First Team Jace Steinmetz Sr. -Garden City Caleb Weise Sr. - Garden City Jack Weimer Jr. - Hays Isaiah Taylor Sr. - Dodge City Ian Premer Fr. - Great Bend

Second Team Chason VanDerWege Sr. - Hays Jake Underwood Sr. - Garden City Tyler Stuhlsatz Sr. - Great Bend Tochi Okoro Jr. - Dodge City Braylon Council Sr. - Great Bend

Player of the Year:&nbsp;Jace Steinmetz -Garden City Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Jeff Williamson - Garden City

First Team Becca Unruh Sr. - Dodge City Hailey Contreras Jr. - Liberal Carly Lang Sr. - Hays Mersadie Spray Jr. - Great Bend Amaya Gallegos Sr. - Garden City

Second Team Easha Potts Jr. - Dodge City Kyona Hall Jr. - Liberal Rylie Hallman Sr. - Liberal Molly Martin So. - Hays K.J. Pinchon Fr. - Garden City

Player of the Year:&nbsp;Becca Unruh Sr. - Dodge City Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Kelly Snodgrass - Dodge City

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678981962614.jpeg" alt="All WAC Boys" />
 <figcaption>All WAC Boys</figcaption>
 </figure>First Team Jace Steinmetz Sr. -Garden City Caleb Weise Sr. - Garden City Jack Weimer Jr. - Hays Isaiah Taylor Sr. - Dodge City Ian Premer Fr. - Great BendSecond Team Chason VanDerWege Sr. - Hays Jake Underwood Sr. - Garden City Tyler Stuhlsatz Sr. - Great Bend Tochi Okoro Jr. - Dodge City Braylon Council Sr. - Great BendPlayer of the Year:&nbsp;Jace Steinmetz -Garden City Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Jeff Williamson - Garden City<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678982297337.jpeg" alt="All WAC Girls" />
 <figcaption>All WAC Girls</figcaption>
 </figure>First Team Becca Unruh Sr. - Dodge City Hailey Contreras Jr. - Liberal Carly Lang Sr. - Hays Mersadie Spray Jr. - Great Bend Amaya Gallegos Sr. - Garden CitySecond Team Easha Potts Jr. - Dodge City Kyona Hall Jr. - Liberal Rylie Hallman Sr. - Liberal Molly Martin So. - Hays K.J. Pinchon Fr. - Garden CityPlayer of the Year:&nbsp;Becca Unruh Sr. - Dodge City Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Kelly Snodgrass - Dodge City

Western Athletic Conference All-League Basketball

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

The Barton Community College tennis program is hosting its annual Classic this weekend.

Sponsored by Stueder Contractors, Inc. in Great Bend, action begins on 10:30 a.m. Friday with Saturday's concluding matches also beginning with a 10:30 a.m. first serve.

Along with the nationally 6th ranked Lady Cougar and Cougar teams, fellow NJCAA member Iowa Central Community College's men's and women's program featuring their 8th ranked men's squad, will be joined by NCAA Division II members Fort Hays State University women and both men and women squads from Newman University including the 39th ranked Lady Jets, and the men's squad from NAIA member Kansas Wesleyan University.

Admission is free for attendees, as well as, live streaming available to view Barton matches at no cost found at BartonSports.com. 

      (Women) Barton Community College vs Fort Hays State University

      (Men) Newman University vs Iowa Central Community College

      (Women) Newman University vs Iowa Central Community College

      (Men) Barton Community College vs Newman University

      (Women) Barton Community College vs Newman University

      (Women) Iowa Central Community College vs Fort Hays State University

      (Men) Iowa Central Community College vs Kansas Wesleyan University

     (Men) Barton Community College vs Iowa Central Community College

      (Women) Barton Community College vs Iowa Central Community College

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678971904477.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoThe Barton Community College tennis program is hosting its annual Classic this weekend.Sponsored by Stueder Contractors, Inc. in Great Bend, action begins on 10:30 a.m. Friday with Saturday's concluding matches also beginning with a 10:30 a.m. first serve.Along with the nationally 6th ranked Lady Cougar and Cougar teams, fellow NJCAA member Iowa Central Community College's men's and women's program featuring their 8th ranked men's squad, will be joined by NCAA Division II members Fort Hays State University women and both men and women squads from Newman University including the 39th ranked Lady Jets, and the men's squad from NAIA member Kansas Wesleyan University.Admission is free for attendees, as well as, live streaming available to view Barton matches at no cost found at BartonSports.com. MEET SCHEDULE FRIDAY - 10:30amBARTON CAMPUS (Women) Barton Community College vs Fort Hays State UniversityVETERAN'S PARK – WEST (Men) Newman University vs Iowa Central Community CollegeVETERAN'S PARK – EAST (Women) Newman University vs Iowa Central Community CollegeFRIDAY - 2:30pmVETERAN'S PARK – WEST (Men) Barton Community College vs Newman UniversityVETERAN'S PARK – EAST (Women) Barton Community College vs Newman UniversityBARTON CAMPUS (Women) Iowa Central Community College vs Fort Hays State UniversityELLINWOOD GRADE SCHOOL (Men) Iowa Central Community College vs Kansas Wesleyan UniversitySATURDAY - 10:30amVETERAN'S PARK – WEST (Men) Barton Community College vs Iowa Central Community CollegeVETERAN'S PARK – EAST (Women) Barton Community College vs Iowa Central Community College

Barton tennis to host Stueder Contractors' Classic this Friday and Saturday


- It's alumni day on the show as Great Bend Panther track and cross
country coach Lyles Lashley and Chase girls basketball coach Mike
Marzolf join the crew to add their perspective on the NCAA
Tournament, the high school sports season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660823675526.jpeg" alt="Thursday on Sports Day" />
 <figcaption>Thursday on Sports Day</figcaption>
 </figure>
- It's alumni day on the show as Great Bend Panther track and cross
country coach Lyles Lashley and Chase girls basketball coach Mike
Marzolf join the crew to add their perspective on the NCAA
Tournament, the high school sports season.
- Thursday sports headlines.
- Sounds of the past 24-hours.

Thursday on Sports Day

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Browns went to the Super Bowl champions for a new safety.

Cleveland reached an agreement with former Kansas City Chiefs free agent safety Juan Thornhill on a three-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Wednesday night.

Thornhill is getting a $21 million deal — $14 million guaranteed —from the Browns, said the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the 27-year-old has not yet signed.

Thornhill, who had a career-high 71 tackles last season, is the third defensive player to join the Browns through free agency. Earlier, the team announced the signings of run stopper Dalvin Tomlinson and end Ogbonnia Okoronkwo.

The 27-year-old Thornhill spent four seasons with Kansas City. He had five tackles when the Chiefs beat Philadelphia in the Super Bowl.

The Browns, who had countless problems with their defense last season, were in the market for a starting safety after releasing John Johnson III after two seasons. Johnson's expected release with a June 1 designation means the Browns will save $9.75 million on their cap next year.

Thornhill is expected to start alongside safety Grant Delpit.

The Chiefs drafted Thornhill in the second round in 2019 out of Virginia. He started 52 games, finishing with eight interceptions and 234 tackles.

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Browns went to the Super Bowl champions for a new safety.Cleveland reached an agreement with former Kansas City Chiefs free agent safety Juan Thornhill on a three-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Wednesday night.Thornhill is getting a $21 million deal — $14 million guaranteed —from the Browns, said the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the 27-year-old has not yet signed.Thornhill, who had a career-high 71 tackles last season, is the third defensive player to join the Browns through free agency. Earlier, the team announced the signings of run stopper Dalvin Tomlinson and end Ogbonnia Okoronkwo.The 27-year-old Thornhill spent four seasons with Kansas City. He had five tackles when the Chiefs beat Philadelphia in the Super Bowl.The Browns, who had countless problems with their defense last season, were in the market for a starting safety after releasing John Johnson III after two seasons. Johnson's expected release with a June 1 designation means the Browns will save $9.75 million on their cap next year.Thornhill is expected to start alongside safety Grant Delpit.The Chiefs drafted Thornhill in the second round in 2019 out of Virginia. He started 52 games, finishing with eight interceptions and 234 tackles.

Browns, safety Thornhill agree to 3-year deal

By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info

The 19th ranked Barton Community College baseball team opened Jayhawk Conference play Wednesday afternoon with a doubleheader sweep over host Colby Community College at Young Memorial Field.

In the opener, the Cougars rode&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/stuart_david_q0km">David Stuart</a>'s first collegiate complete game shutout earning a 6-0 victory before completing the doubleheader sweep scoring eight runs in the 10th inning notching a 13-5 result.

Winning their fifth straight, Barton improves to 19-2 on the season while Colby falls to 2-4 in conference and 7-14 overall. The teams will switch locations to the Cougars' Lawson-Biggs Field on Friday to complete the four game series in a 1:00 p.m. first pitch doubleheader with mother nature shifting the games up a day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678960266318.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoThe 19th ranked Barton Community College baseball team opened Jayhawk Conference play Wednesday afternoon with a doubleheader sweep over host Colby Community College at Young Memorial Field.In the opener, the Cougars rode&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/stuart_david_q0km">David Stuart</a>'s first collegiate complete game shutout earning a 6-0 victory before completing the doubleheader sweep scoring eight runs in the 10th inning notching a 13-5 result.Winning their fifth straight, Barton improves to 19-2 on the season while Colby falls to 2-4 in conference and 7-14 overall. The teams will switch locations to the Cougars' Lawson-Biggs Field on Friday to complete the four game series in a 1:00 p.m. first pitch doubleheader with mother nature shifting the games up a day.

19th ranked Barton Baseball opens Jayhawk play with sweep at Colby

Coll. of Charleston	vs	San Diego St.	3:10 p.m.	

Louisiana-Lafayette	vs	Tennessee	9:40 p.m.	

