BOYS
Lawson 55
Bishop LeBlond 35 (5-11)
LIBERTY TOURNAMENT – 1ST ROUND
Central 59 (12-2)
Blue Springs 53
LIBERTY TOURNAMENT – 1ST ROUND
Rockhurst 71
Lafayette 58 (5-7)
Category: Sports
Griffons struggle defensively in 81-68 loss at Central Missouri
WARRENSBURG, Mo. – The Missouri Western men’s basketball team (6-11, 2-6) couldn’t hang on to a nine-point first half lead as they lost 81-68 at Central Missouri (10-5, 4-3) on Monday.
NOTABLES
– It was the sixth-straight loss in Warrensburg for the Griffons
– Missouri Western twice led by nine in the first half
– UCM ended the first half on a 6-0 run to take a three-point lead to the half
– After falling behind by 13 in the second half, MWSU cut the lead to six with a 10-3 run but UCM answered with an 8-0 run to take a 14-point lead
– The Griffons’ bench was outscored 33-11 by Central Missouri’s reserves
– Central Missouri shot 61.5 percent from the field, best of any MWSU opponent this season
TOP PERFORMERS
– Cole Clearman led Missouri Western with 20 points on 6-10 shooting from three-point range to go with his four assists
– Aaron Emmanuel scored 16 points with six rebounds and four assists
– Seth Bonifas had 10 points and six rebounds
UP NEXT
Missouri Western hosts Fort Hays State (9-6, 3-4) Thursday, Jan. 19 at 7:30 p.m. before second place Nebraska-Kearney (12-4, 5-2) visits the MWSU Fieldhouse on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 4 p.m.
— MWSU Athletics —
City High School Basketball Scores & Schedule
MONDAY’S RESULTS
GIRLS
Central 55 2 OT (9-4)
Lafayette 52 (8-5)
BASEHOR-LINWOOD TOURNAMENT – 1ST ROUND
Olathe North 32
Benton 28 (7-5)
TUESDAY’S SCHEDULE
BOYS
Bishop LeBlond vs. Lawson – 7:30
LIBERTY TOURNAMENT – 1ST ROUND
Central vs. Blue Springs – 4:00 – Listen on ESPN 1550 or click here
LIBERTY TOURNAMENT – 1ST ROUND
Lafayette vs. Rockhurst – 7:00 – Listen on 680 KFEQ or click here
GIRLS
Bishop LeBlond @ Falls City – 7:30
Missouri Western women score two points in the fourth quarter, lose at UCM 69-49
WARRENSBURG, Mo. – It was a tale of two halves in Warrensburg on Monday as the Missouri Western women’s basketball team lost at Central Missouri 69-49. After leading by as many as 11 points in the first half and seven at halftime, the Griffons were outscored 39-12 in the second half and 22-2 in the fourth quarter.
Western falls to 12-5 this season and 4-4 in the MIAA, while UCM improves to 13-2 and 6-1 in league play.
NOTABLES
– MWSU went 3-24 (12.5%) from the field in the second half
– The Griffons were out-rebounded 22-8 in the second half after holding a 23-13 advantage on the glass at halftime
– Central Missouri opened the second half on a 13-5 run to take its first lead since the opening minute of the game
– Central Missouri opened the fourth quarter on an 18-0 run
– Missouri Western went 1-15 from three-point range
– The Griffons shot a season-low 30.6 percent from the field and 6.7 percent from long range
– Sefulu Faavae tied a career-high with six rebounds
TOP PERFORMERS
– Faave ahd 10 points to go with her six rebounds
– Julia Torres also scored 10 points along with a team-high nine rebounds
UP NEXT
Missouri Western hosts Fort Hays State (14-2, 5-2) Thursday, Jan. 19 at 5:30 p.m. before Nebraska-Kearney (4-11, 0-7) visits the MWSU Fieldhouse on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 2 p.m.
— MWSU Athletics —
No. 2 Jayhawks hang on for road win at Iowa State
AMES, Iowa (AP) — Frank Mason III had 16 points, Landen Lucas scored 14 and No. 2 Kansas held off Iowa State 76-72 on Monday night for its 17th straight win.
Svi Mykhailiuk added 13 for the Jayhawks (17-1, 6-0 Big 12), who snapped a two-game skid in Ames and opened 6-0 in the Big 12 for the 10th time.
Though it was never comfortable for Kansas, the Jayhawks led the entire second half. Iowa State star Monte Morris drilled a long 3 and two free throws to make it 75-72 with 14.6 seconds left. But then Devonte Graham’s free throw made it a two-possession game and Morris missed a 3 that would’ve made for an interesting finish.
Morris scored 23 points with seven rebounds and seven assists for the Cyclones (11-6, 3-3), who saw their recent string of success against the Jayhawks come to an end.
