Barton Men 92 Seward 66; Barton Women 87 Seward 82

<div><a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/information/boosterclub/index"><img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635967480149.jpeg"></a></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625250903956.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton Men 92 Seward 66; Barton Women 87 Seward 82<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/eep0l4fl/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>

The Fort Hays State women's basketball team moved up in both national polls released Tuesday (Jan. 4), climbing to third in the latest WBCA DII Coaches Poll and moving up to 11th in the D2SIDA Media Poll.

The Tigers picked up an additional 27 points in the coaches poll to move into a tie for third with Lander at 495 points. Nebraska-Kearney moved up one spot to ninth, while Missouri Western entered the rankings in 24th this week.

Fort Hays State added two points to its total in the media poll, moving past one school to jump to 11th. UNK is the only other conference school in the media poll, up one spot to fourth this week.

Fort Hays State is one of two teams that has been in the top five of the coaches poll all season (Drury). The Tigers were fourth in the preseason poll before moving up to the top spot for three weeks. FHSU was fifth in the last two releases before climbing two spots this week.

This is the first time the Tigers have been third in the coaches poll since the final regular season poll of the 2018-19 season (3/1/19). Fort Hays State is 15-3 all-time when playing as the third-ranked team in the country and 122-32 all-time when ranked in the WBCA DII Coaches Poll.

Drury and Texas A&amp;M-Commerce are in first and second, respectively, in both national polls.

Fort Hays State will return to Gross Memorial Coliseum to host three games in a seven-day span beginning Thursday (Jan. 6) when the Tigers host Central Missouri beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The Fort Hays State women's basketball team moved up in both national polls released Tuesday (Jan. 4), climbing to third in the latest WBCA DII Coaches Poll and moving up to 11th in the D2SIDA Media Poll.The Tigers picked up an additional 27 points in the coaches poll to move into a tie for third with Lander at 495 points. Nebraska-Kearney moved up one spot to ninth, while Missouri Western entered the rankings in 24th this week.Fort Hays State added two points to its total in the media poll, moving past one school to jump to 11th. UNK is the only other conference school in the media poll, up one spot to fourth this week.Fort Hays State is one of two teams that has been in the top five of the coaches poll all season (Drury). The Tigers were fourth in the preseason poll before moving up to the top spot for three weeks. FHSU was fifth in the last two releases before climbing two spots this week.This is the first time the Tigers have been third in the coaches poll since the final regular season poll of the 2018-19 season (3/1/19). Fort Hays State is 15-3 all-time when playing as the third-ranked team in the country and 122-32 all-time when ranked in the WBCA DII Coaches Poll.Drury and Texas A&amp;M-Commerce are in first and second, respectively, in both national polls.Fort Hays State will return to Gross Memorial Coliseum to host three games in a seven-day span beginning Thursday (Jan. 6) when the Tigers host Central Missouri beginning at 5:30 p.m.

FHSU Women's Basketball Up to Third in Coaches Poll

HOUSTON, Texas –
Skylar Thompson threw for three touchdowns, and Deuce Vaughn had four
total touchdowns in a dominant 42-20 win over LSU in the TaxAct Texas
Bowl. K-State finished the year at 8-5. LSU dropped to 6-7. 


Thompson was
brilliant in his final game as a Wildcat. He competed 21 of his 28
passes for 259 yards with the three touchdowns and no interceptions.
He completed passes to 10 different receivers in the win. Thompson
connected with Malik Knowles for a pair of touchdowns in the first
half before adding a touchdown pass to Vaughn in the fourth quarter.
Thompson finished with over 7,000 passing yards in his K-State
career. 


Vaughn finished his
season in style by setting a K-State bowl game record with his four
total touchdowns. Vaughn rushed for 146 yards on the night and
finished his second season in Manhattan with 1,404 rushing yards and
18 rushing touchdowns. He scored from one yard out in the first half.
He scored from 18 yards out in the third quarter before adding a
rushing score (two yards) and touchdown reception (two yards) in the
fourth. 


K-State held a
442-308 advantage in total yardage. 


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641361099326.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSTON, Texas –
Skylar Thompson threw for three touchdowns, and Deuce Vaughn had four
total touchdowns in a dominant 42-20 win over LSU in the TaxAct Texas
Bowl. K-State finished the year at 8-5. LSU dropped to 6-7. 
Thompson was
brilliant in his final game as a Wildcat. He competed 21 of his 28
passes for 259 yards with the three touchdowns and no interceptions.
He completed passes to 10 different receivers in the win. Thompson
connected with Malik Knowles for a pair of touchdowns in the first
half before adding a touchdown pass to Vaughn in the fourth quarter.
Thompson finished with over 7,000 passing yards in his K-State
career. 
Vaughn finished his
season in style by setting a K-State bowl game record with his four
total touchdowns. Vaughn rushed for 146 yards on the night and
finished his second season in Manhattan with 1,404 rushing yards and
18 rushing touchdowns. He scored from one yard out in the first half.
He scored from 18 yards out in the third quarter before adding a
rushing score (two yards) and touchdown reception (two yards) in the
fourth. 
K-State held a
442-308 advantage in total yardage.

K-State Dominates LSU 42-20 In TaxAct Texas Bowl

Barstow, Mo. 65, Bishop Seabury Academy 49

Wichita Bishop Carroll 61, Wichita West 33

Tuesday AP ScoresBOYS SCORESAndale 74, Nickerson 21BV West 79, St. Thomas Aquinas 64Barstow, Mo. 65, Bishop Seabury Academy 49Bucklin 77, Pawnee Heights 51Burlington 67, Eureka 19Burrton 69, Argonia 40Central Heights 38, West Franklin 27Cheney 59, Wichita Independent 36Clay Center 56, Concordia 53Clearwater 60, Halstead 30Clifton-Clyde 51, Blue Valley 40Dodge City 64, Ulysses 21Ellinwood 65, Central Plains 26Ellsworth 69, Larned 49Emporia 55, Manhattan 28Erie 56, Cherryvale 48Fairfield 37, Chase 36Fort Scott 44, Labette County 41Galena 59, Baxter Springs 33Hays 56, Pratt 45Hill City 62, Quinter 42Hoxie 62, Colby 44Hutchinson Trinity 63, Hillsboro 36Jayhawk Linn 52, Crest 45Kingman 53, Garden Plain 48Lakeside 58, Logan 47Lakeside 58, Logan/Palco 47Lansing 56, KC Schlagle 51Lyndon 56, Council Grove 41Macksville 52, Cunningham 51Maize 80, Wichita Campus 56Marmaton Valley 47, Uniontown 36Meade 61, Kiowa County 38Nemaha Central 77, Sabetha 46Northeast-Arma 57, Pleasanton 28Northern Valley 81, Rawlins County 49Norton 56, Cambridge, Neb. 32Norwich 48, Caldwell 33Osborne 46, Thunder Ridge 19Pittsburg 67, Chanute 52Plainville 59, Victoria 45Red Cloud, Neb. 57, Rock Hills 22Rose Hill 86, Winfield 45Scott City 61, Goodland 34Smoky Valley 67, Hoisington 55South Central 54, Minneola 34South Gray 77, Sublette 56Stafford 43 Otis-Bison 37St. Mary's 53, Wamego 41Sterling 56 LaCrosse 37Washburn Rural 56, Topeka 51Wichita Bishop Carroll 61, Wichita West 33Wichita Collegiate 59, Augusta 28Wichita Heights 50, Wichita South 22Wichita Trinity 58, Douglass 35Yates Center 44, Oswego 19GIRLS SCORESAnderson County 44, Fredonia 36Andover Central 70, Hutchinson 48BV Northwest 46, BV Southwest 32Baldwin 42, Tonganoxie 31Beloit 51, Phillipsburg 49Bennington 51, Marion 39Cambridge, Neb. 51, Norton 32Central Plains 62 Ellinwood 15Cheney 69, Wichita Independent 20Clifton-Clyde 58, Blue Valley 33Colby 41, Hoxie 37Derby 51, Salina South 20Dodge City 89, Ulysses 17Ellsworth 48, Larned 31Emporia 55, Manhattan 28Fairfield 54, Chase 29Galena 54, Baxter Springs 27Garden Plain 55, Kingman 29Golden Plains 60, Wichita County 33Goodland 43, Scott City 40Hanover 63, Linn 43Hays 47, Pratt 44Hiawatha 43, Riverside 29Highland Park 61, KC Sumner 38Hill City 34, Quinter 31Junction City 32, Topeka West 30Lakeside 62, Logan/Palco 22Lansing 79, KC Schlagle 15Lawrence 56, Olathe West 52Macksville 62, Cunningham 17Maize 51, Wichita Campus 29Marmaton Valley 29, Uniontown 23Mission Valley 39, Northern Heights 32Nickerson 52, Andale 48Osborne 67, Thunder Ridge 39Otis-Bison 60 Stafford 23Pike Valley 34, Tescott 15Pittsburg Colgan 73, Iola 16Pretty Prairie 90, Udall 12Rawlins County 52, Northern Valley 32Red Cloud, Neb. 41, Rock Hills 25Sabetha 40, Nemaha Central 28Shawnee Heights 45, Bonner Springs 33Silver Lake 60, Rossville 31Smith Center 74, Stockton 34Smoky Valley 47, Hoisington 30South Gray 47, Sublette 18Southwestern Hts. 44, Stanton County 35St. John 62 Kinsley 13St. Paul 66, Wichita Southeast 18Sterling 67 LaCrosse 26Topeka 45, Washburn Rural 39Topeka Seaman 46, Topeka Hayden 38Valley Heights 54, Washington County 23Victoria 70, Plainville 35Wamego 81, St. Mary's 49Wichita Bishop Carroll 55, Wichita West 33Wichita Trinity 55, Douglass 42Yates Center 35, Oswego 15

Tuesday Statewide Scores

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — David McCormack had 17 points and a career-high 15 rebounds, Ochai Agbaji scored 16 points, and No. 6 Kansas overcame a scoreless streak of more than 9 1/2 minutes to beat Oklahoma State 74-63 on Tuesday night in the delayed Big 12 Conference opener for both teams.

