LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The Big 12 is heading into its second week of conference play. A high-profile matchup between third-ranked Kansas and No. 4 Baylor on Saturday could set the stage for the rest of the season. The other big game Saturday features No. 17 West Virginia against Texas Tech. On the women's side, sixth-ranked Baylor is flying high into the weekend after routing No. 1 Connecticut, ending the Huskies' 98-game home winning streak.
LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Texas Tech receiver Seth Collins is getting an extra season to play in college. Red Raiders coach Matt Wells said Friday that the NCAA has granted a waiver for Collins to have a sixth year of eligibility. Collins missed last season because of a shoulder injury. Collins started his career at Oregon State, where he started seven games at quarterback as a true freshman in 2015 before moving to receiver at the end of that season. He had 32 catches in his first season for Texas Tech in 2018, but got hurt late in spring practice last year.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs could be missing defensive tackle Chris Jones and tight end Travis Kelce when the AFC West champs face the Houston Texans in the divisional round of the AFC playoffs on Sunday. Jones showed up on the injury report Thursday after coach Andy Reid said he had “tweaked his calf” at practice the previous day. Jones did not practice Friday and Reid declined to say whether there was a chance he'll play. Kelce has been limited all week with a knee injury that Reid characterized as “a bruise.” He also is questionable.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Royals and slugging outfielder Jorge Soler agreed to a $7.3 million contract for next season, allowing the sides to avoid salary arbitration Friday and keep things amicable between them as they explore a long-term deal. The contract includes a $50,000 bonus for making the All-Star Game and a $100,000 bonus for winning the Hank Aaron Award, which is voted by fans and the media and given out to the best hitter in each league. Soler hit .265 with a franchise-record 48 homers last season. He also drove in 117 runs.
National Headlines
RENTON Wash. (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks list offensive linemen Duane Brown and George Fant as questionable yesterday, leaving questions about who will start at left tackle for tomorrow’s NFC divisional playoff game against the Packers in Green Bay. Brown is less than three weeks removed from minor knee surgery, while Fant suffered a groin injury in last week's opening round playoff win over Philadelphia. Brown and Fant were limited participants in practice yesterday.
UNDATED (AP) — A host of major leaguers avoided arbitration by accepting one-year contracts yesterday. Boston outfielder Mookie Betts came away with a $27 million deal, the largest one-year salary for an arbitration-eligible player. Arizona outfielder David Peralta got $22 million for this season, Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant took an $18.6 million offer and New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge settled for $18.5 million. Cincinnati’s Trevor Bauer topped all pitchers who settled today, getting $17.5 million.
TORONTO (AP) — The Toronto Raptors are about to activate three major players who were injured during a Dec. 18 victory at Detroit. Swingman Norm Powell was cleared to play tomorrow against San Antonio after rehabilitating a left shoulder injury. Forward Pascal Siakam and center Marc Gasol practiced today and are close to returning. Siakam injured a groin and Gasol strained his left hamstring.
NEW YORK (AP) — Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler has been fined $35,000 and Indiana's T.J. Warren $25,000 by the NBA after their altercation in the Heat's victory in Indianapolis on Wednesday. Warren grabbed Butler by the left arm and spun him around as Butler went for a potential layup with 6:29 remaining in the third quarter. They chest-bumped and were separated by referees. Both players received technical fouls before Warren picked up a second technical and was ejected seconds later.
Friday Scores
TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Final (6)Butler 70 Providence 58
Final Iowa 67 (12)Maryland 49
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
Final Washington 111 Atlanta 101
Final New Orleans 123 New York 111
Final Brooklyn 117 Miami 113
Final Indiana 116 Chicago 105
Final Memphis 134 San Antonio 121
Final Utah 109 Charlotte 92
Final Phoenix 98 Orlando 94
Final L.A. Lakers 129 Dallas 114
Final Milwaukee 127 Sacramento 106
Final L.A. Clippers 109 Golden State 100