- A surprise visit...or a bunch! Barton Women's basketball coach Alan Clark brought in the entire Lady Cougar squad on their way Lubbock where BCC will open the NJCAA National Tournament Wednesday morning against Moberly, Mo.

- Great Bend Tribune Sports Editor Jim Misuanas joins us in his regular Monday slot to talk about his K-State Wildcats trip to the Sweet 16 and maybe a sneak peek ahead to the spring sports season for the the high schools.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BIYBin8ynGc" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>- A surprise visit...or a bunch! Barton Women's basketball coach Alan Clark brought in the entire Lady Cougar squad on their way Lubbock where BCC will open the NJCAA National Tournament Wednesday morning against Moberly, Mo.- Great Bend Tribune Sports Editor Jim Misuanas joins us in his regular Monday slot to talk about his K-State Wildcats trip to the Sweet 16 and maybe a sneak peek ahead to the spring sports season for the the high schools.- Weekend Sports Headlines.- Sounds of the past 48-hours.

WATCH: Sports Day 3/20 (BCC Women stop on way to nationals)

The top four seeds in the tournament were given to Alabama, Houston, Kansas and Purdue. Each had its share of headaches to set up what is proving to be a chaotic tournament. The Boilermakers were the first to fall, ousted in a first-round stunner, and the Jayhawks followed the very next day.

EAST REGION: The Boilermakers got a top seed for the fourth time, but Purdue was dumped by Fairleigh Dickinson in a near-historic upset. and the 2-seed, Marquette, is also gone. Up next: No. 9 seed FAU vs. No. 4 seed Tennessee and No. 3 seed Kansas State vs. No. 7 seed Michigan State, whose coach Tom Izzo is heading to his 15th regional.

SOUTH REGION: Alabama, led by coach Nate Oats in a challenging season, got a top seed for the first time behind SEC player of the year Brandon Miller, who has armed security on hand after being the subject of threats. Up next: No. 1 seed Alabama vs. No. 5 seed San Diego State and No. 6 seed Creighton vs. No. 15 seed Princeton, which is in rare territory.

MIDWEST REGION: Houston got a top seed and won its opener before a rugged victory over Auburn even with All-American Marcus Sasser hobbled by a groin injury. Up next: No. 1 seed Houston vs. No. 5 seed Miami and No. 2 seed Texas vs. No. 3 seed Xavier.

WEST REGION: Kansas, the top-seeded defending national champion that was without coach Bill Self in the tournament following a heart procedure, blew an 8-point halftime lead and lost to Arkansas. Up next: No. 2 seed UCLA vs. No. 3 Gonzaga and No. 4 seed UConn vs. No. 8 seed Arkansas.

Princeton used a late run to earn its first NCAA Tournament win in 25 years by ousting No. 2 seed Arizona and then answered any skeptics by rolling Missouri to lock in its first Sweet 16 spot in 56 years.

Furman celebrated its first tourney appearance since 1980 with a win over No. 4 seed Virginia on a deep 3-pointer by JP Pegues with 2.4 seconds left. Then came 16-seed Fairleigh Dickinson's win over Purdue as the 22 1/2-point underdog stifled 7-4 center Zach Edey to advance and join UMBC in the record books.

All that happened before the Razorbacks and shirtless coach Eric Musselman celebrated their win over the Jayhawks.

No. 4 seed Connecticut (27-8) vs. No. 8 seed Arkansas (22-13), Thursday, 7:15 p.m. ET (CBS)

The Huskies are returning to the Sweet 16 for the first time in nine years, and hoping to avoid being the next victim of Arkansas, which ousted defending champion Kansas. UConn outclassed Saint Mary’s 70-55 behind 24 points by Adama Sanogo and timely 3-point shooting.

No. 2 Kansas State (25-9) vs. No. 7 Michigan State (21-12), Thursday, 6:30 p.m. ET (TBS)

Tom Izzo is taking Michigan State to the Sweet 16 for the 15th time and first in four years after a 69-60 victory against No. 2 seed Marquette. The victory was the 16th for Izzo in the tournament against a higher seed, breaking the record he shared with recently retired Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim. At Madison Square Garden, the Spartans will face a Kansas State team that was picked to finish last in the Big 12 with a remade roster and first-year coach in Jerome Tang. The Wildcats outlasted Kentucky 75-69 behind 27 points by Markquis Nowell.

No. 5 seed San Diego State (29-6) vs. No. 1 seed Alabama (31-5), Friday, 6:30 p.m. ET (TBS)

The Aztecs are heading to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2004 and have won 11 of their last 13. Balanced scoring carried them to a second-round victory against Furman and they’ll need more of the same against the Crimson Tide, who handily dispatched Maryland in the second round. All-America freshman Brandon Miller, who is nursing an injury, had 19 after going scoreless in the first round.

No. 3 seed Xavier (27-9) vs. No. 2 seed Texas (28-8), Friday, 9:45 p.m. ET (CBS)

The Musketeers are heading to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2017 and will face a Longhorns team that hasn’t been there in 15 years. Xavier put on a clinic on unselfishness in the first half of its 84-73 victory against Pittsburgh, totaling 17 assists on 19 made field goals. The Longhorns made just one 3-pointer in 13 tries in their 71-66 victory against Penn State, but Dylan Disu had season-high 28-point performance.

The SEC and Big Ten led the way by placing eight teams each in the 68-team field. Conference USA (Florida Atlantic) and the Ivy League (Princeton) each got one team into the tournament and both are still alive. The rest of the leagues can't say that. The records through two rounds:

ACC (5 teams made tourney): 5-4. One team left (Miami). American Athletic (2): 2-1. One team left (Houston). Big 12 (7): 7-5. Two teams left (Kansas State, Texas). Big East (5): 7-2. Three teams left (Creighton, UConn, Xavier). Big Ten (8): 6-7. One team left (Michigan State). Mountain West (4): 2-3. One team left (San Diego State). Pac-12 (4): 3-3. One team left (UCLA). SEC (8): 9-5. Three teams left (Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee). West Coast (2): 3-1. One team left (Gonzaga).

Gun violence has cost lives and disrupted college sports all season, touching some of the top programs in college basketball, including Alabama. Coaches have been thrust into uncertain and unwelcome roles in trying to navigate the topic — as well as the fallout from the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade.

On a lighter note, if you feel you know March Madness pretty well, try this 25-question trivia quiz put together by AP.

The NCAA Tournament is filled with great players and the AP All-America team is a good place to get familiar with the names. It's also an event where guys you've never heard of can take a star turn. Guard play is always going to be important (see: Baylor, 2021 title winner) and there are some NBA prospects in the mix.

Bet on this, too: Some player — maybe more than one — will have a chance to join the mustachioed Doug Edert (remember Saint Peters' inspiring run last year?) and find a way to cash in on their celebrity.

Every game of the men’s tournament will be aired — here is a schedule — either on CBS, TBS, TNT or TruTV and their digital platforms. CBS, which also has a handy schedule that includes announcing teams, will handle the Final Four and national title game this year.

The NCAA is streaming games via its March Madness Live option and CBS games are being streamed on Paramount+. Fans of longtime play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz should soak up every moment: It’s his final NCAA Tournament.

Who's going to win the national championship? The betting favorites to reach the Final Four are (in order, as of March 19): Alabama, Houston, UConn, UCLA, Gonzaga and Texas, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Sweet 16 weekend will see games in New York City (East Region), Las Vegas (West), Kansas City, Missouri (Midwest), and Louisville, Kentucky (South).

Where is the Final Four? In Houston, on April 1, with the championship game on April 3. Basketball aficionados, take note: The women’s NCAA Tournament will hold its Final Four in Dallas, a four-hour drive up the road from Houston.

Can't get enough March Madness? Well, there is talk about expanding the tournament despite a host of challenges. Enjoy the 68-team version for now!

