<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/29f6364c-bc16-42ed-8781-1de18997bd63?elinkdata=19050">Ryan Cooper</a> likes what he has seen from his Kansas Wesleyan softball team in the preseason and isn't hesitant to voice his optimism.

"This is just a really a good year because everybody knows the expectations and standards," said Cooper who is entering his third season as the Coyotes' coach. "The big reason why they came here is what we had for them in their recruiting meetings."

The Coyotes were 24-20 overall (13-13 in the Kansas Conference) last season after going 18-25 overall in Cooper's first season.

"I've told everybody this - taking over a program doesn't just turn into something you want overnight," he said. "Only two people are in our program that we didn't recruit. We have a lot of new players and I'm really excited about that.

"To win a conference championship it's not being the most talented team, it's who wants it and we're starting to get some players that really want to do what it takes to win so that's exciting."

The Coyotes showed resilience last season. After losing 10 of 11 in one stretch they promptly won nine of 10. Consistency is the key and Cooper believes his 2025 team will be capable of that.

It starts with pitching and KWU will lean on senior <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/30aa5f21-db29-4745-87bc-ad9394a709d1?elinkdata=19050">Caitlyn Collier</a> once again after a sensational junior season in which she went 7-5 with a 1.63 earned run average and was named Second Team All-KCAC.

"Caitlin was one of the best pitchers in the conference last year and she's got to do some big things for us," he said.

Cooper is counting on younger players to contribute in the circle as well, among them sophomores Allie Mickelsen, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fe2d212b-1b8b-41dc-8df4-488f9f53b91d?elinkdata=19050">Haven Byerly</a> and freshman <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/541741c6-5620-468b-9740-a6f3427f5a9c?elinkdata=19050">Bella Allen</a>.

"Any one of them we're hoping can step up and be that game two starter or come in and shut them down when CC's out," he said. "If they can get some consistency, they can be really good for us."

Of equal importance for Cooper is generating more offense. KWU averaged 4.5 runs, had a .278 team batting average and hit just nine home runs in 44 games a year ago.

"You can't always get into a 2-1 game so if we can elevate to great offensively - and I think we can - we can definitely find ways to beat those teams and compete for a conference championship," he said. "What we've done in the past is score four runs in an inning and then we don't score the rest of the game. We need to manufacture runs. I think we have the players now with that mindset and that toughness to get it done."

Senior outfielder <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/94baa83f-a751-4c6e-bc56-fa136f67f6e8?elinkdata=19050">Josie Buhr</a> returns after hitting .359 and earning Second Team All-KCAC honors but is recuperating from a hand injury and won't be available for the start of the season. Senior first baseman <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1ade16f1-bc8c-4dbf-afbb-5e5ff610af9a?elinkdata=19050">Trenity Miller</a> returns after hitting .309 and leading the team with 30 runs batted. Third baseman <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/437f5650-7d11-4d47-9431-407c05f39203?elinkdata=19050">Jenna Soule</a> is back for her senior season as well.

"She hit like .420 in non-conference but kind of tailed off in conference," Cooper said of Miller. "(Soule) is going to play a bigger role than she has in the past two years at third base. Defensively she was great and I think she's taken a step offensively."

There are several newcomers of note. Infielders Cadence Miller and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b0575e5a-ddaa-4811-9f75-ad48ad54ab6d?elinkdata=19050">Shiloh Johnson</a> from Garden City Community College and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3101e6ce-3ab8-44c1-b44a-a82ffdd4028a?elinkdata=19050">Elli Han</a> from Ellsworth CC have joined the team and are expected to contribute as well. Freshman Calie Worsham will play shortstop, freshman <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/aa6f56b9-ed8b-4bc7-8728-4221e44707c0?elinkdata=19050">Briannah Kutschkau</a> is a base stealing threat and will see duty in the outfield and freshman <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6f012e65-c314-4b25-ad26-57c6c8dabe74?elinkdata=19050">Brooklyn Lange</a> will likely start at catcher and also play in the outfield.

KWU was picked seven in the conference coaches' preseason poll. Evangel was first, Friends second and Ottawa and Avila tied for third.

"We have to be better if we're going to beat Ottawa and Friends and Evangel," Cooper said. "There are 10 really good teams in our conference and anybody can beat anybody. The KCAC has usually been like three or four teams and everybody else is behind. Everybody across the board has gotten so much better."

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/29f6364c-bc16-42ed-8781-1de18997bd63?elinkdata=19050">Ryan Cooper</a> likes what he has seen from his Kansas Wesleyan softball team in the preseason and isn't hesitant to voice his optimism."This is just a really a good year because everybody knows the expectations and standards," said Cooper who is entering his third season as the Coyotes' coach. "The big reason why they came here is what we had for them in their recruiting meetings."The Coyotes were 24-20 overall (13-13 in the Kansas Conference) last season after going 18-25 overall in Cooper's first season."I've told everybody this - taking over a program doesn't just turn into something you want overnight," he said. "Only two people are in our program that we didn't recruit. We have a lot of new players and I'm really excited about that."To win a conference championship it's not being the most talented team, it's who wants it and we're starting to get some players that really want to do what it takes to win so that's exciting."The Coyotes showed resilience last season. After losing 10 of 11 in one stretch they promptly won nine of 10. Consistency is the key and Cooper believes his 2025 team will be capable of that.It starts with pitching and KWU will lean on senior <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/30aa5f21-db29-4745-87bc-ad9394a709d1?elinkdata=19050">Caitlyn Collier</a> once again after a sensational junior season in which she went 7-5 with a 1.63 earned run average and was named Second Team All-KCAC."Caitlin was one of the best pitchers in the conference last year and she's got to do some big things for us," he said.Cooper is counting on younger players to contribute in the circle as well, among them sophomores Allie Mickelsen, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fe2d212b-1b8b-41dc-8df4-488f9f53b91d?elinkdata=19050">Haven Byerly</a> and freshman <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/541741c6-5620-468b-9740-a6f3427f5a9c?elinkdata=19050">Bella Allen</a>."Any one of them we're hoping can step up and be that game two starter or come in and shut them down when CC's out," he said. "If they can get some consistency, they can be really good for us."Of equal importance for Cooper is generating more offense. KWU averaged 4.5 runs, had a .278 team batting average and hit just nine home runs in 44 games a year ago."You can't always get into a 2-1 game so if we can elevate to great offensively - and I think we can - we can definitely find ways to beat those teams and compete for a conference championship," he said. "What we've done in the past is score four runs in an inning and then we don't score the rest of the game. We need to manufacture runs. I think we have the players now with that mindset and that toughness to get it done."Senior outfielder <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/94baa83f-a751-4c6e-bc56-fa136f67f6e8?elinkdata=19050">Josie Buhr</a> returns after hitting .359 and earning Second Team All-KCAC honors but is recuperating from a hand injury and won't be available for the start of the season. Senior first baseman <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1ade16f1-bc8c-4dbf-afbb-5e5ff610af9a?elinkdata=19050">Trenity Miller</a> returns after hitting .309 and leading the team with 30 runs batted. Third baseman <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/437f5650-7d11-4d47-9431-407c05f39203?elinkdata=19050">Jenna Soule</a> is back for her senior season as well."She hit like .420 in non-conference but kind of tailed off in conference," Cooper said of Miller. "(Soule) is going to play a bigger role than she has in the past two years at third base. Defensively she was great and I think she's taken a step offensively."There are several newcomers of note. Infielders Cadence Miller and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b0575e5a-ddaa-4811-9f75-ad48ad54ab6d?elinkdata=19050">Shiloh Johnson</a> from Garden City Community College and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3101e6ce-3ab8-44c1-b44a-a82ffdd4028a?elinkdata=19050">Elli Han</a> from Ellsworth CC have joined the team and are expected to contribute as well. Freshman Calie Worsham will play shortstop, freshman <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/aa6f56b9-ed8b-4bc7-8728-4221e44707c0?elinkdata=19050">Briannah Kutschkau</a> is a base stealing threat and will see duty in the outfield and freshman <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6f012e65-c314-4b25-ad26-57c6c8dabe74?elinkdata=19050">Brooklyn Lange</a> will likely start at catcher and also play in the outfield.KWU was picked seven in the conference coaches' preseason poll. Evangel was first, Friends second and Ottawa and Avila tied for third."We have to be better if we're going to beat Ottawa and Friends and Evangel," Cooper said. "There are 10 really good teams in our conference and anybody can beat anybody. The KCAC has usually been like three or four teams and everybody else is behind. Everybody across the board has gotten so much better."

