By NOAH TRISTER AP Sports Writer

BALTIMORE (AP) — Patrick Mahomes has already defeated an impressive list of quarterbacks in the playoffs: Andrew Luck, Deshaun Watson, Ben Roethlisberger, Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts, Tua Tagovailoa.

And of course, Josh Allen, who was eliminated for the third time by Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs last week.

One star AFC quarterback whom Mahomes has never run into in the postseason is Lamar Jackson. The Baltimore Ravens star could match Mahomes this season with his second MVP award — but is only now making his first appearance in the AFC championship game.

“He’s going to be the MVP for a reason," Mahomes said. “He leads his team. He scores, he runs, he throws, he does whatever it takes to win, and that’s what the greats do. It’s a challenge for our defense, but also a great challenge for our offense to keep up.”

Mahomes and the Chiefs face that difficult task Sunday at Baltimore in the AFC title game. It's their sixth consecutive year reaching this stage of the playoffs, but the first time in that span they'll have to play it on the road.

The Chiefs are the defending Super Bowl champions. The Ravens have the NFL's best record this season. It's a fascinating matchup made even more so by the presence of Mahomes and Jackson.

Even if Jackson would be happy to avoid such a tough opponent.

“I don’t like competing against him at all," Jackson said with a laugh. “He’s definitely a Hall of Famer. But I believe it’s just two greats — up-and-coming greats — just going toe to toe, like a heavyweight fight."

This is the first playoff matchup between former MVP quarterbacks who are both under 30.

That's not to say Mahomes hasn't been pushed in the quarterback-deep AFC. Allen has come close to knocking him off, and Burrow actually beat Mahomes in the AFC championship game two years ago before Mahomes won a rematch last season.

Jackson's most recent matchup with Mahomes was a 36-35 win by the Ravens in September 2021. Mahomes won their meetings in each of the previous three seasons.

“Listen, this league is a lot about the quarterbacks, right? We’re fortunate in this game we have two of the best ones in the league," Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said. "Our goal and what we talk about all the time is, ‘Let’s just get the ball back to our quarterback.’ That’s our job. And the only way to do that is make sure their quarterback doesn’t do the things that he’s capable of doing.”

Baltimore (14-4) reached this round with a 34-10 win over Houston. Kansas City (12-6) beat Allen and Buffalo 27-24 last weekend — with Taylor Swift in attendance watching her boyfriend, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.

That romance could be headed to the Super Bowl next month — but the Ravens will do their best to end Kansas City's run.

This is the first time Baltimore is hosting the AFC title game since the Colts beat the Oakland Raiders in January 1971. The current Baltimore franchise has made it to this game four times previously, all on the road, and won twice on the way to Super Bowl titles.

This is Baltimore's fourth time reaching the game under coach John Harbaugh, but the Ravens haven't been this far since their Super Bowl run 11 years ago. Kansas City, of course, has made the AFC title game an annual part of its schedule lately.

“They’ve been in this situation many times. They’ve played in this game. I think they’re a very experienced team,” Harbaugh said. "They’re a hardened team. They’ve been through a lot. That experience always is helpful.”

Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco, affectionately known as “Pops” by teammates, has been a big reason why they have won their first two playoff games.

The second-year standout has run for 186 yards and two scores in wins over Miami and Buffalo, and his success between the tackles has opened up a downfield passing game that has been bottled up all season.

“I think leaning into him, leaning into our offensive line and what they do best is extremely important to our team,” Mahomes said. “It’s not always going to be high-flying, but we’re going to do whatever we can to win the football game at the end of the day. And if that’s running the ball, throwing the ball, whatever that is.”

Of the Ravens' 13 regular-season victories this season, a record 10 were over teams that finished above .500.

“I think that we just do what we’re signed up to do, and that’s play for each other, at the end of the day. Give everything that we’ve got and try to send a message, play in and play out,” linebacker Roquan Smith said. "No bigger stage to do that than the game coming up this week.”

Special teams is usually a factor in the postseason — look at the misses by Buffalo and Green Bay last week. And the Ravens and Chiefs have two of the game’s best kickers.

Justin Tucker is going to his seventh Pro Bowl in 12 seasons for Baltimore, while Harrison Butker was 33 of 35 on field-goal attempts for Kansas City this season and is perfect so far in the playoffs.

“He’s been there for such a long career, no injuries, and he’s made it look effortless,” Butker said of Tucker, whom he recalls watching on Youtube as far back as high school. “He’s kind of changed the kicking game, and pushed us younger guys to say, ‘It’s possible to make 65-yard field goals and these game-winning kicks.’ He’s just an artist.”

Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (ankle) hasn't played since November, but he has been practicing this week. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey (calf) also returned to practice after missing last weekend's win over Houston.

Pacheco (ankle/toe) and guard Joe Thuney (pectoral) missed practice time for Kansas City this week.

By NOAH TRISTER AP Sports WriterBALTIMORE (AP) — Patrick Mahomes has already defeated an impressive list of quarterbacks in the playoffs: Andrew Luck, Deshaun Watson, Ben Roethlisberger, Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts, Tua Tagovailoa.And of course, Josh Allen, who was eliminated for the third time by Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs last week.One star AFC quarterback whom Mahomes has never run into in the postseason is Lamar Jackson. The Baltimore Ravens star could match Mahomes this season with his second MVP award — but is only now making his first appearance in the AFC championship game.“He’s going to be the MVP for a reason," Mahomes said. “He leads his team. He scores, he runs, he throws, he does whatever it takes to win, and that’s what the greats do. It’s a challenge for our defense, but also a great challenge for our offense to keep up.”Mahomes and the Chiefs face that difficult task Sunday at Baltimore in the AFC title game. It's their sixth consecutive year reaching this stage of the playoffs, but the first time in that span they'll have to play it on the road.The Chiefs are the defending Super Bowl champions. The Ravens have the NFL's best record this season. It's a fascinating matchup made even more so by the presence of Mahomes and Jackson.Even if Jackson would be happy to avoid such a tough opponent.“I don’t like competing against him at all," Jackson said with a laugh. “He’s definitely a Hall of Famer. But I believe it’s just two greats — up-and-coming greats — just going toe to toe, like a heavyweight fight."This is the first playoff matchup between former MVP quarterbacks who are both under 30.That's not to say Mahomes hasn't been pushed in the quarterback-deep AFC. Allen has come close to knocking him off, and Burrow actually beat Mahomes in the AFC championship game two years ago before Mahomes won a rematch last season.Jackson's most recent matchup with Mahomes was a 36-35 win by the Ravens in September 2021. Mahomes won their meetings in each of the previous three seasons.“Listen, this league is a lot about the quarterbacks, right? We’re fortunate in this game we have two of the best ones in the league," Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said. "Our goal and what we talk about all the time is, ‘Let’s just get the ball back to our quarterback.’ That’s our job. And the only way to do that is make sure their quarterback doesn’t do the things that he’s capable of doing.”Baltimore (14-4) reached this round with a 34-10 win over Houston. Kansas City (12-6) beat Allen and Buffalo 27-24 last weekend — with Taylor Swift in attendance watching her boyfriend, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.That romance could be headed to the Super Bowl next month — but the Ravens will do their best to end Kansas City's run.LONG TIME COMINGThis is the first time Baltimore is hosting the AFC title game since the Colts beat the Oakland Raiders in January 1971. The current Baltimore franchise has made it to this game four times previously, all on the road, and won twice on the way to Super Bowl titles.This is Baltimore's fourth time reaching the game under coach John Harbaugh, but the Ravens haven't been this far since their Super Bowl run 11 years ago. Kansas City, of course, has made the AFC title game an annual part of its schedule lately.“They’ve been in this situation many times. They’ve played in this game. I think they’re a very experienced team,” Harbaugh said. "They’re a hardened team. They’ve been through a lot. That experience always is helpful.”POPS GOES PACHECOChiefs running back Isiah Pacheco, affectionately known as “Pops” by teammates, has been a big reason why they have won their first two playoff games.The second-year standout has run for 186 yards and two scores in wins over Miami and Buffalo, and his success between the tackles has opened up a downfield passing game that has been bottled up all season.“I think leaning into him, leaning into our offensive line and what they do best is extremely important to our team,” Mahomes said. “It’s not always going to be high-flying, but we’re going to do whatever we can to win the football game at the end of the day. And if that’s running the ball, throwing the ball, whatever that is.”TESTEDOf the Ravens' 13 regular-season victories this season, a record 10 were over teams that finished above .500.“I think that we just do what we’re signed up to do, and that’s play for each other, at the end of the day. Give everything that we’ve got and try to send a message, play in and play out,” linebacker Roquan Smith said. "No bigger stage to do that than the game coming up this week.”GET A KICK OF THISSpecial teams is usually a factor in the postseason — look at the misses by Buffalo and Green Bay last week. And the Ravens and Chiefs have two of the game’s best kickers.Justin Tucker is going to his seventh Pro Bowl in 12 seasons for Baltimore, while Harrison Butker was 33 of 35 on field-goal attempts for Kansas City this season and is perfect so far in the playoffs.“He’s been there for such a long career, no injuries, and he’s made it look effortless,” Butker said of Tucker, whom he recalls watching on Youtube as far back as high school. “He’s kind of changed the kicking game, and pushed us younger guys to say, ‘It’s possible to make 65-yard field goals and these game-winning kicks.’ He’s just an artist.”INJURIESRavens tight end Mark Andrews (ankle) hasn't played since November, but he has been practicing this week. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey (calf) also returned to practice after missing last weekend's win over Houston.Pacheco (ankle/toe) and guard Joe Thuney (pectoral) missed practice time for Kansas City this week.

It's Mahomes vs. Jackson for the first time in the playoffs - AFC Preview

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes called this season
perhaps the most challenging of his career on Thursday. His numbers
were down, Kansas City went through a stretch where it lost five
times in eight games, and Mahomes was caught on camera on several
occasions getting after officials and teammates alike. But that
adversity just might have served the Chiefs well. They have overcome
it all to reach the AFC championship game for the sixth straight
year. They are headed to Baltimore to play the Ravens for a spot in
the Super Bowl on Sunday.

