KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes threw for 262 yards and a touchdown, had his helmet shattered when he took a hit in the second half, and proceeded to lead the Kansas City Chiefs to a 26-7 rout of the Miami Dolphins in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-dolphins-bills-steelers-nfl-playoffs-cold-snow-weather-b49dba3f4fdeeae8f023a7408b53296e">the fourth-coldest game in NFL history</a>&nbsp;Saturday night.

The reigning league MVP found Rashee Rice eight times for 130 yards and a touchdown in the wild-card playoff game, and Isiah Pacheco added 89 yards rushing and another score, sending the Chiefs (12-6) past the Dolphins for the first time in four postseason meetings.

Harrison Butker added four field goals for the defending Super Bowl champs.

The injury-depleted Dolphins (11-7) looked nothing like the dynamic offense that led the league in yards during the regular season. Tua Tagovailoa was pressured relentlessly by the NFL's second-ranked defense, wide receiver Tyreek Hill had a 53-yard TD catch but was otherwise shut down in his return to Kansas City, and the Dolphins finished with just 264 yards in all.

They have not won at Arrowhead Stadium since Nov. 6, 2011, nor won a playoff game since Dec. 30, 2000.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs won their 15th consecutive home playoff game — not counting a trio of Super Bowls. But they will head to Buffalo next week if the Bills beat the Steelers on Monday in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bills-steelers-moved-winter-weather-8c223910644bf803b823597420fb46f8">a game pushed back a day</a>&nbsp;by a blizzard. Otherwise, the Chiefs will host Houston,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texans-browns-score-stroud-flacco-playoffs-e9e4e7262a26610bb2981c12acf8fad0">which beat the Browns</a>&nbsp;earlier Saturday.

It was minus-4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus-20 Celsius) at kickoff, easily setting a record for the coldest game at Arrowhead Stadium. But it was wind gusts, whipping through at more than 25 mph and driving the wind chill to a bone-rattling minus-27 degrees, that made the weather truly miserable for just about everyone.

That included pop star Taylor Swift, who once again turned up to see her boyfriend, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.

She at least got to watch from an enclosed suite. Most fans huddled outside in parkas, ski goggles and snow pants, and players huddled around heaters on the sidelines as if they were an oasis in the cold. The National Weather Service issued a warning for what it called “dangerously cold” weather that had blanketed the Midwest.

In fact, the cold may have made Mahomes’ helmet brittle enough that a hit in the third quarter knocked a chunk of the plastic shell from it. Once officials saw the fist-sized hole, they made Mahomes get a backup helmet from the bench.

The weather didn’t seem to bother Hill, who was playing in Kansas City for the first time since his old team traded him to Miami two years ago. The league’s leading receiver warmed up in a short-sleeved shirt, then proceeded to scorch the stout Chiefs defense and All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie for a his long touchdown reception midway through the first half.

But the Dolphins’ offense otherwise struggled, just as it did in a 21-14 loss to the Chiefs in their November game in Germany.

Kansas City was far more efficient, scoring on four of its six first-half drives. Mahomes capped the first with a TD toss to Rice, and while ensuing drives kept fizzling in the red zone, Butker added a trio of field goals as Kansas City took a 16-3 lead into the break.

The Chiefs added another field goal in the third quarter, but it was still a two-possession game early in the fourth when the Dolphins appeared to force another field goal. But a late flag on Christian Wilkins for roughing the passer on third down gave Kansas City a fresh set of downs, and Pacheco plowed into the end zone moments later to give the Chiefs a 26-7 lead.

The Dolphins finally put together a sustained drive afterward, but by that point it was much too late. And when they failed to convert on fourth down, they were headed to their 11th straight loss when the game-time temp is 40 degrees or less.

Miami: S Jevon Holland (knee) and CB Xavien Howard (foot) were inactive. CB DeShon Elliott (calf) left in the fourth quarter.

Kansas City: WR Kadarius Toney (hip) was inactive. DT Derrick Nnadi (elbow) left in the second quarter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705207224442.png" alt="Patrick Mahomes celebrated the victory-photo courtesy KC Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Patrick Mahomes celebrated the victory-photo courtesy KC Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes threw for 262 yards and a touchdown, had his helmet shattered when he took a hit in the second half, and proceeded to lead the Kansas City Chiefs to a 26-7 rout of the Miami Dolphins in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-dolphins-bills-steelers-nfl-playoffs-cold-snow-weather-b49dba3f4fdeeae8f023a7408b53296e">the fourth-coldest game in NFL history</a>&nbsp;Saturday night.The reigning league MVP found Rashee Rice eight times for 130 yards and a touchdown in the wild-card playoff game, and Isiah Pacheco added 89 yards rushing and another score, sending the Chiefs (12-6) past the Dolphins for the first time in four postseason meetings.Harrison Butker added four field goals for the defending Super Bowl champs.The injury-depleted Dolphins (11-7) looked nothing like the dynamic offense that led the league in yards during the regular season. Tua Tagovailoa was pressured relentlessly by the NFL's second-ranked defense, wide receiver Tyreek Hill had a 53-yard TD catch but was otherwise shut down in his return to Kansas City, and the Dolphins finished with just 264 yards in all.They have not won at Arrowhead Stadium since Nov. 6, 2011, nor won a playoff game since Dec. 30, 2000.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705210760409.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs in front of Miami Dolphins defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah (91) during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs in front of Miami Dolphins defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah (91) during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)</figcaption>
 </figure>Meanwhile, the Chiefs won their 15th consecutive home playoff game — not counting a trio of Super Bowls. But they will head to Buffalo next week if the Bills beat the Steelers on Monday in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bills-steelers-moved-winter-weather-8c223910644bf803b823597420fb46f8">a game pushed back a day</a>&nbsp;by a blizzard. Otherwise, the Chiefs will host Houston,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texans-browns-score-stroud-flacco-playoffs-e9e4e7262a26610bb2981c12acf8fad0">which beat the Browns</a>&nbsp;earlier Saturday.It was minus-4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus-20 Celsius) at kickoff, easily setting a record for the coldest game at Arrowhead Stadium. But it was wind gusts, whipping through at more than 25 mph and driving the wind chill to a bone-rattling minus-27 degrees, that made the weather truly miserable for just about everyone.That included pop star Taylor Swift, who once again turned up to see her boyfriend, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.She at least got to watch from an enclosed suite. Most fans huddled outside in parkas, ski goggles and snow pants, and players huddled around heaters on the sidelines as if they were an oasis in the cold. The National Weather Service issued a warning for what it called “dangerously cold” weather that had blanketed the Midwest.In fact, the cold may have made Mahomes’ helmet brittle enough that a hit in the third quarter knocked a chunk of the plastic shell from it. Once officials saw the fist-sized hole, they made Mahomes get a backup helmet from the bench.The weather didn’t seem to bother Hill, who was playing in Kansas City for the first time since his old team traded him to Miami two years ago. The league’s leading receiver warmed up in a short-sleeved shirt, then proceeded to scorch the stout Chiefs defense and All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie for a his long touchdown reception midway through the first half.But the Dolphins’ offense otherwise struggled, just as it did in a 21-14 loss to the Chiefs in their November game in Germany.Kansas City was far more efficient, scoring on four of its six first-half drives. Mahomes capped the first with a TD toss to Rice, and while ensuing drives kept fizzling in the red zone, Butker added a trio of field goals as Kansas City took a 16-3 lead into the break.The Chiefs added another field goal in the third quarter, but it was still a two-possession game early in the fourth when the Dolphins appeared to force another field goal. But a late flag on Christian Wilkins for roughing the passer on third down gave Kansas City a fresh set of downs, and Pacheco plowed into the end zone moments later to give the Chiefs a 26-7 lead.The Dolphins finally put together a sustained drive afterward, but by that point it was much too late. And when they failed to convert on fourth down, they were headed to their 11th straight loss when the game-time temp is 40 degrees or less.Far less, in this case.INJURIESMiami: S Jevon Holland (knee) and CB Xavien Howard (foot) were inactive. CB DeShon Elliott (calf) left in the fourth quarter.Kansas City: WR Kadarius Toney (hip) was inactive. DT Derrick Nnadi (elbow) left in the second quarter.

Mahomes leads Chiefs to playoff win over Miami in near-record low temps

The basketball games between Junction City High School and Emporia High School have been postponed and will not be played tonight. Currently, no make-date has been announced. 

This is the second game this week that has been postponed for Junction City. 

The next action for both Junction City teams will be the mid-season tournaments next week.

