SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- AJ Green had 28 points as Northern Iowa routed Missouri State 80-57 on Saturday.

Green shot 6 for 8 on 3-pointers with the Panthers 13 of 22 from the arc as a team.

Isaiah Brown had 19 points with five 3-pointers and nine rebounds for Northern Iowa (14-2, 3-1 Missouri Valley Conference). Trae Berhow added 12 points. Austin Phyfe had 10 rebounds for the visitors.

Isiaih Mosley had 15 points for the Bears (8-9, 2-2). Tulio Da Silva added 13 points, going over 1,000 for his career, and grabbed seven rebounds. Gaige Prim had 10 points.

Northern Iowa faces Valparaiso at home on Wednesday. Missouri State matches up against Bradley at home on Wednesday.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- AJ Green had 28 points as Northern Iowa routed Missouri State 80-57 on Saturday.Green shot 6 for 8 on 3-pointers with the Panthers 13 of 22 from the arc as a team.Isaiah Brown had 19 points with five 3-pointers and nine rebounds for Northern Iowa (14-2, 3-1 Missouri Valley Conference). Trae Berhow added 12 points. Austin Phyfe had 10 rebounds for the visitors.Isiaih Mosley had 15 points for the Bears (8-9, 2-2). Tulio Da Silva added 13 points, going over 1,000 for his career, and grabbed seven rebounds. Gaige Prim had 10 points.Northern Iowa faces Valparaiso at home on Wednesday. Missouri State matches up against Bradley at home on Wednesday.--- Associated Press ---

Missouri State gets blown out by UNI 80-57

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Head Football Coach Eliah Drinkwitz has added offensive assistant coach Marcus Johnson to his new staff, as announced today.  Johnson comes to Mizzou after spending the past four seasons coaching the offensive lines at Mississippi State (2018-19) and Duke (2016-17).  Details of Johnson’s contract with Mizzou, as well as his specific coaching duties, will be released pending completion of the human resources process.

A nine-year coaching veteran in all, Johnson was first an All-SEC offensive lineman in his playing days at Ole Miss, and later played in 53 NFL games (making 18 starts) over five years with Minnesota and Tampa Bay.

The past two seasons saw Johnson work with the Bulldog offensive linemen, as State won 14 games overall and played in the 2019 Outback Bowl and the 2018 Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl.  His offensive line paved the way for first-team All-SEC RB Kylin Hill to rank second in the league and 16th nationally in 2019 with 1,350 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, while the Bulldogs’ rushing attack ranked third in the SEC and 21st nationally, averaging 220.6 yards per game.

Johnson’s first season at MSU was also a successful one as his line helped the offense rank second in the SEC in both rushing yards per game (223.6) and yards per rush (5.7). Anchored by center Elgton Jenkins, the 44th overall pick by Green Bay in the 2019 NFL Draft, the offensive line helped State rush for 300 or more yards in an SEC-best four games.  Jenkins earned first-team All-America honors from The Athletic and fourth-team honors from Phil Steele.

Also under Johnson’s guidance, Deion Calhoun had a standout senior season in 2018, earning second-team All-SEC honors from the league’s coaches. Calhoun allowed only two sacks over 356 pass-blocking snaps, according to PFF, and signed with Miami as an undrafted free agent.

“I’m excited to add Marcus and his family to our family at Mizzou,” said Drinkwitz.  “The experience he brings as a player and coach in the SEC, coupled with the success he’s had as a player in the NFL and developing a lot of guys who have made it to that next level, make this a great hire for our program.”

Johnson began his coaching career at Duke for his college coach David Cutcliffe, serving various roles over a seven-year period (2011-17) that saw the Blue Devils make five bowl appearances.  Duke had not appeared in a bowl game since 1995.  After beginning at Duke as an assistant strength and conditioning coach (2011-12, he broke into the coaching side in 2013 as an offensive quality control assistant.  That year, Duke finished 10-4, winning the ACC’s Coastal Division and finishing as the first Blue Devil team in 52 years to end a season ranked in the Associated Press poll (No. 23 final ranking). 

“I’m absolutely excited about the opportunity to work with Coach Drink and be part of the Mizzou program,” said Johnson.  “I think Coach Drink is one of the top young, innovative coaches out there, and this is an amazing opportunity for me to continue to grow and develop in the profession.  My family and I are looking forward to this new chapter in our lives and I’m excited to get to work learning everything I need to know about Missouri.”

Johnson spent three years in the quality control role at Duke before being promoted to offensive line coach for the 2016-17 seasons.  During the 2017 campaign, Johnson worked with third-team All-ACC center Austin Davis, who was also one of four team-elected captains. Johnson’s offensive line opened holes for Duke to have two 200-200 performances as the Blue Devils reached the Quick Lane Bowl. Off the field, Johnson oversaw the selection of offensive tackle Gabe Brandner to the CoSIDA Academic All-District first team and Allstate AFCA Good Works Team as well as being a semifinalist for the National Football Foundation William V. Campbell Trophy and Wuerffel Award. In 2016, Johnson oversaw an offensive front that allowed time and space for four 200-200 performances during the season.

During Johnson’s three campaigns with the Blue Devil offense in the capacity of quality control, Duke won 27 games, captured the 2013 ACC Coastal Division championship and appeared in three bowl games.  Working alongside veteran line coach John Latina, Johnson helped guide seven All-ACC picks including Casey Blaser, Takoby Cofield, Dave Harding, Lucas Patrick, Perry Simmons, Matt Skura and Laken Tomlinson. 

Duke went 8-5 with a victory over Indiana in the 2015 New Era Pinstripe Bowl, and the Blue Devils joined Clemson and North Carolina as the league’s only three squads to rank among the conference’s top five in rushing offense, passing offense, total offense and scoring offense. Blaser, Patrick and Skura each garnered All-ACC honors.

In 2013, Duke ranked among ACC leaders in scoring (5th; 32.8 avg., total offense (4th; 426.1 avg., rushing offense (5th; 178.0 avg.) and passing offense (6th; 248.1 avg.). 

On its way to the ACC Coastal Division championship, the Blue Devils set a school record for total points (459) while becoming the first team in school history to post at least 25 rushing touchdowns and 25 passing touchdowns in the same season.

A standout offensive lineman in his playing days at Ole Miss (2001-04, Johnson earned second-team All-SEC honors as a senior co-captain under Cutcliffe.  He helped the Rebels to 28 wins over four years and a pair of bowl game appearances. After earning second-team All-SEC honors from the Associated Press as a senior, Johnson represented Ole Miss at the 2004 Senior Bowl.

He was a second-round draft pick in the 2005 NFL Draft by Minnesota, and spent four seasons (2005-08) there, helping the Vikings to a division title and playoff berth in 2008.  After spending the 2009 campaign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he closed his playing career with the Hartford Colonials of the United Football League. 

Johnson graduated from Ole Miss in 2004 with a degree in criminal justice while minoring in sociology. He has one daughter, London. He is married to Veullana Johnson.

