By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info

The hopes of reaching the Region VI Championship for the fifth straight year fell short Friday afternoon as the Barton Community College women's basketball team fell 49-39 to top seeded and the nation's top ranked Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons in the semifinal round.

A near carbon copy script from the prior meeting just two weeks ago in Great Bend had the Cougars out to an early eight-point lead in the opening seven minutes and holding a 15-10 advantage through the first quarter.

The tide quickly swayed at 7:31 into the second frame when the Cougars' leading scorer Vera Ojenuwa exited with her second foul. To compound the issues, Barton went ice cold at just 3-of-10 from the field and committed seven turnovers while the Blue Dragons shot a sizzling 4-of-6 from behind the arc in their 7-of-11 overall shooting in the quarter.  The result was Hutchinson outscoring Barton 20-7 to flip a deficit into an eight-point halftime lead.

The Blue Dragons continued to protect home court out of the locker room to build their largest lead of 18 points in the third quarter as Barton's fight for the upset was only able to cut the deficit to ten in the remaining twelve minutes.

The loss concludes Barton's 2023-24 season at 22-10 while Hutchinson continues its perfect season at 32-0 and advances to Saturday's 3:00 p.m. Region VI Championship game against Butler Community College who upset No. 17 Dodge City Community College 65-52 in the other semifinal game.

Despite holding Hutchinson to its season low point total, the Cougars were also held to its lowest output for the second game in a row against the Blue Dragons as the teams combined for the series' second lowest total scoring.

On the bright side for the 2023-24 squad, the Cougars' defensive effort all season set a program record by holding its opponents to just 54.0 points per game in bettering last year's top mark of surrendering just 54.7 per outing.

Connecting on just 30.2% from the field including 4-of-20 from long distance, Ojenuwa was the lone Cougar to finish in double figures as the freshman posted her 16th double-double of the year in finishing with 10 points and 13 rebounds despite being held to just ten minutes of court time in the first half.

Vivian Onugha added nine points with a game high 12 rebounds as Grace John concluded her Barton career producing 9 points on 3-of-8 arc shooting with 5 rebounds and 3 assists.

The Blue Dragons finished at 37% shooting on a tale of two "halves", 57.8% (11-19) in the middle portion of the contest and just 22.2% (6-27) in the opening ten and concluding ten minutes of action.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710590456240.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoThe hopes of reaching the Region VI Championship for the fifth straight year fell short Friday afternoon as the Barton Community College women's basketball team fell 49-39 to top seeded and the nation's top ranked Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons in the semifinal round.A near carbon copy script from the prior meeting just two weeks ago in Great Bend had the Cougars out to an early eight-point lead in the opening seven minutes and holding a 15-10 advantage through the first quarter.The tide quickly swayed at 7:31 into the second frame when the Cougars' leading scorer Vera Ojenuwa exited with her second foul. To compound the issues, Barton went ice cold at just 3-of-10 from the field and committed seven turnovers while the Blue Dragons shot a sizzling 4-of-6 from behind the arc in their 7-of-11 overall shooting in the quarter. The result was Hutchinson outscoring Barton 20-7 to flip a deficit into an eight-point halftime lead.The Blue Dragons continued to protect home court out of the locker room to build their largest lead of 18 points in the third quarter as Barton's fight for the upset was only able to cut the deficit to ten in the remaining twelve minutes.The loss concludes Barton's 2023-24 season at 22-10 while Hutchinson continues its perfect season at 32-0 and advances to Saturday's 3:00 p.m. Region VI Championship game against Butler Community College who upset No. 17 Dodge City Community College 65-52 in the other semifinal game.Despite holding Hutchinson to its season low point total, the Cougars were also held to its lowest output for the second game in a row against the Blue Dragons as the teams combined for the series' second lowest total scoring.On the bright side for the 2023-24 squad, the Cougars' defensive effort all season set a program record by holding its opponents to just 54.0 points per game in bettering last year's top mark of surrendering just 54.7 per outing.Connecting on just 30.2% from the field including 4-of-20 from long distance, Ojenuwa was the lone Cougar to finish in double figures as the freshman posted her 16th double-double of the year in finishing with 10 points and 13 rebounds despite being held to just ten minutes of court time in the first half.Vivian Onugha added nine points with a game high 12 rebounds as Grace John concluded her Barton career producing 9 points on 3-of-8 arc shooting with 5 rebounds and 3 assists.The Blue Dragons finished at 37% shooting on a tale of two "halves", 57.8% (11-19) in the middle portion of the contest and just 22.2% (6-27) in the opening ten and concluding ten minutes of action.

Barton women's basketball falls to top ranked Hutchinson in Region VI Semifinals

BETHANY, Okla. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team led wire-to-wire in a NCAA Division II Central Region quarterfinal victory over Northwest Missouri State Friday afternoon (March 15), 62-47. The Tigers (25-7) now advance to the regional semifinals for the sixth time in school history where they will take on the No. 7 seed Minnesota State on Saturday evening (March 16, 5 p.m.) inside the Sawyer Center on the campus of Southern Nazarene University.

The win gives Fort Hays State 25 victories in a season for the seventh time in program history, including the sixth 25-win season in the last 10 years.

After losing the opening tip for just the eighth time in 32 games this season, the No. 3-seeded Tigers still got on the board first when Sydney Golladay knocked down a jumper on FHSU's first possession of the game. Fort Hays State played stellar defense over the first 10 minutes, limiting the No. 6-seeded Bearcats (23-8) to just one field goal (1-of-11) and forcing six NWMSU turnovers.

Fort Hays State took advantage on offense, hitting 8-of-19 from the floor in the opening quarter, including six points on three offensive rebounds. Jessie Sallach scored six points in the first frame, with five other Tigers totaling two points each. After trailing by as many as 10, the Bearcats trailed by eight at the end of the frame, 16-8, after hitting 5-of-6 from the line in the quarter. FHSU did not get to the line once over the first 10 minutes.

Foul trouble continued for the Tigers in the second quarter, with three different players drawing their second foul in the frame. Fort Hays State turned to Olivia Hollenbeck on offense in the second quarter, with the forward totaling eight points on 3-of-5 shooting in the frame. The Bearcats closed within two late in the second quarter before Hollenbeck scored the final five points of the half for the Tigers, giving the Tigers a 26-22 lead at the break.

After playing less than 10 minutes in the first half, Katie Wagner opened the third quarter with a bucket to put the Tigers back up by six, 28-22. Fort Hays State was able to keep the Bearcats at bay for the rest of the day, maintaining a multiple-possession lead for the remainder of the game.

Wagner added a 3-pointer two minutes into the half before Hollenbeck scored on a second-chance layup, putting the Tigers up nine. Wagner's 10th point of the quarter gave Fort Hays State a 43-36 lead entering the fourth quarter.

Kate Dilsaver came up big for the Tigers in the second half, hitting both of her shots from the floor and all three of her free-throw attempts.

Fort Hays State left little doubt in the fourth quarter, knocking down 57.1 percent from the floor (8-of-14) to put away the Bearcats and secure the win.

Hollenbeck led all scorers with 20 points, 10 in each half, while adding seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. After scoring just two points before halftime, Wagner finished the game with her fourth-consecutive double-double, totaling 19 points and 15 rebounds. She is the first Tiger with double-doubles in four-straight games since Belle Barbieri in 2019.

Golladay dished out eight assists, matching Northwest's assist total for the game. It's the ninth time the point guard has totaled at least five assists in a game this season and the third time she's had eight assists in the last six games.

Emma Ruddle was integral on the defensive end, totaling three steals and one block.

Fort Hays State dominated the game in the paint, outscoring the Bearcats 42-20 under the basket while grabbing 13 more rebounds, 42-29. Northwest managed just two offensive rebounds, with Fort Hays State scoring 15 second-chance points off 11 offensive boards.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710590326778.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>BETHANY, Okla. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team led wire-to-wire in a NCAA Division II Central Region quarterfinal victory over Northwest Missouri State Friday afternoon (March 15), 62-47. The Tigers (25-7) now advance to the regional semifinals for the sixth time in school history where they will take on the No. 7 seed Minnesota State on Saturday evening (March 16, 5 p.m.) inside the Sawyer Center on the campus of Southern Nazarene University.The win gives Fort Hays State 25 victories in a season for the seventh time in program history, including the sixth 25-win season in the last 10 years.After losing the opening tip for just the eighth time in 32 games this season, the No. 3-seeded Tigers still got on the board first when Sydney Golladay knocked down a jumper on FHSU's first possession of the game. Fort Hays State played stellar defense over the first 10 minutes, limiting the No. 6-seeded Bearcats (23-8) to just one field goal (1-of-11) and forcing six NWMSU turnovers.Fort Hays State took advantage on offense, hitting 8-of-19 from the floor in the opening quarter, including six points on three offensive rebounds. Jessie Sallach scored six points in the first frame, with five other Tigers totaling two points each. After trailing by as many as 10, the Bearcats trailed by eight at the end of the frame, 16-8, after hitting 5-of-6 from the line in the quarter. FHSU did not get to the line once over the first 10 minutes.Foul trouble continued for the Tigers in the second quarter, with three different players drawing their second foul in the frame. Fort Hays State turned to Olivia Hollenbeck on offense in the second quarter, with the forward totaling eight points on 3-of-5 shooting in the frame. The Bearcats closed within two late in the second quarter before Hollenbeck scored the final five points of the half for the Tigers, giving the Tigers a 26-22 lead at the break.After playing less than 10 minutes in the first half, Katie Wagner opened the third quarter with a bucket to put the Tigers back up by six, 28-22. Fort Hays State was able to keep the Bearcats at bay for the rest of the day, maintaining a multiple-possession lead for the remainder of the game.Wagner added a 3-pointer two minutes into the half before Hollenbeck scored on a second-chance layup, putting the Tigers up nine. Wagner's 10th point of the quarter gave Fort Hays State a 43-36 lead entering the fourth quarter.Kate Dilsaver came up big for the Tigers in the second half, hitting both of her shots from the floor and all three of her free-throw attempts.Fort Hays State left little doubt in the fourth quarter, knocking down 57.1 percent from the floor (8-of-14) to put away the Bearcats and secure the win.Hollenbeck led all scorers with 20 points, 10 in each half, while adding seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. After scoring just two points before halftime, Wagner finished the game with her fourth-consecutive double-double, totaling 19 points and 15 rebounds. She is the first Tiger with double-doubles in four-straight games since Belle Barbieri in 2019.Golladay dished out eight assists, matching Northwest's assist total for the game. It's the ninth time the point guard has totaled at least five assists in a game this season and the third time she's had eight assists in the last six games.Emma Ruddle was integral on the defensive end, totaling three steals and one block.Fort Hays State dominated the game in the paint, outscoring the Bearcats 42-20 under the basket while grabbing 13 more rebounds, 42-29. Northwest managed just two offensive rebounds, with Fort Hays State scoring 15 second-chance points off 11 offensive boards.