For the Lady Jays, they will be will be competing in the Salina Invitational Tournament. Their first game in the tournament is next Thursday, Jan. 18 at 3:00 p.m. against Andover High School. 

For the Blue Jays, they will be competing in the Spring Hill Invitational Basketball Tournament. Their first game in the tournament is on Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 4:45 p.m. against Sumner Academy. 

By Anthony GorgesJC PostThe basketball games between Junction City High School and Emporia High School have been postponed and will not be played tonight. Currently, no make-date has been announced. This is the second game this week that has been postponed for Junction City. The next action for both Junction City teams will be the mid-season tournaments next week.For the Lady Jays, they will be will be competing in the Salina Invitational Tournament. Their first game in the tournament is next Thursday, Jan. 18 at 3:00 p.m. against Andover High School. For the Blue Jays, they will be competing in the Spring Hill Invitational Basketball Tournament. Their first game in the tournament is on Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 4:45 p.m. against Sumner Academy.

Junction City basketball games for Friday postponed 

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Six-time NFL champion Bill Belichick agreed to part ways as the coach of the New England Patriots on Thursday, bringing an end to his 24-year tenure as the architect of the most decorated dynasty of the league’s Super Bowl era, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because it has not yet been announced.

ESPN first reported the decision. A news conference is planned for later in the day in which team owner Robert Kraft and Belichick will address the decision.

Belichick, 71, became just the third coach in NFL history to reach 300 career regular-season wins earlier this season, joining Hall of Famers Don Shula and George Halas. With 333 wins including the playoffs, Belichick trails only Shula (347 wins) for the record for victories by a coach.

But the Patriots ended this season 4-13, Belichick’s worst record in 29 seasons as an NFL head coach. It supplanted the 5-11 mark he managed in his last year in Cleveland in 1995 and again in his first year in New England in 2000. Including the playoffs, he ends his Patriots tenure with a 333-178 overall record.

With his cutoff hoodies and ever-present scowl, Belichick teamed with quarterback Tom Brady to lead the Patriots to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bill-belichick-patriots-timeline-4ad0ba74c6d6dec089e6791a86e2ef7e">six Super Bowl victories,</a>&nbsp;nine AFC titles and 17 division championships in 19 years. During a less successful — but also tumultuous — stint with the original Cleveland Browns, Belichick earned 37 of his career victories.

It’s not immediately clear who Kraft will tap to replace the future Hall of Famer.

Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo won a Super Bowl ring playing under Belichick and has interviewed for multiple head coaching vacancies since becoming a New England assistant in 2019. Mayo turned down a few interviews last offseason before signing a contract extension to remain with the Patriots.

Mike Vrabel, who was fired earlier this week by the Tennessee Titans and won three Super Bowls with the Patriots, is also expected to be a candidate for the head coaching job.

Belichick had been grooming offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to replace him before McDaniels left following the 2021 season to become the coach of the Raiders. He has since been fired by Las Vegas. Belichick’s two sons, Steve and Brian, are also on the coaching staff.

Belichick's exit from the Patriots comes just a day after another legendary coach and his longtime friend Nick Saban&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-nick-saban-retires-crimson-tide-ebb46230ca171dd6f310ff76e403fd23">announced he'd retire</a>&nbsp;after winning seven national championships at the collegiate level. Saban worked for Belichick's father, Steve, in the 1980s as a coach at Navy. Bill Belichick went on to hire Saban as his defensive coordinator when he became Cleveland's head coach in 1991.

The six Super Bowl wins&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bill-belichick-patriots-e2373d1d24b363c4334326e46378f1b6">tie Belichick with pre-merger mentors</a>&nbsp;Halas and Curly Lambeau for the most NFL championships. Belichick also won two rings as Bill Parcells’ defensive coordinator with the New York Giants.

But the Patriots have stumbled to a 29-38 record since Brady departed following the 2019 season and missed the playoffs in three of those four seasons. Beginning in 2001 when Brady became the starting quarterback, the Patriots missed the playoffs only once (2008) when Brady was injured. This marked New England’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/patriots-future-bill-belichick-1045dbb1579baaa79fdaabb06c8513a6">fifth consecutive season</a>&nbsp;without a playoff victory.

Belichick’s subsequent solutions at quarterback haven’t panned out.

Brady’s initial replacement, Cam Newton, didn’t resemble the player who won the 2015 MVP award and was cut after a 7-9 finish in 2020. Meanwhile Brady won his seventh Super Bowl ring with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that same season.

Potential long-term replacement Mac Jones, a 2021 first-round draft choice, was a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie and led New England to the playoffs. But he regressed in Year 2 when Belichick put longtime defensive assistant Matt Patricia in charge of the offense. Jones didn’t fare much better this season when Bill O’Brien returned as offensive coordinator. He was benched four times before being replaced as starter by backup Bailey Zappe for the final six games.

That left the Patriots looking at a lengthy rebuild, with no candidate on the roster to bring stability to the sport’s most important position.

Belichick, who also served as the de facto general manager with final say on personnel decisions, was celebrated for his ingenuity managing the salary cap during the run of Super Bowl success. It included getting stars like Brady and others to accept cap-friendly contracts or adjust their deals to accommodate the signing of other players.

But that acclaim has waned in the years since Brady left, as a run of draft picks and high-priced free agents didn’t live up to expectations. In addition, Belichick has seen several members of his personnel and scouting departments leave for other jobs. The list includes his former player personnel director, Nick Caserio, who was hired as Houston’s general manager in 2021.

Now it won’t be Belichick making the decisions for the Patriots on or off the field.

The only child of a World War II veteran who spent three decades as a Navy assistant coach, Belichick is a football historian with an encyclopedic knowledge of strategy from the sport’s early days to current NFL trends. His players said his attention to detail never left them unprepared.

Belichick has been a master of the NFL rule book, unearthing loopholes in clock operations and offensive line formations that -- though entirely legal -- cemented his reputation as a mad genius.

But his legacy in New England also includes two major cheating investigations — and other, minor ones — that cost him and the team draft picks and more than $1 million in fines. Opponents accused the Patriots of everything from hacking their headsets to cutting corners on injury reports.