**All times E.S.T.NCAA First RoundSOUTHat Golden 1 CenterUtah St.	vs	Missouri	1:40 p.m.	Princeton	vs	Arizona	4:10 p.m.	at Legacy Arena at BJCCWest Virginia	vs	Maryland	12:15 p.m.	Texas A&amp;M-CC	vs	Alabama	2:45 p.m.	at Amway CenterFurman	vs	Virginia	12:40 p.m.	Coll. of Charleston	vs	San Diego St.	3:10 p.m.	MIDWESTat Legacy Arena at BJCCAuburn	vs	Iowa	6:50 p.m.	N. Kentucky	vs	Houston	9:20 p.m.	at Wells Fargo ArenaColgate	vs	Texas	7:25 p.m.	Penn St.	vs	Texas A&amp;M	9:55 p.m.	EASTat Amway CenterOral Roberts	vs	Duke	7:10 p.m.	Louisiana-Lafayette	vs	Tennessee	9:40 p.m.	WESTat Golden 1 CenterBoise St.	vs	Northwestern	7:35 p.m.	UNC-Asheville	vs	UCLA	10:05 p.m.	at Wells Fargo ArenaHoward	vs	Kansas	2 p.m.	Illinois	vs	Arkansas	4:30 p.m.

Thursday NCAA Tournament Schedule

Dropping game one 5-2 Wednesday afternoon at Cougar Field, the Barton Community College softball team bounced back with a five inning 9-1 victory in splitting its conference doubleheader hosting 13th ranked Butler Community College.

The game two victory snapped a 16-game losing streak to the Grizzlies and the first home win in the series since 2016 to break a 12-game home drought.

The split leaves Barton at 7-3 in conference play and 12-11 overall with Butler left at 8-2 in league and 15-7 overall.

Next up for Barton, barring weather alterations, will be Saturday at 1:00 p.m. hosting Hesston College before returning to conference play Wednesday at Dodge City Community College.

A pair of Cougars extended hitting streaks on Wednesday, the Cougars' leading hitter Jaysa Anderson collecting a double in the opener before launching a first inning grand slam getting Barton off to a 4-0 start in notching her 16th straight game with a hit.  Halie Stoneking, who led the Cougars going 3-of-6 out of the leadoff spot, connected on a game one 7th inning homerun to extend her streak before following with a 2-of-3 performance in the back end of the doubleheader including a second inning fence clearer for her team leading 6th of the year.

Jenna Henderson kept the Cougars in the opener, allowing nine hits and striking out five in sliding to 2-6 on the year but the team was overpowered by the Grizzlies' Allyson Montgomery in striking out 17 and allowing just five hits improving to 8-2 on the year.

Sydni Williams earned the game two win improving to 2-1 on the year by striking out four and allowing just two hits with Emma Koeneke taking the loss in dropping to 6-4.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678959593314.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoDropping game one 5-2 Wednesday afternoon at Cougar Field, the Barton Community College softball team bounced back with a five inning 9-1 victory in splitting its conference doubleheader hosting 13th ranked Butler Community College.The game two victory snapped a 16-game losing streak to the Grizzlies and the first home win in the series since 2016 to break a 12-game home drought.The split leaves Barton at 7-3 in conference play and 12-11 overall with Butler left at 8-2 in league and 15-7 overall.Next up for Barton, barring weather alterations, will be Saturday at 1:00 p.m. hosting Hesston College before returning to conference play Wednesday at Dodge City Community College.A pair of Cougars extended hitting streaks on Wednesday, the Cougars' leading hitter Jaysa Anderson collecting a double in the opener before launching a first inning grand slam getting Barton off to a 4-0 start in notching her 16th straight game with a hit. Halie Stoneking, who led the Cougars going 3-of-6 out of the leadoff spot, connected on a game one 7th inning homerun to extend her streak before following with a 2-of-3 performance in the back end of the doubleheader including a second inning fence clearer for her team leading 6th of the year.Jenna Henderson kept the Cougars in the opener, allowing nine hits and striking out five in sliding to 2-6 on the year but the team was overpowered by the Grizzlies' Allyson Montgomery in striking out 17 and allowing just five hits improving to 8-2 on the year.Sydni Williams earned the game two win improving to 2-1 on the year by striking out four and allowing just two hits with Emma Koeneke taking the loss in dropping to 6-4.

Barton Softball knocks off 13th ranked Butler

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) —
DJ Horne had 20 points and Arizona State raced to a big halftime lead
and scored the most points ever in a First Four game, burying Nevada
98-73 on Wednesday night. Arizona State advances as a No. 11 seed to
face TCU in a West Region first-round game on Friday in Denver.

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) —
Ansley Almonor scored 23 points and Fairleigh Dickinson earned its
first NCAA Tournament win in four seasons with a 84-61 win over Texas
Southern. Fairleigh Dickinson shot 50% and advanced to the East
Region to play top-seeded Purdue in Columbus, Ohio, on Friday.

DES MOINES, Iowa
(AP) — Bill Self’s status for coaching Kansas in the NCAA
Tournament is uncertain as he recovers from a heart procedure.
Assistant coach Norm Roberts said the Jayhawks remain hopeful he’ll
be on the bench for their opener against Howard on Thursday. Kansas’
Hall of Fame coach was discharged from a Kansas City-area hospital
Sunday after having a procedure to treat blocked arteries in his
heart. Self attended practice at Wells Fargo Arena on Wednesday
morning but did not participate in his team’s media availability.
Roberts said Self is day-to-day.

FORT WORTH, Texas
(AP) — TCU forward Chuck O'Bannon says the team has been motivated
all season after coming so close to upsetting a No. 1 seed and
getting to the Sweet 16 in last year's NCAA Tournament. The Horned
Frogs are now making consecutive March Madness appearances for the
first time in 70 years. They play Friday night in Denver against a
First Four winner. TCU last year beat Seton Hall to get its first
NCAA Tournament win since current coach Jamie Dixon was a guard
playing for the 1987 team. The Frogs then overcame a nine-point
deficit in the final eight minutes of regulation against Arizona
before falling 85-80 in overtime.

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio
(AP) — Led by Tyreek Smith's 13 points, the Oklahoma State Cowboys
defeated the Youngstown State Penguins 69-64 in the NIT.

DES MOINES, Iowa
(AP) — The Texas Longhorns have team chemistry as strong as any in
this NCAA Tournament. The bonds they formed over the summer were
tested when former coach Chris Beard was fired in December. Now the
Longhorns have the No. 2 seed in the Midwest Region with the talent
and depth to reach the Final Four for the first time since 2003. They
face Colgate in the first round on Thursday. The other game in Des
Moines, Iowa, is Texas A&amp;M against Penn State. Midwest No. 1 seed
Houston plays Northern Kentucky in Birmingham, Alabama. Iowa faces
Auburn in the other game.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.
(AP) — Max Rice remembers the excitement he saw watching
Northwestern win its first NCAA Tournament game six years ago. Now,
Rice wants to do the same for his Boise State team that is looking
for its first tournament win when the 10th-seeded Broncos take on the
seventh-seeded Wildcats. In a West Region filled with powerhouses
like defending champion Kansas, UCLA, Connecticut and Gonzaga, the
Wildcats and Broncos are clearly lacking. Northwestern has made it to
this stage for just the second time, advancing to the second round in
2017. Boise State is 0-8 all-time in the tournament.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) —
A season removed from reaching the Final Four for a 13th time under
Hall of Famer Mike Krzyzewski, Duke not only is in the NCAA
Tournament again, but appears to be peaking at the right time with
first-year coach Jon Scheyer at the helm. The fifth-seeded Blue
Devils face No. 12 seed Oral Roberts in the opening round of the East
Regional on Thursday night in Orlando, Florida, eager to build on a
rich March Madness legacy Krzyzewski fashioned over nearly four
decades. In Thursday’s only other East Regional matchup,
fourth-seeded Tennessee faces Louisiana-Lafayette, also in Orlando.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala,
(AP) — Alabama has the No. 1 overall NCAA Tournament seed, one of
the best players in college basketball and likely a couple of games
in its own backyard. For a Crimson Tide team that’s been an easy
target for opposing fans over the past two months, playing less than
an hour from campus is no small matter. It means most of the taunts
will be replaced by cheers in Birmingham, Alabama, especially for
All-America freshman Brandon Miller. It will be an overwhelmingly
crimson and white crowd at Thursday’s South Region game against
Texas A&amp;M-Corpus Christi.

MIAMI (AP) — New
York Mets fans began the year dreaming about a World Series closed
out by Edwin Díaz. For now, they’re facing a nightmare scenario.
In a startling scene, Díaz was taken off the field in a wheelchair
after injuring his right knee celebrating Puerto Rico’s victory
over the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic on
Wednesday night. There was no immediate word on how severely Díaz
was hurt. The Mets said he will undergo more tests Thursday. But the
injury was exactly what big league teams and their fans fear the most
when their high-priced stars go play for their countries. Díaz was
swarmed by teammates after pitching a perfect ninth inning in a 5-2
win. The group was jumping together when Díaz collapsed to the
ground.

MIAMI (AP) — The
NBA has suspended Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant eight games
without pay after determining that his holding a firearm at a club in
suburban Denver earlier this month was “conduct detrimental to the
league.” Morant will miss his sixth game when the Grizzlies play in
Miami on Wednesday night. He will miss the next two games and be
eligible to return on Monday when Memphis plays Dallas. The games he
already missed will count toward the suspension. NBA Commissioner
Adam Silver met with Morant in New York before announcing the
league’s decision. He called Morant's conduct “irresponsible,
reckless and potentially very dangerous.”

UNDATED (AP) — JIm
Nantz and CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus agreed two years ago that
this would be Nantz’s final tournament as the top announcer. Nantz
started calling early-round games for CBS in 1986 and was the Final
Four studio host for five years before taking over play-by-play
duties from Brett Musburger in 1991. When Nantz signs off on April 3,
he will have called 354 NCAA Tournament games, including 64 national
semifinals and 32 championship contests. Nantz decided to step back
from doing the tournament to devote more time to family.