Tigers Outlast Bearcats in Regional Quarterfinal

Thursday, March 14 Texas Tech 81, BYU 67 Houston 60, TCU 45 Iowa State 76, Kansas State 57 Baylor 68, Cincinnati 56

Friday, March 15 Houston 82, Texas Tech 59 Iowa State 76, Baylor 62

Saturday, March 16 Iowa State 69, Houston 41

Thursday, March 14 Texas Tech 81, BYU 67 Houston 60, TCU 45 Iowa State 76, Kansas State 57 Baylor 68, Cincinnati 56Friday, March 15 Houston 82, Texas Tech 59 Iowa State 76, Baylor 62Saturday, March 16 Iowa State 69, Houston 41

2024 Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship Scores and Schedule

Barton Men 79 Butler 76; Hutchinson Women 49 Barton 39

1. Barton Community College basketball on 104 3 the Point sponsored by Nex-Tech Wireless, Damm Pipe Testing, Mpire Overhead Door, Best Western Angus Inn, Marmie Auto Group, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, The University of Kansas Health System, Venture Corporation, Nex-Tech, Cougar Booster Club, The 10th Street Eye Care Center, Freedom Claims Management and Kansas Fishing Tools

<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/2022/3/1647912774016.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton Men 79 Butler 76; Hutchinson Women 49 Barton 39<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/0wfe34wb/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>1. Barton Community College basketball on 104 3 the Point sponsored by Nex-Tech Wireless, Damm Pipe Testing, Mpire Overhead Door, Best Western Angus Inn, Marmie Auto Group, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, The University of Kansas Health System, Venture Corporation, Nex-Tech, Cougar Booster Club, The 10th Street Eye Care Center, Freedom Claims Management and Kansas Fishing Tools

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Yaxel Lendeborg had 18 points in UAB's 72-60 win over Wichita State on Friday night in the American Athletic Conference Tournament.

Fourth-seeded UAB will play top seed South Florida in the semifinals on Saturday.

Lendeborg also contributed 14 rebounds and three blocks for the Blazers (21-11). Daniel Ortiz scored 16 points, shooting 5 for 9 (4 for 7 from 3-point range) and 2 of 3 from the free-throw line. Christian Coleman shot 6 of 12 from the field and 1 of 6 from the free-throw line to finish with 13 points, while adding seven rebounds.

Harlond Beverly finished with 14 points, six rebounds, two steals and two blocks for the Shockers (15-19). Wichita State also got 14 points from Xavier Bell. Colby Rogers had 10 points.

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Yaxel Lendeborg had 18 points in UAB's 72-60 win over Wichita State on Friday night in the American Athletic Conference Tournament.Fourth-seeded UAB will play top seed South Florida in the semifinals on Saturday.Lendeborg also contributed 14 rebounds and three blocks for the Blazers (21-11). Daniel Ortiz scored 16 points, shooting 5 for 9 (4 for 7 from 3-point range) and 2 of 3 from the free-throw line. Christian Coleman shot 6 of 12 from the field and 1 of 6 from the free-throw line to finish with 13 points, while adding seven rebounds.Harlond Beverly finished with 14 points, six rebounds, two steals and two blocks for the Shockers (15-19). Wichita State also got 14 points from Xavier Bell. Colby Rogers had 10 points.

Lendeborg's 18 lead UAB over Wichita State 72-60 in American Athletic

By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football writer

The nine Bowl Subdivision conferences and Notre Dame reached an agreement Friday on a six-year deal to continue the College Football Playoff through the 2031 season, a significant step that establishes a revenue-sharing plan and allows the CFP to finalize a media rights agreement.

Executive Director Bill Hancock said the agreement doesn’t lock in a format for the CFP for 2026 and beyond, but it guarantees at least a 12-team field and five conferences having annual access to the playoff through 2031.

The playoff is expanding this season from four teams to 12, with the five highest-ranked conference champions — regardless of league — and seven at-large selections making up the field.

“Anything else regarding format is to be determined,” Hancock said.

The number of teams in the CFP could grow after the current contract with ESPN expires after the 2025 season, but for now there is no plan in place and no urgency to make a decision, Hancock said.

Hancock said the conference commissioners who manage the CFP might want to let the coming season play out and evaluate the first iteration of the 12-team model.

“We’re going to take a deep breath, step back, and begin those conversations whenever it’s appropriate,” he said.

Hancock said the Pac-12, which is set to operate as a two-team league with just Washington State and Oregon State next season, didn’t sign the agreement because of its uncertainty beyond 2025.

The CFP implemented a rule recently that a conference had to have at least eight teams to be eligible to qualify for access to the playoff.

The CFP has an agreement in principle with ESPN on a new media rights agreement worth $7.8 billion that adjusts the value of the last two years of the current 12-year contract to account for more playoff games and runs through 2031.

The CFP couldn’t complete that deal without the conferences first agreeing to participate in the playoff and a revenue-sharing plan.

“We are still negotiating with ESPN,” Hancock said. “We’re encouraged about the position we are in. But we still have work to do.”

Hancock declined to give details of the revenue-sharing agreement.

It has been previously reported — and confirmed by AP — the Southeastern Conference and Big Ten will receive more than 50% of the distributed CFP revenue, with the Atlantic Coast Conference and Big 12 getting about 30% combined and the Group of Five Conferences and Notre Dame the rest.

By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football writerThe nine Bowl Subdivision conferences and Notre Dame reached an agreement Friday on a six-year deal to continue the College Football Playoff through the 2031 season, a significant step that establishes a revenue-sharing plan and allows the CFP to finalize a media rights agreement.Executive Director Bill Hancock said the agreement doesn’t lock in a format for the CFP for 2026 and beyond, but it guarantees at least a 12-team field and five conferences having annual access to the playoff through 2031.The playoff is expanding this season from four teams to 12, with the five highest-ranked conference champions — regardless of league — and seven at-large selections making up the field.“Anything else regarding format is to be determined,” Hancock said.The number of teams in the CFP could grow after the current contract with ESPN expires after the 2025 season, but for now there is no plan in place and no urgency to make a decision, Hancock said.Hancock said the conference commissioners who manage the CFP might want to let the coming season play out and evaluate the first iteration of the 12-team model.“We’re going to take a deep breath, step back, and begin those conversations whenever it’s appropriate,” he said.Hancock said the Pac-12, which is set to operate as a two-team league with just Washington State and Oregon State next season, didn’t sign the agreement because of its uncertainty beyond 2025.The CFP implemented a rule recently that a conference had to have at least eight teams to be eligible to qualify for access to the playoff.The CFP has an agreement in principle with ESPN on a new media rights agreement worth $7.8 billion that adjusts the value of the last two years of the current 12-year contract to account for more playoff games and runs through 2031.The CFP couldn’t complete that deal without the conferences first agreeing to participate in the playoff and a revenue-sharing plan.“We are still negotiating with ESPN,” Hancock said. “We’re encouraged about the position we are in. But we still have work to do.”Hancock declined to give details of the revenue-sharing agreement.It has been previously reported — and confirmed by AP — the Southeastern Conference and Big Ten will receive more than 50% of the distributed CFP revenue, with the Atlantic Coast Conference and Big 12 getting about 30% combined and the Group of Five Conferences and Notre Dame the rest.

Conferences and Notre Dame agree on 6-year deal to continue CFP through 2031


NFL teams have spent hundreds of millions of dollars this week to add
new players, re-sign their own and try to improve their chances of
winning.


From Kirk Cousins and Saquon Barkley changing teams soon after the
league’s tampering window opened to Chris Jones and Mike Evans
staying put before hitting the open market, it’s been a wild
spending spree.


Focused on defense, adding defensive tackle Justin Jones (three
years, $30.1 million), cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting (three years,
$25.5 million) and defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (three years, $21
million). Signed right tackle Jonah Williams (two years, $30
million). Acquired quarterback Desmond Ridder to back up Kyler Murray
in a trade for wide receiver Rondale Moore.


Swung for the fences by giving Cousins a $180 million, four-year deal
to solve their quarterback woes. Gave him another playmaker by
signing wide receiver Darnell Mooney (three years, $39 million). Also
added tight end Charlie Woerner (three years, $12 million) and
acquired Moore.


Added four-time Pro Bowl running back Derrick Henry (2 years, $16
million) and re-signed defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (4 years,
$98 million), wide receiver Nelson Agholor and linebacker Malik
Harrison. Lost linebacker Patrick Queen to the Steelers.


Signed wide receiver Curtis Samuel (three years, $24 million) and
Mack Hollins but lost Gabe Davis. Released safety Jordan Poyer,
cornerback Siran Neal, center Mitch Morse and cornerback Tre’Davious
White. Extended tackle Dion Dawkins (three years, $60.5 million),
re-signed cornerback Cam Lewis, edge A.J. Epenesa, safety Taylor Rapp
and defensive tackle DaQuan Jones. Signed quarterback Mitch Trubisky
to back up Josh Allen and added linebacker Nicholas Morrow.


Traded star edge rusher Brian Burns. Acquired wide receiver Diontae
Johnson. Strengthened their offensive line by signing guards Robert
Hunt (five years, $100) and Damien Lewis (four years, $53 million).
Upgraded the defense by adding defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson
(three years, $22.5 million), edge D.J. Wonnum and linebacker Josey
Jewell (three years, $22.75 million.