TOP SEEDSThe top four seeds in the tournament were given to Alabama, Houston, Kansas and Purdue. Each had its share of headaches to set up what is proving to be a chaotic tournament. The Boilermakers were the first to fall, ousted in a first-round stunner, and the Jayhawks followed the very next day.EAST REGION: The Boilermakers got a top seed for the fourth time, but Purdue was dumped by Fairleigh Dickinson in a near-historic upset. and the 2-seed, Marquette, is also gone. Up next: No. 9 seed FAU vs. No. 4 seed Tennessee and No. 3 seed Kansas State vs. No. 7 seed Michigan State, whose coach Tom Izzo is heading to his 15th regional.SOUTH REGION: Alabama, led by coach Nate Oats in a challenging season, got a top seed for the first time behind SEC player of the year Brandon Miller, who has armed security on hand after being the subject of threats. Up next: No. 1 seed Alabama vs. No. 5 seed San Diego State and No. 6 seed Creighton vs. No. 15 seed Princeton, which is in rare territory.MIDWEST REGION: Houston got a top seed and won its opener before a rugged victory over Auburn even with All-American Marcus Sasser hobbled by a groin injury. Up next: No. 1 seed Houston vs. No. 5 seed Miami and No. 2 seed Texas vs. No. 3 seed Xavier.WEST REGION: Kansas, the top-seeded defending national champion that was without coach Bill Self in the tournament following a heart procedure, blew an 8-point halftime lead and lost to Arkansas. Up next: No. 2 seed UCLA vs. No. 3 Gonzaga and No. 4 seed UConn vs. No. 8 seed Arkansas.SHINING MOMENTSThe unforgettable plays are piling up.Princeton used a late run to earn its first NCAA Tournament win in 25 years by ousting No. 2 seed Arizona and then answered any skeptics by rolling Missouri to lock in its first Sweet 16 spot in 56 years.Furman celebrated its first tourney appearance since 1980 with a win over No. 4 seed Virginia on a deep 3-pointer by JP Pegues with 2.4 seconds left. Then came 16-seed Fairleigh Dickinson's win over Purdue as the 22 1/2-point underdog stifled 7-4 center Zach Edey to advance and join UMBC in the record books.All that happened before the Razorbacks and shirtless coach Eric Musselman celebrated their win over the Jayhawks.GAMES TO WATCHNo. 4 seed Connecticut (27-8) vs. No. 8 seed Arkansas (22-13), Thursday, 7:15 p.m. ET (CBS)The Huskies are returning to the Sweet 16 for the first time in nine years, and hoping to avoid being the next victim of Arkansas, which ousted defending champion Kansas. UConn outclassed Saint Mary’s 70-55 behind 24 points by Adama Sanogo and timely 3-point shooting.No. 2 Kansas State (25-9) vs. No. 7 Michigan State (21-12), Thursday, 6:30 p.m. ET (TBS)Tom Izzo is taking Michigan State to the Sweet 16 for the 15th time and first in four years after a 69-60 victory against No. 2 seed Marquette. The victory was the 16th for Izzo in the tournament against a higher seed, breaking the record he shared with recently retired Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim. At Madison Square Garden, the Spartans will face a Kansas State team that was picked to finish last in the Big 12 with a remade roster and first-year coach in Jerome Tang. The Wildcats outlasted Kentucky 75-69 behind 27 points by Markquis Nowell.No. 5 seed San Diego State (29-6) vs. No. 1 seed Alabama (31-5), Friday, 6:30 p.m. ET (TBS)The Aztecs are heading to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2004 and have won 11 of their last 13. Balanced scoring carried them to a second-round victory against Furman and they’ll need more of the same against the Crimson Tide, who handily dispatched Maryland in the second round. All-America freshman Brandon Miller, who is nursing an injury, had 19 after going scoreless in the first round.No. 3 seed Xavier (27-9) vs. No. 2 seed Texas (28-8), Friday, 9:45 p.m. ET (CBS)The Musketeers are heading to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2017 and will face a Longhorns team that hasn’t been there in 15 years. Xavier put on a clinic on unselfishness in the first half of its 84-73 victory against Pittsburgh, totaling 17 assists on 19 made field goals. The Longhorns made just one 3-pointer in 13 tries in their 71-66 victory against Penn State, but Dylan Disu had season-high 28-point performance.BRAGGING RIGHTSThe SEC and Big Ten led the way by placing eight teams each in the 68-team field. Conference USA (Florida Atlantic) and the Ivy League (Princeton) each got one team into the tournament and both are still alive. The rest of the leagues can't say that. The records through two rounds:ACC (5 teams made tourney): 5-4. One team left (Miami). American Athletic (2): 2-1. One team left (Houston). Big 12 (7): 7-5. Two teams left (Kansas State, Texas). Big East (5): 7-2. Three teams left (Creighton, UConn, Xavier). Big Ten (8): 6-7. One team left (Michigan State). Mountain West (4): 2-3. One team left (San Diego State). Pac-12 (4): 3-3. One team left (UCLA). SEC (8): 9-5. Three teams left (Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee). West Coast (2): 3-1. One team left (Gonzaga).GO DEEPERGun violence has cost lives and disrupted college sports all season, touching some of the top programs in college basketball, including Alabama. Coaches have been thrust into uncertain and unwelcome roles in trying to navigate the topic — as well as the fallout from the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade.On a lighter note, if you feel you know March Madness pretty well, try this 25-question trivia quiz put together by AP.PLAYERS TO WATCHThe NCAA Tournament is filled with great players and the AP All-America team is a good place to get familiar with the names. It's also an event where guys you've never heard of can take a star turn. Guard play is always going to be important (see: Baylor, 2021 title winner) and there are some NBA prospects in the mix.Bet on this, too: Some player — maybe more than one — will have a chance to join the mustachioed Doug Edert (remember Saint Peters' inspiring run last year?) and find a way to cash in on their celebrity.HOW TO WATCHEvery game of the men’s tournament will be aired — here is a schedule — either on CBS, TBS, TNT or TruTV and their digital platforms. CBS, which also has a handy schedule that includes announcing teams, will handle the Final Four and national title game this year.The NCAA is streaming games via its March Madness Live option and CBS games are being streamed on Paramount+. Fans of longtime play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz should soak up every moment: It’s his final NCAA Tournament.BETTING GUIDEWho's going to win the national championship? The betting favorites to reach the Final Four are (in order, as of March 19): Alabama, Houston, UConn, UCLA, Gonzaga and Texas, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.MARCH MADNESS CALENDARSweet 16 weekend will see games in New York City (East Region), Las Vegas (West), Kansas City, Missouri (Midwest), and Louisville, Kentucky (South).Where is the Final Four? In Houston, on April 1, with the championship game on April 3. Basketball aficionados, take note: The women’s NCAA Tournament will hold its Final Four in Dallas, a four-hour drive up the road from Houston.Can't get enough March Madness? Well, there is talk about expanding the tournament despite a host of challenges. Enjoy the 68-team version for now!

March Madness: Sweet 16 matchups are set after wild weekend

GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — Markquis Nowell scored 23 of his 27 points after halftime, and Kansas State overcame a horrid start from outside by hitting a couple of clutch 3-pointers while topping Kentucky 75-69 in Sunday's second round of the NCAA Tournament.

The win sends the third-seeded Wildcats (25-9) to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2018, and it came thanks to a series of big shots that finally pushed them through in a tight game.

Kansas State missed its first 13 3-pointers and sat at 2 for 17 for the game when the outside shots started falling. There was Nowell burying a step-back 3 against Cason Wallace to bring Kansas State within 60-59, followed a bit later by Ismael Massoud burying one from the right wing at the 2:21 mark that gave Kansas State the lead for good at 64-62.

Keyontae Johnson added one more from that side of the court in front of the Kansas State bench, pushing the lead to 67-62 with 1:23 left — sending a jolt with the kind of margin that felt massive considering nearly all of the second half had been played within four points.

The 5-foot-8 Nowell, a third-team Associated Press All-American, played a fearless floor game while making 7 of 14 shots and 10 of 11 free throws. He also hit three 3s, including the first one over Kentucky's Oscar Tshiebwe after an 0-for-13 start by Kansas State and another after halftime with his left foot on the “March Madness” logo near midcourt.

Tshiebwe had 25 points and 18 rebounds for sixth-seeded Kentucky (22-12), which shot 55% after halftime and led by eight early in the second half. But the Wildcats never could stretch that lead out, then couldn't make their own big outside shots (4 for 20 for the game) to answer when Kansas State made its move.

Consider it the latest chapter in a run of surprisingly fast success for Kansas State under first-year coach Jerome Tang, who left Baylor after a long stint on Scott Drew’s staff to take over in Manhattan. He inherited a program that hadn’t been to the tournament since 2019, was coming off three straight losing seasons and was picked to finish last in the Big 12.

Yet after a summer of reshaping the roster through the transfer portal, the Wildcats built early confidence and thrived right away — and now, that has them in the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament.

And the bet paid off in a number of ways Sunday.

There was Johnson, who transferred from Florida after collapsing in a game in December 2020 and hadn't played since before resuming his career with Kansas State.

There was Virginia Tech transfer big man David N'Guessan, who played multiple late possessions with his right heel out of his shoe — yet still had the tipout offensive rebound that led to Johnson's 3.

And there was Massoud, who transferred from Wake Forest to Kansas State before Tang's arrival and stuck around this year. Playing about a 30-minute drive from his first college stop, he hadn’t scored before hitting that huge 3.

For the other set of Wildcats, it marked another earlier-than-hoped-for exit from March Madness.

Tshiebwe had 25 rebounds i n the first-round win against Providence for the most in any tournament game since 1977, and the two-time AP All-American was again a force inside. Wallace had 15 of his 21 points after halftime, including multiple times when the freshman guard used his 6-4 frame to score against Nowell inside.

But No. 2 scorer Antonio Reeves (14.6 points) managed five points on 1-for-15 shooting, including 1-for-10 from behind the arc with the lone 3 coming with 8 seconds left and Kansas State in control.

When it was over, Kansas State players began to hug each other at midcourt and celebrate, with guard Desi Sills — another transfer, fittingly — talking animatedly to nearly cameras as he walked around the court in victory.

Later, after most of the team had left the court, Johnson was still hanging around behind the bench to give high-fives and sign autographs for fans. And teammate Nae'Qwan Tomlin squeezed in one more high-five of his own before running toward the locker room while pointing triumphantly to another pocket of KSU fans.

Kentucky: The past year has been one of wild emotional swings, starting with last March’s devastating first-round exit at the hands of 15-seed Saint Peter’s. That hung over the team while a No. 4 preseason ranking evaporated with a 10-6 start. Kentucky beat Providence in the first round to get past that emotional hurdle with coach John Calipari pushing his team to play loose and free. Still, it wasn't enough to get Kentucky to the tournament's second weekend for the first time since an Elite Eight run in 2019.

Kansas State: Friday's first-round win against Montana State came in the program's first tournament appearance since 2019. Nowell was huge in that one with 17 points and 14 assists. In this one, Kansas State outscored Kentucky 19-9 down the stretch, with Nowell scoring 11 and going 8-for-8 at the line in a show of unflappable resolve.

Kansas State will play Thursday in New York’s Madison Square Garden.

GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — Markquis Nowell scored 23 of his 27 points after halftime, and Kansas State overcame a horrid start from outside by hitting a couple of clutch 3-pointers while topping Kentucky 75-69 in Sunday's second round of the NCAA Tournament.The win sends the third-seeded Wildcats (25-9) to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2018, and it came thanks to a series of big shots that finally pushed them through in a tight game.Kansas State missed its first 13 3-pointers and sat at 2 for 17 for the game when the outside shots started falling. There was Nowell burying a step-back 3 against Cason Wallace to bring Kansas State within 60-59, followed a bit later by Ismael Massoud burying one from the right wing at the 2:21 mark that gave Kansas State the lead for good at 64-62.Keyontae Johnson added one more from that side of the court in front of the Kansas State bench, pushing the lead to 67-62 with 1:23 left — sending a jolt with the kind of margin that felt massive considering nearly all of the second half had been played within four points.The 5-foot-8 Nowell, a third-team Associated Press All-American, played a fearless floor game while making 7 of 14 shots and 10 of 11 free throws. He also hit three 3s, including the first one over Kentucky's Oscar Tshiebwe after an 0-for-13 start by Kansas State and another after halftime with his left foot on the “March Madness” logo near midcourt.Tshiebwe had 25 points and 18 rebounds for sixth-seeded Kentucky (22-12), which shot 55% after halftime and led by eight early in the second half. But the Wildcats never could stretch that lead out, then couldn't make their own big outside shots (4 for 20 for the game) to answer when Kansas State made its move.Consider it the latest chapter in a run of surprisingly fast success for Kansas State under first-year coach Jerome Tang, who left Baylor after a long stint on Scott Drew’s staff to take over in Manhattan. He inherited a program that hadn’t been to the tournament since 2019, was coming off three straight losing seasons and was picked to finish last in the Big 12.Yet after a summer of reshaping the roster through the transfer portal, the Wildcats built early confidence and thrived right away — and now, that has them in the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament.And the bet paid off in a number of ways Sunday.There was Johnson, who transferred from Florida after collapsing in a game in December 2020 and hadn't played since before resuming his career with Kansas State.There was Virginia Tech transfer big man David N'Guessan, who played multiple late possessions with his right heel out of his shoe — yet still had the tipout offensive rebound that led to Johnson's 3.And there was Massoud, who transferred from Wake Forest to Kansas State before Tang's arrival and stuck around this year. Playing about a 30-minute drive from his first college stop, he hadn’t scored before hitting that huge 3.For the other set of Wildcats, it marked another earlier-than-hoped-for exit from March Madness.Tshiebwe had 25 rebounds i n the first-round win against Providence for the most in any tournament game since 1977, and the two-time AP All-American was again a force inside. Wallace had 15 of his 21 points after halftime, including multiple times when the freshman guard used his 6-4 frame to score against Nowell inside.But No. 2 scorer Antonio Reeves (14.6 points) managed five points on 1-for-15 shooting, including 1-for-10 from behind the arc with the lone 3 coming with 8 seconds left and Kansas State in control.When it was over, Kansas State players began to hug each other at midcourt and celebrate, with guard Desi Sills — another transfer, fittingly — talking animatedly to nearly cameras as he walked around the court in victory.Later, after most of the team had left the court, Johnson was still hanging around behind the bench to give high-fives and sign autographs for fans. And teammate Nae'Qwan Tomlin squeezed in one more high-five of his own before running toward the locker room while pointing triumphantly to another pocket of KSU fans.BIG PICTUREKentucky: The past year has been one of wild emotional swings, starting with last March’s devastating first-round exit at the hands of 15-seed Saint Peter’s. That hung over the team while a No. 4 preseason ranking evaporated with a 10-6 start. Kentucky beat Providence in the first round to get past that emotional hurdle with coach John Calipari pushing his team to play loose and free. Still, it wasn't enough to get Kentucky to the tournament's second weekend for the first time since an Elite Eight run in 2019.Kansas State: Friday's first-round win against Montana State came in the program's first tournament appearance since 2019. Nowell was huge in that one with 17 points and 14 assists. In this one, Kansas State outscored Kentucky 19-9 down the stretch, with Nowell scoring 11 and going 8-for-8 at the line in a show of unflappable resolve.UP NEXTKansas State will play Thursday in New York’s Madison Square Garden.

Nowell, late 3s lift Kansas State past Kentucky in NCAAs

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

The 6th ranked Barton Community College women's tennis team remained undefeated on the season racking up an 8-1 win Saturday over Iowa Central Community College to wrap up the Stueder Contractors' Cougar Classic.

Shifting Saturday's action to the Barton indoor court due to cold temperatures, the Cougars did what they did on Friday in winning 2-of-the-3 doubles matches before sweeping singles play.

Barton improves to 9-0 on the season heading into Tuesday's 1:00 p.m. conference opener at 7th ranked Seward County Community College.

Barton's lone loss came at the No. 1 tandem as 10th ranked Clara Penido and Tshegofatso Tsiang were knocked off 7-3 in the tiebreaker to the Tritons' Luzmary Diaz Castillo and Chiarra Fiorenza.

The No. 2 tandems of 20th ranked Luciana Braga and Azul Barrios easily won their match 8-1 over Emma Semery and Makenna Schaffner with the No. 3 duo of Carmen Lyons and Ana Vasilis receiving a forfeit victory putting Barton out 2-1 in the match.

In singles play, 12th ranked Penido got a little vengeance in the top spot of the lineup with a 6-1, 7-5 win over Castillo while 20th ranked Brago handed Fiorenza a 6-2, 6-2 loss.

30th ranked Tsiang and 36th ranked Barrios won by 8-1 and 8-0 scores respectively over Semery and Schaffner in the No. 3 and No. 4 with Lyons blanking the No. 5 spot 8-0 over Meadow Balkenende as the Tritons forfeited the No. 6 spot.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679242535944.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoThe 6th ranked Barton Community College women's tennis team remained undefeated on the season racking up an 8-1 win Saturday over Iowa Central Community College to wrap up the Stueder Contractors' Cougar Classic.Shifting Saturday's action to the Barton indoor court due to cold temperatures, the Cougars did what they did on Friday in winning 2-of-the-3 doubles matches before sweeping singles play.Barton improves to 9-0 on the season heading into Tuesday's 1:00 p.m. conference opener at 7th ranked Seward County Community College.Barton's lone loss came at the No. 1 tandem as 10th ranked Clara Penido and Tshegofatso Tsiang were knocked off 7-3 in the tiebreaker to the Tritons' Luzmary Diaz Castillo and Chiarra Fiorenza.The No. 2 tandems of 20th ranked Luciana Braga and Azul Barrios easily won their match 8-1 over Emma Semery and Makenna Schaffner with the No. 3 duo of Carmen Lyons and Ana Vasilis receiving a forfeit victory putting Barton out 2-1 in the match.In singles play, 12th ranked Penido got a little vengeance in the top spot of the lineup with a 6-1, 7-5 win over Castillo while 20th ranked Brago handed Fiorenza a 6-2, 6-2 loss.30th ranked Tsiang and 36th ranked Barrios won by 8-1 and 8-0 scores respectively over Semery and Schaffner in the No. 3 and No. 4 with Lyons blanking the No. 5 spot 8-0 over Meadow Balkenende as the Tritons forfeited the No. 6 spot.

6th ranked Barton women's tennis wraps up Stueder Contractors' Classic with win

First team—Braxton Creed, so., Halstead; Carson Hoeme, sr., Pratt; D.J. Miller, sr., Haven; Jake Proctor, sr., Hesston; Brekyn Ratzlaff, sr., Hillsboro; Brant Sipe, sr., Haven.

Second team—Ki Blanchat, jr., Smoky Valley; Taylor Campbell, jr., Lyons; Micah Dahlsten, sr., Hesston; Leyton Haxton, sr., Hoisington; J’air Johnson, sr., Pratt; Karson Pihl, sr., Smoky Valley.

Honorable mention—Kade Blanchat, sr., Smoky Valley; Taylor Engelland, jr., Nickerson; Jackson Fry, jr., Hesston; Brady Hope, jr., Larned; Lane Magill, sr., Hesston; Tony Moore, jr., Hoisington; Vincent Pickering, sr., Smoky Valley; Tyson Plenert, sr., Hillsboro; Sam Schmidt, sr., Lyons; Nash Wray, sr., Haven; Max Younie, jr., Pratt.

First team—Kendal Brueggen, so., Hesston; Sienna DeFrain, so., Haven; Adrian Hazelwood, jr., Smoky Valley; Dominique Schutt, jr., Halstead; Savannah Shahan, jr., Hillsboro; Zaylee Werth, jr., Hillsboro.

Second team—Caitlyn Belote, sr., Lyons; Sadie Estill, jr., Haven; Gabby Gatlin, sr., Pratt; Kylee Hahn, jr., Hoisington; Anna Humphreys, sr., Hesston; Addy Mason, sr., Hoisington.

Honorable mention—Kalyse Abernathy, jr., Nickerson; Kori Arnold, sr., Hillsboro; Katja Blanchat, so., Smoky Valley; Jordyn Boxberger, jr,. Hoisington; Avery Brawner, fr., Haven; Brie Brawner, sr., Haven; Elizabeth Herrera, sr., Larned; Destiny Ponds, jr., Nickerson; Abby Proctor, so., Hesston; Kingzley Ratzlaff, fr., Hillsboro; Jaycie Theis, jr., Pratt; Kaci Young, so., Halstead.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679242880629.jpeg" alt="All League Basketball" />
 <figcaption>All League Basketball</figcaption>
 </figure>CENTRAL KANSAS LEAGUE BOYS First team—Braxton Creed, so., Halstead; Carson Hoeme, sr., Pratt; D.J. Miller, sr., Haven; Jake Proctor, sr., Hesston; Brekyn Ratzlaff, sr., Hillsboro; Brant Sipe, sr., Haven. Second team—Ki Blanchat, jr., Smoky Valley; Taylor Campbell, jr., Lyons; Micah Dahlsten, sr., Hesston; Leyton Haxton, sr., Hoisington; J’air Johnson, sr., Pratt; Karson Pihl, sr., Smoky Valley. Honorable mention—Kade Blanchat, sr., Smoky Valley; Taylor Engelland, jr., Nickerson; Jackson Fry, jr., Hesston; Brady Hope, jr., Larned; Lane Magill, sr., Hesston; Tony Moore, jr., Hoisington; Vincent Pickering, sr., Smoky Valley; Tyson Plenert, sr., Hillsboro; Sam Schmidt, sr., Lyons; Nash Wray, sr., Haven; Max Younie, jr., Pratt. CENTRAL KANSAS LEAGUE GIRLS First team—Kendal Brueggen, so., Hesston; Sienna DeFrain, so., Haven; Adrian Hazelwood, jr., Smoky Valley; Dominique Schutt, jr., Halstead; Savannah Shahan, jr., Hillsboro; Zaylee Werth, jr., Hillsboro. Second team—Caitlyn Belote, sr., Lyons; Sadie Estill, jr., Haven; Gabby Gatlin, sr., Pratt; Kylee Hahn, jr., Hoisington; Anna Humphreys, sr., Hesston; Addy Mason, sr., Hoisington. Honorable mention—Kalyse Abernathy, jr., Nickerson; Kori Arnold, sr., Hillsboro; Katja Blanchat, so., Smoky Valley; Jordyn Boxberger, jr,. Hoisington; Avery Brawner, fr., Haven; Brie Brawner, sr., Haven; Elizabeth Herrera, sr., Larned; Destiny Ponds, jr., Nickerson; Abby Proctor, so., Hesston; Kingzley Ratzlaff, fr., Hillsboro; Jaycie Theis, jr., Pratt; Kaci Young, so., Halstead.

Central Kansas League All-League selections

The 6th ranked Barton Community College men's tennis team won their lone Stueder Contractor Cougar Classic match on Saturday with a hard fought 5-3 victory over 8th ranked Iowa Central Community College.

Having their match cancelled on Friday versus Newman University due to weather conditions, Saturday's action against the Tritons was also affected in having to shift the dual indoors to Club 1 Fitness.

The Cougars took a 2-1 match lead into singles play, splitting the top two slots of the lineup before clinching the dual in winning the third and fourth spots in the lineup.

Now 7-2 on the season, Barton will next travel to Liberal on Tuesday for a 1:00 p.m. conference opener at 7th ranked Seward County Community College.

