MARYVILLE, Missouri - The No. 2-ranked Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat men's basketball recorded a 101-66 victory over the Simpson College Storm on New Year's Day. The Bearcats won for the 23rd straight time at Bearcat Arena and improved to 11-1 on the season. Simpson is 7-5 on the season and played the game as one of its exhibition contests for the Division III school. Northwest did not trail in the contest, however Simpson was within eight points at 52-44 with 18:33 to play in the game. Northwest used a 16-2 run and took a 68-46 lead with 13:45 left in the second half.&nbsp; The Bearcats shot 53.6% from the field, which was bolstered by 67.7% shooting in the second half. Northwest made 21-of-31 field goals in the final 20 minutes. Northwest hit only 2-of-13 three-pointers in the first half, but bounced back by making 5-of-11 in the second half.&nbsp; All five starters scored in double figures led by Trevor Hudgins (22) and Ryan Hawkins (21). Ryan Welty tied a season-high with 17 points. Tyler Dougherty set a career-high with nine rebounds and added 12 points. Diego Bernard continued to stuff his stat sheet with 11 points, six rebounds, five assists and four steals. Northwest will jump back into MIAA play on Saturday when the Bearcats play host to the Northeastern State University RiverHawks. Tip is set for approximately 3:30 p.m. in Bearcat Arena following the women's game. NOTES: Northwest is 5-0 all-time vs. Simpson ... Northwest has won 38 consecutive games non-conference opponents in the regular season ... Northwest has also won 27 straight home games against non-conference regular season foes ... Northwest is 115-9 in Bearcat Arena since the start of the 2011-12 season ... Northwest is 111-6 in all games over the past four seasons ... Ryan Hawkins needs 18 points to become the 24th Bearcat to reach 1,000 career points ... Northwest has shot 50% or better in nine of its 12 games this season ... it marked the 14th time that the Bearcats have surpassed the 100-point mark under head coach Ben McCollum's tenure ... it's the fourth time this season that Northwest has reached the century mark on the scoreboard. --- Northwest Athletics ---

MARYVILLE, Missouri - The No. 2-ranked Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat men's basketball recorded a 101-66 victory over the Simpson College Storm on New Year's Day. The Bearcats won for the 23rd straight time at Bearcat Arena and improved to 11-1 on the season. Simpson is 7-5 on the season and played the game as one of its exhibition contests for the Division III school. Northwest did not trail in the contest, however Simpson was within eight points at 52-44 with 18:33 to play in the game. Northwest used a 16-2 run and took a 68-46 lead with 13:45 left in the second half.&nbsp; The Bearcats shot 53.6% from the field, which was bolstered by 67.7% shooting in the second half. Northwest made 21-of-31 field goals in the final 20 minutes. Northwest hit only 2-of-13 three-pointers in the first half, but bounced back by making 5-of-11 in the second half.&nbsp; All five starters scored in double figures led by Trevor Hudgins (22) and Ryan Hawkins (21). Ryan Welty tied a season-high with 17 points. Tyler Dougherty set a career-high with nine rebounds and added 12 points. Diego Bernard continued to stuff his stat sheet with 11 points, six rebounds, five assists and four steals. Northwest will jump back into MIAA play on Saturday when the Bearcats play host to the Northeastern State University RiverHawks. Tip is set for approximately 3:30 p.m. in Bearcat Arena following the women's game. NOTES: Northwest is 5-0 all-time vs. Simpson ... Northwest has won 38 consecutive games non-conference opponents in the regular season ... Northwest has also won 27 straight home games against non-conference regular season foes ... Northwest is 115-9 in Bearcat Arena since the start of the 2011-12 season ... Northwest is 111-6 in all games over the past four seasons ... Ryan Hawkins needs 18 points to become the 24th Bearcat to reach 1,000 career points ... Northwest has shot 50% or better in nine of its 12 games this season ... it marked the 14th time that the Bearcats have surpassed the 100-point mark under head coach Ben McCollum's tenure ... it's the fourth time this season that Northwest has reached the century mark on the scoreboard. --- Northwest Athletics ---

No. 2 Bearcats defeat Simpson 101-66

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Head Football Coach Eliah Drinkwitz has added offensive assistant coach Bush Hamdan to his new staff, as announced today.  Hamdan comes to Mizzou after spending four of the last five seasons on very successful teams at the University of Washington, with a one-year stint with the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons in the middle.  Details of Hamdan’s contract with Mizzou, as well as his specific coaching duties, will be released pending completion of the human resources process.

For the past two seasons, Hamdan served as the Huskies’ offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for Coach Chris Petersen, who he was a quarterback for in his playing days at Boise State (2004-08).  He first started working on Petersen’s Washington staff in 2015 as an offensive quality control assistant, and was promoted the following season to wide receivers coach and pass game coordinator.  The Huskies won a pair of Pac 12 Conference championships during his tenure in Seattle (2016, 2018) and reached the College Football Playoff in 2016. 

“I’m excited to reconnect with Bush, he is an outstanding teacher and has great experience, from his time as a coordinator in the Pac 12, and on successful staffs in the SEC and the NFL,” said Drinkwitz, who coached with Hamdan as part of the Arkansas State staff in 2013.  “Bush is a good person who does a great job of connecting with kids and he will be a great addition to our staff.”

The Huskies' 2018 offense compiled 3,337 passing yards, the fourth-highest total in UW history. In terms of total offense, UW's 5,805 yards were third-most ever at the school, while the 414.6 yards per game ranked sixth in program history. The 2018 squad also posted top-10 marks in total first downs (310, 4th, first downs by rushing (130, tie-6th) and first downs by passing (156, 2nd).

During the 2016 season, Hamdan coached the prolific wide out duo of John Ross III and Dante Pettis, who set a Pac 12 record with a combined 32 receiving touchdowns.  Ross earned All-America honors and later was taken as the No. 9 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, while Pettis went in the second round.

“I had the fortune of working with Coach Drink at Arkansas State and I knew then that he was going to be a rising star in the business,” said Hamdan.  “I’ve got such a great amount of respect for him and how he operates, I’m 100 percent on board with his vision.  I’m very excited and grateful for the opportunity to help him build something special at Mizzou, and I can’t wait to get started.”

In Hamdan’s season in Atlanta, the Falcons went 10-6 and reached the divisional round of the NFL Playoffs after a 26-13 Wildcard Game win at Los Angeles.  He coached QB Matt Ryan, who finished sixth in the league in passing that year, with 4,095 yards.

In his playing days, despite being a reserve quarterback in his time at Boise, Hamdan still played a crucial role in helping Petersen build the Broncos into one of the most competitive programs in the country.  He was twice voted team captain by his teammates and coaches as a testament to his leadership, and he also had a big role in calling the legendary “Statue Left” play that won Boise the 2007 Fiesta Bowl.

Hamdan spent the 2014 season as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Davidson, where he coached starting QB J.P. Douglast to a 66-percent completion percentage and a 130.41 pass efficiency rating. Wide receiver William Morris caught 98 passes for 1,224 yards, a Davidson record. The Wildcats had five players earn postseason honors from the Pioneer Football League, including running back Jeffrey Keil, the offensive freshman of the year.

In 2014, Davidson increased its scoring average BY nearly 10 points from the previous year and its total offense average by 40 yards per game.

Prior to his time at Davidson, he held the title of co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Arkansas State, helping to lead the Red Wolves to the 2013 Sun Belt championship and a berth in the GoDaddy.com Bowl, a 23-20 win over Ball State. Starting signal caller Adam Kennedy, a transfer from Utah State recruited by Hamdan, completed 69.2 percent of his 315 attempts for 2,363 yards and a 139.93 efficiency rating while a balanced offensive attack averaged 407.8 yards per game (205.7 by rush and 202.1 by pass). Six Red Wolves earned some level of All-Sun Belt Conference honors in 2013.

In 2012, Hamdan helped coach Florida to an 11-2 record and a berth in the Sugar Bowl as the Gators' wide receivers coach. He was promoted to the position by Gators head coach Will Muschamp just prior to the start of the season and coached four players who played in the NFL – Frankie Hammond; Solomon Patton; Andre Debose; and Quinton Dunbar.

Prior to his time in Gainesville, Hamdan coached tight ends at Sacramento State in 2011 and was an offensive intern at Maryland in 2010. During his season with the Hornets, he was part of an historic upset of Oregon State in the season opener.

