MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — DJ Giddens rushed for 143 yards, on just 15 carries, with two touchdowns, as Kansas State defeated Cincinnati 41-15 Saturday night.

Kansas State (8-3, 5-3 Big 12) snapped a two-game losing streak with the victory.

“It was an inspired win by our guys,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. “I'm proud of the whole team, proud of our seniors for responding to the adversity that we’ve had.

"We knew we needed to start fast, and we did start fast. Our defense really made them one-dimensional early on, and then we did some really good things.”

Cincinnati (5-6, 3-5 Big 12) lost its fourth straight game. The Bearcats need a home win against TCU next Saturday to achieve bowl eligibility.

Avery Johnson was 13-of-23 passing for 147 yards and two touchdowns for KSU. With running back Dylan Edwards out with an undisclosed injury, Johnson also ran the ball 10 times for 81 yards and a score.

“(The coaches) definitely said it was going to be a heavier QB-run game this week,” Johnson said about the extra workload. “And you know, that’s one of the strongest suits of my game. I was just running behind my pads, kind of fitting up in some gaps when I needed to and just trying my best to follow those guys' blocks.”

Klieman was especially proud of his defense in the clutch.

“Cincinnati was 3 of 12 third down, 0 of 5 on fourth down," he said. "That was a big-time effort on fourth down especially, because there’s a handful of those that were in critical situations and those weren’t fourth-and-10 or fourth-and-12. Those were fourth-and-short to fourth-and-medium.”

Brendan Sorsby was 21 of 39 for 200 yards and two touchdowns for the Bearcats.

Trailing by 24 points, Cincinnati found the end zone on a 9-yard touchdown pass from Sorsby to Tony Johnson late in the third quarter. The 2-point conversion failed. Giddens had his second rushing touchdown on K-State's next drive.

Johnson's 8-yard touchdown pass to Will Swanson put K-State up 41-9. Sorsby then found Johnson for a 6-yard touchdown.

“We were contemplating between two plays, and (offensive coordinator Conor Riley) asked me what I wanted,” Johnson said. “And I (chose) the play we ended up calling. Riles kind of looked at me a little bit funny, and then we called it. We had two guys wide open because they didn’t know how to cover it. It was just all smiles on the sideline.”

Kansas State wasted little time grabbing a 7-0 lead on its opening drive on a 21-yard touchdown run by Johnson. That capped a five-play, 65-yard drive.

The Wildcats extended the lead to 10-0 on a 28-yard Chris Tennant field goal, and then to 13-0 on his 32-yarder.

After K-State held Cincinnati on fourth-and-8 at the KSU 33, Giddens pushed the Wildcats' lead to 20-0 when he used a spin move at the line of scrimmage and then raced 32 yards for a touchdown, capping a four-play drive.

Cincinnati got on the scoreboard with 4:17 left in the first half with a 42-yard field goal by Nathan Hawks.

Brendan Mott then intercepted a Sorsby pass at the Cincinnati 22-yard line and returned it to the 6. It was Mott's first career interception in his last home game.

“Unfortunately, I couldn’t finish it off and get the 6 points,” Mott said. “When I got to the sideline, I don't know if I got more ‘Congratulations’ or, ‘Man, you should have housed that thing.’”

Two plays later, Johnson found Tre Spivey for a 6-yard touchdown and the Wildcats led 27-3 at halftime.

Cincinnati: The Bearcats struggled to convert at crucial times. They were just 3 of 12 on third-down conversions and 0 for 5 when going for it on fourth down.

Kansas State: The score may have been lopsided in Kansas State's favor, but the Wildcats were not dominant. They out-gained Cincinnati by just 54 total yards.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732419487269.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — DJ Giddens rushed for 143 yards, on just 15 carries, with two touchdowns, as Kansas State defeated Cincinnati 41-15 Saturday night.Kansas State (8-3, 5-3 Big 12) snapped a two-game losing streak with the victory.“It was an inspired win by our guys,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. “I'm proud of the whole team, proud of our seniors for responding to the adversity that we’ve had."We knew we needed to start fast, and we did start fast. Our defense really made them one-dimensional early on, and then we did some really good things.”Cincinnati (5-6, 3-5 Big 12) lost its fourth straight game. The Bearcats need a home win against TCU next Saturday to achieve bowl eligibility.Avery Johnson was 13-of-23 passing for 147 yards and two touchdowns for KSU. With running back Dylan Edwards out with an undisclosed injury, Johnson also ran the ball 10 times for 81 yards and a score.“(The coaches) definitely said it was going to be a heavier QB-run game this week,” Johnson said about the extra workload. “And you know, that’s one of the strongest suits of my game. I was just running behind my pads, kind of fitting up in some gaps when I needed to and just trying my best to follow those guys' blocks.”Klieman was especially proud of his defense in the clutch.“Cincinnati was 3 of 12 third down, 0 of 5 on fourth down," he said. "That was a big-time effort on fourth down especially, because there’s a handful of those that were in critical situations and those weren’t fourth-and-10 or fourth-and-12. Those were fourth-and-short to fourth-and-medium.”Brendan Sorsby was 21 of 39 for 200 yards and two touchdowns for the Bearcats.Trailing by 24 points, Cincinnati found the end zone on a 9-yard touchdown pass from Sorsby to Tony Johnson late in the third quarter. The 2-point conversion failed. Giddens had his second rushing touchdown on K-State's next drive.Johnson's 8-yard touchdown pass to Will Swanson put K-State up 41-9. Sorsby then found Johnson for a 6-yard touchdown.“We were contemplating between two plays, and (offensive coordinator Conor Riley) asked me what I wanted,” Johnson said. “And I (chose) the play we ended up calling. Riles kind of looked at me a little bit funny, and then we called it. We had two guys wide open because they didn’t know how to cover it. It was just all smiles on the sideline.”Kansas State wasted little time grabbing a 7-0 lead on its opening drive on a 21-yard touchdown run by Johnson. That capped a five-play, 65-yard drive.The Wildcats extended the lead to 10-0 on a 28-yard Chris Tennant field goal, and then to 13-0 on his 32-yarder.After K-State held Cincinnati on fourth-and-8 at the KSU 33, Giddens pushed the Wildcats' lead to 20-0 when he used a spin move at the line of scrimmage and then raced 32 yards for a touchdown, capping a four-play drive.Cincinnati got on the scoreboard with 4:17 left in the first half with a 42-yard field goal by Nathan Hawks.Brendan Mott then intercepted a Sorsby pass at the Cincinnati 22-yard line and returned it to the 6. It was Mott's first career interception in his last home game.“Unfortunately, I couldn’t finish it off and get the 6 points,” Mott said. “When I got to the sideline, I don't know if I got more ‘Congratulations’ or, ‘Man, you should have housed that thing.’”Two plays later, Johnson found Tre Spivey for a 6-yard touchdown and the Wildcats led 27-3 at halftime.THE TAKEAWAYCincinnati: The Bearcats struggled to convert at crucial times. They were just 3 of 12 on third-down conversions and 0 for 5 when going for it on fourth down.Kansas State: The score may have been lopsided in Kansas State's favor, but the Wildcats were not dominant. They out-gained Cincinnati by just 54 total yards.UP NEXT

🏈 DJ Giddens runs 2 touchdowns to lead K-State over Cincinnati

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Devin Neal ran for 207 yards and three touchdowns, caught four passes for 80 yards and another score, and led Kansas to a 37-21 victory over No. 16 Colorado on Saturday that dealt a big blow to the Buffaloes' hopes of playing for the Big 12 title.

Jalon Daniels threw for 189 yards and a touchdown, and the Jayhawks (5-6, 4-4) scored on every offensive series but their last, keeping Colorado stars Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy candidate Travis Hunter standing on the sideline.

Sanders finished with 266 yards passing and three touchdowns, setting the Colorado single-season record with 30 TD passes, while Hunter finished with eight catches for 125 yards and two scores. But the two-way standout did little on defense — nor did anyone else wearing all-white uniforms — as the Jayhawks beat a ranked team for a school-record third straight week.

Now, the Buffaloes (8-3, 6-2 Big 12, No. 16 CFP) need to beat Oklahoma State and get some help to play for a championship in their return to the Big 12, and earn the league's guaranteed spot in the College Football Playoff.

The Jayhawks, whose back-to-back wins over Iowa State and BYU had given them newfound confidence, suddenly resemble the team that was expected to challenge for a Big 12 title — before a series of late-game collapses resulted in a 1-5 start.

They opened with Neal's 51-yard touchdown catch. They forced a three-and-out and scored again for a 10-0 lead. And when they got the ball back yet again, the Jayhawks churned down field and Neal scampered into the end zone for another score.

It was 17-0 before Hunter, who has emerged as the Heisman front-runner, took a short pass from Sanders and cut up field, deftly slipping between several Kansas defenders and going untouched 51 yards for a touchdown.

The teams traded scores into the break, and the Jayhawks held tightly to a 23-14 advantage. But the question became whether Kansas coach Lance Leipold would rue kicking field goals of 24, 23 and 25 yards rather than going for first-half touchdowns.

After the Buffaloes closed within 23-21 on Hunter's second TD catch, the Jayhawks marched 80 yards with Neal answering the score. Kansas immediately forced a three-and-out, sacking Sanders on third down — he appeared to shove an official in the back after the play — and the Neal scored again to cap an 8-plus minute drive and give the Jayhawks a 37-21 lead.

