Before he and his staff got into the specifics Kansas Wesleyan women's coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f097efc3-32e9-48ae-b32b-272640c67bc0?elinkdata=21840">Ryan Showman</a> knew his team will face a daunting opponent in the First Round of the NAIA National Championship.

MidAmerica Nazarene's reputation preceded their research.

"You always see the scores," Showman said in advance the game that begins at 6 p.m. Friday inside the Cook Center on the MNU campus in Olathe. "Being in Kansas the Heart of America (Conference) is in our backyard, they're in our rating arc so we pay attention to who they play. A lot of common opponents in that league with our (Kansas Conference) league."

Tickets for the event are $15 for general admission and can be purchased online at <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ec9c7057-628c-480a-94b8-96ca528eb67e?elinkdata=21840">www.mnusports.com/tickets</a>. Tickets will also be sold on-site at the Cook Center. For those unable to attend this weekend's games, a live video stream is available at <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4b71381f-ebe3-4f74-a727-ca8482cd4155?elinkdata=21840">www.heartconferencenetwork.com/mnu</a>. There is a pay-per-view fee on the video stream of $15. Fans can also listen to the game in the Salina area on 910 AM KINA / 107.5 FM, and online at <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/af9123f6-ba32-405a-b236-dd1ba645be72?elinkdata=21840">salinapost.com</a>, with Tyler Henry and Russ Cossel on the call of the game. Pregame starts at 5:30 p.m.

MidAmerica enters the game ranked 10th in the final NAIA poll of the season with a 28-3 record. The Pioneers won the HAC title with a 24-0 record but lost to Benedictine 65-51 in the tournament championship. The defeat ended their 26-game winning streak.

"They're young, really young," Showman said. "They only have one or two seniors in their rotation which is a stark contrast from us but they're good. They play really hard. They're not flashy, they don't do a bunch of crazy things but they're just really good at what they do."

Wesleyan qualified for the NAIA tournament by winning the KCAC title with an 18-4 record. The Coyotes lost to Friends 68-66 in the semifinals of the conference tournament in Mabee Arena.

Friday will be their first trip to the national tournament since 2020. They walloped Mayville State (N.D.) 86-64 in Sioux City, Iowa in the First Round but their Second Round game against Concordia (Neb.) was abruptly cancelled along with the rest of the tournament because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Balance is the hallmark of MANU's offense with four starters having double-figure scoring averages. Sophomore center Kameron Green averages a team-high 13.5 points and 6.3 rebounds; Keona Schneck, a guard and graduate student, 13.4 points and 4.7 rebounds; junior guard Aubrey Rogers 11.8 points and 3.5 assists; and freshman forward Zaylee Werth, a Hillsboro native, 10.3 points and 6.7 rebounds. Freshman Grace Carlson is the point guard and averages 7.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists.

Rogers is the top 3-point shooter, 58 of 186. Schneck has 51 3-pointers and Mary Lukert, a sophomore guard, 41 off the bench.

Showman is particularly impressed with Schneck, a transfer from Illinois-Chicago.

"She looks the part," he said. "You can just tell at this level when someone transfers down from Division I. They just look different, they move different, they play different and she's definitely a difference maker, a big reason why they've had success."

Showman also likes Carlson who plays beyond her youth.

"She runs the show for them," he said. "From a facilitator standpoint she knows how to get her people open and what they're looking for offensively."

The Pioneers average 74.8 points and allow just 56.7 points. They're outrebounding the opposition by 7.3 per game.

"When you look at it it's just a really well put together team," Showman said. "We have to be prepared and focused and ready to play hard because we know we're going to get that on the other side."

In contrast Wesleyan has eight seniors/graduate students on its roster but has similar scoring balance. Point guard <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/814b9571-0f77-43ed-8d0e-b8ee97ffbe61?elinkdata=21840">LaMyah Ricks</a> averages 12.0 points, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f2508267-fff4-4366-bcac-eb631d791fd8?elinkdata=21840">Angel Lee</a> 11.8, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/376ef054-54b7-407d-b848-29609559d13a?elinkdata=21840">Hampton Williams</a> 10.0, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/55a3119f-0382-4771-b4d1-176cf807eb42?elinkdata=21840">Jill Stephens</a> 9.7, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/62b5123d-17a7-49cc-9c01-a84fbb0cfe3d?elinkdata=21840">Odessa Ozuna</a> 8.6, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/07bb7bfc-e5f5-4af1-aee8-149dd34180d4?elinkdata=21840">Paige Chauncey</a> 7.6 and Cat Bowman 6.5. Williams averages a team-best 7.6 rebounds.

The Coyotes average 75.4 points, allow 63.7 and have a 5.4 rebounding edge.

"They're a really tough disciplined team that does everything the right way, so we just have to get them out of their regular routine and get them unorganized," Ricks said of the Pioneers. "We have to move the ball side to side, play our game and not play their game. Just do what we've been doing all along."

"We have to help each other off defense and get the ball side to side on offense, those are our top two things that we always talk about," Lee said.

Before he and his staff got into the specifics Kansas Wesleyan women's coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f097efc3-32e9-48ae-b32b-272640c67bc0?elinkdata=21840">Ryan Showman</a> knew his team will face a daunting opponent in the First Round of the NAIA National Championship.MidAmerica Nazarene's reputation preceded their research."You always see the scores," Showman said in advance the game that begins at 6 p.m. Friday inside the Cook Center on the MNU campus in Olathe. "Being in Kansas the Heart of America (Conference) is in our backyard, they're in our rating arc so we pay attention to who they play. A lot of common opponents in that league with our (Kansas Conference) league."Tickets for the event are $15 for general admission and can be purchased online at <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ec9c7057-628c-480a-94b8-96ca528eb67e?elinkdata=21840">www.mnusports.com/tickets</a>. Tickets will also be sold on-site at the Cook Center. For those unable to attend this weekend's games, a live video stream is available at <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4b71381f-ebe3-4f74-a727-ca8482cd4155?elinkdata=21840">www.heartconferencenetwork.com/mnu</a>. There is a pay-per-view fee on the video stream of $15. Fans can also listen to the game in the Salina area on 910 AM KINA / 107.5 FM, and online at <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/af9123f6-ba32-405a-b236-dd1ba645be72?elinkdata=21840">salinapost.com</a>, with Tyler Henry and Russ Cossel on the call of the game. Pregame starts at 5:30 p.m.MidAmerica enters the game ranked 10th in the final NAIA poll of the season with a 28-3 record. The Pioneers won the HAC title with a 24-0 record but lost to Benedictine 65-51 in the tournament championship. The defeat ended their 26-game winning streak."They're young, really young," Showman said. "They only have one or two seniors in their rotation which is a stark contrast from us but they're good. They play really hard. They're not flashy, they don't do a bunch of crazy things but they're just really good at what they do."Wesleyan qualified for the NAIA tournament by winning the KCAC title with an 18-4 record. The Coyotes lost to Friends 68-66 in the semifinals of the conference tournament in Mabee Arena.Friday will be their first trip to the national tournament since 2020. They walloped Mayville State (N.D.) 86-64 in Sioux City, Iowa in the First Round but their Second Round game against Concordia (Neb.) was abruptly cancelled along with the rest of the tournament because of the COVID-19 pandemic.Balance is the hallmark of MANU's offense with four starters having double-figure scoring averages. Sophomore center Kameron Green averages a team-high 13.5 points and 6.3 rebounds; Keona Schneck, a guard and graduate student, 13.4 points and 4.7 rebounds; junior guard Aubrey Rogers 11.8 points and 3.5 assists; and freshman forward Zaylee Werth, a Hillsboro native, 10.3 points and 6.7 rebounds. Freshman Grace Carlson is the point guard and averages 7.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists.Rogers is the top 3-point shooter, 58 of 186. Schneck has 51 3-pointers and Mary Lukert, a sophomore guard, 41 off the bench.Showman is particularly impressed with Schneck, a transfer from Illinois-Chicago."She looks the part," he said. "You can just tell at this level when someone transfers down from Division I. They just look different, they move different, they play different and she's definitely a difference maker, a big reason why they've had success."Showman also likes Carlson who plays beyond her youth."She runs the show for them," he said. "From a facilitator standpoint she knows how to get her people open and what they're looking for offensively."The Pioneers average 74.8 points and allow just 56.7 points. They're outrebounding the opposition by 7.3 per game."When you look at it it's just a really well put together team," Showman said. "We have to be prepared and focused and ready to play hard because we know we're going to get that on the other side."In contrast Wesleyan has eight seniors/graduate students on its roster but has similar scoring balance. Point guard <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/814b9571-0f77-43ed-8d0e-b8ee97ffbe61?elinkdata=21840">LaMyah Ricks</a> averages 12.0 points, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f2508267-fff4-4366-bcac-eb631d791fd8?elinkdata=21840">Angel Lee</a> 11.8, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/376ef054-54b7-407d-b848-29609559d13a?elinkdata=21840">Hampton Williams</a> 10.0, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/55a3119f-0382-4771-b4d1-176cf807eb42?elinkdata=21840">Jill Stephens</a> 9.7, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/62b5123d-17a7-49cc-9c01-a84fbb0cfe3d?elinkdata=21840">Odessa Ozuna</a> 8.6, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/07bb7bfc-e5f5-4af1-aee8-149dd34180d4?elinkdata=21840">Paige Chauncey</a> 7.6 and Cat Bowman 6.5. Williams averages a team-best 7.6 rebounds.The Coyotes average 75.4 points, allow 63.7 and have a 5.4 rebounding edge."They're a really tough disciplined team that does everything the right way, so we just have to get them out of their regular routine and get them unorganized," Ricks said of the Pioneers. "We have to move the ball side to side, play our game and not play their game. Just do what we've been doing all along.""We have to help each other off defense and get the ball side to side on offense, those are our top two things that we always talk about," Lee said.

Coyotes prepared for tough challenge in NAIA opener

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

On Wednesday night the Ell-Saline boy’s basketball team made its first trip in recent memory to the 2A state tournament, playing under the bright lights of Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan.

Anyone who thought those lights might be too bright for an emerging program like Ell-Saline was sorely mistaken, as the Cardinals knocked off the 6-seed in Rossville 82-78.

Despite what the seedings said, Rossville was a formidable foe, and came out of the gates swinging to take a one-point lead at the end of the first quarter, thanks in part to five made free throws.

Kas Kramer led the way for Ell-Saline in the first half, scoring 11 points in the first quarter, and six more in the second to keep the Cardinals in it with a 45-41 deficit at halftime.

The script at the line seemed to change at the break, as Rossville went from making ten free throws in the first half to just four in the second half, and Ell-Saline went from four first-half makes to 16 down the stretch.

Down one in the closing seconds of the third quarter Garrison Zerger stepped up for his moment in the spotlight, drilling a triple to deliver a 57-55 lead at the buzzer.

Rossville battled but that lead was one the Cardinals would hold as Ell-Saline secured the win, and a ticket to the second round of state 82-78.

Three different Bulldogs put up double digits in the loss, including Jack Donovan (25) Cameron Miller (16) and Jakoby McDonnell (13).

That proved to be no match for Ell-Saline, who put four Cardinals in double figures on Wednesday, anchored by a 25-point effort from Kas Kramer, 21 from Brogan Rowley, 17 from Reese Krone and 10 from Garrison Zerger.

