“THE SCOREBOARD”
INDIANA BOYS BASKETBALL
HOMESTEAD.COM
| ANGOLA | 81 | WOODLAN | 72 | 3OT |
| CALUMET | 53 | HOBART | 49 | |
| CHICAGO BLOOM (ILL.) | 70 | HAMMOND CENTRAL | 54 | |
| CHRISTIAN ACADEMY | 67 | CLARKSVILLE | 37 | |
| COVINGTON | 53 | WESTERN BOONE | 51 | |
| CROWN POINT | 80 | EAST CHICAGO CENTRAL | 54 | |
| EASTBROOK | 70 | SOUTHERN WELLS | 43 | |
| EVANSVILLE CHRISTIAN | 57 | VINCENNES RIVET | 51 | |
| EVANSVILLE HARRISON | 46 | BOONVILLE | 44 | |
| EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL | 60 | OWENSBORO CATHOLIC (KY.) | 44 | |
| FORT WAYNE CANTERBURY | 58 | EASTSIDE | 46 | |
| FORT WAYNE NORTHROP | 63 | EAST NOBLE | 44 | |
| FORT WAYNE SOUTH | 78 | LEO | 52 | |
| GARRETT | 47 | FREMONT | 39 | |
| GOSHEN | 55 | ELKHART | 43 | |
| GREENFIELD-CENTRAL | 78 | DECATUR CENTRAL | 39 | |
| HANOVER CENTRAL | 71 | NORTH NEWTON | 22 | |
| HERITAGE HILLS | 65 | NORTH HARRISON | 42 | |
| HERITAGE | 66 | LAKEWOOD PARK | 38 | |
| HIGHLAND | 56 | MORGAN TWP. | 53 | |
| HOMESTEAD | 36 | DEKALB | 26 | |
| INDIANAPOLIS CATHEDRAL | 76 | BREBEUF JESUIT | 56 | |
| INDIANAPOLIS METROPOLITAN | 77 | VICTORY COLLEGE PREP | 44 | |
| INDIANAPOLIS RITTER | 78 | UNIVERSITY | 77 | OT |
| INDIANAPOLIS RIVERSIDE | 49 | INDIANA MATH & SCIENCE | 37 | |
| INDIANAPOLIS ROOTED | 42 | CENTRAL CHRISTIAN | 39 | |
| INDIANAPOLIS SCECINA | 48 | GREENWOOD CHRISTIAN | 36 | |
| IRVINGTON PREP | 68 | EMINENCE | 41 | |
| LAVILLE | 75 | ARGOS | 39 | |
| LAKE CENTRAL | 52 | GARY WEST | 44 | |
| LAKELAND | 55 | FAIRFIELD | 46 | |
| LIBERTY CHRISTIAN | 93 | MUNCIE BURRIS | 28 | |
| LOWELL | 54 | HEBRON | 39 | |
| MANCHESTER | 54 | TIPPECANOE VALLEY | 42 | |
| MARTINSVILLE | 78 | INDIAN CREEK | 71 | |
| MICHIGAN CITY | 62 | LALUMIERE REGIONAL | 52 | |
| MISHAWAKA MARIAN | 54 | MISHAWAKA | 26 | |
| MISSISSINAWA VALLEY (OHIO) | 57 | UNION CITY | 36 | |
| MONROVIA | 45 | NORTH PUTNAM | 40 | |
| MOUNT CARMEL (ILL.) | 56 | EVANSVILLE DAY | 50 | |
| NORWELL | 47 | FORT WAYNE DWENGER | 42 | |
| PERRY CENTRAL | 63 | CANNELTON | 7 | |
| PRAIRIE HEIGHTS | 63 | ELKHART CHRISTIAN | 52 | 3OT |
| PROVIDENCE | 45 | BORDEN | 42 | |
| SHAWE MEMORIAL | 63 | CHRISTIAN ACADEMY MADISON | 29 | |
| SOUTH BEND ADAMS | 53 | BERRIEN SPRINGS (MICH.) | 45 | |
| SOUTH BEND RILEY | 71 | PLYMOUTH | 44 | |
| SOUTH BEND ST. JOSEPH | 77 | MARQUETTE CATHOLIC | 62 | |
| SOUTH KNOX | 68 | LAWRENCEVILLE (ILL.) | 60 | |
| TRADERS POINT CHRISTIAN | 43 | FOUNTAIN CENTRAL | 34 | |
| TRINITY GREENLAWN | 35 | CAREER ACADEMY | 28 | |
| TRITON | 48 | LAKELAND CHRISTIAN | 32 | |
| WASHINGTON TWP. | 56 | HAMMOND SCIENCE & TECH | 35 | |
| WEST CENTRAL | 65 | JOHN GLENN | 36 | |
| WESTVILLE | 73 | BREMEN | 57 | |
| WHEELER | 59 | TRI-TOWNSHIP | 37 | |
| WINAMAC | 56 | KNOX | 35 |
INDIANA GIRLS BASKETBALL
HOMESTEAD.COM
| BATESVILLE | 42 | LAWRENCEBURG | 30 | |
| BLOOMINGTON NORTH | 53 | OWEN VALLEY | 31 | |
| BLOOMINGTON SOUTH | 63 | MARTINSVILLE | 37 | |
| BLUFFTON | 78 | WABASH | 52 | |
| BREMEN | 43 | CONCORD | 36 | |
| BROWNSBURG | 77 | COLUMBUS NORTH | 54 | |
| BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL | 68 | SALEM | 3 | |
| CAMBRIDGE CITY LINCOLN | 48 | WES-DEL | 17 | |
| CASTLE | 63 | BOONVILLE | 34 | |
| CENTER GROVE | 58 | PLAINFIELD | 48 | |
| CENTRAL NOBLE | 57 | LAKEWOOD PARK | 44 | |
| CHARLESTOWN | 49 | SCOTTSBURG | 38 | |
| CHESTERTON | 49 | WASHINGTON TWP. | 33 | |
| CLINTON PRAIRIE | 52 | TRI-CENTRAL | 34 | |
| COLUMBIA CITY | 51 | HOMESTEAD | 47 | |
| CONNERSVILLE | 48 | NEW CASTLE | 40 | |
| CULVER ACADEMY | 69 | MISHAWAKA MARIAN | 36 | |
| CULVER | 62 | OREGON-DAVIS | 37 | |
| DANVILLE | 74 | GREENCASTLE | 23 | |
| DEKALB | 64 | FORT WAYNE CONCORDIA | 55 | |
| DELTA | 84 | MUNCIE BURRIS | 35 | |
| EASTERN (PEKIN) | 62 | MITCHELL | 11 | |
| EASTERN HANCOCK | 73 | NORTH DECATUR | 59 | |
| EDINBURGH | 42 | GREENWOOD CHRISTIAN | 26 | |
| ELKHART CHRISTIAN | 27 | JIMTOWN | 15 | |
| ELWOOD | 46 | TIPTON | 17 | |
| EMINENCE | 55 | IRVINGTON PREP | 20 | |
| EVANSVILLE CENTRAL | 54 | EVANSVILLE NORTH | 34 | |
| EVANSVILLE MATER DEI | 77 | MOUNT VERNON (POSEY) | 13 | |
| FAITH CHRISTIAN | 60 | FRANKFORT | 23 | |
| FLOYD CENTRAL | 65 | COLUMBUS EAST | 21 | |
| FORT WAYNE NORTHROP | 54 | EAST NOBLE | 41 | |
| FORT WAYNE SOUTH | 64 | SOUTH ADAMS | 37 | |
| FORT WAYNE WAYNE | 59 | MARION | 40 | |
| FOUNTAIN CENTRAL | 46 | SEEGER | 35 | |
| FRANKLIN COUNTY | 62 | SWITZERLAND COUNTY | 41 | |
| GIBSON SOUTHERN | 70 | EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL | 41 | |
| GOSHEN | 25 | WEST NOBLE | 19 | |
| HAMILTON HEIGHTS | 50 | LOGANSPORT | 35 | |
| HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN | 53 | PENDLETON HEIGHTS | 33 | |
| HAMMOND MORTON | 58 | PORTAGE | 16 | |
| HERITAGE CHRISTIAN | 58 | COVENANT CHRISTIAN | 49 | |
| HUNTINGTON NORTH | 54 | MANCHESTER | 38 | |
| INDIAN CREEK | 59 | MONROVIA | 45 | |
| INDIANAPOLIS ATTUCKS | 59 | INDIANAPOLIS TINDLEY | 12 | |
| INDIANAPOLIS CATHEDRAL | 61 | ZIONSVILLE | 41 | |
| INDIANAPOLIS RITTER | 53 | CHRISTEL HOUSE | 10 | |
| JAC-CEN-DEL | 55 | WALDRON | 38 | |
| JEFFERSONVILLE | 46 | BEDFORD NORTH LAWRENCE | 30 | |
| JENNINGS COUNTY | 56 | SEYMOUR | 36 | |
| KANKAKEE VALLEY | 38 | HANOVER CENTRAL | 35 | |
| KNIGHTSTOWN | 60 | SOUTHWESTERN (SHELBYVILLE) | 32 | |
| KOKOMO | 49 | WESTERN | 38 | |
| LALUMIERE | 55 | SOUTH BEND ADAMS | 51 | |
| LAFAYETTE JEFF | 39 | HARRISON (WEST LAFAYETTE) | 29 | |
| LAKE CENTRAL | 64 | ANDREAN | 24 | |
| LEWIS CASS | 50 | ROSSVILLE | 37 | |
| MADISON | 58 | NEW WASHINGTON | 22 | |
| MCCUTCHEON | 55 | LAFAYETTE CENTRAL CATHOLIC | 39 | |
| MERRILLVILLE | 68 | NEW PRAIRIE | 28 | |
| MONROE CENTRAL | 51 | SHENANDOAH | 44 | |
| MOUNT VERNON (FORTVILLE) | 48 | ANDERSON | 19 | |
| MUNCIE CENTRAL | 50 | JAY COUNTY | 45 | |
| MUNSTER | 52 | EAST CHICAGO CENTRAL | 35 | |
| NORTH JUDSON | 64 | BOONE GROVE | 19 | |
| NORTH MIAMI | 47 | PIONEER | 38 | |
| NORTHWOOD | 45 | SOUTH BEND ST. JOSEPH | 40 | |
| NORTHFIELD | 62 | TAYLOR | 29 | |
| NORTHRIDGE | 70 | WAWASEE | 26 | |
| NORTHWESTERN | 48 | EASTERN (GREENTOWN) | 24 | |
| OAK HILL | 31 | MACONAQUAH | 21 | |
| OLDENBURG ACADEMY | 57 | RISING SUN | 21 | |
| ORLEANS | 68 | SPRINGS VALLEY | 40 | |
| PARKE HERITAGE | 63 | NORTH VERMILLION | 34 | |
| PRAIRIE HEIGHTS | 66 | FORT WAYNE CANTERBURY | 16 | |
| PROVIDENCE | 58 | NEW ALBANY | 53 | |
| PURDUE POLY ENGLEWOOD | 72 | INDIANA DEAF | 17 | |
| RENSSELAER CENTRAL | 51 | BENTON CENTRAL | 41 | |
| RIVERTON PARKE | 41 | CRAWFORDSVILLE | 30 | |
| SEVEN OAKS | 38 | WASHINGTON CATHOLIC | 34 | |
| SHAWE MEMORIAL | 57 | HAUSER | 37 | |
| SHELBYVILLE | 42 | NEW PALESTINE | 38 | |
| SOUTH PUTNAM | 44 | CLAY CITY | 26 | |
| SOUTH RIPLEY | 61 | TRINITY LUTHERAN | 60 | |
| SOUTH SPENCER | 58 | PIKE CENTRAL | 31 | |
| SOUTHERN WELLS | 56 | FORT WAYNE BLACKHAWK | 44 | |
| SOUTHRIDGE | 34 | NORTH POSEY | 26 | |
| SOUTHWESTERN (HANOVER) | 61 | MILAN | 22 | |
| TECUMSEH | 53 | FOREST PARK | 49 | |
| TERRE HAUTE NORTH | 51 | WEST VIGO | 29 | |
| TRI-COUNTY | 41 | CARROLL (FLORA) | 37 | |
| TRI-WEST | 78 | NORTH MONTGOMERY | 44 | |
| VICTORY COLLEGE PREP | 45 | INDIANAPOLIS METROPOLITAN | 3 | |
| WAPAHANI | 44 | YORKTOWN | 34 | |
| WEST CENTRAL | 57 | NORTH WHITE | 33 | |
| WEST LAFAYETTE | 46 | TWIN LAKES | 39 | |
| WESTFIELD | 52 | CARMEL | 47 | |
| WESTVIEW | 49 | GARRETT | 33 | |
| WESTVILLE (ILL.) | 49 | ATTICA | 36 | |
| WESTVILLE | 56 | KOUTS | 37 | |
| WHITE RIVER VALLEY | 48 | LOOGOOTEE | 38 | |
| WOOD MEMORIAL | 42 | BARR-REEVE | 40 | |
| MARION COUNTY TOURNAMENT | ||||
| LAWRENCE NORTH | 62 | BREBEUF JESUIT | 35 | |
| LAWRENCE CENTRAL | 75 | PIKE | 50 | |
| WARREN CENTRAL | 57 | PERRY MERIDIAN | 15 | |
| PARK TUDOR | 35 | SPEEDWAY | 27 | |
| INDIANAPOLIS RONCALLI | 59 | NORTH CENTRAL (INDIANAPOLIS) | 48 | |
| BEN DAVIS | 70 | SOUTHPORT | 43 | |
| BEECH GROVE | 55 | INDIANAPOLIS LUTHERAN | 25 | |
| FRANKLIN CENTRAL | 62 | DECATUR CENTRAL | 23 | |
INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING RESULTS
DUAL RESULTS: https://indianamat.com/index.php?/dualresults.html/
TOURNEY RESULTS: https://indianamat.com/index.php?/curtournamentresults.html/
COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, DEC. 13
IDAHO AT MONTANA STATE (FCS QUARTERFINALS) | 9 P.M. | ESPN
SATURDAY, DEC. 14
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE VS. JACKSON STATE (CELEBRATION BOWL) | 12 P.M. | ABC
INCARNATE WORD AT SOUTH DAKOTA STATE (FCS QUARTERFINALS) | 12 P.M. | ESPN
MINNESOTA STATE AT VALDOSTA STATE (DII SEMIFINALS) | 12 P.M. | ESPN+
BETHEL (MN) AT SUSQUEHANNA (DIII QUARTERFINALS) | 12 P.M. | ESPN+
MARY-HARDIN BAYLOR AT JOHNS HOPKINS (DIII QUARTERFINALS) | 12 P.M. | ESPN+
SPRINGFIELD AT NORTH CENTRAL (ILL.) (DIII QUARTERFINALS) | 1 P.M. | ESPN+
MOUNT UNION AT SALISBURY (DIII QUARTERFINALS) | 1 P.M. | ESPN+
NAVY AT NO. 22 ARMY (NORTHWEST STADIUM IN LANDOVER, MD) | 3 P.M. | CBS
UC DAVIS AT SOUTH DAKOTA (FCS QUARTERFINALS) | 3 P.M. | ESPN+
MERCER AT NORTH DAKOTA STATE (FCS QUARTERFINALS) | 3:30 P.M. | ABC
SLIPPERY ROCK AT FERRIS STATE (DII SEMIFINALS) | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+
SOUTH ALABAMA VS. WESTERN MICHIGAN (SALUTE TO VETERANS BOWL) | 9 P.M. | ESPN
TUESDAY, DEC. 17
NO. 25 MEMPHIS VS. WEST VIRGINIA (FRISCO BOWL) | 9 P.M. | ESPN
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 18
JAMES MADISON VS. WESTERN KENTUCKY (BOCA RATON BOWL) | 5:30 P.M. | ESPN
NO. 24 UNLV VS. CAL (LA BOWL) | 9 P.M. | ESPN
THURSDAY, DEC. 19
SAM HOUSTON VS. GEORGIA SOUTHERN (NEW ORLEANS BOWL) | 7 P.M. | ESPN2
FRIDAY, DEC. 20
OHIO VS. JACKSONVILLE STATE (CURE BOWL) | 12 P.M. | ESPN
FLORIDA VS. TULANE (GASPARILLA BOWL) | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN
NO. 8 INDIANA AT NO. 5 NOTRE DAME (COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF FIRST ROUND) | 8 P.M. | ABC/ESPN
SATURDAY, DEC. 21
NO. 10 SMU AT NO. 4 PENN STATE (COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF FIRST ROUND) | 12 P.M. | TNT/MAX
UC DAVIS/SOUTH DAKOTA VS. IDAHO/MONTANA STATE (FCS SEMIFINALS) | 12 OR 3:30 P.M. | ABC
UIW/SOUTH DAKOTA STATE VS. MERCER/NORTH DAKOTA STATE (FCS SEMIFINALS) | 12 OR 3:30 P.M. | ABC
TBD VS. TBD (DII CHAMPIONSHIP GAME IN MCKINNEY, TX) | 2 P.M. | ESPN2
NO. 16 CLEMSON AT NO. 3 TEXAS (COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF FIRST ROUND) | 4 P.M. | TNT/MAX
NO. 7 TENNESSEE AT NO. 6 OHIO STATE (COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF FIRST ROUND) | 8 P.M. | ABC/ESPN
TBD VS. TBD (DIII SEMIFINALS) | TBA | ESPN+
TBD VS. TBD (DIII SEMIFINALS) | TBA | ESPN+
MONDAY, DEC. 23
COASTAL CAROLINA VS. UTSA (MYRTLE BEACH BOWL) | 11 A.M. | ESPN
NORTHERN ILLINOIS VS. FRESNO STATE (FAMOUS IDAHO POTATO BOWL) | 2:30 P.M. | ESPN
TUESDAY, DEC. 24
SOUTH FLORIDA VS. SAN JOSE STATE (HAWAI’I BOWL) | 8 P.M. | ESPN
THURSDAY, DEC. 26
PITT VS. TOLEDO (GAMEABOVE SPORTS BOWL) | 2 P.M. | ESPN
RUTGERS VS. KANSAS STATE (RATE BOWL) | 5:30 P.M. | ESPN
ARKANSAS STATE VS. BOWLING GREEN (68 VENTURES BOWL) | 9 P.M. | ESPN
FRIDAY, DEC. 27
NAVY VS. OKLAHOMA (ARMED FORCES BOWL) | 12 P.M. | ESPN
GEORGIA TECH VS. VANDERBILT (BIRMINGHAM BOWL) | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN
ARKANSAS VS. TEXAS TECH (LIBERTY BOWL) | 7 P.M. | ESPN
NO. 21 SYRACUSE VS. WASHINGTON STATE (HOLIDAY BOWL) | 8 P.M. | FOX
USC VS. TEXAS A&M (LAS VEGAS BOWL) | 10:30 P.M. | ESPN
SATURDAY, DEC. 28
UCONN VS. NORTH CAROLINA (FENWAY BOWL) | 11 A.M. | ESPN
BOSTON COLLEGE VS. NEBRASKA (PINSTRIPE BOWL) | 12 P.M. | ABC
TCU VS. LOUISIANA (NEW MEXICO BOWL) | 2:15 P.M. | ESPN
NO. 13 MIAMI (FLA.) VS. NO. 18 IOWA STATE (POP-TARTS BOWL) | 3:30 P.M. | ABC
COLORADO STATE VS. MIAMI (OHIO) (ARIZONA BOWL) | 4:30 P.M. | CW NETWORK
NC STATE VS. EAST CAROLINA (MILITARY BOWL) | 5:45 P.M. | ESPN
NO. 17 BYU VS. NO. 23 COLORADO (ALAMO BOWL) | 7:30 P.M. | ABC
NO. 22 ARMY VS. MARSHALL (INDEPENCE BOWL) | 9:15 P.M. | ESPN
MONDAY, DEC. 30
NO. 19 MISSOURI VS. IOWA (MUSIC CITY BOWL) | 2:30 P.M. | ESPN
TUESDAY, DEC. 31
NO. 11 ALABAMA VS. MICHIGAN (RELIAQUEST BOWL) | 12 P.M. | ESPN
LOUISVILLE VS. WASHINGTON (SUN BOWL) | 2 P.M. | CBS
NO. 15 SOUTH CAROLINA VS. NO. 20 ILLINOIS (CITRUS BOWL) | 3 P.M. | ABC
LSU VS. BAYLOR (TEXAS BOWL) | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN
NO. 9 BOISE STATE VS. TBD (COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF QUARTERFINALS — FIESTA BOWL) | 7:30 P.M. | ESPN
NO. 12 ARIZONA STATE VS. TBD (COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF QUARTERFINALS — PEACH BOWL) | 1 P.M. | ESPN
NO. 1 OREGON VS. TBD (COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF QUARTERFINALS — ROSE BOWL) | 5 P.M. | ESPN
NO. 2 GEORGIA VS. TBD (COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF QUARTERFINALS — SUGAR BOWL) | 8:45 P.M. | ESPN
THURSDAY, JAN. 2
NO. 14 OLE MISS VS. DUKE (GATOR BOWL) | 7:30 P.M. | ESPN
FRIDAY, JAN. 3
NORTH TEXAS VS. TEXAS STATE (FIRST RESPONDER BOWL) | 4 P.M. | ESPN
MINNESOTA VS. VIRGINIA TECH (DUKE’S MAYO BOWL) | 7:30 P.M. | ESPN
SATURDAY, JAN. 4
LIBERTY VS. BUFFALO (BAHAMAS BOWL) | 11 A.M. | ESPN2
SUNDAY, JAN. 5
TBD VS. TBD (DIII STAGG BOWL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME IN HOUSTON, TX) | TBA | ESPN
MONDAY, JAN. 6
TBD VS. TBD (FCS CHAMPIONSHIP GAME IN FRISCO, TX) | 7 P.M. | ESPN
THURSDAY, JAN. 9
TBD VS. TBD (COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF SEMIFINAL GAME — ORANGE BOWL) | 7:30 P.M. | ESPN
FRIDAY, JAN. 10
TBD VS. TBD (COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF SEMIFINAL GAME — COTTON BOWL) | 7:30 P.M. | ESPN
MONDAY, JAN. 20
TBD VS. TBD (COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME — IN ATLANTA) | 7:30 P.M. | ESPN
NFL WEEK 15 SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, DEC. 12
