MANHATTAN, Kan. -- The defending Big 12 Champions took the floor at home for the first time since cutting down the nets last year as Kansas State beat North Dakota State 67-54 on Tuesday night. Cartier Diarra had 23 points, six rebounds and six assists, Makol Mawien had a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds after the Wildcats lost their top three scorers off last year's team. "We are a new team and we knew it'd be a really hard game," Kansas State coach Bruce Weber said. "I'm happy for our guys; proud of them." Rocky Kreuser led the Bison with 14 points, Tyson Ward had 12 and Sam Griesel was vital, providing eight points and nine rebounds. Kansas State kept 2019 Summit League Tournament MVP Vinnie Shahid quiet as he scored eight points, going 2-12 in the game. North Dakota State brings back lots of experience from last year, including six of the top seven scorers, but it wasn't enough to take down Big 12 foe Kansas State. The Bison, whose season ended in a second-round loss to Duke in the NCAA Tournament last season, gave the Wildcats all they could handle while leading the majority of the first half. "We didn't come here to get beat by 13 and run out of here with smiles," North Dakota State coach David Richman said. "There is some encouraging things, to be up at half, to tie a Big 12 team on the glass on the road. There's some encouraging things to build on." The Wildcats played three freshman -- Montavious Murphy, Antonio Gordon and DaJuan Gordon. They combined for seven points and 10 rebounds. Murphy led the team in minutes played. "I felt great," Murphy said. "I just told myself I was going to come out here and play hard. I just wanted to make sure I played hard and I feel like I did that and we came out with the dub." North Dakota State went to the line 25 times, shooting 64%. The Bison kept it close by hitting eight three-pointers, just short of their 9.5 makes per game last season. The Wildcats proved to be no match for the Bison in the paint, scoring 34 points from inside and holding North Dakota State to 14. "We talked about dominating two's and the points in the pain," Weber said. "We thought that had to be the difference for us." Already up by five, the Wildcats went on a 6-0 run in the second half to extend their lead and never looked back. HIGHLIGHT REEL In the second half, Diarra found Mawien on an alley-oop which sparked the Wildcats as Kansas State used that momentum to close out the Bison. BIG PICTURE North Dakota State brings back most of its scoring from a team that went to the NCAA Tournament last year. Don't be surprised if they are playing on the big stage again this season. The Wildcats are a much different team than they were last year. K-State will lean on Sneed and Diarra to carry the load. UP NEXT North Dakota State hosts Mayville State for their home opener at 7 p.m. on Thursday. Kansas State travels to UNLV on Saturday for a 3 p.m. tip-off. --- Associated Press ---

K-State opens season with 67-54 win over North Dakota State

LINCOLN, Neb. -- The enormity of the project Fred Hoiberg has undertaken at Nebraska hit him square in the face Tuesday night. The new-look Cornhuskers lost 66-47 to UC Riverside, one of the bottom programs in the Big West Conference. It marked the first time the Huskers had lost a season opener at home since 1980 and the beginning of what could be a long winter in Lincoln. "You can use the excuse of we've got so many new faces and new players. We're not going to do that," Hoiberg said. "We got outplayed today. Adversity hit us in a huge way tonight. You can talk to your guys until you're blue in the face. It's going to hit you every time you step on the floor. What will define you will be how you handle it. We didn't handle it well tonight." Reserve DJ McDonald scored a career-high 15 points and George Willborn III had 13 points and 18 rebounds for UC Riverside. The Highlanders, who went 10-23 last season and have had one winning season since joining Division I in 2000, won for the first time over a Power Five opponent since beating California in November 2017. "We're not going to come into an environment with this many people in the Big West, but this shows we can compete with anybody," second-year UCR coach David Patrick said. "We still have work to do. We have four guys sitting at home that aren't with us that will join us over the next couple of weeks. Their addition, with the group we have, I think good things are in store for this group." Cam Mack had 11 points and nine rebounds and Matej Kavas added 10 for the Huskers, who shot 29 percent from the field and were 9 of 19 from the foul line. UC Riverside made 7 of 9 3-pointers to start the second half, with McDonald hitting three in a row, and it was 59-40 when fans headed for the exits en masse at the under-4 timeout. "First game. Not going to go crazy about it," the Huskers' Haanif Cheatham said. The Highlanders, who got 14 points and four 3s from Dragan Elkaz, made 12 shots from beyond the arc and outrebounded the Huskers 49-29. "I thought early on we had a good burst out of the locker room," Hoiberg said. "Our transition was excellent, defensively we were doing a good job of disrupting them and turning them over and that's what got us out in transition. "Obviously, that changed and momentum shifted. Once the ball started going in the hoop for them, the defense wasn't as good. We pressed to try to get all the momentum back at once." The 47-year-old Hoiberg, who coached Iowa State to four NCAA Tournament appearances from 2010-15, is back in the college game after three-plus seasons with the Chicago Bulls. Hoiberg was at the top of wish lists for several schools looking for a new coach last March. There was a sentimental pull to Nebraska. He was born in Lincoln, his parents had ties to the university, and his maternal grandfather was head basketball coach from 1955-63. As coaches who came before him can attest, this job isn't easy. The Huskers have never sustained success in basketball, are the only Power Five team to have never won an NCAA Tournament game and haven't won a conference title since 1950. Hoiberg, who signed a seven-year contract valued at $25 million, offered a quick left-handed wave to fans as he walked into the arena before tipoff, and the Huskers made 6 of 7 shots to get out to an early lead in the first five minutes. The other 35 minutes belonged to the Highlanders. Nebraska hit only 4 of its last 22 shots of the half, Willburn scored nine points during a 20-5 spurt that pulled UCR even, and Elkaz swooped in for a putback just before the buzzer to put the Highlanders up 32-28 at the break. "Their run caught us off guard," Cheatham said. "It was a little slap in the face. We didn't pick it up from there. One game doesn't define us. We still have got 29 more games. We'll be fine." BIG PICTURE UC Riverside: The Highlanders capitalized on Nebraska's offensive ineptitude, getting stronger as the game went on. They'll get another crack at a Power Five opponent when they travel to Washington State next month. Nebraska: It's going to take a while for a roster with 14 newcomers to coalesce. On this night, the Huskers looked every bit the team picked 13th in the Big Ten. UP NEXT UC Riverside hosts Idaho on Saturday. Nebraska hosts Southern Utah on Saturday. --- Associated Press ---