2025 Softball Season Preview: Cooper likes Coyotes' chances this spring

MANHATTAN, Kan. –&nbsp;K-State Athletics generates more than $486 million in annual economic activity for the Manhattan community and the state of Kansas according to a thorough economic impact study performed by nationally-renowned Tripp Umbach and the athletics department.

Tripp Umbach, who also recently performed a similar study with the university, utilized data from 2022-23 to conduct the study, which also revealed that more than 3,850 jobs resulted from the department’s impact. From a tax perspective, K-State Athletics generated $26.2 million in direct and indirect/induced tax payments for state and local governments in Kansas, with $21.0 million amount specifically benefiting Manhattan.

“The experience surrounding game days in Manhattan is an amazing site to see – from Aggieville, restaurants, hotels and of course our purple-filled stadiums,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. “On the heels of the most recent University-wide study, we wanted to exhaustively study ourselves on various fronts, and this summary from Tripp Umbach paints a solid picture of the overall value and impact K-State Athletics has on the local economy.”

Visitors from outside of the community have a tremendous impact as more than $161 million in expenditures were accounted for in Manhattan and $201 million for the state. In addition, the 450 Wildcat student-athletes who live in the community accounted for $9.1 million of that spending.

A significant portion of K-State Athletics’ economic impact is driven by visitor and fan spending before, during, and after sporting events. As a member of the Big 12 Conference, K-State attracts fans from across the country. Visitors from inside and outside Kansas flock to Manhattan to attend football, basketball, and other games. In FY23 alone, K-State Athletics welcomed 527,280 patrons to ticketed events, with many more attending non-ticketed games and matches.

MANHATTAN, Kan. –&nbsp;K-State Athletics generates more than $486 million in annual economic activity for the Manhattan community and the state of Kansas according to a thorough economic impact study performed by nationally-renowned Tripp Umbach and the athletics department.Tripp Umbach, who also recently performed a similar study with the university, utilized data from 2022-23 to conduct the study, which also revealed that more than 3,850 jobs resulted from the department’s impact. From a tax perspective, K-State Athletics generated $26.2 million in direct and indirect/induced tax payments for state and local governments in Kansas, with $21.0 million amount specifically benefiting Manhattan.“The experience surrounding game days in Manhattan is an amazing site to see – from Aggieville, restaurants, hotels and of course our purple-filled stadiums,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. “On the heels of the most recent University-wide study, we wanted to exhaustively study ourselves on various fronts, and this summary from Tripp Umbach paints a solid picture of the overall value and impact K-State Athletics has on the local economy.”Visitors from outside of the community have a tremendous impact as more than $161 million in expenditures were accounted for in Manhattan and $201 million for the state. In addition, the 450 Wildcat student-athletes who live in the community accounted for $9.1 million of that spending.A significant portion of K-State Athletics’ economic impact is driven by visitor and fan spending before, during, and after sporting events. As a member of the Big 12 Conference, K-State attracts fans from across the country. Visitors from inside and outside Kansas flock to Manhattan to attend football, basketball, and other games. In FY23 alone, K-State Athletics welcomed 527,280 patrons to ticketed events, with many more attending non-ticketed games and matches.

K-State Athletics Generates $486.1 Million Impact for State of Kansas

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

The Southeast of Saline basketball teams opened the gauntlet of their home stretch on Tuesday night as they travelled to Beloit for the second installment of this year’s Trojan War.

The Lady Trojans took one more step towards another league title with a 60-56 victory while the boys dropped a heartbreaker in double overtime 65-62

The girl’s game was one of the best battles in the state on Tuesady with neither team gaining a true foothold until the closing seconds of the fourth quarter.

Beloit led by two at the end of the first frame but Southeast battled back to take a one-point lead into the locker room, and a two-point lead into the fourth.

From there, SES heated things up from beyond the arc, knocking down three fourth-quarter three-pointers and handling their business at the free-throw line to pull away for a 60-56 victory.

Aba Pearson had a monster night with 20 points, and got plenty of support from Kyiah Samuelson who added 17 more in the win.

Four different Beloit Lady Trojans would finish the evening in double figures led by Addison Budke (13) McKenna Channel (13) Samantha Thompson (12) and Cassandra Thompson (12) but it wasn’t enough to overcome Southeast’s dynamic duo.

With this result SES improves to 13-4 overall and 8-1 in league play while Beloit drops to 8-8 on the season and 5-4 in NCAA action.

On the boy’s side, Southeast of Saline showed off how much they had grown since an 81-68 drubbing at the hands of Beloit back in December, taking the orange and black all the way to double overtime.

Beloit’s lead was steady, but never insurmountable as they led by two after one, one at half, and four at the end of the third quarter.

Gannon Jacobson took over the fourth quarter for SES, allowing the Trojans to get back into the game at the line with five clutch fourth-quarter free throws in as many attempts.

An Eli Johnson bucket at the rim tied the game at 52 all with half a minute to go and a missed three by Grady Gebhardt sent the game to the first of two overtimes.

Southeast was able to push their lead to two but again Johnson tied the game with 2:00 to play in OT, and that would be the last bucket of the additional period as both teams went cold from the floor, sending the game to a second overtime.

Perhaps spurred by those two clutch buckets, Johnson went off in overtime, scoring six of Beloit’s eight points down the stretch.

Gannon Jacobson added five points of his own but he would be the only member of the purple and white to score in double overtime as Beloit held on to win 65-62.

Jacobson (26) and Sam Knopf (15) led the way for Southeast in the loss while Johnson (23) Charlie Burke (13) and Brody Litton (11) pushed Beloit over the finish line.

With this result SES drops to 8-9 on the year and 5-4 in league play while Beloit improves to 12-4 and 8-1 respectively.

Both Southeast teams will be back in action on Friday when they travel to Minneapolis for a date with the Lions and Lady Lions.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Southeast of Saline basketball teams opened the gauntlet of their home stretch on Tuesday night as they travelled to Beloit for the second installment of this year’s Trojan War.The Lady Trojans took one more step towards another league title with a 60-56 victory while the boys dropped a heartbreaker in double overtime 65-62<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715807615208.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>Girls: SE of Saline 60, Beloit 56The girl’s game was one of the best battles in the state on Tuesady with neither team gaining a true foothold until the closing seconds of the fourth quarter.Beloit led by two at the end of the first frame but Southeast battled back to take a one-point lead into the locker room, and a two-point lead into the fourth.From there, SES heated things up from beyond the arc, knocking down three fourth-quarter three-pointers and handling their business at the free-throw line to pull away for a 60-56 victory.Aba Pearson had a monster night with 20 points, and got plenty of support from Kyiah Samuelson who added 17 more in the win.Four different Beloit Lady Trojans would finish the evening in double figures led by Addison Budke (13) McKenna Channel (13) Samantha Thompson (12) and Cassandra Thompson (12) but it wasn’t enough to overcome Southeast’s dynamic duo.With this result SES improves to 13-4 overall and 8-1 in league play while Beloit drops to 8-8 on the season and 5-4 in NCAA action.Boys: SE of Saline 62, Beloit 65On the boy’s side, Southeast of Saline showed off how much they had grown since an 81-68 drubbing at the hands of Beloit back in December, taking the orange and black all the way to double overtime.Beloit’s lead was steady, but never insurmountable as they led by two after one, one at half, and four at the end of the third quarter.Gannon Jacobson took over the fourth quarter for SES, allowing the Trojans to get back into the game at the line with five clutch fourth-quarter free throws in as many attempts.An Eli Johnson bucket at the rim tied the game at 52 all with half a minute to go and a missed three by Grady Gebhardt sent the game to the first of two overtimes.Southeast was able to push their lead to two but again Johnson tied the game with 2:00 to play in OT, and that would be the last bucket of the additional period as both teams went cold from the floor, sending the game to a second overtime.Perhaps spurred by those two clutch buckets, Johnson went off in overtime, scoring six of Beloit’s eight points down the stretch.Gannon Jacobson added five points of his own but he would be the only member of the purple and white to score in double overtime as Beloit held on to win 65-62.Jacobson (26) and Sam Knopf (15) led the way for Southeast in the loss while Johnson (23) Charlie Burke (13) and Brody Litton (11) pushed Beloit over the finish line.With this result SES drops to 8-9 on the year and 5-4 in league play while Beloit improves to 12-4 and 8-1 respectively.Both Southeast teams will be back in action on Friday when they travel to Minneapolis for a date with the Lions and Lady Lions.

Southeast splits Trojan War with Beloit, Lady Trojans inch closer to league title

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Hunter Dickinson scored 19 points to help No. 17 Kansas beat Colorado 71-59 on Tuesday night, handing the Buffaloes their 13th straight loss.