Kansas (12-1) missed 19 straight shots to end the first half, allowing the Cowboys to pull even at 29-29 by halftime, but the Jayhawks made seven straight shots during a 20-8 run early in the second half that put them back ahead by double digits.

Oklahoma State (7-5) came no closer than six points the rest of the way. When the Cowboys closed within 63-57 on a basket by Isaac Likekele with 6:14 left, Christian Braun began a 9-0 run for Kansas with a pair of baskets. Braun finished 15 points.

Kansas won its eighth straight game and its 31st consecutive conference opener, a run that began in the 1991-92 season, when the Jayhawks played in the Big 8 Conference. The Jayhawks are 12-1 for the ninth time in coach Bill Self’s 19 seasons and now lead their series against Oklahoma State, Self’s alma mater, by a 120-60 margin.

Likekele led Oklahoma State with 16 points. Oklahoma State hadn’t played since losing to Houston on Dec. 18 due to scheduling issues stemming from COVID-19. The Cowboys had a game against Southern California canceled and their previously scheduled Big 12 opener against Texas Tech postponed. Kansas’ scheduled league opener on New Year’s Day against TCU also was postponed.

Those proved to be the Jayhawks’ final points of the half as they missed 19 straight shots. A basket by Bryce Thompson — who transferred to Oklahoma State from Kansas — with 35 seconds left tied the game.

Kansas: Kansas shot 43.1% from the field, well below its 51.4% average. With the grind of the Big 12 ahead, the Jayhawks know they can win when they’re not at their best offensively.

Oklahoma State: The Cowboys are in the middle of a stretch of six straight games against teams either ranked or receiving votes in the AP Top 25, and the fact they were able to hang with one of the Big 12’s powers for most of the game would seem to bode well for them.

Kansas: Visits No. 25 Texas Tech on Saturday.

Oklahoma State: Hosts No. 17 Texas on Saturday.

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — David McCormack had 17 points and a career-high 15 rebounds, Ochai Agbaji scored 16 points, and No. 6 Kansas overcame a scoreless streak of more than 9 1/2 minutes to beat Oklahoma State 74-63 on Tuesday night in the delayed Big 12 Conference opener for both teams.Kansas (12-1) missed 19 straight shots to end the first half, allowing the Cowboys to pull even at 29-29 by halftime, but the Jayhawks made seven straight shots during a 20-8 run early in the second half that put them back ahead by double digits.Oklahoma State (7-5) came no closer than six points the rest of the way. When the Cowboys closed within 63-57 on a basket by Isaac Likekele with 6:14 left, Christian Braun began a 9-0 run for Kansas with a pair of baskets. Braun finished 15 points.Kansas won its eighth straight game and its 31st consecutive conference opener, a run that began in the 1991-92 season, when the Jayhawks played in the Big 8 Conference. The Jayhawks are 12-1 for the ninth time in coach Bill Self’s 19 seasons and now lead their series against Oklahoma State, Self’s alma mater, by a 120-60 margin.Likekele led Oklahoma State with 16 points. Oklahoma State hadn’t played since losing to Houston on Dec. 18 due to scheduling issues stemming from COVID-19. The Cowboys had a game against Southern California canceled and their previously scheduled Big 12 opener against Texas Tech postponed. Kansas’ scheduled league opener on New Year’s Day against TCU also was postponed.Those proved to be the Jayhawks’ final points of the half as they missed 19 straight shots. A basket by Bryce Thompson — who transferred to Oklahoma State from Kansas — with 35 seconds left tied the game.BIG PICTUREKansas: Kansas shot 43.1% from the field, well below its 51.4% average. With the grind of the Big 12 ahead, the Jayhawks know they can win when they’re not at their best offensively.Oklahoma State: The Cowboys are in the middle of a stretch of six straight games against teams either ranked or receiving votes in the AP Top 25, and the fact they were able to hang with one of the Big 12’s powers for most of the game would seem to bode well for them.UP NEXTKansas: Visits No. 25 Texas Tech on Saturday.Oklahoma State: Hosts No. 17 Texas on Saturday.

No. 6 Kansas survives cold stretch, beats Oklahoma State

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Marcus Carr scored 19 points, Timmy Allen had 17 points and a career-high 14 rebounds, and No. 14 Texas rallied in the second half to beat Kansas State 70-57 on Tuesday night.

Courtney Ramey added 14 points and Dylan Disu had 10 for Texas (12-2, 2-0), which has won six in a row.

“I think when we get it inside, it creates some momentum for us,” Allen said. “And then when we get inside, they have to react to that and we it inside-out for some 3s.”

Kansas State led 35-29 at halftime, but the Longhorns opened the second half with an 18-2 run that Ramey concluded with two 3-pointers, making it 47-37 with 12:26 remaining.

Nijel Pack scored 21 points, 15 in the first half, and Selton Miguel finished with 13 points for the Wildcats (8-5, 0-2), who were missing seven players and coach Bruce Weber because of COVID-19 protocols.

“We did a great job early in the first half with our energy,” said assistant coach Shane Southwell, who led the team in Weber’s absence. “We set the tone early, but then the second half we didn’t have that physicality.”

Texas was without its third-leading scorer, Andrew Jones.

“When I’m old and floating down the Frio River in Concan, (Texas), I’m not going to remember the asterisk at all,” Texas coach Chris Beard said. “But I’ll remember coming down here with these guys.”

The Longhorns entered leading the nation in scoring defense, allowing 51 points per game, and they gave up just 22 points in the second half en route to their fifth straight win over the Wildcats.

Pack’s 3-pointer at the first-half buzzer concluded an 8-0 run for Kansas State. But the Wildcats didn’t score for the first five minutes of the second half as they gave up the lead. After Texas’ big run, Kansas State didn’t get closer than six points.

Texas: The Longhorns’ roster is full of transfers who are still getting comfortable with one another. That was evident during their sluggish start.

Kansas State: Having only seven scholarship players available eventually took its toll on the Wildcats.

Kansas State: At West Virginia on Saturday.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Marcus Carr scored 19 points, Timmy Allen had 17 points and a career-high 14 rebounds, and No. 14 Texas rallied in the second half to beat Kansas State 70-57 on Tuesday night.Courtney Ramey added 14 points and Dylan Disu had 10 for Texas (12-2, 2-0), which has won six in a row.“I think when we get it inside, it creates some momentum for us,” Allen said. “And then when we get inside, they have to react to that and we it inside-out for some 3s.”Kansas State led 35-29 at halftime, but the Longhorns opened the second half with an 18-2 run that Ramey concluded with two 3-pointers, making it 47-37 with 12:26 remaining.Nijel Pack scored 21 points, 15 in the first half, and Selton Miguel finished with 13 points for the Wildcats (8-5, 0-2), who were missing seven players and coach Bruce Weber because of COVID-19 protocols.“We did a great job early in the first half with our energy,” said assistant coach Shane Southwell, who led the team in Weber’s absence. “We set the tone early, but then the second half we didn’t have that physicality.”Texas was without its third-leading scorer, Andrew Jones.“When I’m old and floating down the Frio River in Concan, (Texas), I’m not going to remember the asterisk at all,” Texas coach Chris Beard said. “But I’ll remember coming down here with these guys.”The Longhorns entered leading the nation in scoring defense, allowing 51 points per game, and they gave up just 22 points in the second half en route to their fifth straight win over the Wildcats.Pack’s 3-pointer at the first-half buzzer concluded an 8-0 run for Kansas State. But the Wildcats didn’t score for the first five minutes of the second half as they gave up the lead. After Texas’ big run, Kansas State didn’t get closer than six points.BIG PICTURETexas: The Longhorns’ roster is full of transfers who are still getting comfortable with one another. That was evident during their sluggish start.Kansas State: Having only seven scholarship players available eventually took its toll on the Wildcats.UP NEXTTexas: At Oklahoma State on Saturday.Kansas State: At West Virginia on Saturday.

Carr, Allen lift No. 14 Texas over short-handed Kansas State

Smoky Valley Boys 67 Hoisington 55; Smoky Valley Girls 47 Hoisington 30

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581739911992.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Smoky Valley Boys 67 Hoisington 55; Smoky Valley Girls 47 Hoisington 30<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/bc1daeon/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>

Ellsworth Boys 69 Larned 49; Ellsworth Girls 48 Larned 31

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600485516602.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ellsworth Boys 69 Larned 49; Ellsworth Girls 48 Larned 31<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/3xg0tftd/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>

HOUSTON (AP) — Deuce Vaughn and the Kansas State Wildcats finished a streaky season on a positive note night with a dominant 42-20 win over short-handed LSU in the Texas Bowl. Vaughn, a sophomore running back and first-team All-American as an all-purpose player, rushed for 146 yards on 21 carries. He scored four touchdowns — three rushing and one receiving. Kansas State also got a strong performance from quarterback Skylar Thompson, who returned to make his final collegiate start after missing the regular-season finale with an ankle injury. Thompson completed 21 of 28 passes for 259 yards and three touchdowns. Malik Knowles had two touchdown catches and 42 yards receiving.