Colorado's comeback chances ended when Cobee Bryant broke up a pass in the end zone on fourth down late in the game.

Colorado will lament a defense that was simply incapable of stopping the Jayhawks. Defensive back Shilo Sanders was flagged twice and gave up several big plays, while the Buffaloes were bullied up front by the Kansas offensive line.

Kansas could improbably make a bowl game for a third consecutive season. The Jayhawks merely need to beat Baylor in their regular-season finale — what would be their season-ending fifth straight win — to earn an invitation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732407040165.png" alt="Photo Kansas athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Devin Neal ran for 207 yards and three touchdowns, caught four passes for 80 yards and another score, and led Kansas to a 37-21 victory over No. 16 Colorado on Saturday that dealt a big blow to the Buffaloes' hopes of playing for the Big 12 title.Jalon Daniels threw for 189 yards and a touchdown, and the Jayhawks (5-6, 4-4) scored on every offensive series but their last, keeping Colorado stars Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy candidate Travis Hunter standing on the sideline.Sanders finished with 266 yards passing and three touchdowns, setting the Colorado single-season record with 30 TD passes, while Hunter finished with eight catches for 125 yards and two scores. But the two-way standout did little on defense — nor did anyone else wearing all-white uniforms — as the Jayhawks beat a ranked team for a school-record third straight week.Now, the Buffaloes (8-3, 6-2 Big 12, No. 16 CFP) need to beat Oklahoma State and get some help to play for a championship in their return to the Big 12, and earn the league's guaranteed spot in the College Football Playoff.The Jayhawks, whose back-to-back wins over Iowa State and BYU had given them newfound confidence, suddenly resemble the team that was expected to challenge for a Big 12 title — before a series of late-game collapses resulted in a 1-5 start.They opened with Neal's 51-yard touchdown catch. They forced a three-and-out and scored again for a 10-0 lead. And when they got the ball back yet again, the Jayhawks churned down field and Neal scampered into the end zone for another score.It was 17-0 before Hunter, who has emerged as the Heisman front-runner, took a short pass from Sanders and cut up field, deftly slipping between several Kansas defenders and going untouched 51 yards for a touchdown.The teams traded scores into the break, and the Jayhawks held tightly to a 23-14 advantage. But the question became whether Kansas coach Lance Leipold would rue kicking field goals of 24, 23 and 25 yards rather than going for first-half touchdowns.Nope.After the Buffaloes closed within 23-21 on Hunter's second TD catch, the Jayhawks marched 80 yards with Neal answering the score. Kansas immediately forced a three-and-out, sacking Sanders on third down — he appeared to shove an official in the back after the play — and the Neal scored again to cap an 8-plus minute drive and give the Jayhawks a 37-21 lead.Colorado's comeback chances ended when Cobee Bryant broke up a pass in the end zone on fourth down late in the game.<h2>The Takeaway</h2>Colorado will lament a defense that was simply incapable of stopping the Jayhawks. Defensive back Shilo Sanders was flagged twice and gave up several big plays, while the Buffaloes were bullied up front by the Kansas offensive line.Kansas could improbably make a bowl game for a third consecutive season. The Jayhawks merely need to beat Baylor in their regular-season finale — what would be their season-ending fifth straight win — to earn an invitation.<h2>Up Next</h2>Colorado plays Oklahoma State on Friday.Kansas visits Baylor on Saturday.

🏈 Devin Neal scores 4 times, Kansas beats No. 16 Colorado

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

If ever there had been a night for Southeast of Saline to lose a football game, this was it.

Yet despite suffering self-inflicted wounds, late-game adversity, and virtually insurmountable odds inside the closing minutes, the Trojans steeled their resolve and battled back to knock off Beloit on a walk-off game winner 34-30.

After building an early 14-6 lead things fell apart fast for SES, who allowed Beloit to march down and cut the deficit to two just before the halftime break.

Things did not improve in the third quarter as Evan Watkins had a punt blocked inside his own end zone on Southeast’s first drive, setting Beloit up for a Joel Rexroat touchdown run to take an 18-14 lead.

The two teams traded turnovers, but Beloit handed the ball back to Rexroat on the first play of their ensuing drive, and the tailback took it 76 yards to the house to extend the lead to 24-14.

For many teams, that would have been a knockout blow, but Southeast was far from finished, as Gannon Jacobson delivered a 33-yard beauty to Tucker Thaxton to put the game back within reach.

An SES stop to start the fourth quarter gave the ball back to the Trojans in purple and white, and on the very next play, Southeast responded on a screen play that Grady Gebhardt took 80 yards to paydirt to restore a 28-24 lead to SES.

While Southeast celebrated, those watching and on both sidelines knew this contes was still far from finished.

From the Southeast 42-yard line, Beloit flexed their muscle through the air as Jaxon Weston linked up with Jacob Hand on a deep ball to force yet another lead change and put Beloit in front 30-28.

SES was forced to punt but stood tall defensively and returned their offense to the field for one last 2:00 drill with a chance to win the game in the closing minutes.

Instead, Ryker Clark picked off Gannon Jacobson for his fourth interception of the season to line the nails around the SES coffin.

Understanding that a first down would spell the end of their season, Southeast once again stood tall, stopping Beloit on three straight plays, using their final two timeouts, and forcing Beloit to punt one final time with 53 seconds remaining.

The final drive would require 80 yards in under a minute, but a completion to Evan Watkins, a scramble by Gannon Jacobson, and another completion to Kanyon Douglas for his first catch of the day put the Trojans at the 25-yard line.

With time for just one last play, Jacobson took the snap, stepped up in the pocket, and delivered a ball to the front corner of the end zone that fell right into the lap of a streaking Kanyon Douglas.

As the Trojan players and coaches rushed the field to celebrate the realization began to set in; for just the second time in program history, the Southeast of Saline Trojans will be playing for a state title.

“This is the way our kids are, they’re going to keep fighting and clawing. Could we have made some plays in the first half that would have made this easier? Sure, but our kids kept digging and even exhausted our guys found a way to get it done.”

The final hurdle will be a steep one in the form of the two-time defending state champion Nemaha Central Thunder (11-1), but with the wind of this win in their sails, Southeast of Saline will be amped and ready to come for the kings next Friday.

To watch the full broadcast of tonight’s game, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/n55bNFEtdI4">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732338906757.jpeg" alt="Southeast of Saline poses with their sub-state trophy after walking off the Beloit Trojans. Photo Courtesy of Tanner Colvin." />
 <figcaption>Southeast of Saline poses with their sub-state trophy after walking off the Beloit Trojans. Photo Courtesy of Tanner Colvin.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostIf ever there had been a night for Southeast of Saline to lose a football game, this was it.Yet despite suffering self-inflicted wounds, late-game adversity, and virtually insurmountable odds inside the closing minutes, the Trojans steeled their resolve and battled back to knock off Beloit on a walk-off game winner 34-30.<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>After building an early 14-6 lead things fell apart fast for SES, who allowed Beloit to march down and cut the deficit to two just before the halftime break.Things did not improve in the third quarter as Evan Watkins had a punt blocked inside his own end zone on Southeast’s first drive, setting Beloit up for a Joel Rexroat touchdown run to take an 18-14 lead.The two teams traded turnovers, but Beloit handed the ball back to Rexroat on the first play of their ensuing drive, and the tailback took it 76 yards to the house to extend the lead to 24-14.For many teams, that would have been a knockout blow, but Southeast was far from finished, as Gannon Jacobson delivered a 33-yard beauty to Tucker Thaxton to put the game back within reach.An SES stop to start the fourth quarter gave the ball back to the Trojans in purple and white, and on the very next play, Southeast responded on a screen play that Grady Gebhardt took 80 yards to paydirt to restore a 28-24 lead to SES.While Southeast celebrated, those watching and on both sidelines knew this contes was still far from finished.From the Southeast 42-yard line, Beloit flexed their muscle through the air as Jaxon Weston linked up with Jacob Hand on a deep ball to force yet another lead change and put Beloit in front 30-28.SES was forced to punt but stood tall defensively and returned their offense to the field for one last 2:00 drill with a chance to win the game in the closing minutes.Instead, Ryker Clark picked off Gannon Jacobson for his fourth interception of the season to line the nails around the SES coffin.Understanding that a first down would spell the end of their season, Southeast once again stood tall, stopping Beloit on three straight plays, using their final two timeouts, and forcing Beloit to punt one final time with 53 seconds remaining.The final drive would require 80 yards in under a minute, but a completion to Evan Watkins, a scramble by Gannon Jacobson, and another completion to Kanyon Douglas for his first catch of the day put the Trojans at the 25-yard line.With time for just one last play, Jacobson took the snap, stepped up in the pocket, and delivered a ball to the front corner of the end zone that fell right into the lap of a streaking Kanyon Douglas.Ballgame.As the Trojan players and coaches rushed the field to celebrate the realization began to set in; for just the second time in program history, the Southeast of Saline Trojans will be playing for a state title.“This is the way our kids are, they’re going to keep fighting and clawing. Could we have made some plays in the first half that would have made this easier? Sure, but our kids kept digging and even exhausted our guys found a way to get it done.”The final hurdle will be a steep one in the form of the two-time defending state champion Nemaha Central Thunder (11-1), but with the wind of this win in their sails, Southeast of Saline will be amped and ready to come for the kings next Friday.To watch the full broadcast of tonight’s game, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/n55bNFEtdI4">HERE</a>.Photo courtesy of Tanner Colvin.