Besides Dickinson, Kansas (16-7, 7-5 Big 12) had three other players in double figures. Zeke Mayo added 13 points and Dajuan Harris and KJ Adams each had 10 each.

Kansas has alternated between wins and losses in the last seven games. Despite the double-digit margin, this victory was anything but easy.

Colorado (9-14, 0-12) used an early second-half run to trim a 14-point halftime deficit to just 6. Kansas didn't lead by more than 11 points until Adams hit a short jumper just before the shot clock expired to make it 69-56 with 1:31 left.

Sebastian Rancik led Colorado with a season-high 19 points. Bangot Dak added 11 points for the Buffaloes, and Elijah Malone had 10.

Colorado: Even after Kansas pulled away late in the first half to take a 40-26 lead into the break, the Buffaloes opened the second half with a 10-2 run to trim the deficit to six points.

Kansas: The Jayhawks needed a big game from Dickinson and they got it. With backup center Flory Bidunga scoring just fuur points, Dickinson's 19 points were critical.

Kansas held Colorado without a field goal for almost seven minutes in the first half to help the Jayhawks open their largest lead of the game. The Buffaloes missed 10 straight shots during the stretch.

Colorado shot just 17.4% (4-of-23) from 3-point range. The Buffaloes were 1-of-11 in the first half.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739334512592.jpeg" alt="Colorado guard Julian Hammond III (3) tries to steal the ball away from Kansas center Hunter Dickinson (1) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Colorado guard Julian Hammond III (3) tries to steal the ball away from Kansas center Hunter Dickinson (1) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Hunter Dickinson scored 19 points to help No. 17 Kansas beat Colorado 71-59 on Tuesday night, handing the Buffaloes their 13th straight loss.Besides Dickinson, Kansas (16-7, 7-5 Big 12) had three other players in double figures. Zeke Mayo added 13 points and Dajuan Harris and KJ Adams each had 10 each.Kansas has alternated between wins and losses in the last seven games. Despite the double-digit margin, this victory was anything but easy.Colorado (9-14, 0-12) used an early second-half run to trim a 14-point halftime deficit to just 6. Kansas didn't lead by more than 11 points until Adams hit a short jumper just before the shot clock expired to make it 69-56 with 1:31 left.Sebastian Rancik led Colorado with a season-high 19 points. Bangot Dak added 11 points for the Buffaloes, and Elijah Malone had 10.<h2>Takeaways</h2>Colorado: Even after Kansas pulled away late in the first half to take a 40-26 lead into the break, the Buffaloes opened the second half with a 10-2 run to trim the deficit to six points.Kansas: The Jayhawks needed a big game from Dickinson and they got it. With backup center Flory Bidunga scoring just fuur points, Dickinson's 19 points were critical.<h2>Key moment</h2>Kansas held Colorado without a field goal for almost seven minutes in the first half to help the Jayhawks open their largest lead of the game. The Buffaloes missed 10 straight shots during the stretch.<h2>Key stat</h2>Colorado shot just 17.4% (4-of-23) from 3-point range. The Buffaloes were 1-of-11 in the first half.<h2>Up next</h2>

🏀 No. 17 Kansas struggles before beating Colorado 

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Dug McDaniel scored a season-high 24 points and Kansas State beat No. 13 Arizona 73-70 on Tuesday night for its sixth straight victory — four against ranked opponents.

David N’Guessan had 16 points and seven rebounds for the resurgent Wildcats (13-11, 7-6 Big 12), who lost six in a row right before this winning streak. C.J. Jones added 10 points, and McDaniel finished with five steals, four rebounds and three assists.

KJ Lewis led Arizona (17-7, 11-2) with 15 points off the bench. The Wildcats missed a desperation heave at the buzzer, ending their six-game winning streak.

Jaden Bradley had 13 points, Henri Veesaar scored 12 and Tobe Awaka added 10 for Arizona, which lost for only the second time since Dec. 14.

Kansas State ended the first half on a 13-0 run to take a 35-29 lead into the break.

Arizona: Winning on the road in the Big 12 is tough, especially when facing one of the hottest teams in the country.

Kansas State: The Wildcats have caught fire and are playing like an NCAA Tournament team. If they can keep winning Big 12 games, it’ll be tough to keep them out.

Lewis fouled Max Jones on a 3-point attempt late in the first half, which led to three free throws and a 32-29 Kansas State lead.

Both teams were atrocious from the 3-point line as Arizona went 2 of 22 and Kansas State was 1 for 19 from deep.

Arizona hosts No. 6 Houston on Saturday. Kansas State visits BYU the same day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739332433877.jpeg" alt="Kansas State's C.J. Jones celebrates a shot and a foul during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Arizona, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Travis Heying)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State's C.J. Jones celebrates a shot and a foul during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Arizona, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Travis Heying)</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Dug McDaniel scored a season-high 24 points and Kansas State beat No. 13 Arizona 73-70 on Tuesday night for its sixth straight victory — four against ranked opponents.David N’Guessan had 16 points and seven rebounds for the resurgent Wildcats (13-11, 7-6 Big 12), who lost six in a row right before this winning streak. C.J. Jones added 10 points, and McDaniel finished with five steals, four rebounds and three assists.KJ Lewis led Arizona (17-7, 11-2) with 15 points off the bench. The Wildcats missed a desperation heave at the buzzer, ending their six-game winning streak.Jaden Bradley had 13 points, Henri Veesaar scored 12 and Tobe Awaka added 10 for Arizona, which lost for only the second time since Dec. 14.Kansas State ended the first half on a 13-0 run to take a 35-29 lead into the break.<h2>Takeaways</h2>Arizona: Winning on the road in the Big 12 is tough, especially when facing one of the hottest teams in the country.Kansas State: The Wildcats have caught fire and are playing like an NCAA Tournament team. If they can keep winning Big 12 games, it’ll be tough to keep them out.<h2>Key moment</h2>Lewis fouled Max Jones on a 3-point attempt late in the first half, which led to three free throws and a 32-29 Kansas State lead.<h2>Key stat</h2>Both teams were atrocious from the 3-point line as Arizona went 2 of 22 and Kansas State was 1 for 19 from deep.<h2>Up next</h2>Arizona hosts No. 6 Houston on Saturday. Kansas State visits BYU the same day.___

🏀 McDaniel scores 24 as Kansas State beats No. 13 Arizona

Game times were pushed up to beat the storm as the Lady Knights defeated the Lady Lions 65-34. 

On the boys’ side, the Knights managed to sneak away with a 61-54 win.

The Lady Knights started out on a 7-0 run with Mia Hamilton leading the way in the first quarter. Hamilton would finish the first quarter with nine points and the Lady Knights would lead 17-9.

In the second quarter the Lady Knights were locked in on defense, allowing just three points in the second quarter.

At the intermission the Lady Knights led 34-12. 

Adelyn Lee would start the third quarter with two three-pointers to push the lead to 53-28 after three.

The Lady Knights would have 3 girl's in double figures as the team moves to 8-8 overall, 5-4 in league play&nbsp;

Skylar Douglas led the way with 20 in the win, Mia Hamilton contributed 18, and Adelyn Lee finished her night with 16.

The Lady Lions had one player in double digits, Peyton Belote finished with 14. Keirah Davis finished her night with 8. 

The Lady Lions drop to 2-12 overall, 0-7 in League.

The Lady Knights are off the rest of the week and open up next week on Tuesday against the Beloit Lady Trojans.

On the boy's side the Knights found themselves down 11-0 midway through the first quarter before Noah Hines opened the scoring.

Lyons played physical in the first half but the Knights fought back, tying the game 15-15 at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter the Knights struggled to defend down low in the paint as Tegan Link scored 10 points in the second quarter. 

The Knights were down 30-26 at intermission, but four different Knights chipped in throughout a big third quarter to give the team a 45-38 lead.

The last quarter was back and forth, but Noah Hines put up 9 points, and the Knights locked down defensively, forcing the Lions into 5 straight turnovers, all in the backcourt.

Will Tuttle led the team in scoring with 23 alongside Noah Hines with 16.

The Knights are still perfect on the season at 16-0, 9-0 in league.

The Lions were led in scoring by Deacon Showalter. Xavier Solis and Tegan Link both racked up double figures with 13.

The Lions fall to 9-8 overall and 4-5 in league.

The team is off the rest of the week and open play next Tuesday against The Trojans from Beloit.