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — No. 6 Kansas overcame a scoreless streak of more than 9 1/2 minutes to beat Oklahoma State 74-63 in the delayed Big 12 Conference opener for both teams. David McCormack had 17 points and a career-high 15 rebounds, and Ochai Agbaji scored 16 points for the Jayhawks. Kansas missed 19 straight shots to end the first half, allowing the Cowboys to pull even at 29-29 by halftime. But the Jayhawks made seven straight shots during a 20-8 run early in the second half that put them back ahead by double digits. Kansas has won eight straight. Isaac Likekele led Oklahoma State with 16 points.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Marcus Carr scored 19 points, Timmy Allen had 17 points and a career-high 14 rebounds, and No. 14 Texas rallied in the second half to beat Kansas State 70-57. Courtney Ramey added 14 points and Dylan Disu had 10 for Texas, which has won six in a row. Kansas State led 35-29 at halftime, but the Longhorns opened the second half with an 18-2 run. Nijel Pack scored 21 points, 15 in the first half, and Selton Miguel finished with 13 points for the Wildcats. Kansas State was missing seven players and coach Bruce Weber because of COVID-19 protocols.

WACO, Texas (AP) — James Akinjo matched his career high with 27 points, Adam Flagler scored 22 and top-ranked Baylor stretched its national-best winning streak to 20 games with an 84-74 win over Oklahoma. Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua added 12 points for the 14-0 Bears. Their winning streak began with their six wins in last season’s NCAA Tournament on way to their first national championship. Tanner Groves had 13 points to lead four players in double figures for first-year coach Porter Moser and the Sooners. Both teams shot 56% from the field. Baylor sealed the game with seven free throws over the final 40 seconds.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs should have left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. on the field when they visit the Broncos on Saturday. Brown hurt his calf muscle during pregame warmups and missed last week’s last-second loss in Cincinnati. But he did just about everything in practice Tuesday and coach Andy Reid said he expects Brown on the field in Denver. The Chiefs need to beat the Broncos and hope Tennessee loses to Houston on Sunday to earn the AFC’s No. 1 seed.

NEW YORK (AP) — With the best record in the NFL heading into the last week of the regular season, the Green Bay Packers kept the top spot in the latest AP Pro32 poll. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams each moved up two spots to No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. The AFC West champion Kansas City Chiefs fell two spots to No. 4 after a last-second loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. And despite having the AFC’s top seed at the moment, the Tennessee Titans are at No. 5 in the poll. The Titans inched up a spot after routing Miami and can wrap up home field in the AFC with a win at Houston on Sunday.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals have canceled their annual winter warmup promotional event because of Major League Baseball’s lockout. The event, which was scheduled for Jan. 15-17, features players. MLB locked out the players’ association following the expiration of baseball’s collective bargaining agreement on Dec. 1. Lawyers for MLB and the union have not met to discuss central economic issues since the lockout began. Players are scheduled to report for spring training on Feb. 16, leaving a little over a month for an agreement that would allow for a timely start.

(22)Xavier	at	Georgetown	7 p.m.	(Postponed)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639997004498.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSTON (AP) — Deuce Vaughn and the Kansas State Wildcats finished a streaky season on a positive note night with a dominant 42-20 win over short-handed LSU in the Texas Bowl. Vaughn, a sophomore running back and first-team All-American as an all-purpose player, rushed for 146 yards on 21 carries. He scored four touchdowns — three rushing and one receiving. Kansas State also got a strong performance from quarterback Skylar Thompson, who returned to make his final collegiate start after missing the regular-season finale with an ankle injury. Thompson completed 21 of 28 passes for 259 yards and three touchdowns. Malik Knowles had two touchdown catches and 42 yards receiving.STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — No. 6 Kansas overcame a scoreless streak of more than 9 1/2 minutes to beat Oklahoma State 74-63 in the delayed Big 12 Conference opener for both teams. David McCormack had 17 points and a career-high 15 rebounds, and Ochai Agbaji scored 16 points for the Jayhawks. Kansas missed 19 straight shots to end the first half, allowing the Cowboys to pull even at 29-29 by halftime. But the Jayhawks made seven straight shots during a 20-8 run early in the second half that put them back ahead by double digits. Kansas has won eight straight. Isaac Likekele led Oklahoma State with 16 points.MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Marcus Carr scored 19 points, Timmy Allen had 17 points and a career-high 14 rebounds, and No. 14 Texas rallied in the second half to beat Kansas State 70-57. Courtney Ramey added 14 points and Dylan Disu had 10 for Texas, which has won six in a row. Kansas State led 35-29 at halftime, but the Longhorns opened the second half with an 18-2 run. Nijel Pack scored 21 points, 15 in the first half, and Selton Miguel finished with 13 points for the Wildcats. Kansas State was missing seven players and coach Bruce Weber because of COVID-19 protocols.WACO, Texas (AP) — James Akinjo matched his career high with 27 points, Adam Flagler scored 22 and top-ranked Baylor stretched its national-best winning streak to 20 games with an 84-74 win over Oklahoma. Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua added 12 points for the 14-0 Bears. Their winning streak began with their six wins in last season’s NCAA Tournament on way to their first national championship. Tanner Groves had 13 points to lead four players in double figures for first-year coach Porter Moser and the Sooners. Both teams shot 56% from the field. Baylor sealed the game with seven free throws over the final 40 seconds.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs should have left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. on the field when they visit the Broncos on Saturday. Brown hurt his calf muscle during pregame warmups and missed last week’s last-second loss in Cincinnati. But he did just about everything in practice Tuesday and coach Andy Reid said he expects Brown on the field in Denver. The Chiefs need to beat the Broncos and hope Tennessee loses to Houston on Sunday to earn the AFC’s No. 1 seed.NEW YORK (AP) — With the best record in the NFL heading into the last week of the regular season, the Green Bay Packers kept the top spot in the latest AP Pro32 poll. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams each moved up two spots to No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. The AFC West champion Kansas City Chiefs fell two spots to No. 4 after a last-second loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. And despite having the AFC’s top seed at the moment, the Tennessee Titans are at No. 5 in the poll. The Titans inched up a spot after routing Miami and can wrap up home field in the AFC with a win at Houston on Sunday.ST. LOUIS, Mo. (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals have canceled their annual winter warmup promotional event because of Major League Baseball’s lockout. The event, which was scheduled for Jan. 15-17, features players. MLB locked out the players’ association following the expiration of baseball’s collective bargaining agreement on Dec. 1. Lawyers for MLB and the union have not met to discuss central economic issues since the lockout began. Players are scheduled to report for spring training on Feb. 16, leaving a little over a month for an agreement that would allow for a timely start.TUESDAY SCORESTOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL(22)Xavier	at	Georgetown	7 p.m.	(Postponed)Final	(1)Baylor	84	Oklahoma	74	Final	(2)Duke	69	Georgia Tech	57	Final	(6)Kansas	74	Oklahoma St.	63	Final	(9)Auburn	81	South Carolina	66	Final	(14)Texas	70	Kansas St.	57	Final	(21)LSU	65	(16)Kentucky	60	Final	Marquette	88	(16)Providence	56	Final	(20)Colorado St.	67	Air Force	59	Final	(24)Seton Hall	71	Butler	56

Wednesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs should have left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. on the field when they visit the Broncos on Saturday.

Brown hurt his calf muscle during pregame warmups and missed last week’s last-second loss in Cincinnati. But he did just about everything in practice Tuesday and coach Andy Reid said he expects Brown on the field in Denver.

The Chiefs (11-5) need to beat the Broncos and hope Tennessee loses to Houston on Sunday to earn the AFC’s No. 1 seed.

The news wasn’t as good for right tackle Lucas Niang, who tore his patellar tendon early on against the Bengals. He’ll miss the rest of the season, pushing backup tackle Andrew Wylie back into the starting lineup the rest of the way.

The Chiefs also hope to get Mike Remmers back from injured reserve, where he’s been rehabbing a back injury. But Reid said Tuesday that Remmers is still feeling some pain and that he wasn’t sure when he might be available.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs should have left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. on the field when they visit the Broncos on Saturday.Brown hurt his calf muscle during pregame warmups and missed last week’s last-second loss in Cincinnati. But he did just about everything in practice Tuesday and coach Andy Reid said he expects Brown on the field in Denver.The Chiefs (11-5) need to beat the Broncos and hope Tennessee loses to Houston on Sunday to earn the AFC’s No. 1 seed.The news wasn’t as good for right tackle Lucas Niang, who tore his patellar tendon early on against the Bengals. He’ll miss the rest of the season, pushing backup tackle Andrew Wylie back into the starting lineup the rest of the way.The Chiefs also hope to get Mike Remmers back from injured reserve, where he’s been rehabbing a back injury. But Reid said Tuesday that Remmers is still feeling some pain and that he wasn’t sure when he might be available.

Chiefs expect injured Orlando Brown back for Broncos game

The Georgia Bulldogs aren’t the only team having a tough time beating fellow Southeastern Conference powerhouse Alabama.

They’re just the only one that gets another shot in the season’s biggest game.

The No. 3 Bulldogs have the kind of talent-rich roster that appears built to give the top-ranked Crimson Tide a run for their money. They’ll head into the national championship game Monday night in Indianapolis trying to finally get over that elephant-sized hump while Alabama is seeking its seventh national title since the 2009 season.

