MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;(13/13) K-State plastered Green Bay in the opening 20 minutes of the season on Monday afternoon at Bramlage Coliseum and cruised to a 92-45 win.

K-State (1-0) featured four players in double figures led by senior guard Jaelyn Glenn with 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting including 4-of-9 from long range, nine rebounds, six assists and three steals.

Senior forward Kennedy Taylor came off the bench to notch her 20th&nbsp;career double-double and her first at K-State with 16 points on 5-of-8 shooting, 11 rebounds, a block and a steal. She is the third Wildcat in program history to record a double-double in their K-State debut, joining Kendra Wecker and Peyton Williams.

Senior forward and Cheryl Miller Award candidate Temira Poindexter tallied 15 points, five rebounds, four blocks, two assists and two steals. Poindexter is the first Wildcat to debut with a stat line that included 15 or more points, five or more rebounds, four or more blocks and two or more steals.

Senior guard Serena Sundell chipped in with 12 points and three assists.

- K-State raced out to a 28-7 lead after the first quarter, as they shot 61.5 percent (8-of-13) from the floor.

- K-State would throttle Green Bay in the second quarter, outscoring the Phoenix 21-5 in the stanza to hold a 49-12 lead at the half. The five points in the second quarter were the fewest K-State has allowed in a second quarter since December 30, 2023, when the Wildcats allowed just three points at Cincinnati.

- The 12 points allowed by K-State were the fewest the Wildcats have allowed in a first half since holding Oklahoma State to six first half points on Feb. 20, 2022.

- K-State used a 10-0 run to begin the third quarter to up its advantage to 59-12. The lead to would build to a game-high 49, 72-24, with 1:15 left in the third, as Poindexter beat the shot clock on a 3-pointer from the right wing.

- The Wildcats would capture the fourth quarter, 19-17, as Glenn led the effort with six points in the final stanza.

- K-State ended the afternoon shooting 48.6 percent (34-of-70) from the field, including 37.9 percent (11-of-29) from beyond the arc.

- Defensively, the Wildcats held the Phoenix to 30.6 percent (19-of-62) shooting including 20.0 percent (4-of-20) from long range.

- Monday’s game was the earliest season-opener in program history.

- Kansas State is 48-9 (.842) in season openers and have won 22 of the last 24 season openers, including 14 straight.

- The Wildcats have won 30 of its last 32 home openers in Bramlage Coliseum. The Wildcats are 48-9 (.842) all-time in home openers and 33-4 (.892) in openers in Bramlage.

- K-State is 397-156 (.718) in its 37-season history inside Bramlage Coliseum. The Wildcats own a 230-30 (.885) record against non-conference opponents inside Bramlage.

- K-State is 5-2 in the series against Green Bay. The Wildcats are 10-2 against current members of the Horizon League.

- K-State owns a record of 249-95 (.724) as an AP ranked team. K-State is 16-3 (.842) all-time when ranked 13th in the nation.

- The Wildcats are 161-54 (.749) in games played in the month of November, including wins in 49 of its last 60 games in the month. Under head coach Jeff Mittie, K-State is 47-11 (.810) in games during the 11th&nbsp;month.

- K-State's starting five consisted of guards: Zyanna Walker, Jaelyn Glenn and Serena Sundell; forward Temira Poindexter and center Ayoka Lee. This was the 115th career start for Lee, the 104th career start for Sundell, the 100th career start for Jaelyn Glenn, the 88th&nbsp;career collegiate start and first at K-State for Poindexter and the first career start for Zyanna Walker.

- The 92 points scored by K-State marked the ninth time K-State has scored 90 or more points in a season-opener and the most since Nov. 9, 2021, when the Wildcats scored 103 against Central Arkansas.

- The Wildcats held a 49-12 lead at halftime on Monday. This was K-State’s largest halftime lead since at least the 2016-17 season. Under head coach Jeff Mittie, K-State is 151-19 (.888) when leading at halftime.

- K-State shot 50.0 percent or better in a quarter twice on Monday (first and third frames. A season ago, the Wildcats had 48 quarters with a field goal percentage of 50.0 percent or better. The 48 quarters with a field goal percentage of 50.0 percent or better was the highest in program history since the start of the quarter system in 2015-16.

- The Wildcats handed out 24 assists on Monday. Over the last 17 seasons, K-State is 93-8 (.921) when handing out 20 or more assists in a game.

- K-State pulled in 56 rebounds on Monday. Over the last four seasons, K-State is 43-3 (.935) when holding the advantage on the glass. The Wildcats generated 23 second-chance points on Monday. This was K-State’s highest effort in second chance points since carding 23 against Kansas on Feb. 13, 2021.

- The Wildcats made 11 three-pointers on Monday afternoon. In the Mittie era, K-State is 33-6 (.846) when making 10 or more 3-point field goals in a game.

- Glenn is the seventh player in the Jeff Mittie era (2014-15-present) to tally a final line with 15 or more points, five or more rebounds, five or more assists and two or more steals.

- Glenn scored 10 or more points in a game for the 40th&nbsp;time in her career. She needs 128 points to reach 1,000 career points.

- Glenn made four 3-pointers on Monday. This was her sixth career game with four or more connections from long range and her first since making four at West Virginia on Feb. 25, 2023. She needs eight connections to move into 10 on the K-State career 3-point field goals made list.

- Glenn pulled in nine rebounds, her 45 career game with five or more rebounds.

- Glenn dished out six assists, her seventh career game with five or more assists. She needs 18 assists to move into 25th&nbsp;on the K-State career assists list.

- Glenn pocketed three steals on Monday. This was her 59th&nbsp;career game with two or more steals. Glenn ranks 10th&nbsp;on the K-State career steals list with 208 and needs two steals to pass Mariah White (2009-13; 209) for ninth and five to pass Shaelyn Martin (2014-18; 212) for eighth.

- Taylor registered her 44th&nbsp;career game with 10 or more points.

- Taylor recorded her 23rd&nbsp;career game with 10 or more rebounds.

- Poindexter tallied her 81st&nbsp;career game with 10 or more points. She improved her collegiate point total to 1,586. Poindexter made two or more 3-pointers for the 55th&nbsp;time in her career with her three connections on Monday.

- Poindexter hauled in five rebounds, upping her career total to 50 career games with five or more boards.

- Poindexter blocked four shots on Monday, which marked her 12th&nbsp;career game with four or more blocks.

- Sundell notched her 72nd career game with 10 or more points. Sundell owns 1,275 career points and moved into 21st on the K-State career scoring list passing Cassandra Jones (1982-86; 1,271).

- Sundell made two 3-pointers on Monday. This was her 26th career game with two or more connections from 3-point range.

- Sundell’s three assists on Monday improved her career total to 552 and ranks fourth in school history for career assists. She is the fourth player in program history with 550 or more career assists.

- Lee needs 41 points to pass Nicole Ohlde (2000-04; 2,241 points) for second in school history for career points. Lee’s career point total stands at 2,201 and trails Nicole Ohlde (2000-04; 2,241) for second on the K-State career scoring list.

- Lee hauled in four rebounds on Monday. Lee’s career total for rebounds stands at 1,122, improving upon her own school record for career rebounds. Lee remains in ninth in Big 12 history for career rebounds.

- Lee improved her career blocked shot total to 312, improving upon her school record for career blocked shots. This was Lee’s 84th career game with two or more blocked shots. Lee ranks fifth all-time in Big 12 history for career blocked shots.

- Taryn Sides made two 3-point field goals on Monday. This was her ninth career game with two or more connections.

“Good first game, first half there wasn't a whole lot to be disappointed about. I thought our team played really well, thought they played together, the pace and attack was good. I think the kids being in attendance brought some energy to that building with it being an 11am game. I hope we can do this every year. Because some school districts are a little harder to allow students to come to the games, and I hope they find a way to allow that. Because I think it's hard to argue that it's not a positive experience for that age group to go to a game. It's rare to be able to go to a game with your classmates. You know, they go to a game with their grandparents or their parents, and that's a different feeling, and a different experience. But to be able to go in the middle of a school day, be able to be on a college campus and be able to do it with your classmates, that's different. And the reality of it is, there's probably some kids that maybe don't have that opportunity to go to a game, that got to go to a game today, that's our hope in doing it. And so I hope moving forward, we can do that. I appreciate our administration doing a great job with it. I appreciate my staff doing a great job with it. And then I think our players were excited to play in front of them, and I think our players put on a pretty good show today.”

On Senior Brylee Glenn possibly redshirting…

“Brylee [Glenn] came to me about three weeks ago and said there were some things that she wanted to work on, and so we kind of put it on the back burner then, but now you have to kind of make a decision. The plan right now is to red shirt her. She also knows we've got, I don't want to say a thin bench right now, but if circumstances change, she's got to still be ready but that'll be her choice. It's not my choice, but that's the plan right now.”

On Senior Kennedy Taylor’s performance…

“That's one of the reasons why we recruited Kennedy&nbsp; for moments like this. And one of the reasons we wanted Imani [Lester] to take that next step. Kennedy has shown in practice that she's got a real knack for offensive rebounding. I think that's continued to get better as she's got familiarized with the offense of where those opportunities lie. I like the way she got herself to the free throw line. We knew that Kennedy was a capable player and we felt like that was an improvement backing up [Ayoka] Lee, and you saw the reason why today.”

On Ayoka Lee not playing in the 2nd half…

“There was something in that ankle that kind of popped. That's all I got right now. They told me she was available, and I said, obviously the margin was large and we got games coming forward, so we're hopeful that it wasn't anything that is lingering, but that's where it sits today.”

K-State Senior Forward Temira Poindexter

On her first performance as a Wildcat…

“It felt good. I mean, this is what I came here for– for this environment and this team. I mean, I'm enjoying my time here so far, and I really love my teammates, it's amazing.”

On being able to shut Green Bay down defensively…

“I mean, we knew who their shooters were, and Coach Mittie did a good job making sure we knew who they were and what they did the best. That's what we have just been working on in practice, finding the shooters, and knowing who's going to shoot it.”

On the team scoring 49 points in the first half…

“I feel like it was good. I mean, we flowed really well in this game. Everybody got (their) hands on the ball. Looking at the stat sheets, everybody got some shots up and some points. So, I feel like we did a great job.”