Game times were pushed up to beat the storm as the Lady Knights defeated the Lady Lions 65-34. On the boys’ side, the Knights managed to sneak away with a 61-54 win.The Lady Knights started out on a 7-0 run with Mia Hamilton leading the way in the first quarter. Hamilton would finish the first quarter with nine points and the Lady Knights would lead 17-9.In the second quarter the Lady Knights were locked in on defense, allowing just three points in the second quarter.At the intermission the Lady Knights led 34-12. Adelyn Lee would start the third quarter with two three-pointers to push the lead to 53-28 after three.The Lady Knights would have 3 girl's in double figures as the team moves to 8-8 overall, 5-4 in league play&nbsp;Skylar Douglas led the way with 20 in the win, Mia Hamilton contributed 18, and Adelyn Lee finished her night with 16.The Lady Lions had one player in double digits, Peyton Belote finished with 14. Keirah Davis finished her night with 8. The Lady Lions drop to 2-12 overall, 0-7 in League.The Lady Knights are off the rest of the week and open up next week on Tuesday against the Beloit Lady Trojans.On the boy's side the Knights found themselves down 11-0 midway through the first quarter before Noah Hines opened the scoring.Lyons played physical in the first half but the Knights fought back, tying the game 15-15 at the end of the first quarter.In the second quarter the Knights struggled to defend down low in the paint as Tegan Link scored 10 points in the second quarter. The Knights were down 30-26 at intermission, but four different Knights chipped in throughout a big third quarter to give the team a 45-38 lead.The last quarter was back and forth, but Noah Hines put up 9 points, and the Knights locked down defensively, forcing the Lions into 5 straight turnovers, all in the backcourt.Will Tuttle led the team in scoring with 23 alongside Noah Hines with 16.The Knights are still perfect on the season at 16-0, 9-0 in league.The Lions were led in scoring by Deacon Showalter. Xavier Solis and Tegan Link both racked up double figures with 13.The Lions fall to 9-8 overall and 4-5 in league.The team is off the rest of the week and open play next Tuesday against The Trojans from Beloit.

Sacred Heart sweeps Lyons in Tuesday doubleheader

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/06da7230-8622-437a-9adb-2437cc587ef1?elinkdata=19019">Dustin Sahlmann</a> took a bit of solace in the fact his shorthanded Kansas Wesleyan men's volleyball team played Ottawa close.

"We had some guys playing that aren't normally playing all the time," he said following the Coyotes' 3-0 (25-20, 25-20, 25-22) loss in the home and Heart Conference opener Tuesday night inside Mabee Arena. "We did a good job competing even though we had to play some guys out of position and do some things we don't normally do."

KWU fell to 2-4, 0-1 in the Heart, while Ottawa improved to 5-2, 1-0 in Heart play.

Despite the loss Sahlman said he remains optimistic.

"I said in preseason we could be more physical and more dynamic than we've been in the past and we are," he said. "It's just making sure we have the right group of guys on the floor at the right time."

Sahlmann said his team routinely works on late-game situations in practice.

"We play games from 22-all in practice every day or every other day so we know that we're able to compete from that time but tonight we acted like we didn't," he said.

"It's about 'what's my mentality and what's my mindset. Am I going to let somebody push me around or am I just going to go take it?' We don't have enough guys who just want to go take it."

Ottawa took control of the opening set with a 9-2 run that turned a 14-12 deficit into a 21-16 lead. KWU got no closer than four (22-18) the rest of the way.

The Coyotes trailed 21-20 in the second set, but the Braves scored four unanswered points for the victory.

Set three was tied 21-21 before Ottawa scored four of the next five points for the victory and the sweep.

Sahlmann said his team might have been pressing while playing at home for the first time.

"I think that puts a little bit of extra tension on what we're trying to accomplish," he said. "This weekend we're supposed to be on the road, so we won't have anybody staring at us except for the opponents. That might help us."

KWU hit .103 for the match and was led by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/000fe7e4-3156-4eac-8d03-0d516752a29c?elinkdata=19019">Matt Lucas</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ff07d1c5-1a3c-4aae-aecf-1004a0b28823?elinkdata=19019">Zayin Martinez</a> with eight kills apiece while <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fe349b8f-76a6-47d9-be59-e45f163b3140?elinkdata=19019">Jaron Lindsay</a> had seven. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1c4d8f5e-2d89-4c20-99c1-c4403a297323?elinkdata=19019">Ethan Ricketts</a> had 23 assists. Defensively libero <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7ccd346d-0f9a-4dc6-8465-0ac8f5df1147?elinkdata=19019">Jeremy Lapeze</a> had 10 digs.

Ottawa hit .210 percent and was led by Leo Betin and Petar Lazic with 10 kills each.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/06da7230-8622-437a-9adb-2437cc587ef1?elinkdata=19019">Dustin Sahlmann</a> took a bit of solace in the fact his shorthanded Kansas Wesleyan men's volleyball team played Ottawa close."We had some guys playing that aren't normally playing all the time," he said following the Coyotes' 3-0 (25-20, 25-20, 25-22) loss in the home and Heart Conference opener Tuesday night inside Mabee Arena. "We did a good job competing even though we had to play some guys out of position and do some things we don't normally do."KWU fell to 2-4, 0-1 in the Heart, while Ottawa improved to 5-2, 1-0 in Heart play.Despite the loss Sahlman said he remains optimistic."I said in preseason we could be more physical and more dynamic than we've been in the past and we are," he said. "It's just making sure we have the right group of guys on the floor at the right time."Sahlmann said his team routinely works on late-game situations in practice."We play games from 22-all in practice every day or every other day so we know that we're able to compete from that time but tonight we acted like we didn't," he said."It's about 'what's my mentality and what's my mindset. Am I going to let somebody push me around or am I just going to go take it?' We don't have enough guys who just want to go take it."Ottawa took control of the opening set with a 9-2 run that turned a 14-12 deficit into a 21-16 lead. KWU got no closer than four (22-18) the rest of the way.The Coyotes trailed 21-20 in the second set, but the Braves scored four unanswered points for the victory.Set three was tied 21-21 before Ottawa scored four of the next five points for the victory and the sweep.Sahlmann said his team might have been pressing while playing at home for the first time."I think that puts a little bit of extra tension on what we're trying to accomplish," he said. "This weekend we're supposed to be on the road, so we won't have anybody staring at us except for the opponents. That might help us."KWU hit .103 for the match and was led by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/000fe7e4-3156-4eac-8d03-0d516752a29c?elinkdata=19019">Matt Lucas</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ff07d1c5-1a3c-4aae-aecf-1004a0b28823?elinkdata=19019">Zayin Martinez</a> with eight kills apiece while <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fe349b8f-76a6-47d9-be59-e45f163b3140?elinkdata=19019">Jaron Lindsay</a> had seven. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1c4d8f5e-2d89-4c20-99c1-c4403a297323?elinkdata=19019">Ethan Ricketts</a> had 23 assists. Defensively libero <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7ccd346d-0f9a-4dc6-8465-0ac8f5df1147?elinkdata=19019">Jeremy Lapeze</a> had 10 digs.Ottawa hit .210 percent and was led by Leo Betin and Petar Lazic with 10 kills each.

MVB: Shorthanded Coyotes fall in straight sets to Ottawa in Heart opener

SURPRISE, Ariz.—The Kansas City Royals announced today that&nbsp;Ned Yost&nbsp;is returning to the organization as the Senior Advisor to the General Manager. Yost, the winningest Manager in franchise history, was inducted as the 27th member of the Royals Hall of Fame during a pregame ceremony on Sept. 2, 2023.

“My deep love for the Royals, for Kansas City, and for the people there never left,” Yost said. “So I just want to help, because I know I can help. I know what it takes to build a world championship club, and I think we’re getting close. I think we’re getting really close.”

“Our fans remember Ned’s leadership helping produce some of the best moments in Royals history,” said&nbsp;J.J. Picollo, Royals Executive Vice President and General Manager. “He knows what winning a World Series here takes because he’s helped make it happen, and his experience both as a leader and with young players will help us make better decisions and keep pushing toward another championship.”

Yost is the Royals all-time leader in managerial wins (746) and led the franchise to back-to-back World Series appearances from 2014-15, including the second World Series title in Royals history in 2015. He led the Royals to a 22-9 postseason record for a .710 win pct., setting a Major League record (min. 20 games).

His 2014 club was the first in Major League history to begin the postseason with 8 consecutive victories, winning the Wild Card Game at home over Oakland, followed by sweeps of the Los Angeles Angels (3-0) in the Division Series and the Baltimore Orioles (4-0) in the Championship Series.

