a pair of foul shots and a mid-range jump shot in the middle of the lane within the first two minutes after halftime.FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Darius Johnson scored a career-high 33 points and UCF held off TCU for a 79-77 victory on Saturday night. Johnson scored four points and Jaylin Sellers converted a three-point play to give UCF a 66-65 lead with 4:15 to play. Johnson then shot 6 of 6 from the line to stretch the Knights’ lead to 78-74 with 15 seconds left. Emanuel Miller’s pull-up jumper for TCU was off at the buzzer. Johnson made five 3-pointers and 10 free throws to go with a career-best nine rebounds for UCF (16-14, 7-11). Jameer Nelson Jr. scored 15 points to lead TCU (20-11, 9-9).KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Ayoka Lee had a double-double and became Kansas State’s all-time leader in rebounds, Serena Sundell added 14 points and eight assists and the No. 16 Wildcats beat West Virginia 65-62 in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament. Lee finished with 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting with 11 rebounds, three blocks and a steal. The 6-foot-6 senior has 1,088 career rebounds, moving past Kendra Wecker into first in Wildcats history. Ja’Naiya Quinerly led No. 6 seed West Virginia with 27 points, including five 3-pointers, and Jordan Harrison scored 16. Third-seeded Kansas State plays No. 6 and second-seeded Texas in the semifinals.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Madison Booker scored 21 points and Aaliyah Moore added 19 to help No. 6 Texas pull away from Kansas for a 76-60 victory in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament on Saturday. Texas (28-4) also got 15 points from Taylor Jones. Shay Holle scored the first eight points in the fourth quarter to help the Longhorns put the game away as they outscored Kansas 28-17 in the period. Holle finished with 10. Kansas (19-12) was led by S’Mya Nichols with 20 points. Holly Kersgieter added 17 and Zakiyah Franklin added 13.ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Scottie Scheffler and Shane Lowry share the lead in the Arnold Palmer Invitational after another tough day at Bay Hill. Scheffler one-putted his last seven greens. Lowry also had a strong finish. They were helped plenty by Will Zalatoris. He had a five-shot lead until making two double bogeys over the last five holes. That allowed Scheffler and Lowry to share the lead and lot of others to catch up. That includes Rory McIlroy. He drove the par-4 10th green and shot 30 on the back nine. McIlroy is only four behind. Scheffler and Lowry lead Wyndham Clark by one.SATURDAY SCORESTOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	(1)Houston	76	(14)Kansas	46	Final	(2)UConn	74	Providence	60	Final	(15)Kentucky	85	(4)Tennessee	81	Final	Southern Cal	78	(5)Arizona	65	Final	Kansas St.	65	(6)Iowa St.	58	Final	(7)North Carolina	84	(9)Duke	79	Final	(8)Marquette	86	Xavier	80	Final	(10)Creighton	69	Villanova	67	Final	Texas Tech	78	(11)Baylor	68	Final	(13)Auburn	92	Georgia	78	Final	(16)Alabama	92	Arkansas	88	Final	(17)South Carolina	93	Mississippi St.	89	Final	(20)BYU	85	Oklahoma St.	71	Final	(22)Utah St.	87	New Mexico	85	Final	Tulsa	76	(24)South Florida	70Final	Minnesota	10	N.Y. Yankees	7	Final	L.A. Angels	5	Cleveland	4	Final	Boston	4	Tampa Bay	0	MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALLNATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	N.Y. Mets	9	St. Louis	3	Final	Chicago Cubs	5	Colorado	0	Final	Cincinnati	7	Arizona	5	Final	Miami	4	Washington	1	NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	L.A. Clippers	112	Chicago	102	Final	Charlotte	110	Brooklyn	99	Final	Dallas	142	Detroit	124	Final	Boston	117	Phoenix	107	Final	San Antonio	126	Golden State	113	Final	Denver	142	Utah	121	Final OT	Portland	128	Toronto	118	NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal	Nashville	2	Columbus	1	Final SO	Buffalo	3	Edmonton	2	Final	Carolina	4	New Jersey	2	Final	Boston	5	Pittsburgh	1	Final	Florida	5	Calgary	1	Final	Washington	4	Chicago	1	Final	San Jose	2	Ottawa	1	Final	Tampa Bay	7	Philadelphia	0	Final	Toronto	3	Montreal	2	Final	N-Y Rangers	4	St. Louis	0	Final	Vancouver	5	Winnipeg	0	Final	Vegas	5	Detroit	3	Final	Dallas	4	Los Angeles	1