LOS ANGELES RAMS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (8:15P PRIME VIDEO)
SUNDAY, DEC. 15
DALLAS COWBOYS AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (1:00P FOX)
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS (1:00P CBS)
MIAMI DOLPHINS AT HOUSTON TEXANS (1:00P CBS)
NEW YORK JETS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (1:00P FOX)
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (1:00P FOX)
BALTIMORE RAVENS AT NEW YORK GIANTS (1:00P CBS)
CINCINNATI BENGALS AT TENNESSEE TITANS (1:00P FOX)
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT ARIZONA CARDINALS (4:25P CBS)
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT DENVER BRONCOS (4:25P CBS)
BUFFALO BILLS AT DETROIT LIONS (4:25P CBS)
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (4:25P FOX)
PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (4:25P FOX)
GREEN BAY PACKERS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (8:20P NBC)
MONDAY, DEC. 16
CHICAGO BEARS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (8:00P ABC)
ATLANTA FALCONS AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (8:30P ESPN)
NFL WEEK 16 SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, DEC. 19
DENVER BRONCOS AT LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (8:15P PRIME VIDEO)
SATURDAY, DEC. 21
HOUSTON TEXANS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (1:00P NBC)
PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS (4:30P FOX)
SUNDAY, DEC. 22
CLEVELAND BROWNS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS 1:00P FOX)
NEW YORK GIANTS AT ATLANTA FALCONS (1:00P FOX)
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT BUFFALO BILLS (1:00P CBS)
ARIZONA CARDINALS AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (1:00P FOX)
DETROIT LIONS AT CHICAGO BEARS (1:00P FOX)
TENNESSEE TITANS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (1:00P CBS)
LOS ANGELES RAMS AT NEW YORK JETS (1:00P CBS)
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (1:00P FOX)
MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (4:05P FOX)
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (4:25P CBS)
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS (4:25P CBS)
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT DALLAS COWBOYS (8:20P NBC)
MONDAY, DEC. 23
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS (8:15P ESPN)
NFL WEEK 17 SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 25 (CHRISTMAS)
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS (1:00P NETFLIX)
BALTIMORE RAVENS AT HOUSTON TEXANS (4:30P NETFLIX)
THURSDAY, DEC. 26
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT CHICAGO BEARS (8:15P PRIME VIDEO)
SATURDAY, DEC. 28
TBD TBD (1:00P NFL NETWORK)
TBD TBD (4:30P NFL NETWORK)
TBD TBD (8:00P NFL NETWORK)
SATURDAY GAME POOL:
DENVER BRONCOS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS
ARIZONA CARDINALS AT LOS ANGELES RAMS
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT NEW YORK GIANTS
ATLANTA FALCONS AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
SUNDAY, DEC. 29
NEW YORK JETS AT BUFFALO BILLS (1:00P CBS)
TENNESSEE TITANS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (1:00P CBS)
GREEN BAY PACKERS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (1:00P FOX)
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (1:00P FOX)
CAROLINA PANTHERS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (1:00P CBS)
DALLAS COWBOYS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (4:25P FOX)
MIAMI DOLPHINS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS (8:20P NBC)
MONDAY, DEC. 30
DETROIT LIONS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (8:15P ESPN/ABC)
NFL WEEK 18 SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, JAN. 4 OR SUNDAY, JAN. 5
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT ARIZONA CARDINALS
CAROLINA PANTHERS AT ATLANTA FALCONS
CLEVELAND BROWNS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS AT DALLAS COWBOYS
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT DENVER BRONCOS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT DETROIT LIONS
CHICAGO BEARS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT LOS ANGELES RAMS
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
BUFFALO BILLS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
MIAMI DOLPHINS AT NEW YORK JETS
NEW YORK GIANTS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
CINCINNATI BENGALS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
HOUSTON TEXANS AT TENNESSEE TITANS
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL SCOREBOARD
TOP 25
#1 TENNESSEE 75 MIAMI FLORIDA 62
#4 DUKE 72 INCARNATE WORD 46
#15 HOUSTON 62 TROY 42
ILLINOIS 86 #20 WISCONSIN 80
ARKANSAS 89 #14 MICHIGAN 87
ELSEWHERE:
NORTH DAKOTA STATE 71 BUTLER 68
RUTGERS 80 PENN STATE 76
WASHINGTON 87 EASTERN WASHINGTON 69
WOMEN’S COLLEGE SCOREBOARD
TOP 25
#11 OHIO STATE 80 BALL STATE 48
#5 USC 89 FRESNO STATE 40
NBA SCOREBOARD
MILWAUKEE 114 ORLANDO 109
OKLAHOMA CITY 118 DALLAS 104
NHL SCOREBOARD
PHILADELPHIA 5 COLUMBUS 3
CAROLINA 3 SAN JOSE 2
COLORADO 6 PITTSBURGH 2
TORONTO 2 NEW JERSEY 1 OT
LOS ANGELES 3 NY ISLANDERS 1
WINNIPEG 8 BOSTON 1
CALGARY 4 NASHVILLE 3
EDMONTON 2 TAMPA BAY 1
MINNESOTA 5 UTAH 4
FLORIDA 2 SEATTLE 1
ST. LOUIS 4 VANCOUVER 3 OT
TOP NATIONAL RELEASES
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
2025 TOP PROSPECT DYBANTSA COMMITS TO BYU
AJ Dybantsa, the No. 1 prospect in the 2025 ESPN 100, announced his commitment to BYU during an appearance on “First Take” on Tuesday.
Dybantsa, a 6-foot-9 wing, picked the Cougars over Alabama, Kansas, and North Carolina. He’s the highest-rated recruit in the program’s history.
The 17-year-old is playing his high school ball at Utah Prep and is seen as the likely top selection in the 2026 NBA Draft.
The Cougars enticed the touted prospect in part with a record-setting name, image, and likeness package, reports Matt Norlander of CBS Sports. Its value is approximately $7 million, according to college basketball insider Adam Zagoria.
BYU’s first-year head coach Kevin Young also significantly influenced Dybantsa’s decision. The 43-year-old Utah native was an assistant coach for the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns for several seasons and received positive reviews from a couple of his former players.
“At BYU, the whole staff from the head coach on down came from the NBA,” Dybantsa said on First Take, per ESPN’s Jeff Borzello and Paul Biancardi. “Head coach Kevin Young coached my favorite player in (Kevin Durant) and coached Devin Booker. Both had a lot of good things to say about him.”
A native of Massachusetts, Dybantsa is also familiar to USA Basketball. He helped the organization win a seventh consecutive gold medal at the FIBA Under-17 World Cup in June as part of a talented squad that featured fellow five-star recruits Cayden and Cameron Boozer. He was also on the Team USA roster that won gold at the 2023 FIBA Americas Under-16 tournament.
NO. 4 DUKE USES STRONG SECOND HALF TO DUMP INCARNATE WORD
Khaman Maluach scored 17 points on 6-of-7 shooting to help No. 4 Duke pull away for a 72-46 victory over Incarnate Word on Tuesday night at Durham, N.C.
Isaiah Evans made four 3-pointers in the second half, where he scored all 14 of his points, as the Blue Devils (8-2) won their fourth consecutive game. Kon Knueppel had 10 points for Duke.
The Blue Devils outscored Incarnate 44-25 in the second half after a sluggish opening 20 minutes.
Jalin Anderson and Dylan Hayman had 11 points apiece to pace the Cardinals (5-5).
Incarnate Word made just 32.1 percent of its field-goal attempts and was 5 of 23 from behind the arc. The Cardinals were one of the top 3-point shooting teams in the country, making a solid 42.6 percent of their shots from deep entering Tuesday.
The Blue Devils shot 43.6 percent from the field, including an 8-of-25 mark from 3-point range. Freshman star Cooper Flagg had eight rebounds but scored a season-low six points on 2-of-8 shooting.
Duke owned a 44-26 rebounding advantage and a 30-14 edge in points in the paint while leading by as many as 31.
Duke led by seven at halftime before dominating the second half.
The Blue Devils scored the first 11 points of the period to take a 39-21 lead on two free throws by Flagg with 15:34 left in the game.
Incarnate Word missed its first eight field-goal attempts of the second half before finally scoring on Hayman’s jumper with 13:23 remaining.
Later in the half, Knueppel and Evans made 3-pointers during an 8-0 run as the Duke lead reached 51-26 with 10:22 left.
Neither team shot well during a lackluster first half in which Duke led 28-21. The Blue Devils were 10 of 30 overall (33.3 percent), and the Cardinals made 7 of 26 shots (26.9 percent).
Duke had two 8-0 runs during the first half but still led just 24-21 after Anderson hit a trey with 59 seconds left. Maluach scored the final four points of the half to give the Blue Devils the seven-point advantage at intermission.
Maluach scored 12 points on 4-of-4 shooting in the first half while his teammates were a combined 6 of 26.
NO. 1 TENNESSEE USES 14-0 RUN TO HANDLE SLUMPING MIAMI
Chaz Lanier tallied 22 points, Igor Milicic Jr. posted 16 points and nine rebounds, and No. 1 Tennessee used a late first-half run to roll to a 75-62 nonconference victory over Miami on Tuesday night in the Jimmy V Classic in New York.
Favored by 14 1/2 points at Madison Square Garden, the Volunteers (9-0) closed the first half by netting 14 unanswered points against Miami (3-7) to set up the Hurricanes’ seventh straight defeat.
A three-point specialist who transferred from North Florida, Lanier made 4 of 7 from beyond the arc. Zakai Zeigler totaled 13 points, nine assists and five rebounds.
Virginia Tech transfer Lynn Kidd led Miami with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Nijel Pack scored 12 points and A.J. Staton-McCray added 11 points and four steals.
The Volunteers shot 48.1 percent from the floor, while the Hurricanes hit 39.3.
Taking the court for the first time this season as the nation’s top-ranked squad, Tennessee had its hands full early with coach Jim Larranaga’s Hurricanes.
Lanier canned a pair of treys for Tennessee, but the sharpshooting Pack responded with a pair of 3s for Miami in a 14-all tie six minutes into the game, which honored the legacy of late NC State coach Jim Valvano and the foundation’s cancer research in his name.
With 7:57 left in the half, Kidd drained a jump hook, giving the Hurricanes their lone lead at 25-24.
Miami failed to score another point in the half as the Volunteers’ defense stiffened and the offense went on a 14-0 run for a 38-25 lead at the break.
While Lanier and Milicic topped all scorers with 11 points apiece in the first half, the opening 20 minutes were mostly about long-distance shooting as each squad lobbed most of their field-goal attempts from deep.
Behind Lanier’s 3-for-4 showing, Tennessee made 7 of 17 (41.2 percent), while Miami went 6 of 18 (33.3) from beyond the arc in the half.
Cade Phillips ran off all nine of his points, including a couple of alley-oop dunks, as coach Rick Barnes’ team pulled ahead 55-37 with 12:14 to play.
The Hurricanes closed the gap to 63-56 on a free throw by Divine Ugochukwu before the Volunteers pushed on to the win.
NBA NEWS
REPORT: HEAT OPEN TO TRADE OFFERS FOR BUTLER
The Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler era could be coming to a close.
The Heat are open to trading the six-time All-Star ahead of his expected foray into free agency next summer, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Butler reportedly prefers to land with a contender if dealt. His agent has signaled that the 35-year-old would be receptive, specifically, to a move to the Golden State Warriors, his hometown Houston Rockets, or the Dallas Mavericks, Charania reports.
The five-time All-NBAer’s contract contains a $52.4-million player option for next season; however, Butler has indicated he won’t exercise it in order to seek a new deal in 2025 as a free agent. He initially landed in Miami on a four-year, $140-million deal through a four-team sign-and-trade in 2019 and then extended that contract with a four-year, $184-million agreement in 2021.
Butler missed four straight matchups in mid-November with a sprained right ankle but has looked comfortable since, putting up 21.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and one steal per game in nine matchups following his return (he sat out against the Boston Celtics on Dec. 2 with a knee injury). He’s also been efficient yet selective from distance, converting seven of 12 attempts from deep after shooting two of 13 before his ankle injury.
The former Most Improved Player has arguably been most prolific with the Heat in the postseason, helping the club to two NBA Finals in its last five playoff trips. He averaged 26.9 points in 22 postseason contests in 2023 as Miami fell in five games to the Denver Nuggets in the Finals.
The Heat have won seven of their last 10 games and now sit fifth in the East with a 12-10 record, 7.5 games back of the first-place Cleveland Cavaliers.
BUCKS BEAT MAGIC 114-109 TO RETURN TO THE NBA CUP SEMIFINALS IN LAS VEGAS
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 37 points, Damian Lillard had nine of his 28 in the final minute and the Milwaukee Bucks returned to the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas by beating the Orlando Magic 114-109 on Tuesday night.
Milwaukee reached the semifinals of the in-season tournament in Las Vegas last December and will be the only returning team in Year 2. They will play Saturday against the winner of Wednesday’s quarterfinal between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks.