Beating ’Bama for some five-star recruits has proven easier than besting coach Nick Saban &amp; Co. on the field. Alabama has won the last seven meetings, including one in a previous national title matchup and three with SEC championships on the line.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart, a former Nick Saban disciple at Alabama, is 0-4 against his old boss. Smart points out they share those struggles “with a lot of teams.”

He’s right, but the Bulldogs are the ones who have a chance to change that recent history a little over a month after Alabama toppled them from the No. 1 ranking with a 41-24 win in the SEC championship game.

“We have a tremendous amount of respect for them,” Saban said. “And I think it’s important for our players to know what they need to do to be able to continue to have success in the next game, regardless of what happened in the last game.”

The Bulldogs also have pushed Alabama to the limit, most notably in their last for-all-the-national-marbles meeting on Jan. 8, 2018.

But the streak stands among the SEC’s two most dominant, talented programs.

— On Dec. 4, Bryce Young passed for an SEC championship-game record 421 passing yards, locking down the Heisman Trophy and the No. 1 College Football Playoff seed for his team. Alabama was actually the underdog, and Saban couldn’t resist crowing to reporters that “the rat poison you put out there this week was yummy.”

— Oct. 18, 2020. Alabama scored three touchdowns in a 10-minute span starting late in the third quarter for the first 41-24 win. Saban was cleared to be on the sidelines after a false positive COVID-19 test. Mac Jones passed for 417 yards and four touchdowns, similar to Young’s numbers in the first rematch.

— Dec. 1, 2018. Jalen Hurts got to be the hero this time. The former starter replaced an injured Tua Tagovailoa in the SEC championship game, throwing for one touchdown and running for another with just over a minute to play in a 35-28 win.

— Jan. 7, 2018. Also in Atlanta, Tagovailoa and fellow freshman DeVonta Smith connected on a 41-yard touchdown in overtime for a 26-23 victory. Tagovailoa had replaced a struggling Hurts in the second half.

“He just stepped in and did his thing,” Hurts said afterward. “He’s built for stuff like this. I’m so happy for him.”

Some 11 months later, he got a piece of glory himself.

Before Smart’s arrival, then-No. 13 Alabama routed Mark Richt’s eighth-ranked Bullogs 38-10 on Oct. 3, 2015.

The Tide also survived a 32-28 SEC championship game in 2012 when the clock expired with Georgia stopped at the 5-yard line.

Alabama split the first two meetings under Saban, falling in overtime 26-23 in 2007 and winning 41-30 the following season. Smart was an Alabama assistant for that first meeting and defensive coordinator for the next few so his personal record in the rivalry is a more respectable 3-5.

Smart doesn’t need to emphasize the recent one-sided nature of the Alabama-Georgia series, describing his team’s mood simply as “they’re excited.”

“They earned another opportunity to go play a really good football team,” he said. “Now we’ve got a really good football team. Our guys are physical, excited and looking forward to this opportunity on the biggest stage there is.”

The Georgia Bulldogs aren’t the only team having a tough time beating fellow Southeastern Conference powerhouse Alabama.They’re just the only one that gets another shot in the season’s biggest game.The No. 3 Bulldogs have the kind of talent-rich roster that appears built to give the top-ranked Crimson Tide a run for their money. They’ll head into the national championship game Monday night in Indianapolis trying to finally get over that elephant-sized hump while Alabama is seeking its seventh national title since the 2009 season.Beating ’Bama for some five-star recruits has proven easier than besting coach Nick Saban &amp; Co. on the field. Alabama has won the last seven meetings, including one in a previous national title matchup and three with SEC championships on the line.Georgia coach Kirby Smart, a former Nick Saban disciple at Alabama, is 0-4 against his old boss. Smart points out they share those struggles “with a lot of teams.”He’s right, but the Bulldogs are the ones who have a chance to change that recent history a little over a month after Alabama toppled them from the No. 1 ranking with a 41-24 win in the SEC championship game.“We have a tremendous amount of respect for them,” Saban said. “And I think it’s important for our players to know what they need to do to be able to continue to have success in the next game, regardless of what happened in the last game.”Or the last seven games.The Bulldogs also have pushed Alabama to the limit, most notably in their last for-all-the-national-marbles meeting on Jan. 8, 2018.But the streak stands among the SEC’s two most dominant, talented programs.— On Dec. 4, Bryce Young passed for an SEC championship-game record 421 passing yards, locking down the Heisman Trophy and the No. 1 College Football Playoff seed for his team. Alabama was actually the underdog, and Saban couldn’t resist crowing to reporters that “the rat poison you put out there this week was yummy.”— Oct. 18, 2020. Alabama scored three touchdowns in a 10-minute span starting late in the third quarter for the first 41-24 win. Saban was cleared to be on the sidelines after a false positive COVID-19 test. Mac Jones passed for 417 yards and four touchdowns, similar to Young’s numbers in the first rematch.— Dec. 1, 2018. Jalen Hurts got to be the hero this time. The former starter replaced an injured Tua Tagovailoa in the SEC championship game, throwing for one touchdown and running for another with just over a minute to play in a 35-28 win.— Jan. 7, 2018. Also in Atlanta, Tagovailoa and fellow freshman DeVonta Smith connected on a 41-yard touchdown in overtime for a 26-23 victory. Tagovailoa had replaced a struggling Hurts in the second half.“He just stepped in and did his thing,” Hurts said afterward. “He’s built for stuff like this. I’m so happy for him.”Some 11 months later, he got a piece of glory himself.Before Smart’s arrival, then-No. 13 Alabama routed Mark Richt’s eighth-ranked Bullogs 38-10 on Oct. 3, 2015.The Tide also survived a 32-28 SEC championship game in 2012 when the clock expired with Georgia stopped at the 5-yard line.Alabama split the first two meetings under Saban, falling in overtime 26-23 in 2007 and winning 41-30 the following season. Smart was an Alabama assistant for that first meeting and defensive coordinator for the next few so his personal record in the rivalry is a more respectable 3-5.Smart doesn’t need to emphasize the recent one-sided nature of the Alabama-Georgia series, describing his team’s mood simply as “they’re excited.”“They earned another opportunity to go play a really good football team,” he said. “Now we’ve got a really good football team. Our guys are physical, excited and looking forward to this opportunity on the biggest stage there is.”

Smart, Georgia trying to stop skid against Saban, Alabama

The top 25 teams in The Associated Press' college basketball poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, records through Jan. 2, total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote and previous ranking

Others receiving votes: Illinois 74, Oklahoma 71, Loyola Chicago 40, UConn 39, West Virginia 6, Iowa 5, Minnesota 3, San Francisco 3, Davidson 3, Creighton 2.

The top 25 teams in The Associated Press' college basketball poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, records through Jan. 2, total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote and previous rankingRecord	Pts	Prv1. Baylor (61)	13-0	1525	12. Duke	11-1	1447	23. Purdue	12-1	1376	34. Gonzaga	11-2	1336	45. UCLA	8-1	1287	56. Kansas	11-1	1237	67. Southern Cal	12-0	1015	78. Arizona	11-1	1013	99. Auburn	12-1	976	1110. Michigan St.	12-2	934	1011. Iowa St.	12-1	896	812. Houston	12-2	849	1213. Ohio St.	9-2	819	1314. Texas	11-2	640	1715. Alabama	10-3	589	1916. Kentucky	11-2	560	1816. Providence	13-1	560	2118. Tennessee	9-3	519	1419. Villanova	9-4	437	2220. Colorado St.	10-0	386	2021. LSU	12-1	371	1622. Xavier	11-2	270	2323. Wisconsin	10-2	221	2424. Seton Hall	9-3	174	1525. Texas Tech	10-2	142	25Others receiving votes: Illinois 74, Oklahoma 71, Loyola Chicago 40, UConn 39, West Virginia 6, Iowa 5, Minnesota 3, San Francisco 3, Davidson 3, Creighton 2.

KU remains #6 in AP Poll

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs probably felt as if they were looking in a mirror on Sunday in Cincinnati.

There was a young, hotshot quarterback carving up their defense for 446 yards and four touchdowns. An equally young, dynamic wide receiver catching 11 balls for 266 yards and three of the scores. And a talented young running back that was doing just enough on the ground to keep the defense frustrated.

Joe Burrow’s incredible performance and Ja’Marr Chase’s record-setting day catching his passes — and some help from Joe Mixon and the run game — was enough to lift the Bengals to a 31-28 victory and the AFC North title.

It also left the Chiefs looking in the mirror at themselves.

Their defense committed breakdowns that hadn’t happened since early in the season. Patrick Mahomes threw for 259 yards and a couple of TDs, but the Chiefs offense didn’t reach the end zone in the second half. Both sides of the ball were responsible for 10 penalties, including a couple that ruined a goal-line stand that would have forced overtime.

There also was a coaching letdown. If the Chiefs would have let the Bengals score at the goal line, they could have gotten the ball back with a chance to drive for a tying touchdown and force overtime on their own.

“This is a response-driven league,” Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu said. “I just didn’t think we responded well enough today. I know some people are gonna talk about certain calls that were made late in the game, and outside of that I still feel like we could have responded a lot better defensively.”

Now, the Chiefs (11-5) are in a predicament. Their regular-season finale against Denver was flexed to Saturday, and they will need to win and hope Tennessee loses to Houston on Sunday to climb back into the top spot and earn a first-round bye.

With a loss, the Chiefs could conceivably fall out of the No. 2 seed depending on results elsewhere.