His friendship with former President Donald Trump, which Belichick insisted was not political, landed the coach on the list to receive a Presidential Medal of Freedom in the waning days of the administration. After the outcry against the U.S. Capitol siege, Belichick announced “the decision has been made not to move forward.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704979566158.png" alt="Bill Belichick&nbsp; -image courtesy New England Patriots" />
 <figcaption>Bill Belichick&nbsp; -image courtesy New England Patriots</figcaption>
 </figure>FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Six-time NFL champion Bill Belichick agreed to part ways as the coach of the New England Patriots on Thursday, bringing an end to his 24-year tenure as the architect of the most decorated dynasty of the league’s Super Bowl era, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because it has not yet been announced.ESPN first reported the decision. A news conference is planned for later in the day in which team owner Robert Kraft and Belichick will address the decision.Belichick, 71, became just the third coach in NFL history to reach 300 career regular-season wins earlier this season, joining Hall of Famers Don Shula and George Halas. With 333 wins including the playoffs, Belichick trails only Shula (347 wins) for the record for victories by a coach.But the Patriots ended this season 4-13, Belichick’s worst record in 29 seasons as an NFL head coach. It supplanted the 5-11 mark he managed in his last year in Cleveland in 1995 and again in his first year in New England in 2000. Including the playoffs, he ends his Patriots tenure with a 333-178 overall record.With his cutoff hoodies and ever-present scowl, Belichick teamed with quarterback Tom Brady to lead the Patriots to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bill-belichick-patriots-timeline-4ad0ba74c6d6dec089e6791a86e2ef7e">six Super Bowl victories,</a>&nbsp;nine AFC titles and 17 division championships in 19 years. During a less successful — but also tumultuous — stint with the original Cleveland Browns, Belichick earned 37 of his career victories.It’s not immediately clear who Kraft will tap to replace the future Hall of Famer.Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo won a Super Bowl ring playing under Belichick and has interviewed for multiple head coaching vacancies since becoming a New England assistant in 2019. Mayo turned down a few interviews last offseason before signing a contract extension to remain with the Patriots.Mike Vrabel, who was fired earlier this week by the Tennessee Titans and won three Super Bowls with the Patriots, is also expected to be a candidate for the head coaching job.Belichick had been grooming offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to replace him before McDaniels left following the 2021 season to become the coach of the Raiders. He has since been fired by Las Vegas. Belichick’s two sons, Steve and Brian, are also on the coaching staff.Belichick's exit from the Patriots comes just a day after another legendary coach and his longtime friend Nick Saban&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-nick-saban-retires-crimson-tide-ebb46230ca171dd6f310ff76e403fd23">announced he'd retire</a>&nbsp;after winning seven national championships at the collegiate level. Saban worked for Belichick's father, Steve, in the 1980s as a coach at Navy. Bill Belichick went on to hire Saban as his defensive coordinator when he became Cleveland's head coach in 1991.The six Super Bowl wins&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bill-belichick-patriots-e2373d1d24b363c4334326e46378f1b6">tie Belichick with pre-merger mentors</a>&nbsp;Halas and Curly Lambeau for the most NFL championships. Belichick also won two rings as Bill Parcells’ defensive coordinator with the New York Giants.But the Patriots have stumbled to a 29-38 record since Brady departed following the 2019 season and missed the playoffs in three of those four seasons. Beginning in 2001 when Brady became the starting quarterback, the Patriots missed the playoffs only once (2008) when Brady was injured. This marked New England’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/patriots-future-bill-belichick-1045dbb1579baaa79fdaabb06c8513a6">fifth consecutive season</a>&nbsp;without a playoff victory.Belichick’s subsequent solutions at quarterback haven’t panned out.Brady’s initial replacement, Cam Newton, didn’t resemble the player who won the 2015 MVP award and was cut after a 7-9 finish in 2020. Meanwhile Brady won his seventh Super Bowl ring with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that same season.Potential long-term replacement Mac Jones, a 2021 first-round draft choice, was a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie and led New England to the playoffs. But he regressed in Year 2 when Belichick put longtime defensive assistant Matt Patricia in charge of the offense. Jones didn’t fare much better this season when Bill O’Brien returned as offensive coordinator. He was benched four times before being replaced as starter by backup Bailey Zappe for the final six games.That left the Patriots looking at a lengthy rebuild, with no candidate on the roster to bring stability to the sport’s most important position.Belichick, who also served as the de facto general manager with final say on personnel decisions, was celebrated for his ingenuity managing the salary cap during the run of Super Bowl success. It included getting stars like Brady and others to accept cap-friendly contracts or adjust their deals to accommodate the signing of other players.But that acclaim has waned in the years since Brady left, as a run of draft picks and high-priced free agents didn’t live up to expectations. In addition, Belichick has seen several members of his personnel and scouting departments leave for other jobs. The list includes his former player personnel director, Nick Caserio, who was hired as Houston’s general manager in 2021.Now it won’t be Belichick making the decisions for the Patriots on or off the field.The only child of a World War II veteran who spent three decades as a Navy assistant coach, Belichick is a football historian with an encyclopedic knowledge of strategy from the sport’s early days to current NFL trends. His players said his attention to detail never left them unprepared.Belichick has been a master of the NFL rule book, unearthing loopholes in clock operations and offensive line formations that -- though entirely legal -- cemented his reputation as a mad genius.But his legacy in New England also includes two major cheating investigations — and other, minor ones — that cost him and the team draft picks and more than $1 million in fines. Opponents accused the Patriots of everything from hacking their headsets to cutting corners on injury reports.His friendship with former President Donald Trump, which Belichick insisted was not political, landed the coach on the list to receive a Presidential Medal of Freedom in the waning days of the administration. After the outcry against the U.S. Capitol siege, Belichick announced “the decision has been made not to move forward.”

Patriots parting with Bill Belichick, who led team to 6 Super Bowl championships

ORLANDO, FL (AP) — Jaylin Seller scored 18 points, Darius Johnson added 17 and UCF erased a 16-point deficit to beat No. 3 Kansas 65-60 on Wednesday night.

UCF's victory came one night after No. 1 Purdue and second-ranked Houston lost.

Ibrahima Diallo broke a 57-57 tie with less than three minutes left with a hook shot over Jayhawks (13-2, 1-1 Big 12) star Hunter Dickinson. He then blocked a KJ Adams Jr. shot with 50 seconds left to help the Knights (10-4, 1-1) preserve the lead and score the program's first Big 12 conference win.

Diallo had 13 points, five rebounds and a block to help anchor a UCF defense that forced eight turnovers and blocked four shots in the second half alone.

Kansas had 18 turnovers. The UCF center triad of Ibrahima Diallo, C.J. Walker and Omar Payne recorded five of the team's seven blocks in the game.

Kevin McCullar Jr. scored 16 points to lead Kansas. Dickinson had only 12 points and played 28 minutes because of foul trouble.

UCF used a 9-0 run in the second half during that time to take the lead for the first time since it was 7-5 early in the game thanks to a series of shots from Johnson and Sellers.

That duo combined to make 7 of 13 3-pointers for the game and three of four in the second half.

The Jayhawks got the Knights down by double-digits in the first half but could not figure out UCF's length in the second half, scoring only 23 points and shooting 7-for-22 shooting in the second half.

Kansas was in a position to claim the top spot in next week's poll after the losses by the top two teams. But the Jayhawks have not looked dominant in conference play, winning their first Big 12 game at home against TCU by just two points before falling to UCF.

UCF picked up its first Big 12 win in its inaugural season in the conference, leading to fans storming the court in celebration after the victory.

Kansas will get a chance to recover when they host No. 9 Oklahoma on Saturday.

UCF's gauntlet to start its inaugural Big 12 season continues Saturday when the team hosts No. 18 BYU in Orlando.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704942072689.png" alt="photo UCF Athletics" />
 <figcaption>photo UCF Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>ORLANDO, FL (AP) — Jaylin Seller scored 18 points, Darius Johnson added 17 and UCF erased a 16-point deficit to beat No. 3 Kansas 65-60 on Wednesday night.UCF's victory came one night after No. 1 Purdue and second-ranked Houston lost.Ibrahima Diallo broke a 57-57 tie with less than three minutes left with a hook shot over Jayhawks (13-2, 1-1 Big 12) star Hunter Dickinson. He then blocked a KJ Adams Jr. shot with 50 seconds left to help the Knights (10-4, 1-1) preserve the lead and score the program's first Big 12 conference win.Diallo had 13 points, five rebounds and a block to help anchor a UCF defense that forced eight turnovers and blocked four shots in the second half alone.Kansas had 18 turnovers. The UCF center triad of Ibrahima Diallo, C.J. Walker and Omar Payne recorded five of the team's seven blocks in the game.Kevin McCullar Jr. scored 16 points to lead Kansas. Dickinson had only 12 points and played 28 minutes because of foul trouble.UCF used a 9-0 run in the second half during that time to take the lead for the first time since it was 7-5 early in the game thanks to a series of shots from Johnson and Sellers.That duo combined to make 7 of 13 3-pointers for the game and three of four in the second half.The Jayhawks got the Knights down by double-digits in the first half but could not figure out UCF's length in the second half, scoring only 23 points and shooting 7-for-22 shooting in the second half.BIG PICTUREKansas was in a position to claim the top spot in next week's poll after the losses by the top two teams. But the Jayhawks have not looked dominant in conference play, winning their first Big 12 game at home against TCU by just two points before falling to UCF.UCF picked up its first Big 12 win in its inaugural season in the conference, leading to fans storming the court in celebration after the victory.UP NEXTKansas will get a chance to recover when they host No. 9 Oklahoma on Saturday.UCF's gauntlet to start its inaugural Big 12 season continues Saturday when the team hosts No. 18 BYU in Orlando.

UCF defense powers team to comeback victory over No. 3 KU

TUSCALOOSA (AP) —Nick Saban, the stern coach who won seven national championships and turned Alabama back into a national powerhouse that included six of those titles in just 17 seasons, is retiring, according to multiple reports.

The 72-year-old Saban restored a Crimson Tide program once ruled by Paul “Bear” Bryant to the top of college football after taking over in 2007. His decision to step away was reported Wednesday, first by ESPN and then by other outlets.

Saban led the Crimson Tide from a shaky start this season to a Southeastern Conference championship and back into the College Football Playoff before falling to Michigan in a semifinal game at the Rose Bowl.

Saban led the Tide to nine Southeastern Conference championships and won his first national title at Alabama with a 14-0 season in 2009. Titles came again in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017 and 2020. Alabama was always a contender but had fallen short of the title since then.

Saban is famed for his sideline scowl and fiery demeanor -- and for winning. Saban has won more national titles than any other major college coach.