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Head Football Coach Eliah Drinkwitz has added offensive assistant coach Marcus Johnson to his new staff, as announced today. Johnson comes to Mizzou after spending the past four seasons coaching the offensive lines at Mississippi State (2018-19) and Duke (2016-17). Details of Johnson’s contract with Mizzou, as well as his specific coaching duties, will be released pending completion of the human resources process.A nine-year coaching veteran in all, Johnson was first an All-SEC offensive lineman in his playing days at Ole Miss, and later played in 53 NFL games (making 18 starts) over five years with Minnesota and Tampa Bay.The past two seasons saw Johnson work with the Bulldog offensive linemen, as State won 14 games overall and played in the 2019 Outback Bowl and the 2018 Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl. His offensive line paved the way for first-team All-SEC RB Kylin Hill to rank second in the league and 16th nationally in 2019 with 1,350 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, while the Bulldogs’ rushing attack ranked third in the SEC and 21st nationally, averaging 220.6 yards per game.Johnson’s first season at MSU was also a successful one as his line helped the offense rank second in the SEC in both rushing yards per game (223.6) and yards per rush (5.7). Anchored by center Elgton Jenkins, the 44th overall pick by Green Bay in the 2019 NFL Draft, the offensive line helped State rush for 300 or more yards in an SEC-best four games. Jenkins earned first-team All-America honors from The Athletic and fourth-team honors from Phil Steele.Also under Johnson’s guidance, Deion Calhoun had a standout senior season in 2018, earning second-team All-SEC honors from the league’s coaches. Calhoun allowed only two sacks over 356 pass-blocking snaps, according to PFF, and signed with Miami as an undrafted free agent.“I’m excited to add Marcus and his family to our family at Mizzou,” said Drinkwitz. “The experience he brings as a player and coach in the SEC, coupled with the success he’s had as a player in the NFL and developing a lot of guys who have made it to that next level, make this a great hire for our program.”Johnson began his coaching career at Duke for his college coach David Cutcliffe, serving various roles over a seven-year period (2011-17) that saw the Blue Devils make five bowl appearances. Duke had not appeared in a bowl game since 1995. After beginning at Duke as an assistant strength and conditioning coach (2011-12, he broke into the coaching side in 2013 as an offensive quality control assistant. That year, Duke finished 10-4, winning the ACC’s Coastal Division and finishing as the first Blue Devil team in 52 years to end a season ranked in the Associated Press poll (No. 23 final ranking). “I’m absolutely excited about the opportunity to work with Coach Drink and be part of the Mizzou program,” said Johnson. “I think Coach Drink is one of the top young, innovative coaches out there, and this is an amazing opportunity for me to continue to grow and develop in the profession. My family and I are looking forward to this new chapter in our lives and I’m excited to get to work learning everything I need to know about Missouri.”Johnson spent three years in the quality control role at Duke before being promoted to offensive line coach for the 2016-17 seasons. During the 2017 campaign, Johnson worked with third-team All-ACC center Austin Davis, who was also one of four team-elected captains. Johnson’s offensive line opened holes for Duke to have two 200-200 performances as the Blue Devils reached the Quick Lane Bowl. Off the field, Johnson oversaw the selection of offensive tackle Gabe Brandner to the CoSIDA Academic All-District first team and Allstate AFCA Good Works Team as well as being a semifinalist for the National Football Foundation William V. Campbell Trophy and Wuerffel Award. In 2016, Johnson oversaw an offensive front that allowed time and space for four 200-200 performances during the season.During Johnson’s three campaigns with the Blue Devil offense in the capacity of quality control, Duke won 27 games, captured the 2013 ACC Coastal Division championship and appeared in three bowl games. Working alongside veteran line coach John Latina, Johnson helped guide seven All-ACC picks including Casey Blaser, Takoby Cofield, Dave Harding, Lucas Patrick, Perry Simmons, Matt Skura and Laken Tomlinson. Duke went 8-5 with a victory over Indiana in the 2015 New Era Pinstripe Bowl, and the Blue Devils joined Clemson and North Carolina as the league’s only three squads to rank among the conference’s top five in rushing offense, passing offense, total offense and scoring offense. Blaser, Patrick and Skura each garnered All-ACC honors.In 2013, Duke ranked among ACC leaders in scoring (5th; 32.8 avg., total offense (4th; 426.1 avg., rushing offense (5th; 178.0 avg.) and passing offense (6th; 248.1 avg.). On its way to the ACC Coastal Division championship, the Blue Devils set a school record for total points (459) while becoming the first team in school history to post at least 25 rushing touchdowns and 25 passing touchdowns in the same season.A standout offensive lineman in his playing days at Ole Miss (2001-04, Johnson earned second-team All-SEC honors as a senior co-captain under Cutcliffe. He helped the Rebels to 28 wins over four years and a pair of bowl game appearances. After earning second-team All-SEC honors from the Associated Press as a senior, Johnson represented Ole Miss at the 2004 Senior Bowl.He was a second-round draft pick in the 2005 NFL Draft by Minnesota, and spent four seasons (2005-08) there, helping the Vikings to a division title and playoff berth in 2008. After spending the 2009 campaign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he closed his playing career with the Hartford Colonials of the United Football League. Johnson graduated from Ole Miss in 2004 with a degree in criminal justice while minoring in sociology. He has one daughter, London. He is married to Veullana Johnson.--- Mizzou Athletics ---

Mizzou football adds Marcus Johnson to coaching staff

TOPEKA, Kan. - Washburn took nearly three times as many free throws as the Griffon Men's Basketball team Thursday night, and made five times more than Missouri Western in an 86-76 win for the Ichabods.

Washburn went 26 of 32 from the line all night, but none were more important than the Ichabods 10 for 10 stretch over the final minute of play. Missouri Western used a 9-0 run to get within four points of the Ichabods with a little over a minute to go, but had to start fouling and Washburn made them pay.

Alex John fouled out on a technical foul with 7:16 left and about 20 seconds later, Tyrell Carroll was whistled for a technical after making a shot to pull the Griffons within two, 67-65. From there, Washburn went on a 9-0 run to stake a 76-65 lead. Five Tyus Millhollin points and a Tyree Martin jumper later, the Griffons were within four, but the Washburn free throw run got started from there.

Missouri Western jumped out to a seven point lead early in the game, but Washburn went to the half up by 10 thanks to a 14-0 run late in the half. The Griffons used a 10-0 run in the middle of the second half and led 63-61 with 9:26 to go before Washburn answered with a 15-2 run.

- Along with John, Will Eames fouled out late in the game and Tyree Martin ended the game with four fouls. John and Martin played a combined 26 minutes due to foul trouble throughout the game.

- Martin (9) and John (4) combined for 13 points. Washburn scored 40 points in the paint, 10 more than Missouri Western.

- After Washburn shot 50% from the field in the first half, the Ichabods shot 42.3% in the second. The Griffons shot 42.5% in the second half after a 39.4% first.

- Missouri Western was out-rebounded 49-36.

- Tyrell Carroll tied an MWSU record with 24 field goal attempts. He led MWSU with 23 points and five assists. Carroll played all 40 minutes, turning the ball over just once and adding four rebounds.

- Tyus Millhollin continued his recent tear, scoring 22 points with a team-high three steals.

- Will Eames pulled down a team-high nine rebounds and scored 14 points.

Barring any changes due to the threat of a winter storm, Missouri Western will play at Emporia State (8-5, 2-2) on Saturday. The Hornets lost at home Thursday night, 71-56 to Northwest Missouri State.

TOPEKA, Kan. - Washburn took nearly three times as many free throws as the Griffon Men's Basketball team Thursday night, and made five times more than Missouri Western in an 86-76 win for the Ichabods.Washburn went 26 of 32 from the line all night, but none were more important than the Ichabods 10 for 10 stretch over the final minute of play. Missouri Western used a 9-0 run to get within four points of the Ichabods with a little over a minute to go, but had to start fouling and Washburn made them pay.Alex John fouled out on a technical foul with 7:16 left and about 20 seconds later, Tyrell Carroll was whistled for a technical after making a shot to pull the Griffons within two, 67-65. From there, Washburn went on a 9-0 run to stake a 76-65 lead. Five Tyus Millhollin points and a Tyree Martin jumper later, the Griffons were within four, but the Washburn free throw run got started from there.Missouri Western jumped out to a seven point lead early in the game, but Washburn went to the half up by 10 thanks to a 14-0 run late in the half. The Griffons used a 10-0 run in the middle of the second half and led 63-61 with 9:26 to go before Washburn answered with a 15-2 run.NOTABLES- Along with John, Will Eames fouled out late in the game and Tyree Martin ended the game with four fouls. John and Martin played a combined 26 minutes due to foul trouble throughout the game.- Martin (9) and John (4) combined for 13 points. Washburn scored 40 points in the paint, 10 more than Missouri Western.- After Washburn shot 50% from the field in the first half, the Ichabods shot 42.3% in the second. The Griffons shot 42.5% in the second half after a 39.4% first.- Missouri Western was out-rebounded 49-36.- Tyrell Carroll tied an MWSU record with 24 field goal attempts. He led MWSU with 23 points and five assists. Carroll played all 40 minutes, turning the ball over just once and adding four rebounds.- Tyus Millhollin continued his recent tear, scoring 22 points with a team-high three steals.- Will Eames pulled down a team-high nine rebounds and scored 14 points.UP NEXTBarring any changes due to the threat of a winter storm, Missouri Western will play at Emporia State (8-5, 2-2) on Saturday. The Hornets lost at home Thursday night, 71-56 to Northwest Missouri State.--- MWSU Athletics ---

Griffons fall on the road at Washburn 86-76

EMPORIA, Kansas – The No. 2-ranked Northwest Missouri State Bearcat men's basketball team pulled away in the second half to post a 71-56 victory over the Emporia State Hornets at White Auditorium.

Northwest moved to 14-1 overall and 4-1 in MIAA play, while Emporia State dropped to 8-5 overall and 2-2 in league play.

Sophomore Trevor Hudgins surpassed the 20-point mark for the fifth straight game and he posted a game-high 28 points. Hudgins was 6-of-15 from the field, 4-of-7 from three-point range and 12-of-13 at the free throw line. Hudgins missed his next to last free throw of the contest and snapped a consecutive made free throw streak at 29 in a row.

Sophomore Diego Bernard notched his fourth 20-point scoring game of the season with 21 points. Bernard connected on a trio of three-pointers and grabbed seven rebounds. Bernard tossed in two steals and two assists.

Northwest built an eight-point first-half lead at 25-17 following a Ryan Hawkins layup with 3:53 to play opening 20 minutes. However, Emporia State responded with an 8-0 run to knot it up at 25-25.