Southeast walks off Beloit to complete thrilling semifinal comeback

ST. THOMAS, Virgin Islands (AP) — David N’Guessan had 17 points and nine rebounds, Dug McDaniel added 13 points with five assists and Kansas State beat George Washington 83-71 on Friday night at the Paradise Jam.

Kansas State (4-1) plays a winner-bracket game against Liberty on Sunday. George Washington (4-1) moves to the consolation bracket against Louisiana-Lafayette on Saturday. The Wildcats are playing the Paradise Jam for the third time and first since 2018.

It’s a homecoming for Kansas State coach Jerome Tang and assistant Jareem Dowling, who spent most of their formative years in the Virgin Islands.

McDaniel scored four straight points in a half-closing 6-0 run to make it 46-27 at the break. Kansas State shot 52% from the field in the first half, while George Washington was 7 of 28 (25%).

George Washington scored 10 unanswered points midway through the second half to get within 59-55 with 10:20 left. Coleman Hawkins made a 3-pointer on Kansas State's next possession and McDaniel added a basket with 5:57 left to give Kansas State a double-digit lead it wouldn't give up.

Max Jones scored 12 points, Brendan Hausen added 11 and Hawkins had nine points and nine rebounds for Kansas State. N’Guessan is the only Wildcat to score in double figures in each of the first five games.

Jacoi Hutchinson scored 19 points for George Washington. Rafael Castro added 12 points, and Gerald Drumgoole Jr. and Christian Jones each scored 10.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732332686797.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. THOMAS, Virgin Islands (AP) — David N’Guessan had 17 points and nine rebounds, Dug McDaniel added 13 points with five assists and Kansas State beat George Washington 83-71 on Friday night at the Paradise Jam.Kansas State (4-1) plays a winner-bracket game against Liberty on Sunday. George Washington (4-1) moves to the consolation bracket against Louisiana-Lafayette on Saturday. The Wildcats are playing the Paradise Jam for the third time and first since 2018.It’s a homecoming for Kansas State coach Jerome Tang and assistant Jareem Dowling, who spent most of their formative years in the Virgin Islands.McDaniel scored four straight points in a half-closing 6-0 run to make it 46-27 at the break. Kansas State shot 52% from the field in the first half, while George Washington was 7 of 28 (25%).George Washington scored 10 unanswered points midway through the second half to get within 59-55 with 10:20 left. Coleman Hawkins made a 3-pointer on Kansas State's next possession and McDaniel added a basket with 5:57 left to give Kansas State a double-digit lead it wouldn't give up.Max Jones scored 12 points, Brendan Hausen added 11 and Hawkins had nine points and nine rebounds for Kansas State. N’Guessan is the only Wildcat to score in double figures in each of the first five games.Jacoi Hutchinson scored 19 points for George Washington. Rafael Castro added 12 points, and Gerald Drumgoole Jr. and Christian Jones each scored 10.

🏀  Kansas State beats George Washington in the Paradise Jam

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Kansas Wesleyan placed a program-best 14th in the team standings at the NAIA Women's National Cross Country Championship on Friday.

KWU finished with 449 points in the 6,000-meter race at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course. The Master's (California) won the team title with 93 points while Saint Mary was third with 125 in the field of 35 teams.

Two Coyotes finished in the top 100. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9844fecf-bdc8-4819-af71-8b039780a2ba?elinkdata=15856">Madisyn Ehrlich</a> led the pack finishing 49th in a time of 22 minutes, 8.4 seconds. It was a vast improvement from 2023 when she qualified as an individual and placed 101st in 23:36.1 in the race at Vancouver, Washington. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/07daeb61-adec-4bdb-88d0-52bbd22574a6?elinkdata=15856">Kierra Jensen</a> was KWU second runner placing 77th in 22:30.9.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a4b4f287-dd39-414e-985f-88348c233031?elinkdata=15856">Josie Koppes</a> was 113th in 22:53.3 - one minute faster than her time of 23:53.3 last season when she was 131st. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fad15abd-a4d8-4759-95a4-fd09457203d9?elinkdata=15856">Kirstin Hackney</a> finished 142nd (23:08.8) on Friday and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/542a25fd-fbb5-45d4-b6e7-05f8dccfe13b?elinkdata=15856">Charlee Lind</a> 148th (23:12.2) to round out the KWU scoring. Like Ehrlich and Koppes, Lind was dramatically better than last fall when she placed 209th (24:32.1) at the national meet.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fe05d540-7a5b-40d6-8110-b57cc7aa5acb?elinkdata=15856">Alayna Behrman</a> finished 169th (23:22.0) and Haley Nordhus 240th (24:05.5) for KWU in Friday's race. A total of 326 runners crossed the finish line.

"The women executed really well at a very, very high level and kept a lot of composure throughout the race," KWU coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/66180082-d0c6-465b-bfe7-6bd29b25eb31?elinkdata=15856">Garrett Young</a> said. "They put together a really strong performance as a group."

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Kansas Wesleyan placed a program-best 14th in the team standings at the NAIA Women's National Cross Country Championship on Friday.KWU finished with 449 points in the 6,000-meter race at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course. The Master's (California) won the team title with 93 points while Saint Mary was third with 125 in the field of 35 teams.Two Coyotes finished in the top 100. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9844fecf-bdc8-4819-af71-8b039780a2ba?elinkdata=15856">Madisyn Ehrlich</a> led the pack finishing 49th in a time of 22 minutes, 8.4 seconds. It was a vast improvement from 2023 when she qualified as an individual and placed 101st in 23:36.1 in the race at Vancouver, Washington. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/07daeb61-adec-4bdb-88d0-52bbd22574a6?elinkdata=15856">Kierra Jensen</a> was KWU second runner placing 77th in 22:30.9.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a4b4f287-dd39-414e-985f-88348c233031?elinkdata=15856">Josie Koppes</a> was 113th in 22:53.3 - one minute faster than her time of 23:53.3 last season when she was 131st. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fad15abd-a4d8-4759-95a4-fd09457203d9?elinkdata=15856">Kirstin Hackney</a> finished 142nd (23:08.8) on Friday and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/542a25fd-fbb5-45d4-b6e7-05f8dccfe13b?elinkdata=15856">Charlee Lind</a> 148th (23:12.2) to round out the KWU scoring. Like Ehrlich and Koppes, Lind was dramatically better than last fall when she placed 209th (24:32.1) at the national meet.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fe05d540-7a5b-40d6-8110-b57cc7aa5acb?elinkdata=15856">Alayna Behrman</a> finished 169th (23:22.0) and Haley Nordhus 240th (24:05.5) for KWU in Friday's race. A total of 326 runners crossed the finish line."The women executed really well at a very, very high level and kept a lot of composure throughout the race," KWU coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/66180082-d0c6-465b-bfe7-6bd29b25eb31?elinkdata=15856">Garrett Young</a> said. "They put together a really strong performance as a group."

KWU Women's XC with program best 14th place finish at NAIA National Championships

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Kansas Wesleyan placed 22nd in the NAIA Men's National Cross Country Championship on Friday.

The Coyotes compiled 502 points, one point behind Montreat and four points behind Doane. College of Idaho won the team championship with 87 points while Saint Mary had 254 points and placed sixth in the field of 36 teams.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b1c85e77-6139-4a1b-8158-f9e28be0b7eb?elinkdata=15827">Julian Avila</a> was KWU's top runner finishing the 8,000-meter Gans Creek Cross Country Course in a time of 25 minutes, 4.5 seconds and placing 86th. It was a vast improvement from a year ago when he finished 263rd in 27:45.9 in the NAIA Championship at Vancouver, Washington.

Rounding out the Coyotes' scoring Friday was <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fe4c2543-ff0d-49fa-ab59-ad85fb02a5c2?elinkdata=15827">Damion Jackson</a> 111th in 25:14.9, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/013d3153-5875-467e-994b-8c872fde1d61?elinkdata=15827">Austin Hess</a> 115th in 25:14.9, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/702c6054-7343-4ce3-8014-5775f78698c5?elinkdata=15827">Jake Cruz</a> 137th in 25:24.5 and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b95e06e6-fc3b-4dbc-9f27-aa86719bb541?elinkdata=15827">Giovanni Rios</a> 187th in 25:41.2. Hess finished 122nd, Cruz 155th and Rios 214th at last year's national meet.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/03cf7d66-058b-4b25-afef-443b6a536890?elinkdata=15827">Tytus Reed</a> was 219th in 25:59.3 and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d9a0167c-ddb6-4b9b-ac72-b4bffb3aaf70?elinkdata=15827">Austin Schaeffer</a> 223rd in 26:01.5 on Friday for KWU. A total of 326 runners finished the race.