Leading 3-2 overall, the match was clinched in the No. 4 slot with a tiebreaker deciding the outcome. Barnabas Kalaba took the first set 7-6, 7-4 in the tiebreaker but leading 5-4 in the second, a pivotal line call turned the tide with the Triton's Andrew Kunaka winning the next three games for a 7-5 win. Still reeling to begin the ten-point tiebreak, Kalaba battled back from a 4-0 deficit to eventually prevail 11-9 in putting Barton up 5-2 at the time in clinching the match.

The Cougars won two of the three doubles action to begin the match after the No. 1 tandem of Sebastiao Vilas and Fernando Andrea dropped an 8-6 decision to Isak Padio and Prince Gandonou. The No. 2 duo of Kalaba and Tsholofelo Tsiang tied the match with an 8-2 win over Tadeu Sanchez and Carlos Acala, leaving it up to the No. 3's of Gustavo Campos and Marno Du Plessis in taking care of business with an 8-3 win over Kunaka and Emmanuel Oudensi putting Barton ahead in the match.

At the top of the lineup, 22nd ranked Campos made short work of 46th ranked Alex Lago with a 6-3, 6-2 win but Vilas fell in his No. 2 match to Padio after winning the first set 7-5 but dropping the second 6-3 in going on to lose the match 10-7 in the breaker.

Andre got off to a good start in the No. 3 matchup with a 6-3 win but the wheels fell off in the second set by getting blanked 6-0 by Gandonou. Recovering in the tie break, Andre put the Cougars one win away from the dual victory by coming out on top and knocking off the 35th ranked Triton 10-8 in the hard fought extra frame.

Simultaneous to Kalaba's match, Tsiang's 6-3, 7-5 loss in the No. 5 against Zamani Moyo put all eyes back on the No. 4 matchup that was headed into the tie breaker in what would be the clinching match.

Following the clinching win, No. 6 Du Plessis dropped a 7-3 score in the first set tiebreaker to Nafiralo Ouattara but the match was left unfinished due to time constraints.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679242390746.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoThe 6th ranked Barton Community College men's tennis team won their lone Stueder Contractor Cougar Classic match on Saturday with a hard fought 5-3 victory over 8th ranked Iowa Central Community College.Having their match cancelled on Friday versus Newman University due to weather conditions, Saturday's action against the Tritons was also affected in having to shift the dual indoors to Club 1 Fitness.The Cougars took a 2-1 match lead into singles play, splitting the top two slots of the lineup before clinching the dual in winning the third and fourth spots in the lineup.Now 7-2 on the season, Barton will next travel to Liberal on Tuesday for a 1:00 p.m. conference opener at 7th ranked Seward County Community College.Leading 3-2 overall, the match was clinched in the No. 4 slot with a tiebreaker deciding the outcome. Barnabas Kalaba took the first set 7-6, 7-4 in the tiebreaker but leading 5-4 in the second, a pivotal line call turned the tide with the Triton's Andrew Kunaka winning the next three games for a 7-5 win. Still reeling to begin the ten-point tiebreak, Kalaba battled back from a 4-0 deficit to eventually prevail 11-9 in putting Barton up 5-2 at the time in clinching the match.The Cougars won two of the three doubles action to begin the match after the No. 1 tandem of Sebastiao Vilas and Fernando Andrea dropped an 8-6 decision to Isak Padio and Prince Gandonou. The No. 2 duo of Kalaba and Tsholofelo Tsiang tied the match with an 8-2 win over Tadeu Sanchez and Carlos Acala, leaving it up to the No. 3's of Gustavo Campos and Marno Du Plessis in taking care of business with an 8-3 win over Kunaka and Emmanuel Oudensi putting Barton ahead in the match.At the top of the lineup, 22nd ranked Campos made short work of 46th ranked Alex Lago with a 6-3, 6-2 win but Vilas fell in his No. 2 match to Padio after winning the first set 7-5 but dropping the second 6-3 in going on to lose the match 10-7 in the breaker.Andre got off to a good start in the No. 3 matchup with a 6-3 win but the wheels fell off in the second set by getting blanked 6-0 by Gandonou. Recovering in the tie break, Andre put the Cougars one win away from the dual victory by coming out on top and knocking off the 35th ranked Triton 10-8 in the hard fought extra frame.Simultaneous to Kalaba's match, Tsiang's 6-3, 7-5 loss in the No. 5 against Zamani Moyo put all eyes back on the No. 4 matchup that was headed into the tie breaker in what would be the clinching match.Following the clinching win, No. 6 Du Plessis dropped a 7-3 score in the first set tiebreaker to Nafiralo Ouattara but the match was left unfinished due to time constraints.

6th ranked Barton men's tennis team wins battle over 8th ranked Iowa Central

1st Team Boys *Britton Dutton Sr. Ellinwood *Ryan Kuckelman Sr. Macksville *Caden Morgan Jr. LaCrosse Koy Behnke Sr. Ellinwood Peyton Ryan Jr. Central Plains 2nd Team Boys Alexis Barron Sr. Macksville Gage Burk Jr. LaCrosse Parker Scheck Sr. Ellinwood Brayden Schniepp Sr. Ness City Se3th Schwien Jr. Victoria 3rd Team Boys Alek Brack Jr. Ellinwood Diego Esparza So. Macksville Andrew Heinz Jr. Ellinwood Rogelio Ibarra Sr. Macksville Lance Lickiss Sr. Macksville

1st Team Girls *Brynna Hammeke Sr. Central Plains *Brittney Simpson Sr. Ellinwood *Heidi Fisher Jr. St. John Hannah Delaney Sr. Ness City Mace Russell Jr. Macksville 2nd Team Girls Kambry Adams Jr. Macksville Bella Baker Sr. Ellinwood Madison Morgan Fr. LaCrosse Lydia Reed So. St. John Marilyn Soeken So. Central Plains 3rd Team Girls Kyla Metro Sr. Central Plains Mia Meyer Fr. St. John Addyson Ogle Jr. Central Plains Danae Rodriguez Sr. Ness City Avery Windholtz So. Victoria

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679241298986.jpeg" alt="All League Boys and Girls Teams - * Unanimous Selection" />
 <figcaption>All League Boys and Girls Teams - * Unanimous Selection</figcaption>
 </figure>1st Team Boys *Britton Dutton Sr. Ellinwood *Ryan Kuckelman Sr. Macksville *Caden Morgan Jr. LaCrosse Koy Behnke Sr. Ellinwood Peyton Ryan Jr. Central Plains 2nd Team Boys Alexis Barron Sr. Macksville Gage Burk Jr. LaCrosse Parker Scheck Sr. Ellinwood Brayden Schniepp Sr. Ness City Se3th Schwien Jr. Victoria 3rd Team Boys Alek Brack Jr. Ellinwood Diego Esparza So. Macksville Andrew Heinz Jr. Ellinwood Rogelio Ibarra Sr. Macksville Lance Lickiss Sr. Macksville1st Team Girls *Brynna Hammeke Sr. Central Plains *Brittney Simpson Sr. Ellinwood *Heidi Fisher Jr. St. John Hannah Delaney Sr. Ness City Mace Russell Jr. Macksville 2nd Team Girls Kambry Adams Jr. Macksville Bella Baker Sr. Ellinwood Madison Morgan Fr. LaCrosse Lydia Reed So. St. John Marilyn Soeken So. Central Plains 3rd Team Girls Kyla Metro Sr. Central Plains Mia Meyer Fr. St. John Addyson Ogle Jr. Central Plains Danae Rodriguez Sr. Ness City Avery Windholtz So. Victoria

Central Prairie League All-League Teams

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Kansas’ national title defense ended in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday when Arkansas’ Ricky Council IV made five free throws in the closing seconds and the eighth-seeded Razorbacks beat the No. 1 seed Jayhawks 72-71.

Davonte Davis scored 25 points and Council added 21 as Arkansas rallied from a 12-point second-half deficit. Kansas, playing without ailing coach Bill Self, became the second top seed not to escape the tournament’s first weekend after Purdue lost on Friday night to No. 16 seed Fairleigh Dickinson.

Arkansas (22-13) and coach Eric Musselman return to the Sweet 16 for the third straight year. The Razorbacks will play either Saint Mary’s or UConn in the West Region semifinals in Las Vegas on Thursday.

Self has been with the Jayhawks (28-8) since they arrived in Des Moines and has attended practices and meetings, but he still didn’t feel well enough to coach a game after having a heart procedure March 8 to clear clogged arteries.

Davis scored 21 of his points in the second half. He fouled out with 1:56 left, turning things over to the veteran Council, a transfer from Wichita State who scored nine of the Razorbacks’ final 11 points.

Jalen Wilson led the Jayhawks with 20 points.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Jaime Jaquez Jr. scored 24 points and UCLA withstood a second-half push from Northwestern to get back to the Sweet 16.

The second-seeded Bruins (31-5) turned up the defensive intensity late, holding the seventh-seeded Wildcats to 1-for-12 shooting during a key late-game stretch.

UCLA's David Singleton went down in extreme pain with a right leg injury with 20.3 seconds remaining. He stayed down on the court for a few minutes before getting helped off by teammates and going straight to the locker room. There was no immediate word on the extent of the injury.

UCLA made it to a third straight Sweet 16 for the first time in 15 years. The Bruins will play either Gonzaga or TCU in the West Region semifinals in Las Vegas on Thursday night.

Amari Bailey added 14 points and Tyger Campbell scored 12 for UCLA.

Boo Buie scored 18 points to lead Northwestern (22-12), Matthew Nicholson added 17 and Chase Audige scored all 16 of his points in the second half.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Olivier Nkamhoua tied his career high with 27 points, including 13 straight for Tennessee during a decisive span in the second half, and the fourth-seeded Volunteers beat Duke to advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2019.

Tennessee (25-10) ended Duke’s 10-game winning streak and sent first-year coach Jon Scheyer, charged with replacing Mike Krzyzewski, home after two NCAA Tournament games. These Vols used a brand of “bully ball” to send the fifth-seeded Blue Devils (27-9) packing.

Tennessee advanced to face Florida Atlantic or Fairleigh Dickinson on Thursday in the East Region semifinals at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Duke didn’t handle Tennessee’s physical style very well. The Volunteers set the tone early, clearly wanting to push around Kyle Filipowski and get hands in the faces of guards Jeremy Roach and Tyrese Proctor. Filipowski took an elbow to his face and ended up with a small cut under his left eye.