Bearcat sophomore guard Trevor Hudgins continued his torrid three-point shooting by hitting two in the final 2:15 to push the advantage to six at 31-25. Tyler Dougherty sank a free throw to give Northwest a seven-point edge with :36 left in the half. ESU's Keyon Thomas drilled a three-pointer right before the first-half buzzer to cut the Bearcat lead to 32-28 at the break.

The Hornets stung themselves in the second half when Brenden Van Dyke was assessed a technical foul for shoving the ball at Bearcat Ryan Hawkins. In the ensuing discussion about the play ESU head coach Craig Doty also picked up a technical foul. When all was said and done, Hudgins hit four free throws and Hawkins added two to give the Bearcats a 46-39 advantage with 15:03 to play.

ESU's Zac Owens knocked in a triple to cut the Bearcat lead to two at 46-44. But the Bearcats then unleashed a 16-4 run to take a commanding 62-48 lead with 5:16 to play. The capper to the run was an offensive putback by Hawkins.

Northwest will return to action Saturday at 3 p.m. against Washburn in Topeka, Kansas.

NOTES: Northwest has won six straight matchup against Emporia State … Northwest leads the all-time series, 45-23 … Ryan Hawkins collected his 14th career double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds … redshirt freshman Luke Waters made his first career start … the Bearcats made 19-of-21 at the free throw line (90.5%).

EMPORIA, Kansas – The No. 2-ranked Northwest Missouri State Bearcat men's basketball team pulled away in the second half to post a 71-56 victory over the Emporia State Hornets at White Auditorium.Northwest moved to 14-1 overall and 4-1 in MIAA play, while Emporia State dropped to 8-5 overall and 2-2 in league play.Sophomore Trevor Hudgins surpassed the 20-point mark for the fifth straight game and he posted a game-high 28 points. Hudgins was 6-of-15 from the field, 4-of-7 from three-point range and 12-of-13 at the free throw line. Hudgins missed his next to last free throw of the contest and snapped a consecutive made free throw streak at 29 in a row.Sophomore Diego Bernard notched his fourth 20-point scoring game of the season with 21 points. Bernard connected on a trio of three-pointers and grabbed seven rebounds. Bernard tossed in two steals and two assists.Northwest built an eight-point first-half lead at 25-17 following a Ryan Hawkins layup with 3:53 to play opening 20 minutes. However, Emporia State responded with an 8-0 run to knot it up at 25-25.Bearcat sophomore guard Trevor Hudgins continued his torrid three-point shooting by hitting two in the final 2:15 to push the advantage to six at 31-25. Tyler Dougherty sank a free throw to give Northwest a seven-point edge with :36 left in the half. ESU's Keyon Thomas drilled a three-pointer right before the first-half buzzer to cut the Bearcat lead to 32-28 at the break.The Hornets stung themselves in the second half when Brenden Van Dyke was assessed a technical foul for shoving the ball at Bearcat Ryan Hawkins. In the ensuing discussion about the play ESU head coach Craig Doty also picked up a technical foul. When all was said and done, Hudgins hit four free throws and Hawkins added two to give the Bearcats a 46-39 advantage with 15:03 to play.ESU's Zac Owens knocked in a triple to cut the Bearcat lead to two at 46-44. But the Bearcats then unleashed a 16-4 run to take a commanding 62-48 lead with 5:16 to play. The capper to the run was an offensive putback by Hawkins.Northwest will return to action Saturday at 3 p.m. against Washburn in Topeka, Kansas.NOTES: Northwest has won six straight matchup against Emporia State … Northwest leads the all-time series, 45-23 … Ryan Hawkins collected his 14th career double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds … redshirt freshman Luke Waters made his first career start … the Bearcats made 19-of-21 at the free throw line (90.5%).--- Northwest Athletics ---

No. 2 Bearcats pull away to defeat Emporia State 71-56

TOPEKA, Kan. - It wasn't an impressive offensive performance, but the Missouri Western women's basketball team (12-2, 4-1) extended its win streak to seven games by holding Washburn to its lowest point total of the season in a 58-47 victory at Lee Arena.

The win gave the Griffons their best start since the 2015-16 season when Missouri Western won its first 18 games on the way to a 27-4 overall record and an MIAA regular season title. It was a one-point difference in the second half, but MWSU held Washburn to 20 first half points and led by 10 at the break. Washburn had a 6-0 run in the third quarter and cut the Griffon lead to four, but that was as close as the Ichabods could get.

- MWSU held Washburn to its lowest scoring total of the season. The Ichabods had only been held under 60 twice this season, both by Emporia State (52, 57).

- The Ichabods came in shooting 44.5% from the field, but here held to 30% shooting, Thursday night and were just 5 of 21 from behind the 3-point line for 23.8%.

- The Griffons ended up shooting 39.6% from the field after a 50% fourth quarter.

- Corbyn Cunningham (11) and Katrina Roenfeldt (9) pulled down 20 of Missouri Western's 47 rebounds despite scoring just four points apiece.

- Chris Wilson led the team with 15 points alsong with eight rebounds.

- Kylee Williams made her first four shots and scored 11 points.

- Tamia Cunnigan pulled down five rebounds in 20 minutes.

- Mychaell Gray left the game in the second quarter with an injury after scoring seven points.

The Griffons are scheduled to travel to No. 16 Emporia State on Saturday. The Lady Hornets handed Nothwest Missouri its second MIAA loss of the season on Thursday, 79-66.

TOPEKA, Kan. - It wasn't an impressive offensive performance, but the Missouri Western women's basketball team (12-2, 4-1) extended its win streak to seven games by holding Washburn to its lowest point total of the season in a 58-47 victory at Lee Arena.The win gave the Griffons their best start since the 2015-16 season when Missouri Western won its first 18 games on the way to a 27-4 overall record and an MIAA regular season title. It was a one-point difference in the second half, but MWSU held Washburn to 20 first half points and led by 10 at the break. Washburn had a 6-0 run in the third quarter and cut the Griffon lead to four, but that was as close as the Ichabods could get.NOTABLES- MWSU held Washburn to its lowest scoring total of the season. The Ichabods had only been held under 60 twice this season, both by Emporia State (52, 57).- The Ichabods came in shooting 44.5% from the field, but here held to 30% shooting, Thursday night and were just 5 of 21 from behind the 3-point line for 23.8%.- The Griffons ended up shooting 39.6% from the field after a 50% fourth quarter.- Corbyn Cunningham (11) and Katrina Roenfeldt (9) pulled down 20 of Missouri Western's 47 rebounds despite scoring just four points apiece.- Chris Wilson led the team with 15 points alsong with eight rebounds.- Kylee Williams made her first four shots and scored 11 points.- Tamia Cunnigan pulled down five rebounds in 20 minutes.- Mychaell Gray left the game in the second quarter with an injury after scoring seven points.UP NEXTThe Griffons are scheduled to travel to No. 16 Emporia State on Saturday. The Lady Hornets handed Nothwest Missouri its second MIAA loss of the season on Thursday, 79-66.--- MWSU Athletics ---

Missouri Western women shut down Ichabods for 7th straight win

BOYS Lafayette 48 (6-4, 1-0 MEC) Maryville 44 Benton 48 (7-2, 1-0 MEC) St. Pius X 35 Chillicothe 33 Bishop LeBlond 32 (6-7, 0-1 MEC) GIRLS Central 53 (7-4) Oak Park 45 St. Pius X 45 Benton 39 (3-10, 0-1 MEC) Chillicothe 61 Bishop LeBlond 44 (7-6, 0-1 MEC)

BOYS Lafayette 48 (6-4, 1-0 MEC) Maryville 44 Benton 48 (7-2, 1-0 MEC) St. Pius X 35 Chillicothe 33 Bishop LeBlond 32 (6-7, 0-1 MEC) GIRLS Central 53 (7-4) Oak Park 45 St. Pius X 45 Benton 39 (3-10, 0-1 MEC) Chillicothe 61 Bishop LeBlond 44 (7-6, 0-1 MEC)

City High School Basketball Scores - Thursday, January 9

The Northwest Missouri State University women's basketball team fell to Emporia State 79-66 in a battle that was much closer than the score suggests. The Hornets made six free throws in a row to close out the game. Emporia showed why they were the #16 team in the country, while the Bearcats kept the score close the whole game, the Bearcats only lead was 2-0. The Hornets shot very well from the field, over 50% on the night, including  39% from behind the three-point line. Northwest shot 44% from the field and 36% from behind the arc. 

After the first half the Bearcats trailed 37-32. Northwest was able to hang around Emporia State and withstand hot shooting from behind the arc by the Hornets in the first half, going 6-14. The Bearcats were incredibly even in scoring in first quarter with four players scoring five points and Kylie Coleman and Paityn Rau scoring six.