BALTIMORE (AP) —
Lamar Jackson is one star AFC quarterback whom Patrick Mahomes has
never run into in the postseason. Jackson could match Mahomes this
season with his second MVP award. But he's only now making his first
appearance in the AFC championship game. Mahomes and the Kansas City
Chiefs are in it for the sixth straight year. They'll take on
Jackson's Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. The Chiefs are the defending
Super Bowl champions. The Ravens have the NFL’s best record this
season. It’s a fascinating matchup made even more so by the
presence of Mahomes and Jackson.

LAS VEGAS (AP) —
The San Francisco 49ers are a plus-140 favorite at FanDuel Sportsbook
to win it all. San Francisco would be favored over either team that
comes out of the AFC title game — Baltimore by 1 1/2 points or
Kansas City by three points. The 49ers are 7-point favorites to beat
the Detroit Lions in Sunday's NFC championship game. Deebo Samuel's
shoulder injury has created uncertainty for San Francisco. Baltimore
is a 3 1/2-point favorite over the Chiefs in the AFC championship
game.

UNDATED (AP) —
Lamar Jackson, Christian McCaffrey and Dak Prescott are finalists for
The Associated Press 2023 NFL Most Valuable Player and Offensive
Player of the Year awards. The winners will be announced at NFL
Honors on Feb. 8. A nationwide panel of 50 media members who
regularly cover the league completed voting before the playoffs
began. The Cleveland Browns have finalists in four categories: Myles
Garrett for Defensive Player of the Year; Kevin Stefanski for Coach
of the Year; Joe Flacco for Comeback Player of the Year and Jim
Schwartz for Assistant Coach of the Year.

ATLANTA (AP) — The
Atlanta Falcons have hired Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator
Raheem Morris as their new head coach after an exhaustive search that
included six-time Super Bowl winner Bill Belichick. Morris is a
familiar name in Atlanta, having served as the Falcons’ interim
head coach for the final 11 games of the 2020 season after the firing
of Dan Quinn. He previously coached the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for
three seasons. The Falcons interviewed 14 candidates to replace
Arthur Smith, who was fired after three straight 7-10 seasons. They
settled on Morris, who has a record of 21-38 as a head coach.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)
— The Carolina Panthers have agreed to terms with Tampa Bay
Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales to become their new
head coach Thursday in hopes that he can end a six-year playoff
drought. The Panthers are 31-68 since 2018, tied with the New York
Jets for the worst record in the league during that span. Canales
becomes the seventh head coach to lead the Panthers since owner David
Tepper took over in 2018. He inherits a team that went 2-15 last
season and does not have a first-round draft pick in 2024. The
42-year-old Canales has spent only one season as an NFL coordinator.

UNDATED (AP) —
College football has always been a what-have-you-done-lately
business, but these days — fueled by nonstop hot-seat coverage and
constant social-media scrutiny —- a coach’s stock rises and falls
like a roller coaster. When Jim Harbaugh took a pay cut from Michigan
after the 2020 season, getting another chance to be an NFL head coach
seemed like a long shot for him. Now, coming off a national
championship, he has landed one of the best NFL jobs available. It is
doubtful Kalen DeBoer would have even been considered as a
replacement for Nick Saban a year ago. Now he's the Alabama coach.

UNDATED (AP) — The
college football coaching carousel revved up again in January,
starting with the sudden retirement of maybe the greatest head coach
of all time. Since Nick Saban stepped down at Alabama on Jan. 10,
seven major college football jobs have opened, including at three
schools to make the playoff. That increased the total number of
changes to 28. Never before had a team made the College Football
Playoff or BCS championship game had to replace its head coach the
next season. Michigan is the first national champion to replace its
coach following the season since Nebraska in 1997.

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO,
Italy (AP) — Mikaela Shiffrin has crashed into the safety nets
after losing control while landing a jump during a World Cup
downhill. Shiffrin’s arms were flailing as she landed in a patch of
soft snow on the upper portion of the Olympia delle Tofane course in
Cortina, Italy. The American slammed into the net at high speed and
rebounded back onto the snow. Medics tended to Shiffrin immediately
and she eventually got up and limped away for more care. Shiffrin has
a record 95 World Cup wins.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702554092640.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes called this season
perhaps the most challenging of his career on Thursday. His numbers
were down, Kansas City went through a stretch where it lost five
times in eight games, and Mahomes was caught on camera on several
occasions getting after officials and teammates alike. But that
adversity just might have served the Chiefs well. They have overcome
it all to reach the AFC championship game for the sixth straight
year. They are headed to Baltimore to play the Ravens for a spot in
the Super Bowl on Sunday.BALTIMORE (AP) —
Lamar Jackson is one star AFC quarterback whom Patrick Mahomes has
never run into in the postseason. Jackson could match Mahomes this
season with his second MVP award. But he's only now making his first
appearance in the AFC championship game. Mahomes and the Kansas City
Chiefs are in it for the sixth straight year. They'll take on
Jackson's Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. The Chiefs are the defending
Super Bowl champions. The Ravens have the NFL’s best record this
season. It’s a fascinating matchup made even more so by the
presence of Mahomes and Jackson.LAS VEGAS (AP) —
The San Francisco 49ers are a plus-140 favorite at FanDuel Sportsbook
to win it all. San Francisco would be favored over either team that
comes out of the AFC title game — Baltimore by 1 1/2 points or
Kansas City by three points. The 49ers are 7-point favorites to beat
the Detroit Lions in Sunday's NFC championship game. Deebo Samuel's
shoulder injury has created uncertainty for San Francisco. Baltimore
is a 3 1/2-point favorite over the Chiefs in the AFC championship
game.UNDATED (AP) —
Lamar Jackson, Christian McCaffrey and Dak Prescott are finalists for
The Associated Press 2023 NFL Most Valuable Player and Offensive
Player of the Year awards. The winners will be announced at NFL
Honors on Feb. 8. A nationwide panel of 50 media members who
regularly cover the league completed voting before the playoffs
began. The Cleveland Browns have finalists in four categories: Myles
Garrett for Defensive Player of the Year; Kevin Stefanski for Coach
of the Year; Joe Flacco for Comeback Player of the Year and Jim
Schwartz for Assistant Coach of the Year.ATLANTA (AP) — The
Atlanta Falcons have hired Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator
Raheem Morris as their new head coach after an exhaustive search that
included six-time Super Bowl winner Bill Belichick. Morris is a
familiar name in Atlanta, having served as the Falcons’ interim
head coach for the final 11 games of the 2020 season after the firing
of Dan Quinn. He previously coached the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for
three seasons. The Falcons interviewed 14 candidates to replace
Arthur Smith, who was fired after three straight 7-10 seasons. They
settled on Morris, who has a record of 21-38 as a head coach.CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)
— The Carolina Panthers have agreed to terms with Tampa Bay
Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales to become their new
head coach Thursday in hopes that he can end a six-year playoff
drought. The Panthers are 31-68 since 2018, tied with the New York
Jets for the worst record in the league during that span. Canales
becomes the seventh head coach to lead the Panthers since owner David
Tepper took over in 2018. He inherits a team that went 2-15 last
season and does not have a first-round draft pick in 2024. The
42-year-old Canales has spent only one season as an NFL coordinator.UNDATED (AP) —
College football has always been a what-have-you-done-lately
business, but these days — fueled by nonstop hot-seat coverage and
constant social-media scrutiny —- a coach’s stock rises and falls
like a roller coaster. When Jim Harbaugh took a pay cut from Michigan
after the 2020 season, getting another chance to be an NFL head coach
seemed like a long shot for him. Now, coming off a national
championship, he has landed one of the best NFL jobs available. It is
doubtful Kalen DeBoer would have even been considered as a
replacement for Nick Saban a year ago. Now he's the Alabama coach.UNDATED (AP) — The
college football coaching carousel revved up again in January,
starting with the sudden retirement of maybe the greatest head coach
of all time. Since Nick Saban stepped down at Alabama on Jan. 10,
seven major college football jobs have opened, including at three
schools to make the playoff. That increased the total number of
changes to 28. Never before had a team made the College Football
Playoff or BCS championship game had to replace its head coach the
next season. Michigan is the first national champion to replace its
coach following the season since Nebraska in 1997.CORTINA D'AMPEZZO,
Italy (AP) — Mikaela Shiffrin has crashed into the safety nets
after losing control while landing a jump during a World Cup
downhill. Shiffrin’s arms were flailing as she landed in a patch of
soft snow on the upper portion of the Olympia delle Tofane course in
Cortina, Italy. The American slammed into the net at high speed and
rebounded back onto the snow. Medics tended to Shiffrin immediately
and she eventually got up and limped away for more care. Shiffrin has
a record 95 World Cup wins.THURSDAY SCORESTOP-25 COLLEGE
BASKETBALLFinal	Oregon
St.	83	(9)Arizona	80NATIONAL BASKETBALL
ASSOCIATIONFinal	Utah	123	Washington	108	Final	Indiana	134	Philadelphia	122	Final	Boston	143	Miami	110	Final	New
York	122	Denver	84	Final	Minnesota	96	Brooklyn	94	Final	Sacramento	134	Golden
State	133	Final	L.A.
Lakers	141	Chicago	132	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUEFinal	Tampa
Bay	6	Arizona	3	Final	Detroit	3	Philadelphia	0	Final	Montreal	4	N-Y
Islanders	3	Final
OT	Boston	3	Ottawa	2	Final	Carolina	3	New
Jersey	2	Final
OT	Dallas	4	Anaheim	3	Final	Nashville	3	Minnesota	2	Final	Edmonton	3	Chicago	0	Final	Columbus	5	Calgary	2