Acquired wide receiver Keenan Allen in a trade. Signed Pro Bowl
running back D’Andre Swift (three years, $24 million) and tight end
Gerald Everett. Added safeties Kevin Byard and Jonathan Owens.
Re-signed star cornerback Jaylon Johnson (four years, $76 million).
Still haven’t traded QB Justin Fields.


Traded running back Joe Mixon and replaced him with Zack Moss. Signed
safeties Geno Stone (two years, $15 million) and Vonn Bell and
defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins. Lost tight end Irv Smith, tackle
Jonah Williams, defensive tackle D.J. Reader and cornerback Chidobe
Awuzie.


Acquired wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. Signed edge Za’Darius Smith
(two years, 23.5 million) and linebacker Jordan Hicks. Brought in
Jameis Winston to back up Deshaun Watson instead of re-signing Joe
Flacco. Also added versatile running back Nyheim Hines.


So much for Jerry Jones’ all-in comment. Lost center Tyler Biadasz,
edge Dorance Armstrong and running back Tony Pollard. Signed
linebacker Eric Kendricks.


Released quarterback Russell Wilson and safety Justin Simmons. Signed
safety Brandon Jones (three years, $20 million) and defensive tackle
Malcolm Roach. Lost center Lloyd Cushenberry and Jewell.


Acquired cornerback Carlton Davis in a trade, signed defensive tackle
D.J. Reader (two years, $27.5 million), edge rusher Marcus Davenport
and cornerback Amik Robertson. Re-signed guard Graham Glasgow,
special teams ace Jalen Reeves-Maybin and cornerbacks Emmanuel
Moseley and Khalil Dorsey. Lost defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson.


Signed 2022 All-Pro RB Josh Jacobs (four years, $48M million) and
released Aaron Jones. Signed safety Xavier McKinney (four years, $68
million) and re-signed All-Pro returner Keisean Nixon.


Acquired and extended Mixon to replace Devin Singletary. Signed edge
Danielle Hunter (two years, $49 million) after losing Jonathan
Greenard. Also added linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (three years, $34
million) and signed tight end Dalton Schultz (three years, $36
million).


Re-signed wide receiver Michael Pittman (three years, $70 million)
and cornerback Kenny Moore II (three years, $30 million). Signed
Flacco to replace Gardner Minshew. Lost Moss to Bengals.


Signed Morse, Davis, wide receiver Devin Duvernay, cornerback Ronald
Darby and defensive tackle Arik Armstead (three years, $51 million).
Lost wide receiver Calvin Ridley.


Re-signed Jones (five years, $158.75 million) and linebacker Drue
Tranquill and franchise-tagged cornerback L’Jarious Sneed. Signed
wide receiver Marquise Brown.


Signed defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (four years, $110 million)
and Minshew. Released quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Lost Jacobs and
tight end Austin Hooper.


Released wide receiver Mike Williams and traded WR Keenan Allen.
Signed running back Gus Edwards and let Austin Ekeler walk away.


Signed guard Jonah Jackson (three years, $51 million), tight end
Colby Parkinson and cornerback Darious Williams.


Signed cornerback Kendall Fuller (two years, $16.5 million),
linebacker Jordyn Brooks (three years, $26.5 million), edge Shaq
Barrett, Poyer, Neal, tight end Jonnu Smith, center Aaron Brewer.
Lost Wilkins, Hunt and Jones. Released CB Xavien Howard.


Signed Sam Darnold to replace Cousins. Added Greenard (four years,
$76 million), edge Andrew Van Ginkel and linebacker Blake Cashman.
Signed Jones after the Packers released him. Lost Hunter and Hicks on
defense.


Signed running back Antonio Gibson (three years, $11.25 million) and
quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Re-signed wide receiver Kendrick Bourne,
tight end Hunter Henry and tackle Mike Onwenu (three years, $57
million). Traded QB Mac Jones.


Signed linebacker Willie Gay Jr. Extended safety Tyrann Mathieu. Lost
Winston and LB Zack Baun and defensive lineman Malcolm Roach.


Acquired Burns and signed Singletary, guard Jon Runyan (three years,
$30 million), quarterback Drew Lock and safety Jalen Mills. Lost RB
Saquon Barkley, McKinney and Robinson.


Signed guard John Simpson (two years, $12 million), defensive tackle
Javon Kinlaw and backup QB Tyrod Taylor. Acquired right tackle Morgan
Moses. Lost edge Bryce Huff and safety Jordan Whitehead.


Signed Barkley (three years, $37.5 million), Huff (three years, $51.1
million), linebacker Devin White, Gardner-Johnson, Baun and wide
receiver DeVante Parker. Re-signed edge Brandon Graham.


Agreed on a deal with Wilson, paying him just the $1.21 million
veteran’s minimum. Signed Queen (three years, $41 million) away
from Baltimore.


Signed edge Leonard Floyd (two years, $20 million), edge Yetur
Gross-Matos (two years, $18 million) and defensive tackle Jordan
Elliott. Released Armstead.


Re-signed defensive tackle Leonard Williams (three years, $64.5
million) and tight end Noah Fant. Released safeties Jamal Adams and
Quandre Diggs. Acquired QB Sam Howell.


Re-signed Baker Mayfield, Evans and linebacker Lavonte David. Signed
Whitehead. Released Barrett. Lost White.


Signed Ridley (four years, $92 million), Pollard (three years, $24
million), Awuzie, Cushenberry and linebacker Kenneth Murray. Lost
Henry, Al-Shaair, Brewer and Murphy-Bunting.

By ROB MAADDI Associated Press
NFL teams have spent hundreds of millions of dollars this week to add
new players, re-sign their own and try to improve their chances of
winning.
From Kirk Cousins and Saquon Barkley changing teams soon after the
league’s tampering window opened to Chris Jones and Mike Evans
staying put before hitting the open market, it’s been a wild
spending spree.The grades are
in:ARIZONA
CARDINALS: C+
Focused on defense, adding defensive tackle Justin Jones (three
years, $30.1 million), cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting (three years,
$25.5 million) and defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (three years, $21
million). Signed right tackle Jonah Williams (two years, $30
million). Acquired quarterback Desmond Ridder to back up Kyler Murray
in a trade for wide receiver Rondale Moore.ATLANTA FALCONS:
B+
Swung for the fences by giving Cousins a $180 million, four-year deal
to solve their quarterback woes. Gave him another playmaker by
signing wide receiver Darnell Mooney (three years, $39 million). Also
added tight end Charlie Woerner (three years, $12 million) and
acquired Moore.BALTIMORE RAVENS:
B
Added four-time Pro Bowl running back Derrick Henry (2 years, $16
million) and re-signed defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (4 years,
$98 million), wide receiver Nelson Agholor and linebacker Malik
Harrison. Lost linebacker Patrick Queen to the Steelers.BUFFALO BILLS: C
Signed wide receiver Curtis Samuel (three years, $24 million) and
Mack Hollins but lost Gabe Davis. Released safety Jordan Poyer,
cornerback Siran Neal, center Mitch Morse and cornerback Tre’Davious
White. Extended tackle Dion Dawkins (three years, $60.5 million),
re-signed cornerback Cam Lewis, edge A.J. Epenesa, safety Taylor Rapp
and defensive tackle DaQuan Jones. Signed quarterback Mitch Trubisky
to back up Josh Allen and added linebacker Nicholas Morrow.CAROLINA
PANTHERS: B
Traded star edge rusher Brian Burns. Acquired wide receiver Diontae
Johnson. Strengthened their offensive line by signing guards Robert
Hunt (five years, $100) and Damien Lewis (four years, $53 million).
Upgraded the defense by adding defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson
(three years, $22.5 million), edge D.J. Wonnum and linebacker Josey
Jewell (three years, $22.75 million.CHICAGO BEARS: B
Acquired wide receiver Keenan Allen in a trade. Signed Pro Bowl
running back D’Andre Swift (three years, $24 million) and tight end
Gerald Everett. Added safeties Kevin Byard and Jonathan Owens.
Re-signed star cornerback Jaylon Johnson (four years, $76 million).
Still haven’t traded QB Justin Fields.CINCINNATI
BENGALS: B+
Traded running back Joe Mixon and replaced him with Zack Moss. Signed
safeties Geno Stone (two years, $15 million) and Vonn Bell and
defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins. Lost tight end Irv Smith, tackle
Jonah Williams, defensive tackle D.J. Reader and cornerback Chidobe
Awuzie.CLEVELAND BROWNS:
B+
Acquired wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. Signed edge Za’Darius Smith
(two years, 23.5 million) and linebacker Jordan Hicks. Brought in
Jameis Winston to back up Deshaun Watson instead of re-signing Joe
Flacco. Also added versatile running back Nyheim Hines.DALLAS COWBOYS: F
So much for Jerry Jones’ all-in comment. Lost center Tyler Biadasz,
edge Dorance Armstrong and running back Tony Pollard. Signed
linebacker Eric Kendricks.DENVER BRONCOS: D
Released quarterback Russell Wilson and safety Justin Simmons. Signed
safety Brandon Jones (three years, $20 million) and defensive tackle
Malcolm Roach. Lost center Lloyd Cushenberry and Jewell.DETROIT LIONS: B+
Acquired cornerback Carlton Davis in a trade, signed defensive tackle
D.J. Reader (two years, $27.5 million), edge rusher Marcus Davenport
and cornerback Amik Robertson. Re-signed guard Graham Glasgow,
special teams ace Jalen Reeves-Maybin and cornerbacks Emmanuel
Moseley and Khalil Dorsey. Lost defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson.GREEN BAY
PACKERS: A
Signed 2022 All-Pro RB Josh Jacobs (four years, $48M million) and
released Aaron Jones. Signed safety Xavier McKinney (four years, $68
million) and re-signed All-Pro returner Keisean Nixon.HOUSTON TEXANS:
A-
Acquired and extended Mixon to replace Devin Singletary. Signed edge
Danielle Hunter (two years, $49 million) after losing Jonathan
Greenard. Also added linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (three years, $34
million) and signed tight end Dalton Schultz (three years, $36
million).INDIANAPOLIS
COLTS: C+
Re-signed wide receiver Michael Pittman (three years, $70 million)
and cornerback Kenny Moore II (three years, $30 million). Signed
Flacco to replace Gardner Minshew. Lost Moss to Bengals.JACKSONVILLE
JAGUARS: B
Signed Morse, Davis, wide receiver Devin Duvernay, cornerback Ronald
Darby and defensive tackle Arik Armstead (three years, $51 million).
Lost wide receiver Calvin Ridley.KANSAS CITY
CHIEFS: B+
Re-signed Jones (five years, $158.75 million) and linebacker Drue
Tranquill and franchise-tagged cornerback L’Jarious Sneed. Signed
wide receiver Marquise Brown.LAS VEGAS
RAIDERS: C+
Signed defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (four years, $110 million)
and Minshew. Released quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Lost Jacobs and
tight end Austin Hooper.LOS ANGELES
CHARGERS: D-
Released wide receiver Mike Williams and traded WR Keenan Allen.
Signed running back Gus Edwards and let Austin Ekeler walk away.LOS ANGELES RAMS:
C+
Signed guard Jonah Jackson (three years, $51 million), tight end
Colby Parkinson and cornerback Darious Williams.MIAMI DOLPHINS: B
Signed cornerback Kendall Fuller (two years, $16.5 million),
linebacker Jordyn Brooks (three years, $26.5 million), edge Shaq
Barrett, Poyer, Neal, tight end Jonnu Smith, center Aaron Brewer.
Lost Wilkins, Hunt and Jones. Released CB Xavien Howard.MINNESOTA
VIKINGS: B-
Signed Sam Darnold to replace Cousins. Added Greenard (four years,
$76 million), edge Andrew Van Ginkel and linebacker Blake Cashman.
Signed Jones after the Packers released him. Lost Hunter and Hicks on
defense.NEW ENGLAND
PATRIOTS: C+
Signed running back Antonio Gibson (three years, $11.25 million) and
quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Re-signed wide receiver Kendrick Bourne,
tight end Hunter Henry and tackle Mike Onwenu (three years, $57
million). Traded QB Mac Jones.NEW ORLEANS
SAINTS: C+
Signed linebacker Willie Gay Jr. Extended safety Tyrann Mathieu. Lost
Winston and LB Zack Baun and defensive lineman Malcolm Roach.NEW YORK GIANTS:
B
Acquired Burns and signed Singletary, guard Jon Runyan (three years,
$30 million), quarterback Drew Lock and safety Jalen Mills. Lost RB
Saquon Barkley, McKinney and Robinson.NEW YORK JETS: B
Signed guard John Simpson (two years, $12 million), defensive tackle
Javon Kinlaw and backup QB Tyrod Taylor. Acquired right tackle Morgan
Moses. Lost edge Bryce Huff and safety Jordan Whitehead.PHILADELPHIA
EAGLES: A
Signed Barkley (three years, $37.5 million), Huff (three years, $51.1
million), linebacker Devin White, Gardner-Johnson, Baun and wide
receiver DeVante Parker. Re-signed edge Brandon Graham.PITTSBURGH
STEELERS: B+
Agreed on a deal with Wilson, paying him just the $1.21 million
veteran’s minimum. Signed Queen (three years, $41 million) away
from Baltimore.SAN FRANCISCO
49ERS: B-
Signed edge Leonard Floyd (two years, $20 million), edge Yetur
Gross-Matos (two years, $18 million) and defensive tackle Jordan
Elliott. Released Armstead.SEATTLE SEAHAWKS:
C+
Re-signed defensive tackle Leonard Williams (three years, $64.5
million) and tight end Noah Fant. Released safeties Jamal Adams and
Quandre Diggs. Acquired QB Sam Howell.TAMPA BAY
BUCCANEERS: A
Re-signed Baker Mayfield, Evans and linebacker Lavonte David. Signed
Whitehead. Released Barrett. Lost White.TENNESSEE TITANS:
A-
Signed Ridley (four years, $92 million), Pollard (three years, $24
million), Awuzie, Cushenberry and linebacker Kenneth Murray. Lost
Henry, Al-Shaair, Brewer and Murphy-Bunting.WASHINGTON
COMMANDERS: A