“As coaches and players, you learn from it. That’s all you can do right now,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “The guys battled and I thought played good, aggressive football. We just came up short against a good team. And so we’ll go back, we’ll study it and we’ll try to get better from it.”

The Chiefs defensive line kept stuffing Cincinnati at the goal line in the final minutes, and in truth it played well most of the game. It only allowed 60 yards rushing, Chris Jones had two of their four sacks and they hit Burrow 10 times in all.

The secondary. Could there be any other answer? Chase made cornerback Charvarius Ward and the rest of his teammates look foolish on Sunday, while Tee Higgins caught three balls for 62 yards and Tyler Boyd had four for 36 yards and a score.

Darrel Williams ran 14 times for 88 yards and two touchdowns while catching three passes for 19 yards, carrying a heavy load with starter Clyde Edwards-Helaire dealing with a shoulder injury. Williams also did it behind a pair of backup tackles after Orlando Brown Jr. got hurt in warmups and Lucas Niang left during the game.

Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce were underwhelming once again, Hill in his second game since having COVID-19 and Kelce in his first. Hill was held to six catches for 40 yards while Kelce had five for 25 yards and a touchdown.

The Chiefs hope to get Edwards-Helaire back for the playoffs. It’s unclear how long Brown (calf strain) will be out. Niang is likely done for the season after tearing his patellar tendon against the Bengals.

0 — The amount of money Reid was willing to pay the NFL for complaining about the officiating Sunday. Several of the calls were questionable, including a pass interference penalty on L’Jarius Sneed.

“I’d like to comment on each one but I don’t want to be fined,” Reid said.

The Chiefs need to beat the Broncos on Sunday and then hope former assistant David Culley can lead Houston past the Titans on Sunday. That would give Kansas City the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, a first-round bye and home-field advantage.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs probably felt as if they were looking in a mirror on Sunday in Cincinnati.There was a young, hotshot quarterback carving up their defense for 446 yards and four touchdowns. An equally young, dynamic wide receiver catching 11 balls for 266 yards and three of the scores. And a talented young running back that was doing just enough on the ground to keep the defense frustrated.Sounds a lot like the Chiefs, huh?Joe Burrow’s incredible performance and Ja’Marr Chase’s record-setting day catching his passes — and some help from Joe Mixon and the run game — was enough to lift the Bengals to a 31-28 victory and the AFC North title.It also left the Chiefs looking in the mirror at themselves.Their defense committed breakdowns that hadn’t happened since early in the season. Patrick Mahomes threw for 259 yards and a couple of TDs, but the Chiefs offense didn’t reach the end zone in the second half. Both sides of the ball were responsible for 10 penalties, including a couple that ruined a goal-line stand that would have forced overtime.There also was a coaching letdown. If the Chiefs would have let the Bengals score at the goal line, they could have gotten the ball back with a chance to drive for a tying touchdown and force overtime on their own.“This is a response-driven league,” Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu said. “I just didn’t think we responded well enough today. I know some people are gonna talk about certain calls that were made late in the game, and outside of that I still feel like we could have responded a lot better defensively.”Now, the Chiefs (11-5) are in a predicament. Their regular-season finale against Denver was flexed to Saturday, and they will need to win and hope Tennessee loses to Houston on Sunday to climb back into the top spot and earn a first-round bye.With a loss, the Chiefs could conceivably fall out of the No. 2 seed depending on results elsewhere.“As coaches and players, you learn from it. That’s all you can do right now,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “The guys battled and I thought played good, aggressive football. We just came up short against a good team. And so we’ll go back, we’ll study it and we’ll try to get better from it.”WHAT’S WORKINGThe Chiefs defensive line kept stuffing Cincinnati at the goal line in the final minutes, and in truth it played well most of the game. It only allowed 60 yards rushing, Chris Jones had two of their four sacks and they hit Burrow 10 times in all.WHAT NEEDS HELPThe secondary. Could there be any other answer? Chase made cornerback Charvarius Ward and the rest of his teammates look foolish on Sunday, while Tee Higgins caught three balls for 62 yards and Tyler Boyd had four for 36 yards and a score.STOCK UPDarrel Williams ran 14 times for 88 yards and two touchdowns while catching three passes for 19 yards, carrying a heavy load with starter Clyde Edwards-Helaire dealing with a shoulder injury. Williams also did it behind a pair of backup tackles after Orlando Brown Jr. got hurt in warmups and Lucas Niang left during the game.STOCK DOWNTyreek Hill and Travis Kelce were underwhelming once again, Hill in his second game since having COVID-19 and Kelce in his first. Hill was held to six catches for 40 yards while Kelce had five for 25 yards and a touchdown.INJURIESThe Chiefs hope to get Edwards-Helaire back for the playoffs. It’s unclear how long Brown (calf strain) will be out. Niang is likely done for the season after tearing his patellar tendon against the Bengals.KEY NUMBER0 — The amount of money Reid was willing to pay the NFL for complaining about the officiating Sunday. Several of the calls were questionable, including a pass interference penalty on L’Jarius Sneed.“I’d like to comment on each one but I don’t want to be fined,” Reid said.NEXT STEPSThe Chiefs need to beat the Broncos on Sunday and then hope former assistant David Culley can lead Houston past the Titans on Sunday. That would give Kansas City the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, a first-round bye and home-field advantage.

Chiefs fall from No. 1 seed with last-second loss to Bengals

HOUSTON (AP) — Quarterback Skylar Thompson will return from an ankle injury to start for Kansas State in the Texas Bowl on Tuesday night. LSU interim coach Brad Davis won’t say who will start at QB for the Tigers. Myles Brennan is injured and Max Johnson transferred to Texas A&amp;M. Freshman Garrett Nussmeier was listed first on a depth chart released this week but it’s unclear if he’ll play because one more game would burn his redshirt year. 

UNDATED (AP) — Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams says he is entering his name in the transfer portal so he can speak with other schools. The freshman added he had not ruled out staying with the Sooners. But within hours of Williams’ announcement, Oklahoma might have found his replacement. Former UCF quarterback Dillon Gabriel says he is instead planning to go to Oklahoma. Gabriel had committed to transfer to UCLA last month. Williams is a former five-star recruit from Washington, D.C., who was recruited to Oklahoma by then-head coach Lincoln Riley. Riley left Oklahoma to become Southern California's coach after the Sooners finished their regular season.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs lost in Cincinnati on a last-second field goal Sunday that knocked Kansas City out of the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoff race. There was plenty of blame to go around. The Chiefs allowed Joe Burrow to throw for 446 yards and four TDs, and Ja'Marr Chase had 11 catches for 266 yards and three of the scores. The Kansas City offense failed to reach the end zone in the second half, allowing the Bengals to overcome an early 28-14 hole. And both sides committed too many penalties in a loss that takes the chance to earn a first-round playoff bye out of the Chiefs' hands.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Ben Roethlisberger threw for 123 yards and a touchdown in likely his final start at Heinz Field as the Pittsburgh Steelers beat Cleveland 26-14. Roethlisberger says he is leaning toward retirement. He improved to 26-3-1against the Browns in his 18-year career. The Steelers also kept their slim playoff hopes alive with the victory. Pittsburgh needs a win in its regular-season finale against Baltimore and a loss by Indianapolis to Jacksonville to reach the postseason. Baker Mayfield threw for 185 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions for the Browns.

UNDATED (AP) — Baylor kept its firm hold on No. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25 men’s college basketball poll with few changes at the top and no new teams entering the latest rankings. The reigning national champion Bears earned all 61 first-place votes for the third time in four weeks to easily outdistance No. 2 Duke. No. 9 Auburn climbed into the top 10 for the first time this season. No. 16 Providence rose five spots in the week's biggest jump. No. 24 Seton Hall had the biggest tumble by falling nine spots. LSU, Tennessee and Iowa State also fell.

UNDATED (AP) — No. 25 Texas Tech is diving into a challenging stretch of games to open its Big 12 schedule. The Red Raiders first visit No. 11 Iowa State on Wednesday before returning home to host sixth-ranked Kansas on Saturday. There's also a looming matchup with top-ranked and reigning national champion Baylor for next week. Texas Tech's challenging stretch headlines the AP Top 25 schedule this week. No. 21 LSU also faces two ranked foes in the Southeastern Conference. In addition, Baylor, No. 7 Southern California and No. 20 Colorado State will try to remain the last unbeaten teams in Division I. 