Friday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

Western Athletic Conference Great Bend @ Hays Liberal @ Woodward, OK Sat-Garden City @ Mt. St. Mary (Oklahoma City) Central Kansas League Hillsboro @ Smoky Valley (Thursday) Hesston @ Buhler Minneapolis @ Hillsboro Nickerson @ Pratt Clay Center @ Smoky Valley Central Prairie League St. John @ Ness City (Thursday) Central Plains @ Macksville Lyons @ Ellinwood Sylvan-Lucas @ Otis-Bison Victoria @ LaCrosse Ness City @ Wheatland-Grinnell Other Area Games Russell @ Goodland TMP @ Abilene Ellsworth @ Southeast of Saline

Western Athletic Conference Great Bend @ Hays Liberal @ Woodward, OK Sat-Garden City @ Mt. St. Mary (Oklahoma City) Central Kansas League Hillsboro @ Smoky Valley (Thursday) Hesston @ Buhler Minneapolis @ Hillsboro Nickerson @ Pratt Clay Center @ Smoky Valley Central Prairie League St. John @ Ness City (Thursday) Central Plains @ Macksville Lyons @ Ellinwood Sylvan-Lucas @ Otis-Bison Victoria @ LaCrosse Ness City @ Wheatland-Grinnell Other Area Games Russell @ Goodland TMP @ Abilene Ellsworth @ Southeast of Saline

 Friday High School Basketball Schedule (1/26/24)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706222971708.jpeg" alt="Hoisington High School senior Jordyn Boxberger signed Thursday, Jan. 25 to play volleyball at Dodge City Community College next season." />
 <figcaption>Hoisington High School senior Jordyn Boxberger signed Thursday, Jan. 25 to play volleyball at Dodge City Community College next season.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Hoisington's Boxberger to play volleyball at DCCC

Russell High School coach Christien Ozores will become the next football coach at Salina South High School. Ozores spent two seasons as the head coach in Russell. In 2022, Ozores guided the Broncos to their first winning season since 2003 and their first playoff win since 1979.

Ozores left the message below on his social media...

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706216907869.jpeg" alt="Russell's Christien Ozores will become the next football coach at Salina South High School." />
 <figcaption>Russell's Christien Ozores will become the next football coach at Salina South High School.</figcaption>
 </figure>Russell High School coach Christien Ozores will become the next football coach at Salina South High School. Ozores spent two seasons as the head coach in Russell. In 2022, Ozores guided the Broncos to their first winning season since 2003 and their first playoff win since 1979.Ozores left the message below on his social media...<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706216931853.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Russell football coach takes job at Salina South

Class 5A Boys Team rankings 1. Goddard 2. Basehor-Linwood 3. St. Thomas Aquinas 4. Andover 5. Valley Center 6. Great Bend 7. Salina Central 8. Bishop Carroll 9. Newton 10. Hutchinson

Great Bend Boys rankings 120- 5. Triston Tomlinson 132 - 4. Kaiden Hoffman 150 - 3. Cooper Liles 157 - 3. Jace Schartz 190 - 3. Trenton Kern 215 - 5. Matthew Johnson 285 - 6. Brody Schnoebelen

Class 6A-5A Girls Team rankings 1. Dodge City 2. Shawnee Heights 3. Garden City 4. Manhattan 5. Junction City 6. Olathe North 7. Great Bend 8. Derby 9. Washburn Rural 10. Hays

Great Bend Girls rankings Class 6A-5A 105 - 6. Camdyn Post 125 - 3. Kaylea McMullen 130 - 2. Daisy Gomez 190 - 2. Natalee Daniels

Class 3-2-1A Team Rankings 1. Hoxie 2. Norton 3. ACCHS 4. Phillipsburg 5. Hill City 6. Minneapolis 7. Russell 8.&nbsp;Smith Center 9. Larned 10. Oakley

Area ranked wrestlers 106 - 2. Jai Sean George - Larned &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3. Xzephen Donner - Russell 113 -&nbsp;6. Jai Sean George - Larned 120 - 4. Jace Grizzle - Lyons 138 - 1. Josiah Ball - Hoisington 165 - 2. Teagen Pfeifer - Russell 175 -&nbsp; 5. Brayden Suchy - Russell &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6. Teron Craft - Hoisington 215 - 1. Luke Fisher - Larned Class 3-2-1A Girls Team Rankings 1. Rossville 2. Oakley 3. Pratt 4. Winfield 5. Chanute 6. Paola 7. Fort Scott 8.&nbsp;Baldwin 9. Trego 10. Tonganoxie

Area ranked girls wrestlers 130 -3. Daijah Jones- Hoisington &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;5. Alexa Guzman-Lyons 145 - 1. Jaden Ney - Russell &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 5. Lyrica Orosco - Hoisington 235 - 4. Haylee Holinde - Hoisington

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604497727867.jpeg" alt="Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association Rankings 1/24" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association Rankings 1/24</figcaption>
 </figure>Class 5A Boys Team rankings 1. Goddard 2. Basehor-Linwood 3. St. Thomas Aquinas 4. Andover 5. Valley Center 6. Great Bend 7. Salina Central 8. Bishop Carroll 9. Newton 10. HutchinsonGreat Bend Boys rankings 120- 5. Triston Tomlinson 132 - 4. Kaiden Hoffman 150 - 3. Cooper Liles 157 - 3. Jace Schartz 190 - 3. Trenton Kern 215 - 5. Matthew Johnson 285 - 6. Brody SchnoebelenClass 6A-5A Girls Team rankings 1. Dodge City 2. Shawnee Heights 3. Garden City 4. Manhattan 5. Junction City 6. Olathe North 7. Great Bend 8. Derby 9. Washburn Rural 10. HaysGreat Bend Girls rankings Class 6A-5A 105 - 6. Camdyn Post 125 - 3. Kaylea McMullen 130 - 2. Daisy Gomez 190 - 2. Natalee DanielsClass 3-2-1A Team Rankings 1. Hoxie 2. Norton 3. ACCHS 4. Phillipsburg 5. Hill City 6. Minneapolis 7. Russell 8.&nbsp;Smith Center 9. Larned 10. OakleyArea ranked wrestlers 106 - 2. Jai Sean George - Larned &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3. Xzephen Donner - Russell 113 -&nbsp;6. Jai Sean George - Larned 120 - 4. Jace Grizzle - Lyons 138 - 1. Josiah Ball - Hoisington 165 - 2. Teagen Pfeifer - Russell 175 -&nbsp; 5. Brayden Suchy - Russell &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6. Teron Craft - Hoisington 215 - 1. Luke Fisher - Larned Class 3-2-1A Girls Team Rankings 1. Rossville 2. Oakley 3. Pratt 4. Winfield 5. Chanute 6. Paola 7. Fort Scott 8.&nbsp;Baldwin 9. Trego 10. Tonganoxie Area ranked girls wrestlers 130 -3. Daijah Jones- Hoisington &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;5. Alexa Guzman-Lyons 145 - 1. Jaden Ney - Russell &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 5. Lyrica Orosco - Hoisington 235 - 4. Haylee Holinde - Hoisington

KWCA Wrestling Rankings (1/24)

- Great Bend Panther Basketball coach Kyle Kreigh will be joined by assistant coach Dale Kuhlman as they recap Tuesday's road win over TMP. They will also preview Friday's return trip North to play Hays High in a huge Western Athletic Conference matchup.

- Barton Wrestling coach Nathan Broeckelman

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Thursday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Aaron Clark, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Thursday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Aaron Clark, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-Xg0p7NJn7U?si=HHP77UrC4YZTYxBL" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>- Great Bend Panther Basketball coach Kyle Kreigh will be joined by assistant coach Dale Kuhlman as they recap Tuesday's road win over TMP. They will also preview Friday's return trip North to play Hays High in a huge Western Athletic Conference matchup.- Barton Wrestling coach Nathan Broeckelman- "On the Prowl" with Mike Courson- Thursday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Thursday on Sports Day (Watch)

The Panther bowling squads managed to get in some competition Wednesday against Liberal at the Walnut Bowl. The Lady Panthers swept the Redskins 13-0 in the Western Athletic Conference standings, and the Great Bend boys won 11-2.

The Lady Panthers again had four of the top-five series on the day. Kaylin Wahlmeier stayed above 200 all afternoon, topping out at 229 for a 645 series. Liberal's Addison Hartnett opened with a 210 game for a 529 series for second place.

Just behind Hartnett, Lady Panther Emilee Nelson rolled games of 187, 164, and 174 for a 525 series for third place. Zoey Mayberry stayed in the 170s all day for fourth with a 515 series, and Brooklyn Mayberry opened with a 179 to finish with a 496 series for fifth. Paige Heine rolled a 162 in the middle game for a 432 series, and Rionna Rodriguez finished with a 361 series. Great Bend finished with 2,183 total pins compared to 1,529 for Liberal. The Lady Panthers swept the Baker games with final efforts of 183 and 222.

The Panther boys placed three in the top four. Daegan Miller was Mr. Consistent with games of 191, 184, and 184 for the high-series of 559. Liberal's Logan Apsley had a big middle game of 197 to finish second with a 523.

Great Bend's Quinten Miller overcame a slow start to finish with games of 191 and 181 for third with a 513 series. Joshua Manning had a similar day, finishing with a 184 game and a 487 series for fourth. Brantley Vsetecka also finished strong at 182 for a 442 series. Keaton Wahlmeier rolled a 327 series, and Kayden Detrick finished with a 292. Great Bend finished with 2,001 total pins to Liberal's 1,786. The Panthers also won all four Baker games.