NFL free agency grades; Cowboys get only F

- Sunflower Sports Solutions Conor Nichol wraps up the high school basketball season and looks at some of the best teams and best players.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Friday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark, and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Friday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark, and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/X8TBg_-Fhyk?si=HzTCKJD-CUIkYOIL" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>- Sunflower Sports Solutions Conor Nichol wraps up the high school basketball season and looks at some of the best teams and best players.- Friday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Friday on Sports Day (Watch)

WAC Girls Player of the Year:&nbsp;Sadie Spray, Sr. Great Bend WAC Girls Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Len Melvin - Hays

WAC 1st Team Girls Sadie Spray, Sr. Great Bend Mollie Martin, Jr. Hays Hailey Contreras, Sr. Liberal Shamari Lewis, So. Liberal Katie Linenberger, Jr. Hays

Wac 2nd Team Girls Easha Potts, Sr. Dodge City Zoe Winter, So. Hays Emilee Hall, Sr. Great Bend MaKenzie Premer, Sr. Great Bend K.J. Pinchen, So. Garden City

WAC Boys Player of the Year:&nbsp;Jack Weimer, Sr. Hays WAC Boys Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Sean Dreiling- Hays

WAC 1st Team Boys Jack Weimer, Sr. Hays Ian Premer, So. Great Bend Emilio Zundt, Sr. Garden City Tochi Okoro, Sr. Dodge City Dawson Ruder, So. Hays

WAC 2nd Team Boys Maddox Spray, Sr. Great Bend J. Brooks Kappelmann, Sr. Liberal&nbsp;&nbsp; Jacob Hall, So. Great Bend Kyzer Fox, Sr. Hays Brody Burns, Sr. Garden City

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671460185831.jpeg" alt="Western Athletic Conference Girls and Boys All-Conference" />
 <figcaption>Western Athletic Conference Girls and Boys All-Conference</figcaption>
 </figure>WAC Girls Player of the Year:&nbsp;Sadie Spray, Sr. Great Bend WAC Girls Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Len Melvin - HaysWAC 1st Team Girls Sadie Spray, Sr. Great Bend Mollie Martin, Jr. Hays Hailey Contreras, Sr. Liberal Shamari Lewis, So. Liberal Katie Linenberger, Jr. HaysWac 2nd Team Girls Easha Potts, Sr. Dodge City Zoe Winter, So. Hays Emilee Hall, Sr. Great Bend MaKenzie Premer, Sr. Great Bend K.J. Pinchen, So. Garden CityWAC Boys Player of the Year:&nbsp;Jack Weimer, Sr. Hays WAC Boys Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Sean Dreiling- HaysWAC 1st Team Boys Jack Weimer, Sr. Hays Ian Premer, So. Great Bend Emilio Zundt, Sr. Garden City Tochi Okoro, Sr. Dodge City Dawson Ruder, So. HaysWAC 2nd Team Boys Maddox Spray, Sr. Great Bend J. Brooks Kappelmann, Sr. Liberal&nbsp;&nbsp; Jacob Hall, So. Great Bend Kyzer Fox, Sr. Hays Brody Burns, Sr. Garden City

Sadie Spray WAC Player of the Year, Ian Premer named to 1st team

One of the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes' goals before the season began was to qualify for the NAIA Men's National Championship for a third consecutive season.

Mission accomplished and there's a bonus they did not anticipate - playing their first-round game and perhaps a second-round game in the cozy, comfortable confines of Mabee Arena, their home gymnasium.

KWU plays Louisiana State-Shreveport at 8 p.m. Friday. Concordia (Neb.) takes on Indiana University Northwest in the first game at 6 p.m. Winners advance to the second round at 6 p.m. Saturday, a trip to the Final Site that starts March 21 in Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri at stake.

The Coyotes (23-8) are the fifth seed in the Duer Quadrant and LSU-Shreveport (22-8) the 12th seed. Concordia (23-7) is the fourth seed and IU Northwest (21-10) the 13th.

KWU is the first Kansas Conference team to play a first-round game on its home floor since the NAIA expanded the field to 64 teams.

"I think it's pretty great to be in front of all our fans, hopefully it's a packed house," senior point guard <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0ffc7ef4-a2f1-4966-91ea-e3507d834109?elinkdata=7222">Jun Murdock</a> said. "Our crowd has been doing a good job of coming out to all the games so I think it's going to be great."

His coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d25786eb-f180-46cb-90db-9b447121fcca?elinkdata=7222">Anthony Monson</a> agrees.

"Some comfort and understanding 'hey, we've played in this gym, won a lot of games in this gym,'" he said. "It's fun to be able to have a national tournament at your home site.

"This school has been to five national tournaments and this group's done three of them. It's pretty exciting for the school, for the program and for the city of Salina have the chance to actually host one of these."

While playing in Mabee Arena is great the Coyotes view it as an avenue in their quest to get beyond the second round. They've won first-round games each of the last two years only to fall short in the second round - last year they defeated Indiana Kokomo before falling to Morningside.

"We're comfortable in here, we practice in here every day, but I think it's more than just playing at home," Murdock said. "We're trying to take it to another level and we're trying to get to that next round."

"Our goal from the beginning of the year was to get the Final Site and have a chance to play for a national title and nothing's changed since then," Monson said.

KWU qualified for the national championship by finishing second in the KCAC Tournament behind No. 4-ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan and tied No. 9 Southwestern for second in the regular season standings.

The Coyotes are 12-3 in Mabee Arena this season, but their first NAIA hurdle is a tall one. LSU-Shreveport plays in the rugged Red River Conference and lost to a talented LSU-Alexandria team in the conference tournament semifinals.

"Very long, very athletic," Monson said. "They play a lot of zone with their length, mix in their man-to-man with it. They like to get up and down the court and play fast. Lot of really good players - 6-8, 6-9 and 6-11 kids. We're going to have our work cut out for us."

Four Pilots' starters score in double figures led by senior guard Calvin Carpenter who averages 12.8 points. Junior point guard Melvion Flanagan is next at 11.7 and is no stranger to Kansas. He played for Wichita State last season and averaged 4.9 points in 21 games that included three starts. The Pilots score just over 84 points per game.

Coach Kyle Blankenship will be busy Friday. He also coaches the LSU-Shreveport women's team that plays Tabor earlier in the day in Mabee Arena.