K-State Senior Forward Kennedy Taylor

On sporting a double-double in her career debut as a Wildcat…

“I mean, it's amazing. I've been trying to make sure that I work on my game and work on different aspects to help lead me to this. I mean, none of this would have been possible without my teammates finding me and helping me get to where I am.”

“I feel like, just from a rebounding aspect, I try to make sure I put myself in the right position. I feel like that's probably the main thing that I try to do. Every time I watch the ball go up, I try to see, ‘Okay, is this the right position I should get in?’ or should I move a little bit to the right, or a little bit to see if I can get this rebound.”

On playing in an environment like Bramlage…

“I mean, this has been amazing. This environment is like nothing I've ever experienced before. I'm truly blessed and grateful to have this opportunity to play in front of everybody here.”

The Wildcats continue its five-game home stand on Thursday night at 6:30 p.m., as K-State hosts Belmont. For tickets, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or call (800) 221-CATS.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;(13/13) K-State plastered Green Bay in the opening 20 minutes of the season on Monday afternoon at Bramlage Coliseum and cruised to a 92-45 win.K-State (1-0) featured four players in double figures led by senior guard Jaelyn Glenn with 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting including 4-of-9 from long range, nine rebounds, six assists and three steals.Senior forward Kennedy Taylor came off the bench to notch her 20th&nbsp;career double-double and her first at K-State with 16 points on 5-of-8 shooting, 11 rebounds, a block and a steal. She is the third Wildcat in program history to record a double-double in their K-State debut, joining Kendra Wecker and Peyton Williams.Senior forward and Cheryl Miller Award candidate Temira Poindexter tallied 15 points, five rebounds, four blocks, two assists and two steals. Poindexter is the first Wildcat to debut with a stat line that included 15 or more points, five or more rebounds, four or more blocks and two or more steals.Senior guard Serena Sundell chipped in with 12 points and three assists.HOW IT HAPPENED- K-State raced out to a 28-7 lead after the first quarter, as they shot 61.5 percent (8-of-13) from the floor.- K-State would throttle Green Bay in the second quarter, outscoring the Phoenix 21-5 in the stanza to hold a 49-12 lead at the half. The five points in the second quarter were the fewest K-State has allowed in a second quarter since December 30, 2023, when the Wildcats allowed just three points at Cincinnati.- The 12 points allowed by K-State were the fewest the Wildcats have allowed in a first half since holding Oklahoma State to six first half points on Feb. 20, 2022.- K-State used a 10-0 run to begin the third quarter to up its advantage to 59-12. The lead to would build to a game-high 49, 72-24, with 1:15 left in the third, as Poindexter beat the shot clock on a 3-pointer from the right wing.- The Wildcats would capture the fourth quarter, 19-17, as Glenn led the effort with six points in the final stanza.- K-State ended the afternoon shooting 48.6 percent (34-of-70) from the field, including 37.9 percent (11-of-29) from beyond the arc.- Defensively, the Wildcats held the Phoenix to 30.6 percent (19-of-62) shooting including 20.0 percent (4-of-20) from long range.QUICK FACTS- Monday’s game was the earliest season-opener in program history.- Kansas State is 48-9 (.842) in season openers and have won 22 of the last 24 season openers, including 14 straight.- The Wildcats have won 30 of its last 32 home openers in Bramlage Coliseum. The Wildcats are 48-9 (.842) all-time in home openers and 33-4 (.892) in openers in Bramlage.- K-State is 397-156 (.718) in its 37-season history inside Bramlage Coliseum. The Wildcats own a 230-30 (.885) record against non-conference opponents inside Bramlage.- K-State is 5-2 in the series against Green Bay. The Wildcats are 10-2 against current members of the Horizon League.- K-State owns a record of 249-95 (.724) as an AP ranked team. K-State is 16-3 (.842) all-time when ranked 13th in the nation.- The Wildcats are 161-54 (.749) in games played in the month of November, including wins in 49 of its last 60 games in the month. Under head coach Jeff Mittie, K-State is 47-11 (.810) in games during the 11th&nbsp;month.TEAM NOTES- K-State's starting five consisted of guards: Zyanna Walker, Jaelyn Glenn and Serena Sundell; forward Temira Poindexter and center Ayoka Lee. This was the 115th career start for Lee, the 104th career start for Sundell, the 100th career start for Jaelyn Glenn, the 88th&nbsp;career collegiate start and first at K-State for Poindexter and the first career start for Zyanna Walker.- The 92 points scored by K-State marked the ninth time K-State has scored 90 or more points in a season-opener and the most since Nov. 9, 2021, when the Wildcats scored 103 against Central Arkansas.- The Wildcats held a 49-12 lead at halftime on Monday. This was K-State’s largest halftime lead since at least the 2016-17 season. Under head coach Jeff Mittie, K-State is 151-19 (.888) when leading at halftime.- K-State shot 50.0 percent or better in a quarter twice on Monday (first and third frames. A season ago, the Wildcats had 48 quarters with a field goal percentage of 50.0 percent or better. The 48 quarters with a field goal percentage of 50.0 percent or better was the highest in program history since the start of the quarter system in 2015-16.- The Wildcats handed out 24 assists on Monday. Over the last 17 seasons, K-State is 93-8 (.921) when handing out 20 or more assists in a game.- K-State pulled in 56 rebounds on Monday. Over the last four seasons, K-State is 43-3 (.935) when holding the advantage on the glass. The Wildcats generated 23 second-chance points on Monday. This was K-State’s highest effort in second chance points since carding 23 against Kansas on Feb. 13, 2021.- The Wildcats made 11 three-pointers on Monday afternoon. In the Mittie era, K-State is 33-6 (.846) when making 10 or more 3-point field goals in a game.PLAYER NOTES- Glenn is the seventh player in the Jeff Mittie era (2014-15-present) to tally a final line with 15 or more points, five or more rebounds, five or more assists and two or more steals.- Glenn scored 10 or more points in a game for the 40th&nbsp;time in her career. She needs 128 points to reach 1,000 career points.- Glenn made four 3-pointers on Monday. This was her sixth career game with four or more connections from long range and her first since making four at West Virginia on Feb. 25, 2023. She needs eight connections to move into 10 on the K-State career 3-point field goals made list.- Glenn pulled in nine rebounds, her 45 career game with five or more rebounds.- Glenn dished out six assists, her seventh career game with five or more assists. She needs 18 assists to move into 25th&nbsp;on the K-State career assists list.- Glenn pocketed three steals on Monday. This was her 59th&nbsp;career game with two or more steals. Glenn ranks 10th&nbsp;on the K-State career steals list with 208 and needs two steals to pass Mariah White (2009-13; 209) for ninth and five to pass Shaelyn Martin (2014-18; 212) for eighth.- Taylor registered her 44th&nbsp;career game with 10 or more points.- Taylor recorded her 23rd&nbsp;career game with 10 or more rebounds.- Poindexter tallied her 81st&nbsp;career game with 10 or more points. She improved her collegiate point total to 1,586. Poindexter made two or more 3-pointers for the 55th&nbsp;time in her career with her three connections on Monday.- Poindexter hauled in five rebounds, upping her career total to 50 career games with five or more boards.- Poindexter blocked four shots on Monday, which marked her 12th&nbsp;career game with four or more blocks.- Sundell notched her 72nd career game with 10 or more points. Sundell owns 1,275 career points and moved into 21st on the K-State career scoring list passing Cassandra Jones (1982-86; 1,271).- Sundell made two 3-pointers on Monday. This was her 26th career game with two or more connections from 3-point range.- Sundell’s three assists on Monday improved her career total to 552 and ranks fourth in school history for career assists. She is the fourth player in program history with 550 or more career assists.- Lee needs 41 points to pass Nicole Ohlde (2000-04; 2,241 points) for second in school history for career points. Lee’s career point total stands at 2,201 and trails Nicole Ohlde (2000-04; 2,241) for second on the K-State career scoring list.- Lee hauled in four rebounds on Monday. Lee’s career total for rebounds stands at 1,122, improving upon her own school record for career rebounds. Lee remains in ninth in Big 12 history for career rebounds.- Lee improved her career blocked shot total to 312, improving upon her school record for career blocked shots. This was Lee’s 84th career game with two or more blocked shots. Lee ranks fifth all-time in Big 12 history for career blocked shots.- Taryn Sides made two 3-point field goals on Monday. This was her ninth career game with two or more connections.FROM THE HEAD COACHK-State Head Coach Jeff MittieOpening Statement…“Good first game, first half there wasn't a whole lot to be disappointed about. I thought our team played really well, thought they played together, the pace and attack was good. I think the kids being in attendance brought some energy to that building with it being an 11am game. I hope we can do this every year. Because some school districts are a little harder to allow students to come to the games, and I hope they find a way to allow that. Because I think it's hard to argue that it's not a positive experience for that age group to go to a game. It's rare to be able to go to a game with your classmates. You know, they go to a game with their grandparents or their parents, and that's a different feeling, and a different experience. But to be able to go in the middle of a school day, be able to be on a college campus and be able to do it with your classmates, that's different. And the reality of it is, there's probably some kids that maybe don't have that opportunity to go to a game, that got to go to a game today, that's our hope in doing it. And so I hope moving forward, we can do that. I appreciate our administration doing a great job with it. I appreciate my staff doing a great job with it. And then I think our players were excited to play in front of them, and I think our players put on a pretty good show today.”On Senior Brylee Glenn possibly redshirting…“Brylee [Glenn] came to me about three weeks ago and said there were some things that she wanted to work on, and so we kind of put it on the back burner then, but now you have to kind of make a decision. The plan right now is to red shirt her. She also knows we've got, I don't want to say a thin bench right now, but if circumstances change, she's got to still be ready but that'll be her choice. It's not my choice, but that's the plan right now.”On Senior Kennedy Taylor’s performance…“That's one of the reasons why we recruited Kennedy&nbsp; for moments like this. And one of the reasons we wanted Imani [Lester] to take that next step. Kennedy has shown in practice that she's got a real knack for offensive rebounding. I think that's continued to get better as she's got familiarized with the offense of where those opportunities lie. I like the way she got herself to the free throw line. We knew that Kennedy was a capable player and we felt like that was an improvement backing up [Ayoka] Lee, and you saw the reason why today.”On Ayoka Lee not playing in the 2nd half…“There was something in that ankle that kind of popped. That's all I got right now. They told me she was available, and I said, obviously the margin was large and we got games coming forward, so we're hopeful that it wasn't anything that is lingering, but that's where it sits today.”FROM THE FLOORK-State Senior Forward Temira PoindexterOn her first performance as a Wildcat…“It felt good. I mean, this is what I came here for– for this environment and this team. I mean, I'm enjoying my time here so far, and I really love my teammates, it's amazing.”On being able to shut Green Bay down defensively…“I mean, we knew who their shooters were, and Coach Mittie did a good job making sure we knew who they were and what they did the best. That's what we have just been working on in practice, finding the shooters, and knowing who's going to shoot it.”On the team scoring 49 points in the first half…“I feel like it was good. I mean, we flowed really well in this game. Everybody got (their) hands on the ball. Looking at the stat sheets, everybody got some shots up and some points. So, I feel like we did a great job.”K-State Senior Forward Kennedy TaylorOn sporting a double-double in her career debut as a Wildcat…“I mean, it's amazing. I've been trying to make sure that I work on my game and work on different aspects to help lead me to this. I mean, none of this would have been possible without my teammates finding me and helping me get to where I am.”On finding success offensively…“I feel like, just from a rebounding aspect, I try to make sure I put myself in the right position. I feel like that's probably the main thing that I try to do. Every time I watch the ball go up, I try to see, ‘Okay, is this the right position I should get in?’ or should I move a little bit to the right, or a little bit to see if I can get this rebound.”On playing in an environment like Bramlage…“I mean, this has been amazing. This environment is like nothing I've ever experienced before. I'm truly blessed and grateful to have this opportunity to play in front of everybody here.”UP NEXTThe Wildcats continue its five-game home stand on Thursday night at 6:30 p.m., as K-State hosts Belmont. For tickets, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or call (800) 221-CATS.