The Panther girls travel to Wichita for the Great Plains Invitational on Friday, and the boys will follow on Saturday. Both squads will host Hays on Monday, Jan. 29.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673886547614.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Post SportsThe Panther bowling squads managed to get in some competition Wednesday against Liberal at the Walnut Bowl. The Lady Panthers swept the Redskins 13-0 in the Western Athletic Conference standings, and the Great Bend boys won 11-2.The Lady Panthers again had four of the top-five series on the day. Kaylin Wahlmeier stayed above 200 all afternoon, topping out at 229 for a 645 series. Liberal's Addison Hartnett opened with a 210 game for a 529 series for second place.Just behind Hartnett, Lady Panther Emilee Nelson rolled games of 187, 164, and 174 for a 525 series for third place. Zoey Mayberry stayed in the 170s all day for fourth with a 515 series, and Brooklyn Mayberry opened with a 179 to finish with a 496 series for fifth. Paige Heine rolled a 162 in the middle game for a 432 series, and Rionna Rodriguez finished with a 361 series. Great Bend finished with 2,183 total pins compared to 1,529 for Liberal. The Lady Panthers swept the Baker games with final efforts of 183 and 222.The Panther boys placed three in the top four. Daegan Miller was Mr. Consistent with games of 191, 184, and 184 for the high-series of 559. Liberal's Logan Apsley had a big middle game of 197 to finish second with a 523.Great Bend's Quinten Miller overcame a slow start to finish with games of 191 and 181 for third with a 513 series. Joshua Manning had a similar day, finishing with a 184 game and a 487 series for fourth. Brantley Vsetecka also finished strong at 182 for a 442 series. Keaton Wahlmeier rolled a 327 series, and Kayden Detrick finished with a 292. Great Bend finished with 2,001 total pins to Liberal's 1,786. The Panthers also won all four Baker games.The Panther girls travel to Wichita for the Great Plains Invitational on Friday, and the boys will follow on Saturday. Both squads will host Hays on Monday, Jan. 29.

Panther bowlers handle Liberal at home

The Lady Panther wrestling team dropped to No. 7 in the latest Class 6-5A rankings released Tuesday. Wednesday evening, the girls lost a 43-27 dual at No. 10 Hays.

100: Kayle Baldwin (GB) over Alyssa Harding (HHS) (Dec 4-2) 105: No. 6 Camdyn Post (GB) over Kenlee Vehige (HHS) (Fall ) 110: Keyla Macias (HHS) over Keira Leyva (GB) (Fall) 115: Madison Polson (HHS) open 120: No. 3 Tionna Napue (HHS) over Braelyn Turner (GB) (Fall) 125: Addison Otte (HHS) over No. 3 Kaylea McMullen (GB) (Dec 6-2) 130: No. 2 Daizy Gomez (GB) over Reese Vehige (HAHS) (Fall) 135: Katie Gutierrez (HHS) over Kaydence Demel (GB) (Fall&nbsp; 140: No. 1 Lexi Burton (HHS) over Shatarah Newton (GB) (Fall) 145: Timber Lovewell (HHS) over Josephine Blevins (GB) (Fall) 155: Lexi Barnett (HHS) over Danica Cline (GB) (MD 10-1) 170: Kirra Stevens (GB) over Addison Nueberger (HHS) (Fall 2:00) 190: No. 2 Natalee Daniels (GB) over Crystal Walters (HHS) (Fall) 235: Double Open

The Lady Panthers travel to Topeka on Saturday for tournament action.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673886299669.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Post SportsThe Lady Panther wrestling team dropped to No. 7 in the latest Class 6-5A rankings released Tuesday. Wednesday evening, the girls lost a 43-27 dual at No. 10 Hays.100: Kayle Baldwin (GB) over Alyssa Harding (HHS) (Dec 4-2) 105: No. 6 Camdyn Post (GB) over Kenlee Vehige (HHS) (Fall ) 110: Keyla Macias (HHS) over Keira Leyva (GB) (Fall) 115: Madison Polson (HHS) open 120: No. 3 Tionna Napue (HHS) over Braelyn Turner (GB) (Fall) 125: Addison Otte (HHS) over No. 3 Kaylea McMullen (GB) (Dec 6-2) 130: No. 2 Daizy Gomez (GB) over Reese Vehige (HAHS) (Fall) 135: Katie Gutierrez (HHS) over Kaydence Demel (GB) (Fall&nbsp; 140: No. 1 Lexi Burton (HHS) over Shatarah Newton (GB) (Fall) 145: Timber Lovewell (HHS) over Josephine Blevins (GB) (Fall) 155: Lexi Barnett (HHS) over Danica Cline (GB) (MD 10-1) 170: Kirra Stevens (GB) over Addison Nueberger (HHS) (Fall 2:00) 190: No. 2 Natalee Daniels (GB) over Crystal Walters (HHS) (Fall) 235: Double OpenThe Lady Panthers travel to Topeka on Saturday for tournament action.

No. 7 Lady Panther wrestlers fall to No. 10 Hays

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — John Harbaugh once defeated his own brother in a Super Bowl, so going up against someone he used to work with may not be all that emotional.

Still, there's plenty of respect between the Baltimore coach and his counterpart this weekend: Kansas City's Andy Reid.

“Obviously, it’s a big deal in terms of the relationship,” Harbaugh said this week. “It goes back a long, long, long way. Utmost respect for Andy, utmost appreciation for what he’s accomplished as a coach. We were together for 10 years, the first 10 years there in Philly. We were in a lot of championship games, and a lot of playoff games."

They'll face each other as head coaches for the first time in a playoff game when the Ravens host the Chiefs on Sunday. That's somewhat remarkable given how successful they've been. This is Harbaugh's fourth AFC championship game with Baltimore and Reid's sixth in a row with Kansas City.

Reid leads their head-to-head series 5-2 since he and Harbaugh went their separate ways during the former's tenure at the helm of the Philadelphia Eagles.

“John does a phenomenal job. He knows the whole game,” Reid said. "He was a great special teams coach, a great secondary coach and he’s been a great head coach. Very proud of him and all he’s done and accomplished.”

Harbaugh was a special teams coordinator in 1998 for the Eagles under Ray Rhodes, then remained in that role for eight seasons after Reid took over the following season.

“Ray Rhodes was great to be around for a year or two. If Ray’s out there listening, just thank you very much. I’m always appreciative of what I learned from Ray,” Harbaugh said. “Then Andy came in, I was hoping to stay, and he gave me an opportunity to do it. I was young and just figuring things out. That was good of him, and hope he’s glad he did, looking back on it.”

Reid said he'd known Harbaugh's father, Jack, before keeping John on his staff in Philadelphia.

“His dad was the best. He was real close with LaVell Edwards (at BYU). I did a thing at a hospital one time with them. I was a young coach, carrying Coach Edwards’ bag. And I got to know them, and we were like, the three coaches at this whole convention that showed up at the hospital,” Reid said. "We spent a couple of days together and it was great. I never forgot it. So when I met John, I was like, ‘If you’re half as good as your dad, you’re on.’ And he’s been that.”

Harbaugh became a secondary coach for Philadelphia in 2007, then took over the Ravens the following season. He won a Super Bowl in his fifth season in Baltimore. The opponent in that game was San Francisco, then coached by his brother, Jim.

Lately, Reid's Chiefs have been the team to beat in the AFC. Their streak of six straight conference title games has been accompanied by two Super Bowl wins, one of which came last year.

Reid also reached four NFC title games in a row in Philadelphia with Harbaugh on his staff.

Aside from Harbaugh, Reid's coaching tree includes another Super Bowl-winning head coach in Doug Pederson, as well as Sean McDermott of the Buffalo Bills, whom Kansas City defeated last weekend.

“You think about all the great coaches that were on that staff that Andy assembled and mentored and taught us all so much,” Harbaugh said. “We were a close group of guys, a staff that loved each other. I see a lot of that on this (Ravens) staff, too.”

Although it's been a while since he and Reid coached together, some of the lessons are easy to recall.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — John Harbaugh once defeated his own brother in a Super Bowl, so going up against someone he used to work with may not be all that emotional.Still, there's plenty of respect between the Baltimore coach and his counterpart this weekend: Kansas City's Andy Reid.“Obviously, it’s a big deal in terms of the relationship,” Harbaugh said this week. “It goes back a long, long, long way. Utmost respect for Andy, utmost appreciation for what he’s accomplished as a coach. We were together for 10 years, the first 10 years there in Philly. We were in a lot of championship games, and a lot of playoff games."They'll face each other as head coaches for the first time in a playoff game when the Ravens host the Chiefs on Sunday. That's somewhat remarkable given how successful they've been. This is Harbaugh's fourth AFC championship game with Baltimore and Reid's sixth in a row with Kansas City.Reid leads their head-to-head series 5-2 since he and Harbaugh went their separate ways during the former's tenure at the helm of the Philadelphia Eagles.“John does a phenomenal job. He knows the whole game,” Reid said. "He was a great special teams coach, a great secondary coach and he’s been a great head coach. Very proud of him and all he’s done and accomplished.”Harbaugh was a special teams coordinator in 1998 for the Eagles under Ray Rhodes, then remained in that role for eight seasons after Reid took over the following season.“Ray Rhodes was great to be around for a year or two. If Ray’s out there listening, just thank you very much. I’m always appreciative of what I learned from Ray,” Harbaugh said. “Then Andy came in, I was hoping to stay, and he gave me an opportunity to do it. I was young and just figuring things out. That was good of him, and hope he’s glad he did, looking back on it.”Reid said he'd known Harbaugh's father, Jack, before keeping John on his staff in Philadelphia.“His dad was the best. He was real close with LaVell Edwards (at BYU). I did a thing at a hospital one time with them. I was a young coach, carrying Coach Edwards’ bag. And I got to know them, and we were like, the three coaches at this whole convention that showed up at the hospital,” Reid said. "We spent a couple of days together and it was great. I never forgot it. So when I met John, I was like, ‘If you’re half as good as your dad, you’re on.’ And he’s been that.”Harbaugh became a secondary coach for Philadelphia in 2007, then took over the Ravens the following season. He won a Super Bowl in his fifth season in Baltimore. The opponent in that game was San Francisco, then coached by his brother, Jim.Lately, Reid's Chiefs have been the team to beat in the AFC. Their streak of six straight conference title games has been accompanied by two Super Bowl wins, one of which came last year.Reid also reached four NFC title games in a row in Philadelphia with Harbaugh on his staff.Aside from Harbaugh, Reid's coaching tree includes another Super Bowl-winning head coach in Doug Pederson, as well as Sean McDermott of the Buffalo Bills, whom Kansas City defeated last weekend.“You think about all the great coaches that were on that staff that Andy assembled and mentored and taught us all so much,” Harbaugh said. “We were a close group of guys, a staff that loved each other. I see a lot of that on this (Ravens) staff, too.”Although it's been a while since he and Reid coached together, some of the lessons are easy to recall.