"We're going to have to do our jobs, boxing out, just playing disciplined basketball," Murdock said. "Everybody's going to give their best shot to us, we know that."

Murdock, an All-American and the starting point guard the last three years, averages a team-best 18 points along with five assists and four rebounds. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/157b9657-ab58-4f32-ae74-ccb9aa13ea96?elinkdata=7222">Alex Littlejohn</a> is next at 17.3 points with 11.5 rebounds (fifth in the NAIA) and 3.4 assists. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/77e921db-218f-426c-a79f-0eea9273d0c7?elinkdata=7222">Izaiah Hale</a> averages 10.2 points and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2cf2cb6f-4002-4b69-b71b-62cae6c71dff?elinkdata=7222">Thurbil Bile</a> 9.6 and five rebounds.

Monson wants to win but also wants his team to enjoy the experience.

"I had a coach once tell me 'don't ever take winning for granted,'" he said. "When you get to these moments you've got to really enjoy them regardless of the situation that you're in. There's 230-plus teams in the NAIA and only 64 get to play in this thing.

"This team's done it all year long. They've been doubted, questions about this, questions about that and yet they still find themselves where they're at."

"It's the national tournament," Murdock said. "No one wants to go home."

Tonight's game can be heard on KINA (910 AM/107.5 FM) with pregame coverage beginning at 7:30.

One of the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes' goals before the season began was to qualify for the NAIA Men's National Championship for a third consecutive season.Mission accomplished and there's a bonus they did not anticipate - playing their first-round game and perhaps a second-round game in the cozy, comfortable confines of Mabee Arena, their home gymnasium.KWU plays Louisiana State-Shreveport at 8 p.m. Friday. Concordia (Neb.) takes on Indiana University Northwest in the first game at 6 p.m. Winners advance to the second round at 6 p.m. Saturday, a trip to the Final Site that starts March 21 in Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri at stake.The Coyotes (23-8) are the fifth seed in the Duer Quadrant and LSU-Shreveport (22-8) the 12th seed. Concordia (23-7) is the fourth seed and IU Northwest (21-10) the 13th.KWU is the first Kansas Conference team to play a first-round game on its home floor since the NAIA expanded the field to 64 teams."I think it's pretty great to be in front of all our fans, hopefully it's a packed house," senior point guard <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0ffc7ef4-a2f1-4966-91ea-e3507d834109?elinkdata=7222">Jun Murdock</a> said. "Our crowd has been doing a good job of coming out to all the games so I think it's going to be great."His coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d25786eb-f180-46cb-90db-9b447121fcca?elinkdata=7222">Anthony Monson</a> agrees."Some comfort and understanding 'hey, we've played in this gym, won a lot of games in this gym,'" he said. "It's fun to be able to have a national tournament at your home site."This school has been to five national tournaments and this group's done three of them. It's pretty exciting for the school, for the program and for the city of Salina have the chance to actually host one of these."While playing in Mabee Arena is great the Coyotes view it as an avenue in their quest to get beyond the second round. They've won first-round games each of the last two years only to fall short in the second round - last year they defeated Indiana Kokomo before falling to Morningside."We're comfortable in here, we practice in here every day, but I think it's more than just playing at home," Murdock said. "We're trying to take it to another level and we're trying to get to that next round.""Our goal from the beginning of the year was to get the Final Site and have a chance to play for a national title and nothing's changed since then," Monson said.KWU qualified for the national championship by finishing second in the KCAC Tournament behind No. 4-ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan and tied No. 9 Southwestern for second in the regular season standings.The Coyotes are 12-3 in Mabee Arena this season, but their first NAIA hurdle is a tall one. LSU-Shreveport plays in the rugged Red River Conference and lost to a talented LSU-Alexandria team in the conference tournament semifinals."Very long, very athletic," Monson said. "They play a lot of zone with their length, mix in their man-to-man with it. They like to get up and down the court and play fast. Lot of really good players - 6-8, 6-9 and 6-11 kids. We're going to have our work cut out for us."Four Pilots' starters score in double figures led by senior guard Calvin Carpenter who averages 12.8 points. Junior point guard Melvion Flanagan is next at 11.7 and is no stranger to Kansas. He played for Wichita State last season and averaged 4.9 points in 21 games that included three starts. The Pilots score just over 84 points per game.Coach Kyle Blankenship will be busy Friday. He also coaches the LSU-Shreveport women's team that plays Tabor earlier in the day in Mabee Arena."We're going to have to do our jobs, boxing out, just playing disciplined basketball," Murdock said. "Everybody's going to give their best shot to us, we know that."Murdock, an All-American and the starting point guard the last three years, averages a team-best 18 points along with five assists and four rebounds. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/157b9657-ab58-4f32-ae74-ccb9aa13ea96?elinkdata=7222">Alex Littlejohn</a> is next at 17.3 points with 11.5 rebounds (fifth in the NAIA) and 3.4 assists. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/77e921db-218f-426c-a79f-0eea9273d0c7?elinkdata=7222">Izaiah Hale</a> averages 10.2 points and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2cf2cb6f-4002-4b69-b71b-62cae6c71dff?elinkdata=7222">Thurbil Bile</a> 9.6 and five rebounds.Monson wants to win but also wants his team to enjoy the experience."I had a coach once tell me 'don't ever take winning for granted,'" he said. "When you get to these moments you've got to really enjoy them regardless of the situation that you're in. There's 230-plus teams in the NAIA and only 64 get to play in this thing."This team's done it all year long. They've been doubted, questions about this, questions about that and yet they still find themselves where they're at.""It's the national tournament," Murdock said. "No one wants to go home."Tonight's game can be heard on KINA (910 AM/107.5 FM) with pregame coverage beginning at 7:30.

Coyotes eager to play NAIA Tournament in Mabee Arena 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs and Marquise Brown have agreed on a one-year deal that could be worth up to $11 million, a person familiar with the contract told The Associated Press on Thursday night, giving quarterback Patrick Mahomes the upgrade at wide receiver the team had been searching for since the Super Bowl.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract had not been signed.

The Chiefs beat the 49ers for their second straight Lombardi Trophy last month despite one of the least productive wide receiver groups in the NFL. Second-round draft pick Rashee Rice developed into a serviceable option in the passing game, but the Chiefs otherwise were left to rely on journeymen and stopgaps as they chased another title.

Brown could be the perfect complement to Rice in a new-look passing attack that includes recently signed tight end Irv Smith Jr., who was brought aboard one a one-year deal to play alongside star tight end Travis Kelce.

“Blessed Beyond Measures,” Brown posted on X.

Brown's best season came three years ago for Baltimore, when he caught 91 passes for 1,008 yards and six touchdowns. He was traded to Arizona the following year, where he caught 118 passes for 1,283 yards and seven TDs in 26 games.

His biggest problem has been staying healthy. He dealt with a heel problem last year and last played a full season in 2020.

The Chiefs had been focused on keeping their own players in the fold in the offseason, signing All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones to a mammoth five-year deal that includes $95 million over the first three years; bringing back linebacker Drue Tranquill on a $19 million, three-year deal; and signing Tershawn Wharton earlier Thursday to a one-year contract.

But the Chiefs knew they needed to go outside the organization to upgrade their wide receiver room, especially given the fact they will pick low in each round of the draft. And it was clear Brown was one of their targets — Tranquill was even posting at him on social media this week, and Mahomes posted a smiling emoji when word of the deal became public.

The Chiefs might not be done, either. They restructured Mahomes' contract earlier this week to free up more than $21 million under the salary cap, and that could give them flexibility to chase more help for their offense.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs and Marquise Brown have agreed on a one-year deal that could be worth up to $11 million, a person familiar with the contract told The Associated Press on Thursday night, giving quarterback Patrick Mahomes the upgrade at wide receiver the team had been searching for since the Super Bowl.The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract had not been signed.The Chiefs beat the 49ers for their second straight Lombardi Trophy last month despite one of the least productive wide receiver groups in the NFL. Second-round draft pick Rashee Rice developed into a serviceable option in the passing game, but the Chiefs otherwise were left to rely on journeymen and stopgaps as they chased another title.Brown could be the perfect complement to Rice in a new-look passing attack that includes recently signed tight end Irv Smith Jr., who was brought aboard one a one-year deal to play alongside star tight end Travis Kelce.“Blessed Beyond Measures,” Brown posted on X.Brown's best season came three years ago for Baltimore, when he caught 91 passes for 1,008 yards and six touchdowns. He was traded to Arizona the following year, where he caught 118 passes for 1,283 yards and seven TDs in 26 games.His biggest problem has been staying healthy. He dealt with a heel problem last year and last played a full season in 2020.The Chiefs had been focused on keeping their own players in the fold in the offseason, signing All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones to a mammoth five-year deal that includes $95 million over the first three years; bringing back linebacker Drue Tranquill on a $19 million, three-year deal; and signing Tershawn Wharton earlier Thursday to a one-year contract.But the Chiefs knew they needed to go outside the organization to upgrade their wide receiver room, especially given the fact they will pick low in each round of the draft. And it was clear Brown was one of their targets — Tranquill was even posting at him on social media this week, and Mahomes posted a smiling emoji when word of the deal became public.The Chiefs might not be done, either. They restructured Mahomes' contract earlier this week to free up more than $21 million under the salary cap, and that could give them flexibility to chase more help for their offense.

Chiefs agree with WR Marquise Brown on 1-year deal worth up to $11 million

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Harlond Beverly had 17 points in Wichita State's 71-65 victory over Memphis on Thursday night in the American Athletic Conference Tournament.

The 12th-seeded Shockers advance to play four-seed UAB in Friday's quarterfinals.

Beverly also added six rebounds, five steals, and five blocks for the Shockers (15-18). Colby Rogers shot 4 for 13, including 3 for 8 from beyond the arc to add 13 points. Bijan Cortes had 11 points and went 4 of 7 from the field.

David Jones led the Tigers (22-10) with 24 points, seven rebounds and four steals. Nae'Qwan Tomlin added 18 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks for five-seed Memphis. Jahvon Quinerly also had eight points, seven rebounds and two steals.