He made a two-year foray into the NFL with the Miami Dolphins before returning to college football to revive one of college football’s most storied programs, which hadn’t won a national title in 15 years. Saban is 297-71-1 as a college head coach, with stops at Toledo, Michigan State and LSU, where he also won a national title. But Alabama is where he cemented his status as one of college football's greatest coaches.

His latest team dealt with plenty of adversity early on, including a loss to Texas, but rebounded with the emergence of quarterback Jalen Milroe to upset then-No. 1 Georgia in the SEC Championship Game.

Saban didn’t sound like a coach looking to give up the job any time soon after the game. But it wasn't a bad way to go, even without the title.

“This is one of the most amazing seasons in Alabama football history in terms of where this team came from, what they were able to accomplish and what they were able to do, winning the SEC Championship, and really, really proud of this group,” he said.

“I just wish that I could have done more as a coach to help them be successful and help them finish, and all we can do now is learn from the lessons that sometimes failings bring to us.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704928166083.png" alt="Nick Saban photo courtesy University of Alabama Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Nick Saban photo courtesy University of Alabama Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>TUSCALOOSA (AP) —Nick Saban, the stern coach who won seven national championships and turned Alabama back into a national powerhouse that included six of those titles in just 17 seasons, is retiring, according to multiple reports.The 72-year-old Saban restored a Crimson Tide program once ruled by Paul “Bear” Bryant to the top of college football after taking over in 2007. His decision to step away was reported Wednesday, first by ESPN and then by other outlets.Saban led the Crimson Tide from a shaky start this season to a Southeastern Conference championship and back into the College Football Playoff before falling to Michigan in a semifinal game at the Rose Bowl.Saban led the Tide to nine Southeastern Conference championships and won his first national title at Alabama with a 14-0 season in 2009. Titles came again in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017 and 2020. Alabama was always a contender but had fallen short of the title since then.Saban is famed for his sideline scowl and fiery demeanor -- and for winning. Saban has won more national titles than any other major college coach.He made a two-year foray into the NFL with the Miami Dolphins before returning to college football to revive one of college football’s most storied programs, which hadn’t won a national title in 15 years. Saban is 297-71-1 as a college head coach, with stops at Toledo, Michigan State and LSU, where he also won a national title. But Alabama is where he cemented his status as one of college football's greatest coaches.His latest team dealt with plenty of adversity early on, including a loss to Texas, but rebounded with the emergence of quarterback Jalen Milroe to upset then-No. 1 Georgia in the SEC Championship Game.Saban didn’t sound like a coach looking to give up the job any time soon after the game. But it wasn't a bad way to go, even without the title.“This is one of the most amazing seasons in Alabama football history in terms of where this team came from, what they were able to accomplish and what they were able to do, winning the SEC Championship, and really, really proud of this group,” he said.“I just wish that I could have done more as a coach to help them be successful and help them finish, and all we can do now is learn from the lessons that sometimes failings bring to us.”

Alabama coach Nick Saban retiring after winning 7 national titles

The Kansas Wesleyan basketball teams will make their first out-of-state trip of the conference slate as they head north to York Nebraska to take on the Panthers on KINA.

Women's Game: Kansas Wesleyan (6-8, 4-4), York (3-9, 2-6)

The Coyotes have won each of the last six and nine of the last 10 against York. They won 81-75 last January at York and 70-34 last February in Mabee Arena. KWU has a 16-3 record against York since 2005.

The Panthers have lost their last three games and seven of their last eight, the latest a 92-59 setback against Friends on Saturday in Wichita. They lost to Bethel 89-67 last Wednesday in North Newton. 

York averages 65.5 points and is shooting 39 percent overall, 27 percent from long range. Opponents average 77.6 points and are shooting 45 percent.

Junior guard Ashley Rubio averages a team-best 8.7 points followed by junior forward Britney Schroer at 8.6 points and sophomore post Destiny Shepherd 8.3.

Men's Game: Kansas Wesleyan (10-4, 7-1), York (6-8, 4-4)

The Coyotes have won the last six games against York. They won 80-78 last January in York, Nebraska then prevailed 104-86 in February in Mabee Arena. KWU trails 12-9 in the series since 2009.

The Panthers have won their last two games, both on the road. They defeated Bethel 82-79 last Wednesday in North Newton and toppled Friends 90-84 Saturday in Wichita. 

York had lost four of five before the two victories. They led Bethel 45-21 at halftime before the Threshers rallied in the second half.

Junior guard Jaden Henderson is the leading scorer at 12.9 points. He had 25 against Friends and 18 against Bethel. Junior forward Trevon Dennis averages 12.2 and senior guard Dwight Gover 10.0. 

York averages 76 points and allows 78. The Panthers are shooting 44 percent, 36.5 percent from the 3-point line.

The video stream of the game will be available online through the Coyote Sports Network at&nbsp;www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan. 

Live Stats will be available at&nbsp;https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary. 

Radio coverage can be heard locally on KINA 910 AM/107.5 FM, and online at Salina Post. The online stream is also available at&nbsp;910KINA.com. 

Tyler Henry will have the call with pregame starting at 4:30 on Wednesday.

The Kansas Wesleyan basketball teams will make their first out-of-state trip of the conference slate as they head north to York Nebraska to take on the Panthers on KINA.Women's Game: Kansas Wesleyan (6-8, 4-4), York (3-9, 2-6)The Coyotes have won each of the last six and nine of the last 10 against York. They won 81-75 last January at York and 70-34 last February in Mabee Arena. KWU has a 16-3 record against York since 2005.The Panthers have lost their last three games and seven of their last eight, the latest a 92-59 setback against Friends on Saturday in Wichita. They lost to Bethel 89-67 last Wednesday in North Newton. York averages 65.5 points and is shooting 39 percent overall, 27 percent from long range. Opponents average 77.6 points and are shooting 45 percent.Junior guard Ashley Rubio averages a team-best 8.7 points followed by junior forward Britney Schroer at 8.6 points and sophomore post Destiny Shepherd 8.3.Men's Game: Kansas Wesleyan (10-4, 7-1), York (6-8, 4-4)The Coyotes have won the last six games against York. They won 80-78 last January in York, Nebraska then prevailed 104-86 in February in Mabee Arena. KWU trails 12-9 in the series since 2009.The Panthers have won their last two games, both on the road. They defeated Bethel 82-79 last Wednesday in North Newton and toppled Friends 90-84 Saturday in Wichita. York had lost four of five before the two victories. They led Bethel 45-21 at halftime before the Threshers rallied in the second half.Junior guard Jaden Henderson is the leading scorer at 12.9 points. He had 25 against Friends and 18 against Bethel. Junior forward Trevon Dennis averages 12.2 and senior guard Dwight Gover 10.0. York averages 76 points and allows 78. The Panthers are shooting 44 percent, 36.5 percent from the 3-point line.LIVE COVERAGEThe video stream of the game will be available online through the Coyote Sports Network at&nbsp;www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan. Live Stats will be available at&nbsp;https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary. Radio coverage can be heard locally on KINA 910 AM/107.5 FM, and online at Salina Post. The online stream is also available at&nbsp;910KINA.com. Tyler Henry will have the call with pregame starting at 4:30 on Wednesday.

Coyotes Travel to Nebraska to Tangle With York

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Cam Carter scored 15 of his 23 points in the second half to help Kansas State pull away and beat West Virginia 81-67 on Tuesday night.

Kansas State (12-3, 2-0 Big 12), which snapped a four-game losing streak against West Virginia in Morgantown, has won nine of its last 10 games. West Virginia (5-10, 0-2) has lost three straight and five of its last six.

K-State trailed 42-40 at halftime, but Carter scored seven points and Arthur Kaluma made a pair of 3s during a 17-5 run to open the second half to give the Wildcats a 57-47 lead.&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/KStateMBB/status/1744892402123653126?s=20">Kaluma’s 3-pointer from deep</a>&nbsp;during the opening surge gave the Wildcats a 48-45 advantage, and the Wildcats led the rest of the way.

West Virginia pulled within 59-54 with 7:46 remaining, but Carter scored the next four points from the free-throw line to spark a 10-0 surge and the Mountaineers didn't get closer.

Carter was 6 of 14 from the floor and made all 10 of his free throws. He has scored in double figures in 13 of 15 games. Kaluma, a junior transfer from Creighton, scored 17 points with four 3-pointers. David N’Guessan also scored 17 points for the Wildcats and Will McNair Jr. chipped in 12.

RaeQuan Battle scored 21 points to lead West Virginia, but he was scoreless in the final 18 minutes. Kerr Kriisa and Noah Farrakhan added 11 points apiece.