#13 K-State Rolls WBB to Opening Win over Green Bay

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs coach Andy Reid watched as the Buccaneers drove down the field in the final minute of regulation, and Baker Mayfield threw a touchdown pass that put Tampa Bay within a 2-point conversion of ending Kansas City's perfect start to the season.

Bucs coach Todd Bowles admitted to giving “very minor” thought to going for 2 before kicking the extra point that sent the game to overtime.

“I'm glad he didn't,” Reid said with a smile.

That's because the Chiefs won the ensuing coin toss, and Patrick Mahomes capped a big day —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ctinsider.com/sports/article/chiefs-lose-mecole-hardman-to-shoulder-injury-in-19887630.php">291 yards passing and three touchdowns on a gimpy ankle</a>&nbsp;— by going 5 for 5 on the only drive of overtime. Kareem Hunt finished it off, along with his 106-yard rushing performance, by plunging into the end zone from 2 yards out to give Kansas City a 30-24 victory on Monday night.

“Everybody had a piece of this,” Reid said.

DeAndre Hopkins had eight catches for 86 yards and two TDs. Travis Kelce had 14 catches for 100 yards with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-taylor-swift-kansas-city-1aca48cb971d6d232186c5d73a2c4244">Taylor Swift watching from a suite</a>. And a defense missing a couple of key players to injuries held Mayfield to 200 yards passing and two touchdowns, and shut down a Tampa Bay running game that managed just 95 yards.

The result was familiar: The Chiefs won their 14th straight dating to last season, the longest streak since Carolina started 14-0 in 2014, and they became just the sixth Super Bowl champ to start 8-0 the following season. They also have won their last eight games when trailing in the second half, including the postseason.

The Buccaneers had their chance when Mayfield hit Ryan Miller in the end zone with 27 seconds to go. But rather than go for the win, Bowles decided to kick the extra point — and Bucs ended up losing for the fourth time in five games.

“We’ve got guys who are not going to quit fighting to the end,” Tampa Bay wide receiver Sterling Shepard said. “I’m really proud of the group and the way everybody fought. We’ve just got to clean up some little stuff. And that’s what this league is all about.”

It was a memorable first half for two players who'd been waiting to play in Arrowhead Stadium.

The Bucs' Rachaad White grew up about 10 minutes away in a tough part of Kansas City, but his family could never afford a ticket for him to see a game. He wound up taking a circuitous path through Division II Nebraska-Kearney and a California junior college to Arizona State, where he eventually became of a third-round pick of Tampa Bay in the 2022 draft.

Two year later, White finally got into Arrowhead — and the end zone. He punctuated&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1853616868726358412">his 7-yard scoring run</a>&nbsp;in the second quarter, which gave the Bucs a 7-3 lead, by nearly tossing the football all the way into the second deck.

“I can’t even count right now,” White said, when asked how many friends and family were watching from those stands.

Then it was Hopkins' turn in his first home game since arriving in Kansas City from a trade with the Titans.

The three-time All-Pro, who already had caught four passes at that point, reeled in a third-down heave from Mahomes amid triple coverage for a 35-yard gain that put the Chiefs inside the Tampa Bay 5. Three plays later, Mahomes found him in the back of the end zone, and Hopkins celebrated his first TD with the Chiefs with a dance from “Remember the Titans.”

“That's one of my favorite movies," he said. “I knew if I got in the end zone I was going to remember the Titans.”

Tampa Bay tried to seize control with consecutive scoring drives to start the second half. The first ended with a TD pass to Cade Otton, the latest tight end to shred the Chiefs, and Chase McLaughlin's 47-yard field goal gave the Bucs a 17-10 lead.

The Chiefs answered in the fourth quarter, though. Mahomes marched them through the driving rain 70 yards for the tying touchdown pass, which he delivered to Samaje Perine while landing awkwardly and tweaking his left ankle, and then threw a laser to Hopkins on third-and-goal from the Buccaneers 5 to give Kansas City the lead.

Mahomes said later the ankle injury scared him more than hurt him. He was checked in the sideline tent but was quickly back to throwing balls in an effort to stay loose, and he never gave Reid an opportunity to pull him from the game.

“You feel the pain and that scares you,” Mahomes said, “because I've dealt with ankles before. But I just kind of laid there and as time went on the pain subsided. I just kind of got to it, and got moving again and felt comfortable going out there.”

Tampa Bay promptly went three-and-out after Kansas City took the lead, but its defense got the ball right back, and this time Mayfield calmly led his team down the field. His capped the drive with a touchdown toss to Miller — his first career TD catch — with 27 seconds to go, and Tampa Bay elected to play for overtime.

It wound up being a decision the Buccaneers would regret.

Buccaneers: LB Yaya Diaby (chest) briefly left the game. CB Josh Hayes (calf) dealt with cramps in the second half.

Chiefs: WR Mecole Hardman (shoulder) and DE George Karlaftis (hip) were hurt but returned to the game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730803809119.png" alt="Photo courtesy Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs coach Andy Reid watched as the Buccaneers drove down the field in the final minute of regulation, and Baker Mayfield threw a touchdown pass that put Tampa Bay within a 2-point conversion of ending Kansas City's perfect start to the season.Bucs coach Todd Bowles admitted to giving “very minor” thought to going for 2 before kicking the extra point that sent the game to overtime.“I'm glad he didn't,” Reid said with a smile.That's because the Chiefs won the ensuing coin toss, and Patrick Mahomes capped a big day —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ctinsider.com/sports/article/chiefs-lose-mecole-hardman-to-shoulder-injury-in-19887630.php">291 yards passing and three touchdowns on a gimpy ankle</a>&nbsp;— by going 5 for 5 on the only drive of overtime. Kareem Hunt finished it off, along with his 106-yard rushing performance, by plunging into the end zone from 2 yards out to give Kansas City a 30-24 victory on Monday night.“Everybody had a piece of this,” Reid said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730783915868.jpeg" alt="The Chiefs DeAndre Hopkins is congratulated by Patrick Mahomes after scoring a touchdown in Kansas City's Monday Night game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (" />
 <figcaption>The Chiefs DeAndre Hopkins is congratulated by Patrick Mahomes after scoring a touchdown in Kansas City's Monday Night game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (</figcaption>
 </figure>DeAndre Hopkins had eight catches for 86 yards and two TDs. Travis Kelce had 14 catches for 100 yards with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-taylor-swift-kansas-city-1aca48cb971d6d232186c5d73a2c4244">Taylor Swift watching from a suite</a>. And a defense missing a couple of key players to injuries held Mayfield to 200 yards passing and two touchdowns, and shut down a Tampa Bay running game that managed just 95 yards.The result was familiar: The Chiefs won their 14th straight dating to last season, the longest streak since Carolina started 14-0 in 2014, and they became just the sixth Super Bowl champ to start 8-0 the following season. They also have won their last eight games when trailing in the second half, including the postseason.The Buccaneers had their chance when Mayfield hit Ryan Miller in the end zone with 27 seconds to go. But rather than go for the win, Bowles decided to kick the extra point — and Bucs ended up losing for the fourth time in five games.“We’ve got guys who are not going to quit fighting to the end,” Tampa Bay wide receiver Sterling Shepard said. “I’m really proud of the group and the way everybody fought. We’ve just got to clean up some little stuff. And that’s what this league is all about.”It was a memorable first half for two players who'd been waiting to play in Arrowhead Stadium.The Bucs' Rachaad White grew up about 10 minutes away in a tough part of Kansas City, but his family could never afford a ticket for him to see a game. He wound up taking a circuitous path through Division II Nebraska-Kearney and a California junior college to Arizona State, where he eventually became of a third-round pick of Tampa Bay in the 2022 draft.Two year later, White finally got into Arrowhead — and the end zone. He punctuated&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1853616868726358412">his 7-yard scoring run</a>&nbsp;in the second quarter, which gave the Bucs a 7-3 lead, by nearly tossing the football all the way into the second deck.“I can’t even count right now,” White said, when asked how many friends and family were watching from those stands.Then it was Hopkins' turn in his first home game since arriving in Kansas City from a trade with the Titans.The three-time All-Pro, who already had caught four passes at that point, reeled in a third-down heave from Mahomes amid triple coverage for a 35-yard gain that put the Chiefs inside the Tampa Bay 5. Three plays later, Mahomes found him in the back of the end zone, and Hopkins celebrated his first TD with the Chiefs with a dance from “Remember the Titans.”“That's one of my favorite movies," he said. “I knew if I got in the end zone I was going to remember the Titans.”Tampa Bay tried to seize control with consecutive scoring drives to start the second half. The first ended with a TD pass to Cade Otton, the latest tight end to shred the Chiefs, and Chase McLaughlin's 47-yard field goal gave the Bucs a 17-10 lead.The Chiefs answered in the fourth quarter, though. Mahomes marched them through the driving rain 70 yards for the tying touchdown pass, which he delivered to Samaje Perine while landing awkwardly and tweaking his left ankle, and then threw a laser to Hopkins on third-and-goal from the Buccaneers 5 to give Kansas City the lead.Mahomes said later the ankle injury scared him more than hurt him. He was checked in the sideline tent but was quickly back to throwing balls in an effort to stay loose, and he never gave Reid an opportunity to pull him from the game.“You feel the pain and that scares you,” Mahomes said, “because I've dealt with ankles before. But I just kind of laid there and as time went on the pain subsided. I just kind of got to it, and got moving again and felt comfortable going out there.”Tampa Bay promptly went three-and-out after Kansas City took the lead, but its defense got the ball right back, and this time Mayfield calmly led his team down the field. His capped the drive with a touchdown toss to Miller — his first career TD catch — with 27 seconds to go, and Tampa Bay elected to play for overtime.It wound up being a decision the Buccaneers would regret.<h2>Injuries</h2>Buccaneers: LB Yaya Diaby (chest) briefly left the game. CB Josh Hayes (calf) dealt with cramps in the second half.Chiefs: WR Mecole Hardman (shoulder) and DE George Karlaftis (hip) were hurt but returned to the game.<h2>Up next</h2>Tampa Bay hosts San Francisco on Sunday.Kansas City hosts Denver on Sunday.