Jalen Suggs led a short-handed Orlando team with 32 points but missed a potential go-ahead 3-pointer with 12 seconds left. Lillard was fouled and sank two free throws with 9.1 seconds remaining and Suggs missed a potential tying 3.
Antetokounmpo then made both free throws with 5 seconds left and the Bucks held on.
The Magic were missing forwards Paolo Banchero (torn right oblique), Jonathan Isaac (right hamstring strain) and Franz Wagner, who suffered a torn right oblique on Friday against Philadelphia; along with guard Gary Harris (left hamstring strain).
Takeaways
Magic: Orlando’s bench scored 28 points in the first half, including 13 by Moritz Wagner and 10 from Anthony Black. But Wagner did not score in the second half.
Bucks: Bobby Portis helped the Bucks erase an early 11-point deficit as he hit his first seven shots and scored 16 points in the first half. He finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds.
Key moment
Bucks forward Khris Middleton registered three consecutive assists — the first two on passes to Antetokounmpo and the third to set up a 3-pointer by Gary Trent Jr — as the Bucks took a 78-70 lead as part of an 11-0 Milwaukee run. Middleton did not score but had eight assists.
Key stat
Antetokounmpo extended his streak to 22 straight games with 20 or more points on 50% shooting, the longest streak to open a season in league history and the third-longest at any point in a season (Shaquille O’Neal and Zion Williamson, both 25 games). Antetokounmpo was 15 of 24 from the field.
Up next
The Magic will play New York or Atlanta on Friday.
GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER SCORES 39 AS THUNDER BEAT MAVERICKS 118-104, ADVANCE TO NBA CUP SEMIFINALS
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 39 points, and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Dallas Mavericks 118-104 on Tuesday night in an NBA Cup quarterfinal.
Jalen Williams scored 18 points and Isaiah Hartenstein added 10 points and 13 rebounds for the Thunder, who will play Wednesday’s Golden State-Houston winner in a semifinal on Saturday in Las Vegas.
Oklahoma City’s largest lead was 20 points in a rematch of last season’s Western Conference semifinals series that Dallas won 4-2.
The Thunder and their collection of elite perimeter defenders held Luka Doncic to 16 points on 5-for-15 shooting. Lu Dort led the effort, with Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace among the primary helpers.
Naji Marshall and Klay Thompson each scored 19 points and Kyrie Irving added 17 for the Mavericks.
P.J. Washington, a thorn in Oklahoma City’s side during the playoffs last season and in Dallas’ victory last month, missed the game with an illness.
Oklahoma City led 57-54 at halftime behind 18 points from Gilgeous-Alexander. Doncic had two points on 1-for-7 shooting at the break.
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 16 points on 7-for-8 shooting in the third quarter to help the Thunder take control. Isaiah Joe’s deep 3-pointer at the buzzer gave Oklahoma City a 90-73 lead heading into the fourth.
Takeaways
Mavericks: Dallas made too many mistakes to have a chance. The Thunder scored 36 points off the Mavericks’ 19 turnovers.
Thunder: Oklahoma City brought in the 7-foot, 255-pound Hartenstein as a free agent in the offseason to provide bulk and rebounding. It paid off — the Thunder outrebounded the Mavericks 52-44.
Key moment
Oklahoma City opened the second half on a 13-2 run. Gilgeous-Alexander scored nine points during that stretch to help the Thunder take a 70-56 lead.
Key stat
The Mavericks made just 6 of 19 field goals in the third quarter after shooting 50% from the field in the first half.
Up next
Mavericks: Host the Los Angeles Clippers on Dec. 19.
Thunder: Will play Golden State or Houston in the NBA Cup semifinals Saturday in Las Vegas.
NFL NEWS
COWBOYS LB DEMARVION OVERSHOWN TO HAVE SEASON-ENDING SURGERY
Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown will require season-ending surgery on his right knee, owner Jerry Jones said Tuesday morning on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas.
Jones said the team was awaiting MRI results to determine the extent of Overshown’s injury. Without that information, Jones couldn’t reveal a timeline for the linebacker’s recovery.
Overshown sustained the injury early in the fourth quarter of Monday’s 27-20 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and did not return to the game.
At the end of a 2-yard run by running back Chase Brown, Overshown’s right leg was rolled up on and pinned by tumbling Cincinnati center Ted Karras. Overshown was being blocked by Bengals guard Alex Cappa at the time.
Overshown, 24, was having a breakout campaign after missing out on his rookie season when he tore the ACL in his left knee during a preseason game. He started all but one game this season and had been a bright spot in a rather disappointing season for the Cowboys (5-8).
“I just can’t tell you how bad I feel for him,” Jones said. “Because he’s just been through that mental and the physical rehab on his other knee. To turn around and have to go through that again … it’s the toughest time for a player.”
Overshown recorded 90 tackles (56 solo), eight tackles for loss, five sacks, a fumble recovery and an interception in 13 games (12 starts) this season.
The interception, which was returned 23 yards for a touchdown, came in Dallas’ 27-20 win over the New York Giants on Thanksgiving.
WEEK 15 NFL PREVIEW
NEW YORK — Dec. 10, 2024 — Last week, the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles became the first two NFC teams to clinch a playoff berth and joined the Buffalo Bills (AFC East) and Kansas City Chiefs (AFC West) as teams to secure a spot in the postseason this year.
This week, with Buffalo (10-3) at Detroit (12-1) and Pittsburgh (10-3) at Philadelphia (11-2), it marks the second time since 1970 and first in 39 years (Week 15, 1985) that there were two games in the same week between 10-win teams in Week 15 or earlier of a season.
Five teams that missed the postseason last year – Denver (8-5) and the Los Angeles Chargers (8-5) in the AFC, and Minnesota (11-2), Seattle (8-5) and Washington (8-5) in the NFC – are in playoff positions entering Week 15. Since 1990 – a streak of 34 consecutive seasons – at least four teams every season have qualified for the playoffs after failing to make the postseason the year before.
Here’s a look at a few interesting storylines entering Week 15:
Buffalo (10-3) at Detroit (12-1) (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): The Lions have won a franchise-record 11 consecutive games and lead the NFL with 32.1 points per game this season. The Bills rank second in scoring offense (30.5 points per game) and have scored at least 30 points in seven consecutive games. It marks the second consecutive season in which the top two scoring offenses have met in Week 15 or later (Week 16, 2023 – Dallas at Miami).
Detroit clinched a postseason berth in Week 14 and has clinched a playoff spot in consecutive seasons for the first time since securing three straight playoff appearances from 1993-95.
Buffalo can become the fifth team all-time to score 30 points in eight consecutive games within a single season, joining the 2013 Denver Broncos, the 2007 and 2010 New England Patriots, and the 2000 St. Louis Rams.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen, in Week 14, became the first player in NFL history to record three touchdown passes and three rushing touchdowns in a regular-season game (Pro Football Hall of Famer Otto Graham accomplished the feat in the 1954 NFL Championship game). He has 73 career regular-season wins, the third-most regular-season wins by a quarterback in his first seven seasons in NFL history. Only Russell Wilson (75) and Patrick Mahomes (74) have more.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff ranks second in the league with a 72.4 completion percentage (276 of 381) this season and can become the second quarterback ever with a completion percentage of 75-or-higher in eight games in a season (min. 15 attempts per game), joining Tom Brady (eight games in 2007).
Pittsburgh (10-3) at Philadelphia (11-2) (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX): The Eagles have won nine consecutive games and lead the NFL with 190.5 rushing yards per game this season, becoming the first team since Washington in 1983 to record at least 100 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown in 12 of their first 13 games of a season. The Steelers have won 10 games for the 11th time under head coach Mike Tomlin (since 2007) and rank fourth in rushing defense this season, allowing 91.5 rushing yards per game.
Philadelphia clinched a playoff berth last week and have qualified for the postseason in each of their four seasons under head coach Nick Sirianni, their longest streak since securing five straight playoff appearances from 2000-04.
Since his first start of the season in Week 7, Pittsburgh quarterback Russell Wilson is 6-1 with 13 touchdowns (12 passing, one rushing) and a 103.9 passer rating. Wilson has 121 regular-season wins since entering the NFL in 2012, the fifth-most by a quarterback in his first 13 seasons in NFL history, trailing only Pro Football Hall of Famers Peyton Manning (141 wins) and Brett Favre (125) as well as Tom Brady (136) and Ben Roethlisberger (123).
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts recorded three touchdowns (two passing, one rushing) in the team’s Week 14 victory and has 36 career games with a rushing touchdown, tied with Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve Young (36 games) for the third-most by a quarterback in NFL history.
Hurts, who recorded two separate winning streaks of 11 games from 2021-22 and 2022-23, can become the fifth quarterback since 1950 with at least three career winning streaks of 10-or-more games, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers John Elway and Peyton Manning as well as Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes.
Philadelphia running back Saquon Barkley leads the NFL with a franchise-record 1,623 rushing yards and 1,890 scrimmage yards this season. This week, he can become the fourth player in the past 25 seasons (2000-24) with 1,700 rushing yards in his first 14 games of a season, joining Chris Johnson (1,730 rushing yards in 2009), Jamal Lewis (1,747 in 2003) and Adrian Peterson (1,812 in 2012).
Barkley can become the fourth non-rookie in NFL history to record 2,000 scrimmage yards in his first season with a team, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk (2,429 scrimmage yards in 1999 with the St. Louis Rams), Priest Holmes (2,169 in 2001 with Kansas City) and Ricky Williams (2,216 in 2002 with Miami).
Barkley, who had 2,028 scrimmage yards as a rookie with the New York Giants in 2018, can become the fourth player in NFL history to record 2,000 scrimmage yards in a season with two franchises, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Eric Dickerson (L.A. Rams and Indianapolis Colts) and Marshall Faulk (St. Louis Rams and Indianapolis Colts) as well as Christian McCaffrey (Carolina and San Francisco).
L.A. Rams (7-6) at San Francisco (6-7) (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video): Since the team’s Week 6 bye, the Rams have won six of their past eight games, with five of the wins coming in games decided by seven-or-fewer points. In Week 3, Los Angeles overcame a 10-point fourth quarter deficit to defeat San Francisco, 27-24.
Since Week 11, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is one of three players with at least 10 touchdown passes (10) and no interceptions, along with Minnesota’s Sam Darnold (11) and Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa (11).
Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua totaled 12 receptions for 162 yards with two touchdowns (one receiving, one rushing) in the Rams’ Week 14 win and has 11 career games with at least 100 receiving yards, tied with Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss (11 games) and JuJu Smith-Schuster (11) for the third-most games with at least 100 receiving yards by a player in his first two career seasons in the Super Bowl era. Only Odell Beckham Jr. (15 games) and Justin Jefferson (14) have more.
San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy completed 20 of 25 pass attempts (80 percent) for 325 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions and a 145.4 passer rating in Week 14, his sixth career game with a passer rating of 140-or-higher, the most such games by a quarterback in his first three seasons in NFL history.
Green Bay (9-4) at Seattle (8-5) (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC): Seattle enters Week 15 on a four-game winning streak and in first place in the NFC West after missing the postseason last year. In each of the past 46 seasons (1977-2023, excluding 1982 when divisional play did not occur), at least one team has won its division the season after missing the playoffs.
Since Week 11, the Seahawks have allowed the third-fewest points per game (15.5) and fourth-fewest yards per game (297.3) in the NFL.
Packers running back Josh Jacobs rushed for three touchdowns in Week 14 and became the first player since 2021 (Derrick Henry) with multiple games of three-or-more rushing touchdowns in a season.
In his only career game at Seattle (Nov. 27, 2022, with Las Vegas), Jacobs set career highs in scrimmage yards (303) and rushing yards (229), including the game-winning 86-yard rushing touchdown in overtime, the second-longest overtime rushing touchdown and fourth-longest overtime scrimmage touchdown since 1974.
Chicago (4-9) at Minnesota (11-2) (Monday, 8 p.m. ET, ABC): The Vikings have won six consecutive games, including a 42-21 victory over Atlanta last week in which quarterback Sam Darnold became the first Minnesota quarterback since Daunte Culpepper in Week 6, 2004, with five touchdown passes in a game.
Darnold is one of four players in the past 15 seasons (2010-24) with at least two touchdown passes and a passer rating of 100-or-higher in 10 of his first 13 games of a season, along with Patrick Mahomes (10 games in 2018), Philip Rivers (10 in 2018) and Aaron Rodgers (12 games in 2011 and 12 in 2020).
Minnesota wide receiver Jordan Addison, who is 22 years old, had a career-high three touchdown receptions last week and has 17 touchdown receptions since entering the NFL in 2023. Only five players under the age of 23 have more touchdown receptions in NFL history: Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss (28 touchdowns), Rob Gronkowski (27), Ja’Marr Chase (22), Odell Beckham Jr. (19) and Larry Fitzgerald (18).
Chicago rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, from Weeks 6-14, has an active streak of 255 consecutive pass attempts without an interception, the longest such streak by a rookie in NFL history.
Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen appeared in his 150th career game last week and has 951 receptions, the most receptions by a player in his first 150 career games all-time. In his last game at Minnesota (Sept. 24, 2023, with the Los Angeles Chargers), he set career highs with 18 receptions and 215 receiving yards, tied for the third-most receptions in a game in NFL history.
Miami (6-7) at Houston (8-5) (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS): Houston, with a win and a loss by Indianapolis, can clinch the AFC South for the second-consecutive year and DeMeco Ryans can become the sixth head coach since 2000 to win a division in each of his first two seasons, joining Jim Caldwell, Jim Harbaugh, Matt LaFleur, Sean McVay and Mike Tomlin.
Miami has won four of its past five games and over the past three weeks, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa became the first player in NFL history with at least 40 pass attempts, 300 passing yards and no interceptions in three consecutive games.
Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill recorded 10 receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown last week and has 11 career games with at least 10 receptions, 100 receiving yards and a touchdown reception, tied with Antonio Brown (11 games) and Michael Thomas (11) for the second-most such games by a player in his first nine seasons in NFL history. Only Davante Adams (14 games) has more.
Indianapolis (6-7) at Denver (8-5) (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): The Broncos have won three consecutive games and enter Week 15 with a +28-sack differential, having recorded the most sacks (47) and tied for the third-fewest sacks allowed (19) in the NFL this season. Only two teams in the past 15 seasons (2010-24) had a higher sack differential in their first 13 games of a season: the 2020 Pittsburgh Steelers (+34) and 2022 Dallas Cowboys (+32).
Denver linebacker Nik Bonitto ranks tied for second in the NFL with a career-high 11 sacks this season and has a tackle for loss in each of his past 10 games. Only three players since 2000 have had a longer such streak in a season: Baltimore’s Terrell Suggs (12 consecutive games with a tackle for loss in 2010), Philadelphia’s Connor Barwin (11 in 2014) and Houston’s J.J. Watt (11 in 2014).
Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix has 14 touchdowns (12 passing, two rushing) in six home games this season and over his past three home starts (Weeks 8, 11 and 13), joined Justin Herbert (2020) and C.J. Stroud (2023) as the only rookie quarterbacks in NFL history with at least 275 passing yards in three consecutive home games.
Indianapolis quarterback Anthony Richardson has six touchdowns (three passing, three rushing) in his past two road games (Weeks 11 and 13) as the Colts became the first team since the 2022 New York Jets to win consecutive road games with a game-winning touchdown in the final minute of the fourth quarter.
Tampa Bay (7-6) at L.A. Chargers (8-5) (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX): The Chargers enter Week 15 with the league’s top ranked scoring defense (15.9 points per game allowed), having allowed 20-or-fewer points in 11 of 13 games this season. The Buccaneers have won three consecutive games following their Week 11 bye and rank fifth in the NFL with 27.9 points per game.
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has 335 consecutive pass attempts without an interception, the fifth-longest such streak in NFL history. The only streaks longer: Aaron Rodgers (402 consecutive pass attempts without an interception in 2018), Tom Brady (399 in 2022 and 358 from 2010-11) and Jared Goff (383 from 2022-23).
Herbert can become the first player in NFL history without an interception in 12 consecutive games (minimum 15 pass attempts in each game) within a single season, surpassing Tom Brady (11 consecutive games in 2010).
Herbert has 19,987 career passing yards and can join Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (20,618 passing yards) as the only players with at least 20,000 passing yards in their first five seasons in NFL history.
Tampa Bay’s Baker Mayfield ranks tied for third with 28 touchdown passes this season and has 155 touchdown passes in 99 career starts. He is one of six quarterbacks selected No. 1 overall with at least 150 touchdown passes in his first 100 career starts, along with Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (178 touchdown passes), Matthew Stafford (178), Andrew Luck (171 in 86 starts), Carson Palmer (160) and Jared Goff (155).
COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS
MICHIGAN DT MASON GRAHAM ENTERING NFL DRAFT
Michigan junior defensive tackle Mason Graham officially shifted gears to being preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Graham’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirmed the All-American who helped the Wolverines to an undefeated national championship season in 2023 was turning pro. The Rose Bowl MVP in Michigan’s win over Alabama, Graham had 45 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 2024.
Field Level Media ranks Graham No. 9 overall in the draft with a skill set that compares to Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne. The Alabama product was the No. 13 pick in the 2018 draft because of his combination of upfield burst, upper-body strength and power in his hands.
Those same traits made Graham a two-time All-Big Ten selection and inspired the label from former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh that the interior lineman was a “Gift from the Football Gods.”
Graham and cornerback Will Johnson, another probable first-round pick in 2025, were among the few returning impact players from the national championship roster after Harbaugh left for the NFL.
In 37 games at Michigan, Graham had 107 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 9.0 sacks, three passes defended and one forced fumble.