Battle scored 12 of West Virginia’s first 19 points before his teammates started helping out. The Mountaineers overcame a seven-point deficit to go ahead at halftime. Battle had 18 points in the first half and Kriisa chipped in eight.

Battle has made playing well against Kansas State a habit. In last season’s NCAA Tournament, Battle was playing for Montana State when he scored 27 points against the Wildcats.

The last Wildcat win in Morgantown was a 65-51 victory on Feb. 18, 2019.

Kansas State plays at Texas Tech on Saturday.

West Virginia hosts No. 25 Texas on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704884955000.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Cam Carter scored 15 of his 23 points in the second half to help Kansas State pull away and beat West Virginia 81-67 on Tuesday night.Kansas State (12-3, 2-0 Big 12), which snapped a four-game losing streak against West Virginia in Morgantown, has won nine of its last 10 games. West Virginia (5-10, 0-2) has lost three straight and five of its last six.K-State trailed 42-40 at halftime, but Carter scored seven points and Arthur Kaluma made a pair of 3s during a 17-5 run to open the second half to give the Wildcats a 57-47 lead.&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/KStateMBB/status/1744892402123653126?s=20">Kaluma’s 3-pointer from deep</a>&nbsp;during the opening surge gave the Wildcats a 48-45 advantage, and the Wildcats led the rest of the way.West Virginia pulled within 59-54 with 7:46 remaining, but Carter scored the next four points from the free-throw line to spark a 10-0 surge and the Mountaineers didn't get closer.Carter was 6 of 14 from the floor and made all 10 of his free throws. He has scored in double figures in 13 of 15 games. Kaluma, a junior transfer from Creighton, scored 17 points with four 3-pointers. David N’Guessan also scored 17 points for the Wildcats and Will McNair Jr. chipped in 12.RaeQuan Battle scored 21 points to lead West Virginia, but he was scoreless in the final 18 minutes. Kerr Kriisa and Noah Farrakhan added 11 points apiece.Battle scored 12 of West Virginia’s first 19 points before his teammates started helping out. The Mountaineers overcame a seven-point deficit to go ahead at halftime. Battle had 18 points in the first half and Kriisa chipped in eight.Battle has made playing well against Kansas State a habit. In last season’s NCAA Tournament, Battle was playing for Montana State when he scored 27 points against the Wildcats.The last Wildcat win in Morgantown was a 65-51 victory on Feb. 18, 2019.Kansas State plays at Texas Tech on Saturday.West Virginia hosts No. 25 Texas on Saturday.

Cam Carter scores 23 points as Kansas State beats West Virginia

The first round of the NFL playoffs begins this weekend, and many fans will be cheering on their favorite team from all across the country.

If you are a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, you will not be able to find their game on any local TV channels or cable. The only way to watch the game is to download and buy a subscription to the streaming service Peacock.&nbsp;

The NFL announced earlier this season that they would have one postseason game streamed exclusively on Peacock. It just so happens the game they chose is the Wild Card round matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Miami Dolphins.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If you want more information on the streaming platform Peacock, click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.peacocktv.com/">here</a>.&nbsp;

All Kansas City Chiefs games can be heard locally on the radio on 107.9 FM / 1420 KJCK.&nbsp;

By Anthony GorgesJC PostThe first round of the NFL playoffs begins this weekend, and many fans will be cheering on their favorite team from all across the country.If you are a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, you will not be able to find their game on any local TV channels or cable. The only way to watch the game is to download and buy a subscription to the streaming service Peacock.&nbsp;The NFL announced earlier this season that they would have one postseason game streamed exclusively on Peacock. It just so happens the game they chose is the Wild Card round matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Miami Dolphins.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you want more information on the streaming platform Peacock, click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.peacocktv.com/">here</a>.&nbsp;All Kansas City Chiefs games can be heard locally on the radio on 107.9 FM / 1420 KJCK.&nbsp;

Chiefs playoff game will be shown only on streaming service Peacock

The basketball games between Junction City High School and Topeka-Hayden High School have been postponed and will not be played tonight. 

 Junction City Athletic Director Chris Bogenhagen said the games will be made-up at the end of January. The make-up dates are below. 

On Tuesday, January 23, the Blue Jay boys teams, Freshmen, JV and Varsity, will make-up their game against Topeka-Hayden. 

On Tuesday, January 30, the girls teams will make up their game. This includes both JV and Varsity for the Lady Jays. 

By Anthony GorgesJC PostThe basketball games between Junction City High School and Topeka-Hayden High School have been postponed and will not be played tonight. Junction City Athletic Director Chris Bogenhagen said the games will be made-up at the end of January. The make-up dates are below. On Tuesday, January 23, the Blue Jay boys teams, Freshmen, JV and Varsity, will make-up their game against Topeka-Hayden. On Tuesday, January 30, the girls teams will make up their game. This includes both JV and Varsity for the Lady Jays.

Junction City basketball games for Tuesday are postponed

JCHS announced bowling results. This past weekend the Lady Jays took 4th overall out of 35 teams and the Blue Jays took 1st place out of 36 teams at North Rock Lanes in Wichita.&nbsp;

JCHS announced bowling results. This past weekend the Lady Jays took 4th overall out of 35 teams and the Blue Jays took 1st place out of 36 teams at North Rock Lanes in Wichita.&nbsp;

JCHS bowling results

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Mike Edwards returned a fumble 97 yards for a touchdown, Harrison Butker made a 41-yard field goal with 49 seconds remaining, and the AFC West champion Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 13-12 on Sunday while resting most of their starters.

With the Chiefs (11-6) locked into the AFC’s No. 3 seed for the playoffs, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were inactive. Kelce finished with 984 receiving yards, ending the All-Pro tight end’s bid for an eighth straight 1,000-yard season.

Kansas City will host either Buffalo or Miami in next weekend's wild card round.

The Chargers (5-12) closed the season with five straight losses, the last three after coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco were fired on Dec. 15.

Easton Stick, who started the last four games after Justin Herbert suffered a season-ending finger injury, was 28 of 47 passing for 258 yards and had 77 yards rushing on 13 carries. Donald Parham had five receptions for 83 yards.

Cameron Dicker kicked four field goals for the Chargers. Los Angeles ended the season without a touchdown in its last 10 quarters.

Blaine Gabbert, making his first start since 2018 with Tennessee, completed 15 of 30 passes for 154 yards. Gabbert had scrambles of 25 and 14 yards during a nine-play, 51-yard drive late in the fourth quarter that resulted in Butker's second field goal.

Kansas City's go-ahead drive followed Dicker's 20-yard field goal with 4:06 remaining that put the Chargers on top for the first time.

The Chargers were on the 18th play of their opening possession when Stick was sacked by Chiefs defensive lineman Charles Omenihu at the Kansas City 5-yard line and fumbled. Edwards scooped the ball at the 3 and went 97 yards for the fourth touchdown of his five-year career.

It was the longest scoop-and-score in the NFL this season and the third-longest in Chiefs history.

According to Sportradar, it was the seventh time since 2000 a team had a drive of at least 18 plays and turned it over. It was the first of those on which a defensive touchdown was scored.

Butker extended the lead to 10-0 in the second quarter when he connected from 22 yards. The Chargers got field goals from Dicker on their final two drives of the half.

Dicker's 43-yarder with 4:11 remaining in the third quarter got Los Angeles within 10-9.

Chiefs: OL Wanya Morris left in the second quarter with a concussion. ... WR Justyn Ross suffered a hamstring injury in the third quarter and did not return. ... WR Rashee Rice (hamstring), WR Kadarius Toney (hip/ankle) and CB L’Jarius Sneed (calf) were inactive.