AFC title game means a reunion for John Harbaugh and Andy Reid


106: Camden Luck (HAHS) over
Alexis Reyes (GBH) (Fall 0:00) 



113: Elijah McCullough (HAHS)
over Ambrose Kramer (GBH) (Fall 2:00) 


120: Triston Tomlinson (GBH)
over Devin Quach (HAHS) (Fall 0:00)


126: Tacoma Augustine (HAHS)
over Hayden Liles (GBH) (Dec 8-1) 


132: Kaiden Hoffman (GBH) over
Jace Myers (HAHS) (Dec 6-0)

138: Hayden Kelly (GBH) over
Brant Pfannenstiel (HAHS) (MD 9-0)


144: Harley Zimmerman (HAHS)
over Blake Stein (GBH) (Fall 4:00) 


150: Cooper Liles (GBH) over
Roberto Macias (HAHS) (Fall 0:00)

157: Jace Schartz (GBH) over
Corbin Luck (HAHS) (TF 17-2 4:00)

165: Michael Montoya (GBH)
over Logan Schoenberger (HAHS) (Fall 2:00)

175: Aidan Davidson (GBH) over
Jonathan Rigler (HAHS) (Dec 9-6)

190: Trenton Kern (GBH) over
Dalton Meyers (HAHS) (Dec 3-1)

215: Matthew Johnson (GBH)
over Jaxson Chartier (HAHS) (Dec 5-1)

285: Brody Schnoebelen (GBH)
over Will Linenberger (HAHS) (Fall 2:00)

Great Bend 45, Hays 21
106: Camden Luck (HAHS) over
Alexis Reyes (GBH) (Fall 0:00) 

113: Elijah McCullough (HAHS)
over Ambrose Kramer (GBH) (Fall 2:00) 

120: Triston Tomlinson (GBH)
over Devin Quach (HAHS) (Fall 0:00) 

126: Tacoma Augustine (HAHS)
over Hayden Liles (GBH) (Dec 8-1) 

132: Kaiden Hoffman (GBH) over
Jace Myers (HAHS) (Dec 6-0) 

138: Hayden Kelly (GBH) over
Brant Pfannenstiel (HAHS) (MD 9-0) 

144: Harley Zimmerman (HAHS)
over Blake Stein (GBH) (Fall 4:00) 

150: Cooper Liles (GBH) over
Roberto Macias (HAHS) (Fall 0:00) 

157: Jace Schartz (GBH) over
Corbin Luck (HAHS) (TF 17-2 4:00) 

165: Michael Montoya (GBH)
over Logan Schoenberger (HAHS) (Fall 2:00) 

175: Aidan Davidson (GBH) over
Jonathan Rigler (HAHS) (Dec 9-6) 

190: Trenton Kern (GBH) over
Dalton Meyers (HAHS) (Dec 3-1) 

215: Matthew Johnson (GBH)
over Jaxson Chartier (HAHS) (Dec 5-1) 

285: Brody Schnoebelen (GBH)
over Will Linenberger (HAHS) (Fall 2:00)

Panther Boys take down Hays in WAC dual

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Brandon Johnson's 12 points helped East Carolina defeat Wichita State 54-52 on Wednesday night.

Bobby Pettiford Jr.'s dunk stretched the Pirates' lead to 54-47 with about three minutes to play. Dalen Ridgnal missed a potential game-tying 3 for Wichita State with two seconds left.

Johnson also had seven rebounds and three steals for the Pirates (10-10, 3-4 American Athletic Conference). RJ Felton added 10 points while finishing 5 of 15 from the floor. Ezra Ausar shot 4 of 9 from the field and 1 for 3 from the line to finish with 10 points.

Harlond Beverly led the Shockers (8-11, 0-6) in scoring, finishing with 18 points and six rebounds. Ridgnal added eight points and six rebounds. Colby Rogers had seven points. The loss was the Shockers' eighth straight.

East Carolina went into the half ahead of Wichita State 26-22. Jaden Walker put up six points in the half. East Carolina took the lead for good with 7:13 remaining in the second half on a dunk from Johnson to make it a 45-43 game.

Ausar 4-9 1-3 10, Johnson 4-8 1-2 12, Malonga 1-4 1-1 3, Felton 5-15 0-0 10, Walker 3-10 0-0 6, Hayes 1-8 0-0 3, Pettiford 4-9 0-0 8, Pinedo 0-2 0-0 0, Richard 1-1 0-2 2, Bayela 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 23-68 3-8 54.

Ridgnal 3-8 0-0 8, Ballard 2-2 1-2 5, Beverly 7-10 4-4 18, Cortes 0-2 0-0 0, Rogers 1-9 4-4 7, Bell 2-7 0-2 4, DeGray 1-2 2-2 4, Pohto 2-3 0-0 4, Abidde 0-1 2-2 2. Totals 18-44 13-16 52.

Halftime_East Carolina 26-22. 3-Point Goals_East Carolina 5-14 (Johnson 3-5, Ausar 1-1, Hayes 1-3, Bayela 0-1, Felton 0-2, Walker 0-2), Wichita St. 3-18 (Ridgnal 2-7, Rogers 1-5, Abidde 0-1, Beverly 0-1, Bell 0-2, Cortes 0-2). Rebounds_East Carolina 34 (Johnson 7), Wichita St. 34 (Ballard 9). Assists_East Carolina 7 (Hayes 2), Wichita St. 8 (Beverly 3). Total Fouls_East Carolina 15, Wichita St. 13. A_5,252 (10,506).

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Brandon Johnson's 12 points helped East Carolina defeat Wichita State 54-52 on Wednesday night.Bobby Pettiford Jr.'s dunk stretched the Pirates' lead to 54-47 with about three minutes to play. Dalen Ridgnal missed a potential game-tying 3 for Wichita State with two seconds left.Johnson also had seven rebounds and three steals for the Pirates (10-10, 3-4 American Athletic Conference). RJ Felton added 10 points while finishing 5 of 15 from the floor. Ezra Ausar shot 4 of 9 from the field and 1 for 3 from the line to finish with 10 points.Harlond Beverly led the Shockers (8-11, 0-6) in scoring, finishing with 18 points and six rebounds. Ridgnal added eight points and six rebounds. Colby Rogers had seven points. The loss was the Shockers' eighth straight.East Carolina went into the half ahead of Wichita State 26-22. Jaden Walker put up six points in the half. East Carolina took the lead for good with 7:13 remaining in the second half on a dunk from Johnson to make it a 45-43 game.EAST CAROLINA (10-10)Ausar 4-9 1-3 10, Johnson 4-8 1-2 12, Malonga 1-4 1-1 3, Felton 5-15 0-0 10, Walker 3-10 0-0 6, Hayes 1-8 0-0 3, Pettiford 4-9 0-0 8, Pinedo 0-2 0-0 0, Richard 1-1 0-2 2, Bayela 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 23-68 3-8 54.WICHITA ST. (8-11)Ridgnal 3-8 0-0 8, Ballard 2-2 1-2 5, Beverly 7-10 4-4 18, Cortes 0-2 0-0 0, Rogers 1-9 4-4 7, Bell 2-7 0-2 4, DeGray 1-2 2-2 4, Pohto 2-3 0-0 4, Abidde 0-1 2-2 2. Totals 18-44 13-16 52.Halftime_East Carolina 26-22. 3-Point Goals_East Carolina 5-14 (Johnson 3-5, Ausar 1-1, Hayes 1-3, Bayela 0-1, Felton 0-2, Walker 0-2), Wichita St. 3-18 (Ridgnal 2-7, Rogers 1-5, Abidde 0-1, Beverly 0-1, Bell 0-2, Cortes 0-2). Rebounds_East Carolina 34 (Johnson 7), Wichita St. 34 (Ballard 9). Assists_East Carolina 7 (Hayes 2), Wichita St. 8 (Beverly 3). Total Fouls_East Carolina 15, Wichita St. 13. A_5,252 (10,506).

East Carolina beats Wichita State 54-52

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Milan Momcilovic scored 19 points as No. 23 Iowa State survived a heated game against Kansas State 78-67 on Wednesday night.

Keshon Gilbert added 15 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for the Cyclones (15-4, 4-2 Big 12), who improved to 12-0 at home this season. Curtis Jones scored 18 points.

Arthur Kaluma led Kansas State (14-5, 4-2) with 16 points, as the Wildcats slipped from the top of the conference standings.

“Every game is going to be intense,” Jones said. “We've been preparing for that since June.”

Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger and Kansas State coach Jerome Tang appeared to have a heated exchange during the second half and a prolonged discussion during the postgame handshake line.

“Nothing happened,” Tang said. “We talked about a situation that took place during the game. He (Otzelberger) said he would check into it. I told him thank you and went on.”

Kansas State erased a 14-point, second-half lead by the Cyclones, tying the score on five different occasions. But the Wildcats never went ahead.

“It's so important that you don't relinquish that lead,” Otzelberger said. “Your confidence (grows) as you're out in front or they don't get over that hump.”

Deadlocked at 61, Hason Ward put Iowa State back on top for good with a dunk at the 4:09 mark. A 3-pointer from Jones made it 66-61 with 2:47 remaining.

“That basket gave us a lot of confidence,” Otzelberger said. “The crowd exploded, and we had some margin at that point. So, it was really big.”

Tang was given a technical foul with two minutes remaining, after protesting a foul call.

Momcilovic converted three free throws following the technical and followed with a 3-pointer that pushed Iowa State's lead to 72-62.

“I wasn't trying to get a tech,” Tang said. “I didn't say anything. I just thought it was a bad call and waved my arm. With the intensity of that game and that moment, I would think that we would all be given a little grace.”

Kansas State was sluggish, committing turnovers on each of its first three possessions and missing four of its first five shots. The Wildcats shot just one of eight from 3-point range in the first half.