The Bearcats and Hornets battled in the third quarter to a score of 22-19. The Hornets closed the quarter on a three-point buzzer beater to take an eight point lead going into the final quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Bearcats pulled within three, to make the score 62-59 with 6:39 left in the game, following a Jaelyn Haggardthree-pointer. From that point on the Hornets won the quarter 17-7. Turnovers were the downfall of Northwest in the final quarter, turning the ball over six times in the final frame. The Hornets capitalized off these turnovers all game, turning Bearcat turnovers into 19 points of their own. 

The Bearcats were led in scoring by Haggard with 19 points, followed by Erika Schlosser with 11. Schlosser added seven assists to tie Mallory McConkey for the team lead. Coleman led the team with six rebounds on the night. 

Tre'zure Jobe showed why she is one of the top scorers in the MIAA, scoring 26 points on 14 shots. The Hornets had three other scorers in double figures on the night. Mollie Mounsey and Morgan Laudan had 15, and Kali Martin had 10. Mounsey added six rebounds and five steals, while Jobe added seven assists and four rebounds. 

The Bearcats will be back in action on this Saturday against the Washburn Ichabods at 1:30 p.m. in Topeka, Kan. 

The Northwest Missouri State University women's basketball team fell to Emporia State 79-66 in a battle that was much closer than the score suggests. The Hornets made six free throws in a row to close out the game. Emporia showed why they were the #16 team in the country, while the Bearcats kept the score close the whole game, the Bearcats only lead was 2-0. The Hornets shot very well from the field, over 50% on the night, including 39% from behind the three-point line. Northwest shot 44% from the field and 36% from behind the arc. After the first half the Bearcats trailed 37-32. Northwest was able to hang around Emporia State and withstand hot shooting from behind the arc by the Hornets in the first half, going 6-14. The Bearcats were incredibly even in scoring in first quarter with four players scoring five points and Kylie Coleman and Paityn Rau scoring six.The Bearcats and Hornets battled in the third quarter to a score of 22-19. The Hornets closed the quarter on a three-point buzzer beater to take an eight point lead going into the final quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Bearcats pulled within three, to make the score 62-59 with 6:39 left in the game, following a Jaelyn Haggardthree-pointer. From that point on the Hornets won the quarter 17-7. Turnovers were the downfall of Northwest in the final quarter, turning the ball over six times in the final frame. The Hornets capitalized off these turnovers all game, turning Bearcat turnovers into 19 points of their own. The Bearcats were led in scoring by Haggard with 19 points, followed by Erika Schlosser with 11. Schlosser added seven assists to tie Mallory McConkey for the team lead. Coleman led the team with six rebounds on the night. Tre'zure Jobe showed why she is one of the top scorers in the MIAA, scoring 26 points on 14 shots. The Hornets had three other scorers in double figures on the night. Mollie Mounsey and Morgan Laudan had 15, and Kali Martin had 10. Mounsey added six rebounds and five steals, while Jobe added seven assists and four rebounds. The Bearcats will be back in action on this Saturday against the Washburn Ichabods at 1:30 p.m. in Topeka, Kan. --- Northwest Athletics ---

Northwest women come up short at No. 16 Emporia 79-66

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Freshman Rickea Jackson had season-high 21 points and nine rebounds, Jordan Danberry added 18 points and four steals, and No. 13 Mississippi State beat Missouri 79-64 on Thursday night.

Chloe Bibby hit three 3-pointers and finished with 13 points and eight rebounds for Mississippi State.

The Bulldogs (15-2, 3-0 Southeastern Conference) have won 14 consecutive road games, the nation's longest active streak of its kind, and have won seven in a row overall.

Jackson hit a short jumper to open the scoring and Jessika Carter's layup midway through the first quarter gave Mississippi State an 11-point lead. Jackson made back-to-back baskets to make 23-11 going into the second quarter and led by double figures the rest of the way.

Haley Troup led Missouri (4-12, 1-2) with 14 points and Hayley Frank added 13.

Mississippi State scored 26 points off 23 Tigers turnovers and outscored them in the paint 46-26.

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Freshman Rickea Jackson had season-high 21 points and nine rebounds, Jordan Danberry added 18 points and four steals, and No. 13 Mississippi State beat Missouri 79-64 on Thursday night.Chloe Bibby hit three 3-pointers and finished with 13 points and eight rebounds for Mississippi State.The Bulldogs (15-2, 3-0 Southeastern Conference) have won 14 consecutive road games, the nation's longest active streak of its kind, and have won seven in a row overall.Jackson hit a short jumper to open the scoring and Jessika Carter's layup midway through the first quarter gave Mississippi State an 11-point lead. Jackson made back-to-back baskets to make 23-11 going into the second quarter and led by double figures the rest of the way.Haley Troup led Missouri (4-12, 1-2) with 14 points and Hayley Frank added 13.Mississippi State scored 26 points off 23 Tigers turnovers and outscored them in the paint 46-26.--- Associated Press ---

Missouri women lose at home to No. 13 Mississippi State

Northwest Missouri State University head football coach Rich Wright reached into his coaching past to tab Todd Sturdy as the new offensive coordinator for the Bearcats.

Sturdy and Wright worked together on the same coaching staff at St. Ambrose from 2000-2004 before Wright made the move to Northwest. Wright served as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at St. Ambrose during Sturdy's head coaching tenure.

Sturdy will serve as the offensive coordinator at Northwest and he brings a wealth of coaching experience with him to Maryville. Sturdy has coached football at the FBS, FCS and NAIA levels for 28 years. He has served as an offensive coordinator in 20 seasons. In 14 seasons as a head coach at the collegiate level, Sturdy has compiled a record of 96-51.

Sturdy served as the head coach at MidAmerica Nazarene in 2018 and 2019. He guided the Pioneers to a 7-4 mark in the Heart of America Conference this past season.

He is a native of Tipton, Iowa, and produced a mark of 85-40 in 12 seasons as a head coach at his alma mater, St. Ambrose in Davenport, Iowa from 1995-2006. Sturdy guided the Fighting Bees to six conference championships and six NAIA playoff appearances. He coached 64 first-team all-conference performers and 28 All-America picks while his players rewrote the offensive school records in virtually every category.

Sturdy gained assistant coaching and coordinator experience at the FBS and FCS levels following his time at St. Ambrose. Sturdy worked at Eastern Washington (OC, 2007, Washington State (OC, 2008-2011, Iowa State (assistant/OC, 2012-2015, Northern Iowa (OC, 2016).

He began his coaching endeavors as a graduate assistant in 1990 at St. Ambrose.

As a student-athlete at St. Ambrose from 1987-1990, Sturdy earned his bachelor's degree in history education. In 1988, he was named the team MVP. In 1989, he served as team captain.

He and his wife, Gina, are the parents of sons Keegan, Carson and a daughter, Kenzington.

Northwest Missouri State University head football coach Rich Wright reached into his coaching past to tab Todd Sturdy as the new offensive coordinator for the Bearcats.Sturdy and Wright worked together on the same coaching staff at St. Ambrose from 2000-2004 before Wright made the move to Northwest. Wright served as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at St. Ambrose during Sturdy's head coaching tenure.Sturdy will serve as the offensive coordinator at Northwest and he brings a wealth of coaching experience with him to Maryville. Sturdy has coached football at the FBS, FCS and NAIA levels for 28 years. He has served as an offensive coordinator in 20 seasons. In 14 seasons as a head coach at the collegiate level, Sturdy has compiled a record of 96-51.Sturdy served as the head coach at MidAmerica Nazarene in 2018 and 2019. He guided the Pioneers to a 7-4 mark in the Heart of America Conference this past season.He is a native of Tipton, Iowa, and produced a mark of 85-40 in 12 seasons as a head coach at his alma mater, St. Ambrose in Davenport, Iowa from 1995-2006. Sturdy guided the Fighting Bees to six conference championships and six NAIA playoff appearances. He coached 64 first-team all-conference performers and 28 All-America picks while his players rewrote the offensive school records in virtually every category.Sturdy gained assistant coaching and coordinator experience at the FBS and FCS levels following his time at St. Ambrose. Sturdy worked at Eastern Washington (OC, 2007, Washington State (OC, 2008-2011, Iowa State (assistant/OC, 2012-2015, Northern Iowa (OC, 2016).He began his coaching endeavors as a graduate assistant in 1990 at St. Ambrose.As a student-athlete at St. Ambrose from 1987-1990, Sturdy earned his bachelor's degree in history education. In 1988, he was named the team MVP. In 1989, he served as team captain.He and his wife, Gina, are the parents of sons Keegan, Carson and a daughter, Kenzington.--- Northwest Athletics ---

Bearcat football hires Todd Sturdy as new offensive coordinator

AMES, Iowa -- Kansas coach Bill Self grinned instead of perspiring following the No. 7 Jayhawks' 79-53 rout over Iowa State Wednesday night.

It proved to be a welcome change for the Jayhawks at Hilton Coliseum -- where they had lost three of the past five meetings with the Cyclones, including a 77-60 setback last season.