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Kansas Wesleyan placed 22nd in the NAIA Men's National Cross Country Championship on Friday.The Coyotes compiled 502 points, one point behind Montreat and four points behind Doane. College of Idaho won the team championship with 87 points while Saint Mary had 254 points and placed sixth in the field of 36 teams.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b1c85e77-6139-4a1b-8158-f9e28be0b7eb?elinkdata=15827">Julian Avila</a> was KWU's top runner finishing the 8,000-meter Gans Creek Cross Country Course in a time of 25 minutes, 4.5 seconds and placing 86th. It was a vast improvement from a year ago when he finished 263rd in 27:45.9 in the NAIA Championship at Vancouver, Washington.Rounding out the Coyotes' scoring Friday was <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fe4c2543-ff0d-49fa-ab59-ad85fb02a5c2?elinkdata=15827">Damion Jackson</a> 111th in 25:14.9, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/013d3153-5875-467e-994b-8c872fde1d61?elinkdata=15827">Austin Hess</a> 115th in 25:14.9, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/702c6054-7343-4ce3-8014-5775f78698c5?elinkdata=15827">Jake Cruz</a> 137th in 25:24.5 and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b95e06e6-fc3b-4dbc-9f27-aa86719bb541?elinkdata=15827">Giovanni Rios</a> 187th in 25:41.2. Hess finished 122nd, Cruz 155th and Rios 214th at last year's national meet.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/03cf7d66-058b-4b25-afef-443b6a536890?elinkdata=15827">Tytus Reed</a> was 219th in 25:59.3 and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d9a0167c-ddb6-4b9b-ac72-b4bffb3aaf70?elinkdata=15827">Austin Schaeffer</a> 223rd in 26:01.5 on Friday for KWU. A total of 326 runners finished the race.

KWU Men's Cross Country finishes 22nd at NAIA National Championships

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals tonight announced that they have acquired infielder&nbsp;Jonathan India&nbsp;and outfielder&nbsp;Joey Wiemer&nbsp;from the Cincinnati Reds for right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Brady Singer. Kansas City’s Major League Reserve List is now at 38.

India, 27, played in a career-high 151 games in 2024 and slashed .248/.357/.392 (132-for-533) with 45 extra-base hits (.750 OPS). He drew a career-best 80 walks this season, tied for 5th most in the Majors behind only&nbsp;Aaron Judge&nbsp;(133),&nbsp;Juan Soto&nbsp;(129),&nbsp;Kyle Schwarber&nbsp;(106) and&nbsp;Shohei Ohtani&nbsp;(81). Over his four-year Major League career—all of which he’s spent with the Reds organization—he’s batted in the leadoff spot more than any other position, hitting first in 341 of his 523 career games (65.2%). Defensively, he’s posted a .978 career fielding percentage at second base, including a career-best .991 in 133 games (132) at the position this season, a mark that ranked 2nd among all qualified second basemen. India was originally drafted by the Reds 5th overall in the 2018 First-Year Player Draft, just 13 spots behind his University of Florida teammate Singer, who was selected by the Royals 18th overall.

Wiemer, 25, split time between the Brewers and Reds organizations in 2024, as he was traded to Cincinnati with pitcher&nbsp;Jakob Junis&nbsp;on July 30 for pitcher&nbsp;Frankie Montas. He opened the season with Triple-A Nashville but was recalled on April 14 and played in 19 games for the Brewers around a brief stint on the Injured List. Following his trade to Cincinnati, he played in just 2 games for the Reds and ended the season with Triple-A Louisville, where he played in 30 games. This marked Wiemer’s second season in the Majors, after playing in 132 games (113 starts) for Milwaukee in 2023, when he recorded 13 home runs and 11 stolen bases. Over his two-year career, he’s played in 17 games in left field (6 starts), 123 games in center field (103 starts) and 15 games in right field (10 starts). Wiemer was originally selected by Milwaukee in the 4th round of the 2020 Draft out of the University of Cincinnati.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals tonight announced that they have acquired infielder&nbsp;Jonathan India&nbsp;and outfielder&nbsp;Joey Wiemer&nbsp;from the Cincinnati Reds for right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Brady Singer. Kansas City’s Major League Reserve List is now at 38.India, 27, played in a career-high 151 games in 2024 and slashed .248/.357/.392 (132-for-533) with 45 extra-base hits (.750 OPS). He drew a career-best 80 walks this season, tied for 5th most in the Majors behind only&nbsp;Aaron Judge&nbsp;(133),&nbsp;Juan Soto&nbsp;(129),&nbsp;Kyle Schwarber&nbsp;(106) and&nbsp;Shohei Ohtani&nbsp;(81). Over his four-year Major League career—all of which he’s spent with the Reds organization—he’s batted in the leadoff spot more than any other position, hitting first in 341 of his 523 career games (65.2%). Defensively, he’s posted a .978 career fielding percentage at second base, including a career-best .991 in 133 games (132) at the position this season, a mark that ranked 2nd among all qualified second basemen. India was originally drafted by the Reds 5th overall in the 2018 First-Year Player Draft, just 13 spots behind his University of Florida teammate Singer, who was selected by the Royals 18th overall.Wiemer, 25, split time between the Brewers and Reds organizations in 2024, as he was traded to Cincinnati with pitcher&nbsp;Jakob Junis&nbsp;on July 30 for pitcher&nbsp;Frankie Montas. He opened the season with Triple-A Nashville but was recalled on April 14 and played in 19 games for the Brewers around a brief stint on the Injured List. Following his trade to Cincinnati, he played in just 2 games for the Reds and ended the season with Triple-A Louisville, where he played in 30 games. This marked Wiemer’s second season in the Majors, after playing in 132 games (113 starts) for Milwaukee in 2023, when he recorded 13 home runs and 11 stolen bases. Over his two-year career, he’s played in 17 games in left field (6 starts), 123 games in center field (103 starts) and 15 games in right field (10 starts). Wiemer was originally selected by Milwaukee in the 4th round of the 2020 Draft out of the University of Cincinnati.

Royals acquire infielder Jonathan India and outfielder Joey Wiemer

Just four teams remain in every classification of high school football across the state of Kansas and this week, Tyler and Devin broke each of the final four matchups down, taking a look at games in all classes from 6A to 6-Man.

We also preview a busy weekend for Kansas Wesleyan, and break down a rematch between SES and Beloit in Class 2A.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4T7NS3rd1qY"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Just four teams remain in every classification of high school football across the state of Kansas and this week, Tyler and Devin broke each of the final four matchups down, taking a look at games in all classes from 6A to 6-Man.We also preview a busy weekend for Kansas Wesleyan, and break down a rematch between SES and Beloit in Class 2A.

Salina Post Sports Friday Night Preview: State Semifinal Round

For the third time in five years, the Southeast of Saline Trojans find themselves in the state semifinals, one win away from a coveted trip to a state title game.

To reach that promised land for the first time since the team’s 2005 state championship, Southeast must overcome a familiar foe, as they prepare to take on Beloit for the second time this season.

Southeast of Saline (11-0), manhandled Beloit (9-2) by a final score of 32-6 back in week three in the worst loss of the season for the orange Trojans.

“We were very fortunate in that first game that Beloit put the ball on the ground multiple times,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “They put us in good spots and we capitalized in the second quarter but we know they’re going to do a good job.”

Despite winning confidently in September, and dominating the series winning each of the last seven contests, Southeast understands the magnitude of the moment, and will be expecting a real challenge on Friday night.

“At the end of the day it’s Beloit,” Gebhardt said. “They do an outstanding job with their football program and have for a long time. Coach Gober and his staff do a good job, it doesn’t surprise me that we’re playing Beloit this late in the year. Our mentality is playing our best football this week and finding a way to go 1-0.”

For Southeast of Saline, success will start on the defensive end, where the Trojans have allowed just 14 points all postseason.

“Coach Ptacek has done a great job with oud defense for years and our kids do an excellent job of playing together and playing as one unit,” he said. “They trust the guy next to them, they’re in the right spots and they play fast and physical. That group has only gotten better as the year has gone on.”

That unit will be responsible for stopping the two-headed monster of quarterback Jaxon Weston, and tailback Joel Rexroat.

“Their offense is very good and both Weston and Rexroat do a good job with the football,” Gebhardt said. “Their offensive line is very good and if you’re undisciplined they’ll gash you. Offensively we have to play disciplined and pick up first downs to keep those guys off the field.”

Offensively, no one has had an answer for SES all season long, as the team has outscored their opponents 482-104, thanks in large part to the triple threat of Gannon Jacobson, Grady Gebhardt, and Tucker Thaxton.

“The versatility of our skill guys is a big deal and we have a lot of guys that touch the football,” he said. “When someone else can step up and we can move the football in different ways that’s huge and having those guys is big.”

The blueprint for beating Beloit has been clear from day one; stop the run, and challenge the secondary. While obvious, just two teams have managed to follow that to a victory, but Southeast is well equipped to become the third, and to repeat their week three performance on Friday night if they can cross their t’s and dot their i’s.

“We have move the football effectively against them and we need to speed them up,” Gebhardt said. “Defensively we have to be sound, they do a lot of different things that look the same but we have to make the right reads and be physical when we get there.”

Kickoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 at Kansas Wesleyan’s JRI Stadium in Salina, and as always, can be streamed with live video and commentary on Salina Post by clicking <a href="https://youtube.com/live/n55bNFEtdI4">HERE</a>, or heard on KINA (910 AM/107.5 FM).