Chargers: TE Gerald Everett (first quarter) and OT Trey Pipkins III (third quarter) suffered knee injuries and did not return. ... WR Keenan Allen (heel), LB Kenneth Murray Jr. (shoulder) and OG Zion Johnson (neck) were inactive.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704674850461.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Mike Edwards returned a fumble 97 yards for a touchdown, Harrison Butker made a 41-yard field goal with 49 seconds remaining, and the AFC West champion Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 13-12 on Sunday while resting most of their starters.With the Chiefs (11-6) locked into the AFC’s No. 3 seed for the playoffs, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were inactive. Kelce finished with 984 receiving yards, ending the All-Pro tight end’s bid for an eighth straight 1,000-yard season.Kansas City will host either Buffalo or Miami in next weekend's wild card round.The Chargers (5-12) closed the season with five straight losses, the last three after coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco were fired on Dec. 15.Easton Stick, who started the last four games after Justin Herbert suffered a season-ending finger injury, was 28 of 47 passing for 258 yards and had 77 yards rushing on 13 carries. Donald Parham had five receptions for 83 yards.Cameron Dicker kicked four field goals for the Chargers. Los Angeles ended the season without a touchdown in its last 10 quarters.Blaine Gabbert, making his first start since 2018 with Tennessee, completed 15 of 30 passes for 154 yards. Gabbert had scrambles of 25 and 14 yards during a nine-play, 51-yard drive late in the fourth quarter that resulted in Butker's second field goal.Kansas City's go-ahead drive followed Dicker's 20-yard field goal with 4:06 remaining that put the Chargers on top for the first time.The Chargers were on the 18th play of their opening possession when Stick was sacked by Chiefs defensive lineman Charles Omenihu at the Kansas City 5-yard line and fumbled. Edwards scooped the ball at the 3 and went 97 yards for the fourth touchdown of his five-year career.It was the longest scoop-and-score in the NFL this season and the third-longest in Chiefs history.According to Sportradar, it was the seventh time since 2000 a team had a drive of at least 18 plays and turned it over. It was the first of those on which a defensive touchdown was scored.Butker extended the lead to 10-0 in the second quarter when he connected from 22 yards. The Chargers got field goals from Dicker on their final two drives of the half.Dicker's 43-yarder with 4:11 remaining in the third quarter got Los Angeles within 10-9.INJURIESChiefs: OL Wanya Morris left in the second quarter with a concussion. ... WR Justyn Ross suffered a hamstring injury in the third quarter and did not return. ... WR Rashee Rice (hamstring), WR Kadarius Toney (hip/ankle) and CB L’Jarius Sneed (calf) were inactive.Chargers: TE Gerald Everett (first quarter) and OT Trey Pipkins III (third quarter) suffered knee injuries and did not return. ... WR Keenan Allen (heel), LB Kenneth Murray Jr. (shoulder) and OG Zion Johnson (neck) were inactive.___

Harrison Butker's field goals propel Chiefs past Chargers

There were 840 skaters throughout the four days over the holiday winter break that Spin City was open in Junction City. 

Parks &amp; Recreation Director Joshua Gray said that the next public skate will be Sunday, February 4th from 12-4p.m.

There were 840 skaters throughout the four days over the holiday winter break that Spin City was open in Junction City. Parks &amp; Recreation Director Joshua Gray said that the next public skate will be Sunday, February 4th from 12-4p.m.

Spin City hosts skaters

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Tylor Perry scored 25 points and Kansas State beat UCF 77-52 on Saturday night in the Knights' inaugural game as a Big 12 Conference member.

Perry was 7 of 13 from the floor and made six 3-pointers and all five of his free throws. Arthur Kaluma added 14 points for Kansas State (11-3, 1-0), which has won eight of its last nine games. Cam Carter chipped in 12 points and blocked three shots. Perry and Carter combined for 11 of the Wildcats' 18 assists. Will McNair Jr. scored 11 points.

Darius Johnson scored 10 points for UCF (9-4, 0-1), which shot 34% (22 of 65) from the floor and missed 16 of 21 3-point attempts.

Kansas State scored the first 10 points of the game and led 35-19 at the break. Kaluma scored 11 first-half points and Perry chipped in eight. Perry hit a pair of 3-pointers during a 13-0 run later in the second half that stretched the Wildcats' lead to 60-25 with 12 minutes left. It was their largest of the game.

Kansas State plays at West Virginia on Tuesday.

UCF hosts second-ranked Kansas on Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704598115452.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Tylor Perry scored 25 points and Kansas State beat UCF 77-52 on Saturday night in the Knights' inaugural game as a Big 12 Conference member.Perry was 7 of 13 from the floor and made six 3-pointers and all five of his free throws. Arthur Kaluma added 14 points for Kansas State (11-3, 1-0), which has won eight of its last nine games. Cam Carter chipped in 12 points and blocked three shots. Perry and Carter combined for 11 of the Wildcats' 18 assists. Will McNair Jr. scored 11 points.Darius Johnson scored 10 points for UCF (9-4, 0-1), which shot 34% (22 of 65) from the floor and missed 16 of 21 3-point attempts.Kansas State scored the first 10 points of the game and led 35-19 at the break. Kaluma scored 11 first-half points and Perry chipped in eight. Perry hit a pair of 3-pointers during a 13-0 run later in the second half that stretched the Wildcats' lead to 60-25 with 12 minutes left. It was their largest of the game.Kansas State plays at West Virginia on Tuesday.UCF hosts second-ranked Kansas on Wednesday.

Kansas State routs UCF in the Knights' Big 12 Conference inaugural

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Hunter Dickinson scored with 3.4 seconds left to lift No. 2 Kansas past TCU 83-81 on Saturday.

Dickinson, who led Kansas with 30 points, hit a pair of free throws after a flagrant foul on TCU’s Ernest Udeh Jr. with less than a minute remaining to tie the game. Dickinson then followed Dajuan Harris Jr.'s miss in the final seconds.

Kansas (13-1, 1-0 Big 12) also got 18 points from KJ Adams Jr. Kevin McCullar Jr. had 16 points and Harris scored 10.

TCU (11-3, 0-1) was led by Trevian Tennyson with 24 points. He was joined in double figures by Emanuel Miller with 20 points and Micah Peavy and Jameer Nelson Jr. with 10 points each.

Kansas did not have a field goal from anyone outside of Dickinson, McCullar or Adams until Harris hit a layup with 16:04 left in the second half.

The Jayhawks couldn’t shake the Horned Frogs in the first half. Their largest lead was just six points (30-24). Each time Kansas tried to pull away, TCU responded. The Horned Frogs took two late leads before Kansas got a jumper from McCullar to take a 41-40 lead into halftime.

Dickinson led a trio of Jayhawks in double figures in the first half with 18 points.

Both teams shot better than 50% in the first half. TCU was 17 of 33 (51.5%), while Kansas had as many makes with one less attempt for 53.1% from the field.

Kansas: Visits Central Florida on Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704581407605.png" alt="Photo courtesy University of Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy University of Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Hunter Dickinson scored with 3.4 seconds left to lift No. 2 Kansas past TCU 83-81 on Saturday.Dickinson, who led Kansas with 30 points, hit a pair of free throws after a flagrant foul on TCU’s Ernest Udeh Jr. with less than a minute remaining to tie the game. Dickinson then followed Dajuan Harris Jr.'s miss in the final seconds.Kansas (13-1, 1-0 Big 12) also got 18 points from KJ Adams Jr. Kevin McCullar Jr. had 16 points and Harris scored 10.TCU (11-3, 0-1) was led by Trevian Tennyson with 24 points. He was joined in double figures by Emanuel Miller with 20 points and Micah Peavy and Jameer Nelson Jr. with 10 points each.Kansas did not have a field goal from anyone outside of Dickinson, McCullar or Adams until Harris hit a layup with 16:04 left in the second half.The Jayhawks couldn’t shake the Horned Frogs in the first half. Their largest lead was just six points (30-24). Each time Kansas tried to pull away, TCU responded. The Horned Frogs took two late leads before Kansas got a jumper from McCullar to take a 41-40 lead into halftime.Dickinson led a trio of Jayhawks in double figures in the first half with 18 points.Both teams shot better than 50% in the first half. TCU was 17 of 33 (51.5%), while Kansas had as many makes with one less attempt for 53.1% from the field.UP NEXTTCU: Hosts No. 11 Oklahoma on Wednesday.Kansas: Visits Central Florida on Wednesday.

Dickinson’s late shot gives Kansas win over TCU

Chapman Irish Boys Varsity Basketball lost a hard fought game to Clay Center 75 - 73 in overtime Friday night.

Chapman Irish Boys Varsity Basketball lost a hard fought game to Clay Center 75 - 73 in overtime Friday night.

Chapman boys basketball falls to Clay Center

The Kansas Wesleyan basketball teams will return to Mabee Arena tonight for their first home games of the new year as the Coyotes get set to welcome in the Tabor BlueJays

Women's Game: Kansas Wesleyan (6-7, 4-3), Tabor (10-3, 7-0)

Tabor has won seven of the last 10 games against KWU but the Coyotes have a 21-18 advantage since 2006. The Coyotes and Bluejays split last season, Tabor winning 60-50 on January 4 in Hillsboro and KWU prevailing 62-61 on February 23 in Mabee Arena.&nbsp;

The Bluejays average 70 points and hold their opponents 59, shooting 46.6 percent overall including an NAIA-best 42.6 percent from beyond the arc. 