At Maryland, he worked with freshman quarterback Danny O'Brien, who broke nearly every freshman passing record at Maryland, earning ACC Rookie of the Year honors. Hamdan was part of a Ralph Friedgen staff that made one of the biggest turnarounds in recent college history, posting a 9-4 record after having gone 2-10 in 2009. Friedgen promoted Hamdan to quarterbacks coach for the 2010 Military Bowl (a win over East Carolina) after James Franklin left to take the head coaching job at Vanderbilt.

Hamdan began his coaching career as a student assistant at Colorado in 2009, where he worked with offensive coordinator Erik Kiesau, who went on to serve in the same role at Washington.

Hamdan played quarterback at Boise State, earning three varsity letters in 2006, 2007 and 2008. He won the Bronco Excellence Award following his senior season. His last three seasons, all played under Petersen, the Broncos posted a 35-4 overall record, including a perfect 13-0 mark in 2006 and a win over Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl. He earned his bachelor's degree in communications from Boise State in 2008 and received his master's in athletic administration from Idaho State in 2009.

A standout high school quarterback and baseball player at Bishop O'Connell High in Arlington, Va., and a native of Gaithersburg, Md., he earned Washington D.C. all-metro honors. His brother, Gibran, played quarterback at Indiana and in the NFL. Gibran was drafted by the Redskins in 2003 and spent time on the active rosters at Washington, San Francisco and Seattle while also earning NFL Europe MVP in 2006 as a member of the Rhein Fire.

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Head Football Coach Eliah Drinkwitz has added offensive assistant coach Bush Hamdan to his new staff, as announced today. Hamdan comes to Mizzou after spending four of the last five seasons on very successful teams at the University of Washington, with a one-year stint with the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons in the middle. Details of Hamdan’s contract with Mizzou, as well as his specific coaching duties, will be released pending completion of the human resources process.For the past two seasons, Hamdan served as the Huskies’ offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for Coach Chris Petersen, who he was a quarterback for in his playing days at Boise State (2004-08). He first started working on Petersen’s Washington staff in 2015 as an offensive quality control assistant, and was promoted the following season to wide receivers coach and pass game coordinator. The Huskies won a pair of Pac 12 Conference championships during his tenure in Seattle (2016, 2018) and reached the College Football Playoff in 2016. “I’m excited to reconnect with Bush, he is an outstanding teacher and has great experience, from his time as a coordinator in the Pac 12, and on successful staffs in the SEC and the NFL,” said Drinkwitz, who coached with Hamdan as part of the Arkansas State staff in 2013. “Bush is a good person who does a great job of connecting with kids and he will be a great addition to our staff.”The Huskies' 2018 offense compiled 3,337 passing yards, the fourth-highest total in UW history. In terms of total offense, UW's 5,805 yards were third-most ever at the school, while the 414.6 yards per game ranked sixth in program history. The 2018 squad also posted top-10 marks in total first downs (310, 4th, first downs by rushing (130, tie-6th) and first downs by passing (156, 2nd).During the 2016 season, Hamdan coached the prolific wide out duo of John Ross III and Dante Pettis, who set a Pac 12 record with a combined 32 receiving touchdowns. Ross earned All-America honors and later was taken as the No. 9 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, while Pettis went in the second round.“I had the fortune of working with Coach Drink at Arkansas State and I knew then that he was going to be a rising star in the business,” said Hamdan. “I’ve got such a great amount of respect for him and how he operates, I’m 100 percent on board with his vision. I’m very excited and grateful for the opportunity to help him build something special at Mizzou, and I can’t wait to get started.”In Hamdan’s season in Atlanta, the Falcons went 10-6 and reached the divisional round of the NFL Playoffs after a 26-13 Wildcard Game win at Los Angeles. He coached QB Matt Ryan, who finished sixth in the league in passing that year, with 4,095 yards.In his playing days, despite being a reserve quarterback in his time at Boise, Hamdan still played a crucial role in helping Petersen build the Broncos into one of the most competitive programs in the country. He was twice voted team captain by his teammates and coaches as a testament to his leadership, and he also had a big role in calling the legendary “Statue Left” play that won Boise the 2007 Fiesta Bowl.Hamdan spent the 2014 season as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Davidson, where he coached starting QB J.P. Douglast to a 66-percent completion percentage and a 130.41 pass efficiency rating. Wide receiver William Morris caught 98 passes for 1,224 yards, a Davidson record. The Wildcats had five players earn postseason honors from the Pioneer Football League, including running back Jeffrey Keil, the offensive freshman of the year.In 2014, Davidson increased its scoring average BY nearly 10 points from the previous year and its total offense average by 40 yards per game.Prior to his time at Davidson, he held the title of co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Arkansas State, helping to lead the Red Wolves to the 2013 Sun Belt championship and a berth in the GoDaddy.com Bowl, a 23-20 win over Ball State. Starting signal caller Adam Kennedy, a transfer from Utah State recruited by Hamdan, completed 69.2 percent of his 315 attempts for 2,363 yards and a 139.93 efficiency rating while a balanced offensive attack averaged 407.8 yards per game (205.7 by rush and 202.1 by pass). Six Red Wolves earned some level of All-Sun Belt Conference honors in 2013.In 2012, Hamdan helped coach Florida to an 11-2 record and a berth in the Sugar Bowl as the Gators' wide receivers coach. He was promoted to the position by Gators head coach Will Muschamp just prior to the start of the season and coached four players who played in the NFL – Frankie Hammond; Solomon Patton; Andre Debose; and Quinton Dunbar.Prior to his time in Gainesville, Hamdan coached tight ends at Sacramento State in 2011 and was an offensive intern at Maryland in 2010. During his season with the Hornets, he was part of an historic upset of Oregon State in the season opener.At Maryland, he worked with freshman quarterback Danny O'Brien, who broke nearly every freshman passing record at Maryland, earning ACC Rookie of the Year honors. Hamdan was part of a Ralph Friedgen staff that made one of the biggest turnarounds in recent college history, posting a 9-4 record after having gone 2-10 in 2009. Friedgen promoted Hamdan to quarterbacks coach for the 2010 Military Bowl (a win over East Carolina) after James Franklin left to take the head coaching job at Vanderbilt.Hamdan began his coaching career as a student assistant at Colorado in 2009, where he worked with offensive coordinator Erik Kiesau, who went on to serve in the same role at Washington.Hamdan played quarterback at Boise State, earning three varsity letters in 2006, 2007 and 2008. He won the Bronco Excellence Award following his senior season. His last three seasons, all played under Petersen, the Broncos posted a 35-4 overall record, including a perfect 13-0 mark in 2006 and a win over Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl. He earned his bachelor's degree in communications from Boise State in 2008 and received his master's in athletic administration from Idaho State in 2009.A standout high school quarterback and baseball player at Bishop O'Connell High in Arlington, Va., and a native of Gaithersburg, Md., he earned Washington D.C. all-metro honors. His brother, Gibran, played quarterback at Indiana and in the NFL. Gibran was drafted by the Redskins in 2003 and spent time on the active rosters at Washington, San Francisco and Seattle while also earning NFL Europe MVP in 2006 as a member of the Rhein Fire.--- Mizzou Athletics ---

Missouri adds Bush Hamdan to new football coaching staff



ST. JOSEPH -&nbsp;The Missouri Western men's basketball team (5-8) ended 2019 and a three game losing streak with a 95-56 dismantling of Avila (7-10) in the MWSU Fieldhouse.

The Griffons came two 3-pointers shy of tying the program record with 17 and shot 54% from the field en route to the 39-point victory. Five different Griffons scored in double-figures and the Griffon bench chipped in 54 points.

Missouri Western jumps back into MIAA play on Saturday, hosting Rogers State (11-1, 3-0) at 3:30 p.m. The Hillcats have won five straight games.



ST. JOSEPH -&nbsp;The Missouri Western men's basketball team (5-8) ended 2019 and a three game losing streak with a 95-56 dismantling of Avila (7-10) in the MWSU Fieldhouse.The Griffons came two 3-pointers shy of tying the program record with 17 and shot 54% from the field en route to the 39-point victory. Five different Griffons scored in double-figures and the Griffon bench chipped in 54 points.NOTABLES<ol>
 <li>Avila led 3-2 for two minutes and never led again after MWSU answered with a 23-3 run.</li><li>MWSU went 17 for 36 from 3-point range, two shy of the program record for made 3-pointers in a game set last year against Washburn.</li><li>Reese Glover&nbsp;went 6 for 8 from 3-point range with five in the first half. The freshman made four straight behind the arc to end the first half. His 18 points paced the team</li><li>Even with the 17 3-pointers, the Griffons managed to score 40 points in the paint, allowing just 14.</li><li>Missouri Western shot 54.4% from the field, 47.2% from 3-point range and held Avila to 28.3% field goal shooting.</li><li>Zach Anderson&nbsp;scored a career-high 14 points in 12 minutes off the bench with five rebounds.</li><li>Tyrell Carroll&nbsp;had a double-double with 11 assists and 10 points.</li><li>Will Eames&nbsp;dropped 14 points and had five rebounds, tied for the team lead with three other teammates.</li>
 </ol>UP NEXTMissouri Western jumps back into MIAA play on Saturday, hosting Rogers State (11-1, 3-0) at 3:30 p.m. The Hillcats have won five straight games.

