This afternoon, the 2025 Sterling Invitational will get underway as both Southeast of Saline basketball teams look for strong showings at their midseason tournaments.

The Invitational, which has been played since 1973 on the boys' side, and 2014 on the girls' side, has seen some of the best midseason basketball in the state of Kansas, and this year should be no exception, as SES, Sterling, Hugoton, Smoky Valley, Scott City, Lyons, Kingman, and Hutch Trinity all look to etch their names into the record books.

Here you can find up-to-date information regarding scores and upcoming matchups all week long. The tournament will run on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

(3) Scott City 61 (6) Hutch Trinity 19 (2) Hugoton 42 (7) Smoky Valley 31

7:30 (1) SE of Saline (8) Sterling

(4) Hugoton 60 (5) SE of Saline 52

3:00 (5) SE of Saline (8) Hutch Trinity

This afternoon, the 2025 Sterling Invitational will get underway as both Southeast of Saline basketball teams look for strong showings at their midseason tournaments.The Invitational, which has been played since 1973 on the boys' side, and 2014 on the girls' side, has seen some of the best midseason basketball in the state of Kansas, and this year should be no exception, as SES, Sterling, Hugoton, Smoky Valley, Scott City, Lyons, Kingman, and Hutch Trinity all look to etch their names into the record books.Here you can find up-to-date information regarding scores and upcoming matchups all week long. The tournament will run on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.Girls TournamentFirst round schedule/results (Tue)(3) Scott City 61 (6) Hutch Trinity 19 (2) Hugoton 42 (7) Smoky Valley 316:00 (4) Kingman (5) Lyons7:30 (1) SE of Saline (8) SterlingSecond round schedule/results (Thu)4:30 (6) Trinity (7) Smoky Valley6:00 (2) Hugoton (3) Scott CityBoys TournamentFirst round schedule/results (Tue)(4) Hugoton 60 (5) SE of Saline 52Scott City 79 Hutch Trinity 276:00 (2) Sterling (7) Smoky Valley7:30 (3) Lyons (6) KingmanSecond round schedule/results (Thu)3:00 (5) SE of Saline (8) Hutch Trinity7:30 (1) Scott City (4) Hugoton

Sterling Invitational 2025 Schedule and Results

<div>Game tips-off at 3PM.
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<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RNAs7wLEoig?si=1y57WjyOtjA22Qy3" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe>
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</div></div><div><a href="https://x.com/spostsports"><img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731518354228.jpeg"></a></div><div>Game tips-off at 7:30PM.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLItbV4yqN5sjidkkd4VFkOclPBRSRmgtH"><img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700148697600.png
" alt="Southeast of Saline" style="width:320px;height:180px;">Click Here to View Past SES Games on Youtube!</a></div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLItbV4yqN5si0EQOKF057Y-BeWYKe-CVh"><img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698929590990.png
" alt="Sacred Heart Knights" style="width:320px;height:180px;">Click Here to View Past Sacred Heart Games on Youtube!</a></div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLItbV4yqN5sj8vbW89bbBz2HWUjaPVqFf"><img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698929554083.png" alt="Game of the Week" style="width:320px;height:180px;">Click Here to View Past Games of the Week on Youtube!</a></div>

High School Sports LIVE STREAMS

The Kansas Shrine Bowl has announced the four member Hall of Fame Class of 2025 to be inducted, Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in Manhattan. The 2025 class will be inducted during the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame ceremony at the Coach Bill Snyder Family/Sunflower Chapter National Football Foundation Banquet. The event will be hosted at the Shamrock Plaza at Coach Bill Snyder Family Stadium at Kansas State University.

The Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame Class of 2025 includes:

• CJ Hamilton, Silver Lake H.S., Kansas Shrine Bowl Coach (1977, 1985, 1986, 2003, 2004)

• Kent Sedlacek, Hanover H.S., Kansas Shrine Bowl East All-Star (1979)

• Collin Sexton, Abilene H.S., Kansas Shrine Bowl West All-Star (2012)

• Dane Simoneau, Salina Sacred Heart H.S., Kansas Shrine Bowl West All-Star (2007)

The Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame was established for the purpose of honoring those individuals who have gained recognition and fame for themselves and the Kansas Shrine Bowl as a result of their endeavors and accomplishments both on and off the football field. The Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame consists of 32 inductees, with the 2025 class soon to join. To learn more about the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame visit <a href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/HallofFame">www.KansasShrineBowl.com/HallofFame</a>.

Tickets to the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame Ceremony and the Bill Snyder Family/Sunflower Chapter National Football Foundation Banquet in Manhattan on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, are available for $30. Please contact Jeff Bollig at jbollig84@gmail.com or call 913-449-1635 for additional ticketing information.

The 2025 Hall of Fame inductees will also be honored at the 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth on Saturday, June 21, 2025 in Dodge City.

The Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that produces annual events and related activities with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children's.

Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame Class of 2025

CJ HAMILTON – Coach, Silver Lake H.S. (1977, 1985, 1986*, 2003, 2004*)&nbsp; *Head Coach

• Coached in five Kansas Shrine Bowl games, including twice as East Head Coach, the five coaching appearances is tied for the 3rd most all-time in the Kansas Shrine Bowl

• Began his coaching career at his alma mater, Silver Lake H.S., in 1973

• Coached at Washburn University from 1977-1978, before returning to Silver Lake H.S. in 1979

• The all-time winningest high school football coach in Kansas history, with a career record of 447-98 (.820)

• In 47 years, he led Silver Lake to 40 state playoff appearances, 39 Mid-East League championships, eight state championships, and a state record 18 state championship game appearances

• From 2002-2008, led Silver Lake to seven consecutive state championship game appearances

• Member of the Topeka Shawnee County Sports Hall of Fame, the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame, the Kansas Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and a 2025 inductee of the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame

• Also led Silver Lake H.S. to baseball state championships in 1975, 1977, and 1982 as the head coach

KENT SEDLACEK – Player, Hanover H.S. (1979)

• 1979 Kansas Shrine Bowl East All-Star from Hanover H.S.

• Played for Kansas State University (1979-1982)

• Member of the 1982 Independence Bowl team, the first bowl game appearance in KSU history

• Returned to his alma mater with the Kansas State University Foundation in 1989

• As a specialist in charitable estate planning, he has been involved in securing over $400 Million in charitable contributions for KSU for over 35 years

• Credits his experience playing in the Kansas Shrine Bowl, as an important moment in his desire to help children and make an impact with scholarships, buildings, athletics, arts, faculty and research to continue helping Kansans and mankind

• Has coached over 30 teams in many sports as a volunteer during his time in Manhattan

COLLIN SEXTON – Player, Abilene H.S. (2012)

• 2012 Kansas Shrine Bowl West All-Star from Abilene H.S.

• Caught a 54-yard touchdown pass to lead the West to a 14-7 victory in the 2012 Kansas Shrine Bowl

• Served as a public relations intern for the Kansas Shrine Bowl in the summer of 2015

• Played football at Kansas State University where he was a two-time Academic All-Big 12 recipient and a member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll four times

• Joined the Kansas Athletics department in August 2021 and currently serves as the Deputy Athletics Director-Chief Strategy Officer, as well as the sport administrator for the Kansas Football program

• Has played a significant role in the first-of-its-kind Deloitte partnership efforts for Kansas Athletics, the $450M Gateway District Project at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, and the renovated and expanded Anderson Family Football Complex

• Led the process and creation of Kansas Athletics Strategic plan, ‘To the Stars’, published in 2022

• Prior to coming to the University of Kansas, was the assistant athletics director for leadership giving at Northwestern and the director of football operations/chief of staff at Bowling Green State University

• Contributed to a record-breaking fundraising campaign of over $460M to Northwestern athletics

• Serves as a board member for the Wichita Sports Commission, representing Kansas Athletics

DANE SIMONEAU – Player, Salina Sacred Heart H.S. (2007)

• 2007 Kansas Shrine Bowl West All-Star from Salina Sacred Heart H.S.