Nebraska loses to UC Riverside in Hoiberg's debut

The MINK league is excited to announce the addition of two teams for the 2020 Season.&nbsp; The Des Moines Prospects and Chanute will be joining the league. The Prospects, headed by co-owners Eric Evans will join the North Division.&nbsp;Chanute is headed up by Kansas City businessman Titus Bond. Chanute, which is currently holding a name the team contest in the community will join the South Division.&nbsp;Additionally, the Sedalia Bombers will be moving from the North to the South Division. ﻿“We are thrilled about the two new additions to the league, Mickey Mantle played his first ever professional baseball game at Katy Park in Chanute, where the team will be playing. Des Moines will be bringing a brand new stadium into the league, we are excited to welcome both teams and communities into the league,`` says League President, Ky Turner.&nbsp;In addition, the Ozark Generals will no longer be a member of the MINK League moving forward. The league will be playing with 9 teams in 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp; The MINK League playoffs will change for the 2020 season.&nbsp;The top team in the North and South Divisions will receive a first round bye and will retain the 1 and 2 seeds throughout the whole playoffs. The remaining teams will be seeded&nbsp;3-6 and will be determined by overall record. The 3 seed will host the 6 seed, while the 4 seed will host the 5 seed, in a one game playoff. Winners of these games will then face the division winners in the MINK League Semifinals, both games will be a one game playoff. The winners of these games will compete in a best of three series for the MINK League Championship. The 2020 MINK League All-Star Game and Home Run Derby will take place in Chillicothe, MO on Thursday, July 9th, 2020. Ron Rodriguez has been reelected as the League Commissioner, as has St. Joseph Mustangs’ Ky Turner as the League President. Edwina Rains with the Joplin Outlaws has also been reelected as the League Treasure, while Steve Dullard from the Jefferson City Renegades retained his position as Vice President. League play will kick off no later than May 29th, 2020.

MINK League adds two teams for 2020 season

1st Team Pitchers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1st Team Infielders&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Kenzie Schopfer – Savannah&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wynter Hurst - BentonMaddy Jessen – Cameron&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kaia Calloway - SavannahMakenzie Leake - Lafayette&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ella Bruner - Savannah&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kaycia Williamson - Lafayette&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2nd Team Pitchers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Abby Jones - Chillicothe&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Briley Gray - Maryville&nbsp;&nbsp;Halle Rucker - Chillicothe&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2nd Team Infielders&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lauren Widman – St. Pius X1st Team Catchers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Keylee Buxton - Benton**Madde Graves- Savannah&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Liberty Williams - CameronMika Hibner - Chillicothe&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Haley Noland - Savannah&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jori Winn - Lafayette2nd Team Catchers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Riley Watkins – Maryville&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Honorable Mention InfieldersArli Smith – Cameron&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ashlyn Alexander - MaryvilleEllie Wattenbarger - Lafayette&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Andee Magness - Benton&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jordan Hibner - ChillicotheHonorable Mention Catcher&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shae Lewis – Bishop LeBlondJadynn Peters - Benton&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Emma Tipton - Savannah&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Taijha Davis - SavannahFirst Team Outfielders&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sloan Lewis – Bishop LeBlond**Sophia &nbsp;Luetticke - Chillicothe&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Elizabeth Witherow – St. Pius XBrooke Graves - Savannah&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bailey Stephan - BentonLaini Joseph – Cameron&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Abby Swink - Maryville&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Second Team Outfielders&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lexi Epperson – St. Pius XKat Knapp - LafayettePayton Hirter – Savannah&nbsp;Honorable Mention OutfieldersJessica Finch – MaryvilleKaylence Cook – SavannahJenna Clough – CameronJanece Roach – LafayetteKennedy Corzette- Chillicothe&nbsp;** Denotes Unanimous Selection

MEC releases 2019 All-Conference softball honors

The Missouri Western football team is No. 8 in the latest NCAA Division II Super Region Three rankings released Monday. The Griffons remain at No. 8 as the were in the same spot in the first regional rankings released last week.&nbsp;The top seven teams qualify for the NCAA Division II playoffs in each region. MWSU is now 7-2 on the season after defeating Pittsburg State this past Saturday 35-21 for its sixth consecutive win.&nbsp;There are three other MIAA teams in the top 10.&nbsp;Central Missouri is at no. 2, Northwest Missouri State is seventh and Fort Hays State is no. 10. There are two weeks left in the regular season as the Griffons return to Spratt Stadium this Saturday against Nebraska-Kearney (5-4).&nbsp;The kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. and you can listen to it on the Griffon Sports Network 680 KFEQ and 107.9 FM. SUPER REGION ONE1. Kutztown 9-02. Slippery Rock 9-03. Notre Dame (Ohio) 9-04. Indiana (Pa.) 8-15. Shepherd 7-26. Urbana 7-27. West Chester 7-28. West Virginia State 6-29. Tiffin 7-110. Ohio Dominican 5-2 SUPER REGION TWO1. Lenoir-Rhyne 9-02. Valdosta State 8-03. Bowie State 9-04. Wingate 8-15. West Florida 6-16. Carson-Newman 6-27. Virginia State 7-18. Virginia Union 6-29. Albany State 6-310. West Georgia 6-3 SUPER REGION THREE1. Ferris State 9-02. Central Missouri 9-03. Ouachita Baptist 9-04. Harding 8-15. Indianapolis 7-16. Grand Valley State 8-17. Northwest Missouri State 8-18. Missouri Western 7-29. Henderson State 8-110. Fort Hays State 7-2 SUPER REGION FOUR1. Tarleton State 7-02. Minnesota State 9-03. Colorado School of Mines 9-04. Colorado State-Pueblo 8-15. Angelo State 8-16. Texas A&amp;M-Commerce 6-27. Augustana (S.D.) 7-28. Sioux Falls 7-29. Winona State 7-210. Dixie State 7-2

Griffons remain at No. 8 in Super Region Three Rankings

COLUMBIA, Mo.&nbsp;&nbsp;–&nbsp;Mizzou Men’s Basketball junior forward&nbsp;Jeremiah Tilmon, Jr.&nbsp;(East St. Louis, Ill.) was selected preseason second-team All-SEC in a vote among the league’s coaches, the conference office announced on Monday. It marks the first preseason league honor for Tilmon, Jr., in his career.&nbsp;Tilmon, Jr., averaged 10.1 points and 5.9 rebounds as a sophomore for Mizzou last season. The 6-foot-10, 260-pound forward blocked a team-leading 25 shots during the 2018-19 season, while shooting 54.5-percent from the field (126-of-231) – the highest field goal percentage of any SEC player returning this season. He became just the second Tiger in the past three decades to shoot above 54 percent in back-to-back seasons – joining single-season record holder, Ricardo Ratliffe.&nbsp;Mizzou was 10-5 when Tilmon, Jr., reached double figures last season. He racked up four double-doubles and snatched at least five rebounds in 23 of 31 games.&nbsp;Tilmon, Jr., was also one of 20 players in the nation named to the preseason watch list for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar National Center of the Year Award last month.&nbsp;The 2019-20 season officially tips off this week for Mizzou with a pair of games at Mizzou Arena. The Tigers will host Incarnate Word, Nov. 6, and Northern Kentucky, Nov. 8.&nbsp;For all the latest on Mizzou Men’s Basketball, stay tuned on MUTigers.com and follow the team at @MizzouHoops (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook).&nbsp;A full list of the 2020 SEC Men’s Basketball Coaches Preseason All-SEC team follows:&nbsp;First Team All-SECKira Lewis Jr.- AlabamaKerry Blackshear- FloridaAndrew Mebhard- FloridaAnthony Edwards- GeorgiaAshton Hagans- KentuckySkylar Mays- LSUBreein Tyree- Ole MissReggie Perry- Mississippi StateA.J. Lawson- South Carolina&nbsp;Second Team All-SECIsaiah Joe- ArkansasAustin Wiley- AuburnTyrese Maxey- KentuckyEJ Montgomery- KentuckyJavonte Smart- LSUDevontae Shuler- Ole MissJeremiah Tilmon Jr.- MissouriJordan Bowden- TennesseeLamonté Turner- TennesseeSavion Flagg- Texas A&amp;MAaron Nesmith- Vanderbilt