For Rossville the season comes to a close at 16-8 while the Cards, now 21-3, advance to the state semifinals where they await Sterling (21-3) at 6:00 on Friday.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostOn Wednesday night the Ell-Saline boy’s basketball team made its first trip in recent memory to the 2A state tournament, playing under the bright lights of Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan.Anyone who thought those lights might be too bright for an emerging program like Ell-Saline was sorely mistaken, as the Cardinals knocked off the 6-seed in Rossville 82-78.<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>Despite what the seedings said, Rossville was a formidable foe, and came out of the gates swinging to take a one-point lead at the end of the first quarter, thanks in part to five made free throws.Kas Kramer led the way for Ell-Saline in the first half, scoring 11 points in the first quarter, and six more in the second to keep the Cardinals in it with a 45-41 deficit at halftime.The script at the line seemed to change at the break, as Rossville went from making ten free throws in the first half to just four in the second half, and Ell-Saline went from four first-half makes to 16 down the stretch.Down one in the closing seconds of the third quarter Garrison Zerger stepped up for his moment in the spotlight, drilling a triple to deliver a 57-55 lead at the buzzer.Rossville battled but that lead was one the Cardinals would hold as Ell-Saline secured the win, and a ticket to the second round of state 82-78.Three different Bulldogs put up double digits in the loss, including Jack Donovan (25) Cameron Miller (16) and Jakoby McDonnell (13).That proved to be no match for Ell-Saline, who put four Cardinals in double figures on Wednesday, anchored by a 25-point effort from Kas Kramer, 21 from Brogan Rowley, 17 from Reese Krone and 10 from Garrison Zerger.For Rossville the season comes to a close at 16-8 while the Cards, now 21-3, advance to the state semifinals where they await Sterling (21-3) at 6:00 on Friday.

Cardinals close in on 2A crown with win over Rossville in state quarters

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Hunter Dickinson had 23 points and 13 rebounds, Zeke Mayo poured in 24 points, and sixth-seeded Kansas rallied to force overtime before holding off No. 14 seed UCF 98-94 on Wednesday night in the second round of the Big 12 Tournament.

AJ Storr scored a season-high 19 points before fouling out in the closing seconds of OT, and KJ Adams had 15 points and seven boards for the Jayhawks (21-11), who narrowly avoided dropping their conference tourney opener for a second straight year.

Instead, they will face third-seeded Arizona on Thursday night in a rematch of a game Kansas won last weekend.

Jordan Ivy-Curry pulled UCF to within 94-93 when he converted a three-point play with 18.2 seconds to go, and Mayo missed the second of two foul shots at the other end. But UCF big man Moustapha Thiam came up short on a jumper with a chance to tie the game, Kansas got the rebound and Dickinson made the second of two free throws with 2.4 seconds remaining.

The Knights' Deebo Coleman was quickly fouled. He made the first foul shot with 0.9 seconds left to make it 96-94, but when he tried to intentionally miss the second to give his team a chance, Coleman failed to hit the rim and the Jayhawks got possession.

David Coit was fouled and added two more free throws for the final margin.

Keyshawn Hall led UCF (17-16) with 25 points. Darius Johnson had 22 before fouling out with a minute to go in regulation.

The Jayhawks blew a 13-point second-half lead, then had to rally once UCF pulled ahead with 7 minutes to go. The teams traded buckets down the stretch, and Ivy-Curry's 3-pointer tied the game 83-all with 14.1 seconds left in regulation.

Kansas tried to set up a winning play, but Adams stepped on the baseline on his drive, giving the Knights a shot. Ivy-Curry raced up the floor and got a decent look from the wing, but his 3-pointer came up well short as time expired.

UCF came a long way from January, when it lost 99-48 to the Jayhawks at home. It had won four of its past six games.

Kansas has gone with a shortened lineup late in the season and it seems to be paying off for the Jayhawks.

Thiam's miss from about 6 feet along the baseline with a few seconds left in overtime would have tied the game.

Three players fouled out of the game. Kansas guard Dajuan Harris also finished with five fouls.

The Jayhawks play Arizona on Thursday night. They beat the Wildcats 83-76 last Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741834238328.png" alt="Photo Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Hunter Dickinson had 23 points and 13 rebounds, Zeke Mayo poured in 24 points, and sixth-seeded Kansas rallied to force overtime before holding off No. 14 seed UCF 98-94 on Wednesday night in the second round of the Big 12 Tournament.AJ Storr scored a season-high 19 points before fouling out in the closing seconds of OT, and KJ Adams had 15 points and seven boards for the Jayhawks (21-11), who narrowly avoided dropping their conference tourney opener for a second straight year.Instead, they will face third-seeded Arizona on Thursday night in a rematch of a game Kansas won last weekend.Jordan Ivy-Curry pulled UCF to within 94-93 when he converted a three-point play with 18.2 seconds to go, and Mayo missed the second of two foul shots at the other end. But UCF big man Moustapha Thiam came up short on a jumper with a chance to tie the game, Kansas got the rebound and Dickinson made the second of two free throws with 2.4 seconds remaining.The Knights' Deebo Coleman was quickly fouled. He made the first foul shot with 0.9 seconds left to make it 96-94, but when he tried to intentionally miss the second to give his team a chance, Coleman failed to hit the rim and the Jayhawks got possession.David Coit was fouled and added two more free throws for the final margin.Keyshawn Hall led UCF (17-16) with 25 points. Darius Johnson had 22 before fouling out with a minute to go in regulation.The Jayhawks blew a 13-point second-half lead, then had to rally once UCF pulled ahead with 7 minutes to go. The teams traded buckets down the stretch, and Ivy-Curry's 3-pointer tied the game 83-all with 14.1 seconds left in regulation.Kansas tried to set up a winning play, but Adams stepped on the baseline on his drive, giving the Knights a shot. Ivy-Curry raced up the floor and got a decent look from the wing, but his 3-pointer came up well short as time expired.<h2>Takeaways</h2>UCF came a long way from January, when it lost 99-48 to the Jayhawks at home. It had won four of its past six games.Kansas has gone with a shortened lineup late in the season and it seems to be paying off for the Jayhawks.<h2>Key moment</h2>Thiam's miss from about 6 feet along the baseline with a few seconds left in overtime would have tied the game.<h2>Key stats</h2>Three players fouled out of the game. Kansas guard Dajuan Harris also finished with five fouls.<h2>Up next</h2>The Jayhawks play Arizona on Thursday night. They beat the Wildcats 83-76 last Saturday.

🏀 KU holds off UCF in OT to reach Big 12 Tournament quarterfinals

By DEVIN HANNEY Sports Director - Salina Post

On Wednesday, the Abilene Cowboys embarked on a short 22-mile journey to Salina for the 4A State Basketball Tournament – a trip they've made four times in the past five seasons.

As the seven seed, the Cowboys faced a familiar foe in the opening round: the 2-seed Rock Creek Mustangs, a fellow NCKL League foe who had defeated them twice in the regular season.

Abilene started strong, scoring the first four points, but Rock Creek quickly responded, taking a two-point lead with a conventional three-point play and an outside three-pointer. 

The Cowboys tied the game at 6-6, but the Mustangs pulled ahead with an 11-2 run to close the quarter, capitalizing on a 14-5 rebounding advantage.

The Mustangs continued to dominate in the second quarter, outscoring Abilene 16-7 and taking a commanding 33-15 lead into halftime. Rock Creek's stifling defense limited Abilene to just two field goals and seven points in the second period while forcing four turnovers.

Abilene's defense improved in the third quarter, initially limiting Rock Creek's scoring, but, the Mustangs eventually found their rhythm, ending the period with a 9-3 run and extending their lead to 44-24.

Rock Creek opened the final quarter with a three-pointer, building their largest lead of the game at 23 points. This margin held for the remainder of the game, with the Mustangs ultimately winning 56-33.

Coley Burgess led the charge for Rock Creek, equalling his season average of 13 points in the first quarter alone on the way to a 21-point performance.

Burgess was the only Mustang to score in double figures but had seven different teammates chip in at least one bucket in the win.

On the Abilene side, Ian Crump (15) and Tyler Holloway (10) led the way but the rest of the team combined to score just eight points all game.

For the Cowboys, another strong campaign comes to a bittersweet end in Salina at 16-7, while the Mustangs advance to face Andale (20-3) in the state semifinals on Friday.

By DEVIN HANNEY Sports Director - Salina PostOn Wednesday, the Abilene Cowboys embarked on a short 22-mile journey to Salina for the 4A State Basketball Tournament – a trip they've made four times in the past five seasons.<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>As the seven seed, the Cowboys faced a familiar foe in the opening round: the 2-seed Rock Creek Mustangs, a fellow NCKL League foe who had defeated them twice in the regular season.Abilene started strong, scoring the first four points, but Rock Creek quickly responded, taking a two-point lead with a conventional three-point play and an outside three-pointer. The Cowboys tied the game at 6-6, but the Mustangs pulled ahead with an 11-2 run to close the quarter, capitalizing on a 14-5 rebounding advantage.The Mustangs continued to dominate in the second quarter, outscoring Abilene 16-7 and taking a commanding 33-15 lead into halftime. Rock Creek's stifling defense limited Abilene to just two field goals and seven points in the second period while forcing four turnovers.Abilene's defense improved in the third quarter, initially limiting Rock Creek's scoring, but, the Mustangs eventually found their rhythm, ending the period with a 9-3 run and extending their lead to 44-24.Rock Creek opened the final quarter with a three-pointer, building their largest lead of the game at 23 points. This margin held for the remainder of the game, with the Mustangs ultimately winning 56-33.Coley Burgess led the charge for Rock Creek, equalling his season average of 13 points in the first quarter alone on the way to a 21-point performance.Burgess was the only Mustang to score in double figures but had seven different teammates chip in at least one bucket in the win.On the Abilene side, Ian Crump (15) and Tyler Holloway (10) led the way but the rest of the team combined to score just eight points all game.For the Cowboys, another strong campaign comes to a bittersweet end in Salina at 16-7, while the Mustangs advance to face Andale (20-3) in the state semifinals on Friday.

Cowboy campaign comes to close in state quarterfinals

One year ago, they stood at a crossroads.

The quartet could have bid basketball adieu and moved on with their lives. There was, however, the opportunity to continue playing basketball - the game they loved and had played for many years.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c6cfb2a6-96ac-4cb6-9c03-958f6beff4dd?elinkdata=21778">Alexis Dixon</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4ca9de41-53cd-4646-b00f-31382f1a8afc?elinkdata=21778">Angel Lee</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8548e9a0-e133-41b8-9600-287ef73cb59f?elinkdata=21778">LaMyah Ricks</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6391228b-422f-4907-a2f2-2f221bf2cdab?elinkdata=21778">Jill Stephens</a> separately made the same decision to continue playing for the Kansas Wesleyan women's team for a fifth and final season.

"It was important," coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/88bf5b90-2a3c-4c44-9122-e23cdc80fdbd?elinkdata=21778">Ryan Showman</a> said. "On some level they all played a really important role in our success."