Iowa State had won four of its last six against the 12-time defending league champions.
Deonte Burton had 21 points on 21 shots for the Cyclones, losers of two straight for the first time in six weeks.
BIG PICTURE
Kansas: This was a win Kansas can be proud of. Hilton Coliseum is one of the most intimidating atmospheres in America — especially when the Jayhawks come to town — and more than 14,000 fans braved an ice storm to scream at them. Victories like this are the reason Kansas keeps winning the Big 12, and a win in Ames could be the difference yet again come March.
Iowa State: The Cyclones let a huge opportunity slip by. Iowa State is very talented and remains a threat in the postseason because of its strong backcourt. But the Cyclones have lost tight games to Gonzaga, Baylor and Kansas, and their program has long since passed the day when moral victories mattered.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
In a slight surprise, voters picked Villanova over Kansas for the top spot on Monday. It’ll be hard for the Jayhawks to pass the Wildcats after Villanova routed Seton Hall by 30 points on Monday. The defending national champions host Providence on Saturday.
UP NEXT
Kansas hosts Texas on Saturday.
Iowa State plays at Oklahoma on Saturday.
— Associated Press —
Royals, Danny Duffy agree to 5-year, $65 million deal
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Perhaps the Royals and Danny Duffy thought Kansas City sports fans could use some good news.
The team announced a $65 million, five-year contract with the popular left-hander on Monday, ensuring he will remain with the Royals through the 2021 season. Duffy was eligible for arbitration and could have become a free agent after the upcoming season.
Instead, he will earn $5 million this year before a bump to $14 million in 2018. He will make $15.25 million each in 2019 and 2020 and $15.5 million in the final year of the deal.
“Danny has been great. He has one of the best arms in all of baseball,” Royals general manager Dayton Moore said earlier this offseason. “The fact that he’s left-handed makes him more special and separates him even more. He’s the kind of pitcher we all envision.”
Duffy and Moore are expected to attend a news conference Tuesday at Kauffman Stadium.
The contract was announced the day after the Chiefs, whose Arrowhead Stadium sits a few hundred yards from Kauffman Stadium in the same sports complex, lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs.
Good timing for fans who had been expecting a long postseason run.
Now, they can turn their attention to a season of big expectations for the Royals, who missed out on the playoffs last season after back-to-back World Series appearances. They return most of the major pieces from a team that contended until late in the season, and the move to keep Duffy as a cornerstone of their rotation should only embolden the franchise going forward.
The 27-year-old left-hander emerged from the bullpen to set career highs in wins, starts and innings pitched while going 12-3 last year. Kansas City was 17-9 in his 26 starts.
Duffy won 10 straight decisions from June 11 to August 21, one shy of the franchise record shared by Rich Gale and Paul Splittorf. He also set a franchise record with 16 strikeouts against Tampa Bay on Aug. 1, and he hasn’t lost at Kauffman Stadium in his last 15 starts.
Perhaps most importantly, his new contract takes one more star out of free-agency limbo.
All-Star first baseman Eric Hosmer, who agreed to a $12.25 million deal to avoid arbitration last week, can become a free agent next year. So can outfielder Lorenzo Cain, third baseman Mike Moustakas and shortstop Alcides Escobar — all former All-Stars — and veteran left-hander Jason Vargas.
“We’ll try to sign as many of our young guys as we can to long-term contracts. We won’t be able to sign them all, as you know,” Moore said. “That’s something we’ll have to figure out, and I’m accountable for figuring that out But I want to make it very clear, from the first day I took this job, we always tried to put the best team we could on the field each and every night.”
The decision to pay Duffy doesn’t come without a gamble.
He has been a roller-coaster as a starting pitcher much of his career, spending long stretches in the bullpen, and has never started more than 26 games in a season. He also underwent Tommy John surgery in 2012, though his movement and velocity are better now than they were prior to the injury.
Still, the deal represents another investment in the future by Moore, a signal that the general manager is not content simply to try to win next season and go through a wholesale rebuild.
In recent years, Moore has signed catcher Salvador Perez to a $52.5 million, six-year contract; outfielder Alex Gordon to a $72 million, four-year deal; right-hander Ian Kennedy to a $70 million, five-year deal; and young flamethrower Yordano Ventura to a $24 million, five-year deal.
Moore also traded All-Star closer Wade Davis to the Chicago Cubs earlier this offseason for young outfielder Jorge Soler, who is signed through the 2020 season.
The whole idea is to expand the Royals’ window to compete for another championship.
Evidently, Duffy wanted to remain a big part of it.
— Associated Press —
Mustangs announce new ticket packages for 2017
The St. Joseph Mustangs are offering new ticket packages for 2017.