Freshman Lillie Veer averages a team-best 9.1 points off the bench. Senior Madie Kassidy is next at 8.8 then senior Alivia Owens at 8.4 and senior Alicia Baker at 7.8. McCoy is the leading rebounder at 4.3.&nbsp;

Men's Game: Kansas Wesleyan (9-4, 6-1), Tabor (5-8, 2-5)

KWU has a five-game winning streak and is 11-2 in the last 13 against Tabor but the series is tied 19-19 since the 2005-06 season. The Coyotes won 74-71 last January in Hillsboro and 78-52 last February in Mabee Arena.&nbsp;

The BlueJays snapped a four-game losing streak on Tuesday in a 63-59 win over Friends, and are led by a youth movement of Sophomore Thatcher McClure (15.2 PPG), and Freshman Jack Voth (14.2 PPG)

The Kansas Wesleyan basketball teams will return to Mabee Arena tonight for their first home games of the new year as the Coyotes get set to welcome in the Tabor BlueJaysWomen's Game: Kansas Wesleyan (6-7, 4-3), Tabor (10-3, 7-0)Tabor has won seven of the last 10 games against KWU but the Coyotes have a 21-18 advantage since 2006. The Coyotes and Bluejays split last season, Tabor winning 60-50 on January 4 in Hillsboro and KWU prevailing 62-61 on February 23 in Mabee Arena.&nbsp;The Bluejays average 70 points and hold their opponents 59, shooting 46.6 percent overall including an NAIA-best 42.6 percent from beyond the arc. Freshman Lillie Veer averages a team-best 9.1 points off the bench. Senior Madie Kassidy is next at 8.8 then senior Alivia Owens at 8.4 and senior Alicia Baker at 7.8. McCoy is the leading rebounder at 4.3.&nbsp;Men's Game: Kansas Wesleyan (9-4, 6-1), Tabor (5-8, 2-5)KWU has a five-game winning streak and is 11-2 in the last 13 against Tabor but the series is tied 19-19 since the 2005-06 season. The Coyotes won 74-71 last January in Hillsboro and 78-52 last February in Mabee Arena.&nbsp;The BlueJays snapped a four-game losing streak on Tuesday in a 63-59 win over Friends, and are led by a youth movement of Sophomore Thatcher McClure (15.2 PPG), and Freshman Jack Voth (14.2 PPG)Broadcast Info<ul>
 <li>The video stream of the game will be available online through the Coyote Sports Network at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan">www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan</a>.</li><li>Live Stats will be available at&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary">https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary</a></li><li>Radio coverage can be heard locally on KINA 910 AM/107.5 FM, and online at Salina Post.&nbsp;The online stream is also available at&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/ce/kina2">https://radio.securenetsystems.net/ce/kina2</a>.&nbsp;Tyler Henry and Brooks Garretson will have the call with pregame starting at 4:30 on Saturday.</li>
 </ul>

Coyotes Return to Mabee to Take on Tabor

Manhattan jumped out to a quick lead over the Junction City girls and never looked back. The Lady Indians defeated the Lady Jays 46-9.&nbsp;

Manhattan was led in scoring by senior Maxine Doering, who finished with 13 points. As for Junction City, Sara Rexrode scored seven of the nine points for the Lady Jays.&nbsp;

With the large margin of victory, this is the sixth time this year that Manhattan has won a game by at least 25 points. As for Junction City, nine points is the least amount of points the Lady Jays have scored this season.&nbsp;

Manhattan improves to 7-1 on the year, while Junction City falls to 0-8.

A back-and-forth game all the way to the end is how this rivalry game went. Manhattan defeated the Blue Jays 65-64 inside Manhattan High School on Friday night. The loss for Junction City was their first loss of the season.

The Manhattan Indians were led in scoring by senior Jason Kim, who had 24 points. Kim knocked down clutch free throws late to help extend the Manhattan lead to two possessions. For Junction City, the Blue Jays were led in scoring by junior Jackson Austin who finished the game with 17 points. Austin knocked down some clutch three pointers, including one with minimal time left to cut the final deficit to one.&nbsp;

With the win, Manhattan improves to 6-2 on the year, while Junction City suffers their first loss and falls to 7-1.&nbsp;

Junction City will travel to Topeka Hayden on Tuesday, January 9. 

Manhattan will play Washburn Rural next Friday, January 12.

By Anthony GorgesGirls recapManhattan jumped out to a quick lead over the Junction City girls and never looked back. The Lady Indians defeated the Lady Jays 46-9.&nbsp;Manhattan was led in scoring by senior Maxine Doering, who finished with 13 points. As for Junction City, Sara Rexrode scored seven of the nine points for the Lady Jays.&nbsp;With the large margin of victory, this is the sixth time this year that Manhattan has won a game by at least 25 points. As for Junction City, nine points is the least amount of points the Lady Jays have scored this season.&nbsp;Manhattan improves to 7-1 on the year, while Junction City falls to 0-8.Boys recapA back-and-forth game all the way to the end is how this rivalry game went. Manhattan defeated the Blue Jays 65-64 inside Manhattan High School on Friday night. The loss for Junction City was their first loss of the season.The Manhattan Indians were led in scoring by senior Jason Kim, who had 24 points. Kim knocked down clutch free throws late to help extend the Manhattan lead to two possessions. For Junction City, the Blue Jays were led in scoring by junior Jackson Austin who finished the game with 17 points. Austin knocked down some clutch three pointers, including one with minimal time left to cut the final deficit to one.&nbsp;With the win, Manhattan improves to 6-2 on the year, while Junction City suffers their first loss and falls to 7-1.&nbsp;Junction City will travel to Topeka Hayden on Tuesday, January 9. Manhattan will play Washburn Rural next Friday, January 12.

Manhattan sweeps Junction City, Blue Jays fall for first time this season

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Conor Riley, a five-year member of the Kansas State football staff who directed the Wildcat offense during its recent bowl victory, has been promoted to offensive coordinator, while&nbsp;Matt Wells, a great offensive mind and developer of quarterback talent, has been hired as co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach/associate head coach, head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;announced Thursday.

“As I have said before, Conor has been with me for more than a decade, and he is deserving of this opportunity,” Klieman said. “He did a phenomenal job of leading the offensive room during our bowl preparation, and our coaches and players have the utmost respect for him and his ability to lead.

“I have known Matt for a very long time, and he is someone who will bring a lot to the table as a member of our staff – from head coaching experience to developing some of the top quarterbacks in the game. He will be a great addition to our offensive room and system, providing tremendous x’s and o’s experience as well as a recruiting prowess that mirrors our philosophy of identifying and developing talent.”

Riley, one of the top offensive line coaches in the country, will continue to tutor the Wildcat offensive front as he has done the last five seasons where he has produced 15 All-Big 12 honorees, including the 2022 and 2023 Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year in Cooper Beebe. Riley was elevated to interim offensive coordinator for K-State’s bowl game, a 28-19 win over No. 18 NC State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. The Wildcats amassed 257 rushing yards and 435 total yards on a Wolfpack defense that entered bowl season ranking No. 16 and No. 25 in those categories, respectively. The Wildcats’ 257 rushing yards were the fourth most in their bowl history, while their 21 first-half points also tied for fourth.

“I’m very appreciative for this opportunity provided by Gene Taylor and Coach Klieman, two men I’ve been fortunate to be around for quite some time,” Riley said. “This is something I have worked for my entire career, and to be able to have this opportunity at such a great institution such as K-State – one with great tradition – is humbling. I look forward to the addition of Coach Wells, a person I greatly respect as a peer in coaching, but more important is the amount of respect I have for him as a man of character and integrity. I’m looking forward to continuing to build and move this offense forward with the entire staff.”

Wells, who boasts nine years of head coaching experience, comes to Manhattan after spending the last two seasons at Oklahoma as advisor to head coach/offensive analyst. Prior to that, he served as the head coach at his alma mater, Utah State, from 2013 through 2018 and at Texas Tech from 2019 to 2021. In addition to coaching quarterbacks during his 27-year coaching career, he has also spent time tutoring wide receivers and tight ends.

“My family and I are so incredibly grateful for the opportunity that Coach Klieman has presented to us to be a part of the Wildcat staff and team,” Wells said. “This has been a model of a winning program with consistency and stability throughout his tenure at Kansas State. I look forward to us chasing championships together!”