Final	Fairleigh Dickinson	84	Texas Southern	61	


Final	Oklahoma St.	69	Youngstown St.	64	


Final	Sam Houston St.	58	Santa Clara	56	

Chi White Sox	at	San
Francisco	4:05 p.m.	(Canceled)

Cleveland	at	San
Diego	9:40 p.m.	(Canceled)

San
Francisco	at	Arizona	4:10 p.m.	(Canceled)

Chi
Cubs	at	Cincinnati	9:05 p.m.	(Canceled)

Colorado	at	L-A
Dodgers	9:05 p.m.	(Canceled)

Milwaukee	at	Arizona	9:40
p.m.	(Canceled)

Final	L.A.
Clippers	134	Golden State	126	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678358685056.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DAYTON, Ohio (AP) —
DJ Horne had 20 points and Arizona State raced to a big halftime lead
and scored the most points ever in a First Four game, burying Nevada
98-73 on Wednesday night. Arizona State advances as a No. 11 seed to
face TCU in a West Region first-round game on Friday in Denver.DAYTON, Ohio (AP) —
Ansley Almonor scored 23 points and Fairleigh Dickinson earned its
first NCAA Tournament win in four seasons with a 84-61 win over Texas
Southern. Fairleigh Dickinson shot 50% and advanced to the East
Region to play top-seeded Purdue in Columbus, Ohio, on Friday.DES MOINES, Iowa
(AP) — Bill Self’s status for coaching Kansas in the NCAA
Tournament is uncertain as he recovers from a heart procedure.
Assistant coach Norm Roberts said the Jayhawks remain hopeful he’ll
be on the bench for their opener against Howard on Thursday. Kansas’
Hall of Fame coach was discharged from a Kansas City-area hospital
Sunday after having a procedure to treat blocked arteries in his
heart. Self attended practice at Wells Fargo Arena on Wednesday
morning but did not participate in his team’s media availability.
Roberts said Self is day-to-day.FORT WORTH, Texas
(AP) — TCU forward Chuck O'Bannon says the team has been motivated
all season after coming so close to upsetting a No. 1 seed and
getting to the Sweet 16 in last year's NCAA Tournament. The Horned
Frogs are now making consecutive March Madness appearances for the
first time in 70 years. They play Friday night in Denver against a
First Four winner. TCU last year beat Seton Hall to get its first
NCAA Tournament win since current coach Jamie Dixon was a guard
playing for the 1987 team. The Frogs then overcame a nine-point
deficit in the final eight minutes of regulation against Arizona
before falling 85-80 in overtime.YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio
(AP) — Led by Tyreek Smith's 13 points, the Oklahoma State Cowboys
defeated the Youngstown State Penguins 69-64 in the NIT.DES MOINES, Iowa
(AP) — The Texas Longhorns have team chemistry as strong as any in
this NCAA Tournament. The bonds they formed over the summer were
tested when former coach Chris Beard was fired in December. Now the
Longhorns have the No. 2 seed in the Midwest Region with the talent
and depth to reach the Final Four for the first time since 2003. They
face Colgate in the first round on Thursday. The other game in Des
Moines, Iowa, is Texas A&amp;M against Penn State. Midwest No. 1 seed
Houston plays Northern Kentucky in Birmingham, Alabama. Iowa faces
Auburn in the other game.SACRAMENTO, Calif.
(AP) — Max Rice remembers the excitement he saw watching
Northwestern win its first NCAA Tournament game six years ago. Now,
Rice wants to do the same for his Boise State team that is looking
for its first tournament win when the 10th-seeded Broncos take on the
seventh-seeded Wildcats. In a West Region filled with powerhouses
like defending champion Kansas, UCLA, Connecticut and Gonzaga, the
Wildcats and Broncos are clearly lacking. Northwestern has made it to
this stage for just the second time, advancing to the second round in
2017. Boise State is 0-8 all-time in the tournament.ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) —
A season removed from reaching the Final Four for a 13th time under
Hall of Famer Mike Krzyzewski, Duke not only is in the NCAA
Tournament again, but appears to be peaking at the right time with
first-year coach Jon Scheyer at the helm. The fifth-seeded Blue
Devils face No. 12 seed Oral Roberts in the opening round of the East
Regional on Thursday night in Orlando, Florida, eager to build on a
rich March Madness legacy Krzyzewski fashioned over nearly four
decades. In Thursday’s only other East Regional matchup,
fourth-seeded Tennessee faces Louisiana-Lafayette, also in Orlando.BIRMINGHAM, Ala,
(AP) — Alabama has the No. 1 overall NCAA Tournament seed, one of
the best players in college basketball and likely a couple of games
in its own backyard. For a Crimson Tide team that’s been an easy
target for opposing fans over the past two months, playing less than
an hour from campus is no small matter. It means most of the taunts
will be replaced by cheers in Birmingham, Alabama, especially for
All-America freshman Brandon Miller. It will be an overwhelmingly
crimson and white crowd at Thursday’s South Region game against
Texas A&amp;M-Corpus Christi.MIAMI (AP) — New
York Mets fans began the year dreaming about a World Series closed
out by Edwin Díaz. For now, they’re facing a nightmare scenario.
In a startling scene, Díaz was taken off the field in a wheelchair
after injuring his right knee celebrating Puerto Rico’s victory
over the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic on
Wednesday night. There was no immediate word on how severely Díaz
was hurt. The Mets said he will undergo more tests Thursday. But the
injury was exactly what big league teams and their fans fear the most
when their high-priced stars go play for their countries. Díaz was
swarmed by teammates after pitching a perfect ninth inning in a 5-2
win. The group was jumping together when Díaz collapsed to the
ground.MIAMI (AP) — The
NBA has suspended Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant eight games
without pay after determining that his holding a firearm at a club in
suburban Denver earlier this month was “conduct detrimental to the
league.” Morant will miss his sixth game when the Grizzlies play in
Miami on Wednesday night. He will miss the next two games and be
eligible to return on Monday when Memphis plays Dallas. The games he
already missed will count toward the suspension. NBA Commissioner
Adam Silver met with Morant in New York before announcing the
league’s decision. He called Morant's conduct “irresponsible,
reckless and potentially very dangerous.”UNDATED (AP) — JIm
Nantz and CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus agreed two years ago that
this would be Nantz’s final tournament as the top announcer. Nantz
started calling early-round games for CBS in 1986 and was the Final
Four studio host for five years before taking over play-by-play
duties from Brett Musburger in 1991. When Nantz signs off on April 3,
he will have called 354 NCAA Tournament games, including 64 national
semifinals and 32 championship contests. Nantz decided to step back
from doing the tournament to devote more time to family.WEDNESDAY SCORESNCAAEAST
Final	Fairleigh Dickinson	84	Texas Southern	61	WEST
Final	Arizona St.	98	Nevada	73	NIT
Final	Morehead St.	68	Clemson	64	
Final	Oklahoma St.	69	Youngstown St.	64	
Final	Sam Houston St.	58	Santa Clara	56	
Final	North Texas	69	Alcorn St.	53	
Final	UCF	67	Florida	49	
Final	Oregon	84	UC Irvine	58	
Final	Utah Valley St.	83	New Mexico	69	
Final	Cincinnati	81	Virginia Tech	72INTERLEAGUEChi White Sox	at	San
Francisco	4:05 p.m.	(Canceled)Cleveland	at	San
Diego	9:40 p.m.	(Canceled)Final	Toronto	7	Pittsburgh	1	Final	Houston	9	Atlanta	3	Final	Philadelphia	9	N.Y.
Yankees	8	AMERICAN LEAGUESeattle	at	Oakland	4:05
p.m.	(Canceled)Final	Boston	9	Tampa
Bay	1	Final	Texas	4	Kansas
City	3	NATIONAL LEAGUEWashington	at	Miami	1:10
p.m.	(Canceled)San
Francisco	at	Arizona	4:10 p.m.	(Canceled)Chi
Cubs	at	Cincinnati	9:05 p.m.	(Canceled)Colorado	at	L-A
Dodgers	9:05 p.m.	(Canceled)Milwaukee	at	Arizona	9:40
p.m.	(Canceled)Final	St.
Louis	4	N.Y. Mets	1	NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Miami	138	Memphis	119	Final	Philadelphia	118	Cleveland	109	Final	Boston	104	Minnesota	102	Final	Sacramento	117	Chicago	114	Final	Houston	114	L.A.
Lakers	110	Final
OT	Dallas	137	San Antonio	128	Final	L.A.
Clippers	134	Golden State	126	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUEFinal
SO	Colorado	2	Toronto	1	Final
SO	Washington	5	Buffalo	4	Final	N-Y
Islanders	6	Anaheim	3	Final	Minnesota	8	St.
Louis	5

Thursday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

Great Bend-native Matt Keeley's run continues in the NAIA National Basketball Tournament in Kansas City. His Ottawa University Arizona (OUAZ) Spirit won their first three games in the bracket by a combined 21 points, including an overtime buzzer-beater in round one. Wednesday, the Spirit knocked off 10th-ranked Montana Tech 76-58 to advance to Friday's national semifinal game against top-ranked College of Idaho.

OUAZ is now the lowest-remaining seeded team in the tournament as the No. 7 seed that opened national tournament action in Park City. The Spirit have knocked off two top-10 nationally ranked teams, including Wednesday's dominant win against a Montana Tech team that beat the only No. 1 seed to be knocked out of the tournament.

In Wednesday's action at Kansas City's Municipal Auditorium, the Spirit trailed by six points in the first half before turning that deficit into a one-point lead by halftime. OUAZ kept a healthy lead before pulling away late for the 18-point win.

The College of Idaho enters Friday's semifinal game after losing their first game of the season before rattling off 34-consecutive wins. The Coyotes bumped No. 6 seed Tougaloo 83-66 in their semifinal contest. Friday's tip with OUAZ is scheduled for 5 p.m.

Keeley is the first and only coach in OUAZ's brief history. The former two-time All-American at Mid-America Nazarene in Olathe has led the Spirit to back-to-back national tournaments.

Former Barton County Cougar Cam Brooks-Harris will play for Georgetown College in the other half of the Fab Four bracket.

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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend-native Matt Keeley's run continues in the NAIA National Basketball Tournament in Kansas City. His Ottawa University Arizona (OUAZ) Spirit won their first three games in the bracket by a combined 21 points, including an overtime buzzer-beater in round one. Wednesday, the Spirit knocked off 10th-ranked Montana Tech 76-58 to advance to Friday's national semifinal game against top-ranked College of Idaho.OUAZ is now the lowest-remaining seeded team in the tournament as the No. 7 seed that opened national tournament action in Park City. The Spirit have knocked off two top-10 nationally ranked teams, including Wednesday's dominant win against a Montana Tech team that beat the only No. 1 seed to be knocked out of the tournament.In Wednesday's action at Kansas City's Municipal Auditorium, the Spirit trailed by six points in the first half before turning that deficit into a one-point lead by halftime. OUAZ kept a healthy lead before pulling away late for the 18-point win.The College of Idaho enters Friday's semifinal game after losing their first game of the season before rattling off 34-consecutive wins. The Coyotes bumped No. 6 seed Tougaloo 83-66 in their semifinal contest. Friday's tip with OUAZ is scheduled for 5 p.m.Keeley is the first and only coach in OUAZ's brief history. The former two-time All-American at Mid-America Nazarene in Olathe has led the Spirit to back-to-back national tournaments.Former Barton County Cougar Cam Brooks-Harris will play for Georgetown College in the other half of the Fab Four bracket.