Harbaugh said in 2023 when Graham returned to play with a ham-sized wrap around his fractured left hand within two weeks that several friends in the NFL were texting him to sing the praises of Graham for his relentless motor and effectiveness on all three downs.
A former wrestler who uses leverage to his advantage, Graham said prior to the 2024 season his greatest individual improvement was evolving technique as a pass rusher.
DILLON GABRIEL, TRAVIS HUNTER, ASHTON JEANTY, CAM WARD ARE NAMED HEISMAN FINALISTS
Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, Colorado’s Travis Hunter, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty and Miami’s Cam Ward were announced as the Heisman Trophy finalists on Monday night.
The Heisman has been given to the nation’s most outstanding college football player since 1935. This year’s winner will be announced Saturday in New York. The top four vote-getters determined by more than 900 voters are selected as finalists. The voting panel includes members of the media and former Heisman winners.
A look, in alphabetical order, at each of the finalist’s road to Manhattan.
Dillon Gabriel, Oregon
Gabriel, who transferred from Oklahoma in the offseason, led unbeaten and top-ranked Oregon to the Big Ten championship in its first year in the league and the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.
Gabriel averages 274 yards passing per game and has thrown for 28 touchdowns with six interceptions. His 73.2% completion rate is second in the nation. His 35 total touchdowns are tied for seventh nationally, and his career total of 187 is the highest in NCAA history.
He set the all-time Football Bowl Subdivision record for career quarterback starts with his 62nd in the Big Ten title game.
Travis Hunter, Colorado
Hunter, will go down as one of the great two-way players in history. His accomplishments harken those of Charles Woodson, the Michigan cornerback who in 1997 became the first Heisman winner who primarily played defense.
Woodson also spent time at receiver, but Hunter’s offensive production dwarfs his. Hunter was named All-Big 12 first-team receiver and earned honorable mention for offensive player of the year. He leads the Big 12 with 92 receptions and 14 receiving touchdowns and is second with 1,152 yards. His 21 receiving plays of 20-plus yards lead the nation.
He also is Big 12 defensive player of the year and a unanimous first-team defensive back after recording 31 tackles, tying for the Big 12 lead with 11 pass breakups and tying for second with four interceptions.
Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
The junior running back has had one of the most productive seasons in college football history. His 2,497 yards rushing are the fourth-highest single-season total in the FBS, and his 192.1 yards per game lead the nation and are 58 more than the next highest average. Jeanty has rushed for at least 125 yards in 13 straight games.
Jeanty has gone over 200 yards in his last two games and a total of six times this season. He averages 7.26 yards per cary, and his 344 attempts are the most in the FBS in two seasons. He and Army’s Bryson Daily share the national lead with 29 rushing touchdowns.
Cam Ward, Miami
The Miami quarterback was named Associated Press offensive player of the year and newcomer of the year in the Atlantic Coast Conference on Monday. He leads the nation with a school-record 36 passing touchdowns and his 4,123 passing yards, 4,319 total yards, 343.6 passing yards per game and 41 total touchdowns rank second.
Ward leads the nation’s highest-scoring offense (44.2 ypg). He became the first Miami quarterback to post seven straight 300-yard games, and he has 10 games with 300-plus yards and three or more TD passes.
AP ALL-BIG TEN: OREGON’S GABRIEL, PENN STATE’S CARTER AND INDIANA’S CIGNETTI TAKE TOP HONORS
Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel is The Associated Press Big Ten offensive player of the year, Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter is defensive player of the year and Indiana’s Curt Cignetti is coach of the year.
Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson and Penn State tight end Tyler Warren were unanimous first-team selections Tuesday by the voting panel of 21 media members who cover the conference.
The first team includes five players from Iowa, four from Ohio State and three each from conference champion Oregon and Indiana.
Repeat first-team selections are Minnesota offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery, Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson and Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins. Ohio State defensive end JT Tuimoloau, a first-team pick in 2022 and ’23, is on the second team.
Gabriel, who transferred from Oklahoma in the offseason, led unbeaten and top-ranked Oregon to the Big Ten championship in its first year in the league. Gabriel averages 274 yards passing per game and has thrown for 28 touchdowns against six interceptions. His 73.2% completion rate is second in the nation.
Carter leads the Big Ten with 19.5 tackles for loss, and his 10 sacks are the most by a Penn State player since Carl Nassib had 15.5 in 2015.
Cignetti has orchestrated one of the great turnarounds of all time in his first season at Indiana. The Hoosiers, who won three games in 2023, have double-digit wins for the first time and will take an 11-1 record into their College Football Playoff first-round game at Notre Dame on Dec. 20.
Ohio State freshman Jeremiah Smith is newcomer of the year. He set school freshman records for receptions (57), yards (934), touchdown receptions (10) and 100-yard games (three).
First-team offense
Wide receivers — Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State, freshman, 6-3, 215, Miami Gardens, Florida; Pat Bryant, Illinois, senior, 6-3, 200, Jacksonville, Florida; Tai Felton, Maryland, senior, 6-2, 186, Ashburn, Virginia.
Tackles — Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota, senior, 6-3, 330, Kansas City, Missouri; Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon, junior, 6-4, 315, Seattle.
Guards — Connor Colby, Iowa, senior, 6-6, 310, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Donovan Jackson, Ohio State, senior, 6-4, 320, Cypress, Texas.
Center — Seth McLaughlin, Ohio State, graduate, 6-4, 305, Buford, Georgia.
Tight end — u-Tyler Warren, Penn State, senior, 6-6, 261, Mechanicsville, Virginia.
Quarterback — Dillon Gabriel, Oregon, graduate, 6-0, 200, Mililani, Hawaii.
Running backs — u-Kaleb Johnson, Iowa, junior, 6-0, 225, Hamilton, Ohio; Kyle Monangai, Rutgers, senior, 5-9, 209, Roseland, New Jersey.
Kicker — Dominic Zvada, Michigan, junior, 6-3, 180, Chandler, Arizona.
All-purpose — Kaden Wetjen, Iowa, senior, 5-10, 196, Williamsburg, Iowa.
First-team defense
Edge rushers — Abdul Carter, Penn State, junior, 6-3, 252, Philadelphia; Mikail Kamara, Indiana, junior, 6-1, 265, Ashburn, Virginia.
Interior linemen — Mason Graham, Michigan, junior, 6-3, 320, Mission Viejo, California; Derrick Harmon, Oregon, junior, 6-5, 310, Detroit.
Linebackers — Jay Higgins, Iowa, senior, 6-2, 232, Indianapolis; Aiden Fisher, Indiana, junior, 6-1, 233, Fredericksburg, Virginia; Carson Schwesinger, UCLA, junior, 6-2, 225, Moorpark, California.
Cornerbacks — D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana, sophomore, 5-9, 170, Miami; Xavier Scott, Illinois, junior, 5-11, 190, Riviera Beach, Florida.
Safeties — Caleb Downs, Ohio State, sophomore, 6-0, 205, Hoschton, Georgia; Koi Perich, Minnesota, freshman, 6-1, 200, Esko, Minnesota.
Defensive back — Sebastian Castro, Iowa, graduate, 5-11, 205, Oak Lawn, Illinois.
Punter — Eddie Czaplicki, Southern California, senior, 6-1, 207, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Second-team offense
Wide receivers — Tez Johnson, Oregon, senior, 5-10, 165, Pinson, Alabama; Elijah Sarratt, Indiana, junior, 6-2, 209, Stafford, Virginia; Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State, graduate, 6-1, 205, Steilacoom, Washington.
Tackles — Gennings Dunker, Iowa, junior, 6-5, 316, Lena, Illinois; Hollin Pierce, Rutgers, senior, 6-8, 344, Trenton, New Jersey.
Guards — Emmanuel Pregnon, Southern California, senior, 6-5, 320, Denver; Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State, sophomore, 6-4, 348, Graham, Washington.
Center — Logan Jones, Iowa, senior, 6-3, 293, Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Tight end — Colston Loveland, Michigan, junior, 6-5, 245, Gooding, Idaho.
Quarterback — Kurtis Rourke, Indiana, graduate, 6-5, 233, Oakville, Ontario.
Running backs — Jordan James, Oregon, junior, 5-10, 210, Nashville, Tennessee; Woody Marks, Southern California, senior, 5-10, 208, Atlanta.
Kicker — Jonathan Kim, Michigan State, graduate, 6-1, 227, Fredericksburg, Virginia.
All-purpose — Woody Marks, Southern California, senior, 5-10, 208, Atlanta.
Second-team defense
Edge rushers — Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon, sophomore, 6-5, 270, Bellflower, California; JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State, senior, 6-5, 269, Edgewood, Washington.
Interior linemen — Ty Robinson, Nebraska, senior, 6-6, 310, Gilbert, Arizona; Kenneth Grant, Michigan, junior, 6-3, 339, Gary, Indiana.
Linebackers — Cody Lindenberg, Minnesota, senior, 6-3, 240, Anoka, Minnesota; Bryce Boettcher, Oregon, senior, 6-2, 225, Eugene, Oregon; Kobe King, Penn State, junior, 6-1, 248, Detroit.
Cornerbacks — Jermari Harris, Iowa, graduate, 6-1, 189, Chicago; Will Johnson, Michigan, junior, 6-2, 202, Detroit.
Safeties — Jaylen Reed, Penn State, senior, 6-0, 212, Detroit; Lathan Ransom, Ohio State, graduate, 6-1, 210, Tucson, Arizona.
Punter — Rhys Dakin, Iowa, freshman, 6-0, 222, Melbourne, Australia.
Individual honors
Offensive player of the year — Dillon Gabriel, Oregon.
Defensive player of the year — Abdul Carter, Penn State.
Coach of the year — Curt Cignetti, Indiana.
Newcomer of the year — Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State.
BASEBALL NEWS
CUBS HALL OF FAMER RYNE SANDBERG SAYS CANCER HAS RETURNED, SPREAD
CHICAGO (AP) — Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg says the prostate cancer he thought had been eliminated by radiation has returned and spread.
The Chicago Cubs great made the announcement on Instagram on Tuesday.
Sandberg announced in January that he had metastatic prostate cancer and in August said he was cancer-free after chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
“Unfortunately, we recently learned the cancer has relapsed and it has spread to other organs,” he wrote Tuesday. “This means that I’m back to more intensive treatment. We will continue to be positive, strong, and fight to beat this. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for me and my family.”
Sandberg was the National League MVP in 1984 and a 10-time All-Star during 15 seasons for the Cubs from 1982 to 1997, with 282 home runs and 344 stolen bases. After his playing career, he served as manager of the Philadelphia Phillies from 2013 to 2015, going 119-159.
The Cubs honored him this summer with a statue outside Wrigley Field.
“Ryne is an inspiration to cancer survivors everywhere,” Cubs owner Tom Ricketts said in a statement Tuesday. “I know all Cubs fans join my family and me in sending positive thoughts to Ryne and keeping him and his family in our prayers as he faces this next round of treatments to defeat cancer. Ryne has the heart and soul of a champion and that will serve him well in this challenge.”
NHL NEWS
NHL ROUNDUP: BLACKHAWKS SINK RANGERS, SNAP OUT OF COLD SPELL
Taylor Hall scored the tiebreaking goal with 13:44 remaining and added an assist as the visiting Chicago Blackhawks stopped a season-worst five-game losing streak with a 2-1 victory over the struggling New York Rangers on Monday night.
Outscored 21-10 during their skid, the Blackhawks gave interim coach Anders Sorensen his first win in two games since he replaced Luke Richardson on Thursday. Chicago also stopped a six-game road losing streak (0-5-1) and earned its fourth win in 15 games (4-10-1).
Tyler Bertuzzi also scored for the Blackhawks, who won for just the second time in 19 games this season when scoring two goals or fewer.
Chicago goaltender Arvid Soderblom made 29 saves a day after Petr Mrazek went on injured reserve with a groin ailment. Soderblom highlighted his ninth career victory (and second this season) with a left skate save on Artemi Panarin during a New York power play in the second.
Red Wings 6, Sabres 5 (SO)
Lucas Raymond had a goal and an assist and also scored during a shootout as visiting Detroit snapped a five-game losing streak by topping slumping Buffalo.
Andrew Copp had two goals and Moritz Seider supplied a goal and an assist. Detroit goalie Sebastian Cossa, the 15th overall pick of the 2021 draft, recorded the win in relief while making his NHL debut.
The Red Wings entered the contest on an 0-3-2 skid. Jason Zucker had two goals and an assist for Buffalo, which has lost seven straight games (0-4-3).
Canadiens 3, Ducks 2 (SO)
Patrik Laine recorded a goal and an assist in regulation before host Montreal won in a shootout against Anaheim.
Kirby Dach also scored and Sam Montembeault made 27 saves, including four in overtime, for the Canadiens, who improved to 3-1-0 on their five-game homestand.
Troy Terry scored both goals and Lukas Dostal made 19 saves for the Ducks, who lost for the sixth time in their past eight games (2-4-2). Laine and Cole Caufield scored in the shootout for Montreal, while Terry and Mason McTavish both failed to find the back of the net for Anaheim.
TOP INDIANA RELEASES
COLTS NEWS
COLTS SIGN DT PHELDARIUS PAYNE TO PRACTICE SQUAD, PLACE DT TRYSTEN HILL ON PRACTICE SQUAD INJURED LIST
Indianapolis – The Indianapolis Colts today signed defensive tackle Pheldarius Payne to the practice squad and placed defensive tackle Trysten Hill on the Practice Squad Injured list.
Payne, 6-3, 275 pounds, participated in the Houston Texans’ 2024 offseason program and training camp. He was originally signed by the Texans as an undrafted free agent on May 10, 2024. Collegiately, Payne spent two seasons (2022-23) at Virginia Tech. In 2023, he saw action in all 13 games (two starts) and compiled 31 tackles (21 solo), 10.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, one pass defensed and one forced fumble. Payne missed the entire 2022 season due to injury. Prior to Virginia Tech, he played in 18 games over two seasons (2020-21) at Nebraska and totaled 34 tackles (12 solo), 4.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks and two passes defensed. Payne began his collegiate career at Lackawanna (Pa.) College, where he registered 53 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, 9.0 sacks, one pass defensed and one fumble recovery over two seasons (2018-19).
Hill, 6-3, 310 pounds, was signed to the team’s practice squad on November 18, 2024. He has played in 34 career games (five starts) in his time with the Colts (2024), New England Patriots (2023-24), Cleveland Browns (2023), Arizona Cardinals (2022) and Dallas Cowboys (2019-22). Hill has compiled 39 tackles (27 solo), 7.0 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He has also appeared in one postseason contest and registered two tackles. Hill was originally selected by the Cowboys in the second round (58th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft out of UCF.
INDY FUEL
INDY FUEL PIT STOP: WEEK 8
INDY FUEL WEEK SEVEN RESULTS 0-1-1-0
INDY FUEL OVERALL RECORD 8-7-1-1 (4th in Central Division)
GAME 17 – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 VS. IOWA – 4-3 L
The Fuel packed the house with a sellout crowd for their first ever game at Fishers Event Center as they took on the Iowa Heartlanders. Despite taking a lead in the second period, the Fuel fell to Iowa 4-3.
GAME 18 – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 VS. IOWA- 2-1 L
The Fuel hosted the Iowa Heartlanders for the second night in a row. In a low scoring battle, Indy forced overtime and ultimately fell 2-1 to Iowa.
ROSTER MOVES
Forward Sam Ruffin has been traded to Adirondack (ECHL) for future considerations (12/05)
Goaltender Ben Gaudreau has been recalled by Rockford (12/08)
Defenseman DJ King has been recalled by Rockford (12/08)
Forward Cam Hausinger loaned to Chicago Wolves (AHL) (12/08)
Signed Goaltender Marco Costantini to standard player contract (12/09)
OIL DROPS
Ryan Gagnier scored his second goal of the season and the first goal in the new Fishers Event Center on Friday against Iowa.
Darby Llewellyn, in the first minute of the game Saturday, scored a shorthanded goal. He was assisted by Jordan Martin. It was the lone Fuel goal in Saturday’s contest and the first shorthanded goal this season for Indy.
Rookie goaltender Ben Gaudreau had a weekend save percentage of .857, facing 42 shots.
TEAM NOTES
The Fuel had an outstanding 12,849 people attend the inaugural home opener weekend in the new Fishers Event Center!
Indy’s penalty kill remains strong, as the Fuel is ranked second in the league for overall penalty killing.
Despite not having captain Chris Cameron, the Fuel’s defense still is ranked first with the least amount of shots against per game with 23.06. It is a 3-shot margin between the Fuel and the next team.
INDY FUEL WEEK 9 SCHEDULE
GAME 19 – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 VS. ALLEN
GAME 20 – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 VS. KALAMAZOO
GAME 21 – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 AT KALAMAZOO
BROADCAST
Don’t miss a moment of the action! Get your tickets to an Indy Fuel game or tune in live!
UPCOMING FAN EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS
Get ready for lots of fun at Fishers Event Center this season! Check out some of our upcoming promotions and special fan experiences!
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 – Drop everything now! Bring your best “dress” and celebrate Eras Night (Indy Fuel’s Version) on December 13. The Fuel have a “big reputation” as they take on the Allen Americans. Stay after the game for a post-game jersey auction that will never go out of “style.”
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14- Teddy Bear Toss is back for the first time at the Fishers Event Center! Bring a stuffed toy to throw on the ice when the Fuel score their first goal! All toys will be donated to local charities.
ABOUT THE INDY FUEL:
The Indy Fuel are the proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Chicago Blackhawks and the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs.
INDIANA FOOTBALL
CIGNETTI, FIVE PLAYERS TABBED ALL-B1G BY ASSOCIATED PRESS
BLOOMINGTON, Ind.. – The Associated Press announced its All-Big Ten teams on Tuesday (Dec. 10) and five Indiana football student-athletes found their names on the list. Head coach Curt Cignetti was also named the outlets Big Ten Coach of the Year.