They joined four teammates who were entering their season senior years, but did not have a fifth-year option. The presence of eight seniors who have been with the same school for extended periods is a rarity in the emerging world of collegiate free agency.

"Things change, priorities change and goals change," Showman said, "but to get a group of eight seniors is really incredible. That was our strength. It was our leadership; it was our experience."

Their impact was immediate and profound. The Coyotes landed a berth in the NAIA Women's Championship by winning the Kansas Conference's regular season title with an 18-4 record. They play 10th-ranked MidAmerica Nazarene (27-2) in the First Round at 6 p.m. Friday in Olathe.

"We knew in the summertime coming in that this was our chance to make a run," Showman said. "There was that connection and that buy in on what was really important to them. You saw it every day from the preseason on. ... They held everybody together and this team stayed locked in on one goal.

Lee and Dixon were returning to Wesleyan to finish their degrees anyway - Lee in nursing and Dixon a fitness and wellness major.

Ricks and Stephens decisions were a bit more complicated. Each had earned their degrees but had to be accepted into graduate school to continue playing. They succeeded and are in KWU's (Master of Business Administration) program.

"Angel and Alexis still had school to finish so that helped their decision," Showman said. "But I know their choice to come to Kansas Wesleyan when they transferred was tied to being able to play that fifth year.

"LaMyah and Jill didn't have to come back. They could have gone on with their lives, they could have joined their professional fields and started making a name for themselves there. But they wanted to come back to help us win a championship and be part of that team that got us back (to the NAIA tournament)."

Ricks is a standout four-year starter at point guard and was a First Team All-KCAC and All-Defensive Team selection this season. She averages a team-best 12.0 points along with 5.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists.

"All of us deciding to come back was really big for the team and just knowing the potential we had, I knew it'd be a really good year," she said. "We have a very similar team from last year, but this year we put the puzzle pieces together and we played really well together. We trust one another and for sure just refusing to lose."

Ricks said her focus is on the here and now in terms of her playing career.

"I try not to think about it, but it is in the back of my mind a lot of the time," she said. "It's kind of a bittersweet moment but it is winding down for sure."

Stephens transferred from Independence Community College three years ago and averages 9.7 points and 3.3 rebounds off the bench. She's the team's best 3-point shooter (69 of 154, 44.8 percent) and is shooting an uncanny 92.4 percent from the free throw line (61 of 66).

Stephens, who was named All-KCAC Honorable Mention, has worn a large brace on her right shoulder all season after suffering a dislocation and torn labrum during a preseason practice session.

"I practice with it every day and it's become part of my body, so I feel more comfortable," she said.

Vigorous rehabilitation helped her avoid season-ending surgery but was told by her doctor surgery will be required if she dislocates it again.

"Me and the lady at the front desk had a little bit of a conversation," she said. "She was like 'you can't get in till our first two games were over' and I was like 'I really need it to be this day so I can get released before we play and practice.' "

Lee is in her third season at KWU after transferring from Moberly Area CC and was a Third Team All-KCAC choice. She's the second-leading scorer with 11.8 points as well as 2.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists.

Like many Coyotes before her Lee has learned to balance the many demands of nursing school and basketball.

"It's really a time management game," she said. "They can start anywhere from 5:45 in the morning and anywhere at like 4 p.m. and then practice right after. Scheduling is very important as far as making sure tests and games don't collide because you can't miss tests for anything."

Like the other three there was a sense of unfinished business after last season.

"In my head I always want to be a winner, I always want to be on top," she said, "so I was like 'we can do it every year,' even when we ended third or fourth. I thought we could do it always."

As for the difference this season from last year ...

"I think our communication and self-confidence has improved a lot," she said.

After three previous stops Dixon was eager to return for a second season at KWU.

"My college career is kind of messy," she said. "Each year I've been to a different school and so I was really tired of transferring. I was like, 'I have to find a home' and when (Showman) came to recruit me he said, 'you're looking for a home' and I was like 'yeah, I really am. I'm kind of tired of moving back and forth every summer every year.'

"It was just nice to come back to a place where I knew everybody and everybody knew me. We are almost like sisters off the court."

Dixon, who wants to be a chiropractor, came to Wesleyan after playing one season at Northeastern State (Okla.), Connors State (Okla.) and Otero (Colo.).

She has been valuable coming off the bench and playing in the post. She averages 2.5 points and 2.9 rebounds but at 6-foot-1 is a physical presence and rim protector inside.

One year ago, they stood at a crossroads.The quartet could have bid basketball adieu and moved on with their lives. There was, however, the opportunity to continue playing basketball - the game they loved and had played for many years.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c6cfb2a6-96ac-4cb6-9c03-958f6beff4dd?elinkdata=21778">Alexis Dixon</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4ca9de41-53cd-4646-b00f-31382f1a8afc?elinkdata=21778">Angel Lee</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8548e9a0-e133-41b8-9600-287ef73cb59f?elinkdata=21778">LaMyah Ricks</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6391228b-422f-4907-a2f2-2f221bf2cdab?elinkdata=21778">Jill Stephens</a> separately made the same decision to continue playing for the Kansas Wesleyan women's team for a fifth and final season."It was important," coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/88bf5b90-2a3c-4c44-9122-e23cdc80fdbd?elinkdata=21778">Ryan Showman</a> said. "On some level they all played a really important role in our success."They joined four teammates who were entering their season senior years, but did not have a fifth-year option. The presence of eight seniors who have been with the same school for extended periods is a rarity in the emerging world of collegiate free agency."Things change, priorities change and goals change," Showman said, "but to get a group of eight seniors is really incredible. That was our strength. It was our leadership; it was our experience."Their impact was immediate and profound. The Coyotes landed a berth in the NAIA Women's Championship by winning the Kansas Conference's regular season title with an 18-4 record. They play 10th-ranked MidAmerica Nazarene (27-2) in the First Round at 6 p.m. Friday in Olathe."We knew in the summertime coming in that this was our chance to make a run," Showman said. "There was that connection and that buy in on what was really important to them. You saw it every day from the preseason on. ... They held everybody together and this team stayed locked in on one goal.Lee and Dixon were returning to Wesleyan to finish their degrees anyway - Lee in nursing and Dixon a fitness and wellness major.Ricks and Stephens decisions were a bit more complicated. Each had earned their degrees but had to be accepted into graduate school to continue playing. They succeeded and are in KWU's (Master of Business Administration) program."Angel and Alexis still had school to finish so that helped their decision," Showman said. "But I know their choice to come to Kansas Wesleyan when they transferred was tied to being able to play that fifth year."LaMyah and Jill didn't have to come back. They could have gone on with their lives, they could have joined their professional fields and started making a name for themselves there. But they wanted to come back to help us win a championship and be part of that team that got us back (to the NAIA tournament)."LAMYAH RICKSRicks is a standout four-year starter at point guard and was a First Team All-KCAC and All-Defensive Team selection this season. She averages a team-best 12.0 points along with 5.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists."All of us deciding to come back was really big for the team and just knowing the potential we had, I knew it'd be a really good year," she said. "We have a very similar team from last year, but this year we put the puzzle pieces together and we played really well together. We trust one another and for sure just refusing to lose."Ricks said her focus is on the here and now in terms of her playing career."I try not to think about it, but it is in the back of my mind a lot of the time," she said. "It's kind of a bittersweet moment but it is winding down for sure."JILL STEPHENSStephens transferred from Independence Community College three years ago and averages 9.7 points and 3.3 rebounds off the bench. She's the team's best 3-point shooter (69 of 154, 44.8 percent) and is shooting an uncanny 92.4 percent from the free throw line (61 of 66).Stephens, who was named All-KCAC Honorable Mention, has worn a large brace on her right shoulder all season after suffering a dislocation and torn labrum during a preseason practice session."I practice with it every day and it's become part of my body, so I feel more comfortable," she said.Vigorous rehabilitation helped her avoid season-ending surgery but was told by her doctor surgery will be required if she dislocates it again."Me and the lady at the front desk had a little bit of a conversation," she said. "She was like 'you can't get in till our first two games were over' and I was like 'I really need it to be this day so I can get released before we play and practice.' "Fortunately, Stephens prevailed.ANGEL LEELee is in her third season at KWU after transferring from Moberly Area CC and was a Third Team All-KCAC choice. She's the second-leading scorer with 11.8 points as well as 2.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists.Like many Coyotes before her Lee has learned to balance the many demands of nursing school and basketball."It's really a time management game," she said. "They can start anywhere from 5:45 in the morning and anywhere at like 4 p.m. and then practice right after. Scheduling is very important as far as making sure tests and games don't collide because you can't miss tests for anything."Like the other three there was a sense of unfinished business after last season."In my head I always want to be a winner, I always want to be on top," she said, "so I was like 'we can do it every year,' even when we ended third or fourth. I thought we could do it always."As for the difference this season from last year ..."I think our communication and self-confidence has improved a lot," she said.ALEXIS DIXONAfter three previous stops Dixon was eager to return for a second season at KWU."My college career is kind of messy," she said. "Each year I've been to a different school and so I was really tired of transferring. I was like, 'I have to find a home' and when (Showman) came to recruit me he said, 'you're looking for a home' and I was like 'yeah, I really am. I'm kind of tired of moving back and forth every summer every year.'"It was just nice to come back to a place where I knew everybody and everybody knew me. We are almost like sisters off the court."Dixon, who wants to be a chiropractor, came to Wesleyan after playing one season at Northeastern State (Okla.), Connors State (Okla.) and Otero (Colo.).She has been valuable coming off the bench and playing in the post. She averages 2.5 points and 2.9 rebounds but at 6-foot-1 is a physical presence and rim protector inside.

NAIA TOURNAMENT FEATURE: Fifth-Year Coyotes glad they returned for final seasons

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — VJ Edgecombe had 19 points and 10 rebounds, Norchad Omier added 12 points and 14 boards, and seventh-seeded Baylor rolled to a 70-56 victory over No. 10 seed Kansas State in the second round of the Big 12 Tournament on Wednesday night.

Jayden Dunn also scored 18 points for the Bears (19-13), who built a 20-point lead early in the second half and then cruised into a quarterfinal matchup with ninth-ranked and No. 2 seed Texas Tech on Thursday night.

David N'Guessan had 20 points and Dug McDaniel finished with 14 for the Wildcats (16-17), who edged Arizona State in the first round but were unable to keep the momentum going against the same team that rallied from 12 down to beat them in January.

The Bears ended the first half Wednesday night on a 9-0 run to take a 41-24 lead into the locker room. Kansas State was just 1 for 12 from beyond the 3-point arc at that point, and veteran forward Coleman Hawkins — who scored 26 points against the Sun Devils — was 0 for 4 from the field and quickly growing frustrated.

Kansas State closed within 58-46 with 8 minutes to go, but Hawkins was whistled for a flagrant foul contesting Edgecombe's dunk, and Jeremy Roach added a basket after his foul shots to help Baylor pull away again.

Kansas State finished 3 of 25 from beyond the arc. Hawkins and McDaniel were each 1 for 6.

Baylor improved to 15-2 when holding an opponent to 70 points or less this season.

Baylor was leading 32-24 with 2:40 left in the first half when it scored the next nine points to take control.

Baylor got 27 points from its bench. Kansas State only got four.