The winner of this matchup will face either Nemaha Central (10-1), or Council Grove (8-3) in the 2A State Championship game next week.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostFor the third time in five years, the Southeast of Saline Trojans find themselves in the state semifinals, one win away from a coveted trip to a state title game.To reach that promised land for the first time since the team’s 2005 state championship, Southeast must overcome a familiar foe, as they prepare to take on Beloit for the second time this season.<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>Southeast of Saline (11-0), manhandled Beloit (9-2) by a final score of 32-6 back in week three in the worst loss of the season for the orange Trojans.“We were very fortunate in that first game that Beloit put the ball on the ground multiple times,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “They put us in good spots and we capitalized in the second quarter but we know they’re going to do a good job.”Despite winning confidently in September, and dominating the series winning each of the last seven contests, Southeast understands the magnitude of the moment, and will be expecting a real challenge on Friday night.“At the end of the day it’s Beloit,” Gebhardt said. “They do an outstanding job with their football program and have for a long time. Coach Gober and his staff do a good job, it doesn’t surprise me that we’re playing Beloit this late in the year. Our mentality is playing our best football this week and finding a way to go 1-0.”For Southeast of Saline, success will start on the defensive end, where the Trojans have allowed just 14 points all postseason.“Coach Ptacek has done a great job with oud defense for years and our kids do an excellent job of playing together and playing as one unit,” he said. “They trust the guy next to them, they’re in the right spots and they play fast and physical. That group has only gotten better as the year has gone on.”That unit will be responsible for stopping the two-headed monster of quarterback Jaxon Weston, and tailback Joel Rexroat.“Their offense is very good and both Weston and Rexroat do a good job with the football,” Gebhardt said. “Their offensive line is very good and if you’re undisciplined they’ll gash you. Offensively we have to play disciplined and pick up first downs to keep those guys off the field.”Offensively, no one has had an answer for SES all season long, as the team has outscored their opponents 482-104, thanks in large part to the triple threat of Gannon Jacobson, Grady Gebhardt, and Tucker Thaxton.“The versatility of our skill guys is a big deal and we have a lot of guys that touch the football,” he said. “When someone else can step up and we can move the football in different ways that’s huge and having those guys is big.”The blueprint for beating Beloit has been clear from day one; stop the run, and challenge the secondary. While obvious, just two teams have managed to follow that to a victory, but Southeast is well equipped to become the third, and to repeat their week three performance on Friday night if they can cross their t’s and dot their i’s.“We have move the football effectively against them and we need to speed them up,” Gebhardt said. “Defensively we have to be sound, they do a lot of different things that look the same but we have to make the right reads and be physical when we get there.”Kickoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 at Kansas Wesleyan’s JRI Stadium in Salina, and as always, can be streamed with live video and commentary on Salina Post by clicking <a href="https://youtube.com/live/n55bNFEtdI4">HERE</a>, or heard on KINA (910 AM/107.5 FM).The winner of this matchup will face either Nemaha Central (10-1), or Council Grove (8-3) in the 2A State Championship game next week.

🏈 2A Semifinal features Trojan War between SES and Beloit

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, as far as the injuries, everybody practiced today. We’ll end up listing (Charles) Omenihu and (Isiah) Pacheco as out, they won’t dress this week. Look forward to the challenge of playing Carolina. Again, they’re playing real good football on both sides of the ball and special teams. (Panthers Head Coach) Dave’s (Canales) done a nice job with that group and our guy have had a good week of practice and look forward to that challenge again to play a good football team. With that, time’s yours.”

Q: Are Isiah Pacheco and Charles Omenihu on track to play next week?

REID:&nbsp;“We’ll see but they’re (Isiah Pacheco and Charles Omenihu) doing great. Yeah, they’re doing great. (They’re) working hard and we’ll just take it day-by-day as we go on this thing.”

Q: On not overlooking any teams in the NFL.

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid QuotesNovember 22, 2024HEAD COACH ANDY REIDOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, as far as the injuries, everybody practiced today. We’ll end up listing (Charles) Omenihu and (Isiah) Pacheco as out, they won’t dress this week. Look forward to the challenge of playing Carolina. Again, they’re playing real good football on both sides of the ball and special teams. (Panthers Head Coach) Dave’s (Canales) done a nice job with that group and our guy have had a good week of practice and look forward to that challenge again to play a good football team. With that, time’s yours.”Q: Are Isiah Pacheco and Charles Omenihu on track to play next week?REID:&nbsp;“We’ll see but they’re (Isiah Pacheco and Charles Omenihu) doing great. Yeah, they’re doing great. (They’re) working hard and we’ll just take it day-by-day as we go on this thing.”Q: On not overlooking any teams in the NFL.

Chiefs Quotes: 11-22-24

OMAHA, Neb. - Kansas Wesleyan Men's Soccer made a late run at the Williams Baptist Eagles in Thursday's NAIA National Championship First Round, but it wasn't quite enough as the Coyotes fell 2-1 at Morrison Stadium on the campus of Creighton University.

WBU made two first half goals stick for the Eagles for the victory.

The Eagles scored in the 26th minute on a goal by Mateus Ribeiro as he ran down a long ball and cut back and scored it in the box.

WBU scored again in the 43rd on a goal by Jacobo Obradors off an assist by Colin Haupt.

Trailing 2-0 at the half, the Coyotes turned up the offensive aggressiveness in the second half, outshooting the Eagles 10-2 in the second 45.

Wesleyan had chances at goals in the 47th on a header shot by Sebastian Fernandez, and in the 50th minute <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e16b376d-57ac-416e-b0a3-56de3e51908f?elinkdata=15799">Cayden Andersen</a> had a shot go off the crossbar.

The Coyotes got on the board in the 89th minute when an initial shot by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/83cde886-8f6e-4ba2-9c17-f90ee3280ffe?elinkdata=15799">Mateo Hoyos</a> was blocked, but <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6f74779e-3fd6-4a58-9617-a7de58a3a003?elinkdata=15799">Gerardo Garcia</a> was there to collect the rebound and score it for the Coyotes making it 2-1.

The Coyotes nearly had the equalizer in the final minute but <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ec0eab39-1f52-44d7-be5b-5fc84a68c420?elinkdata=15799">Kamille Kum's</a> shot hit the side netting.

KWU outshot Williams Baptist in the match, and had six corner kicks. KWU was also whistled for 17 fouls against just seven against the Eagles.

OMAHA, Neb. - Kansas Wesleyan Men's Soccer made a late run at the Williams Baptist Eagles in Thursday's NAIA National Championship First Round, but it wasn't quite enough as the Coyotes fell 2-1 at Morrison Stadium on the campus of Creighton University.WBU made two first half goals stick for the Eagles for the victory.The Eagles scored in the 26th minute on a goal by Mateus Ribeiro as he ran down a long ball and cut back and scored it in the box.WBU scored again in the 43rd on a goal by Jacobo Obradors off an assist by Colin Haupt.Trailing 2-0 at the half, the Coyotes turned up the offensive aggressiveness in the second half, outshooting the Eagles 10-2 in the second 45.Wesleyan had chances at goals in the 47th on a header shot by Sebastian Fernandez, and in the 50th minute <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e16b376d-57ac-416e-b0a3-56de3e51908f?elinkdata=15799">Cayden Andersen</a> had a shot go off the crossbar.The Coyotes got on the board in the 89th minute when an initial shot by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/83cde886-8f6e-4ba2-9c17-f90ee3280ffe?elinkdata=15799">Mateo Hoyos</a> was blocked, but <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6f74779e-3fd6-4a58-9617-a7de58a3a003?elinkdata=15799">Gerardo Garcia</a> was there to collect the rebound and score it for the Coyotes making it 2-1.The Coyotes nearly had the equalizer in the final minute but <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ec0eab39-1f52-44d7-be5b-5fc84a68c420?elinkdata=15799">Kamille Kum's</a> shot hit the side netting.KWU outshot Williams Baptist in the match, and had six corner kicks. KWU was also whistled for 17 fouls against just seven against the Eagles.

Late push not enough as KWU Men's Soccer falls to Williams Baptist 2-1 in NAIA First Round

KANSAS STATE (3-1) vs. GEORGE WASHINGTON (4-0)

25th&nbsp;Annual U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise JamFriday, November 22, 2024 &gt;&gt; 7 p.m., CT &gt;&gt; UVI Sports and Fitness Center &gt;&gt; St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.Paradise Jam Tournament Website (<a href="https://www.basketballtravelers.com/paradise-jam" target="_blank">here</a>)Paradise Jam Tournament Bracket (<a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/66302c07fbbbca25b9b2b492/t/670849ff2c8dda5ff4fcd373/1728596479784/Men%27s+Bracket+2024.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>)TELEVISIONESPN+ / WatchESPN (link&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/player/_/eventCalendarId/401706975" target="_blank">here</a>)

K-State Sports NetworkFlagships: // KMAN 1350 &amp; WIBW 580Satellite Radio: Ch. 386Online: Varsity Network [free] /&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/watch" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/watch</a>&nbsp;[free]

<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/" target="_blank">kstatesports.com</a><a href="http://kstate.statbroadcast.com/" target="_blank">kstate.statbroadcast.com</a>

<a href="http://kstate.statbroadcast.com/" target="_blank"></a>COACHES

K-State: Jerome Tang [Charter Oak State College ‘07]Record at K-State: 48-26/3rd YearCareer Record: 50-26*/3rd Yearvs.