Play was choppy as the teams were called for a combined 47 fouls and missed a combined 20 free throws.

“It was tough, because of a lot of free throws, a lot of fouls, a lot of stoppage, fans yelling or whatever,” Momcilovic said. “It was tough to really get into a groove.”

Momcilovic hit three of six shots from behind the 3-point arc and made 6 of 8 free throws.

Iowa State, which had won nine of its previous 11 games, benefited from the return of leading scorer Tamin Lipsey, who missed a game with a shoulder injury. Lipsey was averaging 14.5 points per game. He finished with eight points on 2-for-10 shooting Wednesday.

Kansas State was not among the seven Big 12 teams ranked this week, despite being tied atop the conference standings.

Kansas State visits No. 4 Houston on Saturday.

Iowa State hosts No. 7 Kansas on Saturday.

Kaluma 4-11 5-5 16, McNair 2-6 1-2 5, N'Guessan 3-6 2-6 8, Carter 4-7 2-3 12, Perry 2-9 1-2 7, Finister 2-4 0-0 4, Colbert 2-2 3-4 7, Ames 2-3 1-1 5, R.Jones 1-1 0-0 3, Manning 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 22-49 15-23 67.

Ro.Jones 3-3 2-8 8, King 1-4 0-0 2, Momcilovic 5-10 6-8 19, Gilbert 4-9 6-7 15, Lipsey 2-10 4-5 8, C.Jones 5-12 5-5 18, Ward 2-2 4-4 8, Watson 0-0 0-0 0, Paveletzke 0-1 0-0 0, Biliew 0-0 0-2 0. Totals 22-51 27-39 78.

Halftime_Iowa St. 41-29. 3-Point Goals_Kansas St. 8-24 (Kaluma 3-8, Carter 2-4, Perry 2-8, R.Jones 1-1, Finister 0-1, McNair 0-1, N'Guessan 0-1), Iowa St. 7-21 (Momcilovic 3-6, C.Jones 3-8, Gilbert 1-3, King 0-2, Lipsey 0-2). Fouled Out_N'Guessan, King. Rebounds_Kansas St. 23 (Finister 6), Iowa St. 34 (Gilbert 13). Assists_Kansas St. 13 (Perry 5), Iowa St. 13 (Lipsey 6). Total Fouls_Kansas St. 26, Iowa St. 20. A_14,267 (14,384).

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Milan Momcilovic scored 19 points as No. 23 Iowa State survived a heated game against Kansas State 78-67 on Wednesday night.Keshon Gilbert added 15 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for the Cyclones (15-4, 4-2 Big 12), who improved to 12-0 at home this season. Curtis Jones scored 18 points.Arthur Kaluma led Kansas State (14-5, 4-2) with 16 points, as the Wildcats slipped from the top of the conference standings.“Every game is going to be intense,” Jones said. “We've been preparing for that since June.”Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger and Kansas State coach Jerome Tang appeared to have a heated exchange during the second half and a prolonged discussion during the postgame handshake line.“Nothing happened,” Tang said. “We talked about a situation that took place during the game. He (Otzelberger) said he would check into it. I told him thank you and went on.”Otzelberger also declined to elaborate.Kansas State erased a 14-point, second-half lead by the Cyclones, tying the score on five different occasions. But the Wildcats never went ahead.“It's so important that you don't relinquish that lead,” Otzelberger said. “Your confidence (grows) as you're out in front or they don't get over that hump.”Deadlocked at 61, Hason Ward put Iowa State back on top for good with a dunk at the 4:09 mark. A 3-pointer from Jones made it 66-61 with 2:47 remaining.“That basket gave us a lot of confidence,” Otzelberger said. “The crowd exploded, and we had some margin at that point. So, it was really big.”Tang was given a technical foul with two minutes remaining, after protesting a foul call.Momcilovic converted three free throws following the technical and followed with a 3-pointer that pushed Iowa State's lead to 72-62.“I wasn't trying to get a tech,” Tang said. “I didn't say anything. I just thought it was a bad call and waved my arm. With the intensity of that game and that moment, I would think that we would all be given a little grace.”Kansas State was sluggish, committing turnovers on each of its first three possessions and missing four of its first five shots. The Wildcats shot just one of eight from 3-point range in the first half.Play was choppy as the teams were called for a combined 47 fouls and missed a combined 20 free throws.“It was tough, because of a lot of free throws, a lot of fouls, a lot of stoppage, fans yelling or whatever,” Momcilovic said. “It was tough to really get into a groove.”Momcilovic hit three of six shots from behind the 3-point arc and made 6 of 8 free throws.BIG PICTUREIowa State, which had won nine of its previous 11 games, benefited from the return of leading scorer Tamin Lipsey, who missed a game with a shoulder injury. Lipsey was averaging 14.5 points per game. He finished with eight points on 2-for-10 shooting Wednesday.Kansas State was not among the seven Big 12 teams ranked this week, despite being tied atop the conference standings.UP NEXTKansas State visits No. 4 Houston on Saturday.Iowa State hosts No. 7 Kansas on Saturday.

KANSAS ST. (14-5)Kaluma 4-11 5-5 16, McNair 2-6 1-2 5, N'Guessan 3-6 2-6 8, Carter 4-7 2-3 12, Perry 2-9 1-2 7, Finister 2-4 0-0 4, Colbert 2-2 3-4 7, Ames 2-3 1-1 5, R.Jones 1-1 0-0 3, Manning 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 22-49 15-23 67.IOWA ST. (15-4)Ro.Jones 3-3 2-8 8, King 1-4 0-0 2, Momcilovic 5-10 6-8 19, Gilbert 4-9 6-7 15, Lipsey 2-10 4-5 8, C.Jones 5-12 5-5 18, Ward 2-2 4-4 8, Watson 0-0 0-0 0, Paveletzke 0-1 0-0 0, Biliew 0-0 0-2 0. Totals 22-51 27-39 78.Halftime_Iowa St. 41-29. 3-Point Goals_Kansas St. 8-24 (Kaluma 3-8, Carter 2-4, Perry 2-8, R.Jones 1-1, Finister 0-1, McNair 0-1, N'Guessan 0-1), Iowa St. 7-21 (Momcilovic 3-6, C.Jones 3-8, Gilbert 1-3, King 0-2, Lipsey 0-2). Fouled Out_N'Guessan, King. Rebounds_Kansas St. 23 (Finister 6), Iowa St. 34 (Gilbert 13). Assists_Kansas St. 13 (Perry 5), Iowa St. 13 (Lipsey 6). Total Fouls_Kansas St. 26, Iowa St. 20. A_14,267 (14,384).

Milan Momcilovic scores 19 to lead No. 23 Iowa State over Kansas State 78-67

Barton Men 83 Independence 56; Barton Women 69 Independence 49

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

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647912774016.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton Men 83 Independence 56; Barton Women 69 Independence 49<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/hz3ym4g4/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

AMES, Iowa (AP) —
Milan Momcilovic scored 19 points as No. 23 Iowa State pulled away
late to beat Kansas State 78-67. Keshon Gilbert added 15 points and
grabbed 13 rebounds for the Cyclones, who extended their home-winning
streak to 12 games. Curtis Jones contributed 18 points. Arthur Kaluma
led Kansas State with 16 points, as the Wildcats slipped from the top
of the conference standings. Kansas State erased a 14-point,
second-half lead by the Cyclones, tying the score on five different
occasions, but never went ahead.

UNDATED (AP) —
West Virginia guard RaeQuan Battle is among the players thriving
after a federal judge in West Virginia issued a temporary restraining
order against the NCAA, giving multiple-transfer athletes a 14-day
window to compete. The judge later extended the order through the
spring season, meaning Battle could play the rest of the season.
Battle led the Mountaineers past then-No. 3 Kansas last Saturday. He
is averaging nearly 18 points and is among the Big 12's leading
scorers. His testimony also helped players such as his teammate, Noah
Farrakhan, and UT Arlington guard Phillip Russell.

FORT WORTH, Texas
(AP) — TCU was on quite a roll in coach Mark Campbell’s first
season, off to a school-record 14-0 start and in the AP Top 25 poll.
Only a couple of weeks later, the Horned Frogs were having to forfeit
two games and hold open tryouts on campus just to fill some roster
spots after injuries sidelined three starters. The 15-4 Horned Frogs
played and won their first game in 10 days on Tuesday night. There
were four new walk-on players on the roster from the more than 40 who
attended tryouts last week. Only only TCU volleyball player Sarah
Sylvester appeared briefly in the 66-60 win over UCF.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A
person with knowledge of the negotiations says Doc Rivers is
finalizing a deal to take over as the Milwaukee Bucks coach a day
after the firing of Adrian Griffin. Rivers and the Bucks were still
negotiating Wednesday, according to the person who spoke to The
Associated Press on condition of anonymity because no contract had
been completed. ESPN reported that Rivers has agreed to a deal in
principle. Rivers has worked for ESPN as an analyst this season. The
Bucks fired Griffin on Tuesday despitea 30-13 record. Milwaukee is 3
1/2 games behind Boston in the Eastern Conference standings.

UNDATED (AP) — The
underdog role has worked out for the Kansas City Chiefs with Patrick
Mahomes. The San Francisco 49ers have odds in their favor. Two of the
four teams facing off Sunday are quite familiar with these stakes.
The defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs are in the AFC championship
game for the sixth straight season, but going on the road for the
first time in that span. They’ll take on the No. 1 seed Ravens, who
are here for the first time in 11 years. The No. 1 seed 49ers are
making their third consecutive appearance in the NFC championship
game. They host the Detroit Lions, who haven’t reached this point
in 32 years.

OWINGS MILLS, Md.
(AP) — John Harbaugh worked on Andy Reid's staff for several years
in Philadelphia. Now they’ll face each other as head coaches for
the first time in a playoff game when Harbaugh's Baltimore Ravens
host the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. This is Harbaugh’s fourth
AFC championship game with Baltimore and Reid’s sixth in a row with
Kansas City. Harbaugh was a special teams coordinator in 1998 for the
Eagles under Ray Rhodes. Then he remained in that role for eight
seasons after Reid took over the following season. Harbaugh became a
secondary coach for Philadelphia in 2007, then took over the Ravens
the following season.