🏈 Hunt scores TD in overtime as Chiefs beat Buccaneers 

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Zeke Mayo, a grad transfer from South Dakota State, had 19 points in his Kansas debut and the top-ranked Jayhawks beat Howard 87-57 on Monday night in the season-opener for both teams.

Kansas led 46-19 at halftime and its biggest lead was 38 points.

The game was the second annual McClendon Classic, named in honor of Kansas graduate and Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame honoree John McClendon.

Kansas (1-0) used the game as a tune-up before a top-10 showdown with North Carolina on Friday night. The Jayhawks had 10 players score, with three in double-figures. Hunter Dickinson, who missed Kansas' scrimmage and exhibition games, had 16 points and six rebounds, and Flory Bidunga added 13 points and a game-high eight rebounds.

Blake Harper had 16 points to lead Howard.

Howard: The Bison will take away plenty from the contest, mostly measured in guaranteed money they received from Kansas.

Kansas: The Jayhawks won their 52nd consecutive home opener, dating back to the final 10 years of Ted Owens’ career, through five years under Larry Brown, 15 under Roy Williams and 22 straight under Bill Self.

After falling behind 4-3 early, the Jayhawks used a 12-3 run to eliminate any thoughts of a Howard victory. Howard went almost nine minutes without a field goal, missing 10 straight shot attempts as Kansas methodically pulled away.

Howard shot just 24.1 percent (7 for 29) in the first half.

Howard visits Missouri on Friday, while Kansas hosts No. 9 North Carolina.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730772620373.png" alt="photo courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Zeke Mayo, a grad transfer from South Dakota State, had 19 points in his Kansas debut and the top-ranked Jayhawks beat Howard 87-57 on Monday night in the season-opener for both teams.Kansas led 46-19 at halftime and its biggest lead was 38 points.The game was the second annual McClendon Classic, named in honor of Kansas graduate and Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame honoree John McClendon.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730776571014.png" alt="Photo Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas (1-0) used the game as a tune-up before a top-10 showdown with North Carolina on Friday night. The Jayhawks had 10 players score, with three in double-figures. Hunter Dickinson, who missed Kansas' scrimmage and exhibition games, had 16 points and six rebounds, and Flory Bidunga added 13 points and a game-high eight rebounds.Blake Harper had 16 points to lead Howard.<h2>Takeaways</h2>Howard: The Bison will take away plenty from the contest, mostly measured in guaranteed money they received from Kansas.Kansas: The Jayhawks won their 52nd consecutive home opener, dating back to the final 10 years of Ted Owens’ career, through five years under Larry Brown, 15 under Roy Williams and 22 straight under Bill Self.<h2>Key moment</h2>After falling behind 4-3 early, the Jayhawks used a 12-3 run to eliminate any thoughts of a Howard victory. Howard went almost nine minutes without a field goal, missing 10 straight shot attempts as Kansas methodically pulled away.<h2>Key stat</h2>Howard shot just 24.1 percent (7 for 29) in the first half.<h2>Up Next</h2>Howard visits Missouri on Friday, while Kansas hosts No. 9 North Carolina.___

🏀 Mayo scores 19 as No. 1 Kansas beats Howard in season-opener

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State head men’s basketball coach Jerome Tang met with the media on Monday afternoon (Nov. 4) to preview the season opener with New Orleans, which tips off the 2024-25 season on Tuesday night at Bramlage Coliseum.

Links to the audio and a transcript of Tang’s availability are above.

K-State will open its 121st season of men’s basketball on Tuesday night with just their second all-time meeting with the Privateers and the first since a 62-47 victory on Dec. 4, 1999. The Wildcats are 93-27 all-time in season openers, including a 29-3 mark at Bramlage Coliseum.

K-State played its first and only public exhibition on Oct. 29, leading wire-to-wire against a nationally ranked Fort Hays State squad. Junior guard Brendan Hausen led four players in double figures with a game-high 15 points, while Preseason Big 12 co-Newcomer of the Year Coleman Hawkins was solid all-around with 13 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals in 32 minutes. Senior David N’Guessan had a near double-double with 10 points and a game-high 9 rebounds.

The third-year head coach and his staff welcome 14 players for the 2024-25 season, including 3 returning lettermen (N’Guessan and sophomores Taj Manning and Macaleab Rich) and 11 newcomers. Among those newcomers are 8 Division I transfers, a junior college All-American (Mobi Ikegwuruka) and a top-50 high school prospect (David Castillo).

Hawkins, who was also a Preseason All-Big 12 Second Team selection, has been named to the watch lists for the Naismith Trophy as well as the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year.

K-State finished the 2023-24 season with a 19-15 record, including an 8-10 mark in Big 12 play, and advanced to the NIT. Among the Wildcats’ 19 victories were 4 over Top 25 teams, including 3 in the Top 10. The team has won 45 games in Tang’s first two seasons, including consecutive postseason appearances.

Tuesday’s contest will be the first of four consecutive home games for the Wildcats, including matchups with Cleveland State (Saturday), LSU (Nov. 14) and Mississippi Valley State (Nov. 19).

Tickets are still available for Tuesday’s opener starting at $15 by calling (800) 221.CATS or online at <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/2015/6/12/mbbtickets">kstatesports.com/tickets</a>.

On if the team will be at full strength for Tuesday’s game…

“Yes, everyone is healthy. Achor (Achor) had a family emergency, and he’s still not back yet. He should be back sometime today (Monday). So, I’m not sure whether he’ll play tomorrow or not, but other than that, everybody’s healthy.”

On what he learned from the exhibition game…

“I thought we were tight as a staff as well as the players. It was the first time in front of fans with a new group. We had some guys, and this was my fault, who didn’t know how to enter the arena, where to park, things like that that go along with the first game. Achor (Achor) actually walked through the arena because that’s how we normally go to practice. He didn’t know that you walk around. So, there’s so many little things like that. My first year, everything was so new, so I knew that I would have to go through every detail. Last year, we had seven guys returning, so they helped with some of that, but now you have to treat every year like everybody’s brand new and go over every detail of everything. So, it was what an exhibition game is supposed to be. To learn what you need to take care of and correct.”

“I think that’s still developing. Right now, we have nine players who have separated themselves (from the rest of the team). There is a little separation between nine and 10, but 10 and 11 are right there. So, I don’t want anybody to feel comfortable right now with such a new group. I want everyone to realize that if you’re not being your best at practice, working and improving, there’s somebody there who is ready to step in.”

On what he is looking for in the first game…

“I think right now it’s just about getting out there and playing a game. I just want to see how we respond and how we can get a little bit better. I always think it takes a while for you to be able to play the game for 30 to 35 minutes the way you want to play. Part of that is conditioning. Part of it is focus. We want to find out how many minutes we can play the way we want to play so we know what we need to work on.”

“I think it really changes year to year. You look at what the NCAA committee tells you. What do they value? We go to 20 games in league play this year. So, if you play more league games then you have to get rid of some of those high major games in the non-conference because you don’t want to play 30 high major games. You want to challenge yourself with your non-conference schedule, but you don’t want to kill yourself either. It’s a tough balance.”

“They’ll press you. They will get after you. I think against Southern Miss, it was 105 to 102, and they got to the free throw line 41 times. They’re aggressive to the glass. They want to force turnovers and speed things up. They do a good job in the halfcourt, forcing you to really to have to work to get a shot. We can’t settle for early threes because they’re going under ball screens. We’ve got to keep working it (on the offensive end). It will be a challenging game.”

On what fans can expect from Max Jones since he didn’t play in the exhibition…

“He can do a lot of things. A big guard who allows us to play Coleman (Hawkins) at the four. He has experience. He can make shots. He’s a tough kid with a chip on his shoulder who is a lot of fun to play with.”