Still dancing: Keeley's OUAZ squad into NAIA Fab Four

March Madness is here! Here is what to know, including the favorites and underdogs as well as key games and how to watch the NCAA Tournament. Oh, and how to fill out your brackets!

The top four seeds in the tournament are Alabama, Houston, Kansas, and Purdue. Each is in a region, some tougher than others (on paper), and each has had its share of headaches to set up what could be a chaotic tournament. We break them down for you:

EAST REGION: The Boilermakers got a No. 1 seed for the fourth time after edging Penn State 67-65 in the Big Ten championship game, but they face potential hurdles in Memphis and surging Duke. Memphis (26-8) is fresh from a big upset of top-ranked Houston and led by Kendric Davis. Duke (26-8) shut down Virginia in a 59-49 ACC title game win.

SOUTH REGION: Alabama, led by coach Nate Oats in a challenging season, is a No. 1 seed for the first time after sweeping the Southeastern Conference regular season and tournament titles behind league player of the year Brandon Miller, who has armed security on hand after being the subject of threats. They will open the tourney not far from home, in Birmingham, Alabama. Potential hurdles for the Crimson Tide could include Baylor, Arizona. There's an intriguing early matchup between No. 5 seed San Diego State and No. 12 Charleston, which has 31 wins. Furman is making its first tourney appearance since 1980.

MIDWEST REGION: Houston (31-3) got a top seed despite stumbling 75-65 against unranked Memphis in the American Athletic Conference title game, minus league player of the year Marcus Sasser (strained groin). They will open against Northern Kentucky (22-12). Potential hurdles could include Penn State, which took Purdue down to the wire in the Big Ten, and SEC Tournament runner-up Texas A&amp;M.

WEST REGION: The Jayhawks fell 76-56 to Texas in the Big 12 championship game and they wound up with the top seed in a stacked region. They will open against Howard (22-12), making its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1992. Potential hurdles include No. 6 TCU (21-12), which beat Kansas at Allen Field House 83-60 on Jan. 21, and Arkansas (20-13).

No. 7 Texas A&amp;M (25-9) vs. No. 10 Penn State (22-13)., Thursday, 9:55 p.m. ET (TBS) The Aggies, who felt snubbed last season, are making their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2018, and the Nittany Lions' drought dated to 2011. Both flirted with league tournament titles and have been hot. Texas A&amp;M went 19-4 after a loss to Wofford and Penn State has won eight of 10.

No. 8 Arkansas (20-13) vs. No. 9 Illinois (20-12), Thursday, 4:30 p.m. ET (TBS). The Razorbacks have made back-to-back trips to the Elite Eight. Top prospect and potential top NBA draft pick Nick Smith Jr. has only played in 14 games because of knee issues, but has scored 20-plus in half of the team's last six. Illinois won the Big Ten season title before being ousted by Penn State in the first round of the league tournament. Illinois is led by transfers Terrence Shannon Jr. (Texas Tech) and Matthew Mayer, who helped lead Baylor to the 2021 national championship.

No. 5 Miami (25-7) vs. Drake (27-7), Friday, 7:35 p.m. ET (TBS). The game features two conference players of the year, Miami's Isaiah Wong in the ACC for the regular-season co-champions, and Drake's Tucker DeVries from the Missouri Valley Conference tournament champs. DeVries is averaging 19 points while Wong leads the team in scoring (16.2 points per game), assists and steals. Drake made the Elite Eight three years running, though it has been a while (1969-71).

No. 6 Kentucky (21-11) vs. No. 11 Providence (21-11), Friday, 7:10 p.m. ET. (CBS). Led by last year's AP player of the year Oscar Tshiebwe, the Wildcats are trying to avoid back-to-back first-round exits after that infamous defeat to Saint Peter's. The Friars, meanwhile, went to the Sweet 16 before losing to eventual champion Kansas. They're led by Kentucky transfer Bryce Hopkins.

Texas Southern and Kennesaw State are in. North Carolina is not.

The Tar Heels are the first team since the bracket expanded to 64 teams in 1985 to start the season ranked No. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25 poll and finish it with an NCAA tourney airball.

Kennessaw State, three years removed from a 1-28 season, made the field. So did Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament champion Texas Southern, which is 14-20. Southern Conference champ Furman is dancing for the first time since 1980 and MEAC winner Howard makes its first appearance since 1992.

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.

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 — no offense, Drake — 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 somewhere, either on CBS, TBS, TNT or TruTV and their digital platforms. CBS will have the Final Four semifinals and national title game this year. Fans of Jim Nantz should soak up every moment: It's his final NCAA Tournament.

There are multiple sites listing game times, channel and announcing team, including the NCAA and CBS. The NCAA will again stream games via its March Madness Live option and CBS games will be streamed on Paramount+.

Who's going to win the national championship? The betting favorites this week to reach the Final Four are Houston, Alabama, Purdue and either Kansas or UCLA, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Selection Sunday set the bracket matchup s for the First Four and first- and second-round games that stretch from Florida to California. 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.

By the ASSOCIATED PRESSMarch Madness is here! Here is what to know, including the favorites and underdogs as well as key games and how to watch the NCAA Tournament. Oh, and how to fill out your brackets!TOP SEEDSThe top four seeds in the tournament are Alabama, Houston, Kansas, and Purdue. Each is in a region, some tougher than others (on paper), and each has had its share of headaches to set up what could be a chaotic tournament. We break them down for you:EAST REGION: The Boilermakers got a No. 1 seed for the fourth time after edging Penn State 67-65 in the Big Ten championship game, but they face potential hurdles in Memphis and surging Duke. Memphis (26-8) is fresh from a big upset of top-ranked Houston and led by Kendric Davis. Duke (26-8) shut down Virginia in a 59-49 ACC title game win.SOUTH REGION: Alabama, led by coach Nate Oats in a challenging season, is a No. 1 seed for the first time after sweeping the Southeastern Conference regular season and tournament titles behind league player of the year Brandon Miller, who has armed security on hand after being the subject of threats. They will open the tourney not far from home, in Birmingham, Alabama. Potential hurdles for the Crimson Tide could include Baylor, Arizona. There's an intriguing early matchup between No. 5 seed San Diego State and No. 12 Charleston, which has 31 wins. Furman is making its first tourney appearance since 1980.MIDWEST REGION: Houston (31-3) got a top seed despite stumbling 75-65 against unranked Memphis in the American Athletic Conference title game, minus league player of the year Marcus Sasser (strained groin). They will open against Northern Kentucky (22-12). Potential hurdles could include Penn State, which took Purdue down to the wire in the Big Ten, and SEC Tournament runner-up Texas A&amp;M.WEST REGION: The Jayhawks fell 76-56 to Texas in the Big 12 championship game and they wound up with the top seed in a stacked region. They will open against Howard (22-12), making its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1992. Potential hurdles include No. 6 TCU (21-12), which beat Kansas at Allen Field House 83-60 on Jan. 21, and Arkansas (20-13).GAMES TO WATCHNo. 7 Texas A&amp;M (25-9) vs. No. 10 Penn State (22-13)., Thursday, 9:55 p.m. ET (TBS) The Aggies, who felt snubbed last season, are making their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2018, and the Nittany Lions' drought dated to 2011. Both flirted with league tournament titles and have been hot. Texas A&amp;M went 19-4 after a loss to Wofford and Penn State has won eight of 10.No. 8 Arkansas (20-13) vs. No. 9 Illinois (20-12), Thursday, 4:30 p.m. ET (TBS). The Razorbacks have made back-to-back trips to the Elite Eight. Top prospect and potential top NBA draft pick Nick Smith Jr. has only played in 14 games because of knee issues, but has scored 20-plus in half of the team's last six. Illinois won the Big Ten season title before being ousted by Penn State in the first round of the league tournament. Illinois is led by transfers Terrence Shannon Jr. (Texas Tech) and Matthew Mayer, who helped lead Baylor to the 2021 national championship.No. 5 Miami (25-7) vs. Drake (27-7), Friday, 7:35 p.m. ET (TBS). The game features two conference players of the year, Miami's Isaiah Wong in the ACC for the regular-season co-champions, and Drake's Tucker DeVries from the Missouri Valley Conference tournament champs. DeVries is averaging 19 points while Wong leads the team in scoring (16.2 points per game), assists and steals. Drake made the Elite Eight three years running, though it has been a while (1969-71).No. 6 Kentucky (21-11) vs. No. 11 Providence (21-11), Friday, 7:10 p.m. ET. (CBS). Led by last year's AP player of the year Oscar Tshiebwe, the Wildcats are trying to avoid back-to-back first-round exits after that infamous defeat to Saint Peter's. The Friars, meanwhile, went to the Sweet 16 before losing to eventual champion Kansas. They're led by Kentucky transfer Bryce Hopkins.GO FIGURETexas Southern and Kennesaw State are in. North Carolina is not.The Tar Heels are the first team since the bracket expanded to 64 teams in 1985 to start the season ranked No. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25 poll and finish it with an NCAA tourney airball.Kennessaw State, three years removed from a 1-28 season, made the field. So did Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament champion Texas Southern, which is 14-20. Southern Conference champ Furman is dancing for the first time since 1980 and MEAC winner Howard makes its first appearance since 1992.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.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 — no offense, Drake — 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 somewhere, either on CBS, TBS, TNT or TruTV and their digital platforms. CBS will have the Final Four semifinals and national title game this year. Fans of Jim Nantz should soak up every moment: It's his final NCAA Tournament.There are multiple sites listing game times, channel and announcing team, including the NCAA and CBS. The NCAA will again stream games via its March Madness Live option and CBS games will be streamed on Paramount+.BETTING GUIDEWho's going to win the national championship? The betting favorites this week to reach the Final Four are Houston, Alabama, Purdue and either Kansas or UCLA, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.MARCH MADNESS CALENDARSelection Sunday set the bracket matchup s for the First Four and first- and second-round games that stretch from Florida to California. 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.