George Washington: 0-0 [0-0 neutral site]George Washington: Chris Caputo [Westfield State ‘02]Record at GW: 35-33/3rd YearCareer Record: 35-33/3rd Yearvs. K-State: 0-0 [0-0 neutral site]

K-State (3-1)G: #3 C.J. JonesG: #11 Brendan HausenG: #2 Max JonesW: #33 Coleman HawkinsW: #1 David N’Guessan

George Washington (4-0)G: #1 Trey MossG: #2 Christian JonesG: #5 Gerald Drumgoole Jr.F: #3 Darren Buchanan Jr.C: #30 Rafael Castro

Overall: K-State leads 4-1At Neutral Sites: K-State leads 1-0At Paradise Jam: First meetingActive Streak: K-State, 4First Meeting: L, 25-48 [12/28/1940 in Washington, D.C.]Last Meeting: W, 67-59 [11/24/2017 in Las Vegas]Jerome Tang vs. Chris Caputo: 0-0

K-STATE OPENS PLAY IN PARADISE JAM VS. GEORGE WASHINGTON FRIDAY

K-State opens play in the 25th annual U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam on Friday, as the Wildcats take on Atlantic 10 foe George Washington (4-0) at 7 p.m., CT at the UVI Sports and Fitness Center in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. The winner will face either Liberty (4-1) or Louisiana (1-3) on Sunday, Nov. 24 at 7 p.m., CT, while the teams losing their opening round game will meet on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 4:30 p.m., CT. All games of the tournament will air on ESPN+.The eight-team field also includes teams from UAB (3-2), Illinois State (3-1), Longwood (5-0) and McNeese (2-2), which face off in the other side of the bracket. The two teams who win the first 2 games will face off in the championship game on Monday, Nov. 25 at 7 p.m., CT. The remaining teams will play in consolation games prior to the title contest at 11:30 a.m., CT (seventh-place game), 2 p.m., CT (fourth-place game) and 4:30 p.m., CT (third-place game), respectively.Six of the eight teams in the Paradise Jam won 18 or more games in 2023-24, while Longwood, McNeese and UAB all advanced to the NCAA Tournament.Previous winners of the Paradise Jam include Big 12 members BYU (2002), Baylor (2007) and Colorado (2017) as well as Arkansas (2004), Wisconsin (2005), Alabama (2006), UConn (2008), Purdue (2009), Marquette (2011) and Creighton (2016). Last season, Missouri State defeated Abilene Christian, 87-69, in the championship game.

K-State used a 16-3 run out of halftime to close out its season-opening 4-game homestand on a high note with a 74-56 win over Mississippi Valley State on Tuesday. With its 3-point shooting off (3-of-23), the Wildcats used rebounding and free throw shooting to flip a 2-point halftime lead into an 18-point victory over the Delta Devils (1-4). The team held a 45-28 edge on the glass, scoring 36 points in the paint, while converting on an impressive 25 of 27 attempts from the free throw line.Junior Ugonna Onyenso paced three Wildcats in double figures with a career-high 16 points, while junior C.J. Jones and senior David N’Guessan added 12 and 10 points, respectively. Senior Coleman Hawkins had a career-tying 13 rebounds and team-highs in assists (4) and steals (3).

LAST MEETING:K-STATE 67, GW 59 [11/24/2017]

Overall Record: 183-116/92nd TournamentIn-Season Tournament Titles: 17Last In-Season Tournament Title: 2022 Cayman Islands Classic (3-0)At Paradise Jam: Third Appearance / 2002Paradise Jam Record:&nbsp;5-2

MBB: Preview // K-State Opens Play in Paradise Jam vs. George Washington Friday

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ef182d91-694f-48ab-9b95-d9269469eb4b?elinkdata=15771">Byron McNair</a> understands the sizable task he and his Kansas Wesleyan teammates will face when they play Dickinson State on Saturday in the first round of the NAIA Football Championship Series.

"We're the sleeper," said McNair, the Coyotes' sophomore quarterback. "It's David and Goliath, and David took down the giant. Any team that we face is going to be the giant to us."

McNair speaks from experience, considering the personal challenges he has overcome this season. Shoulder and clavicle injuries, coupled with a midseason coaching change, have steeled his resolve and mental toughness, which will be sorely tested in the 2 p.m. game in Dickinson, North Dakota.

Wesleyan is 7-4 and seeded 19th, while DSU is 9-1 and the No. 14 seed. The Blue Hawks won the North Star Athletic Association title with an 8-0 record and have won seven in a row. Their defense allows just under 70 yards rushing per game, which is the strength of the KWU offense.

"Like I tell my team all the time, they put their pads on just like you do," he said. "We're all human, we all bleed, cry and sweat. When it comes to out on the field, who has the bigger heart?"

Heart is something McNair has plenty of, as he has demonstrated this season. Playing rival Bethany in the second game of the season, he was hurt on the opening drive - the first step of a painful journey.

"I dropped my shoulder and (the defender) made me fumble," he said. "I was like, 'OK, my shoulder feels a little iffy,' but me being the person I am, I pushed through the rest of the game and went to go get it checked out that Monday. They said it was just a minor sprain in my AC joint."

Things got much worse a week later against Southwestern.

"I got it landed on again and was like, 'Something's a little off, so let me go ahead walk off this field,'" he said. "When I got to the sideline, I wanted to go back in. (The trainer) had me throw a little bit, and I told myself, 'Nah, me going out there would be a liability rather than the asset,' and I didn't want to do that for my team.'"

"I sat down and some tears came out, and I'm a man who usually doesn't cry," he said.

Inspiration arrived in the form of defensive teammate <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/00555541-60db-4612-bbc5-4939dc33fc5f?elinkdata=15771">Jordan Diggins</a>.

"He said, 'We need you, you're that person for it, we can't have you over here crying like this,'" he said. "As soon as he said that, I wiped my face, got up immediately and knew that my guys needed me. No matter what I was going through, I knew I had to be there for my guys."

McNair went back in and was on the field the following week against Friends when he suffered the clavicle injury. Combined, they were more than he could overcome, and he missed the Coyotes' games against Bethel and McPherson, which preceded the bye week.

"It was trouble sleeping, trouble putting on and taking off shirts," he said. "It was hard to move around, eat, shower, all your daily, easy things. Everything was bad because both shoulder mobilities were off. We had faced adversity already, so I knew what it took - just keep pushing."

McNair returned for the Avila game, with co-coaches <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/56f62517-e2c4-43d0-9c0b-3b936793cb8c?elinkdata=15771">Chris Snyder</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/48064ae6-c55c-41c5-801e-d759b2a05a39?elinkdata=15771">David Leonard</a>, the first after the break, and shared duties with senior <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b8a8a995-4417-40de-becf-5c91e790dee6?elinkdata=15771">Richard Lara</a> as his health improved. He assumed the full-time role last Saturday against Sterling in the regular-season finale.

"When we played Avila, there was one time I could have gone out of bounds, and I purposely stayed in and got tackled to see how it felt," he said. "Once I felt that weight on me, it was, 'OK, this doesn't hurt,' and I knew I was good."

KWU has won all five of its games since the bye. McNair has completed 51.4 percent of his passes for 760 yards, four touchdowns and one interception in nine games.

"We didn't break down as a team when so many of us could have broken down and given up," he said. "We stayed consistent, showed up for each other every single day, and we pushed forward. I just love the guys for that and appreciate them."

McNair has a special appreciation for Lara.

"There's no selfishness or animosity or anything like that," he said. "Every single day, we're helping each other, picking each other up. Quarterback is the most important position, so if they see us being compatible and working together when it's a one-man job, then everybody is following us."

"Byron's greatest attributes don't necessarily come from his arm, in my opinion," Leonard said. "He's a natural leader, and he's not afraid of failure. He's going to put himself out there, regardless of if it puts him in a situation to fail or succeed."

"He's mature beyond his years, we saw that from day one," Snyder said. "He walked into the camp last year, and everybody was like, 'This kid's going to be it for us.' It took him a couple weeks, but he got a shot and ran with it. It's just that maturity as a freshman and the competitiveness, that's why you feel like you have a chance on every snap.

"He's played only maybe 10 games in his career because of injuries and starting halfway during last year. You can't really gauge a quarterback on those few games."

