THE INDIANA SRN “SPORTSPAGE” THURSDAY DECEMBER 21, 2023

INDIANA BOYS BASKETBALL SCORES WEDNESDAY

Bedford North Lawrence 55 Mooresville 51
Center Grove 83 Perry Meridian 61
Central Noble 68 Wawasee 48
Chesterton 48 Andrean 45
Evansville Harrison 76 Floyd Central 67 OT
Greenfield-Central 58 Rushville 23
Hebron 45 LaVille 35
Indianapolis Attucks 96 Eminence 22
Indianapolis Metropolitan 60 Owen Valley 58
Indianapolis Tindley 106 Providence Cristo Rey 26
Jimtown 61 Triton 29
Knightstown 52 Centerville 49
Lafayette Jeff 68 Bowman Academy 64
Liberty Christian 64 Phalen Academy 54
North Central (Farmersburg) 72 Dugger Union 36
North Knox 61 Vincennes Rivet 42
North Vermillion 66 South Newton 38
Northfield 49 Argos 40
Northridge 69 South Bend Washington 62
Portage 71 Calumet 21
Richmond 89 Noblesville HomeSchool 66
Southridge 52 Corydon Central 44
Springs Valley 84 South Spencer 74
Tipton 67 Lewis Cass 39
Triton Central 71 Indianapolis Riverside 45
Wabash 65 Carroll (Flora) 45
Washington Twp. 54 Hammond Science & Tech 32

Delphi Classic
North Newton 59 North Montgomery 37

McLean County (Ky.) Tournament
Evansville Day 56 Rock Creek Academy 55

INDIANA BOYS BASKETBALL SCHEDULE THURSDAY

ALL TIMES EASTERN
Anderson Prep at Tri 7:30 pm
Batesville at South Ripley 7:30 pm
Ben Davis vs. Knoxville Catholic (Tenn.) 6:30 pm
East Central at Talawanda (Ohio) 7:30 pm
Heartland Christian at Mooresville Christian 7:15 pm
Highland at Wheeler 8:00 pm
Indiana Deaf at Indiana Math & Science 5:30 pm
LaPorte at Elkhart 7:30 pm
Lighthouse CPA at Chicago Harlan (Ill.) 8:00 pm
Mooresville at Monrovia 7:30 pm
New Albany at Evansville Central 8:00 pm
North Decatur at Jac-Cen-Del 7:30 pm
North Vermillion at Clinton Central 7:30 pm
NorthWood at Fort Wayne Concordia 7:30 pm
Shoals at Crawford County 7:30 pm
South Bend Career at Morgan Twp. 8:00 pm
South Dearborn at South Decatur 7:30 pm
South Putnam at Parke Heritage 7:30 pm
Terre Haute North at Evansville Memorial 7:30 pm
Valparaiso at Hammond Noll 8:00 pm
Victory College Prep at Providence Cristo Rey 6:30 pm
West Lafayette at Western 7:30 pm

Bi County Tournament
Attica at Fountain Central 7:30 pm R1
Covington at Seeger 7:30 pm R1

Central Christian Tournament
Northwest HomeSchool vs. Crosspointe Christian 4:00 pm R1
Irvington Prep vs. Horizon Christian 5:30 pm R1
Purdue Poly North at Central Christian 7:00 pm R1
Indianapolis Herron vs. Indianapolis HomeSchool 8:30 pm R1

Delphi Classic
Pioneer at Delphi 7:30 pm Con

North Daviess Tournament
Paoli vs. Evansville Christian 3:30 pm R1
Scottsburg vs. Loogootee 5:00 pm R1
Forest Park at North Daviess 6:30 pm R1
Brownstown Central vs. South Knox 8:00 pm R1