The organization said fans now have the option to purchase 5-game or 10-game reserved box seat packages, as opposed to just the full season plan like in past years.
“This is about price and convenience, and providing the best fan experience,” said Ky Turner, Mustangs General Manager. “We have a lot of fans or businesses who have expressed an interest to be season ticket holders, but can’t make a portion of the games. We picked our premium games for these packages and do expect to sell out of these games, but we currently have some great seat options available.”
The 5-game packs start at $55 per box seat, while 10-game packs start at $105 per box seat.
Fans that purchase the 10-game package will also have the first option of purchasing their seats for playoff games, followed by customers that purchased the 5-game plan, then the general public.
Full box seat season tickets are also available for $249 and receive postseason tickets with their purchase, as well as other benefits not included in the new packages.
Dates included in the $55 5-game plan: Opening Night May 31, and four Mustangs games that include postgame Fireworks – 6/3, 6/17, 7/3 and 7/22. July 3 will include a special military tribute and Patriotic themed fireworks show.
Dates included in the $105 10-game plan: four dates that include our most popular adult drink promotion, Dollar Beer – 6/2, 6/9, 6/16 and 7/21; as well as six games that include postgame fireworks – 6/10, 6/24, 7/1, 7/4, 7/8, 7/15. July 4 will include a special Independence Day Fireworks show following the game.
Mustangs ticket packages can be purchased by calling (816) 279-7856.
Missouri State football player shot and killed
(Missourinet) – The Missouri State University family is mourning the loss of freshman football player Richard Nelson after the tailback was shot and killed in his hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada Saturday evening.
Details on the incident are still under investigation by local authorities.
Nelson’s mother Roxanne Bruce told the ReviewJournal.com, that Nelson was trying to defend his sister, who was involved in the fight outside their home. Nelson pulled one person off his sister, Bruce said, and that person shot Nelson multiple times.
“Our Missouri State football family is in shock and mourning at the loss of one of our family members,” said Bears’ head coach Dave Steckel. “Richard is like a son and a brother. It is a tragedy that he lost his life defending what is right. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in Las Vegas, and we know he is in a good place with God. We ask everyone to respect the privacy of our football family at this time as we begin the healing process.”
Nelson, 18, was a product of Chaparral High School in Las Vegas. He redshirted for the Bears during the 2016 season.
“On behalf of our administration, coaches and student-athletes, we want to express our condolences to Richard’s family and friends,” said Director of Athletics Kyle Moats. “He will be dearly missed by his Missouri State family and the coaches and teammates who knew him so well.”
According to Moats, grief counseling will be available for student-athletes upon their return to campus this week.
(Portions of this story, courtesy of Missouri State Athletics)
Chiefs falter in the playoffs again with 18-16 loss to Pittsburgh
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Who needs to reach the end zone when you have Le’Veon Bell chewing up yards and the clock, and Chris Boswell setting an NFL playoff record with six field goals?
Throw in a stingy Pittsburgh defense for most of Sunday night, and a multitude of mistakes by Kansas City, and the Steelers’ 18-16 victory sent them into the AFC championship game.
The Steelers (13-5) needed to hold off a last-ditch threat by the Chiefs (12-5) before advancing to face New England next Sunday night for a spot in the Super Bowl. The Patriots won at Pittsburgh 27-16, but Ben Roethlisberger was injured and didn’t play.
“I think it’s going to be a showdown,” Bell said. “Two great quarterbacks going head to head. Two of the best teams in the AFC. It’s time to settle it next week.”
Since 2001, the Patriots and Steelers have combined to win nine AFC titles.
Spencer Ware’s 1-yard touchdown run took Kansas City within 18-16. The Chiefs at first converted the 2-pointer to tie it, but tackle Eric Fisher — the first overall selection in the 2013 draft — was penalized for holding. The next try failed.
With 2:43 remaining, Justin Gilbert misplayed the kick return and was tackled at the Pittsburgh 5. Roethlisberger hit Antonio Brown for 7 yards on third down and Pittsburgh then ran out the clock, securing a ninth straight victory for the Steelers. The Chiefs have not won a home playoff game since 1994, losing five in a row.
The scoring started furiously in the opening minutes, then the game became a kicking exhibition by Boswell, who also had six field goals in the regular season against Cincinnati. And Bell put on a virtuoso running performance, patiently finding holes and then exploding through them. He added a team-record 170 yards rushing to the 167 he had in a win over Miami last week.
“The coaches put a lot of trust in me to get the job done,” Bell said of his 30 carries. “Just run hard. Just picked my spots where I could and run hard.”
The Steelers became first team to win a playoff game without a TD since eventual Super Bowl champion Indianapolis in the 2006 AFC divisional round at Baltimore.