The Bears will play the Red Raiders on Thursday night. Texas Tech beat them 73-59 last month.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741830663550.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — VJ Edgecombe had 19 points and 10 rebounds, Norchad Omier added 12 points and 14 boards, and seventh-seeded Baylor rolled to a 70-56 victory over No. 10 seed Kansas State in the second round of the Big 12 Tournament on Wednesday night.Jayden Dunn also scored 18 points for the Bears (19-13), who built a 20-point lead early in the second half and then cruised into a quarterfinal matchup with ninth-ranked and No. 2 seed Texas Tech on Thursday night.David N'Guessan had 20 points and Dug McDaniel finished with 14 for the Wildcats (16-17), who edged Arizona State in the first round but were unable to keep the momentum going against the same team that rallied from 12 down to beat them in January.The Bears ended the first half Wednesday night on a 9-0 run to take a 41-24 lead into the locker room. Kansas State was just 1 for 12 from beyond the 3-point arc at that point, and veteran forward Coleman Hawkins — who scored 26 points against the Sun Devils — was 0 for 4 from the field and quickly growing frustrated.Kansas State closed within 58-46 with 8 minutes to go, but Hawkins was whistled for a flagrant foul contesting Edgecombe's dunk, and Jeremy Roach added a basket after his foul shots to help Baylor pull away again.<h2>Takeaways</h2>Kansas State finished 3 of 25 from beyond the arc. Hawkins and McDaniel were each 1 for 6.Baylor improved to 15-2 when holding an opponent to 70 points or less this season.<h2>Key moment</h2>Baylor was leading 32-24 with 2:40 left in the first half when it scored the next nine points to take control.<h2>Key stats</h2>Baylor got 27 points from its bench. Kansas State only got four.<h2>Up next</h2>The Bears will play the Red Raiders on Thursday night. Texas Tech beat them 73-59 last month.

🏀 Edgecombe leads  Baylor to victory over K-State in Big 12 Tournament

[10-seed] KANSAS STATE (16-16, 9-11 Big 12) vs. [7-seed] BAYLOR (18-13, 10-10 Big 12)

Wednesday, March 12, 2025 &gt;&gt; 6 p.m., CT &gt;&gt; T-Mobile Center (19,135) &gt;&gt; Kansas City, Mo.

ESPN+ (online <a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/player/_/eventCalendarId/401743847">link</a>)

Online: Varsity Network [free] / <a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/watch">www.kstatesports.com/watch</a> [free]

<a href="https://www.statbroadcast.com/events/statmonitr.php?gid=ksu">kstate.statbroadcast.com</a>

K-State: Jerome Tang [Charter Oak State College ‘07]

Last Meeting: L, 62-70 [1/22/2025 in Waco]

K-STATE PLAYS BAYLOR AT PHILLIPS 66 BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP

K-State (16-16, 9-11 Big 12) continues play in the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship on Wednesday night, as the 10-seeded Wildcats play 7-seed Baylor (18-13, 10-10 Big 12) in the second session of the second round at 6 p.m., CT on ESPN+. The winner of the game will play 2-seed Texas Tech (24-7, 15-5 Big 12) in the quarterfinals at 6 p.m., CT on Thursday night on ESPN or ESPN2.

The second-round matchup will pit longtime friends Jerome Tang and Scott Drew against each other for the fifth time, as Tang got the better of Drew in 2 wins in 2023 and an overtime win in 2024 before a 70-62 loss in Waco on Jan. 22. Tang spent 19 seasons alongside Drew as an assistant coach (2003-17) and associate head coach (2017-22) at Baylor.

The series is tied at 26 wins apiece after Baylor’s 70-62 win over K-State at home on Jan. 22. The Bears hold a 25-21 advantage since the start of the Big 12 in 1997, while Wildcats own a slight 3-2 edge at the Big 12 Championship (2002, 2010, 2012, 2017, 2021). The teams are 3-3 all-time in Kansas City, including 2-2 at the T-Mobile Center (2010, 2012, 2017, 2021). Baylor won the last meeting at the Big 12 Championship in 2021, as the top-seeded Bears posted a 74-68 win over the 9-seed Wildcats in the quarterfinals at the T-Mobile Center.

After the 71-66 win over 15-seed Arizona State in the opening round on Tuesday, K-State is now 39-45 all-time at Big Eight/12 Championship dating back to 1977, including 19-27 at the Big 12 Championship. The Wildcats have won 2 titles (1977, 1980) and advanced to the finals on 8 occasions (1977, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1988, 1993, 2010 and 2013). The team has a 21-15 record in first-round games, including a 5-3 mark as the tournament’s No. 10 seed (2001, 2005, 2020, 2024, 2025). Tang is now 2-2 at the Big 12 Championship.

Senior Coleman Hawkins paced four Wildcats in double figures with a season-high 26 points, as K-State advanced to the second round of the Big 12 Championship with a 71-66 win over 15-seed Arizona State on Tuesday night. He was joined in double figures by junior Dug McDaniel (14 points), senior Max Jones (10 points) and junior Brendan Hausen (10 points).

K-State earned the victory with strong performances on both ends of the court, as the Wildcats scored its 71 points on 50 percent (27-of-54) shooting, including 44.4 percent (8-of-18) from 3-point range, while holding the Sun Devils (13-19) to 38.3 percent shooting (23-of-60), including 26.9 percent (7-of-26) from beyond the arc.

Hawkins, who collected his second 20-point game of the season, was just 4 points shy of his career-high of 30 points vs. Iowa in 2024, as he scored his season-high 26 points on 10-of-17 field goals, including 4-of-9 from 3-point range, and 2-of-3 free throws to go with a team-tying 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks and a steal. It was his ninth career 20-point game.

GAME 33[10-seed] KANSAS STATE (16-16, 9-11 Big 12) vs. [7-seed] BAYLOR (18-13, 10-10 Big 12)Wednesday, March 12, 2025 &gt;&gt; 6 p.m., CT &gt;&gt; T-Mobile Center (19,135) &gt;&gt; Kansas City, Mo.Phillips 66 Big 12 ChampionshipTELEVISIONESPN+ (online <a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/player/_/eventCalendarId/401743847">link</a>)<ul>
 <li>Roxy Bernstein (play-by-play)</li><li>Sean Farnham (analyst)</li><li>Joe McCoy (producer)</li>
 </ul>RADIOK-State Sports NetworkFlagships: // KMAN 1350 &amp; WIBW 580Satellite Radio: Ch. 138 or 198Online: Varsity Network [free] / <a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/watch">www.kstatesports.com/watch</a> [free]<ul>
 <li>Wyatt Thompson (play-by-play)</li><li>Stan Weber (analyst)</li>
 </ul>LIVE STATS<a href="https://www.statbroadcast.com/events/statmonitr.php?gid=ksu">kstate.statbroadcast.com</a>COACHESK-State: Jerome Tang [Charter Oak State College ‘07]Record at K-State: 61-41/3rd YearCareer Record: 63-41*/3rd Year+vs. Baylor: 3-1 [0-0 neutral sites]Baylor: Scott Drew [Butler ‘93]Record at Baylor: 462-257/22nd YearCareer Record: 482-248/23rd Yearvs. K-State: 19-19 [2-2 neutral site]LAST GAME STARTERS:K-State (16-16)G: #0 Dug McDanielG: #11 Brendan HausenG: #2 Max JonesW: #33 Coleman HawkinsW: #1 David N’GuessanBaylor (18-13)G: #1 Robert WrightG: #7 V.J. EdgecombeG: #13 Langston LoveG: #32 Jalen CelestineF: #15 Norchad OmierSERIES HISTORYOverall: Tied 26-26Big 12 Era: Baylor leads 25-21Big 12 Championship: K-State leads 3-2In Kansas City: Tied 3-3At T-Mobile Center: Tied 2-2Active Streak: Baylor, 1Last Meeting: L, 62-70 [1/22/2025 in Waco]Jerome Tang vs. Scott Drew: 3-1K-STATE PLAYS BAYLOR AT PHILLIPS 66 BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIPK-State (16-16, 9-11 Big 12) continues play in the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship on Wednesday night, as the 10-seeded Wildcats play 7-seed Baylor (18-13, 10-10 Big 12) in the second session of the second round at 6 p.m., CT on ESPN+. The winner of the game will play 2-seed Texas Tech (24-7, 15-5 Big 12) in the quarterfinals at 6 p.m., CT on Thursday night on ESPN or ESPN2.The second-round matchup will pit longtime friends Jerome Tang and Scott Drew against each other for the fifth time, as Tang got the better of Drew in 2 wins in 2023 and an overtime win in 2024 before a 70-62 loss in Waco on Jan. 22. Tang spent 19 seasons alongside Drew as an assistant coach (2003-17) and associate head coach (2017-22) at Baylor.The series is tied at 26 wins apiece after Baylor’s 70-62 win over K-State at home on Jan. 22. The Bears hold a 25-21 advantage since the start of the Big 12 in 1997, while Wildcats own a slight 3-2 edge at the Big 12 Championship (2002, 2010, 2012, 2017, 2021). The teams are 3-3 all-time in Kansas City, including 2-2 at the T-Mobile Center (2010, 2012, 2017, 2021). Baylor won the last meeting at the Big 12 Championship in 2021, as the top-seeded Bears posted a 74-68 win over the 9-seed Wildcats in the quarterfinals at the T-Mobile Center.After the 71-66 win over 15-seed Arizona State in the opening round on Tuesday, K-State is now 39-45 all-time at Big Eight/12 Championship dating back to 1977, including 19-27 at the Big 12 Championship. The Wildcats have won 2 titles (1977, 1980) and advanced to the finals on 8 occasions (1977, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1988, 1993, 2010 and 2013). The team has a 21-15 record in first-round games, including a 5-3 mark as the tournament’s No. 10 seed (2001, 2005, 2020, 2024, 2025). Tang is now 2-2 at the Big 12 Championship.LAST TIME OUTSenior Coleman Hawkins paced four Wildcats in double figures with a season-high 26 points, as K-State advanced to the second round of the Big 12 Championship with a 71-66 win over 15-seed Arizona State on Tuesday night. He was joined in double figures by junior Dug McDaniel (14 points), senior Max Jones (10 points) and junior Brendan Hausen (10 points).K-State earned the victory with strong performances on both ends of the court, as the Wildcats scored its 71 points on 50 percent (27-of-54) shooting, including 44.4 percent (8-of-18) from 3-point range, while holding the Sun Devils (13-19) to 38.3 percent shooting (23-of-60), including 26.9 percent (7-of-26) from beyond the arc.Hawkins, who collected his second 20-point game of the season, was just 4 points shy of his career-high of 30 points vs. Iowa in 2024, as he scored his season-high 26 points on 10-of-17 field goals, including 4-of-9 from 3-point range, and 2-of-3 free throws to go with a team-tying 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks and a steal. It was his ninth career 20-point game.KEY STORYLINES<ul>
 <li>It has been a roller coaster of a Big 12 season for K-State, which has had a 6-game losing streak followed by a 6-game winning streak followed by a 4-game losing streak followed by a 2-game winning streak before a split of the last 2 games.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Senior David N’Guessan, who earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors on Monday, leads the Wildcats in both scoring (13.1 ppg.) and rebounding (7.1 rpg.) while connecting on a Big 12-best 63.6 percent (171-of-269) from the field. He has scored in double figures in a team-best 25 games with five 20-point performances, including in 15 of 20 Big 12 games with 5 double-doubles. He played just 17 minutes in the win over ASU on Tuesday due to foul problems, but did have a big 3-point play to finish off the game.</li><li>Senior Coleman Hawkins, who returned to the lineup at Cincinnati on March 5, is the only Division I player to average 10 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. After being named to the All-Big 12 Third Team on Monday, he is the first Wildcat since 2023 to earn recognition to one of the three main All-Big 12 teams.</li><li>Junior Dug McDaniel has continued his emergence in the last 15 games, as he is averaging 13.5 points, 5.9 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals with 13 double-digit scoring games, including three 20-point efforts against No. 3/3 Iowa State (2/1/25), No. 13/13 Arizona (2/11/25) and BYU (2/15/25). He has scored in double figures in 5 straight games.</li>
 </ul>A K-STATE WIN WOULD…<ul>
 <li>Advance the Wildcats to play 2-seed Texas Tech on Thursday.</li><li>Give it a 40-45 record in conference tournament play.</li><li>Give it a 20-27 record in Big 12 Championship play.</li><li>Give it a 32-38 record in Kansas City in tournament play.</li><li>Be the 1,757th in program history, including 27th vs. Baylor.</li>
 </ul>NOTES ON BAYLOR<ul>
 <li>Led by 22nd-year head coach Scott Drew, Baylor is 18-13 on the season, finishing in a tie for seventh place with a 10-10 mark in Big 12 play. The Bears played one of the top non-conference schedules in the country with wins over Arkansas and St. John’s while dropping close contests against Tennessee and UConn. They responded to a 3-game losing streak in Big 12 play to win 2 of their last 3 games heading into the Big 12 Championship, including a close 65-61 loss to No. 3/3 Houston to end the regular season.</li><li>Baylor is averaging 76.7 points on 44.8 percent shooting, including 35.4 percent from 3-point range, while allowing 69.4 points on 43.7 percent shooting, including 35.4 percent from 3-point range. The Bears average 8.7 made 3-pointers per game with 4 players with 38 or more made triples. They are connecting on 74.2 percent from the free throw line.</li><li>Four players are averaging in double figures led by fifth year and All-Big 12 performer Norchad Omier, who is the only Big 12 player to average a double-double with a team-leading 15.6 points on 56.8 percent shooting, including a Big 12-best 10.7 rebounds per game. Big 12 Freshman of the Year V.J. Edgecombe is averaging 15 points on 43.8 percent shooting, including 35.8 percent from 3-point range to go with 5.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2,1 steals in a team-best 32.4 minutes per game. They are joined in double figures by freshman Robert Wright (11.7 ppg.) and senior Jeremy Roach (10.4 ppg.).</li><li>The dean of Big 12 coaches, Drew has a 482-248 overall record in 23 seasons as a head coach, including a 462-257 mark in 22 seasons in Waco. He has led the Bears to 12 NCAA Tournament appearances, including 5 consecutive seasons. He is 19-19 all-time against K-State, including 2-2 at neutral sites.</li>
 </ul>LAST GAME OUT<ul>
 <li>No. 3/3 Houston overcame a 29-26 halftime deficit, holding Baylor to 30.3 percent (10-of-33) shooting, including 25 percent (4-of-16) from 3-point range, in wrapping up the regular season with a 65-61 win on Saturday afternoon at Foster Pavilion.</li><li>Freshman V.J. Edgecombe paced three Bears in double figures with a game-tying 23 points, going 6-of-14 from the field and 9-of-10 from the free throw line. He was joined in double figures by a double-double by Norchad Omier (13 points, 16 rebounds) and Langston Love (10 points).</li>
 </ul>SERIES HISTORY<ul>
 <li>The series is tied at 26-all after the 70-62 win by Baylor on Jan. 22. The Bears hold a 25-21 lead in the Big 12 era, but the Wildcats own a 3-2 mark at the Big 12 Championship.</li><li>Prior to the loss on Jan. 22, K-State has won the last 3 meetings with 2 of those coming in overtime, including the last such matchup in Waco, a 97-95 thriller on Jan. 7, 2023, in what was the first meeting between Jerome Tang and Scott Drew.</li>
 </ul>