March Madness: Alabama the top seed as games get rolling

Diamond Sports Group, the largest owner of regional sports networks, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Tuesday. The move came after it missed a $140 million interest payment last month.

Diamond owns 19 networks under the Bally Sports banner. Those networks have the rights to 42 professional teams — 14 baseball, 16 NBA and 12 NHL.

The company said in a release Tuesday night that it expects to continue to operate during the bankruptcy process and that coverage of games should not be affected.

Diamond Sports also said it is negotiating a restructuring agreement with debt holders that will eliminate most of its debt. Under an agreement with creditors, it would become a separate company from Sinclair Broadcast Group.

“DSG will continue broadcasting games and connecting fans across the country with the sports and teams they love," Diamond Sports CEO David Preschlack said in a statement. "We look forward to working constructively with our team and league partners and all DSG stakeholders throughout this process and beyond.”

Diamond said in a financial filing last fall it had debt of $8.67 billion. The bankruptcy filing was made in the Southern District of Texas.

Sinclair Broadcast Group bought the regional sports networks from The Walt Disney Co. for nearly $10 billion in 2019. Disney was required by the Department of Justice to sell the networks for its acquisition of 21st Century Fox’s film and television assets to be approved.

Diamond has nearly $1 billion in rights payments, mostly to baseball teams, due in the first quarter this year. The company is current on payments to hockey and basketball teams, but it might withhold payments from some baseball teams where it is trying to renegotiate a better deal.

Major League Baseball has set up a local media department in case it has to take over broadcasts for teams. Games would air locally via MLB Network or streamed on MLB.TV in case that happened.

“Diamond Sports Group’s bankruptcy declaration today is an unfortunate development that we have been expecting. Despite Diamond’s economic situation, there is every expectation that they will continue televising all games they are committed to during the bankruptcy process," MLB said in a statement late Tuesday night. "Over the long term, we will reimagine our distribution model to address the changing media climate and ultimately reach an even larger number of fans.”

Diamond Sports isn't the only company experiencing financial woes with its regional sports networks. Warner Bros. Discovery, which has an ownership stake in three of the AT&amp;T SportsNet networks, has given the Colorado Rockies, Houston Astros and Pittsburgh Pirates until March 31 to reclaim their broadcast rights. WBD Sports is ending its investment in the networks.

Diamond Sports Group, the largest owner of regional sports networks, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Tuesday. The move came after it missed a $140 million interest payment last month.Diamond owns 19 networks under the Bally Sports banner. Those networks have the rights to 42 professional teams — 14 baseball, 16 NBA and 12 NHL.The company said in a release Tuesday night that it expects to continue to operate during the bankruptcy process and that coverage of games should not be affected.Diamond Sports also said it is negotiating a restructuring agreement with debt holders that will eliminate most of its debt. Under an agreement with creditors, it would become a separate company from Sinclair Broadcast Group.“DSG will continue broadcasting games and connecting fans across the country with the sports and teams they love," Diamond Sports CEO David Preschlack said in a statement. "We look forward to working constructively with our team and league partners and all DSG stakeholders throughout this process and beyond.”Diamond said in a financial filing last fall it had debt of $8.67 billion. The bankruptcy filing was made in the Southern District of Texas.Sinclair Broadcast Group bought the regional sports networks from The Walt Disney Co. for nearly $10 billion in 2019. Disney was required by the Department of Justice to sell the networks for its acquisition of 21st Century Fox’s film and television assets to be approved.Diamond has nearly $1 billion in rights payments, mostly to baseball teams, due in the first quarter this year. The company is current on payments to hockey and basketball teams, but it might withhold payments from some baseball teams where it is trying to renegotiate a better deal.Major League Baseball has set up a local media department in case it has to take over broadcasts for teams. Games would air locally via MLB Network or streamed on MLB.TV in case that happened.“Diamond Sports Group’s bankruptcy declaration today is an unfortunate development that we have been expecting. Despite Diamond’s economic situation, there is every expectation that they will continue televising all games they are committed to during the bankruptcy process," MLB said in a statement late Tuesday night. "Over the long term, we will reimagine our distribution model to address the changing media climate and ultimately reach an even larger number of fans.”Diamond Sports isn't the only company experiencing financial woes with its regional sports networks. Warner Bros. Discovery, which has an ownership stake in three of the AT&amp;T SportsNet networks, has given the Colorado Rockies, Houston Astros and Pittsburgh Pirates until March 31 to reclaim their broadcast rights. WBD Sports is ending its investment in the networks.

Bally Sports owner files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The Patriots made their first big pickup of free agency Wednesday, adding free agent wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.

Smith-Schuster confirmed the move in a post on Twitter saying he was “Excited for my next chapter in New England!”

“I will give this organization everything I have, thank you for believing in me!” he wrote.

A person with knowledge of the deal said it is for three years and could be worth as much as $33 million. They spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because it hasn't been announced.

Smith-Schuster also expressed thanks to the Kansas City Chiefs, where he won a Super Bowl last season after spending his first five NFL seasons in Pittsburgh.

“Thank you to Kansas City for the giving me the opportunity to come in and contribute to a Super Bowl, the most unforgettable experience of my life,” he wrote.

Smith-Schuster's addition to the Patriots roster comes a day after they lost Jakobi Meyers after he agreed to a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. Meyers, who received a three-year, $33 million deal from Las Vegas, was New England’s leading receiver each of the past three seasons.

A Pro Bowler in 2018 with Pittsburgh, Smith-Schuster's injury limited him to just five games his final season there in 2021. He went to Kansas City looking for a fresh start and finished with 78 receptions for 933 yards and three touchdowns last season. All were second behind star tight end Travis Kelce.

Smith-Schuster will now get another chance to be a top receiving option in New England, which has prioritized improving the offensive playmakers for quarterback Mac Jones. That process started earlier this offseason with the hiring of Bill O’Brien as offensive coordinator.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The Patriots made their first big pickup of free agency Wednesday, adding free agent wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.Smith-Schuster confirmed the move in a post on Twitter saying he was “Excited for my next chapter in New England!”“I will give this organization everything I have, thank you for believing in me!” he wrote.A person with knowledge of the deal said it is for three years and could be worth as much as $33 million. They spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because it hasn't been announced.Smith-Schuster also expressed thanks to the Kansas City Chiefs, where he won a Super Bowl last season after spending his first five NFL seasons in Pittsburgh.“Thank you to Kansas City for the giving me the opportunity to come in and contribute to a Super Bowl, the most unforgettable experience of my life,” he wrote.Smith-Schuster's addition to the Patriots roster comes a day after they lost Jakobi Meyers after he agreed to a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. Meyers, who received a three-year, $33 million deal from Las Vegas, was New England’s leading receiver each of the past three seasons.A Pro Bowler in 2018 with Pittsburgh, Smith-Schuster's injury limited him to just five games his final season there in 2021. He went to Kansas City looking for a fresh start and finished with 78 receptions for 933 yards and three touchdowns last season. All were second behind star tight end Travis Kelce.Smith-Schuster will now get another chance to be a top receiving option in New England, which has prioritized improving the offensive playmakers for quarterback Mac Jones. That process started earlier this offseason with the hiring of Bill O’Brien as offensive coordinator.

Patriots add WR JuJu Smith-Schuster with 3-year deal

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Bill Self's status for Kansas' opener in the NCAA Tournament was uncertain Wednesday, though assistant coach Norm Roberts said the Jayhawks remain hopeful he'll be on the bench when they play Howard on Thursday.

Kansas' Hall of Fame coach was discharged from a Kansas City-area hospital Sunday, where he’d been recovering after a procedure to treat blocked arteries in his heart.

Self attended practice Wednesday but did not participate in his team's media availability. Roberts said Self also was at practice Tuesday and has been at all of the team's meetings.

“He’s doing well, he’s getting better all the time,” Roberts said. “We’re hopeful, and everything is day-to-day with him, but if you ask our guys, he got after them pretty good today so he was doing really well.”

Roberts said Self missed the news conference so he could get some rest before the top-seeded and defending national champion Jayhawks begin play in the West Region.

All-American Jalen Wilson said Self appeared to have good energy at practice.

“He's looking great, feeling great,” Wilson said. "We’re all excited. It’s great to have him back on the court with us, for him to be able to coach us and start off tomorrow with a bang."

Self went to the emergency room the night of March 8, shortly after watching the Jayhawks in a final shootaround ahead of their Big 12 Tournament quarterfinal. He was complaining of chest tightness and concerns with his balance.

Dr. Mark Wiley, the chief of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Kansas Health System, said the 60-year-old Self underwent a standard heart catheterization and had two stents placed to help treat the blocked arteries.

Roberts, coached the Jayhawks in the Big 12 Tournament. Roberts also served as acting coach earlier in the season, while Self was serving a school-imposed four-game suspension.

Kansas beat West Virginia and Iowa State in the Big 12 tourney with Roberts again on the bench before getting blown out 76-56 by seventh-ranked Texas in Saturday night’s championship game.

Self is 581-130 during two decades at Kansas, and 788-235 in 30 seasons as a head coach, which includes stops at Oral Roberts, Tulsa and Illinois. He led the Jayhawks to national titles in 2008 and last April.

Not having Self on the bench for the Big 12 Tournament just didn't feel right to freshman and Kansas-born Gradey Dick. He's counting on Self coaching.

“He’s our leader. For him to be back in the position that he’s always in is just huge for us,” Dick said. "We go to him, and of course I go to him with anything that I need. Just seeing him in my corner just motivates me to be the best I can be.”

Illinois coach Brad Underwood said he's not surprised Self is with the Jayhawks in Des Moines. Underwood has known Self more than 40 years. Self was his host on a recruiting trip to Oklahoma State; Underwood picked Kansas State. They coached against each other in the Big 12 when Underwood was an assistant at K-State and head coach at OSU.

Their teams would meet in the second round Saturday if the Illini beat Arkansas and the Jayhawks advance.

“I know how tough he is. I know what a competitor he is," Underwood said. “I also know how important it is for him to be here for his players and his coaches.

“I don’t want to speak for Bill, you know, he may not be his 100% spry self. ... When Bill is on that sideline, he’s helping his team.”