Mizzou's Tilmon named preseason Second Team All-SEC

Northwest Missouri State University senior defensive lineman Zach Pierce has been named the&nbsp;MIAA's&nbsp;football co-defensive player of the week presented by Mammoth Turf. It marks the eighth time this season that a Bearcat football player has earned the&nbsp;MIAA's&nbsp;top weekly honor. Pierce is the fourth Bearcat defender to garner the award this season. Pierce (Gladbrook, Iowa/Gladbrook-Reinbeck&nbsp;HS) made his first career start and recorded four tackles, three tackles-for-loss, a quarterback sack and a forced fumble as No. 14 Northwest shut out Northeastern State, 79-0. Pierce forced a first quarter fumble. The loose ball was scooped by teammate Mike&nbsp;Ehlke&nbsp;for an 18-yard touchdown return with 8:21 left in the first to give Northwest a commanding 21-0 lead. Pierce and the Bearcat defense limited the&nbsp;RiverHawks&nbsp;to 130 total yards (26 rushing, 130 passing) in the game. NSU went 1-for-16 on third-down conversions. The Northwest defense tallied a season-high 17 tackles-for-loss. Northwest will travel to Fort Hays State on Saturday. Kick is set for 2 p.m. at Lewis Field Stadium for the matchup between the Bearcats (8-1 overall) and Tigers (7-2 overall). Northwest's&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;Players of Week - 2019Sam Phillips, LB - Defensive Player of the Week (Sept. 9)Braden Wright, QB - Offensive Player of the Week (Sept. 16)Jerrell&nbsp;Green, DB - Defensive Player of the Week (Sept. 23)Imoni&nbsp;Donadelle, RET/WR - Special Teams Player of the Week (Sept. 30)Parker Sampson, PK - Special Teams Player of the Week (Oct. 7)Marqus&nbsp;Andrews, TE - Offensive Player of the Week (Oct. 14)Sam Phillips, LB - Defensive Player of the Week (Oct. 14)Zach Pierce, DL - Defensive Player of the Week (Nov. 2) --- Northwest Athletics ---

Northwest's Pierce named MIAA Defensive Player of the Week

ST. LOUIS -- The State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament will remain in St. Louis through at least 2024, MVC Commissioner Doug Elgin has announced. The existing agreement with the building concludes this coming March. The new agreement is for four tournaments in 2021 through 2024, with the MVC holding a one-year option for 2025. Notably, the MVC will conduct its 30th-straight men’s basketball tournament -- known as Arch Madness -- in St. Louis in 2020 (March 5-8, having staged the event in Kiel Auditorium (1991, the Saint Louis Arena (1992-94) and Enterprise Center (1995-present). “We’re elated to have had the opportunity to keep our basketball tournament here for such a long run,” said Commissioner Doug Elgin. “We owe the St. Louis Blues ownership a great debt by carving five consecutive dates out of the heart of the NHL schedule every March. Our State Farm MVC Tournament has established very deep roots in St. Louis, and this would never have been possible without the construction of Enterprise Center. And that has paid big dividends for the regional economy – our tournament has been a catalyst in providing the opportunity for The Valley and its local partners to collaborate in keeping St. Louis in the forefront among cities that are regularly awarded NCAA basketball events.” “For 25-straight tournaments, we have had the privilege to call Enterprise Center our home court, and we are grateful that our fans will get to experience a fully renovated facility for years to come,” said Jack R. Watkins, MVC Associate Commissioner and Arch Madness Tournament Director. “Between the digital and video capabilities, the improved seating throughout the venue and the enhanced hospitality areas, Enterprise Center is second-to-none when it comes to providing a quality entertainment atmosphere.” Only the Big East Conference has had a longer, continuously running men’s basketball event at the same neutral site than has the Missouri Valley Conference, which has built a strong tradition with the men’s basketball championship in St. Louis. The Big East Conference has played its tournament at Madison Square Garden in New York City every year since 1981 (41st consecutive year in 2020). Other conferences that will celebrate current streaks of 20 or more years in the same neutral-site city in March 2020 include the Big West Conference (20 years in Anaheim, Calif.) and the Mid-American Conference (21 years in Cleveland). In 2019-20, the Missouri Valley Conference will have giveaways for fans at each tournament session and a year-long celebration of the league’s achievement through social media and on-campus activation. Since the tourney moved to St. Louis in 1991, a total of 1,397,816 fans have passed through the turnstiles at Kiel Auditorium, the Saint Louis Arena and Enterprise Center to witness MVC tourney action. After hosting an NCAA men’s basketball regional in Kansas City in 2019, the Missouri Valley Conference will again oversee an NCAA men’s basketball subregional, staging a first- and second-round in St. Louis at Enterprise Center on Thursday &amp; Saturday, March 19 &amp; 21. It will mark the 7th NCAA men’s basketball event hosted by the MVC at Enterprise Center. During Elgin’s tenure (1988-present, The Valley has been aggressive in hosting NCAA events in St. Louis. From 1998-2010, the MVC served as host for a staggering nine NCAA tournament events in that 13-year period, which has made St. Louis one of the most frequent stops on the NCAA Tournament trail. The Valley hosted Women’s Final Fours in 2001 and 2009 -- both at Enterprise Center -- and the Men’s Final Four in 2005. Most recently, The Valley hosted a first- and second-round men’s basketball event in Enterprise Center in 2016. --- MVC Release ---