COSTA MESA, Calif.
(AP) — Jim Harbaugh was hired as head coach of the Los Angeles
Chargers. He leaves Michigan after capping his ninth season as coach
of college football’s winningest program with the school’s first
national championship since 1997. Harbaugh made the highly
anticipated decision to go back to the NFL after a second interview
and resume his chase for a Super Bowl that eluded him as a
quarterback and coach. He will be the first former Chargers player to
return to the team as head coach.

UNDATED (AP) —
Michigan is the type of job that could set off a chain reaction of
openings across college football the way Nick Saban's retirement from
Alabama did two weeks ago. The difference between Michigan and
Alabama, though, is the Wolverines might very well have their man
already on campus in offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore. Michigan
athletic director Warde Manuel released a statement saying the school
is “working quickly to hire the next head coach for the program and
will do everything possible to keep this current staff and team
together.” With Harbaugh serving two separate suspensions last
season for potential NCAA rules violations, Michigan went 4-0 with
Moore leading the team on game days. He was in charge when Michigan
beat Penn State and Ohio State.

SAN DIEGO (AP) —
Kevin Yu of Taiwan shot an 8-under 64 on the North Course at Torrey
Pines to take a one-shot lead over Patrick Cantlay and Ryo Hisatsune
in the opening round of the Farmers Insurance Open. The eight lowest
scores came on the North Course, which generally plays a few strokes
easier than the South Course on the municipal layout on a bluff high
above the Pacific Ocean. Players have a round on each course before
the cut. The final two rounds are played on the South Course.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702554092640.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>AMES, Iowa (AP) —
Milan Momcilovic scored 19 points as No. 23 Iowa State pulled away
late to beat Kansas State 78-67. Keshon Gilbert added 15 points and
grabbed 13 rebounds for the Cyclones, who extended their home-winning
streak to 12 games. Curtis Jones contributed 18 points. Arthur Kaluma
led Kansas State with 16 points, as the Wildcats slipped from the top
of the conference standings. Kansas State erased a 14-point,
second-half lead by the Cyclones, tying the score on five different
occasions, but never went ahead.UNDATED (AP) —
West Virginia guard RaeQuan Battle is among the players thriving
after a federal judge in West Virginia issued a temporary restraining
order against the NCAA, giving multiple-transfer athletes a 14-day
window to compete. The judge later extended the order through the
spring season, meaning Battle could play the rest of the season.
Battle led the Mountaineers past then-No. 3 Kansas last Saturday. He
is averaging nearly 18 points and is among the Big 12's leading
scorers. His testimony also helped players such as his teammate, Noah
Farrakhan, and UT Arlington guard Phillip Russell.FORT WORTH, Texas
(AP) — TCU was on quite a roll in coach Mark Campbell’s first
season, off to a school-record 14-0 start and in the AP Top 25 poll.
Only a couple of weeks later, the Horned Frogs were having to forfeit
two games and hold open tryouts on campus just to fill some roster
spots after injuries sidelined three starters. The 15-4 Horned Frogs
played and won their first game in 10 days on Tuesday night. There
were four new walk-on players on the roster from the more than 40 who
attended tryouts last week. Only only TCU volleyball player Sarah
Sylvester appeared briefly in the 66-60 win over UCF.MILWAUKEE (AP) — A
person with knowledge of the negotiations says Doc Rivers is
finalizing a deal to take over as the Milwaukee Bucks coach a day
after the firing of Adrian Griffin. Rivers and the Bucks were still
negotiating Wednesday, according to the person who spoke to The
Associated Press on condition of anonymity because no contract had
been completed. ESPN reported that Rivers has agreed to a deal in
principle. Rivers has worked for ESPN as an analyst this season. The
Bucks fired Griffin on Tuesday despitea 30-13 record. Milwaukee is 3
1/2 games behind Boston in the Eastern Conference standings.UNDATED (AP) — The
underdog role has worked out for the Kansas City Chiefs with Patrick
Mahomes. The San Francisco 49ers have odds in their favor. Two of the
four teams facing off Sunday are quite familiar with these stakes.
The defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs are in the AFC championship
game for the sixth straight season, but going on the road for the
first time in that span. They’ll take on the No. 1 seed Ravens, who
are here for the first time in 11 years. The No. 1 seed 49ers are
making their third consecutive appearance in the NFC championship
game. They host the Detroit Lions, who haven’t reached this point
in 32 years.OWINGS MILLS, Md.
(AP) — John Harbaugh worked on Andy Reid's staff for several years
in Philadelphia. Now they’ll face each other as head coaches for
the first time in a playoff game when Harbaugh's Baltimore Ravens
host the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. This is Harbaugh’s fourth
AFC championship game with Baltimore and Reid’s sixth in a row with
Kansas City. Harbaugh was a special teams coordinator in 1998 for the
Eagles under Ray Rhodes. Then he remained in that role for eight
seasons after Reid took over the following season. Harbaugh became a
secondary coach for Philadelphia in 2007, then took over the Ravens
the following season.COSTA MESA, Calif.
(AP) — Jim Harbaugh was hired as head coach of the Los Angeles
Chargers. He leaves Michigan after capping his ninth season as coach
of college football’s winningest program with the school’s first
national championship since 1997. Harbaugh made the highly
anticipated decision to go back to the NFL after a second interview
and resume his chase for a Super Bowl that eluded him as a
quarterback and coach. He will be the first former Chargers player to
return to the team as head coach.UNDATED (AP) —
Michigan is the type of job that could set off a chain reaction of
openings across college football the way Nick Saban's retirement from
Alabama did two weeks ago. The difference between Michigan and
Alabama, though, is the Wolverines might very well have their man
already on campus in offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore. Michigan
athletic director Warde Manuel released a statement saying the school
is “working quickly to hire the next head coach for the program and
will do everything possible to keep this current staff and team
together.” With Harbaugh serving two separate suspensions last
season for potential NCAA rules violations, Michigan went 4-0 with
Moore leading the team on game days. He was in charge when Michigan
beat Penn State and Ohio State.SAN DIEGO (AP) —
Kevin Yu of Taiwan shot an 8-under 64 on the North Course at Torrey
Pines to take a one-shot lead over Patrick Cantlay and Ryo Hisatsune
in the opening round of the Farmers Insurance Open. The eight lowest
scores came on the North Course, which generally plays a few strokes
easier than the South Course on the municipal layout on a bluff high
above the Pacific Ocean. Players have a round on each course before
the cut. The final two rounds are played on the South Course.WEDNESDAY SCORESTOP-25 COLLEGE
BASKETBALLFinal	Alabama	79	(8)Auburn	75	Final	Northwestern	96	(10)Illinois	91	Final	(14)Marquette	86	DePaul	73	Final	(22)FAU	69	Rice	56	Final	(23)Iowa
St.	78	Kansas St.	67	Final	Nevada	77	(24)Colorado
St.	64	Final	(25)New
Mexico	95	San Jose St.	75NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Detroit	113	Charlotte	106	Final	Minnesota	118	Washington	107	Final	Memphis	105	Miami	96	Final	Milwaukee	126	Cleveland	116	Final
OT	Portland	137	Houston	131	Final	Phoenix	132	Dallas	109	Final	Oklahoma
City	140	San Antonio	114	Final	Golden
State	134	Atlanta	112	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUEFinal
OT	Toronto	1	Winnipeg	0	Final	Florida	6	Arizona	2	Final	Carolina	3	Boston	2	Final	Colorado	6	Washington	2	Final OT	St.
Louis	4	Vancouver	3	Final	Seattle	6	Chicago	2

Thursday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer

Pro Picks is a weekly column where AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi shares his picks for upcoming games. For all previous Pro Picks, head here.

The underdog role has worked out for the Kansas City Chiefs with Patrick Mahomes. The San Francisco 49ers have odds in their favor.

Two of the four teams facing off Sunday are quite familiar with these stakes.

The defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs are in the AFC championship game for the sixth straight season, but going on the road for the first time in that span.

They’ll take on the No. 1 seed Ravens, who are here for the first time in 11 years. The city of Baltimore is hosting an AFC title game for the first time since the Colts beat the Oakland Raiders in 1971.

The Ravens are 3 1/2-point favorites, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

However, the Chiefs are 8-3 as an underdog in Mahomes’ career.

The No. 1 seed 49ers are making their third consecutive appearance in the NFC championship game and fourth in five years. They host the Detroit Lions, who haven’t reached this point in 32 years and have never played in a Super Bowl. The 49ers are 7-point favorites.

The Ravens and 49ers have history on their side. No. 1 seeds are 34-14 in conference championship games, including 2-0 last season when the Chiefs went on to beat the Eagles in the Super Bowl.

Home teams are 35-18 in the NFC title game, 36-17 in the AFC.

If the 49ers and Chiefs advance, it'll set up a Super Bowl rematch. Kansas City won that one four years ago.

KANSAS CITY (13-6) at BALTIMORE (14-4)

Mahomes led the Chiefs to a comeback win over Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round in his first career playoff game on the road aside from Super Bowls.

The two-time NFL and Super Bowl MVP has embraced the challenge and now faces the league’s stingiest defense. The Ravens gave up an NFL-low 16.5 points per game and the sixth-fewest yards at 301.4 per game. They have standouts at every level of defense, including defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, linebackers Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen and safety Kyle Hamilton.

All-Pro QB Lamar Jackson also has a tough task going against a Chiefs defense that gave up 17.3 points per game in the regular season and held the high-octane Dolphins to only seven points in the wild-card round. Led by All-Pro edge Chris Jones and All-Pro slot cornerback Trent McDuffie, Kansas City was No. 2 in yards, holding opponents to 289.8 per game. But the Chiefs were 18th against the run and the Ravens have the league’s top rushing offense led by Jackson, Gus Edwards and Justice Hill.