Carolina	at	Toronto	7:30 p.m.	(Postponed)

Minnesota	at	Ottawa	7:30 p.m.	(Postponed)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639997004498.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSTON (AP) — Quarterback Skylar Thompson will return from an ankle injury to start for Kansas State in the Texas Bowl on Tuesday night. LSU interim coach Brad Davis won’t say who will start at QB for the Tigers. Myles Brennan is injured and Max Johnson transferred to Texas A&amp;M. Freshman Garrett Nussmeier was listed first on a depth chart released this week but it’s unclear if he’ll play because one more game would burn his redshirt year. UNDATED (AP) — Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams says he is entering his name in the transfer portal so he can speak with other schools. The freshman added he had not ruled out staying with the Sooners. But within hours of Williams’ announcement, Oklahoma might have found his replacement. Former UCF quarterback Dillon Gabriel says he is instead planning to go to Oklahoma. Gabriel had committed to transfer to UCLA last month. Williams is a former five-star recruit from Washington, D.C., who was recruited to Oklahoma by then-head coach Lincoln Riley. Riley left Oklahoma to become Southern California's coach after the Sooners finished their regular season.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs lost in Cincinnati on a last-second field goal Sunday that knocked Kansas City out of the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoff race. There was plenty of blame to go around. The Chiefs allowed Joe Burrow to throw for 446 yards and four TDs, and Ja'Marr Chase had 11 catches for 266 yards and three of the scores. The Kansas City offense failed to reach the end zone in the second half, allowing the Bengals to overcome an early 28-14 hole. And both sides committed too many penalties in a loss that takes the chance to earn a first-round playoff bye out of the Chiefs' hands.PITTSBURGH (AP) — Ben Roethlisberger threw for 123 yards and a touchdown in likely his final start at Heinz Field as the Pittsburgh Steelers beat Cleveland 26-14. Roethlisberger says he is leaning toward retirement. He improved to 26-3-1against the Browns in his 18-year career. The Steelers also kept their slim playoff hopes alive with the victory. Pittsburgh needs a win in its regular-season finale against Baltimore and a loss by Indianapolis to Jacksonville to reach the postseason. Baker Mayfield threw for 185 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions for the Browns.UNDATED (AP) — Baylor kept its firm hold on No. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25 men’s college basketball poll with few changes at the top and no new teams entering the latest rankings. The reigning national champion Bears earned all 61 first-place votes for the third time in four weeks to easily outdistance No. 2 Duke. No. 9 Auburn climbed into the top 10 for the first time this season. No. 16 Providence rose five spots in the week's biggest jump. No. 24 Seton Hall had the biggest tumble by falling nine spots. LSU, Tennessee and Iowa State also fell.UNDATED (AP) — No. 25 Texas Tech is diving into a challenging stretch of games to open its Big 12 schedule. The Red Raiders first visit No. 11 Iowa State on Wednesday before returning home to host sixth-ranked Kansas on Saturday. There's also a looming matchup with top-ranked and reigning national champion Baylor for next week. Texas Tech's challenging stretch headlines the AP Top 25 schedule this week. No. 21 LSU also faces two ranked foes in the Southeastern Conference. In addition, Baylor, No. 7 Southern California and No. 20 Colorado State will try to remain the last unbeaten teams in Division I. MONDAY SCORESNATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUEFinal	Pittsburgh	26	Cleveland	14	TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	(23)Wisconsin	74	(3)Purdue	69	Final	(8)Arizona	95	Washington	79	NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Philadelphia	133	Houston	113	Final	Washington	124	Charlotte	121	Final	Memphis	118	Brooklyn	104	Final	Detroit	115	Milwaukee	106	Final	Chicago	102	Orlando	98	Final	Utah	115	New Orleans	104	Final	Dallas	103	Denver	89	Final	Golden State	115	Miami	108	Final	Portland	136	Atlanta	131	Final	Minnesota	122	L.A. Clippers	104	NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUECarolina	at	Toronto	7:30 p.m.	(Postponed)Minnesota	at	Ottawa	7:30 p.m.	(Postponed)Final	N-Y Rangers	4	Edmonton	1

Tuesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

TaxAct Texas Bowl: LSU (6-6) at Kansas State (7-5), Jan. 4, 9 p.m. Eastern (ESPN)

Line: Kansas State by 4 ½, according to FanDuel Sportsbook

LSU looks to extend its winning streak to three games behind interim coach Brad Davis after Ed Orgeron, who reached a separation agreement with the team in October, chose not to coach the bowl game. New coach Brian Kelly has been working to assemble his staff while the Tigers prepare to face Kansas State. LSU returns to bowl action for the first time since winning the 2019 national championship. Kansas State is also back in a bowl after a one-year hiatus and the Wildcats will look to bounce back after dropping their last two games this season.

LSU’s QB vs. Kansas State’s pass defense. Davis hasn’t said who will start Tuesday with Myles Brennan hurt and Max Johnson having transferred to Texas A&amp;M. Freshman Garrett Nussmeier was listed first on a depth chart released this week but it’s unclear if he’ll play because one more game would burn his redshirt year. Walk-on Tavion Faulk is listed as Nussmeier’s backup. No matter who is at QB for LSU, he’ll face a pass defense that allowed 221.7 yards a game.

LSU: RB Corey Kiner looks to lead the running game after top rusher Tyrion Davis-Price, who ran for 1,003 yards this season, opted out of the Texas Bowl to prepare for the NFL draft. Kiner enters the game after rushing 65 times for 271 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman this season.

Kansas State: QB Skylar Thompson is healthy and expected to start after missing the regular-season finale with an ankle injury. Thompson threw for 1,854 yards with nine touchdowns this season.

The only meeting between these teams was a 21-0 victory by LSU on Sept. 13, 1980. ... Davis will remain on Kelly’s staff next season as offensive line coach. ... This will be LSU’s third appearance at NRG Stadium. The Tigers are 2-0 at the stadium after beating Wisconsin 28-24 in the 2014 season-opener and getting a win over Texas Tech in the 2015 Texas Bowl. ... LSU has won 10 straight games in domed stadiums. ... The Tigers are averaging 27.1 points and 373.5 yards a game. ... LSU has had at least one touchdown pass in 41 straight games. ... LSU K Cade York has made a school-record 118 straight extra points. ... Kansas State is in the Texas Bowl for the third time. The Wildcats lost to Rutgers in the first Texas Bowl in 2006 and beat Texas A&amp;M in 2016. ... RB Deuce Vaughn has 1,258 yards rushing this season. ... K-State DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah ranks first in the nation with six forced fumbles and is second in the Big 12 with 11 sacks and 14 ½ tackles for losses. ... Kansas State Coach Chris Klieman is the first coach in school history to lead the Wildcats to two bowl games in his first three seasons.

TaxAct Texas Bowl: LSU (6-6) at Kansas State (7-5), Jan. 4, 9 p.m. Eastern (ESPN)Line: Kansas State by 4 ½, according to FanDuel SportsbookSeries record: LSU leads 1-0.WHAT’S AT STAKELSU looks to extend its winning streak to three games behind interim coach Brad Davis after Ed Orgeron, who reached a separation agreement with the team in October, chose not to coach the bowl game. New coach Brian Kelly has been working to assemble his staff while the Tigers prepare to face Kansas State. LSU returns to bowl action for the first time since winning the 2019 national championship. Kansas State is also back in a bowl after a one-year hiatus and the Wildcats will look to bounce back after dropping their last two games this season.KEY MATCHUPLSU’s QB vs. Kansas State’s pass defense. Davis hasn’t said who will start Tuesday with Myles Brennan hurt and Max Johnson having transferred to Texas A&amp;M. Freshman Garrett Nussmeier was listed first on a depth chart released this week but it’s unclear if he’ll play because one more game would burn his redshirt year. Walk-on Tavion Faulk is listed as Nussmeier’s backup. No matter who is at QB for LSU, he’ll face a pass defense that allowed 221.7 yards a game.LSU: RB Corey Kiner looks to lead the running game after top rusher Tyrion Davis-Price, who ran for 1,003 yards this season, opted out of the Texas Bowl to prepare for the NFL draft. Kiner enters the game after rushing 65 times for 271 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman this season.Kansas State: QB Skylar Thompson is healthy and expected to start after missing the regular-season finale with an ankle injury. Thompson threw for 1,854 yards with nine touchdowns this season.FACTS &amp; FIGURESThe only meeting between these teams was a 21-0 victory by LSU on Sept. 13, 1980. ... Davis will remain on Kelly’s staff next season as offensive line coach. ... This will be LSU’s third appearance at NRG Stadium. The Tigers are 2-0 at the stadium after beating Wisconsin 28-24 in the 2014 season-opener and getting a win over Texas Tech in the 2015 Texas Bowl. ... LSU has won 10 straight games in domed stadiums. ... The Tigers are averaging 27.1 points and 373.5 yards a game. ... LSU has had at least one touchdown pass in 41 straight games. ... LSU K Cade York has made a school-record 118 straight extra points. ... Kansas State is in the Texas Bowl for the third time. The Wildcats lost to Rutgers in the first Texas Bowl in 2006 and beat Texas A&amp;M in 2016. ... RB Deuce Vaughn has 1,258 yards rushing this season. ... K-State DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah ranks first in the nation with six forced fumbles and is second in the Big 12 with 11 sacks and 14 ½ tackles for losses. ... Kansas State Coach Chris Klieman is the first coach in school history to lead the Wildcats to two bowl games in his first three seasons.

LSU has QB questions in Texas Bowl against Kansas State

By RALPH D. RUSSO - Associated Press

Turning more bowls into playoff games would give more players a worthy reward for risking millions in potential future earnings to participate in the postseason.

Players opting out of bowl games became the underlying theme of New Year’s Day in college football, which was a shame because the games themselves were entertaining — even with some missing All-Americans.

Oklahoma State’s Fiesta Bowl comeback against Notre Dame was thrilling. The Rose Bowl between Ohio State and Utah was epic. Still, it was hard to watch them without wondering how much better it would if these teams were playing with a chance to win a national championship.

While Friday’s Orange and Cotton bowl blowouts could lead some to suggest that a four-team playoff is more than enough to determine the best team in the country, that’s not the point of expansion.

In the eight-year history of the College Football Playoff, no prominent player has ever opted out of a semifinal.

That fact eluded ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit when he started a daylong take-fest on Twitter with an oh-these-kids-today rant on “College GameDay.”

“I just don’t understand if you don’t make it to the playoff, how is it ‘meaningless’ to play football,” Herbstreit said Saturday. “Isn’t that what we do as football players, is we compete? I don’t know that expanding it is changing anything. I really don’t.”