INDIANA GIRLS BASKETBALL SCORES WEDNESDAY

Anderson Prep 61 Indiana Math & Science 12
Anderson 83 Tipton 12
Blue River 52 Union County 48 OT
Cascade 63 South Putnam 29
Center Grove 62 Perry Meridian 14
Clinton Central 47 Rochester 31
Eastern Greene 69 North Daviess 56
Forest Park 35 Loogootee 27
Fort Wayne Concordia 60 Woodlan 54
Fort Wayne North 66 Marion 27
Franklin County 63 Talawanda (Ohio) 44
Henryville 55 South Decatur 52
Huntington North 63 Warsaw 56
Indianapolis Roncalli 56 Ben Davis 47
Jennings County 62 East Central 18
Linton-Stockton 58 Vincennes Lincoln 57 OT
Maconaquah 40 Mississinewa 38
Mishawaka 51 Westview 44
Munster 59 Hanover Central 28
Northfield 49 Southern Wells 44 OT
Oldenburg Academy 66 Greenwood Christian 20
Pendleton Heights 69 Yorktown 41
Salem 43 New Albany 42
South Adams 58 Adams Central 37
Tri-Central 53 Madison-Grant 41
Tri 69 Winchester 31
Wawasee 42 Central Noble 39

Central Christian Tournament
Indianapolis Herron 66 Crosspointe Christian 33
Indianapolis HomeSchool 34 Central Christian 23

Delphi Tournament
Winamac 65 North Montgomery 48

Edinburgh Tournament
Knightstown 44 Edinburgh 32
Northwest HomeSchool 50 Hagerstown 14
Austin 55 Indianapolis Lutheran 43
South Ripley 67 Indianapolis Tindley 25
Edinburgh 55 Hagerstown 27
Indianapolis Lutheran 69 Indianapolis Tindley 42
Northwest HomeSchool 45 Knightstown 18
Austin 55 South Ripley 41

INDIANA GIRLS BASKETBALL SCHEDULE THURSDAY

ALL TIMES EASTERN
Beech Grove at Lebanon 7:30 pm
Benton Central at Andrean 8:00 pm
Bethany Christian at Argos 7:00 pm
Bluffton at Fairfield 7:30 pm
Brebeuf Jesuit at Avon 7:30 pm
Cannelton at South Central (Elizabeth) 6:00 pm
Caston at Frontier 6:30 pm
Clarksville at North Harrison 7:30 pm
Columbus North at Franklin Central 7:30 pm
Cowan at Yorktown 7:30 pm
Eastern (Pekin) at Southwestern (Hanover) 7:30 pm
Eastern Hancock at Monroe Central 7:30 pm
Evansville Christian vs. Muhlenberg County (Ky.) 2:45 pm
Evansville Memorial vs. Henderson County (Ky.) 8:00 pm
Forest Park at McLean County (Ky.) 6:15 pm
Fort Wayne Blackhawk at Garrett 7:30 pm
Fort Wayne Snider at Fort Wayne Luers 6:00 pm
Greensburg at Columbus East 7:30 pm
Hamilton Heights at Blackford 7:30 pm
Hammond Central at Portage 8:00 pm
Heritage at Eastside 7:00 pm
Highland at Lowell 8:00 pm
Indianapolis Herron at Indianapolis Scecina 7:30 pm
Kokomo at Northwestern 7:30 pm
Lakewood Park at DeKalb 7:30 pm
Marquette Catholic at New Prairie 7:30 pm
Morgan Twp. at Demotte Christian ppd.
Mount Vernon (Fortville) at Decatur Central 7:30 pm
New Castle at Batesville 7:30 pm
New Palestine at Southport 7:30 pm
North Central (Indianapolis) at Columbia City 8:00 pm
Oregon-Davis at Westville 6:30 pm
Pike Central at Heritage Hills 8:00 pm
Rising Sun at Lawrenceburg 7:30 pm
River Forest at Griffith 8:00 pm
Seymour at Rushville 6:00 pm
South Bend Career at LaPorte LaLumiere 5:00 pm
Southwood at North Miami 7:30 pm
Tecumseh at Evansville North 8:00 pm
Triton at Manchester 7:30 pm
Triton Central at Hauser 7:30 pm
Washington at Boonville 7:30 pm
West Central at North Judson 7:30 pm
Whitko at Prairie Heights 7:00 pm