Using a no-huddle attack almost to perfection early on, the Steelers drove deep into Kansas City territory. But they bogged down inside the 5 and Boswell made a 22-yard field goal.
The Chiefs were just as efficient on a six-play march capped by receiver Albert Wilson lining up in the backfield, then slipping uncovered into the end zone for a 5-yard score.
Pittsburgh’s answer came on a 52-yard heave to All-Pro Brown, who somehow was covered by linebacker Justin Houston. That led to Boswell’s second field goal, a 38-yarder. He added a 36-yarder to cap a 14-play drive on which Pittsburgh again barely huddled.
A clean game up until then turned to, well, turnovers, on successive series. Bud Dupree pounded Alex Smith, whose pass shot high into the air and was caught by linebacker Ryan Shazier.
The Steelers got to the Kansas City 5, where Frank Zombo leaped to deflect Roethlisberger’s throw, and All-Pro safety Eric Berry — burned for 26 yards on the previously play — picked it off in the end zone.
Boswell’s fourth field goal, from 45 yards, made it 12-7 at the half. His 43-yarder, setting the franchise record for a postseason game and tying the league mark of five, came on Pittsburgh’s first series of the second half. A 43-yarder midway in the fourth quarter gave Boswell the NFL record.
“It’s just about doing my job,” Boswell said. “Coming out here, put it through the yellow pipes. Don’t really think too much. Don’t think like I’m the guy or anything. I’m just doing my job and doing my one-eleventh for the team.”
Kansas City’s Cairo Santos got in on the kicking act with a 48-yarder to make it 15-10. At that point, 10 seconds from the end of the third quarter, the Chiefs were outgained 333 yards to 150.
WEATHERMAN
Switching the game from noon local time to an evening kickoff to avert an ice storm had no effect on the crowd. Fans arrived early, tailgated in the rain as the worst of the storm never hit the area. But fog rolled into Arrowhead Stadium in the second quarter, obscuring some views from on high. Not that what was going on was worth watching for Chiefs fans.
NOTES
Bell rushed for almost as many yards (101) in the first half as the Chiefs gained (106). … Boswell’s four first-half field goals tied the team record for an entire playoff game. … Chiefs All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce had a rough game, including a big drop and a 15-yard roughing penalty in the third period.
UP NEXT
Steelers: Head to New England for a shot at making the Super Bowl.
— Associated Press —
Mizzou women hang on to win at Vanderbilt 74-68
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Mizzou Women’s Basketball (12-7, 2-3) picked up its first conference road win with a gritty 74-68 victory over Vanderbilt on Sunday afternoon at Memorial Gymnasium. Senior guard Sierra Michaelis (Mercer, Mo.) led four Tigers in double figures with 19 points. Michaelis has now reached double figures 12 times this season and Mizzou is 9-3 in those contests.
Mizzou’s win over the Commodores marked the first time in program history that the Tigers have won back-to-back road games against Vanderbilt. Mizzou sunk a season-high 13 three-pointers to push past the Commodores. The Tigers have made 25 triples over the last two games.
Freshman Jordan Chavis (Lexington, N.C.) led the three-point barrage, shooting a perfect 4-of-4 from beyond the arc. She finished with 12 crucial points and two assists in 26 strong minutes. Freshman Amber Smith (Shreveport, La.) posted 12 points of her own behind a career-high three triples and added four rebounds.
Sophomore Cierra Porter (Columbia, Mo.) scored in double digits for the 17th time in 19 games this season as she finished with 16 points. Porter’s free throws in the final minutes helped seal the win.
The first half was a back-and-forth, physical battle. Porter’s nine first-half points paced Mizzou. Vanderbilt took a 29-27 lead into the break after a layup that just beat the buzzer.
The two teams continued to trade buckets to begin the third frame. With Mizzou trailing 39-36, Chavis checked in and exploded offensively from long range. She nailed three 3-pointers in third quarter alone to give the Tigers a slight edge. Chavis ended the third quarter with a steal and an assist in transition as Mizzou led 51-48 through three quarters.
The Tigers built a 61-56 lead with 4:24 remaining, but Vanderbilt battled back with an 8-0 run to seize a 64-61 advantage. Mizzou responded though, as Michaelis and Smith helped the Tigers regain momentum. After a Michaelis steal and layup, Smith sunk a key trifecta on the next possession to catapult Mizzou in front, 66-64, with 1:17 left.
The Tigers got a defensive stop and then converted eight consecutive free throws in the final minute to seal a big road win. Mizzou is now shooting 78.7 percent from the line this season, which leads the SEC.
Mizzou returns home to face Texas A&M on Thursday at Mizzou Arena. The matchup, which tips off at 8 p.m.
— Mizzou Athletics —