• Ranked 2nd in Kansas High School history with 8,020 passing yards, while passing for 71 touchdowns in his high school career

• Started 42 of 43 career games at Washburn University (2007-11), while setting 35 Ichabod career, season and single-game records, including the top three passing season in school history

• A five-time consensus All-American who finished 2nd in the voting for the Harlon Hill Award (Division 2 Heisman) his senior season

• Named the MIAA Offensive Player of the Year and Regional Player of the Year as a senior

• Finished collegiate career 12th in NCAA Division II history with 11,291 yards passing and 15th on the all-time charts with 102 passing touchdowns

• Was also a four-year starter on the Washburn baseball team where he finished his career first in all-time doubles, fourth in at bats, sixth in RBI, and 10th in hits earning all-MIAA honors as a senior at shortstop

• Played professionally for the Salina Bombers of the Champions Professional Indoor Football League (2012-13), where he was named the CPIFL Offensive MVP in 2013

• Currently in his fifth full-time season on the Washburn University coaching staff, moving into the role of Offensive Coordinator in the 2025 season

The Kansas Shrine Bowl has announced the four member Hall of Fame Class of 2025 to be inducted, Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in Manhattan. The 2025 class will be inducted during the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame ceremony at the Coach Bill Snyder Family/Sunflower Chapter National Football Foundation Banquet. The event will be hosted at the Shamrock Plaza at Coach Bill Snyder Family Stadium at Kansas State University.The Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame Class of 2025 includes:• CJ Hamilton, Silver Lake H.S., Kansas Shrine Bowl Coach (1977, 1985, 1986, 2003, 2004)• Kent Sedlacek, Hanover H.S., Kansas Shrine Bowl East All-Star (1979)• Collin Sexton, Abilene H.S., Kansas Shrine Bowl West All-Star (2012)• Dane Simoneau, Salina Sacred Heart H.S., Kansas Shrine Bowl West All-Star (2007)The Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame was established for the purpose of honoring those individuals who have gained recognition and fame for themselves and the Kansas Shrine Bowl as a result of their endeavors and accomplishments both on and off the football field. The Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame consists of 32 inductees, with the 2025 class soon to join. To learn more about the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame visit <a href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/HallofFame">www.KansasShrineBowl.com/HallofFame</a>.Tickets to the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame Ceremony and the Bill Snyder Family/Sunflower Chapter National Football Foundation Banquet in Manhattan on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, are available for $30. Please contact Jeff Bollig at jbollig84@gmail.com or call 913-449-1635 for additional ticketing information.The 2025 Hall of Fame inductees will also be honored at the 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth on Saturday, June 21, 2025 in Dodge City.The Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that produces annual events and related activities with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children's.Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame Class of 2025CJ HAMILTON – Coach, Silver Lake H.S. (1977, 1985, 1986*, 2003, 2004*)&nbsp; *Head Coach• Coached in five Kansas Shrine Bowl games, including twice as East Head Coach, the five coaching appearances is tied for the 3rd most all-time in the Kansas Shrine Bowl• Began his coaching career at his alma mater, Silver Lake H.S., in 1973• Coached at Washburn University from 1977-1978, before returning to Silver Lake H.S. in 1979• The all-time winningest high school football coach in Kansas history, with a career record of 447-98 (.820)• In 47 years, he led Silver Lake to 40 state playoff appearances, 39 Mid-East League championships, eight state championships, and a state record 18 state championship game appearances• From 2002-2008, led Silver Lake to seven consecutive state championship game appearances• Member of the Topeka Shawnee County Sports Hall of Fame, the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame, the Kansas Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and a 2025 inductee of the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame• Also led Silver Lake H.S. to baseball state championships in 1975, 1977, and 1982 as the head coachKENT SEDLACEK – Player, Hanover H.S. (1979)• 1979 Kansas Shrine Bowl East All-Star from Hanover H.S.• Played for Kansas State University (1979-1982)• Member of the 1982 Independence Bowl team, the first bowl game appearance in KSU history• Returned to his alma mater with the Kansas State University Foundation in 1989• As a specialist in charitable estate planning, he has been involved in securing over $400 Million in charitable contributions for KSU for over 35 years• Credits his experience playing in the Kansas Shrine Bowl, as an important moment in his desire to help children and make an impact with scholarships, buildings, athletics, arts, faculty and research to continue helping Kansans and mankind• Has coached over 30 teams in many sports as a volunteer during his time in ManhattanCOLLIN SEXTON – Player, Abilene H.S. (2012)• 2012 Kansas Shrine Bowl West All-Star from Abilene H.S.• Caught a 54-yard touchdown pass to lead the West to a 14-7 victory in the 2012 Kansas Shrine Bowl• Served as a public relations intern for the Kansas Shrine Bowl in the summer of 2015• Played football at Kansas State University where he was a two-time Academic All-Big 12 recipient and a member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll four times• Joined the Kansas Athletics department in August 2021 and currently serves as the Deputy Athletics Director-Chief Strategy Officer, as well as the sport administrator for the Kansas Football program• Has played a significant role in the first-of-its-kind Deloitte partnership efforts for Kansas Athletics, the $450M Gateway District Project at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, and the renovated and expanded Anderson Family Football Complex• Led the process and creation of Kansas Athletics Strategic plan, ‘To the Stars’, published in 2022• Prior to coming to the University of Kansas, was the assistant athletics director for leadership giving at Northwestern and the director of football operations/chief of staff at Bowling Green State University• Contributed to a record-breaking fundraising campaign of over $460M to Northwestern athletics• Serves as a board member for the Wichita Sports Commission, representing Kansas AthleticsDANE SIMONEAU – Player, Salina Sacred Heart H.S. (2007)• 2007 Kansas Shrine Bowl West All-Star from Salina Sacred Heart H.S.• Ranked 2nd in Kansas High School history with 8,020 passing yards, while passing for 71 touchdowns in his high school career• Started 42 of 43 career games at Washburn University (2007-11), while setting 35 Ichabod career, season and single-game records, including the top three passing season in school history• A five-time consensus All-American who finished 2nd in the voting for the Harlon Hill Award (Division 2 Heisman) his senior season• Named the MIAA Offensive Player of the Year and Regional Player of the Year as a senior• Finished collegiate career 12th in NCAA Division II history with 11,291 yards passing and 15th on the all-time charts with 102 passing touchdowns• Was also a four-year starter on the Washburn baseball team where he finished his career first in all-time doubles, fourth in at bats, sixth in RBI, and 10th in hits earning all-MIAA honors as a senior at shortstop• Played professionally for the Salina Bombers of the Champions Professional Indoor Football League (2012-13), where he was named the CPIFL Offensive MVP in 2013• Currently in his fifth full-time season on the Washburn University coaching staff, moving into the role of Offensive Coordinator in the 2025 season

Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Announced

The Salina Invitational Tournament will get into full swing this Thursday, and three of our area schools will look to etch their names into the record books, as Salina South, Salina Central, and Abilene all prepare for their first-round matchups.

Here you can find up-to-date information regarding scores and upcoming matchups all week long. The tournament is scheduled to run from Thursday to Saturday.

3:00 at Salina Central (2) Andover&nbsp; (7) Junction City

3:00 at Salina South (1) Buhler (8) Abilene

6:00 at Salina Central (3) Wamego (6) Salina Central

6:00 at Salina South (4) Salina South (5) Great Bend

4:30 at Salina Central (1) Great Bend (8) Wichita South

4:30 at Salina South (2) Andover (7) Wamego

7:30 at Salina Central (4) Salina Central (5) Buhler

7:30 at Salina South (3) Abilene (6) Salina South

The Salina Invitational Tournament will get into full swing this Thursday, and three of our area schools will look to etch their names into the record books, as Salina South, Salina Central, and Abilene all prepare for their first-round matchups.Here you can find up-to-date information regarding scores and upcoming matchups all week long. The tournament is scheduled to run from Thursday to Saturday.Girls TournamentFirst Round Schedule/Results3:00 at Salina Central (2) Andover&nbsp; (7) Junction City3:00 at Salina South (1) Buhler (8) Abilene6:00 at Salina Central (3) Wamego (6) Salina Central6:00 at Salina South (4) Salina South (5) Great BendBoys TournamentFirst Round Schedule/Results4:30 at Salina Central (1) Great Bend (8) Wichita South4:30 at Salina South (2) Andover (7) Wamego7:30 at Salina Central (4) Salina Central (5) Buhler7:30 at Salina South (3) Abilene (6) Salina South

SIT 2025 Schedule and Results

ATLANTA (AP) — The pass seemed to hang up there forever. Did it feel like seven weeks? Did it feel like 10 years?

What a great debate for Ohio State fans to have forever.

When that&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/OhioStateFB/status/1881552148040958413">teardrop of a throw</a>&nbsp;from Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard on third-and-11 finally landed, light as a feather, in the hands of receiver Jeremiah Smith late in the fourth quarter Monday, Ohio State had locked up what would be a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame for its sixth national title and first in a decade.