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Conor Riley, a five-year member of the Kansas State football staff who directed the Wildcat offense during its recent bowl victory, has been promoted to offensive coordinator, while&nbsp;Matt Wells, a great offensive mind and developer of quarterback talent, has been hired as co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach/associate head coach, head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;announced Thursday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704404064306.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“As I have said before, Conor has been with me for more than a decade, and he is deserving of this opportunity,” Klieman said. “He did a phenomenal job of leading the offensive room during our bowl preparation, and our coaches and players have the utmost respect for him and his ability to lead.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704404089601.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“I have known Matt for a very long time, and he is someone who will bring a lot to the table as a member of our staff – from head coaching experience to developing some of the top quarterbacks in the game. He will be a great addition to our offensive room and system, providing tremendous x’s and o’s experience as well as a recruiting prowess that mirrors our philosophy of identifying and developing talent.”Riley, one of the top offensive line coaches in the country, will continue to tutor the Wildcat offensive front as he has done the last five seasons where he has produced 15 All-Big 12 honorees, including the 2022 and 2023 Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year in Cooper Beebe. Riley was elevated to interim offensive coordinator for K-State’s bowl game, a 28-19 win over No. 18 NC State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. The Wildcats amassed 257 rushing yards and 435 total yards on a Wolfpack defense that entered bowl season ranking No. 16 and No. 25 in those categories, respectively. The Wildcats’ 257 rushing yards were the fourth most in their bowl history, while their 21 first-half points also tied for fourth.“I’m very appreciative for this opportunity provided by Gene Taylor and Coach Klieman, two men I’ve been fortunate to be around for quite some time,” Riley said. “This is something I have worked for my entire career, and to be able to have this opportunity at such a great institution such as K-State – one with great tradition – is humbling. I look forward to the addition of Coach Wells, a person I greatly respect as a peer in coaching, but more important is the amount of respect I have for him as a man of character and integrity. I’m looking forward to continuing to build and move this offense forward with the entire staff.”Wells, who boasts nine years of head coaching experience, comes to Manhattan after spending the last two seasons at Oklahoma as advisor to head coach/offensive analyst. Prior to that, he served as the head coach at his alma mater, Utah State, from 2013 through 2018 and at Texas Tech from 2019 to 2021. In addition to coaching quarterbacks during his 27-year coaching career, he has also spent time tutoring wide receivers and tight ends.“My family and I are so incredibly grateful for the opportunity that Coach Klieman has presented to us to be a part of the Wildcat staff and team,” Wells said. “This has been a model of a winning program with consistency and stability throughout his tenure at Kansas State. I look forward to us chasing championships together!”

K-State Promotes Riley, Hires Wells to Football Staff

Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kansas –&nbsp;(11/12) K-State outscored Houston, 43-14, in the second half of Wednesday night's game at Bramlage Coliseum to secure a 72-38 win over the Cougars. With the win, K-State has won 10 straight home games for the first time in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/2161">Jeff Mittie</a>&nbsp;era. The Wildcats have also improved upon its season-best win streak with its eighth straight win.

K-State improved its record to 14-1 for the first time under the direction of head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/2161">Jeff Mittie</a>. This is the best start for K-State since opening the 2008-09 season with a 14-1 mark. In its history, K-State has opened a season 14-1 five times.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702996208261.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics." />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics.</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics&nbsp;MANHATTAN, Kansas –&nbsp;(11/12) K-State outscored Houston, 43-14, in the second half of Wednesday night's game at Bramlage Coliseum to secure a 72-38 win over the Cougars. With the win, K-State has won 10 straight home games for the first time in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/2161">Jeff Mittie</a>&nbsp;era. The Wildcats have also improved upon its season-best win streak with its eighth straight win.K-State improved its record to 14-1 for the first time under the direction of head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/2161">Jeff Mittie</a>. This is the best start for K-State since opening the 2008-09 season with a 14-1 mark. In its history, K-State has opened a season 14-1 five times.Senior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ayoka-lee/11193">Ayoka Lee</a>&nbsp;improved upon her own school record with the 54th double-double of her career with 27 points on 11-of-15 shooting, 11 rebounds including a season-high eight offensive boards, two blocks and two steals.Junior guard&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/serena-sundell/11197">Serena Sundell</a>&nbsp;notched 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting including 2-of-3 from 3-point range, three assists, three steals and a blocked shot. The product of Maryville, Missouri, closed to within eight points of 1,000 for her career.Redshirt freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/zyanna-walker/11200">Zyanna Walker</a>&nbsp;came off the bench to card 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting, four rebounds and a career-high four steals.&nbsp;HOW IT HAPPENED - Leading by five at halftime, 29-24, K-State (14-1, 2-0 Big 12) would string together a 20-0 run to build a 51-29 lead with 1:59 remaining. Lee would score nine of the 20 points during the run. The Wildcats held the Cougars without a field goal for over six and a half minutes during the stretch. - The Wildcats would end the third quarter with a 51-33 lead and holding Houston to 4-of-14 shooting (.286). - Defensively, K-State would be even better in the fourth quarter, as the Wildcats held the Cougars to 1-of-12 (.083) shooting from the field in the frame. Houston would make its only field goal in the fourth quarter with 42 seconds remaining on a layup.- Offensively in the final stanza, K-State opened the period with a 14-0 run and built a 65-33 lead with 3:31 remaining. - K-State outscored Houston in the final frame, 21-5, equaling the fewest points allowed by the Wildcats in a fourth quarter this season (5, at Little Rock, 11/11/23). - For the entire second half, the Wildcats shot 50.0 percent (15-of-30) from the field and recorded 11 assists on the 15 made field goals.&nbsp; - The 14 points allowed by K-State in the second half were the fewest allowed by K-State in a second half this season and the fewest since allowing nine to Clemson on November 24, 2022. - The 38 points allowed were the fewest K-State has surrendered in a Big 12 game since holding Oklahoma State to 38 points on February 20, 2022. - K-State ended the night shooting 49.1 percent (27-of-55) from the field and shot 76.5 percent (13-of-17) from the free throw line.- Houston shot 28.8 percent (15-of-52) from the floor including 20.0 percent (4-of-20) and were forced into 25 turnovers.QUICK FACTS - K-State leads the series with Houston, 3-0. Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/2161">Jeff Mittie</a>&nbsp;is 12-6 (.667) in his career against Houston. - The Wildcats are 221-237 (.483) in Big 12 games.&nbsp; - Mittie owns a career record of 632-363 (.635) and is 178-128 (.582) during his 10-seasons at K-State.- K-State owns a record of 388-154 (.716) during its 36-seasons in Bramlage Coliseum. Mittie is 118-46 (.720) in home games with the Wildcats. - K-State's 10-game home court winning streak is the longest home court winning streak in the Mittie era, which started with the final two home wins of the 2022-23 season. - K-State owns a record of 236-88 (.728) as an AP ranked team. K-State is 28-5 (.848) all-time when ranked 11th in the nation.TEAM NOTES - K-State's starting five consisted of guards:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaelyn-glenn/11189">Jaelyn Glenn</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/serena-sundell/11197">Serena Sundell</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/brylee-glenn/11188">Brylee Glenn</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/gabby-gregory/11191">Gabby Gregory</a>&nbsp;and center&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ayoka-lee/11193">Ayoka Lee</a>. This was the 15th time this starting five has been used this season. This was the 102nd career start for Lee, the 93rd collegiate career start and the 47th start at K-State for Gregory, the 84th career start for Sundell, the 80th career start for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaelyn-glenn/11189">Jaelyn Glenn</a>&nbsp;and the 74th career start for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/brylee-glenn/11188">Brylee Glenn</a>. - The Wildcats held a 29-24 lead at halftime on Wednesday. Under head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/2161">Jeff Mittie</a>, K-State is 142-17 (.893) when leading at halftime, including a 13-0 record this season. - K-State shot 50.0 percent or better in three quarters on Wednesday. For the season, K-State owns 26 quarters with a field goal percentage of 50.0 percent or better. - The Wildcats dished out 22 assists on Wednesday. When K-State hands out 20 or more assists over the last 16 seasons, the Wildcats are 89-7 (.927), including an 8-0 record this season. The Wildcats have handed out 20 or more assists in seven of its last eight games. - K-State registered a 41-26 advantage in rebounds on Wednesday. This is the 13th time K-State has outrebounded its opponent this season (12-1).