--- MWSU Athletics ---

Griffons roll past Avila 95-56 to stop three-game skid



ST. JOSEPH -&nbsp;After shaking off the rust of having not played a game in two weeks, the Missouri Western women's basketball team (9-2) cruised to a 76-48 win over Avila (6-5) in the MWSU Fieldhouse.

Avila jumped out to a 7-3 lead, but Missouri Western ended the first quarter on an 18-2 run to take a 21-9 lead after one quarter of play. The Griffons rolled from there. Five different players scored in double figures and six had at least five rebounds for a season-high 51 total boards.

Missouri Western jumps back into MIAA play on Saturday, hosting Rogers State (2-10, 0-3) at 1:30 p.m.

ST. JOSEPH -&nbsp;After shaking off the rust of having not played a game in two weeks, the Missouri Western women's basketball team (9-2) cruised to a 76-48 win over Avila (6-5) in the MWSU Fieldhouse.Avila jumped out to a 7-3 lead, but Missouri Western ended the first quarter on an 18-2 run to take a 21-9 lead after one quarter of play. The Griffons rolled from there. Five different players scored in double figures and six had at least five rebounds for a season-high 51 total boards.NOTABLES<ol>
 <li>Missouri Western forced 24 Avila turnovers, totaling 16 steals with 21 points scored off the turnovers.</li><li>The Griffons scored 48 of their points in the paint, outscoring Avila by 28 in the lane.</li><li>MWSU also outscored Avila 27-5 on fast breaks.</li><li>MWSU's bench added 28 points, including 10 from&nbsp;Anastacia Johnson. Johnson also had seven rebounds, two assists and three steals.</li><li>Katrina Roenfeldt&nbsp;scored 10 points with a team-high six assists and four steals. She also had seven rebounds.</li><li>Chris Wilson&nbsp;led MWSU with 17 points and was one of three Griffs with seven rebounds.</li><li>Corbyn Cunningham&nbsp;scored 15 with six boards.</li>
 </ol>UP NEXTMissouri Western jumps back into MIAA play on Saturday, hosting Rogers State (2-10, 0-3) at 1:30 p.m.--- MWSU Athletics ---

MWSU women defeat Avila 76-48 for 4th straight win

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Navy built the biggest turnaround of any team in college football this season by relying on the nation's most prolific rushing attack.

So, naturally, the 21st-ranked Midshipmen won the Liberty Bowl on Tuesday by completing a fourth-down halfback option pass in the final minute.

CJ Williams' 41-yard completion to Chance Warren on fourth-and-3 gave Navy first-and-goal from the 5-yard line. After quarterback Malcolm Perry spiked the ball, Bijan Nichols kicked a 23-yard field goal with two seconds remaining to give Navy a 20-17 victory over Kansas State.

"Sometimes you just go with your gut," Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo said. "You have all this analytics stuff and all these sheets, but sometimes you've got to go with your gut and roll with it."

Perry was named the Liberty Bowl most valuable player after rushing for 213 yards and throwing a touchdown pass.

Perry ran for 2,017 yards this year to set a Football Bowl Subdivision record by a quarterback. The mark had been owned by Jordan Lynch, who ran for 1,920 yards for Northern Illinois in 2013.

"I still really can't believe it," Perry said.

But the ball was only briefly in Perry's hands on the play that mattered most of all.

Twenty-nine seconds remained when Navy (11-2) snapped the ball at the Kansas State 46. Perry pitched right to Williams, who found Warren racing wide open down the right side of the field.

"The corner was really aggressive, ran right past me, so I knew I'd be wide open," said Warren, who also scored on a 20-yard reverse in the third quarter. "I just tried to make a play on the ball, come down with it and set the team up for success."

That big play left things up to Nichols, who missed a 38-yard field goal earlier in the fourth quarter. This time, Nichols stayed poised and made the kick even after Kansas State (8-5) called three straight timeouts in an attempt to ice him.

"Obviously you never want to miss," Nichols said. "But when you do, you need to make sure you bounce back, so I was glad to have another opportunity to do that."

A most fitting way to end a bounce-back season.

After going 3-10 last year, Navy matched the second-biggest season-to-season improvement in win-loss record of any team in Football Bowl Subdivision history. Hawaii went 9-4 in 1999 after finishing 0-12 in 1998.

Navy tied a program record for wins. The Mids also went 11-2 in 2015.

"Everything that's happened this year is not surprising to me because they did the work, they paid the price," Niumatalolo said. "They did everything that was asked of them. I couldn't be more happy for a group of young men."

Navy outgained Kansas State 421-170 but wasted a couple of opportunities to put the game away. The Mids led 17-10 late in the third quarter when a holding penalty wiped out a 31-yard run by Perry that would have given them first-and-goal at the 2. Navy ended up punting.

Nichols then sent his 38-yard field goal attempt wide left with 8:26 left in the game.

Kansas State finally got its offense going at that point, as Skylar Thompson connected with Wykeen Gill on a 15-yard completion and a 42-yard pass on back-to-back plays. Those long gains set up Thompson's 1-yard sneak that tied the game with 5:14 left.

"I thought we did a really nice job of slowing them down in the red zone," Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. "Give them credit. They pulled out a couple of trick plays at the right time, and they made those plays."

Navy: The Mids set a school record by rushing for an FBS-leading 4,687 yards this season, but they also had a vastly improved defense that held Kansas State in check for much of the day. Kansas State's offense didn't reach the end zone for the first 54 1/2 minutes of the game. The Wildcats' first touchdown came on a 66-yard punt return by Phillip Brooks, who also dropped a potential TD pass on the opening series.

Kansas State: The Wildcats ranked fourth nationally in time of possession during the regular season but couldn't keep their offense on the field Tuesday as Perry controlled the clock. Kansas State still has reason to feel good about itself. Picked before the season to finish ninth out of 10 teams in the Big 12, the Wildcats instead won eight games and stunned eventual Big 12 champion Oklahoma in Klieman's debut season.

Perry's 213 yards rushing represented the second-highest total in the Liberty Bowl's 61-game history. Colorado's Bob Anderson rushed for 254 yards in a 47-33 victory over Alabama in 1969. ... The announced attendance of 50,515 represented the smallest Liberty Bowl crowd since 1997.

This victory ensured that Navy will finish a season in the AP Top 25 for just the third time in the last 56 years. Navy finished 18th in 2015 and 24th in 2004.

Navy will head overseas to open the 2020 season Aug. 29 by facing Notre Dame at Dublin, Ireland. The Mids will have a tough time matching Perry's production. Freshman Perry Olsen backed up Perry this season.