It was that 56-yard gain that snuffed out a feverish Notre Dame comeback and made the Buckeyes the champion of the sport's first 12-team playoff, just as they were champions of its first four-team tournament a decade ago.

“They were running man coverage and I said, ‘Hey, I’m gonna let this loose and let him make a play on it,’” Howard said of a play that felt about 100 years removed from Ohio State's once program-defining “Three yards and a cloud of dust.”

This was a win that hardly anyone thought possible a mere seven weeks ago — Nov. 30 — when a 13-10 loss to Michigan led to a near-riot on the field and questions over whether coach Ryan Day would keep his job when the calendar flipped.

“It’s a great story about a bunch of guys who have just overcome some really tough situations, and at the point where there’s a lot of people that counted us out (they) just kept swinging and kept fighting,” Day said.

Buckeyes were on cruise control, then suddenly, ND came to life

It might be that much sweeter because of how it went down in a jam-packed stadium in the middle of SEC country that looked like a Christmas tree — Ohio State fans on one half in red, Notre Dame's on the other in green.

Trailing 31-7, Notre Dame scored two touchdowns and two 2-point conversions to make it a one-score game late in the fourth quarter. The in-stadium camera found legendary Irish coach Lou Holtz in his luxury box, and he ignored all those booing Buckeye fans and flashed a thumbs-up.

But Notre Dame's time was running out. After stopping the Buckeyes on their first two plays and using their timeouts, the Irish put Christian Gray — whose interception&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/penn-state-notre-dame-orange-bowl-score-34fe8fc6414366145cfaa10f0147964c">wrapped up Notre Dame's semifinal win</a>&nbsp;over Penn State — in single coverage on Smith.

Smith got behind Gray on the right sideline and Howard dropped his best pass of the season into the hands of the second-team All-American.

It set up a field goal that started the celebration in earnest, and also helped Ohio State&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-state-notre-dame-cfp-national-championship-betting-line-4e59407b67c901d23a06f511099c45bc">cover the 8 1/2-point spread</a>&nbsp;at BetMGM Sportsbook.

“It was do or die, it was that type of down,” Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman said. “He’s a heck of a player. He’s difficult to cover.”

Howard and Judkins make transfer portal pay off for Ohio State

Howard, a transfer-portal success story from Kansas State, threw for 231 yards and two scores, but nothing will beat the pass to Smith with everything on the line.

The receiver, who had been bottled up by Texas in the semifinals then fairly quiet for most of this game, finally got loose for the kind of play he’s been making all year. He finished with five catches for 88 yards.

“We felt at the end we wanted to give Jeremiah that shot,” Day said. “We really hadn't thrown it all night, but I thought, ‘Know what, let’s be aggressive, let's do this and lay it on the line.'”

Ohio State didn't really look like a team that needed to take risks after scoring touchdowns on its first four possessions, then adding a field goal on its fifth.

When Quinshon Judkins (100 yards, 11 carries, three TDs), a transfer from Mississippi who highlighted Ohio State’s judicious use of the ever-growing portal, busted a 70-yard run to set up the score that made it 28-7, this game looked over.

It wasn’t, and now Freeman will have to answer a few tough questions — one about the failed fake punt in the third quarter that turned into a field goal for a 31-7 lead; the other about sending Mitch Jeter in for a short field goal attempt while down 16 and facing fourth-and-goal from the 9. It might have looked like a better call had Jeter’s kick not clanged off the left upright.

“I know it’s still a two-score game, but you have a better probability of getting 14 points than you do 16 points,” Freeman said.

Ohio State dominated most of the night, and all through the playoffs

Really, though, Ohio State was the better team. The Buckeyes outgained Notre Dame 445 yards to 308. Howard completed his first 13 passes and never really got stopped. Ohio State punted a grand total of once.

The Buckeyes rolled through four games in the new, expanded playoff — what great timing for Ohio State that the tournament swelled to a dozen teams in a year it didn't even play for the Big Ten title — by an average score of 36-21.

Ohio State was seeded eighth, but the seedings were pretty much meaningless. The worse seed won every game in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds, and the Buckeyes dominated in this title-game showdown of No. 7 vs. No. 8.

A fine ending to a season that almost got away

It puts to rest, for now, any angst about that 13-10 Michigan loss in November — Ohio State’s fourth straight in the series — that ended with a brawl after Wolverine players tried to plant a flag at midfield.

The whole scene left a lot of folks, both in and out of Buckeye circles, thinking Day, in his sixth season, had outlived his usefulness on a campus that hadn’t tasted a title in a decade.

Instead, the Ohio State marching band can dot the “I” next time with the national-title trophy. And Day can join a list of title-winning coaches with Urban Meyer (2014) Jim Tressel (2002), Woody Hayes ("Three yards and a cloud of dust") and Paul Brown (who went on to become the namesake of the NFL's Cleveland Browns).

Also, Day’s .873 winning percentage coming into the game was third among coaches with 50-plus games — one spot behind none other than the Notre Dame legend Knute Rockne, himself.

The Notre Dame loss means college football still has never had a Black coach win the national title.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cfp-notre-dame-king-trump-football-faf2fc685b25a887dd6eec083223a591">Freeman was trying</a>&nbsp;to become the first.

Instead, another kind of history. This marked the first time the Big Ten has taken back-to-back titles since 1942. Last year’s champion was Michigan, which was sitting home watching this one, but still played a special role in a Buckeyes redemption story hardly anyone saw coming.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737436647075.jpeg" alt="Ohio State celebrates after their win against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff national championship game Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)" />
 <figcaption>Ohio State celebrates after their win against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff national championship game Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) — The pass seemed to hang up there forever. Did it feel like seven weeks? Did it feel like 10 years?What a great debate for Ohio State fans to have forever.When that&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/OhioStateFB/status/1881552148040958413">teardrop of a throw</a>&nbsp;from Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard on third-and-11 finally landed, light as a feather, in the hands of receiver Jeremiah Smith late in the fourth quarter Monday, Ohio State had locked up what would be a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame for its sixth national title and first in a decade.It was that 56-yard gain that snuffed out a feverish Notre Dame comeback and made the Buckeyes the champion of the sport's first 12-team playoff, just as they were champions of its first four-team tournament a decade ago.“They were running man coverage and I said, ‘Hey, I’m gonna let this loose and let him make a play on it,’” Howard said of a play that felt about 100 years removed from Ohio State's once program-defining “Three yards and a cloud of dust.”This was a win that hardly anyone thought possible a mere seven weeks ago — Nov. 30 — when a 13-10 loss to Michigan led to a near-riot on the field and questions over whether coach Ryan Day would keep his job when the calendar flipped.“It’s a great story about a bunch of guys who have just overcome some really tough situations, and at the point where there’s a lot of people that counted us out (they) just kept swinging and kept fighting,” Day said.<h2>Buckeyes were on cruise control, then suddenly, ND came to life</h2>It might be that much sweeter because of how it went down in a jam-packed stadium in the middle of SEC country that looked like a Christmas tree — Ohio State fans on one half in red, Notre Dame's on the other in green.Trailing 31-7, Notre Dame scored two touchdowns and two 2-point conversions to make it a one-score game late in the fourth quarter. The in-stadium camera found legendary Irish coach Lou Holtz in his luxury box, and he ignored all those booing Buckeye fans and flashed a thumbs-up.But Notre Dame's time was running out. After stopping the Buckeyes on their first two plays and using their timeouts, the Irish put Christian Gray — whose interception&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/penn-state-notre-dame-orange-bowl-score-34fe8fc6414366145cfaa10f0147964c">wrapped up Notre Dame's semifinal win</a>&nbsp;over Penn State — in single coverage on Smith.Smith got behind Gray on the right sideline and Howard dropped his best pass of the season into the hands of the second-team All-American.It set up a field goal that started the celebration in earnest, and also helped Ohio State&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-state-notre-dame-cfp-national-championship-betting-line-4e59407b67c901d23a06f511099c45bc">cover the 8 1/2-point spread</a>&nbsp;at BetMGM Sportsbook.“It was do or die, it was that type of down,” Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman said. “He’s a heck of a player. He’s difficult to cover.”<h2>Howard and Judkins make transfer portal pay off for Ohio State</h2>Howard, a transfer-portal success story from Kansas State, threw for 231 yards and two scores, but nothing will beat the pass to Smith with everything on the line.The receiver, who had been bottled up by Texas in the semifinals then fairly quiet for most of this game, finally got loose for the kind of play he’s been making all year. He finished with five catches for 88 yards.“We felt at the end we wanted to give Jeremiah that shot,” Day said. “We really hadn't thrown it all night, but I thought, ‘Know what, let’s be aggressive, let's do this and lay it on the line.'”Ohio State didn't really look like a team that needed to take risks after scoring touchdowns on its first four possessions, then adding a field goal on its fifth.When Quinshon Judkins (100 yards, 11 carries, three TDs), a transfer from Mississippi who highlighted Ohio State’s judicious use of the ever-growing portal, busted a 70-yard run to set up the score that made it 28-7, this game looked over.It wasn’t, and now Freeman will have to answer a few tough questions — one about the failed fake punt in the third quarter that turned into a field goal for a 31-7 lead; the other about sending Mitch Jeter in for a short field goal attempt while down 16 and facing fourth-and-goal from the 9. It might have looked like a better call had Jeter’s kick not clanged off the left upright.“I know it’s still a two-score game, but you have a better probability of getting 14 points than you do 16 points,” Freeman said.<h2>Ohio State dominated most of the night, and all through the playoffs</h2>Really, though, Ohio State was the better team. The Buckeyes outgained Notre Dame 445 yards to 308. Howard completed his first 13 passes and never really got stopped. Ohio State punted a grand total of once.The Buckeyes rolled through four games in the new, expanded playoff — what great timing for Ohio State that the tournament swelled to a dozen teams in a year it didn't even play for the Big Ten title — by an average score of 36-21.Ohio State was seeded eighth, but the seedings were pretty much meaningless. The worse seed won every game in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds, and the Buckeyes dominated in this title-game showdown of No. 7 vs. No. 8.<h2>A fine ending to a season that almost got away</h2>It puts to rest, for now, any angst about that 13-10 Michigan loss in November — Ohio State’s fourth straight in the series — that ended with a brawl after Wolverine players tried to plant a flag at midfield.The whole scene left a lot of folks, both in and out of Buckeye circles, thinking Day, in his sixth season, had outlived his usefulness on a campus that hadn’t tasted a title in a decade.Instead, the Ohio State marching band can dot the “I” next time with the national-title trophy. And Day can join a list of title-winning coaches with Urban Meyer (2014) Jim Tressel (2002), Woody Hayes ("Three yards and a cloud of dust") and Paul Brown (who went on to become the namesake of the NFL's Cleveland Browns).Also, Day’s .873 winning percentage coming into the game was third among coaches with 50-plus games — one spot behind none other than the Notre Dame legend Knute Rockne, himself.The Notre Dame loss means college football still has never had a Black coach win the national title.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cfp-notre-dame-king-trump-football-faf2fc685b25a887dd6eec083223a591">Freeman was trying</a>&nbsp;to become the first.Instead, another kind of history. This marked the first time the Big Ten has taken back-to-back titles since 1942. Last year’s champion was Michigan, which was sitting home watching this one, but still played a special role in a Buckeyes redemption story hardly anyone saw coming.___