MVC extends agreement to stay in St. Louis for Arch Madness

ST. JOSEPH - The 2019 Missouri Western soccer team (4-11-3, 1-8-2) had its season end with a 3-2 loss to No. 4 Central Missouri (15-1-1, 9-0-1) on Sunday at Spratt Stadium. Missouri Western got goals from Taylor Schwartzkopf and MaKenzie Billings in the game. Schwartzkopf's goal came in the 41st minute with assists from Billings and Kylie Mathis and made the score 2-1 UCM. After the Jennies took a 3-1 lead on Macy Ruffalo's second goal of the game in the 56th, Billings again got MWSU within a goal off an assist from Claire Meyers in the 81st. The Griffons out-shot UCM in the second period 10-9 after just two shots in the first half to the Jennies' 17. Anna Mayer saved 11 shots. The sophomore ended the year with 122 saves, third most ever in a season by a Griffon. UCM managed 14 corner kicks in the game to just three by MWSU. Missouri Western finished the season scoring half its 18 goals on the season over the final six games. With two goals Sunday after three on Friday at Northwest, MWSU had its only back-to-back multiple goal games of the year and did not go scoreless through the final three weeks of the season. MWSU missed the postseason for the first time since 2013 and finished with its fewest wins and most losses since that 2013 season. --- MWSU Athletics ---

Western soccer ends season with 3-2 loss to No. 4 Central Missouri

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Harrison Butker watched his 44-yard field goal split the uprights, the clocks inside Arrowhead Stadium reading zero, and the Chiefs kicker turned and sprinted the other way in celebration. The first person to join him? Patrick Mahomes. The reigning league MVP, who missed his second straight game while recovering from a dislocated kneecap, looked just fine as he joined Butker and the rest of his Kansas City teammates in a midfield mob after their heart-stopping 26-23 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. "I was sprinting down, maybe just from my soccer background growing up -- that's what you do when you score," said Butker, who thought the winner may have been tipped. "When I was going I saw Patrick, and I wanted to embrace him and I'm like, `Nah, he can't get hurt." Matt Moore started in Mahomes' place and threw for 275 yards and a touchdown, and he made the crucial plays when they mattered. He hit favorite target Tyreek Hill to convert a key third down and set up Butker's career best-tying 54-yard field goal to knot the game, then found Hill again a couple minutes later to make the winner a little more manageable. "I thought, Matt, that was a gutsy performance by him," said Chiefs coach Andy Reid, whose team snapped a three-game skid at Arrowhead Stadium. "He took a couple of licks there and he got back up and finished. But just him calming the storm I thought was good." Hill finished with six catches for 140 yards for the Chiefs (6-3, including a spectacular TD grab, while Damien Williams ran for 125 yards -- most of it on a 91-yard touchdown run. Kirk Cousins threw for 220 yards and three touchdowns for the Vikings (6-3, though he struggled to deal with the Chiefs' blitzes late in the game. Dalvin Cook was held to 71 yards rushing while top wide receiver Stefon Diggs had a single catch for four yards. The Chiefs largely controlled the first half, building a 10-7 lead with the ball in the closing minutes. But they proceeded to go three-and-out, the Vikings marched downfield for a tying field goal, then got the ball back when Mecole Hardman fumbled the opening kickoff of the second half . Suddenly, it was the Vikings who had taken control. They needed just five plays to punch it into the end zone, despite a holding penalty setting them back. Amir Abdullah finished it with a 17-yard catch in which nobody was within 10 yards of him. Hardman hurt the Chiefs again by failing to call a fair catch on a punt downed at their 3. But that flub was rendered irrelevant when Williams took a handoff, found a gaping hole on the left side of the line and made the only safety in front of him miss on a 91-yard touchdown run . "We misfitted a little bit," Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said. "We had a pressure coming off the outside, we got a little wide and then we missed tackles." Minnesota answered in the seesaw affair. Leaning heavily on Cook, the league's leading rusher, the Vikings marched 75 yards without facing third down until the final play. That's when Cousins hit Kyle Rudolph from 3 yards out for the score, taking advantage of a Kansas City defense with just 10 players on the field. After trading punts, the Chiefs put together another drive. Moore hit Hill to convert a key third down, and Butker matched his career long with a 54-yard field goal with 2:30 to go. It was a monumental kick -- and he had another coming a couple minutes later. "This was a great win, a great team win," Hill said. "We all did our thing, and this team needed this victory because the vibe in the locker room the last few weeks has been down. This is great, especially against a great team like this that has got a great quarterback, great coach, great team, period. So, this was a great win for us." MR. JONES Chiefs DT Chris Jones, back after missing three games to a groin injury, wreaked havoc at the line of scrimmage. He was instrumental in holding Cook in check, harassed Cousins all game and forced an incompletion that led to the Vikings' final punt of regulation. INJURIES Vikings: WR Adam Thielen left late in the first quarter after aggravating a hamstring injury that first occurred against Detroit and kept him out last week against Washington. "You know, it's not ideal," Cousins said, "but you look at their sideline and they're missing people. You understand at this point in the season you have to respond when you face adversity and we're probably healthier than many teams. You have to still find a way to get the job done." Chiefs: Along with Mahomes, the Chiefs were missing starting LT Eric Fisher (groin, RG Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (ankle, CB Kendall Fuller (thumb) and DEs Frank Clark (neck) and Alex Okafor (ankle). UP NEXT Minnesota visits the Cowboys next Sunday night. Kansas City visits the Titans next Sunday. --- Associated Press ---

Butker's late field goal help Chiefs rally past Vikings 26-23

When it comes to defense, Alex Gordon remains a gold standard. The Kansas City Royals outfielder won his seventh Gold Glove on Sunday. The honor goes to the top defensive players at each position. Gordon also won Gold Gloves in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017 and 2018. Only Frank White won more Gold Gloves with the Royals (eight). Gordon had a .996 fielding percentage, and he made seven outfield assists. He has had 98 outfield assists since 2010, which is tied for the MLB lead in that time. Gordon was charged with only two errors in 276 chances in left field, the fewest errors committed by a left fielder this year. Whether Gordon takes a chance at an eighth Gold Glove remains to be seen. Gordon will be 36 in February, and the Royals recently declined a mutual $23 million option for 2020. That makes Gordon a free agent, though he could re-sign with the Royals for a smaller one-year deal. Other 2019 Gold Glove winners: American League: Oakland's Matt Olson (1B, Chicago's Yolmer Sanchez (2B, Cleveland's Francisco Lindor (SS, Oakland's Matt Chapman (3B, Cleveland's Roberto Perez (C, Boston's Mookie Betts (RF, Tampa Bay's Kevin Kiermaier (CF) and Arizona/Seattle's Mike Leake (P). National League: Chicago's Anthony Rizzo (1B, St. Louis' Kolten Wong (2B, Arizona's Nick Ahmed (SS, Colorado's Nolan Arenado (3B, Arizona's David Peralta (LF, Milwaukee's Lorenzo Cain (CF, Los Angeles' Cody Bellinger (RF, Philadelphia's J.T. Realmuto (C) and Houston/Arizona's Zack Grienke (P). --- Associated Press ---