K-State MBB Plays Baylor in Big 12 Championship Wednesday

Kansas Wesleyan's walk-off 3-2 win over Sterling in the second game of Tuesday's Kansas Conference opening doubleheader gave the Coyotes a sweep of the Warriors at Salina South High School.

Trailing 2-1 heading to the bottom of the seventh, the Coyotes needed a spark to get things going, especially after leaving the tying run at third base the previous half inning.

Pinch hitter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ceaf0344-cc3f-4426-be37-f25d7bd4be7f?elinkdata=21747">Hailey Summers</a> started the rally with a walk to lead off the seventh, and pinch runner <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1550fc07-77e5-469c-bea3-4e897523ed53?elinkdata=21747">Josie Buhr</a> moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5db77a61-15f7-470c-9085-06d131e3c627?elinkdata=21747">Elli Han</a>. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c8c0ba98-eb0c-4a99-8612-9abd21a011e4?elinkdata=21747">Brooklyn Lange</a> then singled to center and Buhr would score on the play to tie the game. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5b88df56-3bf8-47a7-9fa4-8d6d35da6aab?elinkdata=21747">Cadence Mallet</a> then reached on an error and with runners at the corners and just one out, up stepped <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1b213297-9fa3-4882-8a65-067093765537?elinkdata=21747">Trenity Miller</a>. Miller would ground one to the right side, and Lange would score the game-winning run without a play at the plate.

The second game was scoreless until the fourth inning when Sterling scored twice taking advantage of a KWU error in the inning to take a 2-0 lead. In the bottom of the inning, Miller homered to right to get the Coyotes on the board. KWU had a chance to add another run as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bb5b26f3-463e-45b5-8a6d-fa66eb46ab99?elinkdata=21747">Jenna Soule</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3905d1e9-8ce8-46cf-82a2-f1c829458abf?elinkdata=21747">Briannah Kutschkau</a> followed with singles, but the Coyotes could not push another run across.

Wesleyan pitcher <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1cb0910a-4a92-4aec-98d4-7fa1b988ed32?elinkdata=21747">Bella Allen</a> would get a strikeout looking to end the seventh inning as Sterling had a runner at third base in the inning.

Kutschkau had two of KWU's six hits in the game. Miller drove in two runs. Allen got the win in relief, pitching two innings allowing just one hit with one strikeout. Starter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1b9b8014-8ffe-4a10-91a3-0cfa56677154?elinkdata=21747">Alli Mickelsen</a> went five innings allowing two runs, one earned on six hits with four strikeouts.

The Coyotes started the day off with a 5-2 win in the first game.

After Sterling had scored in the first to take an early lead, the Coyote offense came alive in the third. Miller started off the inning with a walk and moved to third on Soule's double. Kutschkau singled to load the bases. After a fielder's choice, the Coyotes got on the board when <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/56d038a0-85e4-4b1e-9ada-23f92df8569b?elinkdata=21747">Krista Yackeyonny</a> reached on an error that allowed Soule and Kutschkau to score. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8d699627-cfda-49e6-820b-a6c295cc93cd?elinkdata=21747">Shiloh Johnson</a> drove in the third run of the inning for the Coyotes on a fielder's choice.

Sterling got a run back in the fifth, but in the bottom half of the inning, the Coyotes added two more. Lange led off the inning with a double and Miller followed with a single. A wild pitch allowed the first run of the inning to score, and Miller would score the second run of the frame on an error on a fielder's choice by Soule.

Miller and Kutschkau had two hits each for the Coyotes. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9e470790-38e2-4cb9-85d7-9859de60848e?elinkdata=21747">Caitlyn Collier</a> went the distance for the Coyotes picking up her fourth straight win of the season to improve to 6-3. She scattered seven hits and two runs in the game with a strikeout.

Kansas Wesleyan's walk-off 3-2 win over Sterling in the second game of Tuesday's Kansas Conference opening doubleheader gave the Coyotes a sweep of the Warriors at Salina South High School.Trailing 2-1 heading to the bottom of the seventh, the Coyotes needed a spark to get things going, especially after leaving the tying run at third base the previous half inning.Pinch hitter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ceaf0344-cc3f-4426-be37-f25d7bd4be7f?elinkdata=21747">Hailey Summers</a> started the rally with a walk to lead off the seventh, and pinch runner <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1550fc07-77e5-469c-bea3-4e897523ed53?elinkdata=21747">Josie Buhr</a> moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5db77a61-15f7-470c-9085-06d131e3c627?elinkdata=21747">Elli Han</a>. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c8c0ba98-eb0c-4a99-8612-9abd21a011e4?elinkdata=21747">Brooklyn Lange</a> then singled to center and Buhr would score on the play to tie the game. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5b88df56-3bf8-47a7-9fa4-8d6d35da6aab?elinkdata=21747">Cadence Mallet</a> then reached on an error and with runners at the corners and just one out, up stepped <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1b213297-9fa3-4882-8a65-067093765537?elinkdata=21747">Trenity Miller</a>. Miller would ground one to the right side, and Lange would score the game-winning run without a play at the plate.The second game was scoreless until the fourth inning when Sterling scored twice taking advantage of a KWU error in the inning to take a 2-0 lead. In the bottom of the inning, Miller homered to right to get the Coyotes on the board. KWU had a chance to add another run as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bb5b26f3-463e-45b5-8a6d-fa66eb46ab99?elinkdata=21747">Jenna Soule</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3905d1e9-8ce8-46cf-82a2-f1c829458abf?elinkdata=21747">Briannah Kutschkau</a> followed with singles, but the Coyotes could not push another run across.Wesleyan pitcher <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1cb0910a-4a92-4aec-98d4-7fa1b988ed32?elinkdata=21747">Bella Allen</a> would get a strikeout looking to end the seventh inning as Sterling had a runner at third base in the inning.Kutschkau had two of KWU's six hits in the game. Miller drove in two runs. Allen got the win in relief, pitching two innings allowing just one hit with one strikeout. Starter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1b9b8014-8ffe-4a10-91a3-0cfa56677154?elinkdata=21747">Alli Mickelsen</a> went five innings allowing two runs, one earned on six hits with four strikeouts.The Coyotes started the day off with a 5-2 win in the first game.After Sterling had scored in the first to take an early lead, the Coyote offense came alive in the third. Miller started off the inning with a walk and moved to third on Soule's double. Kutschkau singled to load the bases. After a fielder's choice, the Coyotes got on the board when <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/56d038a0-85e4-4b1e-9ada-23f92df8569b?elinkdata=21747">Krista Yackeyonny</a> reached on an error that allowed Soule and Kutschkau to score. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8d699627-cfda-49e6-820b-a6c295cc93cd?elinkdata=21747">Shiloh Johnson</a> drove in the third run of the inning for the Coyotes on a fielder's choice.Sterling got a run back in the fifth, but in the bottom half of the inning, the Coyotes added two more. Lange led off the inning with a double and Miller followed with a single. A wild pitch allowed the first run of the inning to score, and Miller would score the second run of the frame on an error on a fielder's choice by Soule.Miller and Kutschkau had two hits each for the Coyotes. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9e470790-38e2-4cb9-85d7-9859de60848e?elinkdata=21747">Caitlyn Collier</a> went the distance for the Coyotes picking up her fourth straight win of the season to improve to 6-3. She scattered seven hits and two runs in the game with a strikeout.