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Harlond Beverly had 17 points in Wichita State's 71-65 victory over Memphis on Thursday night in the American Athletic Conference Tournament.The 12th-seeded Shockers advance to play four-seed UAB in Friday's quarterfinals.Beverly also added six rebounds, five steals, and five blocks for the Shockers (15-18). Colby Rogers shot 4 for 13, including 3 for 8 from beyond the arc to add 13 points. Bijan Cortes had 11 points and went 4 of 7 from the field.David Jones led the Tigers (22-10) with 24 points, seven rebounds and four steals. Nae'Qwan Tomlin added 18 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks for five-seed Memphis. Jahvon Quinerly also had eight points, seven rebounds and two steals.

Beverly scores 17, Wichita State defeats Memphis in American Athletic Conference Tournament 71-65

The Barton Community College baseball team combined for 17 runs on 27 hits to defeat Colby Community College in the opening two games of a four-game series on Thursday afternoon at Lawson-Biggs Field.

The Cougars scored in all six innings while pitching their second shutout of the season for a 9-0 victory in the series opener before getting a hit from all nine starters in Game 2 to complete the doubleheader sweep 9-3.

Winning their fourth straight, Barton improves to 4-2 in league play and 15-6 overall while the losses drop the Trojans to 0-6 in conference play and 2-18 overall. The series concludes with a Saturday doubleheader set for 1:00 p.m. from Colby's Young Memorial Park. 

Starting hurler Reece Hemmerling and reliever Nathan Bowman combined to throw a six-hit shutout combining for 11 strikeouts. Hemmerling pitched 6.0-innings while tying a career high nine strikeouts to improve to 3-1 on the season, while Bowman worked a perfect seventh in securing the shutout.

Scoring in all six innings, Barton leaped out to a 5-0 lead scoring one run in each of the first five innings before putting the Trojans in the taillights with a three run sixth.

Receiving balanced production up and down the lineup as eight different Cougars recorded an RBI and seven producing a hit, Jaron Cotton led the Cougars plus-seven hit advantage going 4 for 4 at the plate with an RBI and logging the lone extra base hits coming on a pair of triples.

Fresh off his first collegiate three hit game on Tuesday, Cesar Gomez continued to swing a sizzling bat in the seventh spot of the lineup turning in his second straight three hit performance going 3 of 3 with an RBI and run scored.

Making a highlight reel catch in left field robbing Colby's leadoff hitter Gavin Shary of an extra base hit begin the contest, Cole Schieffer closed out Barton's multi-hit performances going 2 for 3.   

In the nightcap, Robby Bolin's leadoff single extending his hitting streak to 19-straight games gave Barton a 1-0 lead on Cotton's RBI double.

Maintaining the 1-0 lead through the opening four innings, the Cougars exploded for five runs on five hits in the bottom of the fifth as Barton sent 10 to the plate.

Playing small ball behind Grant Nottlemann and Schieffer's sacrifice fly's in the inning, Wyatt Yetter and Gomez fashioned RBI singles before Cooper Tabor supplied the big hit in the inning legging out an RBI triple for his collegiate first.

Adding three more runs in the bottom of the seventh, Tabor's second single of the game brought in Gomez leadoff walk followed by Owen Clyne's sacrifice bunt scoring Bolin's infield single and Cotton's sacrifice fly carried in Tabor.

Four different Cougars had multi-hits each in a 14-hit attack in Game 2

Tabor paced the bats going 3 of 4 out of the nine hole in the lineup with two RBI's and two stolen bases. Gomez was 2 for 3 with a double, RBI and run scored. Bolin was 2 of 4 with a run scored and steal. Yetter went 2 for 5 with an RBI and run.

Aidan Sowers improved to 3-0 on the mound as the sophomore went seven strong innings scattering four hits, two runs, walking one and striking out four. Sowers yielded just one hit through six innings coming on an infield single in the fourth inning.

Working in relief, Colton Wahlstrom tossed the final two innings giving up one run, three hits and fanning a pair of Trojans to close out the twin bill sweep.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710495903669.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoThe Barton Community College baseball team combined for 17 runs on 27 hits to defeat Colby Community College in the opening two games of a four-game series on Thursday afternoon at Lawson-Biggs Field.The Cougars scored in all six innings while pitching their second shutout of the season for a 9-0 victory in the series opener before getting a hit from all nine starters in Game 2 to complete the doubleheader sweep 9-3.Winning their fourth straight, Barton improves to 4-2 in league play and 15-6 overall while the losses drop the Trojans to 0-6 in conference play and 2-18 overall. The series concludes with a Saturday doubleheader set for 1:00 p.m. from Colby's Young Memorial Park. Game 1 Recap (W 8-0)Starting hurler Reece Hemmerling and reliever Nathan Bowman combined to throw a six-hit shutout combining for 11 strikeouts. Hemmerling pitched 6.0-innings while tying a career high nine strikeouts to improve to 3-1 on the season, while Bowman worked a perfect seventh in securing the shutout.Scoring in all six innings, Barton leaped out to a 5-0 lead scoring one run in each of the first five innings before putting the Trojans in the taillights with a three run sixth.Receiving balanced production up and down the lineup as eight different Cougars recorded an RBI and seven producing a hit, Jaron Cotton led the Cougars plus-seven hit advantage going 4 for 4 at the plate with an RBI and logging the lone extra base hits coming on a pair of triples.Fresh off his first collegiate three hit game on Tuesday, Cesar Gomez continued to swing a sizzling bat in the seventh spot of the lineup turning in his second straight three hit performance going 3 of 3 with an RBI and run scored.Making a highlight reel catch in left field robbing Colby's leadoff hitter Gavin Shary of an extra base hit begin the contest, Cole Schieffer closed out Barton's multi-hit performances going 2 for 3. Game 2 Recap (W 9-3)In the nightcap, Robby Bolin's leadoff single extending his hitting streak to 19-straight games gave Barton a 1-0 lead on Cotton's RBI double.Maintaining the 1-0 lead through the opening four innings, the Cougars exploded for five runs on five hits in the bottom of the fifth as Barton sent 10 to the plate.Playing small ball behind Grant Nottlemann and Schieffer's sacrifice fly's in the inning, Wyatt Yetter and Gomez fashioned RBI singles before Cooper Tabor supplied the big hit in the inning legging out an RBI triple for his collegiate first.Adding three more runs in the bottom of the seventh, Tabor's second single of the game brought in Gomez leadoff walk followed by Owen Clyne's sacrifice bunt scoring Bolin's infield single and Cotton's sacrifice fly carried in Tabor.Four different Cougars had multi-hits each in a 14-hit attack in Game 2Tabor paced the bats going 3 of 4 out of the nine hole in the lineup with two RBI's and two stolen bases. Gomez was 2 for 3 with a double, RBI and run scored. Bolin was 2 of 4 with a run scored and steal. Yetter went 2 for 5 with an RBI and run.Aidan Sowers improved to 3-0 on the mound as the sophomore went seven strong innings scattering four hits, two runs, walking one and striking out four. Sowers yielded just one hit through six innings coming on an infield single in the fourth inning.Working in relief, Colton Wahlstrom tossed the final two innings giving up one run, three hits and fanning a pair of Trojans to close out the twin bill sweep.

Cougars notch doubleheader sweep in series opener with Trojans

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Iowa State applied the lessons it learned from a loss to Kansas State last weekend to its rematch in the Big 12 Tournament.

The Cyclones relentlessly pressured the ball Thursday night, forcing 20 turnovers. They built a big edge in second-chance points. And they drove hard to the basket, offsetting some cold shooting from the 3-point line by parading to the foul line 31 times.

The result was a 76-57 victory for the seventh-ranked Cyclones and a spot in the semifinal round.

“On Saturday,” Cyclones coach T.J. Otzelberger said, “they were the aggressive team. They took it to us. And I thought that really helped us today, because of the respect we have for them. Our guys knew in our preparation we had to be at our very best.

“We're fortunate the areas we focus on with paint points, second-chance points, points off turnovers — those are the things we hang our hats on,” Otzelberger added, "and our guys did a tremendous job of focusing on those areas.”

Robert Jones scored 18 points, Tre King added 16 and Keshon Gilbert had 12 along with six steals to help fourth-seeded Iowa State (25-7) advance to play No. 14 Baylor for a spot in the conference championship game.

“We didn’t play well but it was because of them,” Kansas State coach Jerome Tang said. “They came ready to play.”

Tylor Perry had 18 points, Arthur Kaluma scored 13 and Will McNair Jr. had 12 points for 10th-seeded Kansas State (19-14), which closed to within 40-39 with about 16 minutes to go, when the Wildcats' turnovers really began to pile up.

Now, the Wildcats are left wondering whether they did enough to earn an NCAA Tournament bid.

“We didn’t duck anybody in what we did,” Tang said, proceeding to spend several minutes making their case. “We have elite Quad 1 wins. We have no bad losses. I thought last night (against Texas), when we won, we were in the NCAA Tournament.”

Kansas State appeared to be hanging on the NCAA bubble until late-season losses to Cincinnati and Kansas put Tang's team in true desperation mode. The Wildcats responded with a win over Iowa State on senior day, then beat seventh-seeded Texas — an almost certain tourney team — on Wednesday to earn the opportunity for another marquee win over the Cyclones.

But this is the Big 12 Tournament, where Iowa State always seems to show up.

The four-time champs methodically went about their business in the first half Thursday night, building a 34-27 halftime lead by beating Kansas State to loose balls and turning dominance in the paint into a bunch of second-chance baskets.

They won the kind of hustle plays Kansas State won when the teams met at Bramlage Coliseum last Saturday.

The Wildcats tried to make a second-half run, closing within 40-39 on McNair's layup with 16 minutes to go. But then a team ranked 338th out of 351 teams in Division I in turnovers proceeded to cough the ball up on five of its next seven trips down the floor, and the Cyclones capitalized behind Hason Ward and Milan Momcilovic to pull away again.

They outscored Kansas State 26-6 over the next 10 minutes to put the game away.

“We're a defensive-minded team first and foremost,” King said, “and we pride ourselves on getting stops. We saw the lead get cut down to one and in our mind, we really focused on getting those stops, and our team did a great job of responding.”

Kansas State: The Wildcats are left to hope three wins over top-10 teams is enough to get them into the NCAA Tournament when teams are selected Sunday.