The following season, he managed the Royals to their second World Series title, defeating Houston in the Division Series (3-2) and Toronto (4-2) in the Championship Series, followed by a 4-1 series win over the New York Mets to bring Kansas City its first World Series Championship since 1985.

SURPRISE, Ariz.—The Kansas City Royals announced today that&nbsp;Ned Yost&nbsp;is returning to the organization as the Senior Advisor to the General Manager. Yost, the winningest Manager in franchise history, was inducted as the 27th member of the Royals Hall of Fame during a pregame ceremony on Sept. 2, 2023.“My deep love for the Royals, for Kansas City, and for the people there never left,” Yost said. “So I just want to help, because I know I can help. I know what it takes to build a world championship club, and I think we’re getting close. I think we’re getting really close.”“Our fans remember Ned’s leadership helping produce some of the best moments in Royals history,” said&nbsp;J.J. Picollo, Royals Executive Vice President and General Manager. “He knows what winning a World Series here takes because he’s helped make it happen, and his experience both as a leader and with young players will help us make better decisions and keep pushing toward another championship.”Yost is the Royals all-time leader in managerial wins (746) and led the franchise to back-to-back World Series appearances from 2014-15, including the second World Series title in Royals history in 2015. He led the Royals to a 22-9 postseason record for a .710 win pct., setting a Major League record (min. 20 games).His 2014 club was the first in Major League history to begin the postseason with 8 consecutive victories, winning the Wild Card Game at home over Oakland, followed by sweeps of the Los Angeles Angels (3-0) in the Division Series and the Baltimore Orioles (4-0) in the Championship Series.The following season, he managed the Royals to their second World Series title, defeating Houston in the Division Series (3-2) and Toronto (4-2) in the Championship Series, followed by a 4-1 series win over the New York Mets to bring Kansas City its first World Series Championship since 1985.

Ned Yost Returns to Royals as Senior Advisor to GM

MANHATTAN, Kansas -&nbsp;(14/10) K-State (22-3, 10-2 Big 12) ends a two-game road trip on Wednesday, as the Wildcats visit Cincinnati (14-8, 6-6) for a 5:30 p.m. (CT), tip-off.

• Wednesday’s game will air on ESPN+, as Anthony Mazzini (play-by-play) and AB Stocks (analyst) will have the call.

Five names, numbers or storylines about K-State women’s basketball

1. Sundell Moves into Top-10 of Big 12 Assists

• Senior guard and All-America candidate Serena Sundell has moved into a tie for ninth in Big 12 history for career assists (726). Sundell has carded four straight seasons with 175 or more assists and joins Shalee Lehning (2005-09) as the only Wildcats in program history to achieve this feat.

• K-State features seven players this season with 10 or more blocked shots on their ledger and matches the record-setting effort of the 2023-24 season. Wildcats with 10 or more blocks this season are: Ayoka Lee (41), Sundell (24), Temira Poindexter (21), Zyanna Walker (16), Eliza Maupin (12), Imani Lester (11) and Kennedy Taylor (10).

• K-State has registered a school record 51 quarters this season with 20 or more points in a quarter, topping the previous record of 50 in the 2022-23 season.

• K-State features four players with 50 or more assists this season: Sundell (177), Walker (99), Jaelyn Glenn (71) and Taryn Sides (71). If Poindexter (44) reaches 50 assists this season, this would mark the fourth season in program history with five or more players with 50 or more assists.

• For the fourth time in program history and the first time since 2012-13, a trio of Wildcats has made 50 or more 3-pointers in a season: Poindexter (60), Sides (59) and Glenn (51).

• K-State’s 48 wins this season are tied for the 10th-most in a two-season span in program history and the most since the 2004-05 and 2005-06 squads combined to win 48 games.

• Aiding its win total are consecutive seasons with 20 or more wins. This is the first time since the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons that K-State has won 20 or more games in consecutive seasons.

• With two wins, the Wildcats would reach 50 wins in the last two seasons.

• This would be the seventh time in program history that K-State has won 50 or more games in a two-season span and the first time since the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons.

2024-25 K-State Coach &amp; Player Milestones to Watch

• Needs 68 points to move into 8th in K-State history for career points

• Needs 20 assists to move into 8th in Big 12 history for career assists

• Needs one games with five or more assists to set the school record for career games with five or more assists

• Needs 75 assists to set the school record for career assists

• Needs 46 steals to move into third on K-State career steals list

• Needs 14 assists to move into 16th on K-State career assists list

• Needs six rebounds for sole possession of 20th on the K-State career rebounds list

• Needs eight points for sole possession of 34th on the K-State career points list

• Cincinnati (14-8, 6-6 Big 12) enters Wednesday’s game following a 78-74 overtime win over Kansas.

• On the sideline, the Bearcats are led by second-year head coach Katrina Merriweather. A 2001 graduate of Cincinnati, Merriweather owns a career record of 179-96 (.651) which includes a 28-26 record at her alma mater.

• On the floor, Cincinnati is led by Jillian Hayes and Tineya Hylton.

• Hayes, a 5th-year forward from Cincinnati, is 11th in the Big 12 and paces the Bearcats with 16.3 points on a .422 field goal percentage and 9.4 rebounds. She is tied for third the Big 12 in double-doubles with nine. Against the Jayhawks, Hayes registered 16 points and nine rebounds.

• Hylton, a senior transfer guard from Texas A&amp;M and Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is second on the team with 13.7 points per game on a .400 field goal percentage and paces Cincinnati with 2.5 assists per game. Hylton led the Bearcats against Kansas with 21 points.

• K-State has a 297-327 (.476) record in road games during the program’s 57-year history.

• In his career in road games, head coach Jeff Mittie is 173-207 (.455) including a 48-70 (.407) mark during his time at K-State.

• This season, K-State is 5-2 in road games including one against an AP top-25 foe (22, Utah, 1/8/25).

• In the 2023-24 season, K-State was 6-4 (.600) in road games. The Wildcats opened the season with a five-game road winning streak, which was K-State’s longest since a five-game streak in the 2018-19 season.

• Among its six road wins last season, the Wildcats collected two over AP top-25 opponents (at #2 Iowa; at #13 Baylor).

• K-State’s six road wins were the most by the Wildcats since the 2019-20 season (7-5).

• With its win at then second-ranked Iowa on Nov. 16, 2023, K-State secured its highest ranked road win in program history and ended a 14-game road losing streak against ranked opponents.

• During the Jeff Mittie era, K-State has dealt out rejection to its opponents including a record total in 2023-24 season.

• This season, K-State is averaging 5.8 blocks per game (144 blocks) and ranks second in the Big 12 and ninth in the nation. The Wildcats feature seven players with 10 or more blocks this season.

• K-State has blocked 120 or more shots in each of Mittie’s 11 seasons, the longest streak of 120 or more blocks in program history.

• K-State has a blocked shot differential of +73 this season (144-71). Since blocks became official in 1982-83, K-State has 22 seasons with a positive blocked shot differential including a school record of +95 last season.

• K-State recorded a season-high nine blocks against Milwaukee on Nov. 20, against DePaul on Nov. 27 and against Arizona on Jan. 16.

• During the Mittie era, Kansas State has sent back 1,671 shots for 4.77 per game in the 350 games. The 1,671 blocks in the 11 seasons are the most in any 11-season span in program history.

• K-State has continued to attack from deep in the 2024-25 season.

• For the season, K-State is shooting 39.2 percent (214-of-546) from 3-point range. The Wildcats lead the Big 12 and are third in the nation in 3-point field goal percentage and are fourth in the Big 12 for 3-point field goals made (8.56). K-State is receiving 32.0 percent of its total points (642 points) from made 3-point field goals this season.

• The Wildcats registered a season-high 15 connections from 3-point range at Kansas on Feb. 2 on a season-high 65.2 percent effort. Since 2009-10 season, the percentage of 65.2 is the highest in program history (min. 20 attempts) and the only Big 12 team to shoot 65.0 percent or better with 15 or more makes and 20 or more attempts.

• K-State made 10 or more 3-pointers in five straight games (Dec. 1-18) for the first time in program history.

• The trio of Temira Poindexter (60), Taryn Sides (59) and Jaelyn Glenn (51) are the fourth set of K-State teammates and first since 2012-13 to make 50 or more 3-pointers in a season.

• K-State is the only team in the nation with three players with a 3-point percentage of 41.0 percent or higher (min. 2 3-pt. FGs made/game) - Sides (.454), Glenn (.447) and Poindexter (.414).