The Hoosiers saw the defensive trio of Aiden Fisher, Mikail Kamara and D’Angelo Ponds all garner first-team honors, while Kurtis Rourke and Elijah Sarratt were both second-team selections.
Curt Cignetti
Hayes-Schembechler Big Ten Coach of the Year (coaches)
Dave McClain Coach of the Year (media)
Associated Press Big Ten Coach of the Year
Earned fourth-career coach of the year award from the respective conference office … engineered an eight-game improvement from Indiana’s 2023 to 2024 seasons and currently sits tied for the second-best improvement by a first-year head coach since at least 1996 … First-ever Division I head coach to start 8-0 or better in consecutive seasons at different institutions (James Madison, 10-0 – 2023; Indiana, 11-1 – 2024) … The 11 victories in 2024 are the most in program history and mark the first double-digit win season in Hoosier history … Eight Big Ten wins are the most by an IU team since joining the conference in 1900 … Only Indiana head coach to start a season at least 4-0 and joined the select group of Big Ten coaches that started their Big Ten tenures with 10-0 overall records in the AP Poll Era (since 1936): Ryan Day (Ohio State, 2018-19), Urban Meyer (Ohio State, 2012), Earle Bruce (Ohio State, 1979), Bennie Oosterbaan (Michigan, 1948-49) and Carroll Widdoes (Ohio State, 1944-45).
DEFENSE
Aiden Fisher, LB
All-B1G First Team (Coaches & Media)
Associated Press All-Big Ten First Team
Led the team and ranked third in the Big Ten in total tackles at 108 stops on the season … Started all 12 games and chipped in eight-plus tackles in eight games on the season, with four double-digit tackle games … Had 4.0 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks … Broke up three passes.
Mikail Kamara, DL
All-B1G First Team (Coaches & Media)
Associated Press All-Big Ten First Team
Finalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy … Ranked No. 2 in the Big Ten in sacks (10.0) and tackles for loss (15.0) … Started all 12 games … Totaled 44 total tackles with multiple tackles in 11 of 12 games … Season sack total ranks tied for No. 5 on the IU single-season charts with Adewale Ogunleye (10.0; 1997) … Posted the first double-digit sacks by a Hoosier since Jammie Kirlew in 2008 (10.5) … Posted a tackle for loss in nine of 12 games in 2024 and 30 of 35 career games … Forced two fumbles and recovered three fumbles … Finished atop the Big Ten and No. 2 in the Power 4 in total pressures (64) per Pro Football Focus.
D’Angelo Ponds, DB
All-B1G First Team (Coaches & Media)
Associated Press All-Big Ten First Team
Graded as the No. 3 coverage cornerback in the Big Ten per Pro Football Focus (84.7) … Appeared in all 12 games with 11 starts … Totaled 53 tackles with 4.5 tackles for loss … Grabbed two interceptions and broke up nine passes … Returned one interception or a touchdown … Blocked a punt at Michigan State that ended in a safety.
OFFENSE
Kurtis Rourke, QB
All-B1G Second Team (Coaches & Media)
Associated Press All-Big Ten Second Team
Finalist for the Manning Award … Led the nation in passing efficiency (181.4) and is No. 2 in the Big Ten in touchdown passes (27) and fewest interceptions (4) … Started 11 games … Three-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week … Semifinalist for the Maxwell, Walter Camp Award and Davey O’Brien Award … Only Big Ten quarterback since 2000 to throw for 250 yards and at least 3 touchdown passes in their first three conference road games … Threw program-record-tying six touchdown passes against Purdue … Season passing total of 2,827 yards sits No. 7 on the single-season list at IU … Tied for No. 2 on single-season passing touchdowns list … Highest-graded passer (92.9) in the Big Ten per Pro Football Focus.
Elijah Sarratt, WR
All-B1G Third Team (Coaches & Media)
Associated Press All-Big Ten Second Team
Finished No. 5 in the Big Ten in receiving yards (890) and No. 8 in receiving touchdowns (8) … Started all 12 games … Caught 49 passes on the season with 37 going for a first down or touchdown … Season receiving yardage total ranks No. 12 in IU history and season touchdown receptions are tied for No. 10 on IU’s single-season list … Owns a reception in all 37 career games played.
INDIANA VOLLEYBALL
AVCA MIDWEST ALL-REGION NODS FOR HAWORTH, GARY
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Senior setter Camryn Haworth and sophomore libero Ramsey Gary were selected to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Midwest All-Region team, as announced by the organization on Tuesday (Dec. 10) morning.
One of 10 regions across the United States, the Midwest region features teams from Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and West Virginia. The Hoosiers were previously in the Northeast region before the AVCA redesigned the groupings as a result of the newest wave of conference realignment.
This year is the first in program history that IU has multiple selections to the 14-player All-Region first team. Haworth makes her second-consecutive appearance on the First Team All-Region list. She was an Honorable Mention selection as well as a sophomore in 2022.
Gary, IU’s All-Big Ten libero, makes her debut on the First Team All-Region list. As a freshman in 2023, she was one of two Honorable Mention selections for the Hoosiers. She was the only libero to make the First Team All-Region list and one of four underclassmen.
Haworth wrapped up a spectacular career for the Hoosiers in 2024, finishing the season with 1,061 assists (10.10 per set), 234 digs (2.23 per set), 90 kills, 50 blocks and 49 aces. She broke the program’s all-time aces record (213) and finished with the most assists (3,923) in the rally-scoring era for IU.
Gary, a native of Pendleton, Indiana, was rock solid in the defense for the Hoosiers once again. She was third in the Big Ten with 4.06 digs per set and racked up 438 digs in total on the season. She is a back-to-back All-Big Ten selection to open her career and is set to be one of the premier returning liberos in the country next season.
All 140 members of the respective 10 AVCA All-Region teams will advance to be considered for All-American honors in 2024. Last season, Haworth was selected as an Honorable Mention All-American, the fourth player overall to earn honors in program history. The AVCA will announce the full list on Wednesday, Dec. 18th.
INDIANA MEN’S SOCCER
MIHALIC, MILLER TO ATTEND ADIDAS MLS COLLEGE SHOWCASE
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Major League Soccer on Tuesday (Dec. 10) announced its 44 invitees for the 2024 adidas MLS College Showcase, which will take place from December 11-14 in San Diego, California.
The list features Indiana men’s soccer senior forward Tommy Mihalic and defender Jansen Miller.
The four-day talent evaluation event will give technical staffs from each MLS club an opportunity to scout top collegiate prospects in the nation ahead of MLS SuperDraft 2025, which will take place on Friday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. ET.
Mihalic recorded 10 goals and five assists as a senior and earned the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year Award. Over his career, Mihalic compiled 24 goals, eight assists and 56 points.
Miller tallied a goal and four assists from his center-back position as a fifth-year senior. Over three seasons at IU, the Hoosiers held opponents to 51 goals in his 50 games played.
PURDUE VOLLEYBALL
HUDSON NAMED AVCA MIDWEST REGION PLAYER OF THE YEAR
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Four Boilermakers received recognition in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Midwest Region Awards, headlined by Eva Hudson as Midwest Region Player of the Year. Receiving All-Region honors was Chloe Chicoine, Raven Colvin and Hudson in addition to Ali Hornung named Honorable Mention
With the award, Hudson remains perfect on the Midwest All-Region team, earning three team honors in her three seasons while adding Player of the Year to the belt that also included Freshman of the Year in 2022. The Boilermaker entered NCAA tournament as the Big Ten leader in kills, and proved the point with her NCAA tournament-leading 6.83 kills per set and average .500 hitting % over the first two matches with just three total attack errors, including a career-high .562 hitting % in the second round. Already well on her way to re-writing the Purdue record book, Hudson currently ranks No. 2 in single-season history for kills/set (just .01 off from the record-holder) in addition to being on track to surpass Purdue’s career-leader in kills per game as Hudson is averaging 4.51 (current record: 3.96).
Colvin returns for the second straight year as an All-Region Team honoree after earning Honorable Mention as a sophomore. One of the best middle blockers to ever don the Old Gold & Black, Colvin is the career record-holder in block assists and ranks second in program history in both blocks per set and total blocks, having surpassed 600 blocks during the regular season and is currently one kill away from notching her 1,000th. Colvin led the Big Ten and ranks No. 3 in the nation in blocks, leading the nation for the first four weeks of the season. The Indianapolis, Indiana, native has recorded 18 matches this year with at least six blocks, 18 matches hitting .400 or better, including nine at .500 or better.
Chicoine receives All-Region honors for the second straight year, also coming off Freshman of the Year. She is having one of the most balanced seasons any Purdue outside hitter in its history, averaging 2.98 digs per set (343 on the season) and 3.10 kills per set (357 on the season). The Boilermaker has stepped up in the biggest matches of the season, including a season-high 33 kills at #2 Nebraska and 20 digs at #13 Oregon. In addition, she went errorless on the attack vs. Indiana in Purdue’s Mackey Arena match, recording 12 kills on 30 attempts for a .400 clip to become just the third Boilermaker in the last 10 years to accomplish the feat with a 30-attempt minimum. Chicoine has totaled 14 double-doubles this season, including six matches with at least 15 kills.
Hornung’s honorable mention nod marked the first postseason athletic award for the senior libero. The New Albany, Indiana native enters the NCAA Regionals averaging 4.30 digs per set this season after finishing second in the Big Ten in digs and digs/set. Improving as the season progressed, She averaged 5.03 digs per set over the last 10 matches of the regular-season and reached her 1,000th career dig during the span, becoming the 21st Boilermaker in program history to reach the milestone. Hornung received two Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week nods during the season.
Hudson and Colvin were named First Team All-Big Ten and Chicoine Second Team last week. From the AVCA’s list of All-Region selections, All-America honors will be selected.
Together, the Boilermakers helped Purdue reach a 25-6 record, including 16-4 Big Ten record, during the regular season, and a fourth-place finish in the league standings. With the two postseason sweeps thus far, Purdue’s 27 wins mark the second time under head coach Dave Shondell and eighth time overall Purdue has reached the feat.
The No. 4 seeded Purdue Boilermakers are set to play at No. 1 seed Louisville in the Regional Semifinals on Thursday night on ESPN2. The showdown is set to start approximately 30 minutes following the conclusion of the Florida vs. Stanford match, which starts at 7 p.m. ET.
NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL
FREEMAN NAMED FINALIST FOR FWAA EDDIE ROBINSON COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Dick Corbett Head Football Coach Marcus Freeman has been selected by the Football Writers Association of America as a finalist for the 2024 Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award. Freeman joins a group of nine finalists for the honor.
Freeman, in his third season at Notre Dame, has led the Irish to an 11-1 record in 2024, with a No. 3 ranking in the Associated Press (AP) and Coaches Polls, and the No. 7 seed in the 2024 College Football Playoff.
2024 marks Freeman’s first finalist honor for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award. Four previous Notre Dame coaches have won the award: Ara Parseghian (1964), Lou Holtz (1988), Charlie Weis (2005) and Brian Kelly (2012).
Freeman led Notre Dame to four victories over opponents ranked in the AP Poll at the time of the game this season: No. 20 Texas A&M, No. 15 Louisville, No. 24 Navy and No. 18 Army. The victory over Army was the 11th ranked win of the Freeman era at Notre Dame, more than any other Irish head coach in the first three years of his tenure.
Notre Dame finished out the regular season ranking among the top teams in the nation in multiple statistical categories, including: first in team passing efficiency defense (94.10), first in turnovers gained (28), first in defensive touchdowns (6), second in turnover margin (1.33), third in scoring defense (13.6), fourth in scoring offense (39.8), fourth in passing yards allowed (157.9), fourth in interceptions (17), fourth in fourth-down success rate (0.760), sixth in passes had intercepted (5), seventh in fumbles recovered (11), ninth in red zone defense (0.733), 10th in total defense (296.8), 10th in rushing offense (224.8) and 10th in first downs defense (197).
NOTRE DAME MEN’S BASKETBAL
DARTMOUTH ON WEDNESDAY
| OPPONENT: | DARTMOUTH (4-4) |
| WHERE: | SOUTH BEND, IN | PURCELL PAVILION |
| WHEN: | WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11 | 7 PM ET |
| WATCH: | ACCNX |
| LISTEN: | NOTRE DAME RADIO NETWORK | CLICK HERE |
| LIVE STATS: | STATBROADCAST |
| TICKETS: | PURCHASE ONLINE |
| SOCIAL: | @NDMBB | #GOIRISH |
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Notre Dame men’s basketball goes from using the power of green to defeat Syracuse to hoping to take down the Big Green of Dartmouth. The Fighting Irish (5-5) look to win their second straight when Dartmouth visits Purcell Pavilion on Wednesday, December 11. Tip is set for 7 p.m. ET, streaming live on ACCNX. Tickets are still available for purchase here.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Setting the tone – the Irish only have two non-conference games left. First is Dartmouth which is followed by 10 days without competition to accommodate finals and the CFP. Then there’s Le Moyne on December 22, followed by another long break for the holidays that extends to the ACC opener at Georgia Tech on December 31—which provides plenty of downtime ahead for the Irish to recover as well.
Keeping the unblemished record alive – Notre Dame and Dartmouth have squared off just six times over the century+ that the program has been around. The Irish have won all six of them. The most recent matchup was a 97-87 victory at home on December 19, 2017.
Notre Dame’s historic dominance against Ivy League competition – Irish are 47-4 all-time against Ivy League schools. The last time the Irish lost to an Ivy Leaguer was January 3, 1977, to Princeton.
A matchup to watch – Dartmouth is averaging 10.4 made threes/game which ranks 25th in the country. Notre Dame’s three-point field goal percentage defense is at 31.4 percent.
#ProtectPurcell – A win would improve the Irish to 5-1 at home this season. Notre Dame is averaging 79.2 ppg at home on 49.3 percent shooting. They own a +10.6 scoring margin inside Purcell Pavilion.
FRESHLY SQUEEZED WIN
Notre Dame needed that one and got it. The Fighting Irish won its first ACC opener since the 2017-18 season and they did it by banding together down the stretch in a 69-64 win over Syracuse. Neither team had a lead greater than three in the second half until 2:11 remaining in the game.
The player who broke that one-possession margin was Braeden Shrewsberry. The sophomore had a huge game, tying his career high of 25 points behind six made three-pointers. He shot 8-of-15 overall and 6-for-11 from deep. Two of those triples came in the final four minutes of the game.
J.R. Konieczny was a spark off the bench with a season-high 15 points – 13 of which came in the first half. Despite getting into foul trouble, Tae Davis was a crucial piece of the Notre Dame offense with 15 points, going 6-8 from the floor while also chipping in two assists and two steals. Kebba Njie was just shy of a double-double as he finished with nine points and nine rebounds for the Irish.
The Orange were held to without a three for the first time since Holy Cross on Nov. 28, 2014.
FINDING THEIR WAY
Another reason the Syracuse win was so big – building confidence in a group that they can win without their All-ACC point guard Markus Burton, who was averaging just over 21 ppg heading into Vegas for the Players Era Festival. Burton then got hurt in the first four minutes of the Rutgers game and will be out of competition on a week-to-week basis. Not to mention Sir Mohammed, Notre Dame’s primary guard off the bench, was already out indefinitely recovering from his respective knee injury.
And despite losing their top scorer and primary ball handler, all three games in Vegas were there for the taking.
1. Matt Allocco put the team on his back against Rutgers and had a ‘March worthy’ performance. He forced overtime with a last-second three in regulation. Then in OT, he converted three triples in under 30 seconds to force a tie with under 15 seconds left. He ended up with a 24-point, 10-rebound double-double with 5 assists. He was 6-for-9 from three.
2. Versus #6/7 Houston, the Irish recorded a 7-0 run in the second half to pull within one at 44-45. Unfortunately, ND only scored 10 points in the final 13 minutes as Houston pulled away to win 65-54. Tae Davis led the Irish in scoring with 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting. It marked his second 20+ point performance of the season. He also tallied a team-high eight rebounds and a team-high four assists.
3. #21/19 Creighton was very similar. The Irish ultimately erased a 17-point deficit to take a lead 53-52 lead with 10:19 remaining. Yet, Creighton countered with four triples over the next four minutes and that ended up being the difference maker. Tae Davis and Braeden Shrewsberry led the Irish with 17 points each.
MAKING UP POINTS
Before Vegas, Burton was the only player in the country averaging 20+ points, 5+ assists, and 5+ rebounds. Now the Irish continue to work together to make up the 20+ points per game lost along with Burton’s ability to create shots for his teammates.
Who are the first two people to look at to pick up some of the load – Tae Davis and Braeden Shrewsberry.
Davis is averaging 16.6 ppg in Burton’s absence, producing double-digit points in all five games. He’s gotten to the free-throw line 32 times in that five-game span, doubling the amount from the next highest person (16 – Allocco).
Next, there’s Braeden Shrewsberry, who is averaging the most points over the last five at 17.6 ppg. He’s knocked down 17 triples in that span, averaging 3.4 per game.
So who’s next? Well, there’s Matt Allocco, who is averaging 10.6 ppg since Burton went down. Allocco is shooting a team-best 42.9 percent from deep in that span.
How about freshman forward Garrett Sundra, who played his first significant minutes against #21/19 Creighton and delivered. He recorded his first double-digit scoring effort with 11 points on 4-for-5 shooting (3-for-4 from three). He followed that with 5 points on 2-for-3 shooting at Georgia. He’s now 4-for-6 from beyond the arc.
Then keep an eye out for J.R. Konieczny. He boasts the second-highest +/- on the team behind Burton. More on him below.