Jackson is 1-3 against Mahomes. But he has led the Ravens to 11 wins over winning teams with nine of those by at least 14 points, including last week’s 34-10 victory over Houston. The past five home teams in a conference championship coming off a victory of at least 20 points all won.

But the Chiefs are 9-1-1 against the spread as an underdog with Mahomes, including eight outright wins.

Maybe Taylor Swift and Jason Kelce will be the good luck charms for the Chiefs. Travis Kelce caught two touchdown passes last week with his pop star girlfriend and All-Pro brother watching in a suite.

DETROIT (14-5) at SAN FRANCISCO (13-5)

Jared Goff and the Lions are one win away from the franchise’s first trip to the Super Bowl. If the 49ers play the way they did last week against Green Bay, Dan Campbell’s team will be going to Las Vegas.

Brock Purdy and the 49ers weren’t sharp on a rainy night against the Packers, but their QB delivered in the clutch to lead a comeback win and bring them back to being a win away from the Super Bowl. Purdy should get his chance to throw against the Lions, who had the NFL’s second-best run defense but were 27th against the pass. He’ll need Deebo Samuel, who is uncertain to play because of a shoulder injury.

All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey had a big game last week and is also dangerous as a pass-catcher so the Lions can’t simply focus on stopping the run.

Goff led the league’s No. 2 passing offense, throwing to All-Pro wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and standout rookie tight end Sam LaPorta. He’s got David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs in the backfield, too.

But the Lions averaged five fewer points per game on the road and the field in San Francisco is a slower track. Plus, they’re facing one of the league’s best defenses led by All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner and star rusher Nick Bosa.

Pro Picks expects the 49ers to bring their best after getting routed in Philadelphia in last year’s NFC title game when Purdy suffered a significant elbow injury.

Last week: Straight up: 3-1. Against spread: 2-2.

Playoffs: Straight up: 5-5. Against spread: 4-6.

Regular season: Straight up: 168-104. Against spread: 144-118-10.

By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football WriterPro Picks is a weekly column where AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi shares his picks for upcoming games. For all previous Pro Picks, head here.The underdog role has worked out for the Kansas City Chiefs with Patrick Mahomes. The San Francisco 49ers have odds in their favor.Two of the four teams facing off Sunday are quite familiar with these stakes.The defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs are in the AFC championship game for the sixth straight season, but going on the road for the first time in that span.They’ll take on the No. 1 seed Ravens, who are here for the first time in 11 years. The city of Baltimore is hosting an AFC title game for the first time since the Colts beat the Oakland Raiders in 1971.The Ravens are 3 1/2-point favorites, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.However, the Chiefs are 8-3 as an underdog in Mahomes’ career.The No. 1 seed 49ers are making their third consecutive appearance in the NFC championship game and fourth in five years. They host the Detroit Lions, who haven’t reached this point in 32 years and have never played in a Super Bowl. The 49ers are 7-point favorites.The Ravens and 49ers have history on their side. No. 1 seeds are 34-14 in conference championship games, including 2-0 last season when the Chiefs went on to beat the Eagles in the Super Bowl.Home teams are 35-18 in the NFC title game, 36-17 in the AFC.If the 49ers and Chiefs advance, it'll set up a Super Bowl rematch. Kansas City won that one four years ago.KANSAS CITY (13-6) at BALTIMORE (14-4)Line: Ravens minus 3 1/2Mahomes led the Chiefs to a comeback win over Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round in his first career playoff game on the road aside from Super Bowls.The two-time NFL and Super Bowl MVP has embraced the challenge and now faces the league’s stingiest defense. The Ravens gave up an NFL-low 16.5 points per game and the sixth-fewest yards at 301.4 per game. They have standouts at every level of defense, including defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, linebackers Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen and safety Kyle Hamilton.All-Pro QB Lamar Jackson also has a tough task going against a Chiefs defense that gave up 17.3 points per game in the regular season and held the high-octane Dolphins to only seven points in the wild-card round. Led by All-Pro edge Chris Jones and All-Pro slot cornerback Trent McDuffie, Kansas City was No. 2 in yards, holding opponents to 289.8 per game. But the Chiefs were 18th against the run and the Ravens have the league’s top rushing offense led by Jackson, Gus Edwards and Justice Hill.Jackson is 1-3 against Mahomes. But he has led the Ravens to 11 wins over winning teams with nine of those by at least 14 points, including last week’s 34-10 victory over Houston. The past five home teams in a conference championship coming off a victory of at least 20 points all won.But the Chiefs are 9-1-1 against the spread as an underdog with Mahomes, including eight outright wins.Something has to give.Maybe Taylor Swift and Jason Kelce will be the good luck charms for the Chiefs. Travis Kelce caught two touchdown passes last week with his pop star girlfriend and All-Pro brother watching in a suite.Pro Picks likes an upset.CHIEFS, 23-22DETROIT (14-5) at SAN FRANCISCO (13-5)Line: 49ers minus 7Jared Goff and the Lions are one win away from the franchise’s first trip to the Super Bowl. If the 49ers play the way they did last week against Green Bay, Dan Campbell’s team will be going to Las Vegas.Brock Purdy and the 49ers weren’t sharp on a rainy night against the Packers, but their QB delivered in the clutch to lead a comeback win and bring them back to being a win away from the Super Bowl. Purdy should get his chance to throw against the Lions, who had the NFL’s second-best run defense but were 27th against the pass. He’ll need Deebo Samuel, who is uncertain to play because of a shoulder injury.All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey had a big game last week and is also dangerous as a pass-catcher so the Lions can’t simply focus on stopping the run.Goff led the league’s No. 2 passing offense, throwing to All-Pro wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and standout rookie tight end Sam LaPorta. He’s got David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs in the backfield, too.But the Lions averaged five fewer points per game on the road and the field in San Francisco is a slower track. Plus, they’re facing one of the league’s best defenses led by All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner and star rusher Nick Bosa.Pro Picks expects the 49ers to bring their best after getting routed in Philadelphia in last year’s NFC title game when Purdy suffered a significant elbow injury.49ERS, 30-20Last week: Straight up: 3-1. Against spread: 2-2.Playoffs: Straight up: 5-5. Against spread: 4-6.Regular season: Straight up: 168-104. Against spread: 144-118-10.

Pro Picks: Chiefs and 49ers will win to set up a Super Bowl rematch

Following a 2-2 week, the Kansas Wesleyan basketball teams will take to the road, where they will spend the next three games away from Mabee Arena.

The first of these matchups will take place tonight at Bethel College, with the women's game set to begin at 6:00.

Women's Game: Kansas Wesleyan (9-9, 7-5), Bethel (6-12, 6-6)

Men's Game: Kansas Wesleyan (13-5, 10-2), Bethel (8-9, 6-6)

Both games can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM locally or online at 910kina.com). Tyler Henry and Brooks Garretson will have the call with pregame coverage beginning at 5:30 PM.

Following a 2-2 week, the Kansas Wesleyan basketball teams will take to the road, where they will spend the next three games away from Mabee Arena.The first of these matchups will take place tonight at Bethel College, with the women's game set to begin at 6:00.Women's Game: Kansas Wesleyan (9-9, 7-5), Bethel (6-12, 6-6)<ul>
 <li>The Coyotes have won three straight and 12 of 14 against Bethel. They won 84-63 in Mabee Arena and 70-62 in North Newton last season. KWU has a whopping 31-5 advantage since December, 2005.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>The Threshers lost both of their games last week - 66-51 to Evangel Wednesday in Springfield, Mo. and 77-67 to Friends on Saturday in Wichita. Bethel has rebounded after losing its first five games of the season.</li><li>Freshman Kendall Locke is the leading scorer (14.2) and has surpassed 20 points in four of her last five games including 22 against Evangel and 21 against Friends. She also averages a team-high 5.1 rebounds. Junior Natalie Richards averages 11.7 points and freshman Madyson McKinzie 11.5.</li><li>Bethel averages 69 points and allows 76.6. Rebounding and turnovers have been issues: opponents average nearly eight rebounds a game more (7.7) than the Threshers and they are averaging 17.3 turnovers.</li>
 </ul>Men's Game: Kansas Wesleyan (13-5, 10-2), Bethel (8-9, 6-6)<ul>
 <li>The Coyotes have won the last two games against Bethel but are 5-5 with the Threshers in the last 10. KWU won 77-58 in Mabee Arena in November, 2022 and 79-62 last January. The Coyotes have a 22-13 edge since December, 2005.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>The Threshers defeated Friends 62-43 Saturday in Wichita, edning a two-game skid that came against Oklahoma Wesleyan and Evangel. They're 4-3 second semester and are 5-2 inside Thresher Gym this season.</li><li>Bethel features a balanced scoring attack led by senior guards Keyaun Hoskin (13.3) and Nick Bonner (13.1) and sophomore guard Carmelo Yakubu (12.5). Bonner has a team-best 35 made 3-pointers and Hoskin averages a team-high 5.9 rebounds.</li><li>Bethel averages 73 points and allows 73.6. The Threshers are shooting 43 percent from the field and 34 percent from 3-point range. Opponents are shooting 43 percent overall and 33 percent from long range.</li>
 </ul>Live CoverageBoth games can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM locally or online at 910kina.com). Tyler Henry and Brooks Garretson will have the call with pregame coverage beginning at 5:30 PM.

Coyotes Open Three-Game Road Stretch at Bethel College

- Great Bend Lady Panther Basketball coach Cindy Beck will talk about Tuesday's night's win over TMP with a look ahead to Friday's showdown at Hays High.

- "Voice of the Tigers" Gerard Wellbrock talks everything Fort Hays State.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Wednesday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Aaron Clark, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Aaron Clark, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bv7W6fR7DQY?si=luijVQB96cdUXYWF" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>- Great Bend Lady Panther Basketball coach Cindy Beck will talk about Tuesday's night's win over TMP with a look ahead to Friday's showdown at Hays High.- "Voice of the Tigers" Gerard Wellbrock talks everything Fort Hays State.- "On the Prowl" with Mike Courson- Wednesday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24-hours