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State head men’s basketball coach Jerome Tang met with the media on Monday afternoon (Nov. 4) to preview the season opener with New Orleans, which tips off the 2024-25 season on Tuesday night at Bramlage Coliseum.Links to the audio and a transcript of Tang’s availability are above.K-State will open its 121st season of men’s basketball on Tuesday night with just their second all-time meeting with the Privateers and the first since a 62-47 victory on Dec. 4, 1999. The Wildcats are 93-27 all-time in season openers, including a 29-3 mark at Bramlage Coliseum.K-State played its first and only public exhibition on Oct. 29, leading wire-to-wire against a nationally ranked Fort Hays State squad. Junior guard Brendan Hausen led four players in double figures with a game-high 15 points, while Preseason Big 12 co-Newcomer of the Year Coleman Hawkins was solid all-around with 13 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals in 32 minutes. Senior David N’Guessan had a near double-double with 10 points and a game-high 9 rebounds.The third-year head coach and his staff welcome 14 players for the 2024-25 season, including 3 returning lettermen (N’Guessan and sophomores Taj Manning and Macaleab Rich) and 11 newcomers. Among those newcomers are 8 Division I transfers, a junior college All-American (Mobi Ikegwuruka) and a top-50 high school prospect (David Castillo).Hawkins, who was also a Preseason All-Big 12 Second Team selection, has been named to the watch lists for the Naismith Trophy as well as the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year.K-State finished the 2023-24 season with a 19-15 record, including an 8-10 mark in Big 12 play, and advanced to the NIT. Among the Wildcats’ 19 victories were 4 over Top 25 teams, including 3 in the Top 10. The team has won 45 games in Tang’s first two seasons, including consecutive postseason appearances.Tuesday’s contest will be the first of four consecutive home games for the Wildcats, including matchups with Cleveland State (Saturday), LSU (Nov. 14) and Mississippi Valley State (Nov. 19).Tickets are still available for Tuesday’s opener starting at $15 by calling (800) 221.CATS or online at <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/2015/6/12/mbbtickets">kstatesports.com/tickets</a>.HEAD COACH JEROME TANGOn if the team will be at full strength for Tuesday’s game…“Yes, everyone is healthy. Achor (Achor) had a family emergency, and he’s still not back yet. He should be back sometime today (Monday). So, I’m not sure whether he’ll play tomorrow or not, but other than that, everybody’s healthy.”On what he learned from the exhibition game…“I thought we were tight as a staff as well as the players. It was the first time in front of fans with a new group. We had some guys, and this was my fault, who didn’t know how to enter the arena, where to park, things like that that go along with the first game. Achor (Achor) actually walked through the arena because that’s how we normally go to practice. He didn’t know that you walk around. So, there’s so many little things like that. My first year, everything was so new, so I knew that I would have to go through every detail. Last year, we had seven guys returning, so they helped with some of that, but now you have to treat every year like everybody’s brand new and go over every detail of everything. So, it was what an exhibition game is supposed to be. To learn what you need to take care of and correct.”On the starting lineup…“I think that’s still developing. Right now, we have nine players who have separated themselves (from the rest of the team). There is a little separation between nine and 10, but 10 and 11 are right there. So, I don’t want anybody to feel comfortable right now with such a new group. I want everyone to realize that if you’re not being your best at practice, working and improving, there’s somebody there who is ready to step in.”On what he is looking for in the first game…“I think right now it’s just about getting out there and playing a game. I just want to see how we respond and how we can get a little bit better. I always think it takes a while for you to be able to play the game for 30 to 35 minutes the way you want to play. Part of that is conditioning. Part of it is focus. We want to find out how many minutes we can play the way we want to play so we know what we need to work on.”On his philosophy on season openers…“I think it really changes year to year. You look at what the NCAA committee tells you. What do they value? We go to 20 games in league play this year. So, if you play more league games then you have to get rid of some of those high major games in the non-conference because you don’t want to play 30 high major games. You want to challenge yourself with your non-conference schedule, but you don’t want to kill yourself either. It’s a tough balance.”On New Orleans…“They’ll press you. They will get after you. I think against Southern Miss, it was 105 to 102, and they got to the free throw line 41 times. They’re aggressive to the glass. They want to force turnovers and speed things up. They do a good job in the halfcourt, forcing you to really to have to work to get a shot. We can’t settle for early threes because they’re going under ball screens. We’ve got to keep working it (on the offensive end). It will be a challenging game.”On what fans can expect from Max Jones since he didn’t play in the exhibition…“He can do a lot of things. A big guard who allows us to play Coleman (Hawkins) at the four. He has experience. He can make shots. He’s a tough kid with a chip on his shoulder who is a lot of fun to play with.”On year three for him and staff…

Jerome Tang Previews the Season Opener with UNO

WICHITA -&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f6224f47-a199-4586-b6e8-e637020e3346?elinkdata=14626" target="_blank">Izaiah Hale</a>&nbsp;has earned the KCAC Men's Basketball Defensive Player of the Week honor, the conference announced on Monday. Student-athletes are selected for their performances from Oct. 28-Nov. 3 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/51f9c4bd-50d8-45c4-af51-24d8ccf6f2ce?elinkdata=14626" target="_blank">Equity Bank</a>.

Hale was a big part in helping the No. 24 ranked Coyotes open the season with a pair of victories in the Kansas Wesleyan Coyote Basketball Classic, presented by Nex-Tech Wireless on Friday and Saturday.

Hale was great on defense for the Coyotes to open the season. His most impressive performance was on Saturday, when he had to guard Wayland Baptist's Quenton Coleman, who had scored 31 points the night before against Bethel, and held him to 15 points, while forcing him into 20 total shots, and into 1-of-10 shooting from 3-point range. While not always finishing with the steal, he forced Coleman into five turnovers as well. Against Northern New Mexico, he guarded their guards Joziah Ramos and Jesus Mendoza and forced them into a combined 4 of 15 shooting and three turnovers, again not always getting the steal, but his defense forcing them into bad decisions that led to turnovers.

KWU is back in action this week with three games, at Manhattan Christian on Tuesday, then a weekend classic in Sioux City, Iowa, against Waldorf on Friday and Morningside on Saturday.

WICHITA -&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f6224f47-a199-4586-b6e8-e637020e3346?elinkdata=14626" target="_blank">Izaiah Hale</a>&nbsp;has earned the KCAC Men's Basketball Defensive Player of the Week honor, the conference announced on Monday. Student-athletes are selected for their performances from Oct. 28-Nov. 3 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/51f9c4bd-50d8-45c4-af51-24d8ccf6f2ce?elinkdata=14626" target="_blank">Equity Bank</a>.Hale was a big part in helping the No. 24 ranked Coyotes open the season with a pair of victories in the Kansas Wesleyan Coyote Basketball Classic, presented by Nex-Tech Wireless on Friday and Saturday.Hale was great on defense for the Coyotes to open the season. His most impressive performance was on Saturday, when he had to guard Wayland Baptist's Quenton Coleman, who had scored 31 points the night before against Bethel, and held him to 15 points, while forcing him into 20 total shots, and into 1-of-10 shooting from 3-point range. While not always finishing with the steal, he forced Coleman into five turnovers as well. Against Northern New Mexico, he guarded their guards Joziah Ramos and Jesus Mendoza and forced them into a combined 4 of 15 shooting and three turnovers, again not always getting the steal, but his defense forcing them into bad decisions that led to turnovers.KWU is back in action this week with three games, at Manhattan Christian on Tuesday, then a weekend classic in Sioux City, Iowa, against Waldorf on Friday and Morningside on Saturday.

Hale named as KCAC Men's Basketball Defensive Player of the Week

WICHITA -- <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c1cbf71c-cebb-4692-a926-10fe0038bcca?elinkdata=14600">Myles Elam</a> of Kansas Wesleyan University has earned this week's KCAC Football Defensive Player of the Week honor, the conference office announced Monday. Student-athletes are selected for their performances from Oct. 28-Nov. 3 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/e917690e-c827-4ccc-82ac-d25882510f36?elinkdata=14600">Equity Bank</a>.

Elam had a great game on the defensive side of the ball. He was part of KWU's defense that held Tabor to only 37 yards rushing on the day. Among his eight tackles, he had two on fourth down plays that stopped Tabor drives. He added another on a sack in the third quarter for a 16-yard loss that pinned Tabor at its own 10-yard line and forced the Bluejays to punt out of the end zone.

WICHITA -- <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c1cbf71c-cebb-4692-a926-10fe0038bcca?elinkdata=14600">Myles Elam</a> of Kansas Wesleyan University has earned this week's KCAC Football Defensive Player of the Week honor, the conference office announced Monday. Student-athletes are selected for their performances from Oct. 28-Nov. 3 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/e917690e-c827-4ccc-82ac-d25882510f36?elinkdata=14600">Equity Bank</a>.Elam had a great game on the defensive side of the ball. He was part of KWU's defense that held Tabor to only 37 yards rushing on the day. Among his eight tackles, he had two on fourth down plays that stopped Tabor drives. He added another on a sack in the third quarter for a 16-yard loss that pinned Tabor at its own 10-yard line and forced the Bluejays to punt out of the end zone.

Elam named KCAC Football Defensive Player of the Week

KCAC TOURNAMENT LINKS (<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c2b62ced-ea00-42e6-8bf7-a92d653b181e?elinkdata=14574">BRACKET</a> | <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a1dda231-65cd-4a95-bfe8-28e784bd2dd2?elinkdata=14574">TICKETS</a> | <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3aed81ce-858f-46dc-abf6-bc5145a936fe?elinkdata=14574">WATCH</a> | <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fccc925f-7e5e-4e97-8167-58a6d2ca8e45?elinkdata=14574">LIVE STATS</a> | <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/963c2269-0f04-4dc9-9b5e-d86d5cefa266?elinkdata=14574">KCAC TOURNAMENT PAGE</a>)

Kansas Wesleyan is the No. 2 seed in the 2024 KCAC Women's Soccer Tournament and will host No. 7 seed York University on Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. at JRI Hospitality Stadium at Graves Family Sports Complex in the tournament quarterfinals.

Since the match is a KCAC Quarterfinal match, there will be an admission charge to the game. Adult tickets are $12 each, Seniors (55+) are $6, KCAC Faculty and Staff (when showing ID) are $6, Children ages 6-17 are $3, students from KCAC institutions are free when showing their school ID, and children under 5 are free.

ALL TICKETS must be purchased in advance at <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7623c9f3-63a9-43a7-b1ac-168f069c6132?elinkdata=14574">www.kcacsports.com</a> and clicking on the TICKETS link. No walk-up, on-site ticket sales will be done. Signs will be posted at the ticket booth for fans to scan a QR code to take them directly to the KCAC ticketing page. KWU will have staff on-hand to assist with ticketing.