Royals' Alex Gordon wins seventh Gold Glove

MARYVILLE, Missouri – The Northwest Missouri State University women's soccer team clinched a spot in the&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;Tournament by shutting out Missouri Southern 4-0 Sunday afternoon at the Bearcat Pitch. This is the first time since 2012 that the Bearcats have clinched a spot in the tournament. Teagan&nbsp;Blackburn got things going for the Bearcats in the first half by scoring two goals in the first 13 minutes to get an early 2-0 lead. Alex&nbsp;Mausbach&nbsp;assisted on both goals. Shortly into the second half,&nbsp;Kaylie&nbsp;Rock netted one in to add to the score, 3-0. Blackburn assisted with the goal. In the 70th minute, Kaitlyn Case took a penalty kick and converted to push the lead to 4-0. The Bearcats improve to 6-9-3 overall and 4-5-2 in conference play. This concludes regular season play and will mark the third MIAA Tournament appearance for the Bearcats. The top eight teams qualify for the 2019 MIAA Tournament. The quarterfinals will take place on Fri., Nov. 8. The semifinals and final will take place the following weekend at the home of the highest remaining seed. Northwest will be the No. 6 seed,&nbsp;however the&nbsp;MIAA will not make an official announcement on the MIAA Tournament bracket until after a make-up game for Fort Hays State and Central Missouri is played on Tuesday&nbsp;NOTES: Northwest has exceeded its goal output from last year. Northwest has tallied 29 goals this season, compared to nine goals in the entire 2018 campaign. Goalkeeper Alexis&nbsp;Serna&nbsp;Castillo notched her third shutout of the season and made seven saves against the Lions. The Bearcats took 23 shots on target and had possession of the ball for 52% of the time. Freshman&nbsp;Kaitlyn&nbsp;Case leads the team with six goals …&nbsp;Teagan&nbsp;Blackburn has five …&nbsp;Izzy&nbsp;Romano,&nbsp;Kaylie&nbsp;Rock and Bri&nbsp;Wawiorka&nbsp;have three goals each … Alex&nbsp;Mausbach,&nbsp;Tanith&nbsp;Beal and Manuela Gonzalez have two goals each. Alex Mausbach leads the team in assists with five. --- Northwest Athletics ---

Northwest soccer gets into MIAA tournament with win over Southern

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1572800946593.jpeg">Photo by Brandon Zenner - News Press NowPITTSBURG, Kan. -&nbsp;The Missouri Western football team (7-2) picked up its first win over Pittsburg State (5-4) since 2012, 35-21, Saturday at Carnie Smith Stadium. An impressive defensive performance pushed the Griffons' win streak to six games this season and gave MWSU its ninth straight win in a stadium not named Spratt Memorial. Pittsburg State scored 14 of its points and gained 212 of its 471 yards in the fourth quarter against mostly reserve defensive players for the Griffons. Missouri Western led 21-0 at the half to give the defense six straight shutout quarters. The Gorillas scored their first touchdown on their opening drive of the second half, but Missouri Western answered on its next drive.&nbsp;Anthony Vespo&nbsp;finished the Griffons' fourth scoring drive after&nbsp;Wyatt Steigerwald&nbsp;exited with a shoulder injury. Vespo went on to lead another scoring drive, the second capped by his first career touchdown, a 5-yard run with 27 seconds left in the third quarter. NOTABLES<ul><li>Missouri Western matched its win total from last year with two games to go. It's the first seven-win regular season for the Griffs since 2014 (7-4).</li><li>The two Vespo-led scoring drives in the third quarter gave MWSU its first third quarter points in three weeks.</li><li>Three of the Griffons' last four wins in the series have come in Pittsburg.</li><li>MWSU's defense held Pitt State to its second lowest scoring total of the season.</li><li>Steigerwald's streak of four games without an interception ended early. He threw two but also had two more touchdown passes and finished 9 for 17 for 144 yards.</li><li>Vespo was 3 for 6 for 41 yards with three rushes for 14 yards and the touchdown.</li><li>Smith rushed 11 times for 94 yards and a touchdown, averaging over eight yards per carry.</li><li>Evan Chohon&nbsp;led the defense with 13 tackles.</li></ul> UP NEXT<ul><li>The Griffons return to Spratt Stadium for the final home game of the 2019 season Nov. 9 against Nebraska Kearney (5-4).</li><li>It will be senior day as Missouri Western faces a UNK team that has a win over Northwest Missouri State and lost to Central Missouri on a last second Hail Mary, Saturday.</li></ul>--- MWSU Athletics ---