GETTING HIS MIND RIGHT
After the Syracuse win, J.R. Konieczny was asked how he stayed ready and locked in to help lift the team after previous games of limited minutes:
“Want to give a huge shoutout to Coach Getter, he was telling me all week we need you to get back to the old J.R. and the joy you had out there. I admit, my body language sucked the last week, so trying to come out here with some confidence. Give credit to the coaches for sure,” Konieczny said.
J.R. came off the bench and supplied 13 first-half points against the Orange. He ultimately finished with a season-high 15.
TAE-KING OVER
Notre Dame wants to see the Ta(k)e Over in the first half of this 2024-25 season. Tae has this explosiveness and innate ability to attack the rim like no other on the team. He’s been using that to his advantage and currently averaging a career-best 14.5 ppg on a career-high 50.5 percent shooting.
Tae is riding a five-game double-digit scoring streak. He’s looking to surpass his career best of seven which was set over the final seven games of last season.
Where is the Indy native getting it done? Well, he’s shooting 27-of-42 (.643) from around the rim (within 4.5 feet) and 5-of-6 from the mid-range. Tae is averaging 6.6 fouls/drawn per 40 minutes. He’s turned that into 4.2 made free throws per game, averaging 72.4 percent at the stripe.
In the Buffalo victory, he poured in a career-high 27 points on 7-of-13 shooting. Plus he drained a career-best 12-of-13 from the free-throw line. Davis got it done in crunch time as well, scoring 13 of Notre Dame’s final 15 points.
BRAEDEN’S OFFENSIVE GAME
We know what Breaden is capable of from three. Last season, he drained 55 three-pointers in conference play which set a new program record for ACC threes. He ultimately hit 78 treys which were second most by a DI freshman.
This season, he’s averaging a team-best 2.9 made threes per game which ranks third in the ACC. His 29 made threes rank 42nd nationally and second in the ACC.
Shrewsberry is hot from corner threes this year, knocking down 47.6 percent (10-for-21), which is 12.8 percent above the D1 average. Overall, he’s 34.9 percent from beyond the arc.
But Braeden has added to his offensive arsenal in year two. He’s developed a dangerous floater that keeps defenders guessing, shooting 53.4 percent from two-point range.
With all that said, Shrewsberry is riding a career-best streak of six straight games with double-digit points. He’s averaging 18.3 ppg in that span. Shrewsberry is averaging 16.2 ppg overall.
BURTON’S IMPACT
When Burton was in the lineup the offense was vastly improved from a year ago. Case in point, Notre Dame posted six straight games to start the year with 75+ points, which hadn’t happened since the start of the 2009-10 season.
With Burton:
The Irish were shooting 51.9 percent from the field which ranked 14th nationally and led the ACC at the time. They were also a hot 61.0 percent from two, which ranked 17th in the country. CBB Analytics had Notre Dame’s offensive rating at 122.3 (34th nationally) while KenPom’s offensive efficiency ranking put the Irish at No. 51.
Irish Numbers Heading Into Game 11:
Notre Dame is now shooting 46.9 percent from the field and are converting 54.0 percent from two. CBB Analytics have them with a 112.3 offensive rating. KenPom’s Offensive Adj. Efficiency places them at No. 66.
BUTLER WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
BUTLER TO FACE WISCONSIN IN BIG EAST VS. BIG TEN BATTLE
Butler and Wisconsin will go head-to-head at Hinkle Fieldhouse on Wednesday night. The Badgers are 8-2 overall and the Bulldogs are 9-2. The 7 p.m. tip on FloSports.com will be Butler’s last midweek non-conference matchup of the season.
GameDay
Date: Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Location: Indianapolis, Ind. – Hinkle Fieldhouse
Live Stats: ButlerSports.com
Watch: FloSports.com
Bulldog Bits
– At 9-2, this is Butler’s best start to a season since 2018-19 when BU posted a 10-1 record.
– Butler is the first BIG EAST school to reach nine wins this season.
– Butler outscored Ohio 21-9 in the fourth quarter to secure a nine-point win.
– Kilyn McGuff recorded her fifth double-double of the year at Ohio with 18 points and 15 rebounds.
– McGuff leads the BIG EAST and ranks 12th in the nation in double-doubles (5).
– McGuff leads the team and ranks second in the conference in rebounds per game (7.9).
– McGuff has led Butler in rebounding in eight-straight games.
– McGuff needs two more 3-pointers to reach 100 in her career and Caroline Strande is three shy of 100.
– Strande ranks third among all BIG EAST players in made 3-pointers (22), she averages two per game.
– Ari Wiggins has been great from 3-point range this year making 77% of her attempts (7-9).
– Wiggins hasn’t missed a 3-pointer since Nov. 20.
– Butler leads the BIG EAST in bench points per game (26.7).
– Cristen Carter ranks third in the league in blocked shots (15) and is sixth in blocks per game (1.3).
– Carter tied her career-high rebound total at Ohio (10) and added a career-high three steals in the win.
– The Bulldogs lead the league in free throw attempts (21.1) and free throws made (14.8) per game.
– Butler has attempted 20 or more free throws in five-straight games and eight times overall.
– The Bulldogs are 3-0 this year when playing on a Wednesday.
– Karsyn Norman has 16 points over her last two games; she had 10 total over her first nine.
– On the men’s side, Butler and Wisconsin will meet on Dec. 14 as part of the Indy Classic.
BIG EAST Standings
Creighton 1-0, 7-2
UConn 0-0, 8-0
St. John’s 0-0, 8-1
Butler 0-0, 9-2
Marquette 0-0, 6-2
Seton Hall 0-0, 6-2
Georgetown 0-0, 6-3
Villanova 0-0, 5-4
Providence 0-0, 6-5
DePaul 0-0, 3-7
Xavier 0-1, 4-5
Scouting Wisconsin
The Badgers recorded a Big Ten win on Sunday afternoon, defeating Rutgers 66-64 at the Kohl Center. The victory moves their overall record to 8-2. Serah Williams led Wisconsin with 20 points and 13 rebounds. She was one of three Badgers to score in double figures along with Carter McCray and Tess Myers. Wisconsin outscored Rutgers 26-16 in the third quarter to take a 53-42 lead into the fourth, but the Scarlet Knights climbed back in the action with a 22-point fourth quarter. A late foul was the difference with Wisconsin earning a trip to the line with less than a second on the game clock. Natalie Leuzinger made the game-winner to keep Wisconsin undefeated at home (6-0).
All-Time Series
Wisconsin leads Butler in the all-time series 3-2. These two programs met for the first time in Coconut Grove, Florida as participants in the Sonesta Thanksgiving Classic (2003-04). The Badgers won that contest 61-46 and would move to 2-0 in the all-time series with a 68-48 win over Butler in the 2011 WNIT. Wisconsin’s third win was a 60-55 result at the Kohl Center during the 2016-17 season. The Bulldogs have won the last two matchups. Their first win came at Hinkle Fieldhouse (69-62) in 2017-18. Their second was recorded just one year ago at the Kohl Center (59-51).
Last Meeting vs. Wisconsin
Butler won a close game at the Kohl Center last year 59-51. The ‘Dawgs led by four at the half and would outscore the Badgers by two points in each quarter during the second half. Serah Williams was a force for Wisconsin. She had 24 points and 14 rebounds in 37 minutes of action. Butler got 25 points from Rachel Kent and 17 from Caroline Strande.
History Has Been Made
The Bulldogs won six games during the month of November for the first time in program history. Head Coach Austin Parkinson guided BU to four November wins in his first season with the program and five in 2023-24. BU also won five games during the opening month of the season in 2018-19 and 2019-20.
NET Rankings
NET rankings were updated this week and the Bulldogs were listed at 82nd. UConn leads the league (2) and were one of eight BIG EAST schools to appear in the top 100. Georgetown (80), Seton Hall (81) and Butler (82) are grouped just behind Marquette (71).
Fourth Quarter Fireworks
Butler is averaging 18 points per game during fourth quarters this season. They outscored Ohio 21-9 and UT Martin 21-11 in the fourth quarter last week.
A Look at Last Week
Butler was +11 in rebound margin last week and made more free throws (33) than their opponent attempted (19). A balanced scoring attack featured six players averaging eight points or more. Kilyn McGuff led the way, averaging 14 points per game.
Indy 500
Kilyn McGuff came to Indianapolis to reach 500 career rebounds. She had a career-high 15 rebounds in her last game, becoming the first Bulldog to grab 15 or more in a contest since Feb. 17, 2019. That day, Tori Schickel supplied BU with 19 rebounds in a game against Providence.
Makalusky Making Shots
Riley Makalusky has scored in double figures six times over her last seven games. She had 11 in the win over UT Martin and posted 10 most recently at Ohio.
BIG EAST Play Begins Dec. 21
Butler only has two non-conference games left on the 2024-25 schedule. BIG EAST play starts Saturday, Dec. 21 when Butler travels to Chicago to play DePaul at 3 p.m.
Schedule Swap
Three of Butler’s first four BIG EAST games this year will be played on the road, but after their FS1 game at Marquette on Jan. 4, the Bulldogs will host four of their next five opponents at Hinkle Fieldhouse. The only road game during that stretch is a short drive over to Cincinnati to play Xavier.
Home Sweet Hinkle
The Bulldogs are undefeated at home with a 5-0 record. Wins have come against Chicago State, Indiana, Indiana State and UMass Lowell, and UT Martin. All five victories were double-digit wins.
1,000 Point Watch List
Three Bulldogs are closing in on 1,000 career points this year. Caroline Strande is the closest at 927. The graduate guard scored 484 points for BU last year just missing the program’s top ten list for most points scored in a single-season. Belmont transfer Kilyn McGuff has 844 career points and Sydney Jaynes is up to 760 points.
Cheers To 50
The Butler women’s basketball program is celebrating 50 years of Bulldog basketball in 2024-25. Over the previous 49 years, BU has recorded 689 wins under the direction of nine head coaches. The program record for most wins in a single-season was set in 1980-81 when the Bulldogs went 26-2 under the leadership of Linda Mason. Butler’s only NCAA Tournament appearance came in 1995-96 when BU posted a 21-9 overall record.
Up Next
Butler will close out their non-conference slate on Sunday with a home game against Saint Francis. The game will start at 1 p.m. and stream on FloSports.com.
BUTLER MEN’S BASKETBALL
BUTLER’S COMEBACK FALLS SHORT IN LOSS TO NORTH DAKOTA STATE
Butler erased all of a 23-point deficit before ultimately falling to North Dakota State by a score of 71-68 Tuesday night at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
The Bison duo of Jacari White and Jacksen Moni combined for 52 points.
With the win, NDSU improves to 8-4 on the season, while Butler falls to 7-3.
HOW IT TRANSPIRED:
The first half belonged to White, who made nine of his 10 attempts from the field (including six three-pointers), as he scored 24 points over the first 20 minutes of the game; Moni added 14.
The Bison closed the first half on a prolonged 9-0 run over the final four minutes to take a 44-23 halftime lead, which was the team’s largest advantage of the half.
NDSU’s lead got to as many as 23 (50-27) less than two minutes into the second half.
That is when Butler awoke. A 15-3 run trimmed the lead to 10 at 53-43 with 12:32 remaining. And the Bulldogs kept coming.
A Patrick McCaffery three-pointer with 3:56 to play gave Butler a 64-62 lead and Pierre Brooks II would follow that with another trey for a five-point advantage with 2:59 remaining (capping a 17-2 run).
Four empty possessions and an 8-0 run by NDSU gave the visitors the lead once again, ultimately leading 70-67 with 19 seconds on the clock.
Butler made a free throw and then was able to secure a jump ball for possession, but a blocked layup and a missed three-pointer were the final empty attempts for the Bulldogs.
NOTEWORTHY:
Brooks led Butler with 26 points and seven rebounds. He went 4-for-6 from the three-point line.
Jahmyl Telfort added 23 points for Butler. It marked the second time that both Brooks and Telfort have each scored 20 points for Butler in the same game since each arrived at the beginning of the 2023-24 season.
Butler had 15 assists and committed a season-low four turnovers.
The Bulldogs were looking for their first 20-point comeback since Dec. 27, 2017 when Butler trailed by as many as 20 before winning at Georgetown in double overtime (91-89).
White led NDSU with 27 points, but had only three in the second half. Moni finished with 25 points.
Butler is 5-2 at Hinkle Fieldhouse this season.
NDSU entered the game averaging 11.9 made three-pointers per game, which was fourth nationally. A nation-leading 54.8 percent of their attempts entering the game came from behind the three-point line. The Bison finished 13-for-30 from behind the arc.
Augusto Cassia left the game with a knee injury sustained with 10:19 remaining in the second half (and Butler trailing 57-47).
UP NEXT: The Bulldogs close the non-conference portion of the schedule Saturday afternoon, making the short drive downtown to Gainbridge Fieldhouse to participate in the Indy Classic. Butler will meet No. 20/22 Wisconsin at 2:30 p.m., following a match-up between Purdue and Texas A&M. Fans can watch the game on Big Ten Network or listen to the audio feed provided by Mark Minner and Nick Gardner via the Varsity Network app.
IU INDY MEN’S BASKETBALL
MEN’S BASKETBALL TO HIT THE ROAD TO FACE PURDUE FORT WAYNE ON WEDNESDAY
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The IU Indianapolis men’s basketball team will hit the road for the first time in Horizon League play on Wednesday night (Dec. 11) when the Jaguars take on in-state foe Purdue Fort Wayne (6-4, 1-1 HL) at 7:00 p.m. on ESPN+.
Head coach Paul Corsaro’s team comes in having won three of its past four games, including a Horizon League opening win over Green Bay last Wednesday. The Jaguars (5-6, 1-1 HL) are coming off a loss at the buzzer to Northern Kentucky, despite a game-high 24 points from Paul Zilinskas and a 23-point effort from Jarvis Walker.
GAME NOTES: https://iuindyjags.com/documents/2024/12/10/mbb-at-purdue-fort-wayne-121124.pdf
IU INDY VOLLEYBALL
IU INDY VOLLEYBALL SIGNS FIVE FOR THE 2025 SEASON
INDIANAPOLIS – The IU Indianapolis volleyball team signed five for the 2025 season. The Jags welcome Kate Jacquay, Chloe Macias, Jillian Tippmann, Amanda Stephens and Laura Roeder.
“We are beyond excited for our 2025 class,” said head coach Andrew Kroger. “We have a lot of different personalities in this class, but they all have something in common: they work extremely hard, and they love to win. This class is going to fit right into our competitive culture and will have an immediate impact on the program.”
Kate Jacquay, a 5-9 setter, joins the Jags after setting the school record for assists at Homestead High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She was also named to the All-Northwest Indiana Team and the North South All-Star Team following her junior season. She totaled 1,543 career assists during her three years playing for the varsity squad.
“Kate embodies everything we want out of our setters – a quick, creative gunslinger that is fearless in her decision-making,” said Kroger. “She is a great communicator and leader that will have a positive impact on our program right way.”
Jacquay is also a two-time member of the National Honor Society as well as the All-A Honor Roll at Homestead.
“I loved the competitive atmosphere of the program and how the girls pushed each other to be the best they can be,” said Jacquay. “The coaches and the girls are so kind and I can tell these next four years will be full of fun. I also love how IU Indy is in a big city, as I’ve always wanted to experience the city life.”
Chloe Macias is a 6-0 middle blocker from Noblesville, Indiana. Macias recorded a .350 hitting percentage with 385 kills in her senior season for the Noblesville Millers. Macias was named All-Conference.
“Throughout the recruiting process, Chloe set herself apart by how hard she works on the court,” said Kroger. “With that work ethic and lightning-fast arm swing, we’re thrilled for her to be a Jag.”
Jillian Tippmann, a 5-10 opposite, also joins the Jags from Fort Wayne where she played four years for Bishop Dwenger. Tippman totaled 378 kills with a .480 hitting percentage during her senior season. She earned the Glass Spike Award as well as Team MVP.
“Jill is a force to be reckoned with,” said Kroger. “She is a fiery competitor with a heavy arm, and her grit and athleticism will be a great asset for our team.”
Amanda Stephens is a 6-0 middle blocker from Bowen, Illinois. She earned WIVC First-Team All-Conference every season at Southeastern High School. She was also named to the IVCA All-State First Team following her sophomore, junior and senior seasons. Stephens totaled 1,631 kills, 822 assists and 816 digs during her high school career.
“Amanda’s well-rounded skill set and knowledge of the game really sets her apart,” said Kroger. “Because she has played multiple positions, she is able to see plays develop pin ways that very few middles can.”
Stephens was also a member of the National Honor Society her junior and senior years and is top of her class.
“I chose IU Indy for both the academics and athletics,” said Stephens. “For as long as I can remember I wanted to play volleyball at the D1 level. I felt at home when I was with the team, coaches and on campus. I was welcomed not as volleyball player but as teammate and friend. Since I was young I always knew that I wanted to pursue nursing. IU Indy provided me with opportunities, programs and education that I will need to succeed in nursing.”
Laura Roeder joins the Jaguars after a record setting high school career at Trinity Lutheran in Seymour, Indiana. Roeder, a 5-3 defensive specialist/libero, earned awards in both volleyball and basketball. She holds Trinity Lutheran records in career digs (2,103), career aces (241), single season aces (89) and single season digs (609). She earned the 2024 IHSAA Class 1A Volleyball Mental Attitude Award as well as IHSVCA All-State First Team. During her time on the basketball team, she earned the Donna Sullivan Award.
“As a three-sport athlete, Laura is a true competitor that knows how to win,” said Kroger. “She’s also a tremendous teammate and student – exactly the kind of person we’re looking to add to our program.”
Roeder was also named to the 2024 Academic All State Volleyball Team as well as the AVCA Girls Best and Brightest and Basketball Honors Court.