• In the Jeff Mittie era, the Wildcats have made five or more 3-pointers in a game 251 times in 350 total games including 47 games with 10 or more connections (w-l: 41-6) from deep.

• In the 11 seasons under Mittie, K-State has buried 2,188 three-pointers which is 6.25 per game.

• K-State remains unselfish in its play in the 2024-25 season.

• The Wildcats are averaging 21.8 assists per game and own an assisted shot rate of 70.8. K-State is second in the nation for assists per game, second in the nation and leads the Big 12 for assist/turnover ratio (1.75) and is fourth in the nation for assisted shot rate.

• Since assists became an officially tracked stat in 1981-82, K-State has registered an assisted shot rate of 60.0 percent or higher at the end of a season 24 times in its history.

• The Wildcats have handed out 20 or more assists in 17 games this season (17-0) including a season-high 30 assists on 37 made field goals against DePaul on Nov. 27. The 30 assists were the most since carding 30 against UIW on Dec. 3, 2019.

• Over the last 17 years, the Wildcats are 109-8 (.932) when handing out 20 or more assists.

• Serena Sundell (177) and Zyanna Walker (99) have combined to dish out 276 assists this season. With one assist by Walker, they will become the seventh duo in program history to combine for 250 or more assists in a season.

MANHATTAN, Kansas -&nbsp;(14/10) K-State (22-3, 10-2 Big 12) ends a two-game road trip on Wednesday, as the Wildcats visit Cincinnati (14-8, 6-6) for a 5:30 p.m. (CT), tip-off.• Wednesday’s game will air on ESPN+, as Anthony Mazzini (play-by-play) and AB Stocks (analyst) will have the call.Starting 5Five names, numbers or storylines about K-State women’s basketball1. Sundell Moves into Top-10 of Big 12 Assists• Senior guard and All-America candidate Serena Sundell has moved into a tie for ninth in Big 12 history for career assists (726). Sundell has carded four straight seasons with 175 or more assists and joins Shalee Lehning (2005-09) as the only Wildcats in program history to achieve this feat.2. Blocks x 10• K-State features seven players this season with 10 or more blocked shots on their ledger and matches the record-setting effort of the 2023-24 season. Wildcats with 10 or more blocks this season are: Ayoka Lee (41), Sundell (24), Temira Poindexter (21), Zyanna Walker (16), Eliza Maupin (12), Imani Lester (11) and Kennedy Taylor (10).3. 20-Point Quarters• K-State has registered a school record 51 quarters this season with 20 or more points in a quarter, topping the previous record of 50 in the 2022-23 season.4. Happy Helpers• K-State features four players with 50 or more assists this season: Sundell (177), Walker (99), Jaelyn Glenn (71) and Taryn Sides (71). If Poindexter (44) reaches 50 assists this season, this would mark the fourth season in program history with five or more players with 50 or more assists.5. Trio of 3-Point Shooters• For the fourth time in program history and the first time since 2012-13, a trio of Wildcats has made 50 or more 3-pointers in a season: Poindexter (60), Sides (59) and Glenn (51).Number to Know48• K-State’s 48 wins this season are tied for the 10th-most in a two-season span in program history and the most since the 2004-05 and 2005-06 squads combined to win 48 games.• Aiding its win total are consecutive seasons with 20 or more wins. This is the first time since the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons that K-State has won 20 or more games in consecutive seasons.• With two wins, the Wildcats would reach 50 wins in the last two seasons.• This would be the seventh time in program history that K-State has won 50 or more games in a two-season span and the first time since the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons.2024-25 K-State Coach &amp; Player Milestones to WatchSerena Sundell• Needs 68 points to move into 8th in K-State history for career points• Needs 20 assists to move into 8th in Big 12 history for career assists• Needs one games with five or more assists to set the school record for career games with five or more assists• Needs 75 assists to set the school record for career assistsJaelyn Glenn• Needs 46 steals to move into third on K-State career steals list• Needs 14 assists to move into 16th on K-State career assists list• Needs six rebounds for sole possession of 20th on the K-State career rebounds list• Needs eight points for sole possession of 34th on the K-State career points listAt a Glance: Cincinnati• Cincinnati (14-8, 6-6 Big 12) enters Wednesday’s game following a 78-74 overtime win over Kansas.• On the sideline, the Bearcats are led by second-year head coach Katrina Merriweather. A 2001 graduate of Cincinnati, Merriweather owns a career record of 179-96 (.651) which includes a 28-26 record at her alma mater.• On the floor, Cincinnati is led by Jillian Hayes and Tineya Hylton.• Hayes, a 5th-year forward from Cincinnati, is 11th in the Big 12 and paces the Bearcats with 16.3 points on a .422 field goal percentage and 9.4 rebounds. She is tied for third the Big 12 in double-doubles with nine. Against the Jayhawks, Hayes registered 16 points and nine rebounds.• Hylton, a senior transfer guard from Texas A&amp;M and Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is second on the team with 13.7 points per game on a .400 field goal percentage and paces Cincinnati with 2.5 assists per game. Hylton led the Bearcats against Kansas with 21 points.Wildcats on the Road• K-State has a 297-327 (.476) record in road games during the program’s 57-year history.• In his career in road games, head coach Jeff Mittie is 173-207 (.455) including a 48-70 (.407) mark during his time at K-State.• This season, K-State is 5-2 in road games including one against an AP top-25 foe (22, Utah, 1/8/25).• In the 2023-24 season, K-State was 6-4 (.600) in road games. The Wildcats opened the season with a five-game road winning streak, which was K-State’s longest since a five-game streak in the 2018-19 season.• Among its six road wins last season, the Wildcats collected two over AP top-25 opponents (at #2 Iowa; at #13 Baylor).• K-State’s six road wins were the most by the Wildcats since the 2019-20 season (7-5).• With its win at then second-ranked Iowa on Nov. 16, 2023, K-State secured its highest ranked road win in program history and ended a 14-game road losing streak against ranked opponents.Cats Send Back Shots Under Mittie• During the Jeff Mittie era, K-State has dealt out rejection to its opponents including a record total in 2023-24 season.• This season, K-State is averaging 5.8 blocks per game (144 blocks) and ranks second in the Big 12 and ninth in the nation. The Wildcats feature seven players with 10 or more blocks this season.• K-State has blocked 120 or more shots in each of Mittie’s 11 seasons, the longest streak of 120 or more blocks in program history.• K-State has a blocked shot differential of +73 this season (144-71). Since blocks became official in 1982-83, K-State has 22 seasons with a positive blocked shot differential including a school record of +95 last season.• K-State recorded a season-high nine blocks against Milwaukee on Nov. 20, against DePaul on Nov. 27 and against Arizona on Jan. 16.• During the Mittie era, Kansas State has sent back 1,671 shots for 4.77 per game in the 350 games. The 1,671 blocks in the 11 seasons are the most in any 11-season span in program history.Wildcats Solid From the Arc• K-State has continued to attack from deep in the 2024-25 season.• For the season, K-State is shooting 39.2 percent (214-of-546) from 3-point range. The Wildcats lead the Big 12 and are third in the nation in 3-point field goal percentage and are fourth in the Big 12 for 3-point field goals made (8.56). K-State is receiving 32.0 percent of its total points (642 points) from made 3-point field goals this season.• The Wildcats registered a season-high 15 connections from 3-point range at Kansas on Feb. 2 on a season-high 65.2 percent effort. Since 2009-10 season, the percentage of 65.2 is the highest in program history (min. 20 attempts) and the only Big 12 team to shoot 65.0 percent or better with 15 or more makes and 20 or more attempts.• K-State made 10 or more 3-pointers in five straight games (Dec. 1-18) for the first time in program history.• The trio of Temira Poindexter (60), Taryn Sides (59) and Jaelyn Glenn (51) are the fourth set of K-State teammates and first since 2012-13 to make 50 or more 3-pointers in a season.• K-State is the only team in the nation with three players with a 3-point percentage of 41.0 percent or higher (min. 2 3-pt. FGs made/game) - Sides (.454), Glenn (.447) and Poindexter (.414).• In the Jeff Mittie era, the Wildcats have made five or more 3-pointers in a game 251 times in 350 total games including 47 games with 10 or more connections (w-l: 41-6) from deep.• In the 11 seasons under Mittie, K-State has buried 2,188 three-pointers which is 6.25 per game.Sharing is Caring• K-State remains unselfish in its play in the 2024-25 season.• The Wildcats are averaging 21.8 assists per game and own an assisted shot rate of 70.8. K-State is second in the nation for assists per game, second in the nation and leads the Big 12 for assist/turnover ratio (1.75) and is fourth in the nation for assisted shot rate.• Since assists became an officially tracked stat in 1981-82, K-State has registered an assisted shot rate of 60.0 percent or higher at the end of a season 24 times in its history.• The Wildcats have handed out 20 or more assists in 17 games this season (17-0) including a season-high 30 assists on 37 made field goals against DePaul on Nov. 27. The 30 assists were the most since carding 30 against UIW on Dec. 3, 2019.• Over the last 17 years, the Wildcats are 109-8 (.932) when handing out 20 or more assists.• Serena Sundell (177) and Zyanna Walker (99) have combined to dish out 276 assists this season. With one assist by Walker, they will become the seventh duo in program history to combine for 250 or more assists in a season.