Walk-off win gives KWU Softball a sweep of Sterling in KCAC Opener

LINDSBORG - Kansas Wesleyan Men's Tennis returned to Salina from the Lindquist Tennis Center with a 4-3 win over the Bethany Swedes on Tuesday in the Kansas Conference opener for the Coyotes.

The Coyotes would open things up winning the doubles point, taking two of the three matches. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/88a8019f-199c-4cb5-bee2-eaf8557ba1ec?elinkdata=21716">Adam Hanson</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/32050ad9-9cbc-448f-bbf2-f593dcc6f034?elinkdata=21716">Luke Craft</a> beat Francisco Bravo and Martin Priban 7-5; and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c27fad7f-16ae-4b4c-9878-38a468ffbad7?elinkdata=21716">Jacob Phelps</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e760d911-81f7-40f3-b067-7712f0b5916c?elinkdata=21716">Gavin Chavez</a> beat Alexjandro Rico Moran and Carlos Rodrigues Rivas 6-4. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/30605485-df6c-49d0-a209-cd0662e355de?elinkdata=21716">Raul Davalos-Gavino</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a3d42343-3803-4b8e-a27a-4757bf26c440?elinkdata=21716">Paul Jittawait</a> would lose to Zeke Mumford and Dylan Gwilt 6-3.

In singles, the teams split 3-3, but the Coyotes would walk away with the overall match win.

KWU got wins as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d0445dd4-25cb-43c6-9d9c-ec8b1d705615?elinkdata=21716">Adam Hanson</a> beat Priban 7-5, 2-6, 6-4; Craft beat Mumford 3-6, 6-0, 6-4; and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/81490374-6142-4c1d-b9c5-e11dee903600?elinkdata=21716">Jacob Phelps</a> would beat Gwilt 6-2, 6-1. Bethany got wins as Bravo beat Davalos-Gavino 4-6, 6-0, 6-2; Daniel Lozano beat <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2b7bddc3-59a8-45d7-a327-621cb8a82722?elinkdata=21716">William McMurry</a> 6-4, 2-6, 10-7; and Pedro Melo beat Jittawait when he retired in the second set.

LINDSBORG - Kansas Wesleyan Men's Tennis returned to Salina from the Lindquist Tennis Center with a 4-3 win over the Bethany Swedes on Tuesday in the Kansas Conference opener for the Coyotes.The Coyotes would open things up winning the doubles point, taking two of the three matches. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/88a8019f-199c-4cb5-bee2-eaf8557ba1ec?elinkdata=21716">Adam Hanson</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/32050ad9-9cbc-448f-bbf2-f593dcc6f034?elinkdata=21716">Luke Craft</a> beat Francisco Bravo and Martin Priban 7-5; and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c27fad7f-16ae-4b4c-9878-38a468ffbad7?elinkdata=21716">Jacob Phelps</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e760d911-81f7-40f3-b067-7712f0b5916c?elinkdata=21716">Gavin Chavez</a> beat Alexjandro Rico Moran and Carlos Rodrigues Rivas 6-4. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/30605485-df6c-49d0-a209-cd0662e355de?elinkdata=21716">Raul Davalos-Gavino</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a3d42343-3803-4b8e-a27a-4757bf26c440?elinkdata=21716">Paul Jittawait</a> would lose to Zeke Mumford and Dylan Gwilt 6-3.In singles, the teams split 3-3, but the Coyotes would walk away with the overall match win.KWU got wins as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d0445dd4-25cb-43c6-9d9c-ec8b1d705615?elinkdata=21716">Adam Hanson</a> beat Priban 7-5, 2-6, 6-4; Craft beat Mumford 3-6, 6-0, 6-4; and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/81490374-6142-4c1d-b9c5-e11dee903600?elinkdata=21716">Jacob Phelps</a> would beat Gwilt 6-2, 6-1. Bethany got wins as Bravo beat Davalos-Gavino 4-6, 6-0, 6-2; Daniel Lozano beat <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2b7bddc3-59a8-45d7-a327-621cb8a82722?elinkdata=21716">William McMurry</a> 6-4, 2-6, 10-7; and Pedro Melo beat Jittawait when he retired in the second set.

Coyote Men’s Tennis team beats Bethany 4-3

LINDSBORG - Kansas Wesleyan Women's Tennis opened the Kansas Conference portion of its schedule on Tuesday as the Coyotes headed south to take on the Bethany Swedes. The Coyotes would return victorious from the Lindquist Tennis Center 4-3 over the Swedes.

KWU opened by capturing the all-important doubles point. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/49a9ab41-9b41-40e3-924c-db3d14cb06e4?elinkdata=21685">Kristi Henderson</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4bac841c-4b27-45cd-9636-0653c9f41f31?elinkdata=21685">McKinnley Evans</a> beat Ana Sofia Castillo Paz and Maria Mistereck 6-1; <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6c802131-b9ff-42da-8a9c-774801e7a490?elinkdata=21685">Danielle Slack</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/856af007-3a60-4b39-ac17-9dbd97efa06a?elinkdata=21685">Hayden Bellamy</a> beat Karee Adam and Kyla Metro 7-6; and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bcaf2d3a-aed8-4ea0-be29-1873108e2708?elinkdata=21685">Alivia Sherer</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/21cd4204-932c-4a28-933b-77641d22fa2b?elinkdata=21685">Eliza Camp</a> beat Helen Harbit and Makenna Russom 6-3.

The Coyotes then won three of the singles matches to claim the match victory. Bellamy beat Castillo Paz 6-1, 6-2; Slack beat Harbit 6-2, 6-1; and Henderson beat Adam 6-3, 6-2. Henderson trailed 3-0 in the first set and came back to win it 6-3.

In the other three singles matches, Mistereck beat Sherer 6-3, 7-6; Metro beat Evans 7-5, 6-3; and Russom beat Camp 6-4, 6-2.

LINDSBORG - Kansas Wesleyan Women's Tennis opened the Kansas Conference portion of its schedule on Tuesday as the Coyotes headed south to take on the Bethany Swedes. The Coyotes would return victorious from the Lindquist Tennis Center 4-3 over the Swedes.KWU opened by capturing the all-important doubles point. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/49a9ab41-9b41-40e3-924c-db3d14cb06e4?elinkdata=21685">Kristi Henderson</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4bac841c-4b27-45cd-9636-0653c9f41f31?elinkdata=21685">McKinnley Evans</a> beat Ana Sofia Castillo Paz and Maria Mistereck 6-1; <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6c802131-b9ff-42da-8a9c-774801e7a490?elinkdata=21685">Danielle Slack</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/856af007-3a60-4b39-ac17-9dbd97efa06a?elinkdata=21685">Hayden Bellamy</a> beat Karee Adam and Kyla Metro 7-6; and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bcaf2d3a-aed8-4ea0-be29-1873108e2708?elinkdata=21685">Alivia Sherer</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/21cd4204-932c-4a28-933b-77641d22fa2b?elinkdata=21685">Eliza Camp</a> beat Helen Harbit and Makenna Russom 6-3.The Coyotes then won three of the singles matches to claim the match victory. Bellamy beat Castillo Paz 6-1, 6-2; Slack beat Harbit 6-2, 6-1; and Henderson beat Adam 6-3, 6-2. Henderson trailed 3-0 in the first set and came back to win it 6-3.In the other three singles matches, Mistereck beat Sherer 6-3, 7-6; Metro beat Evans 7-5, 6-3; and Russom beat Camp 6-4, 6-2.

KWU Women's Tennis beats the Swedes 4-3

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Coleman Hawkins had a season-best 26 points, David N'Guessan converted a crucial three-point play in the final minute, and No. 10 seed Kansas State beat No. 15 seed Arizona State 71-66 in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament on Tuesday night.

Dug McDaniel added 14 points and Max Jones and Brendan Hausen scored 10 apiece for the Wildcats (16-16), who had won two of their last three entering the tournament and now get No. 7 seed Baylor in the second round Wednesday night.

Alston Mason had 17 points to lead the Sun Devils (13-19). Joson Sanon and Basheer Jihad scored 13 apiece and Shawn Phillips Jr. finished with 11 points and 14 rebounds.

Kansas State opened the game on a 17-4 run, watched Arizona State counter with a 20-4 run of its own, and then used another 11-0 run later in the first half to take control. But the outcome was never assured until N'Guessan, who dealt with foul trouble all game, slashed through the lane to convert his three-point play for a 71-64 lead with 37.2 seconds remaining.

The Sun Devils played their fifth consecutive game without freshman Jayden Quaintance, who continued to deal with a right knee injury. The forward had 18 points and seven rebounds against Kansas State in his most recent game on Feb. 23.

Adam Miller returned from a strained oblique for the Sun Devils, but they still played just seven the entire game.

Before tipoff, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press that Arizona State coach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bobby-hurley-arizona-state-basketball-d0ee54c2c93989fd2d257619748c6f58">Bobby Hurley was expected to return</a>&nbsp;for an 11th season. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no official announcement has been made.

Arizona State finished with a losing record for the fourth time in five years.

Kansas State finished with a 20-10 advantage in points off turnovers, despite committing three more than the Sun Devils.

N'Guessan's slashing layup on which he was fouled. He's just a 58.5% foul shooter but made the free throw.

Kansas State led for 35 minutes, 39 seconds.

The Wildcats will play the Bears on Wednesday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741741541721.png" alt="K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Coleman Hawkins had a season-best 26 points, David N'Guessan converted a crucial three-point play in the final minute, and No. 10 seed Kansas State beat No. 15 seed Arizona State 71-66 in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament on Tuesday night.Dug McDaniel added 14 points and Max Jones and Brendan Hausen scored 10 apiece for the Wildcats (16-16), who had won two of their last three entering the tournament and now get No. 7 seed Baylor in the second round Wednesday night.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741741505040.png" alt="K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Alston Mason had 17 points to lead the Sun Devils (13-19). Joson Sanon and Basheer Jihad scored 13 apiece and Shawn Phillips Jr. finished with 11 points and 14 rebounds.Kansas State opened the game on a 17-4 run, watched Arizona State counter with a 20-4 run of its own, and then used another 11-0 run later in the first half to take control. But the outcome was never assured until N'Guessan, who dealt with foul trouble all game, slashed through the lane to convert his three-point play for a 71-64 lead with 37.2 seconds remaining.The Sun Devils played their fifth consecutive game without freshman Jayden Quaintance, who continued to deal with a right knee injury. The forward had 18 points and seven rebounds against Kansas State in his most recent game on Feb. 23.Adam Miller returned from a strained oblique for the Sun Devils, but they still played just seven the entire game.Before tipoff, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press that Arizona State coach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bobby-hurley-arizona-state-basketball-d0ee54c2c93989fd2d257619748c6f58">Bobby Hurley was expected to return</a>&nbsp;for an 11th season. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no official announcement has been made.<h2>Takeaways</h2>Arizona State finished with a losing record for the fourth time in five years.Kansas State finished with a 20-10 advantage in points off turnovers, despite committing three more than the Sun Devils.<h2>Key moment</h2>N'Guessan's slashing layup on which he was fouled. He's just a 58.5% foul shooter but made the free throw.<h2>Key stats</h2>Kansas State led for 35 minutes, 39 seconds.<h2>Up next</h2>The Wildcats will play the Bears on Wednesday night.