“I chose IU Indy because of the competitive, close knit atmosphere that Coach Kroger and Coach Gammon have created,” said Roeder.
Jacquay, Macias, Tippmann, Stephens and Roeder are all set to join the Jags prior to the 2025-26 season.
BALL STATE VOLLEYBALL
TYLER NAMED AVCA MIDWEST REGION FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR
LEXINGTON – – For the fourth straight season a member of the Ball State women’s volleyball team was recognized by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) with outside attacker Carson Tyler being named the Midwest Region Freshman of the Year.
“Carson had an incredible freshman year,” head coach Kelli Miller Phillips said. “She was a huge contributor for us in all ways: attacking, passing, blocking, serving and defense. You name it, she was doing it. She worked really hard to improve all season and the results showed on the court. I love her competitive demeanor and I am excited to see her continue to develop!”
Tyler, who also earned a spot on the Midwest All-Region Honorable Mention squad, led the Ball State offense and ranked seventh in the MAC with a 3.34 kills-per-set average. Her 374 total kills were the most among league freshman and ranked seventh among all league attackers.
“What an honor to be voted Midwest Region Freshman of the Year,” Phillips added. “There are a ton of great players and teams in our region, and I think it speaks to the respect Carson earned and I’m so proud of her! I’m confident this honor will continue to motivate and push her to even greater heights in the future.”
The first player in program history to earn AVCA regional freshman of the year honors, Tyler helped lead the Cardinals to a 22-10 overall record, a 13-5 MAC mark and to the title match of the MAC Volleyball Championship. A First Team All-MAC selection and a member of the MAC All-Tournament Team, Tyler smashed 20-or-more kills in six matches during her debut season, while tallying double figures in 22.
Her best effort was a career-high 25 kills to help lead Ball State to a 3-2 victory over Wright State (Sept. 20). Tyler is one of just 12 players in program history to register 20-or-more kills in at least six career matches and is the ninth different player to have six-or-more such matches in a single season.
A six-rotation player for the Cardinals, Tyler also finished the season ranked third on the team with 220 digs for a 1.96 digs-per-set average. She recorded her first career kill/dig double-double with 12 kills and 10 digs at Central Michigan (Oct. 5), and finished the season with her sixth in the MAC championship match setback versus Western Michigan (Nov. 24).
Tyler, who was credited with a career-best 15 digs in the regular season finale versus the Broncos (Nov. 16), led Ball State’s primary passers with a .963 reception percentage, successfully passing 650 of the team-high 675 serves she has faced. She also registered 43 total blocks and served up 24 aces over the course of the season.
BALL STATE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL FALLS AT NATIONALLY RANKED OHIO STATE
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ball State women’s basketball team (6-4) suffered a 80-48 setback at No. 11 Ohio State (9-0) Tuesday night at Value City Arena.
The undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes opened the first five minutes of play on a 16-4 scoring spree. Ohio State’s full court press defense kept giving the Cardinals fits throughout the first stanza which eventually led to the Buckeyes 24-8 advantage after the first quarter of play.
Ball State opened the second frame with back-to-back baskets from Elise Stuck and Grace Kingery to put BSU in double digits (28-13), but Ohio State continued to play stingy defense eventually leading to the Buckeyes 18-point (38-20) halftime advantage over the Cardinals. Not all hope was lost for Ball State as Zuri Ransom nailed one from behind the arc to end the half on a high note.
The Cardinals came out again with the first score after intermission. But the Buckeyes continued to expand their defense while continuing their hot shooting hand in the second half. Ball State struggled to put points on the board to catch-up with the Buckeyes the remainder of the contest.
For the game, Maliyah “MJ” Johnson led the Cardinals in scoring with 10 points after shooting 5-of-8 from the field.
The Ball State women’s basketball team will wrap up its road portion of the non-conference schedule on Sunday at Northern Kentucky. The game is slated to tipoff at 3:30 pm ET.
INDIANA STATE FOOTBALL
OWENS NAMED TO 2024 FCS FOOTBALL CENTRAL FRESHMAN ALL-AMERICAN TEAM
SI.com – Indiana State’s Elijah Owens added to his postseason accolades this week as the redshirt freshman quarterback was named to the 2024 FCS Football Central Freshman All-American team.
Owens adds to his postseason awards with his first All-American recognition. The Jacksonville, Ill. native previously finish ninth overall in the 2024 Jerry Rice Award voting honoring the FCS National Freshman Player of the Year in receiving the most votes and points overall by an Indiana State player.
It marks the second consecutive season a Sycamore has earned Freshman All-American honors and third in the last four seasons joining Jude McCoskey (2023, HERO Sports) and Geoffrey Brown (2021, HERO Sports).
Owens earned MVFC All-Newcomer honors after leading Indiana State’s passing and rushing efforts over the course of the 2024 season. He set a Sycamore quarterback rushing record with 645 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns over the course of the season, while adding 1,717 passing pards and 12 more scores through the air. Owens finished fifth in the MVFC in total offense per game (222.88).
Owens posted three 100-yard rushing games and three 200-yard passing efforts over the course of 2024. He added three games with multiple passing touchdowns including a 30-for-37 game with 260 yards and three touchdowns against Eastern Illinois. Owens added a career-high 25 carries for 127 rushing yards and one touchdown against Youngstown State, while wrapping up the 2024 season with 168 passing yards, 107 rushing yards, and a touchdown at Northern Iowa.
Owens was runner-up for both the Missouri Valley Football’s Freshman and Newcomer of the Year awards. He finished behind North Dakota State running back CharMar Brown in both categories. Brown was honored as the Jerry Rice Award winner on Wednesday.
The third annual FCS Football Central Freshman All-American Team recognizes the best freshman players from across the subdivision. Sixty-nine players from 52 programs are recognized on the Freshman All-American Team.
Offense:
QB: Carson Conklin (Sacramento State)
QB: Elijah Owens (Indiana State)
QB: Taron Dickens (Western Carolina)
QB: Collin Hurst (Presbyterian)
RB: CharMar Brown (North Dakota State)
RB: Adam Jones (Montana State)
RB: Delon Thompson (Portland State)
RB: David Avit (Villanova)
RB: Jason Collins (Morgan State)
RB: Steve Hall (Lindenwood)
RB: Rodney Nelson (Monmouth)
WR: Mark Hamper (Idaho)
WR: Danny Scudero (Sacramento State)
WR: Marcus Calwise Jr. (Eastern Kentucky)
WR: Malachi Henry (Central Arkansas)
WR: Tra Neal (Monmouth)
TE: Jackson Pryor (Furman)
OL: Luke Moise (Wofford)
OL: Beau Smith (Brown)
OL: Carter Guillaume (SEMO)
OL: Tyler Murray (Mercer)
OL: Griffin Empey (North Dakota State)
OL: Cameran Rogers (Alcorn State)
OL: Tyler Dunn (Cornell)
OL: Tyrell Green (Eastern Kentucky)
OL: Ben Buxa (North Dakota)
OL: Teko Shoats (Bethune-Cookman)
OL: Brady Norton (Cal Poly)
AP: Matt Childs (Brown)
AP: Miequle Brock (Nicholls)
Defense:
DL: Andrew Zock (Mercer)
DL: Chancellor Owens (Northwestern State)
DL: Ty Gordon (William & Mary)
DL: Marion Smokes (Wofford)
DL: Bryce Hawthorne (South Dakota State)
DL: Kahmari Brown (Elon)
DL: Arenza Davis (Alabama A&M)
DL: Jamond Mathis (Southern Illinois)
LB: Sanders Ellis (Tennessee State)
LB: Zach Johnson (Idaho)
LB: Rick Mua’e (Utah Tech)
LB: Josh Anglin (North Alabama)
LB: Geno Calgaro (Saint Francis)
LB: Jaylen Dawson (Fordham)
LB: Ayden Jones (Prairie View A&M)
LB: Dallas Winner-Johnson (Missouri State)
DB: Cam Chapa (Northern Colorado)
DB: Christopher Jean (Central Connecticut State)
DB: Derek Ganter Jr. (Eastern Washington)
DB: TJ McGill (William & Mary)
DB: Zahmir Dawud (Villanova)
DB: Jayden Robertson (Southern Utah)
DB: Asa Locks (VMI)
DB: CJ Coombes (Wofford)
DB: Matthew Traynor (Richmond)
DB: Delvon Gulley (Alabama A&M)
DB: Sascha Garcia (William & Mary)
DB: Billy Lewis (Furman)
Special Teams:
K: Yousef Obeid (Missouri State)
P: Finn Lappin (McNeese)
P: Tom O’Hara (Murray State)
KR: Anthony Reagan Jr. (Howard)
KR: Robert Lockhart (Florida A&M)
KR: Jackson Williams (North Dakota State)
PR: Paul Kelly (Dayton)
PR: Mason Kuehner (Lafayette)
AP: Travis Terrell Jr. (Jackson State)
AP: Jaden Green (Lehigh)
AP: Sawyer Seidl (North Dakota)
PURDUE FT. WAYNE VOLLEYBALL
PANNA RATKAI EARNS AVCA ALL-REGION HONORS
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Horizon League Player of the Year and Purdue Fort Wayne women’s volleyball student-athlete Panna Ratkai was selected to the American Volleyball Coaches Association Midwest All-Region Team, the AVCA announced on Tuesday (Dec. 10).
With the honor, Ratkai moves on to the All-America ballot, where she is guaranteed at least All-America Honorable Mention due to her All-Region status.
Ratkai is the first Mastodon since Katie Crowe in the spring 2021 season to earn an All-Region distinction and the second non-honorable mention in the program’s Division I history. The other was Emily Spencer in 2014.
The Budapest, Hungary native was selected as the Horizon League’s Player of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year and earned a spot on the First Team All-League last month. She led Purdue Fort Wayne to a fifth-place finish in the Horizon League regular season with a 10-8 mark in league play.
From the left side, Ratkai averaged 5.17 points, 4.57 kills and 2.63 digs per set in her redshirt-sophomore season. Her point and kill averages both ranked top-20 nationally and led the Horizon League. She racked up 17 double-doubles, including seven in a row to end the season. She had a season-high 30 kills against Oakland, the most by any Horizon League student-athlete this season. Her 27 against Western Illinois was also higher than any other HL player.
Ratkai became the first Mastodon player since Katie Crowe in spring 2021 to earn Horizon League Player of the Year. She also became the first Mastodon to earn two Offensive Player of the Year awards since Fabiana Souza in 2003 and 2005. She is one of two Horizon League players to do so since the award was first given in 2016. This season, Ratkai earned three Player of the Week awards, totaling seven for her career, which ranks fifth in Horizon League history.
Ratkai is the only sophomore in the country to have over 1,000 kills in her career, as she wrapped up her second year of play with 1,048 total kills.
PURDUE FT. WAYNE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
MASTODON WBB LOOKS TO GO 3-0 IN LEAGUE PLAY WITH TRIP TO IU INDY
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – With a chance to move to 3-0 in Horizon League play on the line, Purdue Fort Wayne will visit in-state rival IU Indianapolis on Wednesday (Dec. 11) for a 6:30 p.m. contest in the Jungle.
Game Day Information
Who: IU Indianapolis
When: Wednesday, December 11 | 6:30 PM
Where: Indianapolis, Ind. | The Jungle
Live Stats: Link
Watch: Link
Game Notes:Purdue Fort Wayne | IU Indy | Horizon League
Know Your Foe
IU Indy is 1-8 and 0-2 to start Horizon League play. The Jaguars’ only victory this season was a 101-76 win over Evansville in the season opener. The Jaguars have a pair of common opponents with the Mastodons in the early third of the year in Purdue and Green Bay, losses by 19 and 22, respectively. JUCO transfer Shania Nichols-Vanett is averaging a team-best 11.4 points per game and is shooting 41.9 percent (13-of-31) from 3-point range.
The Series
One of the longer rivalries for Mastodon women’s basketball, IU Indy leads the series 25-15. The series dates back to 1980. Purdue Fort Wayne has won the last three contests, including the last two in Indy.
Ross Has the Sauce
Through 10 games, Lauren Ross is shooting 51.3 percent from the floor, 51.4 percent from 3-point range and 91.7 percent from the line. If these percentages hold, she would be the first player to ever shoot 50/50/90 since the 3-point line was added to college basketball.
Offensive Threat
Per College Basketball Reference, Lauren Ross has an offensive rating (points scored per 100 possessions) of 136.4, the highest on the team among rotation players. She also has an effective field goal percentage of 67.7 percent, a team-best. She is taking 65.3 percent of her shots from 3-point range. She also has the highest plus/minus on the team among rotation players with +9.9 per game.
Fill It Up
Purdue Fort Wayne is averaging 75.6 points per game, which ranks second in the Horizon League and top-60 nationally. The Mastodons’ 38.9 3-point shooting percentage and 10.2 3-point makes per game both rank top-15 nationally.
Our Ball!
Purdue Fort Wayne’s 5.10 turnover margin ranks first in the Horizon League and is a top-55 mark nationally.
Closing In on 1,000
Audra Emmerson has a chance to reach 1,000 points for her career. She has 769 points, needing 231 to reach the milestone. She scored 343 last season.
Saving the Best for Last
Lauren Ross is shooting 48.5 percent from the floor, 47.0 percent from 3-point range and 94.1 percent from the charity stripe, while grabbing 5.2 rebounds per game. All of those marks are the best of her career. Ross’ 3.70 triples per game ranks fourth in the country and 51.4 percent from beyond the arc ranks 10th.
Back 2(5) Back 2(5) Back
Lauren Ross scored 27 points against Furman (Nov. 28) and 25 against Robert Morris (Dec. 4), becoming the first Mastodon with back-to-back 25-point games since Hall of Famer Amanda Hyde in 2014. Ross added another 25-point game against Green Bay (Dec. 7), which matched Hyde’s three in a row earlier in 2014.
Elite Company
Since the Mastodons went Division I in 2001, there have been just two players to record 25 points and nine rebounds while shooting 50 percent or better from 3-point range. Lauren Ross did so against Robert Morris on December 4 and Amellia Bromenschenkel had 27 points and 14 rebounds with a 4-of-7 mark from three against Saint Louis in the WNIT Super 16 last season.
In The Polls…
Purdue Fort Wayne has been receiving votes in the recent CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Top-25 since November 12. This week they earned three points.
Ross vs. Green Bay
In the Mastodons’ game against Green Bay on December 7, Lauren Ross had 25 points, five rebounds three steals and two assists while shooting 9-of-12 (75 percent) from the floor and a perfect 6-for-6 from 3-point land. She scored all 14 of the Mastodons’ points in the fourth quarter. She became one of two Mastodons in program history to go 6-for-6 from 3-point land and one of five Horizon League players to do so in the last 20 years.
Last Time Out
Purdue Fort Wayne got a 67-66 victory over Green Bay thanks to 25 points from Lauren Ross on 9-of-12 shooting and a 6-for-6 effort from 3-point range.
Coming Up
The Mastodons will welcome Aquinas to the Gates Sports Center on Saturday (Dec. 14) at 11 a.m. A week later, the Mastodons will play host to Lauren Ross’ former team, the Western Michigan Broncos.
PURDUE FT. WAYNE MEN’S BASKETBALL
‘DONS AND JAGUARS RENEW RIVALRY ON WEDNESDAY
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Mastodon men’s basketball team welcomes to IU Indianapolis on Wednesday (Dec. 11) to Fort Wayne. Jalen Jackson needs 24 points to reach 1,000 for his NCAA career.
Game Day Information
Who: Purdue Fort Wayne (6-4, 1-1) vs. IU Indianapolis (5-6, 1-1)
When: Wednesday, Dec. 11 | 7 p.m.
Where: Fort Wayne, Ind. | Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
Live Stats: Link
Watch: ESPN+
Listen: 1380 AM
Tickets:Link
Series History: IU Indianapolis leads 28-19. The ‘Dons have won three of the last four in Fort Wayne.
Game Notes (PDF): Purdue Fort Wayne | IU Indianapolis
// The ‘Dons made 26 free throws on Sunday vs. Robert Morris. Since 2018-19 season, the ‘Dons have four total games of 24 or more made free throws and three have come this season. The 26 the ‘Dons made against Bethune-Cookman and Robert Morris are tied for the seventh most in the Division I era of the program for made free throws in a game.
// Eric Mulder is 18th in the nation in offensive rebounds per game (3.60).
// Eric Mulder is number one in the nation in offensive rating, per Ken Pom. Mulder has a 159.4 rating. Per Ken Pom: “offensive rating is a measure of an individual player’s efficiency. In its simplest form, it’s points produced divided by possessions used.” Additionally, Mulder is third in the nation in 2-point percentage (40-of-48).
// In the nation the Mastodons are:
– 17th in turnover margin (+5.8).
– 20th in fewest turnovers (9.7 per game).
– 20th in free throw percentage (78.6 percent).
// The ‘Dons are averaging a Horizon League best 82.0 points per game.
// Maximus Nelson has opened the season shooting 43.9 percent (25-of-57) from three.
// Five times this year have the ‘Dons committed single-digit turnovers in a game. Their season low is five in a win over Drexel.
//Rasheed Bello earned his second career Horizon League Player of the Week accolade on Nov. 18, averaging 24.5 points, 2.5 steals, 2.0 assists and 2.0 rebounds in wins over Bethune-Cookman and Southern Indiana. He had a career-high 31 points vs. Bethune-Cookman.
//Jalen Jackson leads the Horizon League and ranks 11th in the nation in made free throws with 58. He is 14th in the nation with 74 free throw attempts, also best in the league.
// Jalen Jackson is averaging 7.3 fouls drawn per 40 minutes, 24th in the nation per Ken Pom.