The match will also be streamed by the Coyote Sports Network as part of the KCAC network at: <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e4cf0c33-078c-4738-817d-9464db6f92d4?elinkdata=14574">www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan</a>. Live stats for the match will be available at: <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cc0dab8b-8656-4c30-88ec-0fcc19d4f7cd?elinkdata=14574">www.kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/wsoc/summary</a>.

KWU finished the regular season with an 11-2 record in the KCAC this season and an 11-6-1 record overall. The 11 wins came after KWU went 0-4-1 in early season non-conference play where the Coyotes faced four teams that were either ranked or receiving votes in the poll at the time.

In the regular season meeting between the teams on September 18 at York, the Coyotes came away with a 2-0 win over the Panthers. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/afbaa3eb-603d-4826-9ac6-2e1cda3369f3?elinkdata=14574">Precious Nwosu</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c910b8df-70be-4956-93c7-1cc83b295ba1?elinkdata=14574">Grace Conner</a> scored first half goals for the Coyotes and the defense settled in to preserve the clean sheet.

KWU leads the all-time series 15-3 with the Panthers, and is currently on an eight match winning streak in the series.

KWU is averaging 2.11 goals per match this season, with 38 total goals, while allowing 20. KWU has surrendered only eight goals during conference play.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a79cc1a7-ae1a-4c6e-bcbd-0d6c4dbc7184?elinkdata=14574">Emma Gervy</a> leads the Coyotes with seven goals on the season and has four assists as well. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/50d62b6a-ff8f-4800-8adf-425ba4649cb6?elinkdata=14574">Grace Conner</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3c6b1feb-b14e-4534-9752-b10aedd354ad?elinkdata=14574">Maleia Jackson</a> have six goals each and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4faccbd5-5eeb-4d94-aa1a-5f17507f01b5?elinkdata=14574">Precious Nwosu</a> adds four goals and has a team best five assists.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/335ab081-ff4a-414b-9123-51a59f88569c?elinkdata=14574">Isabella Galvan</a> is the primary goal keeper for the Coyotes, allowing just 18 goals overall and only seven in conference play. She has an overall 1.16 GAA and a 0.61 GAA and has 53 saves on the season.

York enters the KCAC Tournament with an 8-6-4 overall record and a 5-4-4 record in the KCAC as the No. 7 seed.

The Panthers are averaging 1.78 goals per match this season with 32 goals scored. York has only allowed 12 goals by opponents this season, and only allowed eight during conference play.

Gracie Reynolds is York's leading goal scorer with 12 goals. Sofia Villa Monterd leads the Panthers with five assists. Harumi Cornejo is York's primary net minder appearing in and starting all 18 matches, allowing 12 goals with a 0.71 GAA and 62 saves.

The winner of Tuesday's match advances to the KCAC Tournament semifinals on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Scheels-Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita. The Coyotes are looking for their 20th consecutive appearance in the conference semifinals, an unprecedented streak at the conference level.

The KCAC finals are November 13 also at Stryker at 4 p.m.

KCAC TOURNAMENT LINKS (<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c2b62ced-ea00-42e6-8bf7-a92d653b181e?elinkdata=14574">BRACKET</a> | <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a1dda231-65cd-4a95-bfe8-28e784bd2dd2?elinkdata=14574">TICKETS</a> | <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3aed81ce-858f-46dc-abf6-bc5145a936fe?elinkdata=14574">WATCH</a> | <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fccc925f-7e5e-4e97-8167-58a6d2ca8e45?elinkdata=14574">LIVE STATS</a> | <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/963c2269-0f04-4dc9-9b5e-d86d5cefa266?elinkdata=14574">KCAC TOURNAMENT PAGE</a>)Kansas Wesleyan is the No. 2 seed in the 2024 KCAC Women's Soccer Tournament and will host No. 7 seed York University on Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. at JRI Hospitality Stadium at Graves Family Sports Complex in the tournament quarterfinals.Since the match is a KCAC Quarterfinal match, there will be an admission charge to the game. Adult tickets are $12 each, Seniors (55+) are $6, KCAC Faculty and Staff (when showing ID) are $6, Children ages 6-17 are $3, students from KCAC institutions are free when showing their school ID, and children under 5 are free.ALL TICKETS must be purchased in advance at <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7623c9f3-63a9-43a7-b1ac-168f069c6132?elinkdata=14574">www.kcacsports.com</a> and clicking on the TICKETS link. No walk-up, on-site ticket sales will be done. Signs will be posted at the ticket booth for fans to scan a QR code to take them directly to the KCAC ticketing page. KWU will have staff on-hand to assist with ticketing.The match will also be streamed by the Coyote Sports Network as part of the KCAC network at: <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e4cf0c33-078c-4738-817d-9464db6f92d4?elinkdata=14574">www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan</a>. Live stats for the match will be available at: <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cc0dab8b-8656-4c30-88ec-0fcc19d4f7cd?elinkdata=14574">www.kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/wsoc/summary</a>.KWU finished the regular season with an 11-2 record in the KCAC this season and an 11-6-1 record overall. The 11 wins came after KWU went 0-4-1 in early season non-conference play where the Coyotes faced four teams that were either ranked or receiving votes in the poll at the time.In the regular season meeting between the teams on September 18 at York, the Coyotes came away with a 2-0 win over the Panthers. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/afbaa3eb-603d-4826-9ac6-2e1cda3369f3?elinkdata=14574">Precious Nwosu</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c910b8df-70be-4956-93c7-1cc83b295ba1?elinkdata=14574">Grace Conner</a> scored first half goals for the Coyotes and the defense settled in to preserve the clean sheet.KWU leads the all-time series 15-3 with the Panthers, and is currently on an eight match winning streak in the series.KWU is averaging 2.11 goals per match this season, with 38 total goals, while allowing 20. KWU has surrendered only eight goals during conference play.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a79cc1a7-ae1a-4c6e-bcbd-0d6c4dbc7184?elinkdata=14574">Emma Gervy</a> leads the Coyotes with seven goals on the season and has four assists as well. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/50d62b6a-ff8f-4800-8adf-425ba4649cb6?elinkdata=14574">Grace Conner</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3c6b1feb-b14e-4534-9752-b10aedd354ad?elinkdata=14574">Maleia Jackson</a> have six goals each and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4faccbd5-5eeb-4d94-aa1a-5f17507f01b5?elinkdata=14574">Precious Nwosu</a> adds four goals and has a team best five assists.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/335ab081-ff4a-414b-9123-51a59f88569c?elinkdata=14574">Isabella Galvan</a> is the primary goal keeper for the Coyotes, allowing just 18 goals overall and only seven in conference play. She has an overall 1.16 GAA and a 0.61 GAA and has 53 saves on the season.York enters the KCAC Tournament with an 8-6-4 overall record and a 5-4-4 record in the KCAC as the No. 7 seed.The Panthers are averaging 1.78 goals per match this season with 32 goals scored. York has only allowed 12 goals by opponents this season, and only allowed eight during conference play.Gracie Reynolds is York's leading goal scorer with 12 goals. Sofia Villa Monterd leads the Panthers with five assists. Harumi Cornejo is York's primary net minder appearing in and starting all 18 matches, allowing 12 goals with a 0.71 GAA and 62 saves.The winner of Tuesday's match advances to the KCAC Tournament semifinals on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Scheels-Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita. The Coyotes are looking for their 20th consecutive appearance in the conference semifinals, an unprecedented streak at the conference level.The KCAC finals are November 13 also at Stryker at 4 p.m.

KWU WSOC is No. 2 seed in KCAC Women's Soccer Tournament starting Tuesday

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Fresh off their second open week of the season, the Kansas Jayhawks will return home to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium to host the No. 17 Iowa State Cyclones on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on FS1 with Guy Haberman (Play-by-Play) and Yogi Roth (Analyst) on the call.

Saturday’s Kansas vs. Iowa State matchup marks the 103rd all-time meeting between the two teams in a series that dates back to 1898. Kansas owns the all-time series at 52-45-6, including winners of the last two meetings (2023 – Kansas 28, Iowa State 21;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/2022+%E2%80%93+Kansas+14?entry=gmail&amp;source=g" target="_blank">2022 – Kansas 14</a>, Iowa State 11). Saturday’s game between Kansas and Iowa State will also serve as Kansas’ Salute to Service game, honoring service members and first responders for their service.

The Kansas Jayhawks (2-6, 1-4 Big 12) enter the Week 11 matchup off an open week, following a close 29-27 defeat to No. 16 Kansas State in the Dillon’s Sunflower Showdown on Oct. 26.

Kansas led a balanced offensive attack that accumulated 401 yards of total offense to go along with three total rushing touchdowns, including one each from Devin Neal, Jalon Daniels and Sevion Morrison. The Kansas defense forced a fumble and held Kansas State to 6-of-15 (40%) on third-down conversions, which was the second lowest of the season for the Wildcats.

Through eight games this season, Kansas leads the country in red zone offense, scoring on all 26 opportunities this season (21 touchdowns, 5 field goals). The Kansas offense averages 407.1 total yards per game, including 210.6 rushing yards per game, which ranks third in the Big 12 Conference and 16th nationally this season. Defensively, redshirt senior JB Brown leads the Jayhawks with 47 tackles on a defensive unit that averages 24.6 points per game in scoring defense.

The No. 17 Iowa State Cyclones (7-1, 4-1 Big 12) enter Saturday’s showdown among the leaders in the Big 12 Conference. Iowa State is coming off a last-minute 23-22 defeat at the hands of Texas Tech on Saturday, Nov. 2 at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State set itself up with a 22-17 lead with just 2:11 remaining following a 44-yard touchdown pass from Rocco Becht to Carson Brown, but Texas Tech responded with just 20 seconds remaining to give the Cyclones their first loss of the season.