🏈 Ohio State wins 1st national title since 2014, outlasting Notre Dame in CFP championship game

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– (11/10) K-State used a perimeter attack in the second half, connecting on seven 3-pointers in the final 20 minutes, to down Arizona State, 81-69, on Sunday afternoon at Bramlage Coliseum. The win improves K-State’s win streak to 14. The 14-game win streak is tied for the second-longest win streak in program history and matches last season’s 14-game win streak.

K-State (19-1, 7-0 Big 12) improved its overall record to 19-1 for the second time under the direction of head coach Jeff Mittie. This is the second straight season and just the second time in program history K-State has opened a season with a 19-1 record.

K-State featured four players in double figures led by senior forward and Cheryl Miller Award candidate Temira Poindexter with 19 points on 7-of-9 shooting from the field including 5-of-7 from long range, five rebounds and four assists. In her last three games, Poindexter is 12-of-25 (.480) from behind the three-point line.

Joining Poindexter was senior guard Serena Sundell, an All-America candidate and the national leader in assists and assists per game, with 15 points, five assists and six rebounds.

Sophomore guard Taryn Sides led a K-State bench that outscored Arizona State’s bench, 22-5, with 11 points, six assists and three rebounds.

Senior guard Jaelyn Glenn notched 10 points, all in the second half, on 4-of-4 shooting, three rebounds and two assists.

The Wildcats equaled their season-high from the 3-point line by making 13 on 24 attempts (.542).

- Arizona State (8-11, 2-4) used a 10-0 run to build a 26-21 lead with 5:55 to play in the second quarter. The Sun Devils were boosted by Jalyn Brown with six points during the run. Brown would score 18 in the opening half and a game-high 32.

- A jumper from Ayoka Lee with 5:15 to play in the second quarter started a 15-4 run for K-State. Poindexter would score eight of the 15 points during the run, including a pair of 3-pointers to give the Wildcats a 36-30 lead at halftime.

- Poindexter and Zyanna Walker combined to score K-State’s first eight points of the third quarter to push the Wildcats into a 44-33 lead and force an Arizona State timeout with 7:52 remaining in the period.

- K-State would make six 3-pointers, on seven attempts, in the third quarter to win the frame, 29-18, and build a 65-48 lead entering the fourth quarter. Glenn would pace the Wildcats in the quarter with eight points.

- The Sun Devils trailed by as many as 17 points, 68-51, with 8:18 to play in the fourth quarter but battled back to within seven, 74-67, with 3:20 to play. Sundell would score six of K-State’s final eight points to send the Wildcats to their seventh straight Big 12 win and 13th&nbsp;consecutive home win.

- For the game, K-State shot 52.7 percent (29-of-55) from the field and dished out 26 assists on its 29 made field goals.

- Arizona State ended the afternoon shooting 47.2 percent (25-of-53) from the field.

- Arizona State leads the series, 3-2. Head coach Jeff Mittie is 1-1 in his career against Arizona State. This was the first meeting between the teams in Manhattan.

- The Wildcats are 239-242 (.497) in Big 12 games.

- K-State is 409-156 (.724) in its 37-season history inside Bramlage Coliseum, including a 13-0 record this season. This is the 34th&nbsp;season in program history with 10 or more home wins in a season, including the 26th&nbsp;season at Bramlage Coliseum.

- K-State head coach Jeff Mittie owns a career record of 663-371 (.641), including a mark of 209-136 (.606).

- K-State owns a record of 267-96 (.736) as an AP ranked team. K-State is 31-5 (.861) all-time when ranked 11th in the nation.

- The Wildcats are 265-193 (.579) in games played in the month of January, including a 13-1 record over the last two seasons. Under Mittie, K-State is 45-41 (.523) in games during the first month. K-State has notched a .500 or better record in the month of January 35 times.

- K-State's starting five consisted of guards: Zyanna Walker, Jaelyn Glenn and Serena Sundell; forward Temira Poindexter and center Ayoka Lee. This was the 18th time this lineup has started together this season. This was the 132nd career start for Lee, the 123rd career start for Sundell, the 119th career start for Jaelyn Glenn, the 107th career collegiate start and 20th at K-State for Poindexter and the 20th career start for Walker. Lee improves on her school record for career starts. Lee also moves into sole possession of third in program history for career games played. With her 123rd career start, Sundell is tied for fifth in program history for career starts. With her 119th&nbsp;career start, Glenn remains in 10th&nbsp;in program history for career starts.

- The Wildcats held a 36-30 lead at halftime on Sunday. Under Mittie, K-State is 168-19 (.898) when leading at halftime. The Wildcats have led at the half in 18 games this season (18-0).

- K-State has scored 20-or more points in a quarter 45 times this season, including the third quarter on Sunday. Since the start of the quarter-system in 2015-16, the Wildcats are 151-62 (.709) when scoring 20 or more points in any quarter of a game.

- K-State shot 50.0 percent or better in a quarter in the third quarter on Sunday. The Wildcats have 50 quarters this season, which are the most in program history for a full season, of 50.0 percent or better shooting.

- K-State improved to 107-8 (.930) when handing out 20 or more assists in a game. The Wildcats have dished out 20 or more assists in 15 games this season (15-0).

- With her 19 points on Sunday, Poindexter increased her collegiate point total to 1,818 points (1,560 at Tulsa; 258 at K-State). This was her 93rd career game and her 12th this season with 10 or more points.

- Poindexter made five 3-pointers on Sunday. This was her 21st career game with four or more connections, her 67th career game and her 13th&nbsp;this season with two or more connections.

- Poindexter pulled in five rebounds on Sunday. This was her 54th&nbsp;career game with five or more rebounds.