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Bill Self's status for Kansas' opener in the NCAA Tournament was uncertain Wednesday, though assistant coach Norm Roberts said the Jayhawks remain hopeful he'll be on the bench when they play Howard on Thursday.Kansas' Hall of Fame coach was discharged from a Kansas City-area hospital Sunday, where he’d been recovering after a procedure to treat blocked arteries in his heart.Self attended practice Wednesday but did not participate in his team's media availability. Roberts said Self also was at practice Tuesday and has been at all of the team's meetings.“He’s doing well, he’s getting better all the time,” Roberts said. “We’re hopeful, and everything is day-to-day with him, but if you ask our guys, he got after them pretty good today so he was doing really well.”Roberts said Self missed the news conference so he could get some rest before the top-seeded and defending national champion Jayhawks begin play in the West Region.All-American Jalen Wilson said Self appeared to have good energy at practice.“He's looking great, feeling great,” Wilson said. "We’re all excited. It’s great to have him back on the court with us, for him to be able to coach us and start off tomorrow with a bang."Self went to the emergency room the night of March 8, shortly after watching the Jayhawks in a final shootaround ahead of their Big 12 Tournament quarterfinal. He was complaining of chest tightness and concerns with his balance.Dr. Mark Wiley, the chief of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Kansas Health System, said the 60-year-old Self underwent a standard heart catheterization and had two stents placed to help treat the blocked arteries.Roberts, coached the Jayhawks in the Big 12 Tournament. Roberts also served as acting coach earlier in the season, while Self was serving a school-imposed four-game suspension.Kansas beat West Virginia and Iowa State in the Big 12 tourney with Roberts again on the bench before getting blown out 76-56 by seventh-ranked Texas in Saturday night’s championship game.Self is 581-130 during two decades at Kansas, and 788-235 in 30 seasons as a head coach, which includes stops at Oral Roberts, Tulsa and Illinois. He led the Jayhawks to national titles in 2008 and last April.Not having Self on the bench for the Big 12 Tournament just didn't feel right to freshman and Kansas-born Gradey Dick. He's counting on Self coaching.“He’s our leader. For him to be back in the position that he’s always in is just huge for us,” Dick said. "We go to him, and of course I go to him with anything that I need. Just seeing him in my corner just motivates me to be the best I can be.”Illinois coach Brad Underwood said he's not surprised Self is with the Jayhawks in Des Moines. Underwood has known Self more than 40 years. Self was his host on a recruiting trip to Oklahoma State; Underwood picked Kansas State. They coached against each other in the Big 12 when Underwood was an assistant at K-State and head coach at OSU.Their teams would meet in the second round Saturday if the Illini beat Arkansas and the Jayhawks advance.“I know how tough he is. I know what a competitor he is," Underwood said. “I also know how important it is for him to be here for his players and his coaches.“I don’t want to speak for Bill, you know, he may not be his 100% spry self. ... When Bill is on that sideline, he’s helping his team.”

Kansas coach Bill Self 'day to day' at March Madness

Audio picks up approximately 28 minutes into the show.

- Former Barton Women's Basketball coach and the current Women's coach at Texas Rio Grande Valley Lane Lord joins the show to talk about life with his former coaching buddy at Barton Lashley.

- The Hoisington Middle School robotics team won state and is now headed to the world championships in Dallas. Mike Courson will talk about it with Coach Augustus Anders along with DJ Wyant, Brody Rossman, and Xavier Stevenson.

Join our bracket challenge via ESPN by&nbsp;<a href="https://fantasy.espn.com/tournament-challenge-bracket/2023/en/group?redirect=tcmen%3A%2F%2Fx-callback-url%2FshowGroup%3FgroupID%3D5826510&amp;ex_cid=tcmen2023_clipboard&amp;groupID=5826510&amp;inviteuser=ezBDQkM0RTBGLTY5MEUtNDM1QS1CQTMyLUFDQjg1RUNBRTlCMX0%3D&amp;invitesource=clipboard">CLICKING HERE!</a>&nbsp;Or search for Sports Day Great Bend in the groups and join. The group is limited to one entry per participant.&nbsp;

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TW3Vk0lwzS4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Audio picks up approximately 28 minutes into the show.- Former Barton Women's Basketball coach and the current Women's coach at Texas Rio Grande Valley Lane Lord joins the show to talk about life with his former coaching buddy at Barton Lashley.- The Hoisington Middle School robotics team won state and is now headed to the world championships in Dallas. Mike Courson will talk about it with Coach Augustus Anders along with DJ Wyant, Brody Rossman, and Xavier Stevenson.- Wednesday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24-hours.Join our bracket challenge via ESPN by&nbsp;<a href="https://fantasy.espn.com/tournament-challenge-bracket/2023/en/group?redirect=tcmen%3A%2F%2Fx-callback-url%2FshowGroup%3FgroupID%3D5826510&amp;ex_cid=tcmen2023_clipboard&amp;groupID=5826510&amp;inviteuser=ezBDQkM0RTBGLTY5MEUtNDM1QS1CQTMyLUFDQjg1RUNBRTlCMX0%3D&amp;invitesource=clipboard">CLICKING HERE!</a>&nbsp;Or search for Sports Day Great Bend in the groups and join. The group is limited to one entry per participant.&nbsp;

WATCH: Sports Day (3/15) with HMS robotics in Studio

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Seniors Keyontae Johnson and Markquis Nowell were both selected as Third Team All-Americans by The Associated Press on Tuesday afternoon (March 14), becoming the first duo in school history to earn the honor.

Johnson and Nowell become just the eighth and ninth players in school history to earn recognition to the First, Second or Third All-America teams by the AP and the first since Jacob Pullen was named to the Third Team in 2011. They join a group that includes Bob Boozer (1958, 1959), Dick Knostman (1952, 1953), Mike Evans (1978), Rolando Blackman (1980), Mitch Richmond (1988), Michael Beasley (2008) and Pullen.

Johnson and Nowell were joined on the Third Team by Marquette's Tyler Kolek, North Carolina's Armando Bacot and Iowa's Kris Murray. The First Team included Purdue's Zach Edey, Kansas' Jalen Wilson, Indiana's Trayce Jackson-Davis, Houston's Marcus Sasser and Alabama's Brandon Miller. The Second Team consisted of UCLA's Jaime Jaquez Jr., Gonzaga's Drew Timme, Arizona's Azuolas Tubelis, Penn State's Jalen Pickett and Kentucky's Oscar Tshiebwe.

The accolade is yet another for the tandem, who rank as one of the top scoring duos in the country at 34.5 points per game. Johnson and Nowell have been named to several Watch Lists for National Players of the Year honors, while each were selected as finalists for their respective position awards in Johnson for the Julius Erving Small Forward Award and Nowell for the Bob Cousy Point Guard Award. Johnson was the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year, while both were chosen to the All-Big 12 First Team by both the league coaches and AP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678873629094.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. – Seniors Keyontae Johnson and Markquis Nowell were both selected as Third Team All-Americans by The Associated Press on Tuesday afternoon (March 14), becoming the first duo in school history to earn the honor.Johnson and Nowell become just the eighth and ninth players in school history to earn recognition to the First, Second or Third All-America teams by the AP and the first since Jacob Pullen was named to the Third Team in 2011. They join a group that includes Bob Boozer (1958, 1959), Dick Knostman (1952, 1953), Mike Evans (1978), Rolando Blackman (1980), Mitch Richmond (1988), Michael Beasley (2008) and Pullen.Johnson and Nowell were joined on the Third Team by Marquette's Tyler Kolek, North Carolina's Armando Bacot and Iowa's Kris Murray. The First Team included Purdue's Zach Edey, Kansas' Jalen Wilson, Indiana's Trayce Jackson-Davis, Houston's Marcus Sasser and Alabama's Brandon Miller. The Second Team consisted of UCLA's Jaime Jaquez Jr., Gonzaga's Drew Timme, Arizona's Azuolas Tubelis, Penn State's Jalen Pickett and Kentucky's Oscar Tshiebwe.The accolade is yet another for the tandem, who rank as one of the top scoring duos in the country at 34.5 points per game. Johnson and Nowell have been named to several Watch Lists for National Players of the Year honors, while each were selected as finalists for their respective position awards in Johnson for the Julius Erving Small Forward Award and Nowell for the Bob Cousy Point Guard Award. Johnson was the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year, while both were chosen to the All-Big 12 First Team by both the league coaches and AP.

Johnson, Nowell Selected AP Third Team All-Americans

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas redshirt-junior forward Jalen Wilson and freshman guard Gradey Dick both earned postseason honors Tuesday, two days prior to KU’s first game in the 2023 NCAA Tournament.

Wilson’s first honor of the day was being named to the Associated Press All-America First Team, marking the second-straight selection for a Jayhawk, earning Ochai Agbaji in 2022. Wilson was also named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) All-District 8 First Team, while Dick was an NABC All-District 8 Second Team selection. Later in the day, the duo was both selected to the 10-member USBWA All-District VI team with Wilson being named the district’s player of the year.

The unanimous Big 12 Player of the Year and All-Big 12 First Team selection, Wilson leads the Big 12 in scoring at 20.1 points per game, which is 26th nationally. Wilson has two 30-point performances and 20 games of 20 or more points scored this season, including each of his last five games. The Denton, Texas, forward also leads the Big 12 with 8.4 rebounds per game and 22 double-doubles.

On nearly every national player of the year watch list, Wilson ranks tied for 27th on the Kansas career scoring list, currently at 1,435 points, and his 791 career rebounds are 14th on the KU list. Wilson’s 28 career double-doubles are ninth on the KU all-time list.

Dick ranks second the KU team with a 14.1 scoring average and his 79 three-point field goals made lead the team and rank tied for first on the KU freshmen all-time list. The Wichita, Kansas, native is tied with Jeff Boschee who made 79 in 1998-99. An All-Big 12 Second Team selection and three-time Big 12 Newcomer of the Week in 2022-23, Dick’s 14.1 scoring average currently ranks tied for fifth on the KU freshmen list and his 85.1 free throw percentage is second.