Teamwork is a must Saturday, according to McNair.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ef182d91-694f-48ab-9b95-d9269469eb4b?elinkdata=15771">Byron McNair</a> understands the sizable task he and his Kansas Wesleyan teammates will face when they play Dickinson State on Saturday in the first round of the NAIA Football Championship Series."We're the sleeper," said McNair, the Coyotes' sophomore quarterback. "It's David and Goliath, and David took down the giant. Any team that we face is going to be the giant to us."McNair speaks from experience, considering the personal challenges he has overcome this season. Shoulder and clavicle injuries, coupled with a midseason coaching change, have steeled his resolve and mental toughness, which will be sorely tested in the 2 p.m. game in Dickinson, North Dakota.Wesleyan is 7-4 and seeded 19th, while DSU is 9-1 and the No. 14 seed. The Blue Hawks won the North Star Athletic Association title with an 8-0 record and have won seven in a row. Their defense allows just under 70 yards rushing per game, which is the strength of the KWU offense.Don't expect McNair to flinch, though."Like I tell my team all the time, they put their pads on just like you do," he said. "We're all human, we all bleed, cry and sweat. When it comes to out on the field, who has the bigger heart?"Heart is something McNair has plenty of, as he has demonstrated this season. Playing rival Bethany in the second game of the season, he was hurt on the opening drive - the first step of a painful journey."I dropped my shoulder and (the defender) made me fumble," he said. "I was like, 'OK, my shoulder feels a little iffy,' but me being the person I am, I pushed through the rest of the game and went to go get it checked out that Monday. They said it was just a minor sprain in my AC joint."Things got much worse a week later against Southwestern."I got it landed on again and was like, 'Something's a little off, so let me go ahead walk off this field,'" he said. "When I got to the sideline, I wanted to go back in. (The trainer) had me throw a little bit, and I told myself, 'Nah, me going out there would be a liability rather than the asset,' and I didn't want to do that for my team.'"He knew the injury could be serious."I sat down and some tears came out, and I'm a man who usually doesn't cry," he said.Inspiration arrived in the form of defensive teammate <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/00555541-60db-4612-bbc5-4939dc33fc5f?elinkdata=15771">Jordan Diggins</a>."He said, 'We need you, you're that person for it, we can't have you over here crying like this,'" he said. "As soon as he said that, I wiped my face, got up immediately and knew that my guys needed me. No matter what I was going through, I knew I had to be there for my guys."McNair went back in and was on the field the following week against Friends when he suffered the clavicle injury. Combined, they were more than he could overcome, and he missed the Coyotes' games against Bethel and McPherson, which preceded the bye week.Rehab was an arduous task."It was trouble sleeping, trouble putting on and taking off shirts," he said. "It was hard to move around, eat, shower, all your daily, easy things. Everything was bad because both shoulder mobilities were off. We had faced adversity already, so I knew what it took - just keep pushing."The bye was much-needed.McNair returned for the Avila game, with co-coaches <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/56f62517-e2c4-43d0-9c0b-3b936793cb8c?elinkdata=15771">Chris Snyder</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/48064ae6-c55c-41c5-801e-d759b2a05a39?elinkdata=15771">David Leonard</a>, the first after the break, and shared duties with senior <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b8a8a995-4417-40de-becf-5c91e790dee6?elinkdata=15771">Richard Lara</a> as his health improved. He assumed the full-time role last Saturday against Sterling in the regular-season finale."When we played Avila, there was one time I could have gone out of bounds, and I purposely stayed in and got tackled to see how it felt," he said. "Once I felt that weight on me, it was, 'OK, this doesn't hurt,' and I knew I was good."KWU has won all five of its games since the bye. McNair has completed 51.4 percent of his passes for 760 yards, four touchdowns and one interception in nine games."We didn't break down as a team when so many of us could have broken down and given up," he said. "We stayed consistent, showed up for each other every single day, and we pushed forward. I just love the guys for that and appreciate them."McNair has a special appreciation for Lara."There's no selfishness or animosity or anything like that," he said. "Every single day, we're helping each other, picking each other up. Quarterback is the most important position, so if they see us being compatible and working together when it's a one-man job, then everybody is following us."McNair has impressed the coaches."Byron's greatest attributes don't necessarily come from his arm, in my opinion," Leonard said. "He's a natural leader, and he's not afraid of failure. He's going to put himself out there, regardless of if it puts him in a situation to fail or succeed.""He's mature beyond his years, we saw that from day one," Snyder said. "He walked into the camp last year, and everybody was like, 'This kid's going to be it for us.' It took him a couple weeks, but he got a shot and ran with it. It's just that maturity as a freshman and the competitiveness, that's why you feel like you have a chance on every snap."He's played only maybe 10 games in his career because of injuries and starting halfway during last year. You can't really gauge a quarterback on those few games."Teamwork is a must Saturday, according to McNair.

KWU FB FEATURE: Resilient McNair ready for Dickinson State challenge

ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR DAVE TOUB

Q: What did you see from Spencer Shrader that made you want to sign him?

TOUB: “Every year we rate all the kickers coming out. A lot like (Harrison) Butker, he (Spencer Shrader) was our number one guy coming out, we had him number one on our list. He was a guy obviously we targeted, we looked at and we liked him early and then he was on the practice squad, so we took a shot and got him. We’re happy we got him. He’s got a strong leg. We haven’t seen a lot of him but in practice, he’s looked really good.”

Q: On kickers seeming to have more powerful legs nowadays.

TOUB: “I mean the guys are so much – we’ve had this conversation before. I mean the guys are – they’re powerful. The leg strength is really off the charts so it’s not unusual – I mean the guys have to be able to kick a 50-yarder now to be considered an NFL kicker. Then, it comes down to accuracy after that, obviously consistently with the pressure and weather and wind. All those things come into play.”

Q: Do you agree that every yard matters?

TOUB: “Very much so. The last two games – I mean for us, winning field position, that’s the number one thing that we try to do. The last two games, we haven’t won the field position battle. That’s something that you know obviously we’re striving to get on the right track.”

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLO

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, a little uncharted waters for this year, (we’re) a little disappointed in last week. Listen, we’ve put it all to bed and flushed it away and now onto another good football team. They don’t get any easier and I know what their (the Carolina Panthers) record says, but (the) quarterback’s (Panthers QB Bryce Young) playing really good and (the) running back’s (Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard) a good player. I think these young guys on the outside are getting a lot of confidence so that’s what we’re getting prepared for. With that, I’ll open it up (to questions).”

Q:&nbsp;Are you satisfied with what you’re getting from your pass rush?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Look, the numbers say that you wouldn’t be. Now, I don’t measure everything on sacks, you know that. That particular quarterback (Bills QB Josh Allen) and a bunch of these quarterbacks we’ve played, we’ve had to play a certain way and sometimes you’re not getting four and five guys turned loose. I think you guys (the media) know what I’m saying, and it makes it hard. This guy makes one guy miss and we’re off point (and) he can – like he did on that fourth down play. We’re hoping to crank it up and get the so-called numbers where we want them or at least get the hits, the pressures, getting the quarterback off his spot, those are the things that we need to get better at.”

Q:&nbsp;What have you seen from the recent success of the Carolina Panthers?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Listen, they’re playing confident. Listen, they can be a scary bunch when you have a bunch of young guys that have a lot of confidence – they’re coming off a bye week, I’m sure (Head Coach) Andy’s (Reid) talked about all of that. We’re in tune to it, our eyes are open, (and) nobody’s overlooking this particular unit that we’re going against. All we handle is the defense, right? I think this quarterback (Panthers QB Bryce Young) feels really good about what he’s doing. I think they’re doing really good things with him. If we don’t go out there and play our best football, that won’t be good. Any team in this league can make you look bad.”

Q:&nbsp;How do you get your defense to ramp up during November and December football to prepare for a playoff push?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Well, one of the things (that) we try to do is simplify at times. I think sometimes when you simplify, you play faster. There’s been a little bit of that direction this week. We’re always going to be multiple because we believe in putting pressure on the team that we’re playing, but if everybody can just be on point and just stay in their lane, do their job – we talk about that all the time. When we play our best is when the unit chemistry is like that (meshed hands together), not anybody trying to do their own thing. We haven’t had a lot of that this year so if we can get back to that and not make those mental errors, I think we’ll be okay.”

NAGY:&nbsp;“He (Noah Gray) really has. He’s been somebody that – since I’ve got here, I’ve really taken on to what he’s done as far as the details, his practice habits, his in-game adjustments (and) his making plays when given a chance. You see what he did last week in Buffalo, he made some nice plays. He’s Mr. Consistent, I think it’s very valuable and he’s probably one of the more underrated and underappreciated guys – from outside of this building – when you look at what he does.”

Q: How do you see your running back rotation working with Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt when Isiah Pacheco returns?

NAGY:&nbsp;“It’s a good problem – I don’t see it as a problem, I used that word, but for him (Isiah Pacheco) to be able to get back into the mix – I always start off with, number one, who he is a football player. What he does for our offense is great stuff. I mean, he’s growing as a young kid (and) as a young football player in this offense but then you also take his personality, his demeanor, his fire, his energy (and) you throw that into the mix with Kareem (Hunt) and the other guys, it does nothing but help you. Whenever that is, whether it’s this week or next week, you know, he just brings positivity and I’m just happy for him to be able to get back.”

Q: How do you approach building on the final touchdown drive for this week and the rest of the season?

ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR DAVE TOUBQ: What did you see from Spencer Shrader that made you want to sign him?TOUB: “Every year we rate all the kickers coming out. A lot like (Harrison) Butker, he (Spencer Shrader) was our number one guy coming out, we had him number one on our list. He was a guy obviously we targeted, we looked at and we liked him early and then he was on the practice squad, so we took a shot and got him. We’re happy we got him. He’s got a strong leg. We haven’t seen a lot of him but in practice, he’s looked really good.”Q: On kickers seeming to have more powerful legs nowadays.TOUB: “I mean the guys are so much – we’ve had this conversation before. I mean the guys are – they’re powerful. The leg strength is really off the charts so it’s not unusual – I mean the guys have to be able to kick a 50-yarder now to be considered an NFL kicker. Then, it comes down to accuracy after that, obviously consistently with the pressure and weather and wind. All those things come into play.”Q: Do you agree that every yard matters?TOUB: “Very much so. The last two games – I mean for us, winning field position, that’s the number one thing that we try to do. The last two games, we haven’t won the field position battle. That’s something that you know obviously we’re striving to get on the right track.”DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLOOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, a little uncharted waters for this year, (we’re) a little disappointed in last week. Listen, we’ve put it all to bed and flushed it away and now onto another good football team. They don’t get any easier and I know what their (the Carolina Panthers) record says, but (the) quarterback’s (Panthers QB Bryce Young) playing really good and (the) running back’s (Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard) a good player. I think these young guys on the outside are getting a lot of confidence so that’s what we’re getting prepared for. With that, I’ll open it up (to questions).”Q:&nbsp;Are you satisfied with what you’re getting from your pass rush?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Look, the numbers say that you wouldn’t be. Now, I don’t measure everything on sacks, you know that. That particular quarterback (Bills QB Josh Allen) and a bunch of these quarterbacks we’ve played, we’ve had to play a certain way and sometimes you’re not getting four and five guys turned loose. I think you guys (the media) know what I’m saying, and it makes it hard. This guy makes one guy miss and we’re off point (and) he can – like he did on that fourth down play. We’re hoping to crank it up and get the so-called numbers where we want them or at least get the hits, the pressures, getting the quarterback off his spot, those are the things that we need to get better at.”Q:&nbsp;What have you seen from the recent success of the Carolina Panthers?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Listen, they’re playing confident. Listen, they can be a scary bunch when you have a bunch of young guys that have a lot of confidence – they’re coming off a bye week, I’m sure (Head Coach) Andy’s (Reid) talked about all of that. We’re in tune to it, our eyes are open, (and) nobody’s overlooking this particular unit that we’re going against. All we handle is the defense, right? I think this quarterback (Panthers QB Bryce Young) feels really good about what he’s doing. I think they’re doing really good things with him. If we don’t go out there and play our best football, that won’t be good. Any team in this league can make you look bad.”Q:&nbsp;How do you get your defense to ramp up during November and December football to prepare for a playoff push?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Well, one of the things (that) we try to do is simplify at times. I think sometimes when you simplify, you play faster. There’s been a little bit of that direction this week. We’re always going to be multiple because we believe in putting pressure on the team that we’re playing, but if everybody can just be on point and just stay in their lane, do their job – we talk about that all the time. When we play our best is when the unit chemistry is like that (meshed hands together), not anybody trying to do their own thing. We haven’t had a lot of that this year so if we can get back to that and not make those mental errors, I think we’ll be okay.”OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR MATT NAGYQ: On the evolution of Noah Gray.NAGY:&nbsp;“He (Noah Gray) really has. He’s been somebody that – since I’ve got here, I’ve really taken on to what he’s done as far as the details, his practice habits, his in-game adjustments (and) his making plays when given a chance. You see what he did last week in Buffalo, he made some nice plays. He’s Mr. Consistent, I think it’s very valuable and he’s probably one of the more underrated and underappreciated guys – from outside of this building – when you look at what he does.”Q: How do you see your running back rotation working with Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt when Isiah Pacheco returns?NAGY:&nbsp;“It’s a good problem – I don’t see it as a problem, I used that word, but for him (Isiah Pacheco) to be able to get back into the mix – I always start off with, number one, who he is a football player. What he does for our offense is great stuff. I mean, he’s growing as a young kid (and) as a young football player in this offense but then you also take his personality, his demeanor, his fire, his energy (and) you throw that into the mix with Kareem (Hunt) and the other guys, it does nothing but help you. Whenever that is, whether it’s this week or next week, you know, he just brings positivity and I’m just happy for him to be able to get back.”Q: How do you approach building on the final touchdown drive for this week and the rest of the season?

Chiefs Quotes: 11-21-24

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4794ba56-87a0-4b4c-b3d3-fd37227b4a05?elinkdata=15743">Alex Littlejohn</a> was not feeling well in advance of Kansas Wesleyan's basketball game against McPherson.

Littlejohn, to nobody's surprise though, donned his uniform and played in the Kansas Conference contest Wednesday night inside Mabee Arena. His performance left the visiting Bulldogs feeling puny by game's end.

Littlejohn scored 21 points on 9 of 15 shooting and grabbed eight rebounds in leading KWU to a 72-65 victory. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9220937b-771c-41bf-a6bf-b40efc8f3670?elinkdata=15743">Evens Appolon</a>, the Coyotes' man-mountain center who was playing on his birthday, blocked a program-record 11 shots to go along with eight points and seven rebounds.

The Coyotes ended a two-game losing streak and improved to 5-2 overall, 1-1 in the conference. McPherson fell to 2-3 and 0-2.

Littlejohn, the Coyotes' all-everything senior forward, was magnificent once more. He entered the game averaging 18 points and 12 rebounds.

"Alex was sick all day," coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c03b9ab8-8190-453e-bbdc-9c349cefe949?elinkdata=15743">Anthony Monson</a> said on the postgame radio show. "He wasn't here for most of the day and we didn't know if he was actually going to play until maybe an hour before gametime. He made the big buckets when we needed them."

Littlejohn scored 10 points and KWU shot 55.6 percent from the field (20 of 36) en route to a 44-32 halftime lead.

McPherson rallied in the second half and got as close as three points on four occasions, the last 67-64 with 59 seconds left. The comeback was fueled by a 47-41 rebounding advantage that included 21 offensive rebounds and resulted in 21 second chance points.

"It's been a problem all year and we've got to find a way to fix that," Monson said. "They got 21 offensive boards tonight and we still found a way to win. We're playing with fire especially with (No. 17-ranked) Oklahoma Wesleyan coming here Saturday. That's what they do best and we've got to find a way to clean that glass or we're going to be in a world of hurt."

Appolon, a 6-foot-8, 250-pound transfer from Central Methodist, was one-man wrecking crew on the defensive end. His six blocks in the second half help keep McPherson at bay.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4794ba56-87a0-4b4c-b3d3-fd37227b4a05?elinkdata=15743">Alex Littlejohn</a> was not feeling well in advance of Kansas Wesleyan's basketball game against McPherson.Littlejohn, to nobody's surprise though, donned his uniform and played in the Kansas Conference contest Wednesday night inside Mabee Arena. His performance left the visiting Bulldogs feeling puny by game's end.Littlejohn scored 21 points on 9 of 15 shooting and grabbed eight rebounds in leading KWU to a 72-65 victory. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9220937b-771c-41bf-a6bf-b40efc8f3670?elinkdata=15743">Evens Appolon</a>, the Coyotes' man-mountain center who was playing on his birthday, blocked a program-record 11 shots to go along with eight points and seven rebounds.The Coyotes ended a two-game losing streak and improved to 5-2 overall, 1-1 in the conference. McPherson fell to 2-3 and 0-2.Littlejohn, the Coyotes' all-everything senior forward, was magnificent once more. He entered the game averaging 18 points and 12 rebounds."Alex was sick all day," coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c03b9ab8-8190-453e-bbdc-9c349cefe949?elinkdata=15743">Anthony Monson</a> said on the postgame radio show. "He wasn't here for most of the day and we didn't know if he was actually going to play until maybe an hour before gametime. He made the big buckets when we needed them."Littlejohn scored 10 points and KWU shot 55.6 percent from the field (20 of 36) en route to a 44-32 halftime lead.McPherson rallied in the second half and got as close as three points on four occasions, the last 67-64 with 59 seconds left. The comeback was fueled by a 47-41 rebounding advantage that included 21 offensive rebounds and resulted in 21 second chance points."It's been a problem all year and we've got to find a way to fix that," Monson said. "They got 21 offensive boards tonight and we still found a way to win. We're playing with fire especially with (No. 17-ranked) Oklahoma Wesleyan coming here Saturday. That's what they do best and we've got to find a way to clean that glass or we're going to be in a world of hurt."Appolon, a 6-foot-8, 250-pound transfer from Central Methodist, was one-man wrecking crew on the defensive end. His six blocks in the second half help keep McPherson at bay."He's got a ton of potential, he's just so raw and still so young," Monson said. "He's a guy who works hard and he's fun to work with every day. He's got a great attitude and just does everything that you want. It's fun to see him continue to grow and to continue to get better."After McPherson got within three the final time the Coyotes closed it out in the final 42.3 seconds by making 4 of 6 free throws while McPherson missed two shots - the first blocked by Appolon - and was 1 of 2 at the foul line.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0985dd1b-2cea-45df-96dc-7a49dd7659c4?elinkdata=15743">Izaiah Hale</a> added 10 points as KWU shot 47 percent (30 of 64) for the game but just 2 of 13 from beyond the 3-point line. McPherson shot 34 percent (27 of 80) and was 6 of 21 from long range.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a327a2f9-b8f8-4642-8e83-e18010deff27?elinkdata=15743">Jayden Hall</a> started at point guard for the Coyotes and finished with eight points, three rebounds, two assists and just one turnover."He did a good job tonight," Monson said. "That's why I tell everybody you've got to be ready because you never know when I'm going to make a switch. We made a switch tonight and felt like it was what we needed for this game. Luckily for us it worked out."Charles Snyder and Jamil Hardaway had 14 points apiece for McPherson which was without starting forward Collin Storr."I thought defensively, except for a little stretch there in the second half, we were pretty good," Monson said. "And honestly if we wouldn't have given up so many offensive boards and a couple turnovers things would have been a little different."