WBB: K-State Visits Cincinnati on Wednesday Night

WICHITA --&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/10f2237f-8f6d-4c7f-a2e1-cba90a43657c?elinkdata=18988" target="_blank">Keegan Lott</a>&nbsp;of Kansas Wesleyan University has earned the KCAC Men's Indoor Track and Field Field-Athlete of the Week honors, the conference office announced Monday. Student-athletes were selected for their performances from Feb. 3-9 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7f2e5126-ec61-4a42-a901-952d5601094f?elinkdata=18988" target="_blank">Equity Bank</a>.

Lott's throw of 15.93 meters in the Shot Put helped him finish second in the event at the Concordia Indoor Invite this past weekend. That mark was also good enough to hit the NAIA "B" Standard in the event.

Next up for the Coyotes is the KCAC Indoor Track and Field Championships on February 14 and 15 at the Lied Fitness Center at College of Saint Mary in Omaha, Nebraska.

WICHITA --&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/10f2237f-8f6d-4c7f-a2e1-cba90a43657c?elinkdata=18988" target="_blank">Keegan Lott</a>&nbsp;of Kansas Wesleyan University has earned the KCAC Men's Indoor Track and Field Field-Athlete of the Week honors, the conference office announced Monday. Student-athletes were selected for their performances from Feb. 3-9 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7f2e5126-ec61-4a42-a901-952d5601094f?elinkdata=18988" target="_blank">Equity Bank</a>.Lott's throw of 15.93 meters in the Shot Put helped him finish second in the event at the Concordia Indoor Invite this past weekend. That mark was also good enough to hit the NAIA "B" Standard in the event.Next up for the Coyotes is the KCAC Indoor Track and Field Championships on February 14 and 15 at the Lied Fitness Center at College of Saint Mary in Omaha, Nebraska.

Lott named as KCAC Men's Indoor Track Field Athlete of the Week

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Senior&nbsp;David N’Guessanwas named the Big 12 Player of the Week for the first time in his career on Monday afternoon (Feb. 10) after averaging 21 points in helping Kansas State to wins over Arizona State and No. 16/17 Kansas last week.

N’Guessan averaged 21.0 points on 70.8 percent (17-of-24) shooting, including 50 percent (1-of-2) from 3-point range, and 77.8 percent (7-of-9) from the free throw line to go with 7.5 rebounds in 34.4 minutes per game in victories over the Sun Devils and Jayhawks. He followed his season-high 22-point performance vs. ASU with a team-high 20 points vs. Kansas to post consecutive 20-point games for the first time in his career. He now has 4 career 20-point games.

N’Guessan opened the week by posting his first 20-point game in Big 12 play in a 71-70 win at Arizona State on Feb. 4 with a season-high 22 points to go with 8 rebounds in 36 minutes. He went 8-of-11 from the field, including 1-of-1 from 3-point range, and 5-of-6 from the free throw line. He had the game’s biggest play, as he fouled Sun Devil freshman&nbsp;Jayden Quaintance&nbsp;as he was attempting the game-winning dunk with 4.1 seconds, forcing him to win the game at the free throw line. He missed both and K-State got the rebound to earn their second consecutive road game.

N’Guessan capped the week with a 20-point, 7-rebound performance in an 81-73 win over No. 16/17 Kansas at home on Feb. 8 to finish his career a perfect 3-0 at home against the Jayhawks. He went 9-of-13 from the field and 2-of-3 from the free throw line to go with his team-high 7 boards.The De Lier, The Netherlands native is the Wildcats’ leader in both scoring (13.0 ppg.) and rebounding (7.0 rpg.) while connecting on 64.5 percent (120-of-186) from the field. He has scored in double figures in a team-high 20 games, including 10 of 12 Big 12 contests.

In a matchup of the two hottest teams in the Big 12, K-State (12-11, 6-6 Big 12) plays host to No. 13/13 Arizona (16-6, 11-1 Big 12) on Tuesday night at 7 p.m., CT on ESPN+. Arizona is the Big 12 co-leader with No. 5/5 Houston (19-4, 11-1 Big 12), having won 6 straight games, while K-State is currently on a 5-game winning streak, which is the team’s longest since 2022-23. Tickets are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://kstatesports.evenue.net/event/MB24/M13" target="_blank">kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by calling the ticket office at (800) 221.CATS.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Senior&nbsp;David N’Guessanwas named the Big 12 Player of the Week for the first time in his career on Monday afternoon (Feb. 10) after averaging 21 points in helping Kansas State to wins over Arizona State and No. 16/17 Kansas last week.N’Guessan averaged 21.0 points on 70.8 percent (17-of-24) shooting, including 50 percent (1-of-2) from 3-point range, and 77.8 percent (7-of-9) from the free throw line to go with 7.5 rebounds in 34.4 minutes per game in victories over the Sun Devils and Jayhawks. He followed his season-high 22-point performance vs. ASU with a team-high 20 points vs. Kansas to post consecutive 20-point games for the first time in his career. He now has 4 career 20-point games.N’Guessan opened the week by posting his first 20-point game in Big 12 play in a 71-70 win at Arizona State on Feb. 4 with a season-high 22 points to go with 8 rebounds in 36 minutes. He went 8-of-11 from the field, including 1-of-1 from 3-point range, and 5-of-6 from the free throw line. He had the game’s biggest play, as he fouled Sun Devil freshman&nbsp;Jayden Quaintance&nbsp;as he was attempting the game-winning dunk with 4.1 seconds, forcing him to win the game at the free throw line. He missed both and K-State got the rebound to earn their second consecutive road game.N’Guessan capped the week with a 20-point, 7-rebound performance in an 81-73 win over No. 16/17 Kansas at home on Feb. 8 to finish his career a perfect 3-0 at home against the Jayhawks. He went 9-of-13 from the field and 2-of-3 from the free throw line to go with his team-high 7 boards.The De Lier, The Netherlands native is the Wildcats’ leader in both scoring (13.0 ppg.) and rebounding (7.0 rpg.) while connecting on 64.5 percent (120-of-186) from the field. He has scored in double figures in a team-high 20 games, including 10 of 12 Big 12 contests.In a matchup of the two hottest teams in the Big 12, K-State (12-11, 6-6 Big 12) plays host to No. 13/13 Arizona (16-6, 11-1 Big 12) on Tuesday night at 7 p.m., CT on ESPN+. Arizona is the Big 12 co-leader with No. 5/5 Houston (19-4, 11-1 Big 12), having won 6 straight games, while K-State is currently on a 5-game winning streak, which is the team’s longest since 2022-23. Tickets are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://kstatesports.evenue.net/event/MB24/M13" target="_blank">kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by calling the ticket office at (800) 221.CATS.

N’Guessan Named Big 12 Player of the Week

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;Matt Wells, who served on the K-State football staff as the co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach/associate head coach in 2024 has been promoted to offensive coordinator, head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;announced Monday.

“We are fortunate to have someone experienced on staff in Matt, who I have known for 12-plus years and will seamlessly transition into the offensive coordinator role,” Klieman said. “He worked closely with Conor last season and had a big part in our offensive production. His resume speaks for itself, and his relationship with and development of Avery Johnson and our other quarterbacks will help our offense continue to grow.”

Wells replaces Conor Riley as the primary play caller, who was named the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line coach late last week.

“It is such an honor to coach here at K-State, and I am thankful to Coach Klieman for this opportunity,” Wells said. “I have grown to love this school and our players throughout this past year. I am excited for this upcoming season and looking forward to building upon this offense with our players and staff.”

Wells hit the ground running in his first season on staff, tutoring&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;to a school-record 25 touchdown passes, while his sophomore signal caller ranked fifth in school history in passing yards (2,712) and completions (217). Additionally, Johnson was one of only five players in the nation and one of three from Power 4 schools to record at least 2,700 passing yards and 600 rushing yards, while he was one of nine signal callers nationally with at least 25 passing touchdowns and seven rushing touchdowns.