Proctor led Duke with 16 points. Roach and Filipowski chipped in 13 apiece.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — San Diego State had little trouble ending the run of March Madness darling Furman, getting 16 points from Micah Parrish to pace a balanced scoring attack.

Darrion Trammell had 13 points, Lamont Butler added 12 and leading scorer Matt Bradley finished with 10 for San Diego State (29-6), which is heading to its first Sweet 16 since 2004. The Aztecs have won 11 of their past 13 games and will play Alabama on Friday in the South Region semifinals in Louisville, Kentucky.

San Diego State is the first Mountain West Conference team to reach the Sweet 16 since Nevada in 2018.

Mike Bothwell led the 13th-seeded Paladins (28-8) with 15 points. Furman had eliminated Virginia in the first round, the initial bracket-busting result in this year’s tournament.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Brandon Miller heated up and so did Alabama, which avoided the fate of two other top NCAA Tournament seeds and brushed aside Maryland behind a dominant second half.

The Crimson Tide (31-5) advanced to their second Sweet 16 in the past three tournaments and ninth overall. Alabama will face fifth-seeded San Diego State in the regional semifinals.

Alabama and Miller got off to a slow start but the All-America freshman and top NBA prospect wound up with 19 points after going scoreless in the first-round game. Miller is nursing a groin injury and missed his first nine shots of the tournament.

Jahvon Quinerly scored 22 points on the one-year anniversary of his left knee injury in a second-round loss to Notre Dame.

Julian Reese had 14 points for Maryland (22-13) before fouling out. Jahmir Young scored 12.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Blake Peters made five 3-pointers in the second half and Princeton shocked another power conference team to reach the Sweet 16 for the first time in 56 years.

No. 15 seed Princeton (23-8) followed up a first-round win over Pac-12 tournament champion Arizona by dominating seventh-seeded Missouri (25-10) of the Southeastern Conference from the start.

The Ivy League school reached the regional semifinals for the first time since 1967 when only 23 teams even made the tournament. Princeton will play either Baylor or Creighton in Louisville, Kentucky, on Friday night.

This marks the third straight year a team seeded 15th made it to the Sweet 16, following Oral Roberts in 2021 and Saint Peter’s last year. The only other time a 15 seed made it this far came in 2013 when Florida Gulf Coast did it.

Ryan Langborg led Princeton with 22 points and Peters added 17.

DeAndre Gholston scored 19 points and Noah Carter added 14 for Missouri, which was seeking its first berth in the Sweet 16 since 2009.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Marcus Sasser looked just fine, scoring 22 points, and top-seeded Houston stifled local favorite Auburn in the second half.

The Cougars (33-3) overcame a 10-point halftime deficit. Essentially shutting down the lane, Houston played with the desperation of a national championship contender that wasn’t ready to suffer the same fate as Purdue and Kansas — No. 1s that already were sent home.

Led by Tramon Mark with 26 points, Houston advanced to face either Indiana or Miami in the Midwest Region semifinals in Kansas City, Missouri, on Friday.

Johni Broome and Jaylin Williams each scored 14 points to lead the Tigers (21-13) were doomed by a stretch of more than 10 1/2 minutes without a field goal and finished just 4 of 24 from the field in the second half.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Dylan Disu had a season-high 28 points on 14-for-20 shooting and steadied Texas down the stretch as the Longhorns beat Penn State to reach their first Sweet 16 in 15 years.

The second-seeded Longhorns (28-8) made just one of 13 shots from 3-point land, so Disu turned this one into a mid-range game. He went 5 for 5 over the final 4 1/2 minutes and finished with 10 rebounds.

Sir’Jabari Rice scored 13 points for Texas, which will play the Pittsburgh-Xavier winner on Friday in the regional semifinals.

Camren Wynter had 16 points for the 10th-seeded Nittany Lions (23-14), who were coming off their first NCAA Tournament victory in 20 years. Second-team All-American Jalen Pickett had 11 points and 10 rebounds with seven turnovers.

WEST REGIONARKANSAS 72 KANSAS 71DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Kansas’ national title defense ended in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday when Arkansas’ Ricky Council IV made five free throws in the closing seconds and the eighth-seeded Razorbacks beat the No. 1 seed Jayhawks 72-71.Davonte Davis scored 25 points and Council added 21 as Arkansas rallied from a 12-point second-half deficit. Kansas, playing without ailing coach Bill Self, became the second top seed not to escape the tournament’s first weekend after Purdue lost on Friday night to No. 16 seed Fairleigh Dickinson.Arkansas (22-13) and coach Eric Musselman return to the Sweet 16 for the third straight year. The Razorbacks will play either Saint Mary’s or UConn in the West Region semifinals in Las Vegas on Thursday.Self has been with the Jayhawks (28-8) since they arrived in Des Moines and has attended practices and meetings, but he still didn’t feel well enough to coach a game after having a heart procedure March 8 to clear clogged arteries.Davis scored 21 of his points in the second half. He fouled out with 1:56 left, turning things over to the veteran Council, a transfer from Wichita State who scored nine of the Razorbacks’ final 11 points.Jalen Wilson led the Jayhawks with 20 points.UCLA 68, NORTHWESTERN 63SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Jaime Jaquez Jr. scored 24 points and UCLA withstood a second-half push from Northwestern to get back to the Sweet 16.The second-seeded Bruins (31-5) turned up the defensive intensity late, holding the seventh-seeded Wildcats to 1-for-12 shooting during a key late-game stretch.UCLA's David Singleton went down in extreme pain with a right leg injury with 20.3 seconds remaining. He stayed down on the court for a few minutes before getting helped off by teammates and going straight to the locker room. There was no immediate word on the extent of the injury.UCLA made it to a third straight Sweet 16 for the first time in 15 years. The Bruins will play either Gonzaga or TCU in the West Region semifinals in Las Vegas on Thursday night.Amari Bailey added 14 points and Tyger Campbell scored 12 for UCLA.Boo Buie scored 18 points to lead Northwestern (22-12), Matthew Nicholson added 17 and Chase Audige scored all 16 of his points in the second half.EAST REGIONTENNESSEE 65, DUKE 52ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Olivier Nkamhoua tied his career high with 27 points, including 13 straight for Tennessee during a decisive span in the second half, and the fourth-seeded Volunteers beat Duke to advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2019.Tennessee (25-10) ended Duke’s 10-game winning streak and sent first-year coach Jon Scheyer, charged with replacing Mike Krzyzewski, home after two NCAA Tournament games. These Vols used a brand of “bully ball” to send the fifth-seeded Blue Devils (27-9) packing.Tennessee advanced to face Florida Atlantic or Fairleigh Dickinson on Thursday in the East Region semifinals at Madison Square Garden in New York.Duke didn’t handle Tennessee’s physical style very well. The Volunteers set the tone early, clearly wanting to push around Kyle Filipowski and get hands in the faces of guards Jeremy Roach and Tyrese Proctor. Filipowski took an elbow to his face and ended up with a small cut under his left eye.Proctor led Duke with 16 points. Roach and Filipowski chipped in 13 apiece.SOUTH REGIONSAN DIEGO STATE 75, FURMAN 52ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — San Diego State had little trouble ending the run of March Madness darling Furman, getting 16 points from Micah Parrish to pace a balanced scoring attack.Darrion Trammell had 13 points, Lamont Butler added 12 and leading scorer Matt Bradley finished with 10 for San Diego State (29-6), which is heading to its first Sweet 16 since 2004. The Aztecs have won 11 of their past 13 games and will play Alabama on Friday in the South Region semifinals in Louisville, Kentucky.San Diego State is the first Mountain West Conference team to reach the Sweet 16 since Nevada in 2018.Mike Bothwell led the 13th-seeded Paladins (28-8) with 15 points. Furman had eliminated Virginia in the first round, the initial bracket-busting result in this year’s tournament.ALABAMA 73, MARYLAND 51BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Brandon Miller heated up and so did Alabama, which avoided the fate of two other top NCAA Tournament seeds and brushed aside Maryland behind a dominant second half.The Crimson Tide (31-5) advanced to their second Sweet 16 in the past three tournaments and ninth overall. Alabama will face fifth-seeded San Diego State in the regional semifinals.Alabama and Miller got off to a slow start but the All-America freshman and top NBA prospect wound up with 19 points after going scoreless in the first-round game. Miller is nursing a groin injury and missed his first nine shots of the tournament.Jahvon Quinerly scored 22 points on the one-year anniversary of his left knee injury in a second-round loss to Notre Dame.Julian Reese had 14 points for Maryland (22-13) before fouling out. Jahmir Young scored 12.PRINCETON 78, MISSOURI 63SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Blake Peters made five 3-pointers in the second half and Princeton shocked another power conference team to reach the Sweet 16 for the first time in 56 years.No. 15 seed Princeton (23-8) followed up a first-round win over Pac-12 tournament champion Arizona by dominating seventh-seeded Missouri (25-10) of the Southeastern Conference from the start.The Ivy League school reached the regional semifinals for the first time since 1967 when only 23 teams even made the tournament. Princeton will play either Baylor or Creighton in Louisville, Kentucky, on Friday night.This marks the third straight year a team seeded 15th made it to the Sweet 16, following Oral Roberts in 2021 and Saint Peter’s last year. The only other time a 15 seed made it this far came in 2013 when Florida Gulf Coast did it.Ryan Langborg led Princeton with 22 points and Peters added 17.DeAndre Gholston scored 19 points and Noah Carter added 14 for Missouri, which was seeking its first berth in the Sweet 16 since 2009.MIDWEST REGIONHOUSTON 81, AUBURN 64BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Marcus Sasser looked just fine, scoring 22 points, and top-seeded Houston stifled local favorite Auburn in the second half.The Cougars (33-3) overcame a 10-point halftime deficit. Essentially shutting down the lane, Houston played with the desperation of a national championship contender that wasn’t ready to suffer the same fate as Purdue and Kansas — No. 1s that already were sent home.Led by Tramon Mark with 26 points, Houston advanced to face either Indiana or Miami in the Midwest Region semifinals in Kansas City, Missouri, on Friday.Johni Broome and Jaylin Williams each scored 14 points to lead the Tigers (21-13) were doomed by a stretch of more than 10 1/2 minutes without a field goal and finished just 4 of 24 from the field in the second half.TEXAS 71, PENN STATE 66DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Dylan Disu had a season-high 28 points on 14-for-20 shooting and steadied Texas down the stretch as the Longhorns beat Penn State to reach their first Sweet 16 in 15 years.The second-seeded Longhorns (28-8) made just one of 13 shots from 3-point land, so Disu turned this one into a mid-range game. He went 5 for 5 over the final 4 1/2 minutes and finished with 10 rebounds.Sir’Jabari Rice scored 13 points for Texas, which will play the Pittsburgh-Xavier winner on Friday in the regional semifinals.Camren Wynter had 16 points for the 10th-seeded Nittany Lions (23-14), who were coming off their first NCAA Tournament victory in 20 years. Second-team All-American Jalen Pickett had 11 points and 10 rebounds with seven turnovers.