Kansas State opens its 2020 season Sept. 5 by hosting Buffalo. The Wildcats return Thompson and first-team all-Big 12 defensive end Wyatt Hubert but must replace graduate transfer running backs James Gilbert and Jordon Brown as well as their entire starting offensive line.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Navy built the biggest turnaround of any team in college football this season by relying on the nation's most prolific rushing attack.So, naturally, the 21st-ranked Midshipmen won the Liberty Bowl on Tuesday by completing a fourth-down halfback option pass in the final minute.CJ Williams' 41-yard completion to Chance Warren on fourth-and-3 gave Navy first-and-goal from the 5-yard line. After quarterback Malcolm Perry spiked the ball, Bijan Nichols kicked a 23-yard field goal with two seconds remaining to give Navy a 20-17 victory over Kansas State."Sometimes you just go with your gut," Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo said. "You have all this analytics stuff and all these sheets, but sometimes you've got to go with your gut and roll with it."Perry was named the Liberty Bowl most valuable player after rushing for 213 yards and throwing a touchdown pass.Perry ran for 2,017 yards this year to set a Football Bowl Subdivision record by a quarterback. The mark had been owned by Jordan Lynch, who ran for 1,920 yards for Northern Illinois in 2013."I still really can't believe it," Perry said.But the ball was only briefly in Perry's hands on the play that mattered most of all.Twenty-nine seconds remained when Navy (11-2) snapped the ball at the Kansas State 46. Perry pitched right to Williams, who found Warren racing wide open down the right side of the field."The corner was really aggressive, ran right past me, so I knew I'd be wide open," said Warren, who also scored on a 20-yard reverse in the third quarter. "I just tried to make a play on the ball, come down with it and set the team up for success."That big play left things up to Nichols, who missed a 38-yard field goal earlier in the fourth quarter. This time, Nichols stayed poised and made the kick even after Kansas State (8-5) called three straight timeouts in an attempt to ice him."Obviously you never want to miss," Nichols said. "But when you do, you need to make sure you bounce back, so I was glad to have another opportunity to do that."A most fitting way to end a bounce-back season.After going 3-10 last year, Navy matched the second-biggest season-to-season improvement in win-loss record of any team in Football Bowl Subdivision history. Hawaii went 9-4 in 1999 after finishing 0-12 in 1998.Navy tied a program record for wins. The Mids also went 11-2 in 2015."Everything that's happened this year is not surprising to me because they did the work, they paid the price," Niumatalolo said. "They did everything that was asked of them. I couldn't be more happy for a group of young men."Navy outgained Kansas State 421-170 but wasted a couple of opportunities to put the game away. The Mids led 17-10 late in the third quarter when a holding penalty wiped out a 31-yard run by Perry that would have given them first-and-goal at the 2. Navy ended up punting.Nichols then sent his 38-yard field goal attempt wide left with 8:26 left in the game.Kansas State finally got its offense going at that point, as Skylar Thompson connected with Wykeen Gill on a 15-yard completion and a 42-yard pass on back-to-back plays. Those long gains set up Thompson's 1-yard sneak that tied the game with 5:14 left.Then came Navy's dramatic winning drive."I thought we did a really nice job of slowing them down in the red zone," Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. "Give them credit. They pulled out a couple of trick plays at the right time, and they made those plays."THE TAKEAWAYNavy: The Mids set a school record by rushing for an FBS-leading 4,687 yards this season, but they also had a vastly improved defense that held Kansas State in check for much of the day. Kansas State's offense didn't reach the end zone for the first 54 1/2 minutes of the game. The Wildcats' first touchdown came on a 66-yard punt return by Phillip Brooks, who also dropped a potential TD pass on the opening series.Kansas State: The Wildcats ranked fourth nationally in time of possession during the regular season but couldn't keep their offense on the field Tuesday as Perry controlled the clock. Kansas State still has reason to feel good about itself. Picked before the season to finish ninth out of 10 teams in the Big 12, the Wildcats instead won eight games and stunned eventual Big 12 champion Oklahoma in Klieman's debut season.NOTABLE NUMBERSPerry's 213 yards rushing represented the second-highest total in the Liberty Bowl's 61-game history. Colorado's Bob Anderson rushed for 254 yards in a 47-33 victory over Alabama in 1969. ... The announced attendance of 50,515 represented the smallest Liberty Bowl crowd since 1997.POLL IMPLICATIONSThis victory ensured that Navy will finish a season in the AP Top 25 for just the third time in the last 56 years. Navy finished 18th in 2015 and 24th in 2004.UP NEXTNavy will head overseas to open the 2020 season Aug. 29 by facing Notre Dame at Dublin, Ireland. The Mids will have a tough time matching Perry's production. Freshman Perry Olsen backed up Perry this season.Kansas State opens its 2020 season Sept. 5 by hosting Buffalo. The Wildcats return Thompson and first-team all-Big 12 defensive end Wyatt Hubert but must replace graduate transfer running backs James Gilbert and Jordon Brown as well as their entire starting offensive line.--- Associated Press ---

K-State loses Liberty Bowl to Navy 20-17 

CHICAGO -- Patrick Mahomes threw for two touchdowns and ran for another score, and the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Chicago Bears 26-3 Sunday night to stay in contention for a first-round playoff bye.

Kansas City (11-4) earned its fifth straight win and remained a game behind New England for the AFC's second seed. The Patriots clinched their 11th consecutive AFC East championship by beating Buffalo on Saturday. The Chiefs hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over New England thanks to a victory two weeks ago that helped secure their fourth AFC West title in a row.

Mahomes, playing his 30th game, became the fastest player to reach the 9,000-yard passing mark. The 2018 MVP was 23 of 33 for 251 yards, giving him 9,238 in three seasons since the Chiefs drafted him with the No. 10 overall pick in 2017. Hall of Famer Kurt Warner did it in 32 games.

Mahomes also has 75 touchdown passes, making him the fastest player to hit that mark.

Travis Kelce, already the first tight end with four straight 1,000-yard seasons, became the first to reach 1,200 yards in back-to-back years. He caught eight passes for 74 yards, giving him 1,205 this year. That included a 6-yard touchdown near the end of the first half.

Harrison Butker kicked a career-best 56-yard field goal that was was the fourth longest in franchise history. He also hit both the left and right uprights on a missed extra point.

And coach Andy Reid beat protege Matt Nagy in his first meeting with his longtime former assistant.

The Bears (7-8) dropped their second straight after winning four of five. The Monsters of the Midway are in danger of finishing with a losing record in a season that began with Super Bowl hopes.

Mitchell Trubisky completed 18 of 34 passes for 157 yards. And Khalil Mack had a sack.

The Chiefs led 17-0 at halftime after scoring on all three possessions and racking up more than twice as many yards as the Bears (203-93).

Mahomes rolled to his left and went 12 yards untouched to the end zone, capping a 15-play drive that ate up 7 minutes, 58 seconds.

Butker nailed a 56-yard field goal early in the second quarter. And Mahomes hit Kelce for the TD in the closing minute of the half, after Chicago's Kevin Pierre-Louis got flagged for running into punter Dustin Colquitt.

The Bears drove to the 4 in the third, but Trubisky's fourth-down pass to Allen Robinson in the left side of the end zone got broken up by Charvarius Ward. Chicago finally scored when Eddy Pineiro kicked a 46-yard field goal as the quarter ended.

Mahomes answered with a 14-yard touchdown to Damien Williams on the opening drive of the fourth to make it 23-3. Butker then missed the extra point when the ball somehow ricocheted off the left and right uprights.

Chiefs: The Chiefs said in the fourth quarter RB Spencer Ware suffered a shoulder injury.

Bears: NT Eddie Goldman (concussion) exited in the first half. ... RG Rashaad Coward suffered a knee injury in the first half.

Chiefs: Host Los Angeles Chargers on Dec. 29.

CHICAGO -- Patrick Mahomes threw for two touchdowns and ran for another score, and the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Chicago Bears 26-3 Sunday night to stay in contention for a first-round playoff bye.Kansas City (11-4) earned its fifth straight win and remained a game behind New England for the AFC's second seed. The Patriots clinched their 11th consecutive AFC East championship by beating Buffalo on Saturday. The Chiefs hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over New England thanks to a victory two weeks ago that helped secure their fourth AFC West title in a row.Mahomes, playing his 30th game, became the fastest player to reach the 9,000-yard passing mark. The 2018 MVP was 23 of 33 for 251 yards, giving him 9,238 in three seasons since the Chiefs drafted him with the No. 10 overall pick in 2017. Hall of Famer Kurt Warner did it in 32 games.Mahomes also has 75 touchdown passes, making him the fastest player to hit that mark.Travis Kelce, already the first tight end with four straight 1,000-yard seasons, became the first to reach 1,200 yards in back-to-back years. He caught eight passes for 74 yards, giving him 1,205 this year. That included a 6-yard touchdown near the end of the first half.Harrison Butker kicked a career-best 56-yard field goal that was was the fourth longest in franchise history. He also hit both the left and right uprights on a missed extra point.And coach Andy Reid beat protege Matt Nagy in his first meeting with his longtime former assistant.The Bears (7-8) dropped their second straight after winning four of five. The Monsters of the Midway are in danger of finishing with a losing record in a season that began with Super Bowl hopes.Mitchell Trubisky completed 18 of 34 passes for 157 yards. And Khalil Mack had a sack.The Chiefs led 17-0 at halftime after scoring on all three possessions and racking up more than twice as many yards as the Bears (203-93).Mahomes rolled to his left and went 12 yards untouched to the end zone, capping a 15-play drive that ate up 7 minutes, 58 seconds.Butker nailed a 56-yard field goal early in the second quarter. And Mahomes hit Kelce for the TD in the closing minute of the half, after Chicago's Kevin Pierre-Louis got flagged for running into punter Dustin Colquitt.The Bears drove to the 4 in the third, but Trubisky's fourth-down pass to Allen Robinson in the left side of the end zone got broken up by Charvarius Ward. Chicago finally scored when Eddy Pineiro kicked a 46-yard field goal as the quarter ended.Mahomes answered with a 14-yard touchdown to Damien Williams on the opening drive of the fourth to make it 23-3. Butker then missed the extra point when the ball somehow ricocheted off the left and right uprights.INJURIESChiefs: The Chiefs said in the fourth quarter RB Spencer Ware suffered a shoulder injury.Bears: NT Eddie Goldman (concussion) exited in the first half. ... RG Rashaad Coward suffered a knee injury in the first half.UP NEXTChiefs: Host Los Angeles Chargers on Dec. 29.--- Associated Press ---

Chiefs dominate Bears Sunday night 26-3

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -&nbsp;The Missouri
Western Men's Basketball team (4-8) dropped its third straight game, 87-75 at
Rockhurst (5-4) on Saturday afternoon.