Led by head coach Matt Campbell, Iowa State is among the least penalized teams in the country, averaging just 29.38 yards in penalties per game. The Cyclones also allow a Big 12 leading 15.5 points per game to opposing offenses and are led by defensive back Malik Verdon with 57 tackles this season.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Fresh off their second open week of the season, the Kansas Jayhawks will return home to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium to host the No. 17 Iowa State Cyclones on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on FS1 with Guy Haberman (Play-by-Play) and Yogi Roth (Analyst) on the call.Saturday’s Kansas vs. Iowa State matchup marks the 103rd all-time meeting between the two teams in a series that dates back to 1898. Kansas owns the all-time series at 52-45-6, including winners of the last two meetings (2023 – Kansas 28, Iowa State 21;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/2022+%E2%80%93+Kansas+14?entry=gmail&amp;source=g" target="_blank">2022 – Kansas 14</a>, Iowa State 11). Saturday’s game between Kansas and Iowa State will also serve as Kansas’ Salute to Service game, honoring service members and first responders for their service.The Kansas Jayhawks (2-6, 1-4 Big 12) enter the Week 11 matchup off an open week, following a close 29-27 defeat to No. 16 Kansas State in the Dillon’s Sunflower Showdown on Oct. 26.Kansas led a balanced offensive attack that accumulated 401 yards of total offense to go along with three total rushing touchdowns, including one each from Devin Neal, Jalon Daniels and Sevion Morrison. The Kansas defense forced a fumble and held Kansas State to 6-of-15 (40%) on third-down conversions, which was the second lowest of the season for the Wildcats.Through eight games this season, Kansas leads the country in red zone offense, scoring on all 26 opportunities this season (21 touchdowns, 5 field goals). The Kansas offense averages 407.1 total yards per game, including 210.6 rushing yards per game, which ranks third in the Big 12 Conference and 16th nationally this season. Defensively, redshirt senior JB Brown leads the Jayhawks with 47 tackles on a defensive unit that averages 24.6 points per game in scoring defense.The No. 17 Iowa State Cyclones (7-1, 4-1 Big 12) enter Saturday’s showdown among the leaders in the Big 12 Conference. Iowa State is coming off a last-minute 23-22 defeat at the hands of Texas Tech on Saturday, Nov. 2 at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State set itself up with a 22-17 lead with just 2:11 remaining following a 44-yard touchdown pass from Rocco Becht to Carson Brown, but Texas Tech responded with just 20 seconds remaining to give the Cyclones their first loss of the season.Led by head coach Matt Campbell, Iowa State is among the least penalized teams in the country, averaging just 29.38 yards in penalties per game. The Cyclones also allow a Big 12 leading 15.5 points per game to opposing offenses and are led by defensive back Malik Verdon with 57 tackles this season.

Kansas Returns Home to Host No. 17 Iowa State to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference and its television partners announced Monday that Kansas State’s November 16 home game against new conference member Arizona State will kick at either 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. on a network to be announced. This will be the Wildcats’ seventh game this year to kick at 6 p.m. local time, including the fourth in the last five games.

It will be just the second home game for the Wildcats since late September as they host the Sun Devils in Manhattan for the first time ever. ASU holds a 5-1 series lead as it won all five home games – the latest being in 1989 – while the Wildcats won the last meeting between the two programs, a 34-27 victory in the 2002 Holiday Bowl in San Diego, California.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference and its television partners announced Monday that Kansas State’s November 16 home game against new conference member Arizona State will kick at either 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. on a network to be announced. This will be the Wildcats’ seventh game this year to kick at 6 p.m. local time, including the fourth in the last five games.It will be just the second home game for the Wildcats since late September as they host the Sun Devils in Manhattan for the first time ever. ASU holds a 5-1 series lead as it won all five home games – the latest being in 1989 – while the Wildcats won the last meeting between the two programs, a 34-27 victory in the 2002 Holiday Bowl in San Diego, California.

K-State’s November 16 Game vs. Arizona State to Kick at Night

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas football’s first-ever trip to Provo, Utah, to face No. 9 BYU will kick off at 9:15 p.m. CT on Saturday, Nov. 16, and be televised on ESPN, the Big 12 announced Monday.

This will be the third all-time meeting between Kansas and BYU, and the second between the programs as Big 12 Conference opponents. BYU joined the conference in 2023 and visited David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium last September, with Kansas earning a 38-27 victory to improve to 2-0 all-time against the Cougars. Kansas previously defeated BYU 23-20 to win the 1992 Aloha Bowl, which at the time was the program’s first bowl win in 31 years.

The Jayhawks are 3-3 when appearing on ESPN during Lance Leipold’s tenure, including an 0-1 mark this season after dropping a 23-20 contest vs. UNLV on Sept. 13.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas football’s first-ever trip to Provo, Utah, to face No. 9 BYU will kick off at 9:15 p.m. CT on Saturday, Nov. 16, and be televised on ESPN, the Big 12 announced Monday.This will be the third all-time meeting between Kansas and BYU, and the second between the programs as Big 12 Conference opponents. BYU joined the conference in 2023 and visited David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium last September, with Kansas earning a 38-27 victory to improve to 2-0 all-time against the Cougars. Kansas previously defeated BYU 23-20 to win the 1992 Aloha Bowl, which at the time was the program’s first bowl win in 31 years.The Jayhawks are 3-3 when appearing on ESPN during Lance Leipold’s tenure, including an 0-1 mark this season after dropping a 23-20 contest vs. UNLV on Sept. 13.

Kickoff for Kansas at BYU Game Set for 9:15 p.m. on ESPN

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Kansas City Royals catcher&nbsp;Salvador Perez&nbsp;and shortstop&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;have been named finalists for the 2024 Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award, as announced this morning by Louisville Slugger. Finalists are voted on by Major League Managers and coaches. Winners will be announced on MLB Network on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 6:00 p.m. CT.

Perez is one of four finalists among American League catchers, joining Houston’s&nbsp;Yainer Diaz, Oakland’s&nbsp;Shea Langeliers&nbsp;and Seattle’s&nbsp;Cal Raleigh. Witt Jr. is one of three finalists among American League shortstops, along with Baltimore’s&nbsp;Gunnar Henderson&nbsp;and Texas’&nbsp;Corey Seager.

Among qualified American League catchers in 2024 (min. 50% games at the position), Perez ranked 1st in RBI (104), on-base percentage (.330), slugging percentage (.456), OPS (.786) and extra-base hits (55), 2nd in batting average (.271) and hits (160) and 3rd in home runs (27).

Perez, 34, is by far the oldest among the American League finalists at his position, ahead of Raleigh (27), Langeliers (26) and Diaz (26). Salvy’s 104 RBI were the 2nd most ever by a catcher (min. 50% games) in his age-34 season or older, trailing only&nbsp;Carlton Fisk, who had 107 RBI at age 37 in 1985.

Salvy played in 158 games in 2024, the 2nd-highest total of his 13-year career, and made 90 starts behind the plate. His 27 home runs tied for the 2nd-highest total of his career and marked his eighth season with at least 20 HR. Perez ranked 2nd among all Major League players with 29 go-ahead RBI, trailing only&nbsp;Aaron Judge&nbsp;(32).

Perez has been a finalist in 10 of the last 11 seasons since 2014, with the only exception being 2019, when he missed the entire season due to injury.

Should Perez win the award (which was established in 1980), it would be his fifth career honor, following 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2021. His four career Silver Slugger Awards are already a club record, ahead of&nbsp;George Brett’s&nbsp;three. He would be the ninth player to win at least five Louisville Silver Slugger Awards as a catcher, along with&nbsp;Mike Piazza&nbsp;(10),&nbsp;Iván Rodríguez&nbsp;(7),&nbsp;Brian McCann&nbsp;(6),&nbsp;Lance Parrish&nbsp;(6),&nbsp;Gary Carter&nbsp;(5),&nbsp;Joe Mauer&nbsp;(5),&nbsp;Jorge Posada&nbsp;(5) and&nbsp;Buster Posey&nbsp;(5).

Witt Jr., 24, led all Major League players in 2024 with a .332 batting average and 211 hits. Among qualified shortstops in the American League, he also ranked 1st in runs (125), RBI (109), on-base percentage (.389), slugging percentage (.588), OPS (.977), extra-base hits (88) and games (161).

Witt Jr. hit 32 home runs (2nd among AL shortstops) to become the first shortstop in Major League history to record consecutive 30/30 seasons. He also became the second player ever (regardless of position) to lead the Majors in batting average during a 30/30 season, joining&nbsp;Mookie Betts&nbsp;in 2018.

Witt Jr., who was a finalist in 2023, would be the first Royals shortstop to win a Silver Slugger Award.

Witt Jr. was named a&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award winner for the first time last night. If he wins the Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award, Witt Jr. would be the 13th different shortstop (18th occurrence) to win both honors in the same season, and the first since&nbsp;Brandon Crawford&nbsp;in 2015.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Kansas City Royals catcher&nbsp;Salvador Perez&nbsp;and shortstop&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;have been named finalists for the 2024 Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award, as announced this morning by Louisville Slugger. Finalists are voted on by Major League Managers and coaches. Winners will be announced on MLB Network on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 6:00 p.m. CT.Perez is one of four finalists among American League catchers, joining Houston’s&nbsp;Yainer Diaz, Oakland’s&nbsp;Shea Langeliers&nbsp;and Seattle’s&nbsp;Cal Raleigh. Witt Jr. is one of three finalists among American League shortstops, along with Baltimore’s&nbsp;Gunnar Henderson&nbsp;and Texas’&nbsp;Corey Seager.Among qualified American League catchers in 2024 (min. 50% games at the position), Perez ranked 1st in RBI (104), on-base percentage (.330), slugging percentage (.456), OPS (.786) and extra-base hits (55), 2nd in batting average (.271) and hits (160) and 3rd in home runs (27).Perez, 34, is by far the oldest among the American League finalists at his position, ahead of Raleigh (27), Langeliers (26) and Diaz (26). Salvy’s 104 RBI were the 2nd most ever by a catcher (min. 50% games) in his age-34 season or older, trailing only&nbsp;Carlton Fisk, who had 107 RBI at age 37 in 1985.Salvy played in 158 games in 2024, the 2nd-highest total of his 13-year career, and made 90 starts behind the plate. His 27 home runs tied for the 2nd-highest total of his career and marked his eighth season with at least 20 HR. Perez ranked 2nd among all Major League players with 29 go-ahead RBI, trailing only&nbsp;Aaron Judge&nbsp;(32).Perez has been a finalist in 10 of the last 11 seasons since 2014, with the only exception being 2019, when he missed the entire season due to injury.Should Perez win the award (which was established in 1980), it would be his fifth career honor, following 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2021. His four career Silver Slugger Awards are already a club record, ahead of&nbsp;George Brett’s&nbsp;three. He would be the ninth player to win at least five Louisville Silver Slugger Awards as a catcher, along with&nbsp;Mike Piazza&nbsp;(10),&nbsp;Iván Rodríguez&nbsp;(7),&nbsp;Brian McCann&nbsp;(6),&nbsp;Lance Parrish&nbsp;(6),&nbsp;Gary Carter&nbsp;(5),&nbsp;Joe Mauer&nbsp;(5),&nbsp;Jorge Posada&nbsp;(5) and&nbsp;Buster Posey&nbsp;(5).Witt Jr., 24, led all Major League players in 2024 with a .332 batting average and 211 hits. Among qualified shortstops in the American League, he also ranked 1st in runs (125), RBI (109), on-base percentage (.389), slugging percentage (.588), OPS (.977), extra-base hits (88) and games (161).Witt Jr. hit 32 home runs (2nd among AL shortstops) to become the first shortstop in Major League history to record consecutive 30/30 seasons. He also became the second player ever (regardless of position) to lead the Majors in batting average during a 30/30 season, joining&nbsp;Mookie Betts&nbsp;in 2018.Witt Jr., who was a finalist in 2023, would be the first Royals shortstop to win a Silver Slugger Award.Witt Jr. was named a&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award winner for the first time last night. If he wins the Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award, Witt Jr. would be the 13th different shortstop (18th occurrence) to win both honors in the same season, and the first since&nbsp;Brandon Crawford&nbsp;in 2015.