Griffons roll at Pitt State 35-21 for sixth straight win

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1572675382657.jpeg">MARYVILLE, Missouri - The No. 14-ranked Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat football team scored its largest margin of victory in program history over Northeastern State University Saturday at Bearcat Stadium, 79-0. Northwest broke the game open early by scoring the first of its seven touchdowns only four plays into the contest. Braden Wright found&nbsp;Marqus&nbsp;Andrews down the seam, and two broken tackles later, he was in the end zone with 11:55 on the clock in the first. The onslaught continued as another four-play touchdown drive grew the lead to 14-0 at 8:32. Justin Rankin finished it off with an 8-yard dart toward the goal line. But the foundation of the score came from fellow running back Isaiah&nbsp;Strayhorn, who set up the score with three rushes of his own for 57 yards. Eleven seconds later, Northwest scored again, this time with the defense making the impact. Northeastern State’ Jake Pruitt fumbled the ball after sustaining a hit from Zach Pierce. Mike&nbsp;Ehlke&nbsp;scooped up the ball and took it in from 18 yards out to make it 21-0. The first quarter still wasn't done when Rankin scored on the ground from 27 yards out with 1:28 left on the clock. Rankin’s score gave Northwest a 28-0 advantage. Business continued to boom as the second quarter got underway, the Bearcats would add points in the second to up its lead to 49-0 at the break. Strayhorn&nbsp;started the second-quarter scoring as he burst through the left side of the offensive line and raced for a 65-yard touchdown with 6:54 left on the clock. Then the defense once again put points on the board as Jacob&nbsp;Gassman&nbsp;intercepted the ball and followed his blockers on his way to a 52-yard pick six. The last score in the second was courtesy of Andrews again, who caught a pass from Wright on the flat route for an easy 5-yard touchdown reception with :32 left on the first-half clock. After halftime, the scoring continued to grow in the Bearcats’s favor. Rankin took the ball into the end zone from 65 yards out on the first play from scrimmage in the second half. He burst through the open gap on the left side and propelled himself past the defense. Eleven seconds is all it took for Rankin to score his third touchdown of the day and take the lead to 56-0. Rankin added his fourth rushing score from 30 yards out on Northwest’s next possession. He became the&nbsp;14th&nbsp;Bearcat to score at least four rushing touchdowns in a single game. Rankin’s touchdown gave him 211 rushing yards on only 12 carries and it made it 63-0 in Northwest’s favor. Northwest would make it 65-0 when&nbsp;NSU’s&nbsp;punter Tim Davis kneeled to catch a low snap in his own end zone giving the Bearcats a safety. Northwest scored two more times, both from reserve running back Robert&nbsp;Rawie. The first came with 2:37 left in the third on a 32-yard rush. Then the scoring finished with 12:41 left in the fourth, as&nbsp;Rawie&nbsp;rushed past the defenders untouched for a 26-yard touchdown.&nbsp;Rawie&nbsp;carried the ball three times for 55 yards and two scores – the first touchdowns of his collegiate career. Northwest moves to 8-1 on the season, while Northeastern State falls to 0-9 overall. The Bearcats will be on the road next week to take on Fort Hays State in Hays, Kansas. Kick is set for 2 p.m. NOTES: The 79-point win is the largest margin of victory in Northwest’s program history … 79 points is the second most scored points in Northwest’s history (Northwest scored an 86-13 win over Southwest Baptist on Sept. 29, 2007) … it’s the ninth time in school history that Northwest has scored 70 or more points in a game … it’s the eight shutout for the Bearcats under head coach Rich Wright … Braden Wright finished the day 12-of-15 passing for 164 yards and two touchdowns …&nbsp;Jadyn&nbsp;Kowalski was 3-for-3 passing for 14 yards …&nbsp;Marqus&nbsp;Andrews' two-touchdown game is his second career multi-touchdown game and second this year (Pittsburg State) … the Northwest defense tallied five sacks, two takeaways, two touchdowns and a safety … Rankin is also the first Northwest player to rush for more than 200 yards since James Franklin rushed for 229 yards against Emporia State on Nov. 12, 2011 …&nbsp;Strayhorn&nbsp;also rushed for 100-plus yards with 128 yards on eight carries and a score … Northwest rushed for 443 yards (the school record for rushing yards in a game is 627 vs. Emporia State on Nov. 7, 1992) … Northwest topped 600 yards of total offense for the second time this season with 621 total yards … Northeastern State was 1-of-16 on third-down conversions … Northwest had 17 tackles-for-loss, led by Zach Pierce with three. --- Northwest Athletics ---

No. 14 Bearcats blank Northeastern State 79-0

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1572801857711.jpeg">LAWRENCE, Kan. -- Chris Kleiman views himself as a caretaker for Kansas State football, sustaining and building on the traditions that predecessor Bill Snyder established over more than two decades. Turns out that applies to the Wildcats' dominance of Kansas. Skylar Thompson ran for 127 yards and three touchdowns, Harry Trotter added 92 yards rushing and another score, and No. 22 Kansas State romped to a 38-10 win in the Sunflower Showdown on Saturday to continue a streak of dominance that Snyder established and relished. Thompson also had 129 yards passing for the Wildcats (6-2, 3-2, who showed no letdown from their upset of then-No. 5 Oklahoma in bludgeoning the Jayhawks (3-6, 1-5) for the 23rd time in 27 games. "It was our best football game of the year," Klieman said. Carter Stanley was 13 of 23 for 115 yards and two interceptions for Kansas before leaving with an injury late in the game. Star running back Pooka Williams managed just 61 yards rushing. The Wildcats held new coach Les Miles' team to 241 yards of offense, a 2-for-10 mark on third down and stopped it on both fourth down tries. Kansas State also had four sacks, dominated the time of possession and had 342 yards rushing in what turned into a lopsided affair. "As a football team we're continuing to improve and get better," said Klieman, who was hired to replace the retired Snyder late last year. "But defensively, I thought we played really well." On the other side? "A lot of things went wrong tonight," Kansas wide receiver Andrew Parchment said. Both teams rolled into Memorial Stadium off big wins, though. Along with the Wildcats' win over the Sooners, the Jayhawks beat Texas Tech on a game-ending field goal -- the two wins separated by a stretch of Interstate 70 each prompting field-stormings and Big 12 reprimands. So there was a little more excitement than usual for the Sunflower Showdown. Kansas announced a sellout for the first time since 2009, and fans were still waiting in long lines at security outside the stadium long after the game had kicked off. Many of them missed the only time it was tied. Kansas State promptly marched 88 yards for an opening touchdown, pounding it downfield with its run game despite having its top two running backs slowed by injuries. And when the Jayhawks managed a field goal, the Wildcats answered with a 78-yard touchdown march for a 14-3 lead. Stanley, who had been so solid the past two weeks, threw both of his interceptions in the first half. The second came with less than 2 minutes left and set up Kansas State for a field goal. "Miscommunication and lack of effort," Williams said. Meanwhile, the only gripe the Wildcats at the break were the penalties: They were flagged seven times for 78 yards, or exactly four yards more than Kansas had in total offense. The Wildcats ended any chance of a comeback with a 75-yard touchdown drive to open the second half. It was capped by Thompson scrambling to his right, then winning a race with Kansas safety Mike Lee to the end zone for his sixth touchdown rushing in the past two weeks. Thompson added a seventh early in the fourth quarter, when Klieman began to grind away his first win in the 108-year history of the series. "They're a good football team, and I told Les that before the game, they're doing some really good things, especially offensively," Klieman said. "It's a healthy rivalry because both teams have gotten better, and both teams I think -- they're going to win some games still in this league." BROTHERLY LOVE Kansas State fullback Jax Dineen sent his brother, Kansas linebacker Jay Dineen, hobbling to the sideline with a knee injury after a dastardly block late in the third quarter. WOODLAND'S MOMENT U.S. Open champion Gary Woodland, a Topeka native who played golf at KU, was honored early in the game. It was the one moment that Kansas State and Kansas fans both cheered. THE TAKEAWAY Kansas State proved a massive gulf still exists between the Wildcats and their biggest rival. Not only did they dominate, they did it without much help from top running backs James Gilbert and Jordon Brown, both of whom were nicked up in last week's game against the Sooners. Kansas had been averaging 548 yards per game since Miles fired offensive coordinator Vic Koenning and promoted Brent Dearmon. But the Jayhawks never got on track against the Wildcats. UP NEXT Kansas State heads to Texas next Saturday. Kansas has the week off before visiting Oklahoma State. --- Associated Press ---