Down by as
many as 18 in the first half, the Griffons found their stroke and cut the
Rockhurst lead to eight at the half and got within six early in the second
half.&nbsp; Rockhurst ran away again and built a 19-point lead with 7:34 to go.&nbsp; A
late 12-4 run by MWSU cut the lead to eight with 20 seconds to go, but with
time not in favor of the Griffons, Rockhurst scored the final four points.


· Tyree Martin&nbsp;more than doubled
his career-high with 27 points on 12 of 18 shooting. He added a team-high 10
rebounds with an assist and two steals.

· Rockhurst scored 54 of
its points in the paint.

· The teams combined for
44 personal fouls and were a combined 28 of 48 from the free throw line.

· Rockhurst shot 59% from
the field but made just 3 of 10 3-point attempts and went 18 of 31 at the free
throw line.

· Tyrell Carroll&nbsp;had a team-high
six assists with 14 points.

· Will Eames&nbsp;pulled down nine
rebounds, had four assists and scored 10 points.

After a
10-day layoff, the Griffons will host Avila (7-9) as part of a doubleheader
with the Griffon Women against the NAIA opponent from Kansas City.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -&nbsp;The Missouri
Western Men's Basketball team (4-8) dropped its third straight game, 87-75 at
Rockhurst (5-4) on Saturday afternoon.

Down by as
many as 18 in the first half, the Griffons found their stroke and cut the
Rockhurst lead to eight at the half and got within six early in the second
half.&nbsp; Rockhurst ran away again and built a 19-point lead with 7:34 to go.&nbsp; A
late 12-4 run by MWSU cut the lead to eight with 20 seconds to go, but with
time not in favor of the Griffons, Rockhurst scored the final four points.

NOTABLES· Tyree Martin&nbsp;more than doubled
his career-high with 27 points on 12 of 18 shooting. He added a team-high 10
rebounds with an assist and two steals.· Rockhurst scored 54 of
its points in the paint.· The teams combined for
44 personal fouls and were a combined 28 of 48 from the free throw line.· Rockhurst shot 59% from
the field but made just 3 of 10 3-point attempts and went 18 of 31 at the free
throw line.· Tyrell Carroll&nbsp;had a team-high
six assists with 14 points.· Will Eames&nbsp;pulled down nine
rebounds, had four assists and scored 10 points.
UP NEXT
After a
10-day layoff, the Griffons will host Avila (7-9) as part of a doubleheader
with the Griffon Women against the NAIA opponent from Kansas City.--- MWSU Athletics ---

Griffons come up short at Rockhurst 87-75

ST. LOUIS -- A Chicago native, Missouri Tigers guard Xavier Pinson heard an earful from the Illinois Fighting Illini's fans during the 39th Annual Braggin' Rights game on Saturday.

Pinson and his teammates had the last laugh.

Dru Smith scored 19 points, Javon Pickett added 17 off the bench, and Missouri beat Illinois 63-56.

Pinson also scored a career-high 14 points for the Tigers, who won their third straight game.

"I was just trying to get the win. I heard what he said. As a player I can't say nothing so I was just worried about the win and making sure that we won so after the game I could say something if I saw him," joked Pinson, who gave a little wave to that Illini fan in the final seconds with the game in hand. "For the most part I really don't pay attention to it. I just laugh it off."

Ayo Dosunmu scored 21 and Kofi Cockburn added 13 for Illinois, which had its two-game winning streak snapped.

The Tigers dominated with a stifling defense. Illinois shot just 18 for 50 (36%) and had three separate stretches of at least three minutes without scoring a point.

The Fighting Illini entered the game No. 1 in the country in rebounding differential, but were outrebounded by Missouri 36-32.

"We have good defensive numbers, but I think we could have truly elite numbers if we truly took pride on playing defense and not so much playing because that's what coach requires, but understanding when you defend at an elite level, you have a chance to beat anybody," Tigers coach Cuonzo Martin said.

Missouri outscored Illinois 17-5 in an eight-minute span from the end of the first half into the second.

Missouri scored eight of the last 10 points of the first half with Smith scoring all of the points during the spurt to give the Tigers a 26-23 halftime lead.

Smith started a 9-3 run to begin the second half with a bucket and finished it with a dish to Pinson for a 3-pointer from the corner to extend Missouri's lead to 35-26.

An 8-0 sprint pushed the Tigers' lead to double-digits. Pinson scored the first four points, and a Pickett put-back gave Missouri a 47-33 edge with 10:56 left.

"We came in here wanting to be the physical team," Pickett said. "We wanted to go out there and be aggressive and guard the whole game. … We just wanted to be the tougher team."

Illinois was able to cut the deficit to five with a Dosunmu bucket with a minute left, but Pinson and Smith quelled the rally with free throws for the Tigers.

Thanks to Pickett and Pinson, the Tigers' bench outscored the Illinois reserves 31-10.

"We talked about extensively in practice -- Javon Pickett," Illinois coach Brad Underwood said. "We've got a man sitting out who does a great job of emulating him, and he wore us out for two days in practice, just doing Javon Pickett stuff."

Illinois hit on 5 of its first 7 field goal attempts to start the game. Dosunmu hit a couple of jumpers and Giorgi Bezhanishvili drained a 3-pointer from the top of the key to give the Fighting Illini an 11-5 lead.

Missouri started the game shooting just 3 of 13, but Pickett got the Tigers going with a pair of treys.

The Tigers defense forced two prolonged Fighting Illini scoring droughts in the first half, one of over three minutes and the other over four minutes.

Illinois maintained its lead for much of the half with Dosunmo's 11 points, including shooting 5 of 7.

Missouri big man Jeremiah Tilmon sat most of the first half with two fouls and fouled out with 4:29 left in the game. But despite not having the 6-foot-10 forward's presence, the Tigers still outrebounded Illinois -- which entered the game as one of the nation's top rebounding teams -- 36-32.

"I always say to our guys you have to play with boxing gloves on, then we'll start playing basketball," Martin said. "I don't say that like we're fighting. They understand what I mean. It has to be a physical game, do it without fouling. You have to set a tone of toughness before you step on to the floor because I think if you walk on the floor casual the result will be like Charleston."

Illinois: Despite dropping their second-straight to the Tigers, the Fighting Illini still leads the Braggin' Rights series 25-14.

Missouri: After starting the month with the worst loss in recent memory to Charleston Southern on Dec. 3, the Tigers finished the month on a high by winning their second-straight Braggin' Rights game, propelling them into SEC play.

"He needs to figure out how to make all the other opponents they play wear Illinois jerseys," Underwood said of Martin. "Because that's a team that played as well as they've played all year."

Illinois hosts North Carolina A&amp;T on December 29.

Missouri returns home to face Chicago State on December 30.