- Sundell owns 1,522 career points and moves into 13th&nbsp;on the K-State career scoring list. Sundell notched her 87th career game with 10 or more points.

- Sundell’s five assists on Sunday improved her career total to 699. This was her 82nd career game with five or more assists and her 17th&nbsp;this season including her 14th&nbsp;straight.

- Sundell hauled in a team-high six rebounds on Sunday to improve her career total to 509. This was the 20th&nbsp;time in her career she has led K-State in rebounding. This was Sundell’s 48th&nbsp;career game with five or more rebounds.

- Glenn moved into sole possession of 42nd&nbsp;on the K-State career scoring list with 1,047 points. This was her 50th&nbsp;career game with 10 or more points.

- Glenn connected on two 3-pointers on Sunday. This was her 59th&nbsp;career game with two or more 3-pointers made. She improves her career total to 192 three-point field goals made and remains in eighth in school history.

- Sides registered her 12th&nbsp;career game with 10 or more points.

- Sides made three 3-pointers on Sunday. This was her 22nd&nbsp;career game and her 14th&nbsp;this season with two or more made 3-pointers.

- Sides dished out six assists, her 11th&nbsp;career game with five or more assists.

- With her seven points on Sunday, Lee boosted her career total to 2,482 and moved into sixth on the Big 12 career scoring list. Lee has scored in every game of her career, 132 games, and is second in school history for consecutive games scoring.

“Well, proud of our group for this. It was a challenge all day long, certainly to get them stopped defensively was a real challenge. They really have some quick guards that can play off the bounce, and gave our guards fits a lot of the day. Obviously, (Jalyn Brown) was just phenomenal really coming off of a tough game for her at Kansas. We thought she'd respond. I didn't think she'd respond that way. I thought we'd do a better job on her, but she's tough to cool off once she gets going. She got going early and continued on for all four quarters. Proud of our group, we made some plays, made some huge threes, hit a great stretch there, where we stretched it out and needed every bit because that Arizona State team is a really good offensive team that can put up some points in a hurry, and they gave us fits all day long, whether it was from layups or free throws. They were getting the spots on the floor that were a problem for us.”

“You'd have to ask them that. We have not practiced well this week. So it didn't surprise me that we got hit in the mouth a little bit early, because that's how we practiced yesterday but I knew how quick they were, and I knew how quick they could score, because they'd seen it and we'd showed it, but you know, you'd have to ask them that.”

"It's not good, guys. I don't have a definitive update, but it's not going to be a week or two. To my knowledge, she stayed in the building. I talked to her 10 minutes ago, but I haven't spoken to the doctors or trainers yet. Yeah, it's probably not good."

On how the other players responded to Ayoka Lee’s injury…

"I don't know that our players really discussed it. I'm not sure they knew she wasn't coming back out. They just knew she didn't start the second half. There have been times when a player comes back after an X-ray or something similar, so I don't think they were certain. I thought our group on the floor did well. [Eliza] Maupin gave us a big lift, Gisela Sanchez stepped up, and [Temira] Poindexter made a lot of shots. We moved the ball well in the third quarter when we needed to and found enough offense."

On playing Eliza Maupin and Gisela Sanchez more minutes than Kennedy Taylor…

"I just decided to see what it was like. Honestly, it wasn't anything specific, just a gut feeling to try small ball and see how they reacted. We were able to get some layups in transition and open up the floor more. Once [Eliza] Maupin had that run, I decided to see how [Gisela] Sanchez would look in that situation. Gisela did some good things, too."

On what changes with Ayoka Lee out of rotation…

"It's the sheer strength she brings. She doesn’t give up much ground there. Honestly, nobody has a backup player like Lee. Across the country, if you take someone like Paige Bueckers out, UConn doesn’t have a backup for her. Same with Notre Dame and Hidalgo. It's a significant change for us on both ends of the floor. Defensively, she patrols the paint so well that it allows you to get beat off the bounce. In the second half, you saw we didn’t have the usual rim protection, and those guards were pretty free once they got inside the 10-foot mark. Lee gives us rim protection, and we definitely missed it in the second half."

Arizona State Head Coach Natasha Adair

“I just met with the team about our effort. I thought that we fought. I thought it was a really competitive game. We talked about getting off to a good start. I thought at the start of the game, we were ready to go. We set the tone and the tempo, and just challenged our group to be aggressive getting to the free throw line 21 times. I thought our offense, we had been talking about our offensive efficiency and execution, and I thought it was probably one of the best that we've seen thus far. But, for our group, we don't want moral victories, but we have to understand where we're growing and where we're getting better. We talked about being the best team going into March, and this was an evaluation against the 11th team in the country. And so we're going to challenge our group to continue right to put 40 together that third quarter. That was something that we'll go back and watch, but the fourth quarter was the fight and how we were competing to the final buzzer. So proud of the competitiveness, things we'll go back and watch and clean up, because the goal is to put together 40 but it wasn't for a lack of fight and team playing together.”

“She's just that four-level scorer. She can pretty much score from anywhere on the floor. Our goal was to just make it harder for her. She can score in the perimeter, she can get downhill. They had a height advantage. So, they could post up some of our smaller guards, but she's just that hybrid player. She's effective from pretty much everywhere on the court, so just making her make tough shots, tough twos, tough threes, and making it hard for her. She's just an elite player.”

“Our elite players stepped up. They have phenomenal players, yes, and so do we. We talk about everyone seeing our best on any given night, it could be any one of our players, whether it's our perimeter players or inside. And so for us, it's a group, a new group. No two or three people on this team have played together before, so there's still a chemistry brewing. There's still a chemistry building, but we have elite players as well.”

On Arizona State’s defense in the second half…

“Some of our rotations, we were pressing, we were aggressive in lanes, and it was just a scramble out of it. So, maybe we were just a little delayed. We made the adjustment to go over their flares, go over their hand offs and some of their actions, but I think it was just more about our rotations and just maybe being a half a second slow. They made some tough contested shots, too. I mean, we were there, we were in their face, and they made some tough twos and threes while being contested.”

On what makes it difficult to play Kansas State…

“I think their sixth man is that crowd out there. I mean, but that's home court advantage. That's an added edge when you're going on the road and you're playing in an arena where it's hard to think, it's hard to hear. So they do a good job of creating that environment and that six man for them. They just have weapons inside and out. But that's every team in this league.&nbsp; I just think that they are really good at running their system right. They have offensive efficiency. You have to game plan against Lee as she's one of the top players in the country. But I think for them, honestly, in addition to their talent, their six man and their crowd.”

K-State Senior Forward Temira Poindexter

On the team’s 3-point shooting…

“I think it is contagious. I feel like once somebody hits like two or three, I feel like that's when we continue to roll on, keep going.”

On the team's performance in the second half…

“I think we handled it very well. Eliza came in and stepped up. She knew what she had to do, and I feel like she did really good. And I am proud of her.”

On her performance against Arizona State…

“I felt pretty comfortable picking the shots that are open, and I felt like my teammates do a good job and give me confidence, too. I feel like I'm very comfortable. I’m just trying my best and my teammates as well have a lot to do with that. I wouldn't be able to make three pointers without the passes.”

On the team's performance against Arizona State…

“I feel like everyone's very unselfish and everyone will do whatever they can to win and just like the passion. Especially Arizona State, where [there] is like different types of style of play, so we needed to go through something like this. I mean, like we weren't doing as well. I think the last game, we didn't start off good. In this game, we didn't start off good. So I felt like we needed to go through this. It'll help us in the future.”

K-State Sophomore Guard Taryn Sides

On what playing Arizona State taught them…

“I think every game you can take something away from it. I think this game started off kind of slow. Coach Mittie talked about how they're going to be quick in transition. Their guards are quick, and I think we didn't match up well in transition and that's where they kind of got off to a good start. That's something we can learn from and grow in.”

On the open shots in the second half…

“I think when we get the ball moving and we don't over dribble, we can get so many open shots. It's hard to guard us, because anyone can hit the shot, and everyone's pretty versatile. So I think when we just play well together, then that's when we get those open shots, and when we all move and cut and fill and do all those little things at a high pace and in a smart way, that's when we get those looks.”

On Ayoka Lee sitting out the second half…

“I think it's just next man up mentality. I think Eliza came in and played really well for us. We don't really know, like a whole lot about Yokie. Hopefully she's okay, but just next man up, you got to fill that role when someone's out or in foul trouble.”