"This was the only time I can really remember when we got out of here and we're not sweating or like last year, they're celebrating with four minutes left," Self said.

Instead, the Jayhawks (12-2, 2-0 Big 12) closed the first half with a 21-3 run to build a 46-26 lead that would only swell in the second half.

Devon Dotson had 20 points, six assists and five rebounds. David McCormack added 16 points and seven rebounds. Ochai Agbaji had 16 points as well, but keyed a 10-of-19 3-point shooting effort by making 4 of 5.

"When they're hitting shots, the guards have to go out, pressure them, so it opens up the lane for the big men so they've got more room and more space," McCormack said. "Thats about every big man's dream is when their guards hit shots.

Kansas shot 52% from the field while limiting the Cyclones (7-7, 0-2) to 34%.

"We had a pretty good game plan coming into it and for the most part, we executed and that led to our offense," Dotson said.

The Jayhawks held star Iowa State guard Tyrese Haliburton to five points -- 12 below his average. Rasir Bolton led the Cyclones with 12 points.

The defense shined most of the night after allowing the Cyclones to go 3 of 4 to start the game.

Iowa State's struggled, which has become a trend in recent weeks.

"Defensively, we didn't get enough stops," Cyclones coach Steve Prohm said. "Then they physically kind of overwhelmed us on the 3 and in the paint the last eight minutes. That was the difference in the game."

Kansas guard Christian Braun made 3 of 4 3-point attempts for the second time in three games. The 6-foot-6 freshman also had five rebounds and two assists while committing zero turnovers on 24:35.

Kansas: The Jayhawks clamped down for the second straight conference game. They limited West Virginia to 32.2% shooting in the conference opener, then held the Cyclones 27 points below their league-leading scoring average.

Iowa State: The Cyclones were coming off a pair of two-point losses in their past two games -- including an 81-79 setback in overtime at TCU. They dropped their third game at home this season and shot just 29 percent from three-point range.

Iowa State: Hosts to Oklahoma on Saturday.

AMES, Iowa -- Kansas coach Bill Self grinned instead of perspiring following the No. 7 Jayhawks' 79-53 rout over Iowa State Wednesday night.It proved to be a welcome change for the Jayhawks at Hilton Coliseum -- where they had lost three of the past five meetings with the Cyclones, including a 77-60 setback last season."This was the only time I can really remember when we got out of here and we're not sweating or like last year, they're celebrating with four minutes left," Self said.Instead, the Jayhawks (12-2, 2-0 Big 12) closed the first half with a 21-3 run to build a 46-26 lead that would only swell in the second half.Devon Dotson had 20 points, six assists and five rebounds. David McCormack added 16 points and seven rebounds. Ochai Agbaji had 16 points as well, but keyed a 10-of-19 3-point shooting effort by making 4 of 5."When they're hitting shots, the guards have to go out, pressure them, so it opens up the lane for the big men so they've got more room and more space," McCormack said. "Thats about every big man's dream is when their guards hit shots.Kansas shot 52% from the field while limiting the Cyclones (7-7, 0-2) to 34%."We had a pretty good game plan coming into it and for the most part, we executed and that led to our offense," Dotson said.The Jayhawks held star Iowa State guard Tyrese Haliburton to five points -- 12 below his average. Rasir Bolton led the Cyclones with 12 points.The defense shined most of the night after allowing the Cyclones to go 3 of 4 to start the game.Iowa State's struggled, which has become a trend in recent weeks."Defensively, we didn't get enough stops," Cyclones coach Steve Prohm said. "Then they physically kind of overwhelmed us on the 3 and in the paint the last eight minutes. That was the difference in the game."ROLE PLAYERKansas guard Christian Braun made 3 of 4 3-point attempts for the second time in three games. The 6-foot-6 freshman also had five rebounds and two assists while committing zero turnovers on 24:35.BIG PICTUREKansas: The Jayhawks clamped down for the second straight conference game. They limited West Virginia to 32.2% shooting in the conference opener, then held the Cyclones 27 points below their league-leading scoring average.Iowa State: The Cyclones were coming off a pair of two-point losses in their past two games -- including an 81-79 setback in overtime at TCU. They dropped their third game at home this season and shot just 29 percent from three-point range.UP NEXTKansas: Hosts Baylor on Saturday.Iowa State: Hosts to Oklahoma on Saturday.--- Associated Press ---

No. 3 Kansas routs Iowa State in Ames 79-53



ST. JOSEPH -&nbsp;Trey Vaval,&nbsp;Sam Webb&nbsp;and&nbsp;Hayden Eatinger&nbsp;earned more offseason awards for Griffon Football this week. The trio collected five accolades for the Griffons with the Don Hansen All-Super Region Three Team and D2Football.com All-America teams.

Vaval earned three special recognitions for his efforts during the 2019 season. The Blue Springs native earned D2Football.com second team All-America as an all-purpose athlete as well as first team Don Hansen All-Super Region Three team as a return specialist. The Agent Barry Live United Bowl MVP also was recognized as co-freshman of the year alongside Gei'Vonni Washington of Ashland.

Sam Webb&nbsp;also received recognition from the Super Region. The junior was also first team Don Hansen All-Region team as a cornerback.&nbsp;Hayden Eatinger&nbsp;received All-Region third team recognition for his contributions at center.

The Don Hansen team carries out the legacy of long-time small college football advocate Don Hansen, who passed away at age 75 on Aug. 29, 2010. The first team and second team All-Region selections advance to a national ballot from which the 2019 Don Hansen NCAA Division II All-America team will be selected.

The D2Football.com All-America Team was selected by the staff of D2Football.com with input from coaches and sports information directors from around the country.

ST. JOSEPH -&nbsp;Trey Vaval,&nbsp;Sam Webb&nbsp;and&nbsp;Hayden Eatinger&nbsp;earned more offseason awards for Griffon Football this week. The trio collected five accolades for the Griffons with the Don Hansen All-Super Region Three Team and D2Football.com All-America teams.Vaval earned three special recognitions for his efforts during the 2019 season. The Blue Springs native earned D2Football.com second team All-America as an all-purpose athlete as well as first team Don Hansen All-Super Region Three team as a return specialist. The Agent Barry Live United Bowl MVP also was recognized as co-freshman of the year alongside Gei'Vonni Washington of Ashland.Sam Webb&nbsp;also received recognition from the Super Region. The junior was also first team Don Hansen All-Region team as a cornerback.&nbsp;Hayden Eatinger&nbsp;received All-Region third team recognition for his contributions at center.The Don Hansen team carries out the legacy of long-time small college football advocate Don Hansen, who passed away at age 75 on Aug. 29, 2010. The first team and second team All-Region selections advance to a national ballot from which the 2019 Don Hansen NCAA Division II All-America team will be selected.The D2Football.com All-America Team was selected by the staff of D2Football.com with input from coaches and sports information directors from around the country.--- MWSU Athletics ---

Three Griffons earn more postseason football honors



BROOKFIELD, Ill. —&nbsp;The Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat football team had seven players selected to the&nbsp;2019&nbsp;Don Hansen&nbsp;NCAA Division II All-Super Region Three squad.

The&nbsp;Don Hansen&nbsp;team carries out the legacy of long-time small college football advocate Don Hansen, who passed away at age 75 on Aug. 29, 2010. Hansen, from Brookfield, Ill., started and published&nbsp;Don Hansen's National Weekly Football Gazette&nbsp;for three decades, selecting NCAA Division II All-America teams for the first time in 1988.&nbsp; Don Hansen's Football Gazette began selecting Division II All-Region squads in 2003.

The first-team and second-team All-Region selections advance to a national ballot from which the 2019 Don Hansen NCAA Division II All-America team will be selected.

The squads are selected by the Don Hansen Football Committee.