He added: “I think this era of player just doesn’t love football.”

It was a tone-deaf statement by Herbstreit, insisting a new generation hold the same sentimentality for traditions that he has — even though those traditions have been watered down for years by the adults who run college football.

The enterprise has become a millionaire-making business for coaches, administrators and celebrity commentators, but the players are held to different standards.

A coach bolts to a new school for a $100 million deal, but the players are expected to stick it out to the end for love of the game and loyalty to teammates.

As expected, social media scorched Herbstreit, the former Ohio State quarterback who has become the most-high profile member of college football media. He eventually walked back his comments, conceding he painted with too broad a brush.

Notre Dame star safety Kyle Hamilton, a likely first-round NFL draft pick who decided not to play in the Fiesta Bowl, posed this question on Twitter:

“Another sports broadcast offers you the opportunity to make ‘X’ amount of dollars that would help you and your family in ways you couldn’t in the past, but there’s a possibility that you don’t get the job if you film another College Gameday. What would you do?” Hamilton tweeted.

There is more nuance to it, but that broadly sums up the decision these players face.

An injury in a bowl game, even one that isn’t career-threatening, can complicate the next fourth months of evaluation and drastically change the trajectory of a player’s professional career.

The risk/reward calculation for unpaid college players understandably leads many to pass on one last moment of collegiate glory.

The most prominent of those on New Year’s Day was Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral, a potential first-round pick who decided to suit up for the Sugar Bowl against Big 12 champion Baylor. The Rebels and Bears are two more teams that would have been in a 12-team field if that system was in place.

Corral deciding to play was understandably the story of the game and ESPN’s broadcast crew of Joe Tessitore and Greg McElroy gushed with praise for the junior — who was then injured in the first quarter.

Corral watched the second half from the sideline on crutches, rooting on his teammates and encouraging his replacement in Baylor’s 21-7 victory.

Corral’s actions were admirable and it was relieving to hear from Coach Lane Kiffin after the game that X-rays on the quarterback’s ankle showed no broken bones.

But at some point, praising Corral and others who choose to play turns into scolding those who don’t.

“He’s doing it the right way,” Tessitore said about Corral. “He cares about it the right way.”

So others are going about it the wrong way?

Expanding the playoff doesn’t end opt-outs. There would still be far more bowls than playoff games. Ideally, playoff expansion will be part of reimagining the entire postseason, and maybe even regular season in college football.

Players still love to play, but more and more they want stakes beyond pride and tradition attached to put their futures at risk.

So give more of them a chance to play for a national title as the reward.

By RALPH D. RUSSO - Associated PressTurning more bowls into playoff games would give more players a worthy reward for risking millions in potential future earnings to participate in the postseason.Players opting out of bowl games became the underlying theme of New Year’s Day in college football, which was a shame because the games themselves were entertaining — even with some missing All-Americans.Oklahoma State’s Fiesta Bowl comeback against Notre Dame was thrilling. The Rose Bowl between Ohio State and Utah was epic. Still, it was hard to watch them without wondering how much better it would if these teams were playing with a chance to win a national championship.While Friday’s Orange and Cotton bowl blowouts could lead some to suggest that a four-team playoff is more than enough to determine the best team in the country, that’s not the point of expansion.In the eight-year history of the College Football Playoff, no prominent player has ever opted out of a semifinal.That fact eluded ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit when he started a daylong take-fest on Twitter with an oh-these-kids-today rant on “College GameDay.”“I just don’t understand if you don’t make it to the playoff, how is it ‘meaningless’ to play football,” Herbstreit said Saturday. “Isn’t that what we do as football players, is we compete? I don’t know that expanding it is changing anything. I really don’t.”He added: “I think this era of player just doesn’t love football.”It was a tone-deaf statement by Herbstreit, insisting a new generation hold the same sentimentality for traditions that he has — even though those traditions have been watered down for years by the adults who run college football.The enterprise has become a millionaire-making business for coaches, administrators and celebrity commentators, but the players are held to different standards.A coach bolts to a new school for a $100 million deal, but the players are expected to stick it out to the end for love of the game and loyalty to teammates.As expected, social media scorched Herbstreit, the former Ohio State quarterback who has become the most-high profile member of college football media. He eventually walked back his comments, conceding he painted with too broad a brush.Notre Dame star safety Kyle Hamilton, a likely first-round NFL draft pick who decided not to play in the Fiesta Bowl, posed this question on Twitter:“Another sports broadcast offers you the opportunity to make ‘X’ amount of dollars that would help you and your family in ways you couldn’t in the past, but there’s a possibility that you don’t get the job if you film another College Gameday. What would you do?” Hamilton tweeted.There is more nuance to it, but that broadly sums up the decision these players face.An injury in a bowl game, even one that isn’t career-threatening, can complicate the next fourth months of evaluation and drastically change the trajectory of a player’s professional career.The risk/reward calculation for unpaid college players understandably leads many to pass on one last moment of collegiate glory.Plenty of players still choose to play.The most prominent of those on New Year’s Day was Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral, a potential first-round pick who decided to suit up for the Sugar Bowl against Big 12 champion Baylor. The Rebels and Bears are two more teams that would have been in a 12-team field if that system was in place.Corral deciding to play was understandably the story of the game and ESPN’s broadcast crew of Joe Tessitore and Greg McElroy gushed with praise for the junior — who was then injured in the first quarter.Corral watched the second half from the sideline on crutches, rooting on his teammates and encouraging his replacement in Baylor’s 21-7 victory.Corral’s actions were admirable and it was relieving to hear from Coach Lane Kiffin after the game that X-rays on the quarterback’s ankle showed no broken bones.But at some point, praising Corral and others who choose to play turns into scolding those who don’t.“He’s doing it the right way,” Tessitore said about Corral. “He cares about it the right way.”So others are going about it the wrong way?Expanding the playoff doesn’t end opt-outs. There would still be far more bowls than playoff games. Ideally, playoff expansion will be part of reimagining the entire postseason, and maybe even regular season in college football.How about bowls to start the season?Players still love to play, but more and more they want stakes beyond pride and tradition attached to put their futures at risk.So give more of them a chance to play for a national title as the reward.

Analysis: Expanded CFP gives more players reward worth risk

Western Athletic Conference&nbsp; Kearney, NE @ Garden City (Mon.) Hays @ Pratt Ulysses @ Dodge City

Central Kansas League Hoisington @ Smoky Valley Ellsworth @ Larned Hutch-Trinity @ Hillsboro Halstead @ Clearwater Andale @ Nickerson Sedgwick @ Haven Lyons @ Pratt-Skyline

Central Prairie League Ellinwood @ Central Plains St. John @ Kinsley Macksville @ Cunningham Stafford @ Otis-Bison Plainville @ Victoria La Crosse @ Sterling

Other Area Teams Fairfield @ Chase Pawnee Heights @ Bucklin Natoma @ Wilson Kiowa County @ Meade Spearville @ Hodgeman County

Western Athletic Conference&nbsp; Kearney, NE @ Garden City (Mon.) Hays @ Pratt Ulysses @ Dodge CityCentral Kansas League Hoisington @ Smoky Valley Ellsworth @ Larned Hutch-Trinity @ Hillsboro Halstead @ Clearwater Andale @ Nickerson Sedgwick @ Haven Lyons @ Pratt-SkylineCentral Prairie League Ellinwood @ Central Plains St. John @ Kinsley Macksville @ Cunningham Stafford @ Otis-Bison Plainville @ Victoria La Crosse @ SterlingOther Area Teams Fairfield @ Chase Pawnee Heights @ Bucklin Natoma @ Wilson Kiowa County @ Meade Spearville @ Hodgeman County

Tuesday High School Basketball Schedule (1/4/22)

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Ayoka Lee continued to show why she is one of the best post players in the country scoring 32 points with 10 rebounds and Kansas State upset No. 10 Baylor 68-59 on Sunday.

It’s the first time the Wildcats have beaten the Lady Bears in 36 tries dating back to 2004. Kansas State beat a ranked opponent for the first time since 2012.

“I think it’s a big one,” Kansas State coach Jeff Mittie said. “Baylor has had such a hold on the league that you can do that stat with a lot. It’s kind of been the way. They’ve dominated the league, right. So this is a huge win against a program that has dominated this league over the last decade.”

Kansas State (11-2, 1-0 Big 12) led by 14 in the fourth quarter, but the Bears cut the lead to four in the final minute. The Wildcats held off the Bears making five free throws down the stretch.

The Wildcats controlled the game leading for over 38 minutes and held Baylor at bay the entire game.

Lee scored 28 second half points and Serena Sundell had 10. It’s the second most points by a player in a half since Brittany Chambers had 29 in 2013.

The Bears were held to just 56 points, a season low and their least amount in a game since 2020.

“I’d like to think we had something to do with them not shooting the ball well,” Mittie said. “I don’t know what the number says but my eyes tell me that we were able to do that pretty successfully and that’s what we wanted to do.

Baylor (10-3, 0-1) played with just seven players due to health and safety protocols. The Bears were led in scoring by Ja’Mee Asberry and Jordan Lewis who scored 14 each and NaLyssa Smith had 12.

“I think we were open early and didn’t make shots. I felt like we were just one run away and we couldn’t get there,” Baylor coach Nicki Collen said said “Our turnovers hurt us more than anything.”

Baylor shot 21-for-54 from the field as the Wildcats went 23-for-45.

“I think it’s about are you ready to play,” Collen said. “To me, it wasn’t that we didn’t get good shots, we just didn’t put them in the basket.”