Arizona State Junior Guard Jalyn Brown

On getting to the free throw line…

“We go through film, we look at who is foul prone, we look at how they guard drivers, and I realized that if I go off of two feet, they're likely to foul me. Because of my athleticism, I can jump over people. Sometimes I'm able to just slither through some spaces. So I think once I kind of figured out where my gaps were going to be, it just opened everything.”

K-State returns to action on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. (CT), as the Wildcats visit Colorado.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– (11/10) K-State used a perimeter attack in the second half, connecting on seven 3-pointers in the final 20 minutes, to down Arizona State, 81-69, on Sunday afternoon at Bramlage Coliseum. The win improves K-State’s win streak to 14. The 14-game win streak is tied for the second-longest win streak in program history and matches last season’s 14-game win streak.K-State (19-1, 7-0 Big 12) improved its overall record to 19-1 for the second time under the direction of head coach Jeff Mittie. This is the second straight season and just the second time in program history K-State has opened a season with a 19-1 record.K-State featured four players in double figures led by senior forward and Cheryl Miller Award candidate Temira Poindexter with 19 points on 7-of-9 shooting from the field including 5-of-7 from long range, five rebounds and four assists. In her last three games, Poindexter is 12-of-25 (.480) from behind the three-point line.Joining Poindexter was senior guard Serena Sundell, an All-America candidate and the national leader in assists and assists per game, with 15 points, five assists and six rebounds.Sophomore guard Taryn Sides led a K-State bench that outscored Arizona State’s bench, 22-5, with 11 points, six assists and three rebounds.Senior guard Jaelyn Glenn notched 10 points, all in the second half, on 4-of-4 shooting, three rebounds and two assists.The Wildcats equaled their season-high from the 3-point line by making 13 on 24 attempts (.542).HOW IT HAPPENED- Arizona State (8-11, 2-4) used a 10-0 run to build a 26-21 lead with 5:55 to play in the second quarter. The Sun Devils were boosted by Jalyn Brown with six points during the run. Brown would score 18 in the opening half and a game-high 32.- A jumper from Ayoka Lee with 5:15 to play in the second quarter started a 15-4 run for K-State. Poindexter would score eight of the 15 points during the run, including a pair of 3-pointers to give the Wildcats a 36-30 lead at halftime.- Poindexter and Zyanna Walker combined to score K-State’s first eight points of the third quarter to push the Wildcats into a 44-33 lead and force an Arizona State timeout with 7:52 remaining in the period.- K-State would make six 3-pointers, on seven attempts, in the third quarter to win the frame, 29-18, and build a 65-48 lead entering the fourth quarter. Glenn would pace the Wildcats in the quarter with eight points.- The Sun Devils trailed by as many as 17 points, 68-51, with 8:18 to play in the fourth quarter but battled back to within seven, 74-67, with 3:20 to play. Sundell would score six of K-State’s final eight points to send the Wildcats to their seventh straight Big 12 win and 13th&nbsp;consecutive home win.- For the game, K-State shot 52.7 percent (29-of-55) from the field and dished out 26 assists on its 29 made field goals.- Arizona State ended the afternoon shooting 47.2 percent (25-of-53) from the field.QUICK FACTS- Arizona State leads the series, 3-2. Head coach Jeff Mittie is 1-1 in his career against Arizona State. This was the first meeting between the teams in Manhattan.- The Wildcats are 239-242 (.497) in Big 12 games.- K-State is 409-156 (.724) in its 37-season history inside Bramlage Coliseum, including a 13-0 record this season. This is the 34th&nbsp;season in program history with 10 or more home wins in a season, including the 26th&nbsp;season at Bramlage Coliseum.- K-State head coach Jeff Mittie owns a career record of 663-371 (.641), including a mark of 209-136 (.606).- K-State owns a record of 267-96 (.736) as an AP ranked team. K-State is 31-5 (.861) all-time when ranked 11th in the nation.- The Wildcats are 265-193 (.579) in games played in the month of January, including a 13-1 record over the last two seasons. Under Mittie, K-State is 45-41 (.523) in games during the first month. K-State has notched a .500 or better record in the month of January 35 times.TEAM NOTES- K-State's starting five consisted of guards: Zyanna Walker, Jaelyn Glenn and Serena Sundell; forward Temira Poindexter and center Ayoka Lee. This was the 18th time this lineup has started together this season. This was the 132nd career start for Lee, the 123rd career start for Sundell, the 119th career start for Jaelyn Glenn, the 107th career collegiate start and 20th at K-State for Poindexter and the 20th career start for Walker. Lee improves on her school record for career starts. Lee also moves into sole possession of third in program history for career games played. With her 123rd career start, Sundell is tied for fifth in program history for career starts. With her 119th&nbsp;career start, Glenn remains in 10th&nbsp;in program history for career starts.- The Wildcats held a 36-30 lead at halftime on Sunday. Under Mittie, K-State is 168-19 (.898) when leading at halftime. The Wildcats have led at the half in 18 games this season (18-0).- K-State has scored 20-or more points in a quarter 45 times this season, including the third quarter on Sunday. Since the start of the quarter-system in 2015-16, the Wildcats are 151-62 (.709) when scoring 20 or more points in any quarter of a game.- K-State shot 50.0 percent or better in a quarter in the third quarter on Sunday. The Wildcats have 50 quarters this season, which are the most in program history for a full season, of 50.0 percent or better shooting.- K-State improved to 107-8 (.930) when handing out 20 or more assists in a game. The Wildcats have dished out 20 or more assists in 15 games this season (15-0).PLAYER NOTES- With her 19 points on Sunday, Poindexter increased her collegiate point total to 1,818 points (1,560 at Tulsa; 258 at K-State). This was her 93rd career game and her 12th this season with 10 or more points.- Poindexter made five 3-pointers on Sunday. This was her 21st career game with four or more connections, her 67th career game and her 13th&nbsp;this season with two or more connections.- Poindexter pulled in five rebounds on Sunday. This was her 54th&nbsp;career game with five or more rebounds.- Sundell owns 1,522 career points and moves into 13th&nbsp;on the K-State career scoring list. Sundell notched her 87th career game with 10 or more points.- Sundell’s five assists on Sunday improved her career total to 699. This was her 82nd career game with five or more assists and her 17th&nbsp;this season including her 14th&nbsp;straight.- Sundell hauled in a team-high six rebounds on Sunday to improve her career total to 509. This was the 20th&nbsp;time in her career she has led K-State in rebounding. This was Sundell’s 48th&nbsp;career game with five or more rebounds.- Glenn moved into sole possession of 42nd&nbsp;on the K-State career scoring list with 1,047 points. This was her 50th&nbsp;career game with 10 or more points.- Glenn connected on two 3-pointers on Sunday. This was her 59th&nbsp;career game with two or more 3-pointers made. She improves her career total to 192 three-point field goals made and remains in eighth in school history.- Sides registered her 12th&nbsp;career game with 10 or more points.- Sides made three 3-pointers on Sunday. This was her 22nd&nbsp;career game and her 14th&nbsp;this season with two or more made 3-pointers.- Sides dished out six assists, her 11th&nbsp;career game with five or more assists.- With her seven points on Sunday, Lee boosted her career total to 2,482 and moved into sixth on the Big 12 career scoring list. Lee has scored in every game of her career, 132 games, and is second in school history for consecutive games scoring.FROM THE HEAD COACHK-State Head Coach Jeff MittieOverall thoughts…“Well, proud of our group for this. It was a challenge all day long, certainly to get them stopped defensively was a real challenge. They really have some quick guards that can play off the bounce, and gave our guards fits a lot of the day. Obviously, (Jalyn Brown) was just phenomenal really coming off of a tough game for her at Kansas. We thought she'd respond. I didn't think she'd respond that way. I thought we'd do a better job on her, but she's tough to cool off once she gets going. She got going early and continued on for all four quarters. Proud of our group, we made some plays, made some huge threes, hit a great stretch there, where we stretched it out and needed every bit because that Arizona State team is a really good offensive team that can put up some points in a hurry, and they gave us fits all day long, whether it was from layups or free throws. They were getting the spots on the floor that were a problem for us.”On Arizona State’s intensity…“You'd have to ask them that. We have not practiced well this week. So it didn't surprise me that we got hit in the mouth a little bit early, because that's how we practiced yesterday but I knew how quick they were, and I knew how quick they could score, because they'd seen it and we'd showed it, but you know, you'd have to ask them that.”On Ayoka Lee’s Injury…"It's not good, guys. I don't have a definitive update, but it's not going to be a week or two. To my knowledge, she stayed in the building. I talked to her 10 minutes ago, but I haven't spoken to the doctors or trainers yet. Yeah, it's probably not good."On how the other players responded to Ayoka Lee’s injury…"I don't know that our players really discussed it. I'm not sure they knew she wasn't coming back out. They just knew she didn't start the second half. There have been times when a player comes back after an X-ray or something similar, so I don't think they were certain. I thought our group on the floor did well. [Eliza] Maupin gave us a big lift, Gisela Sanchez stepped up, and [Temira] Poindexter made a lot of shots. We moved the ball well in the third quarter when we needed to and found enough offense."On playing Eliza Maupin and Gisela Sanchez more minutes than Kennedy Taylor…"I just decided to see what it was like. Honestly, it wasn't anything specific, just a gut feeling to try small ball and see how they reacted. We were able to get some layups in transition and open up the floor more. Once [Eliza] Maupin had that run, I decided to see how [Gisela] Sanchez would look in that situation. Gisela did some good things, too."On what changes with Ayoka Lee out of rotation…"It's the sheer strength she brings. She doesn’t give up much ground there. Honestly, nobody has a backup player like Lee. Across the country, if you take someone like Paige Bueckers out, UConn doesn’t have a backup for her. Same with Notre Dame and Hidalgo. It's a significant change for us on both ends of the floor. Defensively, she patrols the paint so well that it allows you to get beat off the bounce. In the second half, you saw we didn’t have the usual rim protection, and those guards were pretty free once they got inside the 10-foot mark. Lee gives us rim protection, and we definitely missed it in the second half."Arizona State Head Coach Natasha AdairOpening statement…“I just met with the team about our effort. I thought that we fought. I thought it was a really competitive game. We talked about getting off to a good start. I thought at the start of the game, we were ready to go. We set the tone and the tempo, and just challenged our group to be aggressive getting to the free throw line 21 times. I thought our offense, we had been talking about our offensive efficiency and execution, and I thought it was probably one of the best that we've seen thus far. But, for our group, we don't want moral victories, but we have to understand where we're growing and where we're getting better. We talked about being the best team going into March, and this was an evaluation against the 11th team in the country. And so we're going to challenge our group to continue right to put 40 together that third quarter. That was something that we'll go back and watch, but the fourth quarter was the fight and how we were competing to the final buzzer. So proud of the competitiveness, things we'll go back and watch and clean up, because the goal is to put together 40 but it wasn't for a lack of fight and team playing together.”On guarding Temira Poindexter…“She's just that four-level scorer. She can pretty much score from anywhere on the floor. Our goal was to just make it harder for her. She can score in the perimeter, she can get downhill. They had a height advantage. So, they could post up some of our smaller guards, but she's just that hybrid player. She's effective from pretty much everywhere on the court, so just making her make tough shots, tough twos, tough threes, and making it hard for her. She's just an elite player.”On their performance overall…“Our elite players stepped up. They have phenomenal players, yes, and so do we. We talk about everyone seeing our best on any given night, it could be any one of our players, whether it's our perimeter players or inside. And so for us, it's a group, a new group. No two or three people on this team have played together before, so there's still a chemistry brewing. There's still a chemistry building, but we have elite players as well.”On Arizona State’s defense in the second half…“Some of our rotations, we were pressing, we were aggressive in lanes, and it was just a scramble out of it. So, maybe we were just a little delayed. We made the adjustment to go over their flares, go over their hand offs and some of their actions, but I think it was just more about our rotations and just maybe being a half a second slow. They made some tough contested shots, too. I mean, we were there, we were in their face, and they made some tough twos and threes while being contested.”On what makes it difficult to play Kansas State…“I think their sixth man is that crowd out there. I mean, but that's home court advantage. That's an added edge when you're going on the road and you're playing in an arena where it's hard to think, it's hard to hear. So they do a good job of creating that environment and that six man for them. They just have weapons inside and out. But that's every team in this league.&nbsp; I just think that they are really good at running their system right. They have offensive efficiency. You have to game plan against Lee as she's one of the top players in the country. But I think for them, honestly, in addition to their talent, their six man and their crowd.”FROM THE FLOORK-State Senior Forward Temira PoindexterOn the team’s 3-point shooting…“I think it is contagious. I feel like once somebody hits like two or three, I feel like that's when we continue to roll on, keep going.”On the team's performance in the second half…“I think we handled it very well. Eliza came in and stepped up. She knew what she had to do, and I feel like she did really good. And I am proud of her.”On her performance against Arizona State…“I felt pretty comfortable picking the shots that are open, and I felt like my teammates do a good job and give me confidence, too. I feel like I'm very comfortable. I’m just trying my best and my teammates as well have a lot to do with that. I wouldn't be able to make three pointers without the passes.”On the team's performance against Arizona State…“I feel like everyone's very unselfish and everyone will do whatever they can to win and just like the passion. Especially Arizona State, where [there] is like different types of style of play, so we needed to go through something like this. I mean, like we weren't doing as well. I think the last game, we didn't start off good. In this game, we didn't start off good. So I felt like we needed to go through this. It'll help us in the future.”K-State Sophomore Guard Taryn SidesOn what playing Arizona State taught them…“I think every game you can take something away from it. I think this game started off kind of slow. Coach Mittie talked about how they're going to be quick in transition. Their guards are quick, and I think we didn't match up well in transition and that's where they kind of got off to a good start. That's something we can learn from and grow in.”On the open shots in the second half…“I think when we get the ball moving and we don't over dribble, we can get so many open shots. It's hard to guard us, because anyone can hit the shot, and everyone's pretty versatile. So I think when we just play well together, then that's when we get those open shots, and when we all move and cut and fill and do all those little things at a high pace and in a smart way, that's when we get those looks.”On Ayoka Lee sitting out the second half…“I think it's just next man up mentality. I think Eliza came in and played really well for us. We don't really know, like a whole lot about Yokie. Hopefully she's okay, but just next man up, you got to fill that role when someone's out or in foul trouble.”Arizona State Junior Guard Jalyn BrownOn getting to the free throw line…“We go through film, we look at who is foul prone, we look at how they guard drivers, and I realized that if I go off of two feet, they're likely to foul me. Because of my athleticism, I can jump over people. Sometimes I'm able to just slither through some spaces. So I think once I kind of figured out where my gaps were going to be, it just opened everything.”UP NEXTK-State returns to action on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. (CT), as the Wildcats visit Colorado.