Under the direction of Wells, Johnson guided an offense that finished in the top 15 nationally in four offensive categories, including rushing yards per carry (second; 6.08) and rushing yards per game (11th; 215.5). K-State also ranked in the top 10 in school history in 15 game or season categories. Among those were school record for offensive yards per play (6.57) and rushing yards per carry (6.08), while the Wildcats tied for third in passing touchdowns (25), ranked fourth in offensive yards per game (426.8), fifth in total offense yards (5,549), sixth in rushing yards (2,801), seventh in completions (222) and 10th in both passing yards (2,749) and pass attempts (383).

Wells, who boasts nine years of head coaching experience, came to Manhattan after spending the previous two seasons at Oklahoma as an advisor to the 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. In total, Wells has been a part of 14 bowl teams and two conference championships.

Another one of Wells’ success stories tutoring quarterbacks was Jordan Love at Utah State, who accounted for 9,003 yards of total offense in his career – including a 2018 campaign in which he threw for 3,567 yards and 32 touchdowns – before declaring for the NFL Draft following his junior season of 2019. In addition to snapping five single-season school records in 2018, Love also ranked second in school history with 8,600 career passing yards and tied for second with 60 touchdown passes. He went on to be selected 26th overall by the Green Bay Packers in the 2020 NFL Draft, becoming the first Aggie to hear his name called in the first round since 1970.

Utah State boasted one of the most dynamic offenses in the country in 2018, ranking second by averaging 47.5 points per game. The Aggies, who also ranked among the national leaders for fewest sacks allowed (fourth), total offense (11th), passing efficiency (14th) and passing offense (17th), lit up scoreboards to the tune of 618 points, snapping the Mountain West and Utah State single-season records in the process.

A native of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, Wells began his career coaching the quarterbacks, fullbacks and wide receivers at Navy from 1997 through 2001 in addition to serving as the head coach for the Midshipmen junior varsity team. He then spent five seasons back in his home state as he was the tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator at Tulsa from 2002 to 2006.

Wells spent the 2007, 2008 and 2010 seasons at New Mexico as the wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator. During the 2009 season, he was the passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Louisville.

Wells’ tenure at Utah State began as the quarterbacks coach and recruiting coordinator in 2011 before being promoted to offensive coordinator a year later. As offensive coordinator, Wells helped Utah State claim the 2012 WAC title, its first outright conference championship since 1936 and just its third in school history. That season, Wells directed an Aggie offense that set single-season school records for total points (454), total offense (6,108), completions (285) and total yards per game (469.8), while ranking second in points per game (34.9) and total passing yards (3,445).

Wells was instrumental in the development of quarterback Chuckie Keeton, who earned First Team All-WAC honors in 2012 after setting single-season school records for touchdown passes (27), passing yards (3,373), completion percentage (67.6%), completions (275) and total offense (3,992). Keeton also earned WAC Offensive Player of the Week honors four times that year, which marked a new single-season school record.

Wells earned his bachelor’s degree in business marketing from Utah State in 1996, graduating cum laude. He and his wife,&nbsp;Jen, have two daughters,&nbsp;Jadyn&nbsp;and&nbsp;Ella, and one son,&nbsp;Wyatt.

College:&nbsp;Utah State – Bachelor’s in Business Marketing (1996)

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;Matt Wells, who served on the K-State football staff as the co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach/associate head coach in 2024 has been promoted to offensive coordinator, head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;announced Monday.“We are fortunate to have someone experienced on staff in Matt, who I have known for 12-plus years and will seamlessly transition into the offensive coordinator role,” Klieman said. “He worked closely with Conor last season and had a big part in our offensive production. His resume speaks for itself, and his relationship with and development of Avery Johnson and our other quarterbacks will help our offense continue to grow.”Wells replaces Conor Riley as the primary play caller, who was named the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line coach late last week.“It is such an honor to coach here at K-State, and I am thankful to Coach Klieman for this opportunity,” Wells said. “I have grown to love this school and our players throughout this past year. I am excited for this upcoming season and looking forward to building upon this offense with our players and staff.”Wells hit the ground running in his first season on staff, tutoring&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;to a school-record 25 touchdown passes, while his sophomore signal caller ranked fifth in school history in passing yards (2,712) and completions (217). Additionally, Johnson was one of only five players in the nation and one of three from Power 4 schools to record at least 2,700 passing yards and 600 rushing yards, while he was one of nine signal callers nationally with at least 25 passing touchdowns and seven rushing touchdowns.Under the direction of Wells, Johnson guided an offense that finished in the top 15 nationally in four offensive categories, including rushing yards per carry (second; 6.08) and rushing yards per game (11th; 215.5). K-State also ranked in the top 10 in school history in 15 game or season categories. Among those were school record for offensive yards per play (6.57) and rushing yards per carry (6.08), while the Wildcats tied for third in passing touchdowns (25), ranked fourth in offensive yards per game (426.8), fifth in total offense yards (5,549), sixth in rushing yards (2,801), seventh in completions (222) and 10th in both passing yards (2,749) and pass attempts (383).Wells, who boasts nine years of head coaching experience, came to Manhattan after spending the previous two seasons at Oklahoma as an advisor to the 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. In total, Wells has been a part of 14 bowl teams and two conference championships.Another one of Wells’ success stories tutoring quarterbacks was Jordan Love at Utah State, who accounted for 9,003 yards of total offense in his career – including a 2018 campaign in which he threw for 3,567 yards and 32 touchdowns – before declaring for the NFL Draft following his junior season of 2019. In addition to snapping five single-season school records in 2018, Love also ranked second in school history with 8,600 career passing yards and tied for second with 60 touchdown passes. He went on to be selected 26th overall by the Green Bay Packers in the 2020 NFL Draft, becoming the first Aggie to hear his name called in the first round since 1970.Utah State boasted one of the most dynamic offenses in the country in 2018, ranking second by averaging 47.5 points per game. The Aggies, who also ranked among the national leaders for fewest sacks allowed (fourth), total offense (11th), passing efficiency (14th) and passing offense (17th), lit up scoreboards to the tune of 618 points, snapping the Mountain West and Utah State single-season records in the process.A native of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, Wells began his career coaching the quarterbacks, fullbacks and wide receivers at Navy from 1997 through 2001 in addition to serving as the head coach for the Midshipmen junior varsity team. He then spent five seasons back in his home state as he was the tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator at Tulsa from 2002 to 2006.Wells spent the 2007, 2008 and 2010 seasons at New Mexico as the wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator. During the 2009 season, he was the passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Louisville.Wells’ tenure at Utah State began as the quarterbacks coach and recruiting coordinator in 2011 before being promoted to offensive coordinator a year later. As offensive coordinator, Wells helped Utah State claim the 2012 WAC title, its first outright conference championship since 1936 and just its third in school history. That season, Wells directed an Aggie offense that set single-season school records for total points (454), total offense (6,108), completions (285) and total yards per game (469.8), while ranking second in points per game (34.9) and total passing yards (3,445).Wells was instrumental in the development of quarterback Chuckie Keeton, who earned First Team All-WAC honors in 2012 after setting single-season school records for touchdown passes (27), passing yards (3,373), completion percentage (67.6%), completions (275) and total offense (3,992). Keeton also earned WAC Offensive Player of the Week honors four times that year, which marked a new single-season school record.Wells earned his bachelor’s degree in business marketing from Utah State in 1996, graduating cum laude. He and his wife,&nbsp;Jen, have two daughters,&nbsp;Jadyn&nbsp;and&nbsp;Ella, and one son,&nbsp;Wyatt.THE MATT WELLS FILEHometown:&nbsp;Sallisaw, OklahomaCollege:&nbsp;Utah State – Bachelor’s in Business Marketing (1996)Family:&nbsp;Wife: Jen; Children: Jadyn, Ella, WyattPlaying Career:&nbsp;Utah State (Quarterback), 1992-96COACHING CAREER TIMELINE1997-2001, Navy (quarterbacks/fullbacks/wide receivers/junior varsity head coach)2002-06, Tulsa (tight ends/recruiting coordinator)2007-08, New Mexico (wide receivers/recruiting coordinator)2009, Louisville (passing game coordinator/quarterbacks)2010, New Mexico (wide receivers)2011, Utah State (quarterbacks/recruiting coordinator)2012, Utah State (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks)2013-18, Utah State (head coach)2019-21, Texas Tech (head coach)2022-23, Oklahoma (advisor to head coach/offensive analyst)2024, Kansas State (co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks/associate head coach)