Iowa State: The Cyclones lost to the Bears in February on a layup in the closing seconds, a game better remembered for the Bears' Scott Drew getting ejected for the first time in his career.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Iowa State applied the lessons it learned from a loss to Kansas State last weekend to its rematch in the Big 12 Tournament.The Cyclones relentlessly pressured the ball Thursday night, forcing 20 turnovers. They built a big edge in second-chance points. And they drove hard to the basket, offsetting some cold shooting from the 3-point line by parading to the foul line 31 times.The result was a 76-57 victory for the seventh-ranked Cyclones and a spot in the semifinal round.“On Saturday,” Cyclones coach T.J. Otzelberger said, “they were the aggressive team. They took it to us. And I thought that really helped us today, because of the respect we have for them. Our guys knew in our preparation we had to be at our very best.“We're fortunate the areas we focus on with paint points, second-chance points, points off turnovers — those are the things we hang our hats on,” Otzelberger added, "and our guys did a tremendous job of focusing on those areas.”Robert Jones scored 18 points, Tre King added 16 and Keshon Gilbert had 12 along with six steals to help fourth-seeded Iowa State (25-7) advance to play No. 14 Baylor for a spot in the conference championship game.“We didn’t play well but it was because of them,” Kansas State coach Jerome Tang said. “They came ready to play.”Tylor Perry had 18 points, Arthur Kaluma scored 13 and Will McNair Jr. had 12 points for 10th-seeded Kansas State (19-14), which closed to within 40-39 with about 16 minutes to go, when the Wildcats' turnovers really began to pile up.Now, the Wildcats are left wondering whether they did enough to earn an NCAA Tournament bid.“We didn’t duck anybody in what we did,” Tang said, proceeding to spend several minutes making their case. “We have elite Quad 1 wins. We have no bad losses. I thought last night (against Texas), when we won, we were in the NCAA Tournament.”Kansas State appeared to be hanging on the NCAA bubble until late-season losses to Cincinnati and Kansas put Tang's team in true desperation mode. The Wildcats responded with a win over Iowa State on senior day, then beat seventh-seeded Texas — an almost certain tourney team — on Wednesday to earn the opportunity for another marquee win over the Cyclones.But this is the Big 12 Tournament, where Iowa State always seems to show up.The four-time champs methodically went about their business in the first half Thursday night, building a 34-27 halftime lead by beating Kansas State to loose balls and turning dominance in the paint into a bunch of second-chance baskets.They won the kind of hustle plays Kansas State won when the teams met at Bramlage Coliseum last Saturday.The Wildcats tried to make a second-half run, closing within 40-39 on McNair's layup with 16 minutes to go. But then a team ranked 338th out of 351 teams in Division I in turnovers proceeded to cough the ball up on five of its next seven trips down the floor, and the Cyclones capitalized behind Hason Ward and Milan Momcilovic to pull away again.They outscored Kansas State 26-6 over the next 10 minutes to put the game away.“We're a defensive-minded team first and foremost,” King said, “and we pride ourselves on getting stops. We saw the lead get cut down to one and in our mind, we really focused on getting those stops, and our team did a great job of responding.”UP NEXTKansas State: The Wildcats are left to hope three wins over top-10 teams is enough to get them into the NCAA Tournament when teams are selected Sunday.Iowa State: The Cyclones lost to the Bears in February on a layup in the closing seconds, a game better remembered for the Bears' Scott Drew getting ejected for the first time in his career.

Jones, King lead No. 7 Iowa State to 76-57 win over Kansas State in Big 12 tourney

FORT WORTH, Texas
(AP) — Led by Harlond Beverly's 17 points, the Wichita State
Shockers defeated the Memphis Tigers 71-65 in the American Athletic
Conference Tournament on Thursday night. Dalen Ridgnal scored eight
points in the first half for Wichita State, who led 35-33 at the
break. Wichita State turned a two-point second-half lead into an
11-point advantage with a 9-0 run to make it a 44-33 lead with 16:14
left in the half. Beverly scored 12 second-half points.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Robert Jones scored 18 points, Tre King added 16 points and
No. 7 Iowa State harried Kansas State into 20 turnovers, allowing the
Cyclones to cruise to a 76-57 victory in the quarterfinals of the Big
12 Tournament. Keshon Gilbert added 12 points and six steals and
Tamin Lipsey had 11 points for the fourth-seeded Cyclones, who were
clinging to a 40-39 lead with about 16 minutes to go when the
Wildcats’ turnovers really began to pile up. Tylor Perry had 18
points, Arthur Kaluma scored 13 and Will McNair Jr. had 12 points for
10th-seeded Kansas State. Iowa State will play No. 14 Baylor in the
semifinals on Friday night.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Top-ranked Houston relied on its defense to shut down TCU in
a 60-45 victory in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament.
Emanuel Sharp led the Cougars in scoring with 14 points and Jamal
Shead scored 12, but it was their defense that held the Horned Frogs
without a point for nearly 10 minutes to start the game. Micah Peavy
wound up leading the Horned Frogs with 13 points. Top scorer Emanuel
Miller was held to three points on 1-for-10 shooting. Houston
advanced to the semifinals and will play No. 25 Texas Tech on Friday
night for a spot in the championship game.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Pop Isaacs scored 22 points, Chance McMillian added 17
points and eight rebounds and No. 25 Texas Tech beat No. 20 BYU 81-67
in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament on Thursday. The No. 4
seed Red Raiders led by as many as 23 before absorbing a 15-0 run by
the Cougars in the second half. Texas Tech advanced into a semifinal
matchup with top-seeded and No. 1-ranked Houston on Friday night.
Jaxson Robinson had 22 points to lead the No. 5 seed Cougars, who
shot 14 of 30 at the 3-point arc in a second-round win over UCF but
were just 7 of 35 against Texas Tech.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — RayJ Dennis shook off a tough start to score 13 points and
lead No. 14 Baylor to a 68-56 victory over Cincinnati in the
quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament. Jalen Bridges added 12 points
and eight rebounds as the No. 3 seed in the tournament advanced to
play seventh-ranked and No. 2 seed Iowa State on Friday night. Dan
Skillings Jr. had 15 points for the No. 11 seed Bearcats, who were
playing their third game in three days. They beat West Virginia in a
high-scoring first-round game before beating short-handed Kansas to
reach the quarterfinals in their first Big 12 Tournament appearance.

WASHINGTON (AP) —
DJ Horne scored 18 points, including two clutch free throws with 15
seconds left, and North Carolina State ousted No. 11 Duke 74-69 in
the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament. Kyle Filipowski had 28
points and 14 rebounds for second-seeded Duke, but N.C. State big man
D.J. Burns Jr. kept him frustrated in the second half as the Wolfpack
refused to yield. Tenth-seeded N.C. State will face either Virginia
or Boston College in Friday’s semifinals, needing two more
victories to secure an improbable automatic bid to the NCAA
Tournament.

NEW YORK (AP) —
Devin Carter had 22 points and 11 rebounds as Providence secured a
huge victory for its postseason resume, holding off No. 8 Creighton
78-73 in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals. Josh Oduro added 17
points and nine boards for the seventh-seeded Friars, who recovered
in the final five-plus minutes after squandering a 13-point lead in
the second half. They will face 10th-ranked and third-seeded
Marquette in the second semifinal Friday night at Madison Square
Garden. Jayden Pierre had 15 points and seven assists for Providence.
Ryan Kalkbrenner had 19 points and 12 rebounds for the second-seeded
Bluejays.

UNDATED (AP) —
Oklahoma State says it has fired men’s basketball coach Mike
Boynton. He had a 119-109 record in seven seasons at the school. The
Cowboys went 12-20 this season and lost their opening game of the Big
12 Tournament to UCF on Tuesday. The Cowboys reached just one NCAA
tournament under Boynton as he dealt with the fallout from an NCAA
investigation. In 2020, an NCAA infractions committee gave the
Cowboys a one-year postseason ban and other penalties after former
assistant coach Lamont Evans accepted up to $22,000 so he could help
steer athletes to certain financial advisers.

UNDATED (AP) —
Stanford has fired men’s basketball coach Jerod Haase after he
finished his eighth season at the school without a single NCAA
Tournament appearance. Athletic director Bernard Muir announced the
decision on Thursday night, shortly after the Cardinal finished a
second straight losing season with a 79-62 loss to No. 22 Washington
State in the Pac-12 quarterfinals in Las Vegas. Stanford went 14-18
for the season and finished in a three-way tie for ninth place in the
Pac-12 with an 8-12 mark in conference. Haase had a 126-127 record
overall for Stanford.

UNDATED (AP) — The
NFL is reviewing whether the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles
violated tampering policies during the legal tampering window, a
league spokesman said Thursday. The Falcons agreed to a contract with
four-time Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins shortly after teams were
permitted to start negotiating with unrestricted free agents on
Monday. The Eagles quickly struck a deal with two-time Pro Bowl
running back Saquon Barkley soon after the negotiation period opened
at 12 p.m. EDT. Teams are permitted to talk directly with agents
during the 52-hour negotiating window, but can’t speak to the
player unless he has no agent and represents himself.

UNDATED (AP) — The
Chicago Bears acquired wide receiver Keenan Allen from the Los
Angeles Chargers for a fourth-round pick. Allen has spent his entire
11-year career with the Chargers and was the longest-tenured player
on the roster. Allen is going into the final season of a four-year
extension he signed in 2020, but refused to take a pay cut or
restructure his contract according to one person familiar with the
trade. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated
Press because they aren’t at liberty to publicly discuss personnel
moves. Allen’s salary cap number for the upcoming season is $34.7
million, including a $5 million roster bonus due on Sunday.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH,
Fla. (AP) — Rory McIlroy had 10 birdies, two water balls and one
lengthy dispute on where to take a penalty drop. It added up to a 65
at The Players Championship. That's his lowest start at the TPC
Sawgrass and it gave him a share of the lead with Xander Schauffele
and Wyndham Clark. One tee ball went into the water on the 18th. The
one causing issues was on No. 7, his 16th hole of the round. Jordan
Spieth and Viktor Hovland were questioning whether the ball landed
above the red hazard line. McIlroy says he was comfortable with where
he dropped.