Northwest Missouri State's Don Hansen Super Region Three Selections:

Tanner Owen, OT - First Team Spencer Phillips, DL - First Team Parker Sampson, PK - Second Team Blake Bayer, S - Second Team Marqus&nbsp;Andrews, TE - Third Team Sam Roberts, DL - Third Team Zach Howard, DL - Third Team

BROOKFIELD, Ill. —&nbsp;The Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat football team had seven players selected to the&nbsp;2019&nbsp;Don Hansen&nbsp;NCAA Division II All-Super Region Three squad.The&nbsp;Don Hansen&nbsp;team carries out the legacy of long-time small college football advocate Don Hansen, who passed away at age 75 on Aug. 29, 2010. Hansen, from Brookfield, Ill., started and published&nbsp;Don Hansen's National Weekly Football Gazette&nbsp;for three decades, selecting NCAA Division II All-America teams for the first time in 1988.&nbsp; Don Hansen's Football Gazette began selecting Division II All-Region squads in 2003.The first-team and second-team All-Region selections advance to a national ballot from which the 2019 Don Hansen NCAA Division II All-America team will be selected.The squads are selected by the Don Hansen Football Committee.Northwest Missouri State's Don Hansen Super Region Three Selections:Tanner Owen, OT - First Team Spencer Phillips, DL - First Team Parker Sampson, PK - Second Team Blake Bayer, S - Second Team Marqus&nbsp;Andrews, TE - Third Team Sam Roberts, DL - Third Team Zach Howard, DL - Third Team--- Northwest Athletics ---

Seven Bearcats named to Don Hansen's All-Super Region Three squads

BOYS Truman 59 Central 46 (4-6, 0-1 Suburban) Pattonsburg 60 St. Joseph Christian 55 (7-3, 2-1 GRC) GIRLS Bishop LeBlond 50 (7-5) Mid-Buchanan 31 Pattonsburg 58 St. Joseph Christian 31 (3-7, 0-3 GRC)

BOYS Truman 59 Central 46 (4-6, 0-1 Suburban) Pattonsburg 60 St. Joseph Christian 55 (7-3, 2-1 GRC) GIRLS Bishop LeBlond 50 (7-5) Mid-Buchanan 31 Pattonsburg 58 St. Joseph Christian 31 (3-7, 0-3 GRC)

City High School Basketball Scores - Tuesday, January 7

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- In the second game of his college basketball career, Tennessee's Santiago Vascovi was barely noticeable for the first 34 minutes. He then scored 12 points to lead the Volunteers to a 69-59 victory over Missouri.

"I really didn't feel the pressure," said Vascovi, a midseason enrollee who arrived at Tennessee on Dec. 28. "Back in Uruguay, all the stands are crazy. It's almost like a soccer game. They're all chanting all the game. It's another environment. Once I got here, it doesn't affect me."

Mizzou Arena was about half-full Tuesday, but the home crowd was riled up with the score tied at 53 in the final six minutes. That's when Vascovi, a 6-foot-3 freshman guard who had yet to score, went on a personal 8-0 run. He made two 3-pointers, then stole an in-bounds pass and converted a layup.

"I was still feeling confident," said Vascovi, a native of Uruguay who scored 18 points in his college debut against LSU on Saturday. "The 3 that I made really helped me get back in the game. That was a crucial part of the game."

Six players scored in double figures for Tennessee (9-5, 1-1 Southeastern Conference). Jordan Bowden scored 13, and Josiah-Jordan James, John Fulkerson, Yves Pons and Jalen Johnson each scored 11. It was a career high for Johnson.

Tennessee entered the game ranked 13th in the SEC in shooting percentage (.426, while Missouri was the league leader in field-goal percentage defense (.365). The Volunteers weren't bothered in the least, shooting 53.5% overall and 45.8% from 3-point range. That made up for some sloppy ball-handling. Vescovi had five turnovers.

"Twenty-one turnovers are hard to live with, but that shows you we have the ability," Tennessee coach Rick Barnes said. "I do think we have a good shooting team, especially when we move the ball."

Tray Jackson scored a career-high 11 and Mitchell Smith added 10 points for the Tigers (8-6, 0-2 SEC).

The teams combined for eight traveling violations in the first half, but Tennessee cleaned up its act in the final minutes and scored the last six points to take a 32-28 halftime lead. Johnson, who entered the game averaging 2.4 points, scored 11 first-half points on 3-of-4 shooting from 3-point range.

In the second half, the Volunteers opened an early 10-point lead. Smith helped the Tigers fight back, and his two free throws gave Missouri a 53-50 advantage. Then James answered with a tying 3-pointer before Vescovi took over.

"He has a slower jump shot, but if he gets it off, it's going in," James said. "He's so methodical. He measures it before he shoots it, but I know it's going in every time he shoots it."

Jackson, a freshman forward, didn't even play in the Tigers' loss at Kentucky on Saturday. But Missouri coach Cuonzo Martin is unpredictable in his substitution patterns, and he called on Jackson for nine very productive minutes against Tennessee.

Jackson made 3 of 5 field goals and 4 of 4 free throws.

"I was happy to see the way Tray played," Martin said. "He played great. He was a little winded, but he played great. He has the mentality to score the ball."

Missouri: Junior forward Jeremiah Tilmon sat out with a stress fracture in his left foot. Tilmon, who was on crutches Tuesday, is out indefinitely. A preseason second-team All-SEC pick, Tilmon has struggled to stay on the court this season because of frequent foul trouble and recently the sore foot. He is averaging 9.0 points and 4.3 rebounds in 20.9 minutes per game.

Tennessee: The Volunteers did what few teams have against Missouri: made shots. The Tigers had held five straight opponents to five or fewer made 3-pointers. Tennessee made 11 of 24 from beyond the arc.

"They're really hard to score on the first side," Barnes said. "You have to move the ball against them. They're not going to give you anything easy. We felt like we could get the ball going from side to side and get some things. Josiah is getting more and more comfortable. It normally takes our point guard a year and a half to understand our transition game, and it's not what it's been in the past, but we'll keep working on it."

Missouri: The Tigers face Florida on Saturday at home.

Tennessee: The Volunteers play South Carolina on Saturday at home.

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- In the second game of his college basketball career, Tennessee's Santiago Vascovi was barely noticeable for the first 34 minutes. He then scored 12 points to lead the Volunteers to a 69-59 victory over Missouri."I really didn't feel the pressure," said Vascovi, a midseason enrollee who arrived at Tennessee on Dec. 28. "Back in Uruguay, all the stands are crazy. It's almost like a soccer game. They're all chanting all the game. It's another environment. Once I got here, it doesn't affect me."Mizzou Arena was about half-full Tuesday, but the home crowd was riled up with the score tied at 53 in the final six minutes. That's when Vascovi, a 6-foot-3 freshman guard who had yet to score, went on a personal 8-0 run. He made two 3-pointers, then stole an in-bounds pass and converted a layup."I was still feeling confident," said Vascovi, a native of Uruguay who scored 18 points in his college debut against LSU on Saturday. "The 3 that I made really helped me get back in the game. That was a crucial part of the game."Six players scored in double figures for Tennessee (9-5, 1-1 Southeastern Conference). Jordan Bowden scored 13, and Josiah-Jordan James, John Fulkerson, Yves Pons and Jalen Johnson each scored 11. It was a career high for Johnson.Tennessee entered the game ranked 13th in the SEC in shooting percentage (.426, while Missouri was the league leader in field-goal percentage defense (.365). The Volunteers weren't bothered in the least, shooting 53.5% overall and 45.8% from 3-point range. That made up for some sloppy ball-handling. Vescovi had five turnovers."Twenty-one turnovers are hard to live with, but that shows you we have the ability," Tennessee coach Rick Barnes said. "I do think we have a good shooting team, especially when we move the ball."Tray Jackson scored a career-high 11 and Mitchell Smith added 10 points for the Tigers (8-6, 0-2 SEC).The teams combined for eight traveling violations in the first half, but Tennessee cleaned up its act in the final minutes and scored the last six points to take a 32-28 halftime lead. Johnson, who entered the game averaging 2.4 points, scored 11 first-half points on 3-of-4 shooting from 3-point range.In the second half, the Volunteers opened an early 10-point lead. Smith helped the Tigers fight back, and his two free throws gave Missouri a 53-50 advantage. Then James answered with a tying 3-pointer before Vescovi took over."He has a slower jump shot, but if he gets it off, it's going in," James said. "He's so methodical. He measures it before he shoots it, but I know it's going in every time he shoots it."FRESHMAN IS A BRIGHT SPOTJackson, a freshman forward, didn't even play in the Tigers' loss at Kentucky on Saturday. But Missouri coach Cuonzo Martin is unpredictable in his substitution patterns, and he called on Jackson for nine very productive minutes against Tennessee.Jackson made 3 of 5 field goals and 4 of 4 free throws."I was happy to see the way Tray played," Martin said. "He played great. He was a little winded, but he played great. He has the mentality to score the ball."BIG PICTUREMissouri: Junior forward Jeremiah Tilmon sat out with a stress fracture in his left foot. Tilmon, who was on crutches Tuesday, is out indefinitely. A preseason second-team All-SEC pick, Tilmon has struggled to stay on the court this season because of frequent foul trouble and recently the sore foot. He is averaging 9.0 points and 4.3 rebounds in 20.9 minutes per game.Tennessee: The Volunteers did what few teams have against Missouri: made shots. The Tigers had held five straight opponents to five or fewer made 3-pointers. Tennessee made 11 of 24 from beyond the arc."They're really hard to score on the first side," Barnes said. "You have to move the ball against them. They're not going to give you anything easy. We felt like we could get the ball going from side to side and get some things. Josiah is getting more and more comfortable. It normally takes our point guard a year and a half to understand our transition game, and it's not what it's been in the past, but we'll keep working on it."UP NEXTMissouri: The Tigers face Florida on Saturday at home.Tennessee: The Volunteers play South Carolina on Saturday at home.--- Associated Press ---

Mizzou falls at home to Tennessee 69-59

MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Kevin Samuel and TCU had been bludgeoning Kansas State on the offensive glass all night.