// Another Ken Pom stat, the ‘Dons lead the nation in minutes continuity at 76.8 percent. Ken Pom describes the stat as “determining what percentage of a team’s minutes are played by the same player from last season to this season.” The current national average is 34.1 percent.
// Eric Mulder has recorded just four turnovers in 251 minutes.
// Corey Hadnot II has six double-digit scoring games this season after five his entire freshman season last year. This year includes a career-high 20 points with five 3-pointers at Penn State. He added 15 points at East Texas A&M.
// Across the board, Corey Hadnot II’s shooting percentages are up this year from his freshman season last year. Field goal (from 40.9 % to 51.9 %), 3-point (from 25.0 % to 38.7 %) and free throw (from 68.8 percent to 81.0 percent). It has led him to average 11.3 points per game, up from 6.2 last year.
// Jalen Jackson has reached double-figures in every game this season and 20 points four times.
// In two league games so far, Jalen Jackson is 12-of-15 from the field and 15-of-19 from the free throw line while averaging 4.0 assists and 2.5 steals in the two games.
// The ‘Dons have won 23 straight regular season home games against non-league opponents, a streak that started on Nov. 16, 2019 vs. Stetson.
// A few ‘Dons are nearing career scoring marks:
– Rasheed Bello has 1,472 points, needing 28 to reach 1,500 for his career (Purdue Fort Wayne and UW-Parkside combined).
– Jalen Jackson owns 976 career points, needing 24 to reach 1,000 (Purdue Fort Wayne and UIC combined)
– Quinton Morton-Robertson has 927 career points, needing 73 to reach 1,000 (Purdue Fort Wayne and Radford combined).
– Maximus Nelson has scored 454 career points, needing 46 to reach 500 for his career (Purdue Fort Wayne and Valparaiso combined).
// 10-Made Free Throw Games in Mastodon Career (DI era)
Player (Total)
Frank Gaines (9)
Bryson Scott (6)
Jalen Jackson (3)
Jarred Godfrey (3)
David Carson (2)
Joseph Edwards (1)
Steve Forbes (1)
John Konchar (1)
Rasheed Bello (1)
EVANSVILLE VOLLEYBALL
GIULIA CARDONA NAMED AVCA ALL-REGION HONORABLE MENTION
LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Evansville senior Giulia Cardona earned American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-Region Honorable Mention accolades in an announcement by the organization on Tuesday.
Cardona was selected by the Midwest Region. She earned the accolade last season becoming the first Purple Aces volleyball player to be recognized. There are 14 All-Region team members and 6-8 honorable mention selections in each of the 10 regions. In total, 211 student-athletes earned All-Region honors with 108 different schools being represented.
One of the most decorated players in Missouri Valley Conference history became the first in UE history and just the second-ever MVC player to record 2,000 kills in her career. She wrapped up her career with a total of 2,183, just 111 shy of the all-time league mark.
Despite missing the final five matches of the season, the 2023 MVC Player of the Year completed the 2024 season as the national leader in total kills (549), total points (611.5), total attacks (1,548), kills per set (5.60), points per set (6.24), and attacks per set (1,580).
Another highlight of the 2024 campaign came on Nov. 5 when Cardona was named the AVCA Division I National Player of the Week. It marked the second such honor for Cardona and came in a week that saw her record 6.50 kills per set in wins over Illinois State and Bradley while hitting .357.
Earlier in the 2024 season, Cardona set the all-time UE program kills record. The moment came on Sept. 28 when she surpassed the Aces record of 1,911, which was set by Alondra Vazquez.
UINDY MEN’S BASKETBALL
HOUNDS VISIT SAINTS ON WEDNESDAY
vs. Thomas More (5-2)
Wednesday // December 10
6 p.m. ET // Crestview Hill, Ky.
Watch | Live Stats | Listen
The UIndy men’s basketball team steps outside of GLVC play for a Wednesday meeting at Thomas More University, scheduled for 6 p.m. in Crestview Hills, Ky.
The Greyhounds defeated the Saints a season ago at Nicoson Hall, as Zac Szul provided the game-winning 3-pointer with just over one minute left en route to a 63-58 victory.
Wednesday marks the second-ever contest between the programs, but the third meeting between head coaches Scott Heady and Justin Ray; Heady was the head coach at Marian (NAIA) and Thomas More is only in its second year as a member of NCAA Division II after transitioning from NAIA.
GAME NOTES: https://athletics.uindy.edu/documents/2024/12/10/Thomas_More.pdf
UINDY WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
GREYHOUNDS RETURN HOME FOR NON-CONFERENCE BOUT
vs. Governors State (6-2)
Wednesday // December 11
7 p.m. ET // Nicoson Hall
Watch | Live Stats | Listen | Tickets
The UIndy women’s basketball steps outside of conference action for a mid-week battle with Governors State on Wednesday at Nicoson Hall. Tip is scheduled for 7 p.m.
The Jaguars upended the Greyhounds a year ago by a score of 76-67 in the Chicagoland area for the programs’ first-ever meeting. Elana Wells scored a team-high 20 points in that Dec. 5 meeting.
GAME NOTES: https://athletics.uindy.edu/documents/2024/12/10/Governors_State.pdf
INDIANA SMALL COLLEGE WEB SITES
INDIANA WESLEYAN ATHLETICS: https://iwuwildcats.com/
EARLHAM ATHLETICS: https://goearlham.com/
WABASH ATHLETICS: https://sports.wabash.edu/
FRANKLIN ATHLETICS: https://franklingrizzlies.com/
ROSE-HULMAN ATHLETICS: https://athletics.rose-hulman.edu/
ANDERSON ATHLETICS: https://athletics.anderson.edu/landing/index
TRINE ATHLETICS: https://trinethunder.com/landing/index
BETHEL ATHLETICS: https://bupilots.com/
DEPAUW ATHLETICS: https://depauwtigers.com/
HANOVER ATHLETICS: https://athletics.hanover.edu/
MANCHESTER ATHLETICS: https://muspartans.com/
HUNTINGTON ATHLETICS: https://www.huathletics.com/
OAKLAND CITY ATHLETICS: https://gomightyoaks.com/index.aspx
ST. FRANCIS ATHLETICS: https://www.saintfranciscougars.com/landing/index
IU KOKOMO ATHLETICS: https://iukcougars.com/
IU EAST ATHLETICS: https://www.iueredwolves.com/
IU SOUTH BEND ATHLETICS: https://iusbtitans.com/
PURDUE NORTHWEST ATHLETICS: https://pnwathletics.com/
INDIANA TECH ATHLETICS: https://indianatechwarriors.com/index.aspx
GRACE COLLEGE ATHLETICS: https://gclancers.com/
ST. MARY OF THE WOODS ATHLETICS: https://smwcathletics.com/
GOSHEN COLLEGE ATHLETICS: https://goleafs.net/
HOLY CROSS ATHLETICS: https://www.hcsaints.com/index.php
TAYLOR ATHLETICS: https://www.taylortrojans.com/
VINCENNES ATHLETICS: https://govutrailblazers.com/landing/index
“SPORTS EXTRA”
NUMBERS IN SPORTS
32 – 5 – 26 – 17 – 16 – 19 – 11 – 9
December 11, 1949 – Chicago Bears QB and former Heisman winner, Number 32, Johnny Lujack passes for 6 touchdowns versus the Chicago Cardinals by the score of 52-29.
December 11, 1951 – Joe DiMaggio, long time Number 5 of the New York Yankees, announced his retirement from baseball
December 11, 1966 – Al Nelson, Number 26, a defensive back of the Philadelphia Eagles set an NFL record when he returned missed field goal, 100 yards
December 11, 1993 – 59th Heisman Trophy Award was won by Florida State Quarterback Number 17, Charlie Ward.
December 11, 2000 – 66th Heisman Trophy Award was won by Florida State Quarterback Number 16, Chris Weinke.
December 11, 2002 – Joe Sakic, Number 19 of the Colorado Avalanche, scored his 500th career goal against Vancouver
December 11, 2004 – 70th Heisman Trophy Award was won by USC Quarterback, Number 11, Matt Leinart
December 11, 2021 – 87th Heisman Trophy Award was won by Alabama Quarterback, Number 9, Bryce Young
FOOTBALL HISTORY
December 11, 1937 – Varsity Stadium, Toronto – The CFL Grey Cup took place and at the end of the contest it was the Toronto Argonauts who won their 4th Championship as they edged out the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, 4-3 in an era of football where the scoring was much different than it is today. The full game recap is found on the cfl.ca website.
December 11, 1938 – Polo Grounds, New York City – National Football League Championship had 48,120 fans a record attendance for the Title game, watched the New York Giants defeat the Green Bay Packers, 23-17. It was the 1938 NFL Championship game. New York’s quarterback, Ed Danowski threw two touchdown passes while Tuffy Leemans ran in another to account for the Giant’s points. The American Football Database article brings up an interesting fact from this game was that each player on the winning team received a $900 bonus while the team that lost saw each participant get a cool $700 each.
December 11, 1949 – According to a report in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Bears quarterback Johnny Lujack passed for 468 yards and 6 touchdowns as the Bears tore apart their cross town rivals the Chicago Cardinals in a one sided 52-29 victory.
December 11, 1949 – The Cleveland Browns beat San Francisco 49ers in the 1949 AAFC Championship game, the last title game for that League, by a final score of 21-7. As we mentioned a couple of days ago, the AAFC suffered some deep financial woes while being in competition with the NFL so had to shut down league operations after this game was played. The NFL agreed to soften the blow by merging the Browns, 49er and the Colts in their fold.
December 11, 1966 – Franklin Field, Philadelphia – Al Nelson of the Philadelphia Eagles returned a Cleveland Browns missed field goal attempt that fell just short near the goal line an NFL record 100 yards for a score! This TD helped the Eagles cruise to a 33-21 victory. This record return of Nelson’s was trumped on November 4, 2007, probably never to be broken, when Antonio Cromartie of San Diego went 109 yards plus coast to coast on a missed FG of the Vikings at the end of the first half in a tie game.
December 11, 1993 – Florida State’s stellar quarterback, Charlie Ward wins the 59th Heisman Trophy Award. The Senior threw for 3032 yards and 27 touchdowns per his bio on the Heisman.com website. The story goes on to say that Charlie went on to also take home the Davey O’Brien and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Awards and was named Walter Camp Player of the Year and Toyota Leader of the Year.
December 11, 2000 – The Heisman Trophy was given to Quarterback Chris Weinke of Florida State University. The senior signal caller threw for 4167 yards to lead the nation and also won the Johnny Unitas and the Davey O’Brien Awards for being the top quarterback in the nation per Heisman.com. The Seminoles lost to the Oklahoma Sooners in the National Championship game at the Orange Bowl by the score of 13-2.
December 11, 2004 – The 70th Heisman Trophy was awarded to Matt Leinart, Southern Cal’s quarterback. Leinart led USC to back to back National Championships in 2003 and 2004. Matt in 2004 threw for 2990 yards and 28 touchdowns according to his bio on the Heisman’s website. The article goes on to say that Matt Leinart accumulated more votes than his closest competitors for the Trophy in Oklahoma’s Adrian Peterson and Jason White, Utah’s Alex Smith and teammate Reggie Bush to win.
December 11, 2021 – The 87th Heisman Trophy was handed to Bryce Young the University of Alabama stand out Quarterback.
Hall of Fame Birthdays for December 11
December 11, 1910 – Stratton, Nebraska – Nebraska’s standout full back George Sauer was born. George was the Huskers All-America selection that had helped lead Nebraska to a 23-4-1 record in his three seasons there. At the 1934 East-West Shrine game according to the NFF, Sauer scored both of the West’s TDs as they won 12-0. The National Football Foundation selected George Sauer to enter into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1954. After school was completed, George played with the Green Bay Packers for 3 seasons in the NFL.
December 11, 1924 – – Mr. Inside, Army’s outstanding fullback Felix “ Doc” Blanchard came into this world. The NFF says that Doc was the player who became the first ever junior to win the Heisman Trophy and the Maxwell Award and was the first ever football player to win the James E. Sullivan Award, all in 1945. The Cadets were undefeated in Blanchard’s 3 seasons with the team sporting an amazing 27-0-1 record and three national championships! Doc was more than just a running back, he was the place kicker and punter in addition to playing linebacker on defense. His pairing with Glenn Davis in the backfield may be the best tandem in collegiate football history. The 1945 season saw Doc run for 722 yards and 16 touchdowns. Doc Blanchard found his way into gridiron immortality in 1964 when he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
December 11, 1949 – Colorado City, Texas – Dartmouth’s outstanding linebacker Murry Bowden celebrated his birth. The National Football Foundation fondly recounts that Dartmouth’s undefeated 1970 team was the last Ivy League school to be rated among the nation’s top 20 teams placing 13th and 14th in the two polls. That season the Dartmouth defense ranked in the nation’s top ten in seven statistical categories including first in scoring defense and second in total defense. Murry was a big part of those stats as he was consistently found in the offensive backfield making plays. The College Football Hall of Fame swung their doors open wide to welcome Murry Bowden in 2003’s induction class.
TODAY IN SPORTS
Dec. 11
1938 — New York Giants beats the Green Bay Packers 23-17 to win the NFL championship.
1946 — The Chicago Stags and Cleveland Rebels play an experimental game featuring 15-minute quarters, instead of the usual 12-minute quarters. The Stags beat the Rebels 88-70.
1949 — Johnny Lujack of the Chicago Bears passes for 468 yards and six touchdowns in a 52-21 rout of the Chicago Cardinals.
1951 — Joe DiMaggio announces his retirement from baseball.
1959 — Richie Guerin scores 57 points, at the time the most ever by a Knick, as New York defeats Syracuse 152-121. His team record was broken by Bernard King 25 years later.
1971 — The Los Angeles Lakers set an NBA record with 21 straight wins by beating the Atlanta Hawks 104-95, breaking the record of 20 set by the Milwaukee Bucks the previous year.
1972 — Joe Namath of the New York Jets passes for 403 yards and Don Maynard sets an NFL record for career receptions in a 24-16 loss to the Oakland Raiders. Maynard, with seven catches, breaks Raymond Berry’s record of 631 by one catch.
1977 — Philadelphia’s Tom Bladon scores four goals and collects four assists to set a record for defensemen with eight points in the Flyers’ 11-1 victory over the Cleveland Barons.
1981 — Former world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali’s 61st and last fight; loses to Trevor Berbick by unanimous decision in 10 rounds at Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre, Nassau, Bahamas.
1982 — Dan Fouts the San Diego Chargers passes for 444 yards and five touchdowns in a 41-37 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. San Francisco’s Joe Montana passes for 356 yards to set an NFL record with five consecutive games of 300 yards or more passing.
1983 — John Henry becomes the first racehorse to surpass $4 million in career earnings when he wins the Hollywood Turf Cup with jockey Chris McCarron at Hollywood Park.
1985 — Wayne Gretzky of the Edmonton Oilers registers seven assists in a 12-9 victory over the Chicago Black Hawks. The teams tie the NHL record for most total goals in a game.
1992 — Gary Bettman, the NBA’s senior vice president and general counsel, is named the NHL’s first commissioner.
1999 — Rowan ends Mount Union’s NCAA-record 54-game winning streak, beating the Purple Raiders 24-17 in overtime in a Division III semifinal game.
2002 — Danielle Dube becomes the third female goalie to start in a men’s professional hockey game, stopping 18 shots in the Long Beach Ice Dogs’ 4-1 loss to San Diego in the West Coast Hockey League.
2002 — Colorado’s Joe Sakic scores his 500th career goal in a 3-1 loss at Vancouver. Sakic is the 31st player in NHL history to reach the milestone.
2006 — Jerry Sloan becomes the fifth coach in NBA history to win 1,000 games after Utah defeats Dallas 101-79.
2009 — Tiger Woods announces an indefinite leave from professional golf to focus on his marriage.
2010 — Carl Hagelin scores two goals in the Michigan’s 5-0 victory over Michigan State at Michigan Stadium. The announced attendance of 113,411 crowd sets a world attendance record for a hockey game.
2015 — The Golden State Warriors need two overtimes to remain perfect on a very imperfect night and improved to 24-0 this season by outlasting the Boston Celtics 124-119.
2021 – 87th Heisman Trophy Award: Bryce Young, Alabama (QB)
TV SPORTS WEDNESDAY
COLLEGE BASKETBALL (MEN’S)
7 P.M.
CBSSN — BRYANT AT ST. JOHN’S
FS1 — FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON AT VILLANOVA
8 P.M.
ESPN2 — COLGATE AT KENTUCKY
COLLEGE BASKETBALL (WOMEN’S)
7 P.M.
ACCN — DAVIDSON AT NC STATE
9 P.M.
FS1 — IOWA ST. AT IOWA
GOLF
5 A.M. (THURSDAY)
GOLF — DP WORLD TOUR: THE ALFRED DUNHILL CHAMPIONSHIP, FIRST ROUND, LEOPARD CREEK COUNTRY CLUB, MALELANE, SOUTH AFRICA
NBA BASKETBALL
7:10 P.M.
ESPN — IN-SEASON TOURNAMENT: ATLANTA AT NEW YORK, QUARTERFINAL
9:30 P.M.
TNT — IN-SEASON TOURNAMENT: GOLDEN STATE AT HOUSTON, QUARTERFINAL
TRUTV — IN-SEASON TOURNAMENT: GOLDEN STATE AT HOUSTON, QUARTERFINAL (DATACAST)
NHL HOCKEY
7 P.M.
TNT — N.Y. RANGERS AT BUFFALO
TRUTV — N.Y. RANGERS AT BUFFALO (DATACAST)
SOCCER (MEN’S)
2:55 P.M.CBSSN — UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: CRVENA ZVEZDA AT AC MILAN