UNDATED (AP) —
More than half of Americans say they are against college athletes
unionizing, though younger respondents were more supportive than
older, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center
for Public Affairs Research. The survey found that 55% of adults
believe NCAA athletes should not be permitted to form unions that
would led to collective bargaining with schools. The survey found
breaks in support along three lines: political party identification,
race and age. Six in 10 adults under the age of 45 support allowing
college athletes to form unions. Last week, Dartmouth men's
basketball players voted to join a union.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707734642080.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FORT WORTH, Texas
(AP) — Led by Harlond Beverly's 17 points, the Wichita State
Shockers defeated the Memphis Tigers 71-65 in the American Athletic
Conference Tournament on Thursday night. Dalen Ridgnal scored eight
points in the first half for Wichita State, who led 35-33 at the
break. Wichita State turned a two-point second-half lead into an
11-point advantage with a 9-0 run to make it a 44-33 lead with 16:14
left in the half. Beverly scored 12 second-half points.KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Robert Jones scored 18 points, Tre King added 16 points and
No. 7 Iowa State harried Kansas State into 20 turnovers, allowing the
Cyclones to cruise to a 76-57 victory in the quarterfinals of the Big
12 Tournament. Keshon Gilbert added 12 points and six steals and
Tamin Lipsey had 11 points for the fourth-seeded Cyclones, who were
clinging to a 40-39 lead with about 16 minutes to go when the
Wildcats’ turnovers really began to pile up. Tylor Perry had 18
points, Arthur Kaluma scored 13 and Will McNair Jr. had 12 points for
10th-seeded Kansas State. Iowa State will play No. 14 Baylor in the
semifinals on Friday night.KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Top-ranked Houston relied on its defense to shut down TCU in
a 60-45 victory in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament.
Emanuel Sharp led the Cougars in scoring with 14 points and Jamal
Shead scored 12, but it was their defense that held the Horned Frogs
without a point for nearly 10 minutes to start the game. Micah Peavy
wound up leading the Horned Frogs with 13 points. Top scorer Emanuel
Miller was held to three points on 1-for-10 shooting. Houston
advanced to the semifinals and will play No. 25 Texas Tech on Friday
night for a spot in the championship game.KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Pop Isaacs scored 22 points, Chance McMillian added 17
points and eight rebounds and No. 25 Texas Tech beat No. 20 BYU 81-67
in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament on Thursday. The No. 4
seed Red Raiders led by as many as 23 before absorbing a 15-0 run by
the Cougars in the second half. Texas Tech advanced into a semifinal
matchup with top-seeded and No. 1-ranked Houston on Friday night.
Jaxson Robinson had 22 points to lead the No. 5 seed Cougars, who
shot 14 of 30 at the 3-point arc in a second-round win over UCF but
were just 7 of 35 against Texas Tech.KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — RayJ Dennis shook off a tough start to score 13 points and
lead No. 14 Baylor to a 68-56 victory over Cincinnati in the
quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament. Jalen Bridges added 12 points
and eight rebounds as the No. 3 seed in the tournament advanced to
play seventh-ranked and No. 2 seed Iowa State on Friday night. Dan
Skillings Jr. had 15 points for the No. 11 seed Bearcats, who were
playing their third game in three days. They beat West Virginia in a
high-scoring first-round game before beating short-handed Kansas to
reach the quarterfinals in their first Big 12 Tournament appearance.WASHINGTON (AP) —
DJ Horne scored 18 points, including two clutch free throws with 15
seconds left, and North Carolina State ousted No. 11 Duke 74-69 in
the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament. Kyle Filipowski had 28
points and 14 rebounds for second-seeded Duke, but N.C. State big man
D.J. Burns Jr. kept him frustrated in the second half as the Wolfpack
refused to yield. Tenth-seeded N.C. State will face either Virginia
or Boston College in Friday’s semifinals, needing two more
victories to secure an improbable automatic bid to the NCAA
Tournament.NEW YORK (AP) —
Devin Carter had 22 points and 11 rebounds as Providence secured a
huge victory for its postseason resume, holding off No. 8 Creighton
78-73 in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals. Josh Oduro added 17
points and nine boards for the seventh-seeded Friars, who recovered
in the final five-plus minutes after squandering a 13-point lead in
the second half. They will face 10th-ranked and third-seeded
Marquette in the second semifinal Friday night at Madison Square
Garden. Jayden Pierre had 15 points and seven assists for Providence.
Ryan Kalkbrenner had 19 points and 12 rebounds for the second-seeded
Bluejays.UNDATED (AP) —
Oklahoma State says it has fired men’s basketball coach Mike
Boynton. He had a 119-109 record in seven seasons at the school. The
Cowboys went 12-20 this season and lost their opening game of the Big
12 Tournament to UCF on Tuesday. The Cowboys reached just one NCAA
tournament under Boynton as he dealt with the fallout from an NCAA
investigation. In 2020, an NCAA infractions committee gave the
Cowboys a one-year postseason ban and other penalties after former
assistant coach Lamont Evans accepted up to $22,000 so he could help
steer athletes to certain financial advisers.UNDATED (AP) —
Stanford has fired men’s basketball coach Jerod Haase after he
finished his eighth season at the school without a single NCAA
Tournament appearance. Athletic director Bernard Muir announced the
decision on Thursday night, shortly after the Cardinal finished a
second straight losing season with a 79-62 loss to No. 22 Washington
State in the Pac-12 quarterfinals in Las Vegas. Stanford went 14-18
for the season and finished in a three-way tie for ninth place in the
Pac-12 with an 8-12 mark in conference. Haase had a 126-127 record
overall for Stanford.UNDATED (AP) — The
NFL is reviewing whether the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles
violated tampering policies during the legal tampering window, a
league spokesman said Thursday. The Falcons agreed to a contract with
four-time Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins shortly after teams were
permitted to start negotiating with unrestricted free agents on
Monday. The Eagles quickly struck a deal with two-time Pro Bowl
running back Saquon Barkley soon after the negotiation period opened
at 12 p.m. EDT. Teams are permitted to talk directly with agents
during the 52-hour negotiating window, but can’t speak to the
player unless he has no agent and represents himself.UNDATED (AP) — The
Chicago Bears acquired wide receiver Keenan Allen from the Los
Angeles Chargers for a fourth-round pick. Allen has spent his entire
11-year career with the Chargers and was the longest-tenured player
on the roster. Allen is going into the final season of a four-year
extension he signed in 2020, but refused to take a pay cut or
restructure his contract according to one person familiar with the
trade. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated
Press because they aren’t at liberty to publicly discuss personnel
moves. Allen’s salary cap number for the upcoming season is $34.7
million, including a $5 million roster bonus due on Sunday.PONTE VEDRA BEACH,
Fla. (AP) — Rory McIlroy had 10 birdies, two water balls and one
lengthy dispute on where to take a penalty drop. It added up to a 65
at The Players Championship. That's his lowest start at the TPC
Sawgrass and it gave him a share of the lead with Xander Schauffele
and Wyndham Clark. One tee ball went into the water on the 18th. The
one causing issues was on No. 7, his 16th hole of the round. Jordan
Spieth and Viktor Hovland were questioning whether the ball landed
above the red hazard line. McIlroy says he was comfortable with where
he dropped.UNDATED (AP) —
More than half of Americans say they are against college athletes
unionizing, though younger respondents were more supportive than
older, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center
for Public Affairs Research. The survey found that 55% of adults
believe NCAA athletes should not be permitted to form unions that
would led to collective bargaining with schools. The survey found
breaks in support along three lines: political party identification,
race and age. Six in 10 adults under the age of 45 support allowing
college athletes to form unions. Last week, Dartmouth men's
basketball players voted to join a union.THURSDAY SCORESTOP-25 COLLEGE
BASKETBALL
Final	(1)Houston	60	TCU	45	
Final	(2)UConn	87	Xavier	60	
Final	(4)North Carolina	92	Florida St.	67	
Final	(6)Arizona	70	Southern Cal	49	
Final	(7)Iowa St.	76	Kansas St.	57	
Final	Providence	78	(8)Creighton	73	
Final	(10)Marquette	71	Villanova	65	
Final	NC State	74	(11)Duke	69	
Final	(14)Baylor	68	Cincinnati	56	
Final	(15)South Carolina	80	Arkansas	66	
Final	(18)Utah St.	87	Fresno St.	75	
Final	(25)Texas Tech	81	(20)BYU	67	
Final	(22)Washington St.	79	Stanford	62	
Final	Colorado St.	85	(23)Nevada	78	
Final	Duquesne	65	(24)Dayton	57MAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLINTERLEAGUE
Final	Philadelphia	6	Boston	1	
Final	Tampa Bay	3	Atlanta	1	
Final	Baltimore	5	Pittsburgh	2	
Final	Seattle	4	Milwaukee	2	
Final	Chicago Cubs	3	Oakland	1	
Final	Cleveland	13	Colorado	7	
Final	Kansas City	6	Arizona	0	
Final	Washington	5	Houston	3	
Final	Texas	7	Cincinnati	4	AMERICAN LEAGUE
Final	Toronto	5	Minnesota	1	
Final	Detroit	7	N.Y. Yankees	0	
Final	Chicago White Sox	5	L.A. Angels	1	NATIONAL LEAGUE
Final	N.Y. Mets	0	St. Louis	0	NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
Final	Boston	127	Phoenix	112	
Final	L.A. Clippers	126	Chicago	111	
Final	Houston	135	Washington	119	
Final	Milwaukee	114	Philadelphia	105	
Final	New York	105	Portland	93	
Final	Oklahoma City	126	Dallas	119	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUE
Final	Buffalo	4	N-Y Islanders	0	
Final OT	Boston	2	Montreal	1	
Final	Arizona	4	Detroit	1	
Final	Carolina	4	Florida	0	
Final	Pittsburgh	6	San Jose	3	
Final	Tampa Bay	6	N-Y Rangers	3	
Final SO	Ottawa	3	Columbus	2	
Final	Toronto	6	Philadelphia	2	
Final	Minnesota	2	Anaheim	0	
Final	New Jersey	6	Dallas	2	
Final	Calgary	4	Vegas	1