K-State WBB Does Damage from Long Range to Down Arizona State

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Go ahead and fire away.”

Q: Have you ever been surprised by some of the things that Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo comes up with late in games?

REID:&nbsp;“I get to see them all week, so it’s not a surprise on game day. He (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) does a heck of a job of knowing when to use the different blitzes and that’s half the battle. It’s not how much you blitz, it’s just how you utilize the blitzes and when you utilize them, so he’s got a great feel for that.”

Q: How did Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo get the touch to know when to blitz? It’s been a while since you’ve had to do it but how tough is it to play against one of his defenses?

REID:&nbsp;“It’s obviously tough, he (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) gives you a lot of different looks (and Offensive Coordinator) Matt Nagy will tell you that when you talk to him. He more recently has gone against him. He’s tough to go against with the different combinations that he has. He does a heck of a job with it.”

REID:&nbsp;“I thought we did a good job with the execution. We’ve tried to stay aggressive on fourth down, within reason, throughout the season but that was the idea behind it. The execution of the play, I thought we blocked it well, which ends up being important. Then, the ability of Kareem (Hunt) to kind of bounce off of things and his lateral cutting ability there.”

Q: How have you seen Kareem Hunt embrace short yardage situations as a whole?

REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Kareem Hunt) done a nice job for us. Kareem is a big kid, and he’s got a good low center of gravity, and he’s got great vision and lateral cutting ability so that fits in well with your short yardage game. Usually Sam (McDowell), there’s not a lot of space in there, normally and so for you to be able to squeeze through those tight holes – he does a good job, but he has a knack of being able to kind of cut his body in half sideways – by going sideways and still moving forward.”

Q: What do you think your defense may have learned from the first game that can be applicable for Sunday’s rematch?

REID:&nbsp;“One of the things (that) we’ll keep working on is you’ve got to be able to – you’ve got to get off the field on third down. We keep stressing that – (Defensive Coordinator) Steve (Spagnuolo) does and so we have to be able to take care of those third downs, especially when you work so hard to put yourself in a good position. They do a – listen, the Bills do a heck of a job with that. They’re a really good football team, offensively.”