ST. LOUIS -- A Chicago native, Missouri Tigers guard Xavier Pinson heard an earful from the Illinois Fighting Illini's fans during the 39th Annual Braggin' Rights game on Saturday.Pinson and his teammates had the last laugh.Dru Smith scored 19 points, Javon Pickett added 17 off the bench, and Missouri beat Illinois 63-56.Pinson also scored a career-high 14 points for the Tigers, who won their third straight game."I was just trying to get the win. I heard what he said. As a player I can't say nothing so I was just worried about the win and making sure that we won so after the game I could say something if I saw him," joked Pinson, who gave a little wave to that Illini fan in the final seconds with the game in hand. "For the most part I really don't pay attention to it. I just laugh it off."Ayo Dosunmu scored 21 and Kofi Cockburn added 13 for Illinois, which had its two-game winning streak snapped.The Tigers dominated with a stifling defense. Illinois shot just 18 for 50 (36%) and had three separate stretches of at least three minutes without scoring a point.The Fighting Illini entered the game No. 1 in the country in rebounding differential, but were outrebounded by Missouri 36-32."We have good defensive numbers, but I think we could have truly elite numbers if we truly took pride on playing defense and not so much playing because that's what coach requires, but understanding when you defend at an elite level, you have a chance to beat anybody," Tigers coach Cuonzo Martin said.Missouri outscored Illinois 17-5 in an eight-minute span from the end of the first half into the second.Missouri scored eight of the last 10 points of the first half with Smith scoring all of the points during the spurt to give the Tigers a 26-23 halftime lead.Smith started a 9-3 run to begin the second half with a bucket and finished it with a dish to Pinson for a 3-pointer from the corner to extend Missouri's lead to 35-26.An 8-0 sprint pushed the Tigers' lead to double-digits. Pinson scored the first four points, and a Pickett put-back gave Missouri a 47-33 edge with 10:56 left."We came in here wanting to be the physical team," Pickett said. "We wanted to go out there and be aggressive and guard the whole game. … We just wanted to be the tougher team."Illinois was able to cut the deficit to five with a Dosunmu bucket with a minute left, but Pinson and Smith quelled the rally with free throws for the Tigers.Thanks to Pickett and Pinson, the Tigers' bench outscored the Illinois reserves 31-10."We talked about extensively in practice -- Javon Pickett," Illinois coach Brad Underwood said. "We've got a man sitting out who does a great job of emulating him, and he wore us out for two days in practice, just doing Javon Pickett stuff."Illinois hit on 5 of its first 7 field goal attempts to start the game. Dosunmu hit a couple of jumpers and Giorgi Bezhanishvili drained a 3-pointer from the top of the key to give the Fighting Illini an 11-5 lead.Missouri started the game shooting just 3 of 13, but Pickett got the Tigers going with a pair of treys.The Tigers defense forced two prolonged Fighting Illini scoring droughts in the first half, one of over three minutes and the other over four minutes.Illinois maintained its lead for much of the half with Dosunmo's 11 points, including shooting 5 of 7.MANAGING MINUTESMissouri big man Jeremiah Tilmon sat most of the first half with two fouls and fouled out with 4:29 left in the game. But despite not having the 6-foot-10 forward's presence, the Tigers still outrebounded Illinois -- which entered the game as one of the nation's top rebounding teams -- 36-32.HE SAID IT"I always say to our guys you have to play with boxing gloves on, then we'll start playing basketball," Martin said. "I don't say that like we're fighting. They understand what I mean. It has to be a physical game, do it without fouling. You have to set a tone of toughness before you step on to the floor because I think if you walk on the floor casual the result will be like Charleston."BIG PICTUREIllinois: Despite dropping their second-straight to the Tigers, the Fighting Illini still leads the Braggin' Rights series 25-14.Missouri: After starting the month with the worst loss in recent memory to Charleston Southern on Dec. 3, the Tigers finished the month on a high by winning their second-straight Braggin' Rights game, propelling them into SEC play."He needs to figure out how to make all the other opponents they play wear Illinois jerseys," Underwood said of Martin. "Because that's a team that played as well as they've played all year."UP NEXTIllinois hosts North Carolina A&amp;T on December 29.Missouri returns home to face Chicago State on December 30.--- Associated Press ---

Smith scores 19 points as Missouri beats Illinois 63-56

PHILADELPHIA -- Jermaine Samuels spotted up, let the ball fly and -- bang -- the 3-pointer swished, and some 20,000 delirious Villanova fans shook the arena. With time running out, the game on the line, Samuels was fearless.

Kansas became the latest top-ranked team to fall in the wildest of basketball seasons, another week where it's no fun at No. 1.

Samuels hit the winner with 20.5 seconds left to lead No. 18 Villanova to a 56-55 victory on Saturday , and the Wildcats became the only team to beat KU twice at No. 1 under coach Bill Self.

"The reason why No. 1 lost today is because they played a team that's really good in their building," Self said. "I don't think it had anything to do with what anybody is ranked."

Tell that to those who believe something is in the air at the top of the poll.

Philadelphia 76ers All-Star center and former Jayhawk Joel Embiid looked forlorn as he walked past the Nova cheerleaders. He popped in the KU locker room and told the team, "keep trying."

"Profound words of wisdom," Self cracked.

At this pace, the Big 12 Jayhawks (9-2) may get another run at No. 1. Kansas had moved up one spot to become the fifth team to top the poll this season. It is the first time the AP poll has had five different No. 1s before New Year's Day; the record for an entire season is seven, set in 1982-83.

Get ready for a sixth when the Top 25 is released Monday.

"It's just one of those years," Villanova coach Jay Wright said. "There just isn't one team that's dominant."

Unlike Duke and Louisville, which lost to unranked teams, KU lost to a traditional national power that has had its number in recent seasons. The Wildcats (9-2) finally nudged ahead in a back-and-forth game in the final minute.

Samuels hit the 3 to make it 56-55, the big one in an otherwise awful 10 of a school-record 41 3 attempts for the Wildcats.

"I knew it was a good time to catch-and-shoot. If they're going to give us 3s, we'll take them when we can," Samuels said.

It got tense for Villanova, though. Collin Gillespie was whistled for a foul and KU's Devon Dotson missed his game-tying free throw.

The Wildcats threw the ball away with 11.2 seconds left that gave KU possession and would yield two looks at the basket.

"Give me a lob!" one KU fan screamed on the final play.

Not quite. Dotson missed a contested layup on the final shot as the clock expired and Kansas' nine-game winning streak ended.

"We were just trying to get Dot with his right hand going downhill," Self said.

Samuels scored 15 points and Gillespie had 12 for Villanova.

Dotson led KU with 15 points and Udoka Azubuike had 12 points and 11 rebounds. KU also was No. 1 when it lost to Villanova in the 2016 NCAA Tournament.

"I think that our team benefited from playing this game," Self said.

The game was full of long scoring lulls followed by rapid-fire baskets, but each team at last got rolling over the final eight minutes. Samuels sank a 3 as the shot clock expired for a 46-44 lead and Gillespie made it 51-49 on a 3 that came on the third shot of the possession.

The crowd at Wells Fargo Center was treated to riveting second half between two schools that know how to win big games.

The first half, however, was a dud. Villanova shot 29 percent and KU 37 percent, but the paltry percentages were due more to two teams missing open looks than any sort of defensive struggle.

The Wildcats made it a game with their one surge that had a packed house roaring. Cole Swider hit a 3, Cole Swider scored a fastbreak layup off a turnover and Justin Moore buried a 3, an 8-0 run that gave the Wildcats a one-point lead.

But from there -- as is said in Philly college basketball -- it was "bad hoops." And this fit the definition, missed 3s, missed layups -- and so many missed opportunities for either team to pull away.

KU-Villanova has turned into one of the better nonconference rivalries since the turn of the century. Kansas beat Villanova in 2008 in the NCAA Tournament on the way to the national title; Nova got the Jayhawks back in 2016 and 2018 with tourney wins on its road to two national championships. Villanova's 83-62 win over No. 2 and undefeated Kansas in 2005 was a defining victory for a program still trying to find a path to prominence. The Wildcats would make the first of their 14 NCAA Tournament appearances under Wright.

"You learn lessons from playing the best teams," Wright said.

They've certainly been schooled on how to beat KU.

Kansas: The Jayhawks lost starting guard Marcus Garrett (9.4 points) to an ankle injury with 5:14 left in the first half. Self didn't expect Garrett to miss any time.

Villanova: The Wildcats improved to 7-16 vs. AP No. 1 teams and their first win in the regular season since they beat UConn in 2006. The Wildcats improved to 24-1 in their last 25 games at the Wells Fargo Center and have won 10 straight overall at the home of the 76ers.

"Jay's very hopeful he plays in a lot more big games than this, and I'm very hopeful of the same thing. This would be a great game to win, obviously, for seeding purposes." -- Self.

Villanova opens Big East play against Xavier on Dec. 30 at the Pavilion.