Saturday's NCAA Tournament recaps

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Kansas' best two players were neutralized for long stretches, its point guard played on a sprained ankle in the second half, and the Jayhawks once again were without their Hall of Fame coach.

It was all too much to overcome, even for a No. 1 seed desperately trying to keep alive its bid for a second straight national championship.

The Jayhawks' 72-71 loss to No. 8 seed Arkansas on Saturday marked the third time in four NCAA Tournaments they have failed to make it out of the first weekend.

Defending their 2022 title was always going to be extremely challenging. Only point guard Dajuan Harris Jr. and All-America forward Jalen Wilson were starters on the title team, and only four other returning players from last year played significant minutes.

The season started with Self serving a self-imposed four-game suspension stemming from the 2017 NCAA investigation into the program, and it ended with him sitting out the last five games recovering from a procedure he had on March 8 to clear blocked arteries in his heart.

“One thing about all year, no one is going to feel bad about anything that Kansas goes through,” Wilson said. “We have rallied through with each other and understood that it’s really us against everybody else.”

Freshman Gradey Dick, a possible NBA lottery pick in June who had his first career double-double against Howard in the first round, was held to seven points and only got off three 3-point attempts against Arkansas' smothering defense.

“We've dealt with that all year, but they have some long athletes that made it tough on him to get shots,” acting coach Norm Roberts said. “I don’t think we screened as well as we wanted to for him. Maybe we could have ran a few more things for him, but they did nullify him a little bit.”

Wilson scored two baskets in the first four minutes of the second half and didn't make another field goal. He still finished with 20 points but had difficulty getting the ball in good position to score and collected nine of his points at the free-throw line.

Harris sprained his right ankle going for a loose ball late in the first half. He returned for the second half to score eight of his 12 points but only had one assist after the break.

The Jayhawks won the Big 12 regular-season title and lost by 20 points to Texas in the conference tournament championship game.

Next year's roster is uncertain with Wilson and Dick likely heading to the NBA and others considering their options in the offseason.

Self continues his recovery from having two stents placed in his heart to help treat blocked arteries. He went to the emergency room the night of March 8, shortly after watching the Jayhawks hold a final shootaround ahead of their Big 12 Tournament quarterfinal. Kansas went 3-2 in Self's absence.

“Our guys have been terrific all year,” Roberts said. “They fought to the very end, made huge plays. It was tough not having Coach here, but we don’t make any excuses. We have to line up and get it done, and we came up a little bit short today.”

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Kansas' best two players were neutralized for long stretches, its point guard played on a sprained ankle in the second half, and the Jayhawks once again were without their Hall of Fame coach.It was all too much to overcome, even for a No. 1 seed desperately trying to keep alive its bid for a second straight national championship.The Jayhawks' 72-71 loss to No. 8 seed Arkansas on Saturday marked the third time in four NCAA Tournaments they have failed to make it out of the first weekend.Defending their 2022 title was always going to be extremely challenging. Only point guard Dajuan Harris Jr. and All-America forward Jalen Wilson were starters on the title team, and only four other returning players from last year played significant minutes.The season started with Self serving a self-imposed four-game suspension stemming from the 2017 NCAA investigation into the program, and it ended with him sitting out the last five games recovering from a procedure he had on March 8 to clear blocked arteries in his heart.“One thing about all year, no one is going to feel bad about anything that Kansas goes through,” Wilson said. “We have rallied through with each other and understood that it’s really us against everybody else.”Freshman Gradey Dick, a possible NBA lottery pick in June who had his first career double-double against Howard in the first round, was held to seven points and only got off three 3-point attempts against Arkansas' smothering defense.“We've dealt with that all year, but they have some long athletes that made it tough on him to get shots,” acting coach Norm Roberts said. “I don’t think we screened as well as we wanted to for him. Maybe we could have ran a few more things for him, but they did nullify him a little bit.”Wilson scored two baskets in the first four minutes of the second half and didn't make another field goal. He still finished with 20 points but had difficulty getting the ball in good position to score and collected nine of his points at the free-throw line.Harris sprained his right ankle going for a loose ball late in the first half. He returned for the second half to score eight of his 12 points but only had one assist after the break.The Jayhawks won the Big 12 regular-season title and lost by 20 points to Texas in the conference tournament championship game.Next year's roster is uncertain with Wilson and Dick likely heading to the NBA and others considering their options in the offseason.Self continues his recovery from having two stents placed in his heart to help treat blocked arteries. He went to the emergency room the night of March 8, shortly after watching the Jayhawks hold a final shootaround ahead of their Big 12 Tournament quarterfinal. Kansas went 3-2 in Self's absence.“Our guys have been terrific all year,” Roberts said. “They fought to the very end, made huge plays. It was tough not having Coach here, but we don’t make any excuses. We have to line up and get it done, and we came up a little bit short today.”

KU season ends with top players shut down, coach sitting out

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Eric Musselman and his players rushed across the floor at the final buzzer to celebrate with their joyfully delirious friends from Arkansas.

The 58-year-old coach jumped onto the press table, ripped off his red polo shirt and waved it over his head, shouting all the while to the fans' delight, as has become his tradition after the biggest of his wins.

Kansas' national title defense ended in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday when Arkansas' Ricky Council IV made five free throws in the closing seconds and the eighth-seeded Razorbacks beat the No. 1 seed Jayhawks 72-71.

“I would love to lie and say that I felt composed, but we only led for 1:43,” he said. “This has been as challenging and as up-and-down a season as I’ve ever been a part of.

"For these guys to be rewarded for sticking with it and being able to go to Las Vegas and participate with only 16 teams still standing. ... It’s really hard to make this tournament. It's really hard to win a game in this tournament. It’s really hard to beat defending champions, No. 1 seed. We did it.”

Arkansas was playing a No. 1 seed for the third straight year. Last year, the Razorbacks knocked out Gonzaga on the way to their second straight Elite Eight. This time, the Razorbacks survived shaky offensive play early and foul trouble late. They became the first team to beat a No. 1 seed with three players fouling out, according to OptaSTATS.

“That’s such an unbelievable win for our program,” Musselman said. “I keep telling people that we’re getting better. Not many teams can get better this time of year. I’ve never been prouder of a team like tonight.”

Davonte Davis scored 25 points and Council added 21 as Arkansas rallied from a 12-point second-half deficit. Kansas, playing without ailing coach Bill Self, became the second top seed not to escape the tournament's first weekend after Purdue lost on Friday night to No. 16 seed Fairleigh Dickinson.

Arkansas (22-13) is in the Sweet 16 for the third straight year and will play either Saint Mary's or UConn in the West Region semifinals in Las Vegas on Thursday.

Self has been with the Jayhawks (28-8) since they arrived in Des Moines and has attended practices and meetings, but he still didn't feel well enough to coach a game after having a heart procedure March 8 to clear clogged arteries.

Longtime assistant Norm Roberts was acting coach for a fifth straight game in Self’s absence.

Kansas, bidding to become the first repeat national champion since Florida in 2006-07, was ahead 35-27 at halftime and lost for the first time in 27 games when entering the second half with a lead. Kansas had been 47-0 in the NCAA Tournament when leading by eight points or more at the half.

“This team was struggling and we figured it out,” Davis said. “I’m glad we did at the right time. Hopefully we continue to do it.”

Outside the locker room, a sobbing Musselman hugged Davis and shouted, “I (expletive) love you, man!”

Council's free throw put Arkansas ahead to stay, 68-67, with 24 seconds left. He then rebounded his own miss of the second free throw and made two more to give the Razorbacks a three-point lead.

The teams traded free throws, and Arkansas sent Kansas' Jalen Wilson to the line with 3 seconds left to prevent a potential tying 3-pointer. Wilson made the first free throw and appeared to try to miss the second intentionally, but it banked hard off the glass and in, and Kansas never regained possession.

Wilson led the Jayhawks with 20 points but lamented grabbing only four rebounds, which he said was a factor in Arkansas holding a 15-2 advantage in second-chance points. No missed rebound hurt more, he said, than when Kansas failed to grab the ball off Council's missed free throw in the waning seconds.

“It always comes down to one play, especially hustle plays like that,” Wilson said. “It’s just disappointing to end like that, especially with how great our year was. Credit to them for how they played.”

Arkansas, which beat Illinois in the first round, was considered a scary matchup for the Jayhawks with its explosive transition game and ability to play lockdown defense.

But circumstances were less than ideal for the Razorbacks. Guard Anthony Black tweaked a nagging ankle injury early and went to the bench to get re-taped and change shoes, and fellow guard and projected high NBA first-round draft pick Nick Smith Jr. picked up two quick fouls and was limited to 10 minutes and no points in the first half. Also, big man Kamani Johnson was ill and played with a sore toe.

The Razorbacks were too eager to shoot 3-pointers early. They missed 8 of 9 in the first half and couldn’t get their running game going.

Kansas was in control for stretches but never could put away the Razorbacks.

Davis started a game-turning 11-0 Arkansas run in the middle of the second half and Jordan Walsh’s 3-pointer with eight minutes left gave the Razorbacks their first lead since their first basket of the game.

Arkansas neutralized Wilson when it mattered most, allowing the All-American only two shots over a 15-minute stretch of the second half.

Arkansas is in the Sweet 16 for the 14th time. The only lower-seeded Razorbacks team to reach a regional semifinal was the 1996 squad, which was a No. 12 under Nolan Richardson, who led the school to its only national title two years earlier.