Q:&nbsp;How did Jaylen Watson come out of the game injury-wise and how will you increase his involvement as you go here?

REID:&nbsp;“He (Jaylen Watson) actually came out feeling good, Pete (Sweeney). I mean, it was a – that’s one of the positives that you come out with Jaylen. He was fresh from the injury and you hope that he can not have the swelling that was taking place before and still functioning at a relatively high speed during the game. You know, I thought he did that, I thought he sustained when given that opportunity.”

Q:&nbsp;When you see Travis Kelce in the postseason, how much do you think his performance is based on the adrenaline and how much is based on the rest of the preparation?

REID:&nbsp;“That’s a good question, Vahe (Gregorian). I’m happy for him (Travis Kelce) with the seven catches and all that, but I think more of it is just we have a variety of guys around him. I mean, he’s – the opportunities that he’s had he’s done well with, and I don’t think it’s his play that has been reduced. When everybody asks about age – by age or physical ability or anything, I just think that you have a variety of guys that we’ve been able to use around him and when we didn’t, teams were ganging up on him. It’s a good problem now because guys are healthy, and we have choices out there and they can’t really just focus on him.”

Q:&nbsp;How does Travis Kelce’s energy resonate with the rest of the team?

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid QuotesJanuary 20, 2025OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Go ahead and fire away.”Q: Have you ever been surprised by some of the things that Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo comes up with late in games?REID:&nbsp;“I get to see them all week, so it’s not a surprise on game day. He (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) does a heck of a job of knowing when to use the different blitzes and that’s half the battle. It’s not how much you blitz, it’s just how you utilize the blitzes and when you utilize them, so he’s got a great feel for that.”Q: How did Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo get the touch to know when to blitz? It’s been a while since you’ve had to do it but how tough is it to play against one of his defenses?REID:&nbsp;“It’s obviously tough, he (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) gives you a lot of different looks (and Offensive Coordinator) Matt Nagy will tell you that when you talk to him. He more recently has gone against him. He’s tough to go against with the different combinations that he has. He does a heck of a job with it.”Q: On the fourth-and-one play.REID:&nbsp;“I thought we did a good job with the execution. We’ve tried to stay aggressive on fourth down, within reason, throughout the season but that was the idea behind it. The execution of the play, I thought we blocked it well, which ends up being important. Then, the ability of Kareem (Hunt) to kind of bounce off of things and his lateral cutting ability there.”Q: How have you seen Kareem Hunt embrace short yardage situations as a whole?REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Kareem Hunt) done a nice job for us. Kareem is a big kid, and he’s got a good low center of gravity, and he’s got great vision and lateral cutting ability so that fits in well with your short yardage game. Usually Sam (McDowell), there’s not a lot of space in there, normally and so for you to be able to squeeze through those tight holes – he does a good job, but he has a knack of being able to kind of cut his body in half sideways – by going sideways and still moving forward.”Q: What do you think your defense may have learned from the first game that can be applicable for Sunday’s rematch?REID:&nbsp;“One of the things (that) we’ll keep working on is you’ve got to be able to – you’ve got to get off the field on third down. We keep stressing that – (Defensive Coordinator) Steve (Spagnuolo) does and so we have to be able to take care of those third downs, especially when you work so hard to put yourself in a good position. They do a – listen, the Bills do a heck of a job with that. They’re a really good football team, offensively.”Q:&nbsp;How did Jaylen Watson come out of the game injury-wise and how will you increase his involvement as you go here?REID:&nbsp;“He (Jaylen Watson) actually came out feeling good, Pete (Sweeney). I mean, it was a – that’s one of the positives that you come out with Jaylen. He was fresh from the injury and you hope that he can not have the swelling that was taking place before and still functioning at a relatively high speed during the game. You know, I thought he did that, I thought he sustained when given that opportunity.”Q:&nbsp;When you see Travis Kelce in the postseason, how much do you think his performance is based on the adrenaline and how much is based on the rest of the preparation?REID:&nbsp;“That’s a good question, Vahe (Gregorian). I’m happy for him (Travis Kelce) with the seven catches and all that, but I think more of it is just we have a variety of guys around him. I mean, he’s – the opportunities that he’s had he’s done well with, and I don’t think it’s his play that has been reduced. When everybody asks about age – by age or physical ability or anything, I just think that you have a variety of guys that we’ve been able to use around him and when we didn’t, teams were ganging up on him. It’s a good problem now because guys are healthy, and we have choices out there and they can’t really just focus on him.”Q:&nbsp;How does Travis Kelce’s energy resonate with the rest of the team?REID:&nbsp;“It’s not only his (Travis Kelce) energy, it’s a positive – it’s that positive mindset that you can do anything and I think he does a great job with that and being able to show it to the guys that – listen, (when) we come together the right way, anything’s possible. That’s the thing I appreciate (about) him the most. I also appreciate that, at his age, he goes out there every day and practices hard and that just – and if you try to take him out, he gets mad at you. I think that’s – I’d say that’s a special thing for an older player.”Q:&nbsp;Is there a possibility that Mecole Hardman will end the season on IR, or would you like to get him activated this week?REID:&nbsp;“We’ll see how that goes here. Just – I haven’t made any decisions on that yet, Matt (Derrick) but he’s (Mecole Hardman) worked hard to try to get himself back and get going, but we’ll see how all that works out.”Q: On the offensive line’s performance.REID:&nbsp;“First, I’d give credit to the Texans. That defense is a good defense, real good defense and that defensive line is a big challenge. As it will be this week, this defensive line, likewise, is a big a challenge. I thought our guys held up well against them, and we did some good things in the run game and did some good things in our play-pass game and we were decent on third downs. I think all around it was good against who we were playing against.”Q: How have you seen Kareem Hunt grow since he was a rookie? How excited for him are you to get this opportunity?REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Kareem Hunt) able to speak up now because he’s been there because he’s got that senior leadership thing going. As much as an energy giver as we were just talking about – Trav (Travis Kelce is) –Kareem does the same thing. He brings it (in) a little different way, but he brings it – that toughness, that want to. You get him and (Isiah) Pacheco out there and there’s a whole lot of energy coming off of those two and that’s appreciated. That’s probably where I’d tell you he doesn’t feel like the young guy on the team anymore. He’s the veteran guy. He knows guys will listen to him. He can help set a tempo, all those things, Nick (Jacobs), that comes with being a veteran.”Q: What does it mean to you as a coach to give the new guys on the team this moment to play in the AFC Championship?REID:&nbsp;“That’s kind of a neat deal. DeAndre (Hopkins), I mean he’s been doing it (for) 12 years and so I said, ‘Hey you’ve never been to this one have you?’ He said, ‘No.’ You know and against a good – we’re able to go against a real good team here. So that competition level will be at its highest point, and that’s why we’re all in this thing. So, for him to have that opportunity to experience that part – as great as he is, to even being able to take it up one more notch is something that will be new for him. I think that’s a great thing. For the young guys, it’ll be a good experience for them going forward. They can learn from it and we’ll tell them what it’s all about, the players will tell them what it’s all about, but until you get out there and feel that energy, you really don’t know. It’ll be good for them to get through it.”Q: Is there anything that specifically stands out about this round of playoffs compared to the others?REID:&nbsp;“Well, the fact that we’re at home is a real positive, I think. We’ve got to play well, whether we’re favored or not favored, I don’t know. I’m pretty sure they’ll probably be favored but that’s alright, we do our thing as we go into this and we don’t worry about all of that. It’s a high level of football, and you’ve got to handle it that way. You get to test yourself at close to the highest level – besides the Super Bowl, this is the highest level so that’s kind of what it’s all about for coaches and players.”Q: On the impressive pass rush in Saturday’s game.REID:&nbsp;“Spags (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) has done a good job, we talked about that, but the players also have to step up – that’s what the guys have done a nice job with, I’m so proud of them for that. (Defensive Line Coach) Joe Cullen does a heck of a job with the defensive line and George (Karlaftis) had a big day – just being as relentless as he is and how much work he puts into the game and making sure he’s physically right and so on. It’s a real tribute to him and his effort. Then Charles (Omenihu) – it’s been great to have Charles in there, I don’t think you’re missing a point there at all, he’s a good passer, he’s a good football player, so that helps a lot to have him in there. Chris Jones likewise. Mike (Danna), who doesn’t get any of the glory, he’s a good football player too, so he kind of does the dirty work and doesn’t get much praise for it.”Q:&nbsp;What are you doing when you don’t have the ball to keep everyone focused, sharp and ensure that the Texans aren’t icing your offense?