Sunday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 58, Valley Heights 47

Saturday AP Boys ScoresClass 6A ChampionshipSM Northwest 47, Wichita Heights 39Third PlaceMill Valley 73, Wichita Northwest 58Class 5A ChampionshipKapaun Mount Carmel 62, KC Piper 59Third PlaceHighland Park 66, Maize South 55Class 4A ChampionshipMcPherson 65, Hugoton 59, OTThird PlaceAtchison 61, Baldwin 50Class 3A ChampionshipWellsville 68, Goodland 58Third PlaceBeloit 51, Southeast of Saline 37Class 2A ChampionshipMoundridge 58, Lyndon 44Third PlaceSalina Sacred Heart 58, Sterling 51Class 1A, Div. 1 ChampionshipSouth Gray 76, Bishop Seabury 63Third PlaceOlpe 46, Quinter 32Class 1A, Div. 2ChampionshipCunningham 60, Lebo 55Third PlaceAxtell 80, Dighton 72---------------------------------Saturday AP Girls ScoresClass 6A ChampionshipSM South 47, Washburn Rural 37Third PlaceBV North 72, Derby 56Class 5A ChampionshipTopeka Seaman 54, Maize South 41Third PlaceAndover 66, Emporia 49Class 4A ChampionshipWellington 75, Bishop Miege 62Third PlaceMcPherson 57, Fort Scott 50Class 3A ChampionshipSilver Lake 66, Hesston 61Third PlaceTopeka Hayden 50, Goodland 39Class 2A ChampionshipWichita Independent 58, Riverside 39Third PlacePittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 58, Valley Heights 47Class 1A, Div. 1 ChampionshipFrankfort 47, Little River 41Third PlaceCentralia 58, South Gray 52Class 1A, Div. 2 ChampionshipHanover 50, Lebo 35Third PlaceWallace County 62, Northern Valley 46

Saturday State Tournament Scores

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Two people with knowledge of the deal say the Cleveland Browns are getting wide receiver Jerry Jeudy from the Denver Broncos in exchange for a pair of 2024 draft picks. The people say the Broncos would receive fifth- and sixth-round picks in next month’s NFL draft when the trade becomes official next week. The Broncos also realize a savings of $13 million in both cash and salary cap space. The Browns get another deep threat for Deshaun Watson and a complement for No. 1 receiver Amari Cooper. The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the impending deal wasn’t announced by either team.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Two people with knowledge of the deal say the Cleveland Browns are getting wide receiver Jerry Jeudy from the Denver Broncos in exchange for a pair of 2024 draft picks. The people say the Broncos would receive fifth- and sixth-round picks in next month’s NFL draft when the trade becomes official next week. The Broncos also realize a savings of $13 million in both cash and salary cap space. The Browns get another deep threat for Deshaun Watson and a complement for No. 1 receiver Amari Cooper. The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the impending deal wasn’t announced by either team.

Broncos trade Jerry Jeudy to the Browns

HOUSTON (AP) — Jamal Shead had 13 points, six rebounds and eight assists, Damian Dunn added 12 points and No. 1 Houston claimed the Big 12 regular-season title in its first season in the conference, dominating No. 14 Kansas 76-46 on Saturday.

L.J. Cryer scored 11 points and J’Wan Roberts had 10 points and eight rebounds for the Cougars (28-3, 15-3), who shot 46% from the field and hit 6 3-pointers on the way to a 40-21 lead at the half.

“Showing them what we’ve been doing all year,” Shead said. “They didn’t get our best shot at Kansas, we got theirs. I guess we gave them our best shot today.”