If Musselman reaches his first Final Four, he will evoke more memories of those glory years.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Eric Musselman and his players rushed across the floor at the final buzzer to celebrate with their joyfully delirious friends from Arkansas.The 58-year-old coach jumped onto the press table, ripped off his red polo shirt and waved it over his head, shouting all the while to the fans' delight, as has become his tradition after the biggest of his wins.And this was a really big one.Kansas' national title defense ended in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday when Arkansas' Ricky Council IV made five free throws in the closing seconds and the eighth-seeded Razorbacks beat the No. 1 seed Jayhawks 72-71.“I would love to lie and say that I felt composed, but we only led for 1:43,” he said. “This has been as challenging and as up-and-down a season as I’ve ever been a part of."For these guys to be rewarded for sticking with it and being able to go to Las Vegas and participate with only 16 teams still standing. ... It’s really hard to make this tournament. It's really hard to win a game in this tournament. It’s really hard to beat defending champions, No. 1 seed. We did it.”Arkansas was playing a No. 1 seed for the third straight year. Last year, the Razorbacks knocked out Gonzaga on the way to their second straight Elite Eight. This time, the Razorbacks survived shaky offensive play early and foul trouble late. They became the first team to beat a No. 1 seed with three players fouling out, according to OptaSTATS.“That’s such an unbelievable win for our program,” Musselman said. “I keep telling people that we’re getting better. Not many teams can get better this time of year. I’ve never been prouder of a team like tonight.”Davonte Davis scored 25 points and Council added 21 as Arkansas rallied from a 12-point second-half deficit. Kansas, playing without ailing coach Bill Self, became the second top seed not to escape the tournament's first weekend after Purdue lost on Friday night to No. 16 seed Fairleigh Dickinson.Arkansas (22-13) is in the Sweet 16 for the third straight year and will play either Saint Mary's or UConn in the West Region semifinals in Las Vegas on Thursday.Self has been with the Jayhawks (28-8) since they arrived in Des Moines and has attended practices and meetings, but he still didn't feel well enough to coach a game after having a heart procedure March 8 to clear clogged arteries.Longtime assistant Norm Roberts was acting coach for a fifth straight game in Self’s absence.Kansas, bidding to become the first repeat national champion since Florida in 2006-07, was ahead 35-27 at halftime and lost for the first time in 27 games when entering the second half with a lead. Kansas had been 47-0 in the NCAA Tournament when leading by eight points or more at the half.“Our guys have been terrific all year,” Roberts said. “They fought to the very end, made huge plays. It was tough not having Coach here, but we don’t make any excuses. We have to line up and get it done, and we came up a little bit short today.”Davis scored 21 of his points in the second half. He fouled out with 1:56 left, turning things over to the veteran Council, a transfer from Wichita State who scored nine of the Razorbacks’ final 11 points.“This team was struggling and we figured it out,” Davis said. “I’m glad we did at the right time. Hopefully we continue to do it.”Outside the locker room, a sobbing Musselman hugged Davis and shouted, “I (expletive) love you, man!”Council's free throw put Arkansas ahead to stay, 68-67, with 24 seconds left. He then rebounded his own miss of the second free throw and made two more to give the Razorbacks a three-point lead.The teams traded free throws, and Arkansas sent Kansas' Jalen Wilson to the line with 3 seconds left to prevent a potential tying 3-pointer. Wilson made the first free throw and appeared to try to miss the second intentionally, but it banked hard off the glass and in, and Kansas never regained possession.Wilson led the Jayhawks with 20 points but lamented grabbing only four rebounds, which he said was a factor in Arkansas holding a 15-2 advantage in second-chance points. No missed rebound hurt more, he said, than when Kansas failed to grab the ball off Council's missed free throw in the waning seconds.“It always comes down to one play, especially hustle plays like that,” Wilson said. “It’s just disappointing to end like that, especially with how great our year was. Credit to them for how they played.”Arkansas, which beat Illinois in the first round, was considered a scary matchup for the Jayhawks with its explosive transition game and ability to play lockdown defense.But circumstances were less than ideal for the Razorbacks. Guard Anthony Black tweaked a nagging ankle injury early and went to the bench to get re-taped and change shoes, and fellow guard and projected high NBA first-round draft pick Nick Smith Jr. picked up two quick fouls and was limited to 10 minutes and no points in the first half. Also, big man Kamani Johnson was ill and played with a sore toe.The Razorbacks were too eager to shoot 3-pointers early. They missed 8 of 9 in the first half and couldn’t get their running game going.Kansas was in control for stretches but never could put away the Razorbacks.Davis started a game-turning 11-0 Arkansas run in the middle of the second half and Jordan Walsh’s 3-pointer with eight minutes left gave the Razorbacks their first lead since their first basket of the game.Arkansas neutralized Wilson when it mattered most, allowing the All-American only two shots over a 15-minute stretch of the second half.Arkansas is in the Sweet 16 for the 14th time. The only lower-seeded Razorbacks team to reach a regional semifinal was the 1996 squad, which was a No. 12 under Nolan Richardson, who led the school to its only national title two years earlier.If Musselman reaches his first Final Four, he will evoke more memories of those glory years.

Arkansas ousts defending champ Kansas from March Madness

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Kansas’ best two players were neutralized for long stretches, its point guard played on a sprained ankle in the second half, and the Jayhawks once again were without their Hall of Fame coach, Bill Self. It was all too much to overcome for a No. 1 seed desperately trying to keep alive its bid for a second straight national championship. The Jayhawks’ 72-71 loss to No. 8 seed Arkansas marked the third time in four NCAA Tournaments they have failed to make it out of the first weekend. Kansas will need to reload with Jalen Wilson and Gradey Dick likely heading to the NBA.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Dylan Disu had a season-high 28 points and Texas advanced to its first Sweet 16 in 15 years with a 71-66 victory over Penn State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The second-seeded Longhorns made just one of 13 shots from 3-point land. Disu turned this one into a mid-range game. He went 5 for 5 over the final 4 1/2 minutes and grabbed 10 rebounds for good measure. Texas will play the Pittsburgh-Xavier winner on Friday in the Midwest Region semifinals. Camren Wynter scored 16 points for Penn State.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Blake Peters made five 3-pointers in the second half and Princeton shocked another power conference team to reach the regional semifinals for the first time in 56 years by beating Missouri 78-63. The No. 15 seeded Princeton followed up a first-round win over Pac-12 tournament champion Arizona by dominating the 10th seeded Missouri of the SEC from the start. Princeton has reached the round of 16 for the first time since 1967 when only 23 teams even made the tournament. DeAndre Gholston 17 points and Noah Carter added 14 for Missouri, which was seeking its first berth in the Sweet 16 since 2009.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Quinesha Lockett scored 24 points and grabbed 13 rebounds as Toledo knocked off No. 5 seed Iowa State 80-73 Saturday for the second win by a 12 seed in the opening round of the women’s NCAA Tournament. Toledo joined Florida Gulf Coast as the second 12 seed to win Saturday. Toledo now will play No. 4 seed Tennessee on Monday night for a spot in the Sweet 16 in the Seattle 3 region. The Rockets won a record 17th straight game in fine fashion. This was their first NCAA win since 1996 in their ninth tournament appearance overall and first since 2017. Iowa State goes home after reaching the Sweet 16 last year.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Shaylee Gonzales scored 20 points and No. 4 Texas rolled to a 79-40 win over No. 13 East Carolina on Saturday night in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on the Longhorns’ home court. Texas rallied from a poor start to the season to earn the role of host for the first two rounds and made quick work of the Pirates. Taylor Jones had 16 points, eight rebounds and five blocks for Texas. The Longhorns led 45-24 by halftime with Rori Harmon’s eight assists in the first half driving the Texas offense.

STORRS, CONN. (AP) — Ja’Mee Asberry scored 26 points, including some key foul shots in the final minute, and No. 7 seed Baylor overcame an early 18-point deficit to beat Alabama 78-74 in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. Sarah Andrews and Caitlin Bickle each added 14 for the Bears (20-12), who tied for the third biggest comeback in tournament history, and closed the game on a 7-0 run, all from the foul line.The Bears will face No. 2 seed UConn in the second round on Monday night. Brittany Davis tied a career high with 33 points for Alabama (20-11), which closes its season on a five-game losing streak. The Crimson Tide led 22-4 after a quarter and by 11 at halftime.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Aubrey Joens and Taylor Robertson each scored 14 points and fifth-seeded Oklahoma took control in the third quarter to defeat No. 12 seed Portland 85-63 Saturday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Madi Williams added 13 points for the Sooners, who will face the winner of No. 4 seed UCLA and 13th-seeded Sacramento State in Monday’s second round. The winner will advance to the Greenville 1 regional. Alex Fowler led Portland with 18 points while Emme Shearer and Lucy Cochrane had 12 apiece.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) — Miami guard Haley Cavinder scored 12 of her 16 points in the second half and made what proved to be the decisive free throw with 8.9 seconds left to seal a 17-point second half comeback and a 62-61 victory over eighth-seeded Oklahoma State. It was tied for the fifth-largest comeback in tourney history. But it wasn’t over until Naomie Alnatas’ 10-footer rolled off the rim at the buzzer following a 5-second call on the Hurricanes. Miami faces top-seeded Indiana Monday. Anna Gret Asi led Oklahoma State with 16 points.

MIAMI (AP) — Trea Turner hit a go-ahead grand slam in the eighth inning that lifted the United States over Venezuela 9-7 and into the World Baseball Classic semifinals. The defending champion Team USA will face Cuba on Sunday night for a spot in the WBC championship. Venezuela second baseman and Houston Astros star Jose Altuve left the game in the fifth with a right hand injury after he was hit by a pitch. The Astros said there would be an update on his status Sunday.