🏀 Hawkins scores 26 as K-State beats Arizona State in Big 12 tourney

[10-seed] KANSAS STATE (15-16, 9-11 Big 12) vs. [15-seed] ARIZONA STATE (13-18, 4-16 Big 12)

Tuesday, March 11, 2025 &gt;&gt; 6 p.m., CT &gt;&gt; T-Mobile Center (19,135) &gt;&gt; Kansas City, Mo.

ESPN+ (online <a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/player/_/eventCalendarId/401743844">link</a>)

vs. Arizona State: 1-1 [0-0 neutral sites]

Record at Arizona State: 168-149/10th Year

Last Meeting: L, 54-66 [2/23/2025 in Manhattan]

K-STATE PLAYS ARIZONA STATE AT PHILLIPS 66 BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP

K-State (15-16, 9-11 Big 12) opens play in the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship on Tuesday night, as the 10-seeded Wildcats play 15-seed Arizona State (13-18, 4-16 Big 12) in the second session of the opening round at 6 p.m., CT on ESPN+. The winner of the game will play 7-seed Baylor (18-13, 10-10 Big 12) in the second round at 6 p.m., CT on Wednesday night, also on ESPN+.

Arizona State holds a slight 6-5 edge in the all-time series, including 2-1 neutral site matchups. The schools split their 2 regular-season meetings this season with the Wildcats earning a 71-70 win in Tempe on Feb. 1 before the Sun Devils enacted revenge with a 66-54 win in Manhattan on Feb. 23.

K-State is 38-45 all-time at Big Eight/12 Championship dating back to 1977, including 18-27 at the Big 12 Championship. The Wildcats have won 2 titles (1977, 1980) and advanced to the finals on 8 occasions (1977, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1988, 1993, 2010 and 2013). The team has a 20-15 record in first-round games, including a 4-3 mark as the tournament’s No. 10 seed (2001, 2005, 2020, 2024). Last season, the team defeated 7-seed Texas, 78-74, before losing to 2-seed Iowa State, 76-57.

No. 10/10 Iowa State forced K-State into 17 turnovers, scoring 22 points off those miscues, as the Cyclones earned a 73-57 win in the regular-season finale at Bramlage Coliseum. ISU was strong on both ends of the court, hitting on 47.1 percent (24-of-51) from the field and 81.8 percent (18-of-22) from the free throw line, while holding the Wildcats to 37.7 percent (20-of-53) shooting.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Senior David N’Guessan led the way for K-State for third straight game with 19 points on 8-of-10 field goals to go with 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks and a steal in his final home game. He was joined in double figures by junior Dug McDaniel, who finished with 14 points and 6 assists.	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

GAME 32[10-seed] KANSAS STATE (15-16, 9-11 Big 12) vs. [15-seed] ARIZONA STATE (13-18, 4-16 Big 12)Tuesday, March 11, 2025 &gt;&gt; 6 p.m., CT &gt;&gt; T-Mobile Center (19,135) &gt;&gt; Kansas City, Mo.Phillips 66 Big 12 ChampionshipTELEVISIONESPN+ (online <a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/player/_/eventCalendarId/401743844">link</a>)<ul>
 <li>Roxy Bernstein (play-by-play)</li><li>King McClure (analyst)</li><li>Joe McCoy (producer)</li>
 </ul>RADIOK-State Sports NetworkFlagships: // KMAN 1350 &amp; WIBW 580Satellite Radio: Ch. 138 or 198Online: Varsity Network [free] / <a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/watch">www.kstatesports.com/watch</a> [free]<ul>
 <li>Wyatt Thompson (play-by-play)</li><li>Stan Weber (analyst)</li>
 </ul>LIVE STATS<a href="https://www.statbroadcast.com/events/statmonitr.php?gid=ksu">kstate.statbroadcast.com</a>COACHESK-State: Jerome Tang [Charter Oak State College ‘07]Record at K-State: 60-41/3rd YearCareer Record: 62-41*/3rd Year+vs. Arizona State: 1-1 [0-0 neutral sites]Arizona State: Bobby Hurley [Duke ‘93]Record at Arizona State: 168-149/10th YearCareer Record: 210-169/12th Yearvs. K-State: 2-1 [1-0 neutral site]LAST GAME STARTERS:K-State (15-16)G: #0 Dug McDanielG: #11 Brendan HausenG: #2 Max JonesW: #33 Coleman HawkinsW: #1 David N’GuessanArizona State (13-18)G: #1 Alston MasonG: #3 Joson SanonF: #5 Amier AliF: #8 Basheer JihadC: #9 Shawn Phillips Jr.SERIES HISTORYOverall: Arizona State leads 6-5Big 12 Era: Tied 1-1In Kansas City: First meetingAt T-Mobile Center: First meetingActive Streak: Arizona State, 1Last Meeting: L, 54-66 [2/23/2025 in Manhattan]Jerome Tang vs. Bobby Hurley: 1-1K-STATE PLAYS ARIZONA STATE AT PHILLIPS 66 BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIPK-State (15-16, 9-11 Big 12) opens play in the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship on Tuesday night, as the 10-seeded Wildcats play 15-seed Arizona State (13-18, 4-16 Big 12) in the second session of the opening round at 6 p.m., CT on ESPN+. The winner of the game will play 7-seed Baylor (18-13, 10-10 Big 12) in the second round at 6 p.m., CT on Wednesday night, also on ESPN+.Arizona State holds a slight 6-5 edge in the all-time series, including 2-1 neutral site matchups. The schools split their 2 regular-season meetings this season with the Wildcats earning a 71-70 win in Tempe on Feb. 1 before the Sun Devils enacted revenge with a 66-54 win in Manhattan on Feb. 23.K-State is 38-45 all-time at Big Eight/12 Championship dating back to 1977, including 18-27 at the Big 12 Championship. The Wildcats have won 2 titles (1977, 1980) and advanced to the finals on 8 occasions (1977, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1988, 1993, 2010 and 2013). The team has a 20-15 record in first-round games, including a 4-3 mark as the tournament’s No. 10 seed (2001, 2005, 2020, 2024). Last season, the team defeated 7-seed Texas, 78-74, before losing to 2-seed Iowa State, 76-57.LAST TIME OUTNo. 10/10 Iowa State forced K-State into 17 turnovers, scoring 22 points off those miscues, as the Cyclones earned a 73-57 win in the regular-season finale at Bramlage Coliseum. ISU was strong on both ends of the court, hitting on 47.1 percent (24-of-51) from the field and 81.8 percent (18-of-22) from the free throw line, while holding the Wildcats to 37.7 percent (20-of-53) shooting.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Senior David N’Guessan led the way for K-State for third straight game with 19 points on 8-of-10 field goals to go with 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks and a steal in his final home game. He was joined in double figures by junior Dug McDaniel, who finished with 14 points and 6 assists.	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;KEY STORYLINES<ul>
 <li>It has been a roller coaster of a Big 12 season for K-State, which has had a 6-game losing streak followed by a 6-game winning streak followed by a 4-game losing streak followed by a 2-game winning streak before the loss to No. 10/10 Iowa State on Saturday afternoon.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Senior David N’Guessan, who earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors on Monday, leads the Wildcats in both scoring (13.3 ppg.) and rebounding (7.2 rpg.) while connecting on a Big 12-best 63.8 percent (169-of-265) from the field. He has scored in double figures in a team-best 25 games with five 20-point performances, including in 15 of 20 Big 12 games with 5 double-doubles.</li><li>Senior Coleman Hawkins, who returned to the lineup at Cincinnati (3/5/26), is the only Division I player to average 10 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. He became the first Wildcat since 2023 to earn recognition to one of the three All-Big 12 teams on Monday.</li><li>Junior Dug McDaniel has continued his emergence in the last 14 games, as he is averaging 13.5 points, 5.9 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.7 steals with 12 double-digit scoring games, including three 20-point efforts against No. 3/3 Iowa State (2/1/25), No. 13/13 Arizona (2/11/25) and BYU (2/15/25).</li>
 </ul>A K-STATE WIN WOULD…<ul>
 <li>Advance the Wildcats to play 7-seed Baylor on Wednesday.</li><li>Give it a 39-45 record in conference tournament play.</li><li>Give it a 19-27 record in Big 12 Championship play.</li><li>Give it a 31-38 record in Kansas City in tournament play.</li><li>Be the 1,756th in program history, including 6th vs. ASU.</li>
 </ul>NOTES ON ARIZONA STATE<ul>
 <li>Led by 10th-year head coach Bobby Hurley, Arizona State is 13-18 on the season, finishing in 15th place with a 4-16 mark in its first Big 12 season. The Sun Devils had impressive non-conference wins over Santa Clara, Grand Canyon, New Mexico and Saint Mary’s, going 5-1 at neutral sites. Three of their 4 Big 12 wins came on the road at West Virginia, Colorado and K-State, as they went just 1-9 at home in league play. They were 12-8 overall before losing 10 of their last 11 games with their lone win coming at K-State on Feb. 23.</li><li>Arizona State is averaging 74.2 points on 44 percent shooting, including 36.1 percent from 3-point range, while allowing 76.6 points on 43.7 percent shooting, including 32.6 percent from 3-point range. The Sun Devils average 8.8 made 3-pointers per game with 4 players with 44 or more made triples. They are connecting on 75.5 percent from the free throw line.</li><li>Three players are averaging in double figures led by senior Alston Mason, who is averaging 13.4 points on 42.1 percent shooting with 53 made 3-pointers on 39 percent shooting with a team-best 121 assists and 23 steals. Fellow senior Basheer Jihad is averaging 12.5 points on 41.2 percent shooting to go with 5.5 rebounds per game, while freshman Joson Sanon is averaging 11.9 points with 44 made 3-pointers on 37.6 percent shooting. Senior Adam Miller has a team-best 55 made 3-pointers while averaging just under 10 points per game. Freshman Jayden Quaintance is averaging a near double-double with 9.4 points and a team-high 7.9 rebounds per game, along with a Big 12-best 2.6 blocks per game.</li><li>The former Duke All-American has a 210-169 record in his 12th season as a head coach, including a 168-149 mark in his 10th season in Tempe. He led Buffalo from 2013-15 before taking over at ASU in 2015-16. He has led the Sun Devils to four 20-win seasons and NCAA Tournament appearances in 2018, 2019 and 2023. He is 2-1 all-time vs. K-State.</li>
 </ul>LAST GAME OUT<ul>
 <li>No. 9/9 Texas Tech used a big second-half performance to earn an 85-57 win over Arizona State in the regular-season finale for both teams on Saturday. The Red Raiders broke open a tight game with a 49-point second half on 51.7 percent shooting.</li><li>Senior Basheer Ali led three Sun Devils in double figures with 22 points on 7-of-11 shooting, while Joson Sanon and Alston Mason had 16 and 14 points, respectively.</li>
 </ul>SERIES HISTORY<ul>
 <li>Arizona State holds a 6-5 edge in the all-time series, which dates back to 1962. This will be the fourth meeting on a neutral site with the Sun Devils holding a 2-1 edge in those matchups. This will be the first-ever meeting at the Big 12 Championship.</li><li>K-State won the first-ever meeting, 77-72, in Lawrence, Kan. on Dec. 15, 1962, before dropping neutral-site meetings at the Maui Invitational in 1998 and Las Vegas Invitational in 2017.</li>
 </ul>

MBB: PREVIEW // K-State Plays Arizona State on Tuesday Night at Big 12 Championship

WICHITA, Kan. - <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/876e3a05-499e-4098-9cea-a2edcca87d2b?elinkdata=21592">Chihiro Iwata</a> of Kansas Wesleyan University has earned the KCAC Flag Football Offensive Player of the Week honor, the conference office announced Monday. Student-athletes were selected for their performances from March 3-9 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a033ca9d-50b9-4b13-9ebe-23bbecfb7d3c?elinkdata=21592">Equity Bank</a>.