Made perfect sense that's where the Horned Frogs would ultimately beat the Wildcats.

Their bruising sophomore center deftly tipped in RJ Nembhard's errant floater with 1.7 seconds remaining Tuesday night, moments after the Wildcats had hit a 3-pointer at the other end to tie the game, and that allowed the Horned Frogs to escape from a stunned Bramlage Coliseum with an ugly 59-57 victory.

"Big thing for us -- and it's always been -- offensive rebounding is a big part of everywhere I've been," said TCU coach Jamie Dixon, whose team pulled down a whopping 15 offensive rebounds. "I mean, Kevin was terrific and has been. Defensively, he does so many things for us and 15 rebounds says a lot."

The last one was the biggest one. It came after the Wildcats had tied the game on David Sloan's 3-pointer with 13 seconds left, and Nembhard had driven left on Mike McGuirl and hoisted up his shot. Samuel's tip-in found the bottom of the net with so little time left that all Sloan could do was throw up a heavily guarded, off-balance 3 at the buzzer.

"That's what Samuel does. He's a monster," TCU's Desmond Bane said. "I tell him that every day. He's gotten a lot better since last year, his motor is a lot better, is tough. Around the rim is a lot better. These are the types of games he's going to have throughout the season."

Samuel finished with 10 points to go with the 15 boards and lead four players in double-figures scoring, helping the Horned Frogs (11-3) start 2-0 in the Big 12 for the first time since joining the league. Bane contributed 16 points, Nembhard added 15 and Jaire Grayer finished with 10 in a total team effort.

Xavier Sneed led Kansas State (7-7, 0-2) with 19 points, though he was just 5 of 14 from the field. His biggest help came at the foul line, where he was 8 of 10 and the rest of the team was just 3 of 9.

"We need to get where we're getting consistent production out of guys every game and so far that hasn't happened," Kansas State coach Bruce Weber said. "It's typical of our season that we've had to deal with one thing after another."

The Horned Frogs allowed Kansas State to hang around as long as they were clanking 3-pointers

That started to change late in the first half.

Nembhard's deep shot from the wing broke a 23-all tie, then the Wildcats came up empty on their next two possessions, and Bane and Edric Dennis Jr. added back-to-back 3s that helped TCU take its largest lead of the game.

Makol Mawien scored just before halftime for Kansas State, but he left enough time for the Horned Frogs to race up the floor. The ball got loose but wound up in the hands of Grayer, and his buzzer-beating 3 gave his team a 35-25 lead at the break.

The Horned Frogs started 1 of 10 from beyond the arc. They proceeded to hit eight of their next 12.

Another lull hit TCU midway through the second half, but the Wildcats struggled to take advantage of it. They trailed 40-29 when the Horned Frogs went more than six minutes without a field goal, but when Bane ended the drought with a 3-pointer with 10:45 to go, the visitors from Fort Worth still maintained a 44-40 advantage.

Kansas State kept up the defensive pressure, though, and Sneed took it upon himself to carry the Wildcats on the other end. He buried a 3-pointer from the wing to pull within 51-49 with 3:50 left, then was fouled driving to the basket moments later and made the second of two free throws to make it 53-50 after the final media timeout.

That set the stage for the frantic final couple of minutes.

"Coaches are on me for being on the court too much. Maybe I need to jump on it and get a technical (foul) to wake our guys up a little bit," Weber said. "They made the big plays."

TCU had lapses in poise that could be attributed in part to playing its first true road game -- even though there may have been more empty seats than full ones. The Horned Frogs' only other games away from the Dallas metro this season came against Clemson and Wyoming in late November at the MGM Resorts Main Event in Las Vegas.

Kansas State has struggled to score all season, so it made was somewhat poetic that the Wildcats would lose another game on a missed shot at the buzzer. Six of their seven losses have been by single digits.

TCU returns home to face Oklahoma State on Saturday.

Kansas State heads to Texas on Saturday night.

MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Kevin Samuel and TCU had been bludgeoning Kansas State on the offensive glass all night.Made perfect sense that's where the Horned Frogs would ultimately beat the Wildcats.Their bruising sophomore center deftly tipped in RJ Nembhard's errant floater with 1.7 seconds remaining Tuesday night, moments after the Wildcats had hit a 3-pointer at the other end to tie the game, and that allowed the Horned Frogs to escape from a stunned Bramlage Coliseum with an ugly 59-57 victory."Big thing for us -- and it's always been -- offensive rebounding is a big part of everywhere I've been," said TCU coach Jamie Dixon, whose team pulled down a whopping 15 offensive rebounds. "I mean, Kevin was terrific and has been. Defensively, he does so many things for us and 15 rebounds says a lot."The last one was the biggest one. It came after the Wildcats had tied the game on David Sloan's 3-pointer with 13 seconds left, and Nembhard had driven left on Mike McGuirl and hoisted up his shot. Samuel's tip-in found the bottom of the net with so little time left that all Sloan could do was throw up a heavily guarded, off-balance 3 at the buzzer."That's what Samuel does. He's a monster," TCU's Desmond Bane said. "I tell him that every day. He's gotten a lot better since last year, his motor is a lot better, is tough. Around the rim is a lot better. These are the types of games he's going to have throughout the season."Samuel finished with 10 points to go with the 15 boards and lead four players in double-figures scoring, helping the Horned Frogs (11-3) start 2-0 in the Big 12 for the first time since joining the league. Bane contributed 16 points, Nembhard added 15 and Jaire Grayer finished with 10 in a total team effort.Xavier Sneed led Kansas State (7-7, 0-2) with 19 points, though he was just 5 of 14 from the field. His biggest help came at the foul line, where he was 8 of 10 and the rest of the team was just 3 of 9."We need to get where we're getting consistent production out of guys every game and so far that hasn't happened," Kansas State coach Bruce Weber said. "It's typical of our season that we've had to deal with one thing after another."The Horned Frogs allowed Kansas State to hang around as long as they were clanking 3-pointersThat started to change late in the first half.Nembhard's deep shot from the wing broke a 23-all tie, then the Wildcats came up empty on their next two possessions, and Bane and Edric Dennis Jr. added back-to-back 3s that helped TCU take its largest lead of the game.Makol Mawien scored just before halftime for Kansas State, but he left enough time for the Horned Frogs to race up the floor. The ball got loose but wound up in the hands of Grayer, and his buzzer-beating 3 gave his team a 35-25 lead at the break.The Horned Frogs started 1 of 10 from beyond the arc. They proceeded to hit eight of their next 12.Another lull hit TCU midway through the second half, but the Wildcats struggled to take advantage of it. They trailed 40-29 when the Horned Frogs went more than six minutes without a field goal, but when Bane ended the drought with a 3-pointer with 10:45 to go, the visitors from Fort Worth still maintained a 44-40 advantage.Kansas State kept up the defensive pressure, though, and Sneed took it upon himself to carry the Wildcats on the other end. He buried a 3-pointer from the wing to pull within 51-49 with 3:50 left, then was fouled driving to the basket moments later and made the second of two free throws to make it 53-50 after the final media timeout.That set the stage for the frantic final couple of minutes."Coaches are on me for being on the court too much. Maybe I need to jump on it and get a technical (foul) to wake our guys up a little bit," Weber said. "They made the big plays."BIG PICTURETCU had lapses in poise that could be attributed in part to playing its first true road game -- even though there may have been more empty seats than full ones. The Horned Frogs' only other games away from the Dallas metro this season came against Clemson and Wyoming in late November at the MGM Resorts Main Event in Las Vegas.Kansas State has struggled to score all season, so it made was somewhat poetic that the Wildcats would lose another game on a missed shot at the buzzer. Six of their seven losses have been by single digits.UP NEXTTCU returns home to face Oklahoma State on Saturday.Kansas State heads to Texas on Saturday night.--- Associated Press ---

K-State loses on a late tip-in to TCU 59-57



Northwest Missouri State University sophomore guard Trevor&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;has been named the&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;Co-Athlete of the Week for men's basketball.&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;shares this week's award with Missouri Southern's Cam Martin.

Hudgins&nbsp;(Manhattan, Kansas) averaged 22.7 points per game, while shooting 63.6% from the field - including 70% (14-of-20) from three-point range and 12-of-12 at the free throw line as Northwest went 3-0 since the beginning of January.&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;also dished out 5.0 assists per game, grabbed 12 rebounds and tallied seven steals for the No. 2-ranked Bearcats in wins over Simpson, Northeastern State and Rogers State.

Hudgins&nbsp;went 7-of-10 from the field and was 2-of-3 from distance in scoring 22 points against Simpson.&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;had five assists and two steals against the Storm. He was a perfect 6-of-6 at the foul line vs. Simpson.