Salvador Perez, Bobby Witt Jr. named finalists for Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Right-handed pitcher Seth Lugo and shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. were named winners of 2024 American League Rawlings Gold Glove Awards for the first time in their careers, Rawlings Sporting Goods Inc. announced tonight. The Rawlings Gold Glove Awards honor the best individual fielding performances at each position in the American League and National League. Winners were chosen by a combination of votes from MLB managers and coaches, and the SABR Defensive Index.

They are the 16th and 17th Royals, respectively, to win the award. The Royals now have 22 Rawlings Gold Gloves over the last 14 seasons since 2011, the most in the Majors during that time.

Lugo is the second Royals pitcher to win the award, joining Royals Hall of Famer Bret Saberhagen (1989). Witt Jr. is the second shortstop in franchise history to earn the honor, joining Alcides Escobar (2015). Witt Jr., who played in his age-24 season, became the 3rd-youngest Royal to win the Award, only older than Eric Hosmer and Salvador Perez, who both won their first Gold Glove Awards at age 23 in 2013. Lugo and Witt Jr. are the first Royals to win a Gold Glove Award since outfielders Andrew Benintendi and Michael A. Taylor in 2021.

Lugo, who turns 35 in two weeks, was one of 10 American League pitchers to finish with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage and make at least 30 starts, and he started more games (33) and covered more innings (206.2) than everyone in that group. Lugo had 43 defensive chances this season, 2nd to Boston’s Tanner Houck (51) for the AL lead. He successfully recorded 14 putouts and 29 assists, while contributing to 3 double plays, 1 shy of Michael Lorenzen and Casey Mize for the AL lead. Lugo registered 5 Defensive Runs Saved, 1 shy of Tanner Bibee’s American League-leading 6 for pitchers.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Right-handed pitcher Seth Lugo and shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. were named winners of 2024 American League Rawlings Gold Glove Awards for the first time in their careers, Rawlings Sporting Goods Inc. announced tonight. The Rawlings Gold Glove Awards honor the best individual fielding performances at each position in the American League and National League. Winners were chosen by a combination of votes from MLB managers and coaches, and the SABR Defensive Index.They are the 16th and 17th Royals, respectively, to win the award. The Royals now have 22 Rawlings Gold Gloves over the last 14 seasons since 2011, the most in the Majors during that time.Lugo is the second Royals pitcher to win the award, joining Royals Hall of Famer Bret Saberhagen (1989). Witt Jr. is the second shortstop in franchise history to earn the honor, joining Alcides Escobar (2015). Witt Jr., who played in his age-24 season, became the 3rd-youngest Royal to win the Award, only older than Eric Hosmer and Salvador Perez, who both won their first Gold Glove Awards at age 23 in 2013. Lugo and Witt Jr. are the first Royals to win a Gold Glove Award since outfielders Andrew Benintendi and Michael A. Taylor in 2021.Lugo, who turns 35 in two weeks, was one of 10 American League pitchers to finish with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage and make at least 30 starts, and he started more games (33) and covered more innings (206.2) than everyone in that group. Lugo had 43 defensive chances this season, 2nd to Boston’s Tanner Houck (51) for the AL lead. He successfully recorded 14 putouts and 29 assists, while contributing to 3 double plays, 1 shy of Michael Lorenzen and Casey Mize for the AL lead. Lugo registered 5 Defensive Runs Saved, 1 shy of Tanner Bibee’s American League-leading 6 for pitchers.

Lugo, Witt Jr. named 2024 Rawlings Gold Glove Award winners

WINFIELD - The Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes had to wait a day to finish the 2024 regular season due to inclement weather, but got the match in on Sunday, playing to a 1-1 draw with Southwestern at Jantz Stadium.

The Coyotes finished the regular season and will be the No. 2 seed in the KCAC Men's Soccer Tournament, which begins on Wednesday with quarterfinals at the higher seeded teams.

KWU will again meet Southwestern, the No. 7 seed at 7:30 p.m. at JRI Hospitality Stadium at the Graves Family Sports Complex on Wednesday evening. More information about the KCAC Tournament will be announced soon.

Southwestern scored the first goal of the match in the 14th minute as Marcos Benavidez pushed one past Wesleyan's <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/706641c7-f005-45a8-9484-c718429ee99d?elinkdata=14548">Santiago Pagnutti</a> after staying inches onside making a run down the middle of the field and poking it past a diving Pagnutti at the top of the box.

The Coyotes got the equalizer in the 67th minute as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/69312578-6249-4eb0-b623-e9c0ea387849?elinkdata=14548">Gonzalo Gaubeka</a> converted a pass over the middle from <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/91774b21-4eb9-4d44-ac46-3bb218f99a0d?elinkdata=14548">Trevor Peal</a> for the goal.

Wesleyan had chances to get the game winner, but couldn't find the back of the net.

WINFIELD - The Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes had to wait a day to finish the 2024 regular season due to inclement weather, but got the match in on Sunday, playing to a 1-1 draw with Southwestern at Jantz Stadium.The Coyotes finished the regular season and will be the No. 2 seed in the KCAC Men's Soccer Tournament, which begins on Wednesday with quarterfinals at the higher seeded teams.KWU will again meet Southwestern, the No. 7 seed at 7:30 p.m. at JRI Hospitality Stadium at the Graves Family Sports Complex on Wednesday evening. More information about the KCAC Tournament will be announced soon.Southwestern scored the first goal of the match in the 14th minute as Marcos Benavidez pushed one past Wesleyan's <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/706641c7-f005-45a8-9484-c718429ee99d?elinkdata=14548">Santiago Pagnutti</a> after staying inches onside making a run down the middle of the field and poking it past a diving Pagnutti at the top of the box.The Coyotes got the equalizer in the 67th minute as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/69312578-6249-4eb0-b623-e9c0ea387849?elinkdata=14548">Gonzalo Gaubeka</a> converted a pass over the middle from <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/91774b21-4eb9-4d44-ac46-3bb218f99a0d?elinkdata=14548">Trevor Peal</a> for the goal.Wesleyan had chances to get the game winner, but couldn't find the back of the net.

Men's Soccer ends regular season with 1-1 draw with Southwestern

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals today announced a three-year contract with right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Michael Wacha. The deal also included a club option for 2028.Wacha, 33, completed his 12th season in the Majors in 2024 and first with Kansas City. He made 29 starts and recorded 166.2 innings, the 2nd-highest total of his career and most since 2015 (181.1 IP). His 3.35 ERA (62 ER in 166.2 IP) in 2024 ranked 10th in the American League, helping Kansas City’s starting rotation rank 2nd in the Majors with a 3.55 ERA.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals today announced a three-year contract with right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Michael Wacha. The deal also included a club option for 2028.Wacha, 33, completed his 12th season in the Majors in 2024 and first with Kansas City. He made 29 starts and recorded 166.2 innings, the 2nd-highest total of his career and most since 2015 (181.1 IP). His 3.35 ERA (62 ER in 166.2 IP) in 2024 ranked 10th in the American League, helping Kansas City’s starting rotation rank 2nd in the Majors with a 3.55 ERA.Wacha went 13-8 in 2024 and earned his 100th career win on Sept. 8, becoming one of 20 active pitchers with 100 wins. His .620 career win percentage ranks 6th among active pitchers (min. 150 decisions), trailing&nbsp;Clayton Kershaw&nbsp;(.693),&nbsp;Max Scherzer&nbsp;(.659),&nbsp;Gerrit Cole&nbsp;(.657),&nbsp;Justin Verlander&nbsp;(.641) and&nbsp;Chris Sale&nbsp;(.624).Wacha was particularly strong over his last 22 starts in 2024, during which he went 12-4 with a 2.72 ERA (39 ER in 129.0 IP). His .750 win percentage from May 9 through season’s end was 2nd best in the American League to&nbsp;Tarik Skubal&nbsp;(.778), and his ERA ranked 3rd in the American League (min. 20 starts) behind&nbsp;Hunter Brown&nbsp;(2.46) and Skubal (2.46).He allowed 3 earned runs or fewer in 16 consecutive starts from May 9-Aug. 23, matching the single-season franchise record set by&nbsp;Bret Saberhagen&nbsp;during his 1989&nbsp;Cy Young&nbsp;Award-winning season.Over the last three seasons (since 2022), Wacha’s 3.30 ERA ranks 20th out of 106 pitchers who have recorded at least 300.0 innings, and his 38 wins during that time are tied for 7th most in the Majors. In fact, he’s one of just eight pitchers with at least 11 wins in each of the last three seasons.