Iwata was exceptional in a three game week for the Coyotes, who went 3-0, outscoring opponents 137-18. Iwata completed 75 percent of passes, throwing for 777 yards and 14 touchdowns on the week. She also ran for 59 yards on six carries and scored twice. She threw for 299 yards and five touchdowns against Southwestern, 302 yards and five touchdowns against Pratt, and 176 yards and four touchdowns against Cottey College.

She was able to accomplish all these offensive superlatives without playing a full game in any of the three contests.

WICHITA, Kan. - <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/876e3a05-499e-4098-9cea-a2edcca87d2b?elinkdata=21592">Chihiro Iwata</a> of Kansas Wesleyan University has earned the KCAC Flag Football Offensive Player of the Week honor, the conference office announced Monday. Student-athletes were selected for their performances from March 3-9 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a033ca9d-50b9-4b13-9ebe-23bbecfb7d3c?elinkdata=21592">Equity Bank</a>.Iwata was exceptional in a three game week for the Coyotes, who went 3-0, outscoring opponents 137-18. Iwata completed 75 percent of passes, throwing for 777 yards and 14 touchdowns on the week. She also ran for 59 yards on six carries and scored twice. She threw for 299 yards and five touchdowns against Southwestern, 302 yards and five touchdowns against Pratt, and 176 yards and four touchdowns against Cottey College.She was able to accomplish all these offensive superlatives without playing a full game in any of the three contests.

Chihiro Iwata named KCAC Flag Football Offensive Player of the Week

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Seniors Coleman Hawkins and David N’Guessan were each honored for their respective seasons, as Hawkins was named to the All-Big 12 Third Team and N’Guessan to the Honorable Mention team in announcement by the conference office on Sunday (March 9).

It marked the first career Big 12 awards for Hawkins and N’Guessan, while they were the fifth and sixth Wildcats to be selected to the All-Big 12 teams under head coach Jerome Tang. Hawkins was named the Preseason Big 12 Co-Newcomer of the Year and to the Preseason All-Big 12 Second Team.

Hawkins is the first Wildcat to earn recognition to one of the three All-Big 12 teams since Keyontae Johnson and Markquis Nowell were elected to the All-Big 12 First Team in 2023.

The all-conference honors were the fourth in Hawkins’s career after he was named to the Big Ten Honorable Mention team at Illinois in 2023-24. He was also a Second Team pick by the AP and a Third Team honoree by the league media.

Big 12 regular-season champion Houston headlined the individual awards, as Cougars’ Joseph Tugler and LJ Cryer were selected as the Defensive Player of the Year and Scholar-Athlete of the Year, respectively, while head coach Kelvin Sampson was the league’s Coach of the Year for the second consecutive season. Runner-up Texas Tech had both the Player and Newcomer of the Year in JT Toppin, while Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe was Freshman of the Year, Iowa State’s Curtis Jones was the Sixth Man Award winner and BYU’s Richie Saunders was league’s Most Improved Player.

The All-Big 12 awards are selected by league’s 16 coaches, who are not allowed to vote for their own players.

A 6-foot-10, 255-pound wing from Sacramento, Calif., Hawkins is the only Division I player in the country to average at least 10 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. He is averaging 10.4 points on 39.6 percent (108-of-273) shooting, including 29.8 percent (31-of-104) from 3-point range, to go with 6.9 rebounds, 4.5 assists. 1.9 steals and 1.3 blocks in 33.3 minutes per game. He is the team leader in steals and blocks, while he is second in rebounding and assists and fourth in scoring. He has scored in double figures in 15 games, including 10 times in Big 12 play, while he has tallied 3 double-doubles, including a points/assists double-double at Kansas on Jan. 18.

A 6-foot-9, 220-pound wing from De Lier, The Netherlands, N’Guessan has been the Wildcats’ leading scorer and rebounder for most of the season, as he is averaging 13.3 points on a Big 12-best 63.8 percent (169-of-265) shooting from the field with 7.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.9 blocks in 29.9 minutes per game. He has scored in double figures in a team-best 25 games, including a team-best five 20-point performance. He has also collected a team-best 6 double-doubles, including 5 in Big 12 play. In addition to being the league’s leader in field goal percentage, he ranks in the top 20 in both scoring and rebounding.

K-State (15-16, 9-11 Big 12) is the No. 10 seed at this week’s Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship and will face 15-seed Arizona State (13-18, 4-16 Big 12) at 6 p.m., CT on Tuesday at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. The winner will get No. 7 seed Baylor (18-13, 10-10 Big 12) at 6 p.m., CT on Wednesday.

Player of the Year: JT Toppin, Texas Tech

Defensive Player of the Year: Joseph Tugler, Houston

Scholar-Athlete of the Year: LJ Cryer, Houston

Freshman of the Year: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor

Newcomer of the Year: JT Toppin, Texas Tech

Sixth Man Award: Curtis Jones, Iowa State

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Seniors Coleman Hawkins and David N’Guessan were each honored for their respective seasons, as Hawkins was named to the All-Big 12 Third Team and N’Guessan to the Honorable Mention team in announcement by the conference office on Sunday (March 9).It marked the first career Big 12 awards for Hawkins and N’Guessan, while they were the fifth and sixth Wildcats to be selected to the All-Big 12 teams under head coach Jerome Tang. Hawkins was named the Preseason Big 12 Co-Newcomer of the Year and to the Preseason All-Big 12 Second Team.Hawkins is the first Wildcat to earn recognition to one of the three All-Big 12 teams since Keyontae Johnson and Markquis Nowell were elected to the All-Big 12 First Team in 2023.The all-conference honors were the fourth in Hawkins’s career after he was named to the Big Ten Honorable Mention team at Illinois in 2023-24. He was also a Second Team pick by the AP and a Third Team honoree by the league media.Big 12 regular-season champion Houston headlined the individual awards, as Cougars’ Joseph Tugler and LJ Cryer were selected as the Defensive Player of the Year and Scholar-Athlete of the Year, respectively, while head coach Kelvin Sampson was the league’s Coach of the Year for the second consecutive season. Runner-up Texas Tech had both the Player and Newcomer of the Year in JT Toppin, while Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe was Freshman of the Year, Iowa State’s Curtis Jones was the Sixth Man Award winner and BYU’s Richie Saunders was league’s Most Improved Player.The All-Big 12 awards are selected by league’s 16 coaches, who are not allowed to vote for their own players.A 6-foot-10, 255-pound wing from Sacramento, Calif., Hawkins is the only Division I player in the country to average at least 10 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. He is averaging 10.4 points on 39.6 percent (108-of-273) shooting, including 29.8 percent (31-of-104) from 3-point range, to go with 6.9 rebounds, 4.5 assists. 1.9 steals and 1.3 blocks in 33.3 minutes per game. He is the team leader in steals and blocks, while he is second in rebounding and assists and fourth in scoring. He has scored in double figures in 15 games, including 10 times in Big 12 play, while he has tallied 3 double-doubles, including a points/assists double-double at Kansas on Jan. 18.A 6-foot-9, 220-pound wing from De Lier, The Netherlands, N’Guessan has been the Wildcats’ leading scorer and rebounder for most of the season, as he is averaging 13.3 points on a Big 12-best 63.8 percent (169-of-265) shooting from the field with 7.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.9 blocks in 29.9 minutes per game. He has scored in double figures in a team-best 25 games, including a team-best five 20-point performance. He has also collected a team-best 6 double-doubles, including 5 in Big 12 play. In addition to being the league’s leader in field goal percentage, he ranks in the top 20 in both scoring and rebounding.K-State (15-16, 9-11 Big 12) is the No. 10 seed at this week’s Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship and will face 15-seed Arizona State (13-18, 4-16 Big 12) at 6 p.m., CT on Tuesday at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. The winner will get No. 7 seed Baylor (18-13, 10-10 Big 12) at 6 p.m., CT on Wednesday.Phillips 66 All-Big 12 AwardsPlayer of the Year: JT Toppin, Texas TechDefensive Player of the Year: Joseph Tugler, HoustonScholar-Athlete of the Year: LJ Cryer, HoustonFreshman of the Year: VJ Edgecombe, BaylorNewcomer of the Year: JT Toppin, Texas TechSixth Man Award: Curtis Jones, Iowa StateMost Improved: Richie Saunders, BYUCoach of the Year: Kelvin Sampson, HoustonAll-Big 12 First TeamCaleb Love, ArizonaNorchad Omier, BaylorRichie Saunders, BYULJ Cryer, HoustonJ’Wan Roberts, HoustonCurtis Jones, Iowa StateHunter Dickinson, KansasJT Toppin, Texas Tech*Darrion Williams, Texas TechJavon Small, West VirginiaAll-Big 12 Second TeamVJ Edgecombe, BaylorKeyshawn Hall, UCFMilos Uzan, HoustonJoshua Jefferson, Iowa StateChance McMillian, Texas TechAll-Big 12 Third TeamJoseph Tugler, HoustonZeke Mayo, KansasColeman Hawkins, Kansas StateKeshon Gilbert, Iowa StateTamin Lipsey, Iowa StateHonorable Mention: Arizona: Tobe Awaka, Henri Veesaar; Baylor: Robert Wright; BYU: Egor Demin; UCF: Darius Johnson; Cincinnati: Jizzle James; Colorado: Julian Hammond III; Houston: Emanuel Sharp; Kansas: Dajuan Harris Jr.; Kansas State: David N’Guessan; Oklahoma State: Bryce Thompson; TCU: Noah Reynolds, Ernest Udeh Jr.; Utah: Gabe MadsenAll-Defensive TeamJayden Quaintance, Arizona StateJ’Wan Roberts, HoustonJoseph Tugler, HoustonTamin Lipsey, Iowa StateSencire Harris, West VirginiaAll-Freshman TeamJayden Quaintance, Arizona StateVJ Edgecombe, BaylorRobert Wright, BaylorEgor Demin, BYUChristian Anderson, Texas TechAll-Newcomer TeamNorchad Omier, BaylorKeyshawn Hall, UCFJoshua Jefferson, Iowa StateZeke Mayo, Kansas