Hudgins&nbsp;scored 20 points and was 7-of-11 from the field, including 6-of-8 from three-point range in a 76-65 victory over Northeastern State.&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;handed out seven assists, grabbed five rebounds and had two steals against the&nbsp;RiverHawks.

Hudgins&nbsp;poured in 26 points and was 7-of-12 from the field, including 6-of-9 from distance in a 74-55 triumph over Rogers State.&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;grabbed three rebounds, handed out three assists and snared three steals while draining all six of his free throw attempts vs. the&nbsp;Hillcats.

The Bearcats will be in&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;road action this week with games at Emporia State (Thursday, 7:30 p.m.) and at Washburn (Saturday, 3 p.m.).



Northwest Missouri State University sophomore guard Trevor&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;has been named the&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;Co-Athlete of the Week for men's basketball.&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;shares this week's award with Missouri Southern's Cam Martin.Hudgins&nbsp;(Manhattan, Kansas) averaged 22.7 points per game, while shooting 63.6% from the field - including 70% (14-of-20) from three-point range and 12-of-12 at the free throw line as Northwest went 3-0 since the beginning of January.&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;also dished out 5.0 assists per game, grabbed 12 rebounds and tallied seven steals for the No. 2-ranked Bearcats in wins over Simpson, Northeastern State and Rogers State.Hudgins&nbsp;went 7-of-10 from the field and was 2-of-3 from distance in scoring 22 points against Simpson.&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;had five assists and two steals against the Storm. He was a perfect 6-of-6 at the foul line vs. Simpson.Hudgins&nbsp;scored 20 points and was 7-of-11 from the field, including 6-of-8 from three-point range in a 76-65 victory over Northeastern State.&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;handed out seven assists, grabbed five rebounds and had two steals against the&nbsp;RiverHawks.Hudgins&nbsp;poured in 26 points and was 7-of-12 from the field, including 6-of-9 from distance in a 74-55 triumph over Rogers State.&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;grabbed three rebounds, handed out three assists and snared three steals while draining all six of his free throw attempts vs. the&nbsp;Hillcats.The Bearcats will be in&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;road action this week with games at Emporia State (Thursday, 7:30 p.m.) and at Washburn (Saturday, 3 p.m.).

--- Northwest Athletics ---

Northwest's Hudgins earns weekly MIAA men's basketball honor

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Thorir Thorbjarnarson scored 17 points and Nebraska turned back a second-half Iowa comeback to down the Hawkeyes 76-70 on Tuesday night.

Nebraska (7-8, 2-2 Big Ten) led by seven at the half, but saw Iowa (10-5, 1-3) come back to take its only lead of the game on Joe Weiskamp's 3-pointer that made the score 51-50 with 12:40 remaining.

The Huskers pushed the lead back to five on Kevin Cross' dunk with 7:22 left, only to see Iowa tie the score at 59 on another Weiskamp 3-pointer at the 5:19 mark..

Thorbjarnson hit a pair of 3-pointers in a 10-3 Nebraska spurt that put the Huskers up 69-62 on Cam Mack's layup with 1:47 left. The Hawkeyes got no closer than four down the stretch.

Nebraska opened up a 12 point first half lead on Haanif Cheatam's free throws with 8:04 left as the Huskers swarming defense frustrated Luka Garza, Iowa's 6-11 center and leading scorer, who didn't notch a point in the game's first 12 minutes.

Garza put up 9 points in the last 7:39 of the half and Iowa cut the Nebraska lead to three. But a late Husker flurry built the lead back to double digits and saw Nebraska up 38-31 at half.

Iowa lost the game at the 3-point and free throw lines. The Hawkeyes hit just 4 of 33 3-point attempts and made just 2 of 5 free throws.

Nebraska made 10 of 26 3-pointers and hit 14 of 26 from the free throw line.

Mack had 17 points for Nebraska. Cheatam had 14 points, Dachon Burke finished with 13 and Cross had 11 points.

Weiskamp led Iowa with 21 points. Garza finished with 16 points and 16 rebounds and Joe Toussaint had 14 points.

Iowa -- Tuesday's game ended a stretch dating back to Nov. 28 in which Iowa played eight of 10 games away from home. Iowa will have traveled more than 8,000 miles in six weeks when it gets back to Iowa City Tuesday night.

Nebraska -- Nebraska has struggled shooting 3-pointers this season, hitting just 33 percent of their 3-point attempts The Huskers warmed up from 3 in the first half, hitting 7 of 16 shots. Nebraska returned to form in the second half, hitting just 3 of 10 3-pointers.

Nebraska travels to Northwestern Saturday.

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Thorir Thorbjarnarson scored 17 points and Nebraska turned back a second-half Iowa comeback to down the Hawkeyes 76-70 on Tuesday night.Nebraska (7-8, 2-2 Big Ten) led by seven at the half, but saw Iowa (10-5, 1-3) come back to take its only lead of the game on Joe Weiskamp's 3-pointer that made the score 51-50 with 12:40 remaining.The Huskers pushed the lead back to five on Kevin Cross' dunk with 7:22 left, only to see Iowa tie the score at 59 on another Weiskamp 3-pointer at the 5:19 mark..Thorbjarnson hit a pair of 3-pointers in a 10-3 Nebraska spurt that put the Huskers up 69-62 on Cam Mack's layup with 1:47 left. The Hawkeyes got no closer than four down the stretch.Nebraska opened up a 12 point first half lead on Haanif Cheatam's free throws with 8:04 left as the Huskers swarming defense frustrated Luka Garza, Iowa's 6-11 center and leading scorer, who didn't notch a point in the game's first 12 minutes.Garza put up 9 points in the last 7:39 of the half and Iowa cut the Nebraska lead to three. But a late Husker flurry built the lead back to double digits and saw Nebraska up 38-31 at half.Iowa lost the game at the 3-point and free throw lines. The Hawkeyes hit just 4 of 33 3-point attempts and made just 2 of 5 free throws.Nebraska made 10 of 26 3-pointers and hit 14 of 26 from the free throw line.Mack had 17 points for Nebraska. Cheatam had 14 points, Dachon Burke finished with 13 and Cross had 11 points.Weiskamp led Iowa with 21 points. Garza finished with 16 points and 16 rebounds and Joe Toussaint had 14 points.The Big PictureIowa -- Tuesday's game ended a stretch dating back to Nov. 28 in which Iowa played eight of 10 games away from home. Iowa will have traveled more than 8,000 miles in six weeks when it gets back to Iowa City Tuesday night.Nebraska -- Nebraska has struggled shooting 3-pointers this season, hitting just 33 percent of their 3-point attempts The Huskers warmed up from 3 in the first half, hitting 7 of 16 shots. Nebraska returned to form in the second half, hitting just 3 of 10 3-pointers.Up NextIowa hosts No. 12 Maryland FridayNebraska travels to Northwestern Saturday.--- Associated Press ---

Nebraska holds off Iowa 76-70

NORMAL, Ill. -- Keandre Cook had 22 points as Missouri State narrowly beat Illinois State 67-63 on Tuesday night.

Missouri State led throughout most of the second half, including a 10-point lead with 11:50 remaining. At that point, Illinois State went on a 19-8 run to take a 56-55 lead with 3:54 to go. After a series of ties and lead changes Missouri State took the lead for good on back-to-back 3-pointers by Cook, the second for a 63-58 lead with 1:20 remaining.

Illinois State kept it close and a 3-pointer by Ricky Torres drew the Redbirds within 65-63 with 14 seconds to go. The Redbirds fouled Missouri State's Lamont West with 3 seconds remaining and he made both ends of the bonus to seal the win.

NORMAL, Ill. -- Keandre Cook had 22 points as Missouri State narrowly beat Illinois State 67-63 on Tuesday night.Missouri State led throughout most of the second half, including a 10-point lead with 11:50 remaining. At that point, Illinois State went on a 19-8 run to take a 56-55 lead with 3:54 to go. After a series of ties and lead changes Missouri State took the lead for good on back-to-back 3-pointers by Cook, the second for a 63-58 lead with 1:20 remaining.Illinois State kept it close and a 3-pointer by Ricky Torres drew the Redbirds within 65-63 with 14 seconds to go. The Redbirds fouled Missouri State's Lamont West with 3 seconds remaining and he made both ends of the bonus to seal the win.Gaige Prim had 12 points for Missouri State (8-8, 2-1 Missouri Valley Conference, which ended its five-game road losing streak. Isiaih Mosley added 11 points and eight rebounds. Tulio Da Silva had 11 points for the Bears.Antonio Reeves had 16 points for the Redbirds (6-9, 1-2). Zach Copeland added 15 points. Ricky Torres had 12 points and seven assists.Missouri State plays Northern Iowa at home on Saturday. Illinois State plays Indiana State on the road on Saturday.--- Associated Press ---

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