Baylor: They aren’t the same powerhouse they were under Kim Mulkey. The Bears already have three losses this season and are starting 0-1 in the Big 12.

Baylor hosts TCU on Wednesday and Kansas State goes to Oklahoma State the same day.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Ayoka Lee continued to show why she is one of the best post players in the country scoring 32 points with 10 rebounds and Kansas State upset No. 10 Baylor 68-59 on Sunday.It’s the first time the Wildcats have beaten the Lady Bears in 36 tries dating back to 2004. Kansas State beat a ranked opponent for the first time since 2012.“I think it’s a big one,” Kansas State coach Jeff Mittie said. “Baylor has had such a hold on the league that you can do that stat with a lot. It’s kind of been the way. They’ve dominated the league, right. So this is a huge win against a program that has dominated this league over the last decade.”Kansas State (11-2, 1-0 Big 12) led by 14 in the fourth quarter, but the Bears cut the lead to four in the final minute. The Wildcats held off the Bears making five free throws down the stretch.The Wildcats controlled the game leading for over 38 minutes and held Baylor at bay the entire game.Lee scored 28 second half points and Serena Sundell had 10. It’s the second most points by a player in a half since Brittany Chambers had 29 in 2013.The Bears were held to just 56 points, a season low and their least amount in a game since 2020.“I’d like to think we had something to do with them not shooting the ball well,” Mittie said. “I don’t know what the number says but my eyes tell me that we were able to do that pretty successfully and that’s what we wanted to do.Baylor (10-3, 0-1) played with just seven players due to health and safety protocols. The Bears were led in scoring by Ja’Mee Asberry and Jordan Lewis who scored 14 each and NaLyssa Smith had 12.“I think we were open early and didn’t make shots. I felt like we were just one run away and we couldn’t get there,” Baylor coach Nicki Collen said said “Our turnovers hurt us more than anything.”Baylor shot 21-for-54 from the field as the Wildcats went 23-for-45.“I think it’s about are you ready to play,” Collen said. “To me, it wasn’t that we didn’t get good shots, we just didn’t put them in the basket.”BIG PICTUREBaylor: They aren’t the same powerhouse they were under Kim Mulkey. The Bears already have three losses this season and are starting 0-1 in the Big 12.UP NEXTBaylor hosts TCU on Wednesday and Kansas State goes to Oklahoma State the same day.

Lee scores 32, leads Kansas State over No. 10 Baylor 68-59

CINCINNATI (AP) — Patrick Mahomes had a message for young Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase when the two met on the field after Cincinnati’s dramatic 34-31 win over Kansas City to clinch the AFC North title.

“Keep going — we’ll see you in the playoffs,” the Chiefs quarterback told Chase.

The Bengals (10-6) are finally back in the postseason, thanks to Chase and quarterback Joe Burrow, who both shattered team records on Sunday. Chase’s 266 receiving yards was more than Mahomes had passing (259) in the game.

Kansas City (11-5) had its eight-game winning streak snapped and fell out of the top seed in the AFC, ceding that spot to Tennessee.

The last Cincinnati playoff appearance was 2015 when the team started 8-0 and won the division, only to lose a bizarre wild-card game to the Steelers. The Bengals haven’t won a playoff game in three decades.

There were plenty of heroics from a new generation of Bengals.

In addition to breaking Jerry Butler’s NFL rookie record of 255 yards for Buffalo against the New York Jets on Sept. 23, 1979, Chase set a record for receiving yards in a season by a rookie. He has 1,429 yards with one game left in the league’s first 17-game season, surpassing Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson, who had 1,400 yards in 2020.

Joe Burrow threw for 466 yards and four scores while outdueling Mahomes, and the Bengals rallied from three 14-point deficits against the AFC West champs, finally closing them out when rookie Evan McPherson kicked a 20-yard field goal as time expired.

“That was fun,” said Burrow, who puffed on a victory cigar in the locker room that running back Joe Mixon had left for him a couple weeks ago.

Cincinnati completed a worst-to-first turnaround, winning its division the year after finishing in last place. It makes 17 of the past 19 seasons in which at least one team finished in first place the season after finishing in last or tied for last place.

The Bengals’ winning drive was filled with drama.

On fourth-and-inches with under a minute left, Cincinnati decided to go for a touchdown instead of calling on McPherson for a field goal and giving the Chiefs the ball back with a chance to win.

“I knew we’d go for it,” Burrow said. “They’ve got Patrick Mahomes on the other side. He could go down and win the game.”

Burrow threw incomplete in the end zone, but Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed was flagged for illegal use of hands, giving the Bengals a fresh set of downs. With Burrow limping on the sideline, backup quarterback Brandon Allen was called on to kneel twice before McPherson came on for the game-winner.

Burrow said his right knee was sore but insisted he could have stayed in the game and will be fine.

CINCINNATI (AP) — Patrick Mahomes had a message for young Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase when the two met on the field after Cincinnati’s dramatic 34-31 win over Kansas City to clinch the AFC North title.“Keep going — we’ll see you in the playoffs,” the Chiefs quarterback told Chase.The Bengals (10-6) are finally back in the postseason, thanks to Chase and quarterback Joe Burrow, who both shattered team records on Sunday. Chase’s 266 receiving yards was more than Mahomes had passing (259) in the game.Kansas City (11-5) had its eight-game winning streak snapped and fell out of the top seed in the AFC, ceding that spot to Tennessee.The last Cincinnati playoff appearance was 2015 when the team started 8-0 and won the division, only to lose a bizarre wild-card game to the Steelers. The Bengals haven’t won a playoff game in three decades.There were plenty of heroics from a new generation of Bengals.In addition to breaking Jerry Butler’s NFL rookie record of 255 yards for Buffalo against the New York Jets on Sept. 23, 1979, Chase set a record for receiving yards in a season by a rookie. He has 1,429 yards with one game left in the league’s first 17-game season, surpassing Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson, who had 1,400 yards in 2020.Joe Burrow threw for 466 yards and four scores while outdueling Mahomes, and the Bengals rallied from three 14-point deficits against the AFC West champs, finally closing them out when rookie Evan McPherson kicked a 20-yard field goal as time expired.“That was fun,” said Burrow, who puffed on a victory cigar in the locker room that running back Joe Mixon had left for him a couple weeks ago.Cincinnati completed a worst-to-first turnaround, winning its division the year after finishing in last place. It makes 17 of the past 19 seasons in which at least one team finished in first place the season after finishing in last or tied for last place.The Bengals’ winning drive was filled with drama.On fourth-and-inches with under a minute left, Cincinnati decided to go for a touchdown instead of calling on McPherson for a field goal and giving the Chiefs the ball back with a chance to win.“I knew we’d go for it,” Burrow said. “They’ve got Patrick Mahomes on the other side. He could go down and win the game.”Burrow threw incomplete in the end zone, but Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed was flagged for illegal use of hands, giving the Bengals a fresh set of downs. With Burrow limping on the sideline, backup quarterback Brandon Allen was called on to kneel twice before McPherson came on for the game-winner.Burrow said his right knee was sore but insisted he could have stayed in the game and will be fine.The second-year quarterback was outstanding again, completing 30 of 39 attempts. He was sacked four times and hit at least six more times but was as accurate as ever, and Chase caught everything that was thrown near him.“If you play one-on-one, good luck with that,” Burrow said. “I know he’s down there somewhere. I just throw it and let him make a play.”Mahomes looked as if he had the game under control early. He threw two first-quarter touchdown passes to give the Chiefs the early lead, but he didn’t get another one.The Chiefs led 14-0, 21-7 and 28-14 in the first half. They were ahead 28-17 at halftime before the Bengals began the latest of several second-half surges this season.A 69-yard TD pass from Burrow to Chase early in the second half cut the Chiefs’ lead to 28-24. Kansas City responded with Harrison Butker’s 34-yard field goal.Burrow then hit Tyler Boyd for a 5-yard TD, capping an 86-yard drive that was twice extended by flags on Sneed, including an unnecessary roughness penalty that gave Cincinnati first-and-goal at the Kansas City 7.Mahomes was 26 for 35 for 259 yards and threw touchdown passes to Demarcus Robinson and tight end Travis Kelce, who caught a pass in his 125th straight game.Kansas City’s Darrel Williams rushed for 88 yards and scored twice.“You just go back to work, you don’t point fingers,” Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu said. “You don’t blame coaches, you don’t blame a particular player or a particular series, you just go back to work. You keep bonding with your teammates, you keep that chemistry alive and you keep believing in your coaches, as well.”BURROW KEEPS BANGINGBurrow has 971 passing yards, eight touchdowns and zero interceptions in his last two games. On Sunday, he shattered the franchise record for passing yards in a season (4,611), passing Andy Dalton, who had 4,293 yards in 2013. Burrow also now holds the single-season franchise record for passing TDs with 34 (Dalton had 33 in ’13). He has passed for 300-plus yards six times this season, also a Bengals record. He has four career games of 400-plus yards, the most of any player in his first two seasons since Hall of Famer Dan Marino had three in his first two years.INJURIESChiefs: RT Lucas Niang suffered a knee injury in the first quarter and did not return.Bengals: LG Quinton Spain suffered a right ankle injury in the second quarter and didn’t return.UP NEXTChiefs: at Denver in the regular-season finale next Saturday. Kansas City can still secure the AFC’s top seed with a victory and a loss by Tennessee, which plays at Houston next Sunday.Bengals: finish next Sunday at Cleveland.