No. 1 seed Kansas (27-7) will begin the defense of its NCAA National Championship against No. 16 seed Howard (22-12) on Thursday, March 16, at 1 p.m. CT, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. The game will be televised on TBS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678873504958.jpeg" alt="Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas redshirt-junior forward Jalen Wilson and freshman guard Gradey Dick both earned postseason honors Tuesday, two days prior to KU’s first game in the 2023 NCAA Tournament.Wilson’s first honor of the day was being named to the Associated Press All-America First Team, marking the second-straight selection for a Jayhawk, earning Ochai Agbaji in 2022. Wilson was also named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) All-District 8 First Team, while Dick was an NABC All-District 8 Second Team selection. Later in the day, the duo was both selected to the 10-member USBWA All-District VI team with Wilson being named the district’s player of the year.The unanimous Big 12 Player of the Year and All-Big 12 First Team selection, Wilson leads the Big 12 in scoring at 20.1 points per game, which is 26th nationally. Wilson has two 30-point performances and 20 games of 20 or more points scored this season, including each of his last five games. The Denton, Texas, forward also leads the Big 12 with 8.4 rebounds per game and 22 double-doubles.On nearly every national player of the year watch list, Wilson ranks tied for 27th on the Kansas career scoring list, currently at 1,435 points, and his 791 career rebounds are 14th on the KU list. Wilson’s 28 career double-doubles are ninth on the KU all-time list.Dick ranks second the KU team with a 14.1 scoring average and his 79 three-point field goals made lead the team and rank tied for first on the KU freshmen all-time list. The Wichita, Kansas, native is tied with Jeff Boschee who made 79 in 1998-99. An All-Big 12 Second Team selection and three-time Big 12 Newcomer of the Week in 2022-23, Dick’s 14.1 scoring average currently ranks tied for fifth on the KU freshmen list and his 85.1 free throw percentage is second.No. 1 seed Kansas (27-7) will begin the defense of its NCAA National Championship against No. 16 seed Howard (22-12) on Thursday, March 16, at 1 p.m. CT, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. The game will be televised on TBS.

Jayhawks Garner More Postseason Honors

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) —
Jamarius Burton made a go-ahead jumper with 10 seconds left and Pitt
edged Mississippi State 60-59 in a back-and-forth First Four game
that featured 21 lead changes — most in the NCAA Tournament in five
years. Mississippi State had a great chance to win at the end, but
Shakeel Moore missed an open 3-pointer with two seconds remaining off
an inbounds play. D.J. Jeffries’ tip-in attempt was off target just
before the buzzer. Nelly Cummings led Pitt with 15 points. Greg
Elliott scored 13 and Blake Hinson added 12 as the Panthers won an
NCAA Tournament game for the first time since 2014. They slotted into
the Midwest Region as the 11th seed and advanced to face No. 6 Iowa
State on Friday in Greensboro, North Carolina.

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) —
Isaac Mushila had 15 points and 12 rebounds as Texas A&amp;M-Corpus
Christi held off Southeast Missouri State 75-71 to earn the first
NCAA Tournament win in program history. Texas A&amp;M-Corpus Christi
advanced to play top-seeded Alabama in the South Region. The
16th-seeded Islanders, winners of the Southland Conference, returned
to the First Four for a second straight season and led for all but 23
seconds. Southeast Missouri State erased a 10-point deficit and tied
it at 64 with 3:07 left, but the Redhawks fell short in the opening
game of the 2023 NCAA Tournament. Chris Harris scored 23 points
before fouling out for No. 16 seed Southeast Missouri State, the Ohio
Valley Conference Tournament champion.

UNDATED (AP) —
Purdue’s Zach Edey and Indiana’s Trayce Jackson-Davis have given
the Big Ten Conference a third straight year with multiple first-team
Associated Press All-America picks. Kansas had a second straight
first-teamer in Jalen Wilson. The 7-foot-4 Edey appeared on all 58
ballots as a first-team selection from AP Top 25 voters. He was the
lone unanimous pick in results released Tuesday. Houston’s Marcus
Sasser and Alabama’s Brandon Miller were also first-team picks. The
second team included UCLA's Jamie Jaquez Jr., Kentucky's Oscar
Tshiebwe and Gonzaga's Drew Timme. The third team included the Kansas
State duo of Markquis Nowell and Keyontae Johnson.

OXFORD, Miss. (AP) —
Mississippi on Tuesday introduced new basketball coach Chris Beard,
who repeatedly declined to discuss specifics regarding his December
domestic violence arrest that led to his eventual firing at Texas.
Beard’s two-year tenure at alma mater Texas ended abruptly in
January, though felony domestic charges were ultimately dismissed on
Feb. 15. A prosecutor said his office determined that the charge of
assault by strangulation/suffocation-family violence could not be
proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

NEW YORK (AP) —
For the first time in more than a decade, NCAA and college sports
leaders are committed to a serious and thorough examination of
expanding March Madness. The tournament generates hundreds of
millions in revenue annually for the NCAA and its 1,100 member
schools. Making significant changes to the tournament in the near
term will be difficult, if not impossible. There are logistical,
financial and even political obstacles. A major factor is the role of
broadcast partners. The current $8.8 billion contract with CBS and
Warner Bros. Discovery runs through 2032.

FORT WORTH, Texas
(AP) — TCU coach Jamie Dixon was in several national TV commercials
when growing up in North Hollywood. That doesn't mean he likes
watching ads. His Horned Frogs don't know who they'll play in the
NCAA Tournament. It will be Arizona State or Nevada, whose First Four
game should be going on about the same time TCU has dinner after
getting to Denver on Wednesday. While TVs should be on, Dixon doesn't
expect the team to sit together and watch the entire game. He says he
has trouble watching games with commercials. He prefers the edited
game films without ads or insignificant action.

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) —
Georgia coach Kirby Smart insists he has not lost control of a
program that has produced back-to-back national championships but has
been rocked by offseason arrests and a car crash that claimed the
lives of a player and a recruiting staffer. Defensive tackle Jalen
Carter's NFL draft outlook has been potentially clouded by
misdemeanor charges of racing and reckless driving in relation to the
January 15 crash that killed teammate Devin Willock and recruiting
staffer Chandler LeCroy. Linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson also faces
charges of racing and reckless drive in a separate incident.
Quarterback Stetson Bennett was arrested for public intoxication.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH,
Fla. (AP) — Scottie Scheffler is on a big run at the moment. His
win at The Players Championship makes people forget for a moment that
Jon Rahm was that player just a few weeks ago. And Rory McIlroy
before that. Golf has three top players competing for top billing at
the moment. Missing from that conversation is Cameron Smith. It's
hard to say if he was on a heater or had staying power because the
sample size is too small. Smith walked away from the best competition
to take Saudi money and join LIV Golf. Even if he wins, it's hard to
measure what it means.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska
(AP) — Ryan Redington has won the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race,
which his grandfather helped co-found. Redington’s dog team pulled
him down Nome’s main street shortly after noon on Tuesday, sliding
him under the iconic burled arch finish line. The 40-year-old
Redington will pocket about $50,000 for the win. Redington’s
grandfather, Joe Redington Sr., helped start the Iditarod, which had
its first race in 1973. Ryan Redington, who is Inupiat, becomes the
sixth Alaska Native musher to win the world’s most famous sled dog
race. This is first Iditarod victory, but he won the Junior Iditarod
in both 1999 and 2000.