MIAMI (AP) — Jose Altuve left Venezuela’s 9-7 quarterfinal loss to the United States with a possible broken right thumb after getting hit by a pitch. The Houston Astros second baseman, an eight-time All-Star and the 2017 American League MVP, fell to the field after he was struck by the 95.9 mph sinker from Colorado reliever Daniel Bard in the fifth inning. A Houston athletic trainer was concerned Altuve’s thumb was broken but had not received a scan to confirm a break, a person familiar with the incident said on condition of anonymity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678358685056.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Kansas’ best two players were neutralized for long stretches, its point guard played on a sprained ankle in the second half, and the Jayhawks once again were without their Hall of Fame coach, Bill Self. It was all too much to overcome for a No. 1 seed desperately trying to keep alive its bid for a second straight national championship. The Jayhawks’ 72-71 loss to No. 8 seed Arkansas marked the third time in four NCAA Tournaments they have failed to make it out of the first weekend. Kansas will need to reload with Jalen Wilson and Gradey Dick likely heading to the NBA.DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Dylan Disu had a season-high 28 points and Texas advanced to its first Sweet 16 in 15 years with a 71-66 victory over Penn State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The second-seeded Longhorns made just one of 13 shots from 3-point land. Disu turned this one into a mid-range game. He went 5 for 5 over the final 4 1/2 minutes and grabbed 10 rebounds for good measure. Texas will play the Pittsburgh-Xavier winner on Friday in the Midwest Region semifinals. Camren Wynter scored 16 points for Penn State.SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Blake Peters made five 3-pointers in the second half and Princeton shocked another power conference team to reach the regional semifinals for the first time in 56 years by beating Missouri 78-63. The No. 15 seeded Princeton followed up a first-round win over Pac-12 tournament champion Arizona by dominating the 10th seeded Missouri of the SEC from the start. Princeton has reached the round of 16 for the first time since 1967 when only 23 teams even made the tournament. DeAndre Gholston 17 points and Noah Carter added 14 for Missouri, which was seeking its first berth in the Sweet 16 since 2009.KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Quinesha Lockett scored 24 points and grabbed 13 rebounds as Toledo knocked off No. 5 seed Iowa State 80-73 Saturday for the second win by a 12 seed in the opening round of the women’s NCAA Tournament. Toledo joined Florida Gulf Coast as the second 12 seed to win Saturday. Toledo now will play No. 4 seed Tennessee on Monday night for a spot in the Sweet 16 in the Seattle 3 region. The Rockets won a record 17th straight game in fine fashion. This was their first NCAA win since 1996 in their ninth tournament appearance overall and first since 2017. Iowa State goes home after reaching the Sweet 16 last year.AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Shaylee Gonzales scored 20 points and No. 4 Texas rolled to a 79-40 win over No. 13 East Carolina on Saturday night in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on the Longhorns’ home court. Texas rallied from a poor start to the season to earn the role of host for the first two rounds and made quick work of the Pirates. Taylor Jones had 16 points, eight rebounds and five blocks for Texas. The Longhorns led 45-24 by halftime with Rori Harmon’s eight assists in the first half driving the Texas offense.STORRS, CONN. (AP) — Ja’Mee Asberry scored 26 points, including some key foul shots in the final minute, and No. 7 seed Baylor overcame an early 18-point deficit to beat Alabama 78-74 in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. Sarah Andrews and Caitlin Bickle each added 14 for the Bears (20-12), who tied for the third biggest comeback in tournament history, and closed the game on a 7-0 run, all from the foul line.The Bears will face No. 2 seed UConn in the second round on Monday night. Brittany Davis tied a career high with 33 points for Alabama (20-11), which closes its season on a five-game losing streak. The Crimson Tide led 22-4 after a quarter and by 11 at halftime.LOS ANGELES (AP) — Aubrey Joens and Taylor Robertson each scored 14 points and fifth-seeded Oklahoma took control in the third quarter to defeat No. 12 seed Portland 85-63 Saturday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Madi Williams added 13 points for the Sooners, who will face the winner of No. 4 seed UCLA and 13th-seeded Sacramento State in Monday’s second round. The winner will advance to the Greenville 1 regional. Alex Fowler led Portland with 18 points while Emme Shearer and Lucy Cochrane had 12 apiece.BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) — Miami guard Haley Cavinder scored 12 of her 16 points in the second half and made what proved to be the decisive free throw with 8.9 seconds left to seal a 17-point second half comeback and a 62-61 victory over eighth-seeded Oklahoma State. It was tied for the fifth-largest comeback in tourney history. But it wasn’t over until Naomie Alnatas’ 10-footer rolled off the rim at the buzzer following a 5-second call on the Hurricanes. Miami faces top-seeded Indiana Monday. Anna Gret Asi led Oklahoma State with 16 points.MIAMI (AP) — Trea Turner hit a go-ahead grand slam in the eighth inning that lifted the United States over Venezuela 9-7 and into the World Baseball Classic semifinals. The defending champion Team USA will face Cuba on Sunday night for a spot in the WBC championship. Venezuela second baseman and Houston Astros star Jose Altuve left the game in the fifth with a right hand injury after he was hit by a pitch. The Astros said there would be an update on his status Sunday.MIAMI (AP) — Jose Altuve left Venezuela’s 9-7 quarterfinal loss to the United States with a possible broken right thumb after getting hit by a pitch. The Houston Astros second baseman, an eight-time All-Star and the 2017 American League MVP, fell to the field after he was struck by the 95.9 mph sinker from Colorado reliever Daniel Bard in the fifth inning. A Houston athletic trainer was concerned Altuve’s thumb was broken but had not received a scan to confirm a break, a person familiar with the incident said on condition of anonymity.SATURDAY NCAA TOURNEY SCORESNCAA Second RoundSOUTHFinal	San Diego St.	75	Furman	52	Final	Princeton	78	Missouri	63	Final	Alabama	73	Maryland	51	MIDWESTFinal	Houston	81	Auburn	64	Final	Texas	71	Penn St.	66	EASTFinal	Tennessee	65	Duke	52	WESTFinal	UCLA	68	Northwestern	63	Final	Arkansas	72	Kansas	71

Sunday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — Left-hander Jake Brentz and the Kansas City Royals have agreed to a $1.9 million, two-year contract that keeps him with the team as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.

The 28-year-old will get salaries of $850,000 this year and $1.05 million next year as part of the agreement that was announced Thursday. He can earn an additional $300,000 each year in performance bonuses for games finished: $50,000 each for 25 and each additional five through 50.

Brentz also can earn $100,000 in roster bonuses in 2024 only: $50,000 each for 90 and 120 days on the active major league roster.

He was 5-2 with a 3.66 ERA and two saves in a team-high 72 relief appearances as a rookie in 2021, striking out 76 in 64 innings. Brentz made eight appearances in April, going 0-3 with a 23.63 ERA, but went on the injured list April 30 with a strained flexor tendon in his left elbow.

Brentz made a pair of minor-league injury rehabilitation appearances at Double-A Northwest Arkansas on June 19 and 22, and the Royals announced July 21 that he had undergone reconstructive elbow surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament.

Kansas City designated him for assignment on Nov. 15, and three days later Brentz elected for free agency.

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — Left-hander Jake Brentz and the Kansas City Royals have agreed to a $1.9 million, two-year contract that keeps him with the team as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.The 28-year-old will get salaries of $850,000 this year and $1.05 million next year as part of the agreement that was announced Thursday. He can earn an additional $300,000 each year in performance bonuses for games finished: $50,000 each for 25 and each additional five through 50.Brentz also can earn $100,000 in roster bonuses in 2024 only: $50,000 each for 90 and 120 days on the active major league roster.He was 5-2 with a 3.66 ERA and two saves in a team-high 72 relief appearances as a rookie in 2021, striking out 76 in 64 innings. Brentz made eight appearances in April, going 0-3 with a 23.63 ERA, but went on the injured list April 30 with a strained flexor tendon in his left elbow.Brentz made a pair of minor-league injury rehabilitation appearances at Double-A Northwest Arkansas on June 19 and 22, and the Royals announced July 21 that he had undergone reconstructive elbow surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament.Kansas City designated him for assignment on Nov. 15, and three days later Brentz elected for free agency.

Brentz gets $1.9M deal with Royals, recovering from surgery

Four members of the 20th ranked Barton Community College men's basketball team have been recognized by region coaches in being selected to the 2023 Division I All-KJCCC/All-Region VI teams announced on Thursday.

Cougar Downing repeated his 1st team selection as cousin Mozae Downing-Rivers and Joseph Locandro landed on the 2nd team with Cooper Jackson being named the Defensive Player of the Year.

The four helped the Cougars to a second place conference finish in riding a nine game win streak to the Region VI title game last Saturday, falling just short of the trophy to end the season at 24-9.

Cougar Downing – 1st Team Selection

Downing averaged a region 6th best 17.0 points game to lead Barton in fourteen of the thirty-three. The 6'1" Olathe, Kansas, native scored in double digits in all but three games, eclipsing his average eleven times including lighting up the board for 29 points twice.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679147579956.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoFour members of the 20th ranked Barton Community College men's basketball team have been recognized by region coaches in being selected to the 2023 Division I All-KJCCC/All-Region VI teams announced on Thursday.Cougar Downing repeated his 1st team selection as cousin Mozae Downing-Rivers and Joseph Locandro landed on the 2nd team with Cooper Jackson being named the Defensive Player of the Year.The four helped the Cougars to a second place conference finish in riding a nine game win streak to the Region VI title game last Saturday, falling just short of the trophy to end the season at 24-9.Cougar Downing – 1st Team SelectionDowning averaged a region 6th best 17.0 points game to lead Barton in fourteen of the thirty-three. The 6'1" Olathe, Kansas, native scored in double digits in all but three games, eclipsing his average eleven times including lighting up the board for 29 points twice.Closing out his Barton career with his name etched in eight different program all-time achievements, most notably Downing finished with 1162 points for the 6th most in 55 years of competition.Knocking down a program 3rd best 161 career three-pointers, Downing was also silky smooth at the free throw line sinking a program 6th best 12-of-12 effort against NW Tech in February in finishing the year at 87.9% for the single season second best shooting and top all-time stripe shooter at 85.0%.Joseph Locandro – 2nd Team SelectionThe 6'9" sophomore from Victoria, Australia, posted 11 double-double performances during his 28 games.Ranking 4th in the region with 8.3 rebounds per contest, Locandro grabbed 10 or more boards 11 times including a career high 15 against Independence on November 30.Shooting 53% from the floor, Locandro also showed range from beyond the arc including going 6-of-11 in the last three games.Finishing at 15.2 points per game, Locandro reached double figures in 20 of his games with a season high 30 points helping the Cougars to a November road win at Hutchinson.Mozae Downing-Rivers – 2nd Team SelectionDowning-Rivers was a triple threat for the Cougars during the season posting three double-doubles and flirted with a trio of triple-double accomplishments.Distributing a league best 5.7 assists per contest, the 6'6" guard from Lawrence, Kansas, closed out his freshman campaign with a program 8th most single season achievement of 189 assists.Shooting over 40% from beyond the arc, Downing-Rivers averaged 10.8 points while grabbing 4.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game.Cooper Jackson – Defensive Player of the YearJackson challenged for the nation's lead in thefts all season long, completing the year at a second best 3.4 steals per contest.Jackson forced three or more turnovers in 24 of his 33 games, six games going over five thefts including a career most eight in a late February game against Colby.Not only was Jackson a menace to opposing players from the defensive end of the floor, the 6'1" freshman from Lawrence, Kansas, scored in double figures in eight games including a season high 21 points against Garden City in finishing his inaugural collegiate season averaging 6.9 points with 3.7 rebounds and dishing out two assists per contest.