PHILADELPHIA -- Jermaine Samuels spotted up, let the ball fly and -- bang -- the 3-pointer swished, and some 20,000 delirious Villanova fans shook the arena. With time running out, the game on the line, Samuels was fearless."I just shot it unconsciously," he said.He did, and one more No. 1 got KO'd.Kansas became the latest top-ranked team to fall in the wildest of basketball seasons, another week where it's no fun at No. 1.Samuels hit the winner with 20.5 seconds left to lead No. 18 Villanova to a 56-55 victory on Saturday , and the Wildcats became the only team to beat KU twice at No. 1 under coach Bill Self."The reason why No. 1 lost today is because they played a team that's really good in their building," Self said. "I don't think it had anything to do with what anybody is ranked."Tell that to those who believe something is in the air at the top of the poll.Philadelphia 76ers All-Star center and former Jayhawk Joel Embiid looked forlorn as he walked past the Nova cheerleaders. He popped in the KU locker room and told the team, "keep trying.""Profound words of wisdom," Self cracked.At this pace, the Big 12 Jayhawks (9-2) may get another run at No. 1. Kansas had moved up one spot to become the fifth team to top the poll this season. It is the first time the AP poll has had five different No. 1s before New Year's Day; the record for an entire season is seven, set in 1982-83.Get ready for a sixth when the Top 25 is released Monday."It's just one of those years," Villanova coach Jay Wright said. "There just isn't one team that's dominant."Unlike Duke and Louisville, which lost to unranked teams, KU lost to a traditional national power that has had its number in recent seasons. The Wildcats (9-2) finally nudged ahead in a back-and-forth game in the final minute.Samuels hit the 3 to make it 56-55, the big one in an otherwise awful 10 of a school-record 41 3 attempts for the Wildcats."I knew it was a good time to catch-and-shoot. If they're going to give us 3s, we'll take them when we can," Samuels said.It got tense for Villanova, though. Collin Gillespie was whistled for a foul and KU's Devon Dotson missed his game-tying free throw.The Wildcats threw the ball away with 11.2 seconds left that gave KU possession and would yield two looks at the basket."Give me a lob!" one KU fan screamed on the final play.Not quite. Dotson missed a contested layup on the final shot as the clock expired and Kansas' nine-game winning streak ended."We were just trying to get Dot with his right hand going downhill," Self said.Samuels scored 15 points and Gillespie had 12 for Villanova.Dotson led KU with 15 points and Udoka Azubuike had 12 points and 11 rebounds. KU also was No. 1 when it lost to Villanova in the 2016 NCAA Tournament."I think that our team benefited from playing this game," Self said.The game was full of long scoring lulls followed by rapid-fire baskets, but each team at last got rolling over the final eight minutes. Samuels sank a 3 as the shot clock expired for a 46-44 lead and Gillespie made it 51-49 on a 3 that came on the third shot of the possession.The crowd at Wells Fargo Center was treated to riveting second half between two schools that know how to win big games.The first half, however, was a dud. Villanova shot 29 percent and KU 37 percent, but the paltry percentages were due more to two teams missing open looks than any sort of defensive struggle.The Wildcats made it a game with their one surge that had a packed house roaring. Cole Swider hit a 3, Cole Swider scored a fastbreak layup off a turnover and Justin Moore buried a 3, an 8-0 run that gave the Wildcats a one-point lead.But from there -- as is said in Philly college basketball -- it was "bad hoops." And this fit the definition, missed 3s, missed layups -- and so many missed opportunities for either team to pull away.KU-Villanova has turned into one of the better nonconference rivalries since the turn of the century. Kansas beat Villanova in 2008 in the NCAA Tournament on the way to the national title; Nova got the Jayhawks back in 2016 and 2018 with tourney wins on its road to two national championships. Villanova's 83-62 win over No. 2 and undefeated Kansas in 2005 was a defining victory for a program still trying to find a path to prominence. The Wildcats would make the first of their 14 NCAA Tournament appearances under Wright."You learn lessons from playing the best teams," Wright said.They've certainly been schooled on how to beat KU.BIG PICTUREKansas: The Jayhawks lost starting guard Marcus Garrett (9.4 points) to an ankle injury with 5:14 left in the first half. Self didn't expect Garrett to miss any time.Villanova: The Wildcats improved to 7-16 vs. AP No. 1 teams and their first win in the regular season since they beat UConn in 2006. The Wildcats improved to 24-1 in their last 25 games at the Wells Fargo Center and have won 10 straight overall at the home of the 76ers.HE SAID IT"Jay's very hopeful he plays in a lot more big games than this, and I'm very hopeful of the same thing. This would be a great game to win, obviously, for seeding purposes." -- Self.UP NEXTKansas plays Dec. 29 at Stanford.Villanova opens Big East play against Xavier on Dec. 30 at the Pavilion.--- Associated Press ---

No. 1 KU falls to No. 18 Villanova on Samuels' three-pointer

Saint Louis coach Travis Ford described his team's 66-63 win over Kansas State on Saturday night as the best win of the season.

The Billikens held off the Wildcats as Xavier Sneed missed a game tying 3-point attempt with two seconds left and Kansas State lost its second straight game.

"What a great win in a tough environment," Ford said. "We told our guys that they'd be physical and both teams played so hard."

Javonte Perkins scored 12 points, Yuri Collins had 11 and Terrence Hargrove added 10 as the Billikens won their sixth in their last seven games.

Levi Stockard scored a career-high 17 points for the Wildcats and Sneed had 11. Both players had some added motivation as they're both from the Saint Louis area.

"I am not going to let Levi just fly through his career," Kansas State coach Bruce Weber said. "He rose to the test and it was a big game for him and Xavier."

The Billikens (10-2) lost one of their top scorers in Gibson Jimerson who broke his foot during practice on Monday and is out for the season. He was averaging 11 points per game and scored 25 points in a game earlier this season.

The game was back and forth during a second half in which neither team had more than a four-point lead.

"I'm proud of our team," Ford said. "This game was played how I thought it'd be played and it was such a battle."

Kansas State committed 18 turnovers, three in the final two minutes, and the Billikens had 15.

Cartier Diarra, K-State's second-leading scorer, had six turnovers and played just 15 minutes, scoring six points on two 3-pointers.

"It's hard to be the number one guy," Weber said. "He's had some tough days before, but we had other guys to put in."

The Wildcats outrebounded the Billikens 24-23, which is just the second time Saint Louis has been outrebounded this season.

Saint Louis led by as many as 11 in the first half, but the game was tied at 31 at the half.

After a technical foul on the Saint Louis bench with five minutes to play, Kansas State's Mike McGuirl hit two free throws to lead 57-56. It was the Wildcats' last lead.

Saint Louis: The Billikens got their second road win against a Power Five team this season (Boston College was the other). They have one more non-conference game before A-10 play begins.

Kansas State: The Wildcats lack a go-to guy in clutch moments. A few turnovers in the closing minutes proved costly. It was the second time this season that K-State has lost back-to-back games. "I joke with you guys but it's Groundhog Day for us," Weber said.

Kansas State freshman Montavious Murphy returned for his first game after being out for more than a month with an injury.

"He was fine, but he missed a lot of games," Weber said. "We needed him back."

Saint Louis returns home to take on Bethune-Cookman on Dec. 29.

Saint Louis coach Travis Ford described his team's 66-63 win over Kansas State on Saturday night as the best win of the season.The Billikens held off the Wildcats as Xavier Sneed missed a game tying 3-point attempt with two seconds left and Kansas State lost its second straight game."What a great win in a tough environment," Ford said. "We told our guys that they'd be physical and both teams played so hard."Javonte Perkins scored 12 points, Yuri Collins had 11 and Terrence Hargrove added 10 as the Billikens won their sixth in their last seven games.Levi Stockard scored a career-high 17 points for the Wildcats and Sneed had 11. Both players had some added motivation as they're both from the Saint Louis area."I am not going to let Levi just fly through his career," Kansas State coach Bruce Weber said. "He rose to the test and it was a big game for him and Xavier."The Billikens (10-2) lost one of their top scorers in Gibson Jimerson who broke his foot during practice on Monday and is out for the season. He was averaging 11 points per game and scored 25 points in a game earlier this season.The game was back and forth during a second half in which neither team had more than a four-point lead."I'm proud of our team," Ford said. "This game was played how I thought it'd be played and it was such a battle."Kansas State committed 18 turnovers, three in the final two minutes, and the Billikens had 15.Cartier Diarra, K-State's second-leading scorer, had six turnovers and played just 15 minutes, scoring six points on two 3-pointers."It's hard to be the number one guy," Weber said. "He's had some tough days before, but we had other guys to put in."The Wildcats outrebounded the Billikens 24-23, which is just the second time Saint Louis has been outrebounded this season.Saint Louis led by as many as 11 in the first half, but the game was tied at 31 at the half.After a technical foul on the Saint Louis bench with five minutes to play, Kansas State's Mike McGuirl hit two free throws to lead 57-56. It was the Wildcats' last lead.BIG PICTURESaint Louis: The Billikens got their second road win against a Power Five team this season (Boston College was the other). They have one more non-conference game before A-10 play begins.Kansas State: The Wildcats lack a go-to guy in clutch moments. A few turnovers in the closing minutes proved costly. It was the second time this season that K-State has lost back-to-back games. "I joke with you guys but it's Groundhog Day for us," Weber said.INJURY RETURNKansas State freshman Montavious Murphy returned for his first game after being out for more than a month with an injury."He was fine, but he missed a lot of games," Weber said. "We needed him back."UP NEXTSaint Louis returns home to take on Bethune-Cookman on Dec. 29.Kansas State hosts Tulsa on Dec. 29.--- Associated Press ---

K-State's rally comes up short against St. Louis

TULSA, Okla. -- Max Abmas had 22 points as Oral Roberts topped Missouri State 82-72 on Saturday.