Thompson runs for 3 TDs as No. 22 K-State routs Kansas 38-10

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1572675382657.jpeg">HAYS, Kansas - The No. 14-ranked Northwest Missouri State Bearcat volleyball squad scored yet another five-set triumph with a 3-2 win at Fort Hays State on Saturday. Northwest won by set scores of 25-19, 21-25, 18-25, 25-23 and 15-13. Northwest is 18-6 overall and 11-5 in&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;play, while Fort Hays State is 6-18 overall and 3-13 in league action. The Bearcats also move to 6-2 in five-set matches this season. The Bearcats won the opening set, 25-19. Northwest hit .206 as a team and was led by Rachel&nbsp;Sturdevant's&nbsp;four kills on seven swings. The Bearcats took advantage of four blocks and limited the Tigers to .094 hitting in the first set. Fort Hays State flipped the script in sets two and three and took a 2-1 lead. The Tigers took the second, 25-21, and then the third, 25-18.&nbsp;FHSU&nbsp;hit .279 in the second and .429 in the third. Northwest hit .171 in the second and .250 in the third. Northwest could only side out at 51 percent in the second and third sets, while&nbsp;FHSU&nbsp;sided out at 65 percent. Morgan Lewis put down five of her team-high 15 kills in the third set. The Bearcats mounted their comeback in the fourth. Northwest hit .310 with 18 kills and only five errors, as&nbsp;FHSU&nbsp;hit .184 with 13 kills and six errors. Northwest used a 69-percent side out effort in the fourth to even the match at 2-2. Hallie Sidney carried the Bearcat offense in the set with seven kills on 15 swings with no attack errors. The Tigers sped out to a 4-0 lead in the fifth set. However, the Bearcats dug in and chipped away at the lead. Northwest eventually evened the decisive set at 10-10 and took a 12-10 lead at the conclusion of a 5-0 run. The last point of the run was punctuated by a solo stuff from Bethany Elkins.&nbsp;FHSU&nbsp;scored the next two points to knot the set at 12-12. Elkins pounded out a kill before Lewis and Sidney combined on a block to give Northwest two match points.&nbsp;FHSU&nbsp;held off Northwest on the first match point, but Lewis ended the match with her&nbsp;15th&nbsp;kill to give Northwest the five-set triumph. Northwest will be on the road this week again with matches at Newman (Friday) and Central Oklahoma (Saturday). Northwest has clinched a spot in the 2019&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;Tournament set for Nov. 21-23 at the&nbsp;Hy-Vee&nbsp;Arena in Kansas City.

No. 14 Northwest volleyball gets five-set win at Fort Hays State

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1572674579163.jpeg">ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -&nbsp;Missouri Western Men's Basketball opened the 2019-20 season with a 96-74 loss to No. 9 Southern Nazarene at Civic Arena in the SCB National Hall of Fame Classic. The Griffons trailed by six at the half, but SNU scored 56 points in the second half while shooting 54% from the field to run away with the victory. Missouri Western trailed by as many as 30 in the second half. The Griffons used an 11-5 run that saw redshirt freshman&nbsp;Will Eames&nbsp;score seven of those points to cut the deficit to 20, but that was as close as the Griffons could get. NOTABLES<ul><li>Eames led the team in his first game action at MWSU with 19 points and tied with true freshman Alex John for a team-high seven rebounds.</li><li>Tyrell Carroll&nbsp;scored 12 on 6-of-10 shooting and had a game-high seven assists.</li><li>Southern Nazarene scored 20 of its points off 15 Griffon turnovers and had 10 steals.</li><li>MWSU stayed even with the Crimson Storm in the paint with both teams scoring 36 down low.</li><li>The Griffons shot 49.2% from the field, and were 7-for-26 from three a 26.9% clip.</li><li>At the free throw line, the Griffons went 9-of-19 for 47.4%</li></ul> UP NEXT<ul><li>Missouri Western wraps up the SCB National Hall of Fame Classic, Saturday at 7:45 p.m. against No. 22 Daemen (0-1).</li></ul> --- MWSU Athletics ---

Griffons open season with loss to No. 9 Southern Nazarene

CLASS 5 DISTRICT 81 Staley (7-2) BYE2 North Kansas City (8-1) BYE3 Park Hill South (4-5) BYE 5 Central 14 (0-10)@ 4 Oak Park 35 (5-5) CLASS 4 DISTRICT 88 Kansas City East 10 (4-6)@ 1 Lincoln Prep 38 (10-0) 5 Lafayette 24 (5-5)@ 4 Excelsior Springs 28 (7-3) 7 Winnetonka 13 (5-5)@ 2 Platte County 36 (7-3) 6 Kearney 45 (5-5)@ 3 Smithville 60 (9-1) CLASS 3 DISTRICT 88 Kansas City Northeast 0 (0-10)@ 1 Savannah 60 (8-2) 5 Central Academy 22 (2-8)@ 4 Cameron 51 (5-5) 7 Kansas City Southeast 12 (1-9)@ 2 Chillcothe 61 (8-2) 6 Benton 40 (2-8)@ 3 Pembroke Hill 27 (7-3) CLASS 2 DISTRICT 88 St. Joseph Christian 0 (0-8)@ 1 Maryville 62 (8-1) 5 Lexington 10 (5-5)@ 4 Lawson 48 (7-3) 7 Trenton 13 (2-8)@ 2 Lathrop 62 (10-0) 6 Brookfield 22 (2-8)@ 3 Richmond 48 (7-3) CLASS 1 DISTRICT 88 Schuyler County 6 (1-9)@ 1 Scotland County 44 (9-1) 5 Putnam County 10 (6-4)@ 4 Princeton 7 (7-3) 7 Knox County 0 (3-7)@ 2 South Harrison 56 (9-1) 6 Milan 8 (5-5)@ 3 Gallatin 7 (8-2) CLASS 1 DISTRICT 78 Polo 8 (0-10)@ 1 Mid-Buchanan 55 (9-1) 5 East Buchanan 52 (4-6)@ 4 North Platte 28 (3-7) 7 Maysville 21 (1-9)@ 2 Hamilton 35 (5-5) 6 West Platte 6 (1-9)@ 3 Plattsburg 20 (5-5) 8-MAN DISTRICT 41 East Atchison (9-0) BYE 5 DeKalb 42 (4-6)@ 4 South Holt / Nodaway Holt 96 (6-4) 7 Bishop LeBlond 24 (2-7)@ 2 North Andrew 80 (8-2) 6 Rock Port 6 (4-6)@ 3 Mound City 52 (8-2) 8-MAN DISTRICT 31 Pattonsburg (8-1) BYE 5 Stanberry 26 (3-7)@ 4 King City 22 (2-8) 7 Northwest Nodaway 0 (1-9)@ 2 Worth County 46 (7-3) 6 Platte Valley 34 (2-8)@ 3 Albany 78 (6-4) 8-MAN DISTRICT 21 Southwest Livingston (8-1) BYE2 Orrick (7-2) BYE 5 Stewartsville 32 3 OT (2-7)@ 4 Norborne/Hardin-Central 26 (4-5) 6 Braymer 7 (0-10)@ 3 North Shelby 76 (8-2)<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1565411416470.png">