Final	Texas
A&amp;M-CC	75	SE Missouri	71	

Final	E.
Washington	81	Washington St.	74	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678358685056.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DAYTON, Ohio (AP) —
Jamarius Burton made a go-ahead jumper with 10 seconds left and Pitt
edged Mississippi State 60-59 in a back-and-forth First Four game
that featured 21 lead changes — most in the NCAA Tournament in five
years. Mississippi State had a great chance to win at the end, but
Shakeel Moore missed an open 3-pointer with two seconds remaining off
an inbounds play. D.J. Jeffries’ tip-in attempt was off target just
before the buzzer. Nelly Cummings led Pitt with 15 points. Greg
Elliott scored 13 and Blake Hinson added 12 as the Panthers won an
NCAA Tournament game for the first time since 2014. They slotted into
the Midwest Region as the 11th seed and advanced to face No. 6 Iowa
State on Friday in Greensboro, North Carolina.DAYTON, Ohio (AP) —
Isaac Mushila had 15 points and 12 rebounds as Texas A&amp;M-Corpus
Christi held off Southeast Missouri State 75-71 to earn the first
NCAA Tournament win in program history. Texas A&amp;M-Corpus Christi
advanced to play top-seeded Alabama in the South Region. The
16th-seeded Islanders, winners of the Southland Conference, returned
to the First Four for a second straight season and led for all but 23
seconds. Southeast Missouri State erased a 10-point deficit and tied
it at 64 with 3:07 left, but the Redhawks fell short in the opening
game of the 2023 NCAA Tournament. Chris Harris scored 23 points
before fouling out for No. 16 seed Southeast Missouri State, the Ohio
Valley Conference Tournament champion.UNDATED (AP) —
Purdue’s Zach Edey and Indiana’s Trayce Jackson-Davis have given
the Big Ten Conference a third straight year with multiple first-team
Associated Press All-America picks. Kansas had a second straight
first-teamer in Jalen Wilson. The 7-foot-4 Edey appeared on all 58
ballots as a first-team selection from AP Top 25 voters. He was the
lone unanimous pick in results released Tuesday. Houston’s Marcus
Sasser and Alabama’s Brandon Miller were also first-team picks. The
second team included UCLA's Jamie Jaquez Jr., Kentucky's Oscar
Tshiebwe and Gonzaga's Drew Timme. The third team included the Kansas
State duo of Markquis Nowell and Keyontae Johnson.OXFORD, Miss. (AP) —
Mississippi on Tuesday introduced new basketball coach Chris Beard,
who repeatedly declined to discuss specifics regarding his December
domestic violence arrest that led to his eventual firing at Texas.
Beard’s two-year tenure at alma mater Texas ended abruptly in
January, though felony domestic charges were ultimately dismissed on
Feb. 15. A prosecutor said his office determined that the charge of
assault by strangulation/suffocation-family violence could not be
proven beyond a reasonable doubt.NEW YORK (AP) —
For the first time in more than a decade, NCAA and college sports
leaders are committed to a serious and thorough examination of
expanding March Madness. The tournament generates hundreds of
millions in revenue annually for the NCAA and its 1,100 member
schools. Making significant changes to the tournament in the near
term will be difficult, if not impossible. There are logistical,
financial and even political obstacles. A major factor is the role of
broadcast partners. The current $8.8 billion contract with CBS and
Warner Bros. Discovery runs through 2032.FORT WORTH, Texas
(AP) — TCU coach Jamie Dixon was in several national TV commercials
when growing up in North Hollywood. That doesn't mean he likes
watching ads. His Horned Frogs don't know who they'll play in the
NCAA Tournament. It will be Arizona State or Nevada, whose First Four
game should be going on about the same time TCU has dinner after
getting to Denver on Wednesday. While TVs should be on, Dixon doesn't
expect the team to sit together and watch the entire game. He says he
has trouble watching games with commercials. He prefers the edited
game films without ads or insignificant action.ATHENS, Ga. (AP) —
Georgia coach Kirby Smart insists he has not lost control of a
program that has produced back-to-back national championships but has
been rocked by offseason arrests and a car crash that claimed the
lives of a player and a recruiting staffer. Defensive tackle Jalen
Carter's NFL draft outlook has been potentially clouded by
misdemeanor charges of racing and reckless driving in relation to the
January 15 crash that killed teammate Devin Willock and recruiting
staffer Chandler LeCroy. Linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson also faces
charges of racing and reckless drive in a separate incident.
Quarterback Stetson Bennett was arrested for public intoxication.PONTE VEDRA BEACH,
Fla. (AP) — Scottie Scheffler is on a big run at the moment. His
win at The Players Championship makes people forget for a moment that
Jon Rahm was that player just a few weeks ago. And Rory McIlroy
before that. Golf has three top players competing for top billing at
the moment. Missing from that conversation is Cameron Smith. It's
hard to say if he was on a heater or had staying power because the
sample size is too small. Smith walked away from the best competition
to take Saudi money and join LIV Golf. Even if he wins, it's hard to
measure what it means.ANCHORAGE, Alaska
(AP) — Ryan Redington has won the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race,
which his grandfather helped co-found. Redington’s dog team pulled
him down Nome’s main street shortly after noon on Tuesday, sliding
him under the iconic burled arch finish line. The 40-year-old
Redington will pocket about $50,000 for the win. Redington’s
grandfather, Joe Redington Sr., helped start the Iditarod, which had
its first race in 1973. Ryan Redington, who is Inupiat, becomes the
sixth Alaska Native musher to win the world’s most famous sled dog
race. This is first Iditarod victory, but he won the Junior Iditarod
in both 1999 and 2000.TUESDAY SCORESNCAA First FourSOUTHFinal	Texas
A&amp;M-CC	75	SE Missouri	71	MIDWESTFinal	Pittsburgh	60	Mississippi
St.	5NITFinal	UAB	88	Southern
Miss.	60	Final	Vanderbilt	71	Yale	62	Final	Michigan	90	Toledo	80	Final	E.
Washington	81	Washington St.	74	Final	Liberty	62	Villanova	57	Final	Wisconsin	81	Bradley	62	Final
OT	Hofstra	88	Rutgers	86	Final	Colorado	65	Seton
Hall	64INTERLEAGUEFinal	Miami	1	Houston	0	Final	Baltimore	7	Pittsburgh	6	Final	Cincinnati	5	Kansas
City	3	Final	Pittsburgh	2	Minnesota	2	Final	St.
Louis	3	Houston	3	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Tampa
Bay	7	Minnesota	4	Final	Detroit	6	Boston	2	Final	L.A.
Angels	8	Cleveland	6	Final	Seattle	8	Kansas
City	6	Final	Chicago White
Sox	5	Oakland	4	Final	N.Y.
Yankees	10	Toronto	3	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Washington	5	N.Y.
Mets	0	Final	Atlanta	15	Philadelphia	5	Final	San
Francisco	7	Arizona	6	Final	Colorado	5	Chicago
Cubs	2	NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Washington	117	Detroit	97	Final	Cleveland	120	Charlotte	104	Final	Toronto	125	Denver	110	Final	San
Antonio	132	Orlando	114	Final	L.A.
Lakers	123	New Orleans	108	Final	Oklahoma
City	121	Brooklyn	107	Final	New
York	123	Portland	107	Final	Milwaukee	116	Phoenix	104	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUEFinal	Carolina	5	Winnipeg	3	Final	Vegas	5	Philadelphia	3	Final	Tampa
Bay	4	New Jersey	1	Final	Montreal	6	Pittsburgh	4	Final	N-Y
Rangers	5	Washington	3	Final	Nashville	2	Detroit	1	Final	Chicago	6	Boston	3	Final	Edmonton	6	Ottawa	3	Final	Vancouver	5	Dallas	2	Final
OT	Arizona	4	Calgary	3	Final	Los
Angeles	5	N-Y Islanders	2	Final
OT	Columbus	6	San Jose	5

Wednesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

The Barton Community College men's bowling program closed out the 2023 season this past weekend with a 19th place showing at the Intercollegiate Team Championship Sectional Qualifier held at USA Bowl in Dallas, TX.

The Cougars, who made the program's first ever appearance was one of two NJCAA programs that competed in the 20-team field featuring the top NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II and NAIA programs.

Entering the final day in 20th, Barton made a final push moving up a spot, out tossing Arizona State University by 188 pins in the final two blocks of 32 baker games concluding with a two-day total of 11,528 over 64 bakers. Claiming the team honors in the field of 20 was Lindenwood University with a total count of 13,730 edging runner-up Wichita State University's 13,725. Joining the pair in advancing to the ITC Championships held April 19th-23rd in Las Vegas was Midland University with 12,991 pins and Ottawa University clinching the final spot with a grand total of 12,839.

Individually the Cougars were led by V-Thoon Thanasouk's 21st place finish in the field of 177 participants scoring a six-game total of 1,217. The freshman recorded the team's highest individual game of 244 in the second game while finishing over the 200-mark in four of his six games.

Griffin Peterson and Bryce Moore concluded their Barton careers landing inside the top-100 with a 77th and 99th finish respectfully. Peterson who claimed All-America honors a week ago at the NJCAA Championships accumulated a six game 1,088 while Moore fell 29 pins back with 1,059.

Concluding the individual finishes for the Cougars was Braden Boswell in 136th and Cale McConnell in 170th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678824821508.jpeg" alt="V-Thoon Thanasouk following through on his shot attempt-Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>V-Thoon Thanasouk following through on his shot attempt-Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>The Barton Community College men's bowling program closed out the 2023 season this past weekend with a 19th place showing at the Intercollegiate Team Championship Sectional Qualifier held at USA Bowl in Dallas, TX.The Cougars, who made the program's first ever appearance was one of two NJCAA programs that competed in the 20-team field featuring the top NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II and NAIA programs.Entering the final day in 20th, Barton made a final push moving up a spot, out tossing Arizona State University by 188 pins in the final two blocks of 32 baker games concluding with a two-day total of 11,528 over 64 bakers. Claiming the team honors in the field of 20 was Lindenwood University with a total count of 13,730 edging runner-up Wichita State University's 13,725. Joining the pair in advancing to the ITC Championships held April 19th-23rd in Las Vegas was Midland University with 12,991 pins and Ottawa University clinching the final spot with a grand total of 12,839.Individually the Cougars were led by V-Thoon Thanasouk's 21st place finish in the field of 177 participants scoring a six-game total of 1,217. The freshman recorded the team's highest individual game of 244 in the second game while finishing over the 200-mark in four of his six games.Griffin Peterson and Bryce Moore concluded their Barton careers landing inside the top-100 with a 77th and 99th finish respectfully. Peterson who claimed All-America honors a week ago at the NJCAA Championships accumulated a six game 1,088 while Moore fell 29 pins back with 1,059.Concluding the individual finishes for the Cougars was Braden Boswell in 136th and Cale McConnell in 170th.

Barton Men's Bowling concludes season at Sectionals

- The “Voice of the Cougars” Cole Reif recaps the Barton Men and Women's Region 6 Tournament last weekend in Wichita and previews the Lady Cougars first round game against Moberly, Missouri in the first round of next week's NJCAA National Tournament in Lubbock, Texas.

- We'll celebrate the Macksville Mustangs 1A-DI State Basketball Championship with the entire team visiting the Eagle Media center to tell us about the experience.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/X7LEWbHKAHg" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>- The “Voice of the Cougars” Cole Reif recaps the Barton Men and Women's Region 6 Tournament last weekend in Wichita and previews the Lady Cougars first round game against Moberly, Missouri in the first round of next week's NJCAA National Tournament in Lubbock, Texas.- We'll celebrate the Macksville Mustangs 1A-DI State Basketball Championship with the entire team visiting the Eagle Media center to tell us about the experience.- Tuesday Sports Headlines.- Sounds of the past 24-hours.

WATCH: Macksville's state champions on Sports Day (3/14)

The madness has ended for area high schools and is just about to begin for NCAA basketball teams. Meanwhile, the NAIA team with a Great Bend connection is still going strong. Monday evening, Matt Keeley's Ottawa University Arizona (OUAZ) Spirit defeated Southeastern University (Fla.) 79-71 to advance to the school's first-ever Great 8 in Kansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678798785026.jpeg" alt="Photo by 2023 MSH Visual" />
 <figcaption>Photo by 2023 MSH Visual</figcaption>
 </figure>The madness has ended for area high schools and is just about to begin for NCAA basketball teams. Meanwhile, the NAIA team with a Great Bend connection is still going strong. Monday evening, Matt Keeley's Ottawa University Arizona (OUAZ) Spirit defeated Southeastern University (Fla.) 79-71 to advance to the school's first-ever Great 8 in Kansas City.OUAZ is located in Surprise, Ariz., some 800 miles southwest of Great Bend. Keeley returned to Kansas for round one of the NAIA National Tournament in Park City on March 7. After beating Kansas' Baker University in buzzer-beater fashion, the Spirit knocked off Oklahoma Wesleyan, ranked No. 7 in the country, to advance to the Round of 16 at Kansas City's Municipal Stadium. The team had already made school history by advancing that far before defeating Southeastern on Monday.Playing as the No. 7 seed, OUAZ takes a 24-9 record into Wednesday's 3 p.m. matchup against No. 4 seed Montana Tech. The 10th-ranked Orediggers knocked off eighth-ranked William Penn (Iowa) in overtime to reach the quarterfinals. Top-ranked College of Idaho may await Wednesday's winner in the national semifinals.&nbsp;Streaming is available by <a href="https://portal.stretchinternet.com/naia/">CLICKING HERE.</a>