Houston shot 44% for the game and hit 11 of 29 shots from long distance, while forcing 18 turnovers and converting them into 30 points.

“It’s gratifying,” Houston coach Kelvin Sampson said of winning the Big 12. “I’m happy for everybody. There’s so many people that have an inferior complex about ... we’re the University of Houston. This is a damn good school. We live in a damn good city, and we’re a damn good basketball program. We should never ever, ever, ever take a backseat to anybody.”

The Cougars closed out their regular season by winning their ninth straight game and extending their home winning streak to 22 games.

“It’s almost like people thought the only teams we played were American (Athletic Conference),” Sampson said of Houston's former conference. “You don’t get to the Final Four or Elite Eight or Sweet Sixteen without beating other really, really good teams. The only difference was playing them every night, but they had to play us, too.”

Hunter Dickinson had 11 points and six rebounds for Kansas, but left with 11:08 remaining holding his right shoulder after battling for a rebound.

HOUSTON (AP) — Jamal Shead had 13 points, six rebounds and eight assists, Damian Dunn added 12 points and No. 1 Houston claimed the Big 12 regular-season title in its first season in the conference, dominating No. 14 Kansas 76-46 on Saturday.L.J. Cryer scored 11 points and J’Wan Roberts had 10 points and eight rebounds for the Cougars (28-3, 15-3), who shot 46% from the field and hit 6 3-pointers on the way to a 40-21 lead at the half.“Showing them what we’ve been doing all year,” Shead said. “They didn’t get our best shot at Kansas, we got theirs. I guess we gave them our best shot today.”Houston shot 44% for the game and hit 11 of 29 shots from long distance, while forcing 18 turnovers and converting them into 30 points.“It’s gratifying,” Houston coach Kelvin Sampson said of winning the Big 12. “I’m happy for everybody. There’s so many people that have an inferior complex about ... we’re the University of Houston. This is a damn good school. We live in a damn good city, and we’re a damn good basketball program. We should never ever, ever, ever take a backseat to anybody.”The Cougars closed out their regular season by winning their ninth straight game and extending their home winning streak to 22 games.“It’s almost like people thought the only teams we played were American (Athletic Conference),” Sampson said of Houston's former conference. “You don’t get to the Final Four or Elite Eight or Sweet Sixteen without beating other really, really good teams. The only difference was playing them every night, but they had to play us, too.”Hunter Dickinson had 11 points and six rebounds for Kansas, but left with 11:08 remaining holding his right shoulder after battling for a rebound.Kansas coach Bill Self said Dickinson dislocated his shoulder, but it popped back in.“He will have an MRI to see what the diagnosis is and try to get a gameplan moving forward for him,” Self said.Kevin McCullar Jr., who tweaked his knee earlier in the week against Kansas State, was scoreless in 15 minutes in the first half. He didn’t play in the second half.“Kevin, he hadn’t done anything since K-State much, and then, today, he felt better, thought he’d try,” Self said. “I wish we wouldn’t have played Kev. It’s a pretty level of concern when your two best players are questionable moving forward.”Self added that it was too soon to know if either would be available for the upcoming Big 12 Tournament.Kansas (22-9, 10-8) has lost three of its last four games. The Jayhawks shot 33% and were 3 for 21 from 3-point distance.Houston controlled the first half, charging to a 34-9 lead. Kansas missed 10 straight field goal attempts at one point.The game was a stark contrast to the teams’ first meeting on Feb. 3 in Lawrence when Kansas jumped out to a 23-11 lead and shot 69% en route to a 78-65 win.BIG PICTUREKansas: The Jayhawks’ lost for the sixth time in seven games on the road.Houston: The Cougars won their 12th regular-season conference championship and fifth in the last six seasons under coach Kelvin Sampson.UP NEXTKansas: Opens the Big 12 Tournament on Wednesday or Thursday in Kansas City.Houston: Opens the Big 12 Tournament as the No. 1 seed on Thursday in the quarterfinals in Kansas City.