Area District High School Football Scores - Friday, November 1

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1572676522663.jpeg">JOPLIN, Mo. -&nbsp;Griffon Volleyball (13-10, 7-8) survived for a crucial MIAA win in five sets at Missouri Southern (13-13, 6-10) Friday night. The win gave Missouri Western some separation from the Lions in the MIAA standings headed into the stretch run of the regular season. It also set up another big opportunity for the Griffons who will head to Pittsburg State, Saturday, tied with the Gorillas for 6th&nbsp;in the standings. Missouri Western got career high kill totals from&nbsp;Ali Tauchen&nbsp;(23,&nbsp;Sam Duncan&nbsp;(17) and Katerine White (12) in the win.&nbsp;Danielle Moje&nbsp;had four kills and hit .429 in the fifth to help slam the breaks on a Southern comeback attempt. Missouri Western jumped out to a 2-0 lead with a 32-30 win in the first and a 25-20 in the second. The Lions took the next two, both 27-15 to force the winner-take-all game. MWSU led the fifth 12-6 and stayed ahead, taking the match with a 15-10 win in the fifth. NOTABLES<ul><li>MWSU hit .333 in the first, .294 in the second and .320 in the fifth.</li><li>The Griffons posted a season-high 78 kills, 13 more than their previous best.</li><li>75 assists as a team were also a season-high for MWSU with&nbsp;Lauren Murphy&nbsp;turning in 61.</li><li>Both teams had six aces and it was the second 6-ace performance for the Griffs in a week.</li><li>Moje finished with 10 kills to give the Griffs four players with double-digit kills.</li></ul> UP NEXT<ul><li>The Griffons will have a chance to claim sixth place to themselves at Pittsburg State (12-12, 7-8, Saturday.</li></ul> --- MWSU Athletics ---

MWSU volleyball earns five set win at Missouri Southern

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1572675382657.jpeg">KEARNEY, Nebraska - The No. 2-ranked Nebraska-Kearney Loper women's volleyball team scored a 3-1 victory over the visiting No. 14-ranked Northwest Missouri State Bearcats on Friday. The&nbsp;Lopers&nbsp;won by set scores of 25-16, 25-14, 21-25 and 25-15. UNK stayed perfect on the season and moved to 25-0 overall, including a 15-0 mark in&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;play. Northwest dropped to 17-6 overall and 10-5 in&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;action. Nebraska-Kearney hit .243 for the match, while Northwest was limited to .115. The Bearcats struggled to side out and finished the match with a 44-percent side out effort. Meanwhile, UNK sided out at 61 percent for the match. Bearcat sophomore Hannah&nbsp;Koechl&nbsp;recorded her second 30 dig performance of her career in the setback. Junior Hallie Sidney collected a team-best 12 kills. Junior&nbsp;Maddy&nbsp;Ahrens&nbsp;posted 34 assists. UNK hit .391 in the opening set and improved to .414 in the second set as the&nbsp;Lopers&nbsp;built a 2-0 lead.&nbsp; Northwest bounced back in the third set and hit .167, while holding Kearney to .074. Northwest sided out at 59 percent in the third and scored a 25-21 victory. The&nbsp;Lopers&nbsp;finished off the match in four set with a 25-15 win. Northwest tallied eight kills and eight attack errors in the fourth. Northwest will be back in action at 4 p.m. Saturday at Fort Hays State.

No. 14 Northwest volleyball falls at No. 2 UNK in four sets

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1572676105998.jpeg">COLUMBIA, Mo.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Mizzou&nbsp;Men's Basketball defeated the Central Missouri Mules 80-56, Friday night at&nbsp;Mizzou&nbsp;Arena. The Tigers opened the second half with a surge, following a back-and forth opening half that saw the Mules head to the locker room with a one-point lead.&nbsp;Mizzou&nbsp;converted five of its first seven shots in the first five minutes of the second half, forced five turnovers and never looked back on the way to 24-point victory. The Tigers concluded their final pre-season tune-up with a 13-1 run in the last five minutes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Freshman Kobe Brown starred in his&nbsp;Mizzou&nbsp;debut, leading the team with 12 points. Brown converted three treys, brought in five rebounds and dished two assists on the way to a 4-for-9 shooting performance.<h3 class="ql-align-justify">TURNING POINT</h3>Sophomore&nbsp;Javon&nbsp;Pickett opened the second half by scoring on three-consecutive possessions for the Tigers. Pickett posted seven points in under three minutes with a 3-point play, a dunk and lay-up in transition off a Central Missouri turnover.&nbsp;Mizzou&nbsp;then pushed out to a double-digit lead for the first time at the 16-minute mark, and cruised from there to the victory.<h3 class="ql-align-justify">TOP TIGERS</h3><ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Freshman Kobe Brown poured in eight points in the first half, and finished the game with a team-high 12 points. Brown converted four times from beyond the arc.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Sophomore&nbsp;Torrence&nbsp;Watson finished the game with 11 points, including two treys. Last year, Watson racked up double-figures 10 times, including 20-point contests against South Carolina (March 2) and Auburn (March 14).</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Junior guard Mark Smith finished in double-figures Friday night with 10 points, and pulled in a team-high seven rebounds.&nbsp;</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Redshirt&nbsp;junior Dru Smith appeared all over the box score in his&nbsp;Mizzou&nbsp;debut. Smith finished with eight points, grabbed two boards and notched a team-high seven assists while collecting six steals.</li></ul><h3 class="ql-align-justify">NOTES</h3><ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Mark Smith pulled in seven rebounds for the Tigers on&nbsp;Friday, five of which came in the first half. Smith finished second in rebounding behind Jeremiah&nbsp;Tilmon&nbsp;last season, and led all guards, averaging 5.2 rebounds per game.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">The Tigers forced 24 turnovers and converted 34 points off of turnovers.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Eleven of the 13 Tigers who played in Friday’s contest were on the score sheet, while four players scored in double-figures.&nbsp;</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Mizzou&nbsp;outrebounded&nbsp;Central Missouri 35-32 on Friday night. Last season the Tigers&nbsp;outrebounded&nbsp;their opposition 23 times, posting a 13-10 record while doing so.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">In the final 4:38 of the contest,&nbsp;Mizzou&nbsp;posted a 13-1 run and finished the last 3:06 on a 10-0 run.</li></ul><h3 class="ql-align-justify">UP NEXT</h3>Mizzou&nbsp;Men's Basketball opens the regular season next Wednesday, Nov. 6 against Incarnate Word at&nbsp;Mizzou&nbsp;Arena. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7&nbsp;p.m. --- Mizzou Athletics ---