Kevin Obanor had 19 points and 12 rebounds for Oral Roberts (7-5, which won its fourth consecutive game. Deondre Burns added 19 points. Emmanuel Nzekwesi had 12 points and 11 rebounds for the home team.

Lamont West had 14 points for the Bears (6-7). Gaige Prim and Isiaih Mosley had 12 points apiece.

Keandre Cook, whose 17 points per game coming into the contest led the Bears, shot only 13 percent in the game (1 of 8).

Oral Roberts faces Brigham Young on the road next Saturday. Missouri State faces Evansville at home next Tuesday.

TULSA, Okla. -- Max Abmas had 22 points as Oral Roberts topped Missouri State 82-72 on Saturday.Kevin Obanor had 19 points and 12 rebounds for Oral Roberts (7-5, which won its fourth consecutive game. Deondre Burns added 19 points. Emmanuel Nzekwesi had 12 points and 11 rebounds for the home team.Lamont West had 14 points for the Bears (6-7). Gaige Prim and Isiaih Mosley had 12 points apiece.Keandre Cook, whose 17 points per game coming into the contest led the Bears, shot only 13 percent in the game (1 of 8).Oral Roberts faces Brigham Young on the road next Saturday. Missouri State faces Evansville at home next Tuesday.--- Associated Press ---

Missouri State falls at Oral Roberts 82-72

LINCOLN, Neb. -- North Dakota coach Paul Sather didn't know that the Fighting Hawks hadn't beaten Nebraska since 1933 after they nipped the Huskers 75-74 Saturday

He just knew his team had played its best game of the year in a hostile environment.

"Good, that's nice to hear," Sather said after being told about the Fighting Hawks' first win over the Cornhuskers in 83 years. "I'm just really happy for our guys. I mean it's it's a cool thing for them because it hasn't been an easy season... They showed a lot of belief in this team tonight and that was fun to see"

North Dakota (6-7) led for most of the game, going in front by seven midway through the first half, leading by five at intermission and expanding that lead to eight twice in the second half, the last at 61-53 after back-to-back layups by Marlon Stewart and Allen-Eikens.

"We really wanted to try to keep it more our pace," Sather said. "And I thought for a lot of the game that kind of worked to our advantage a little bit... the pace of the game was going to be important for us because we're, we're working to come in here and beat them by scoring 90."

Nebraska (5-7) put together an 8-0 run capped by a driving layup by Cam Mack to tie the score at 61 with 5:48 remaining. After trading baskets for three minutes, the Huskers followed a Dachon Burke driving layup with a Matej Kavas 3-pointer that put the Huskers up 71-69 with 1:43 left.

De'Sean Allen-Eikens grabbed a missed 3-pointer on the Fighting Hawks' next possession putting it back and drawing a Nebraska foul, then hit the free throw to give North Dakota a 72-71 lead. Another North Dakota putback, this time by Kienan Walter was countered by a Mack 3-pointer with 32 seconds left that tied the score at 74.

Allen-Eikens then missed a layup, but North Dakota grabbed the rebound and Allen-Eikens was fouled and hit one of two free throws. A 15-foot fadeaway jumper from Mack fell short at the buzzer, giving North Dakota the win.

"That's guys making plays, right," Sather said of the final two minutes. "There's no X's and O's and coaching philosophy that does that. That's players out there making plays and stepping up and finishing plays and finishing free throws and getting rebounds and that stop at the end where he slowed them down in transition and forced the jumper. That was as big a play as anything else."

Marlon Stewart, who led North Dakota with 23 points, agreed with Sather that North Dakota played its best game of the season Saturday.

"I'm kind of sad it took this long," he said. "Yeah, I'd say this is the best game we played and especially because we've been playing road games basically all year. And this is a tough crowd to play against. They got a nice gym, nice setup, amazing fans. So it was a test for us and we responded very well."

Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg was disappointed with the loss, which came six days after the Huskers beat Purdue 70-56 with their best performance of the year.

"We let them come out and get confident early because of our lack of defensive energy and intensity," Hoiberg said. "To have this type of effort is very disappointing. It is very discouraging to come out here after I thought we'd turned the corner a little bit. By the time we decided it was time to play, it was too late and we just couldn't quite climb over the hump."

Nebraska: The Huskers have lost four games to non-power five conference teams this season, falling to UC Riverside, Southern Utah, George Mason and North Dakota.

North Dakota: The win was North Dakota's first win over a Big Ten conference opponent since it beat Nebraska on Dec. 29, 1933. The Fighting Hawks are now 4-40 against Big Ten opponents.

Nebraska: The Cornhuskers host Texas A&amp;M- Corpus Christi on Dec. 29.

North Dakota: The Fighting Hawks travel to Oregon State on Dec. 29.

LINCOLN, Neb. -- North Dakota coach Paul Sather didn't know that the Fighting Hawks hadn't beaten Nebraska since 1933 after they nipped the Huskers 75-74 SaturdayHe just knew his team had played its best game of the year in a hostile environment."Good, that's nice to hear," Sather said after being told about the Fighting Hawks' first win over the Cornhuskers in 83 years. "I'm just really happy for our guys. I mean it's it's a cool thing for them because it hasn't been an easy season... They showed a lot of belief in this team tonight and that was fun to see"North Dakota (6-7) led for most of the game, going in front by seven midway through the first half, leading by five at intermission and expanding that lead to eight twice in the second half, the last at 61-53 after back-to-back layups by Marlon Stewart and Allen-Eikens."We really wanted to try to keep it more our pace," Sather said. "And I thought for a lot of the game that kind of worked to our advantage a little bit... the pace of the game was going to be important for us because we're, we're working to come in here and beat them by scoring 90."Nebraska (5-7) put together an 8-0 run capped by a driving layup by Cam Mack to tie the score at 61 with 5:48 remaining. After trading baskets for three minutes, the Huskers followed a Dachon Burke driving layup with a Matej Kavas 3-pointer that put the Huskers up 71-69 with 1:43 left.De'Sean Allen-Eikens grabbed a missed 3-pointer on the Fighting Hawks' next possession putting it back and drawing a Nebraska foul, then hit the free throw to give North Dakota a 72-71 lead. Another North Dakota putback, this time by Kienan Walter was countered by a Mack 3-pointer with 32 seconds left that tied the score at 74.Allen-Eikens then missed a layup, but North Dakota grabbed the rebound and Allen-Eikens was fouled and hit one of two free throws. A 15-foot fadeaway jumper from Mack fell short at the buzzer, giving North Dakota the win."That's guys making plays, right," Sather said of the final two minutes. "There's no X's and O's and coaching philosophy that does that. That's players out there making plays and stepping up and finishing plays and finishing free throws and getting rebounds and that stop at the end where he slowed them down in transition and forced the jumper. That was as big a play as anything else."Marlon Stewart, who led North Dakota with 23 points, agreed with Sather that North Dakota played its best game of the season Saturday."I'm kind of sad it took this long," he said. "Yeah, I'd say this is the best game we played and especially because we've been playing road games basically all year. And this is a tough crowd to play against. They got a nice gym, nice setup, amazing fans. So it was a test for us and we responded very well."Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg was disappointed with the loss, which came six days after the Huskers beat Purdue 70-56 with their best performance of the year."We let them come out and get confident early because of our lack of defensive energy and intensity," Hoiberg said. "To have this type of effort is very disappointing. It is very discouraging to come out here after I thought we'd turned the corner a little bit. By the time we decided it was time to play, it was too late and we just couldn't quite climb over the hump."THE BIG PICTURENebraska: The Huskers have lost four games to non-power five conference teams this season, falling to UC Riverside, Southern Utah, George Mason and North Dakota.North Dakota: The win was North Dakota's first win over a Big Ten conference opponent since it beat Nebraska on Dec. 29, 1933. The Fighting Hawks are now 4-40 against Big Ten opponents.UP NEXTNebraska: The Cornhuskers host Texas A&amp;M- Corpus Christi on Dec. 29.North Dakota: The Fighting Hawks travel to Oregon State on Dec. 29.--- Associated Press ---

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