Bi County Tournament
Attica at Fountain Central 6:00 pm R1
Covington at Seeger 6:00 pm R1

Delphi Tournament
Frankfort vs. Taylor 6:00 pm Con

Edinburgh Tournament
Indianapolis Tindley vs. Hagerstown 10:00 am 7th
Indianapolis Lutheran at Edinburgh 12:00 pm 5th
South Ripley vs. Knightstown 2:00 pm 3rd
Austin vs. Northwest HomeSchool 4:00 pm 1st

INDIANA WRESTLING SCORES

Washington 66 S. Spencer 15
Washington 48 Evansville Memorial 27
Tell City 53 New Albany 24
Cascade 39 Beech Grove 30
East Noble 46 Prairie Heights 25
North Miami 36 Columbia city 24
Terre Haute South 48 Bloomington South 21
Penn 45 Mishawaka 26
Elwood 35 Northeastern 34
Adams Central 48 Norwell 21
Clinton Prairie 37 Triton 36

INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING SCORES

Washington 66 S. Spencer 15

Washington 48 Evansville Memorial 27

Tell City 53 New Albany 24

Cascade 39 Beech Grove 30

East Noble 46 Prairie Heights 25

North Miami 36 Columbia city 24

Terre Haute South 48 Bloomington South 21

Penn 45 Mishawaka 26

Elwood 35 Northeastern 34

Adams Central 48 Norwell 21

Clinton Prairie 37 Triton 36

COLLEGE BOWL GAMES

Thursday, Dec. 21

Boca Raton Bowl

USF vs. Syracuse

Boca Raton, Florida

8 p.m. | ESPN

Friday, Dec. 22

Gasparilla Bowl

Georgia Tech vs. UCF

Tampa, Florida

6:30 p.m. | ESPN

Saturday, Dec. 23

Birmingham Bowl

Troy vs. Duke

Birmingham, Alabama

12 p.m. | ABC

Camellia Bowl

Arkansas State vs. Northern Illinois

Montgomery, Alabama

12 p.m. | ESPN

Armed Forces Bowl

Air Force vs. James Madison

Fort Worth, Texas

3:30 p.m. | ABC

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Georgia State vs. Utah State

Boise, Idaho

3:30 p.m. | ESPN

68 Ventures Bowl

Eastern Michigan vs. South Alabama

Mobile, Alabama

7 p.m. | ESPN

Las Vegas Bowl

Northwestern vs. Utah

Las Vegas, Nevada

7:30 p.m. | ABC

Hawai’i Bowl

San Jose State vs. Coastal Carolina

Honolulu, Hawai’i

10:30 p.m. | ESPN

Tuesday, Dec. 26

Quick Lane Bowl

Bowling Green vs. Minnesota

Detroit, Michigan

2 p.m. | ESPN

First Responder Bowl

Texas State vs. Rice

Dallas, Texas

5:30 p.m. | ESPN

Guaranteed Rate Bowl

Kansas vs. UNLV

Phoenix, Arizona

9 p.m. | ESPN

Wednesday, Dec. 27

Military Bowl

Tulane vs. Virginia Tech

Annapolis, Maryland

2 p.m. | ESPN

Duke’s Mayo Bowl

North Carolina vs. West Virginia

Charlotte, North Carolina

5:30 p.m. | ESPN

Holiday Bowl

No. 15 Louisville vs. Southern Cal

San Diego, California

8 p.m. ET | FOX

Texas Bowl

No. 20 Oklahoma State vs. Texas A&M

Houston, Texas

9 p.m. | ESPN

Thursday, Dec. 28

Fenway Bowl

No. 24 SMU vs. Boston College

Boston, Massachusetts

11 a.m. | ESPN

Pinstripe Bowl

Rutgers vs. Miami (Fla.)

The Bronx, New York

2:15 p.m. | ESPN

Pop-Tarts Bowl

No. 18 NC State vs. No. 25 Kansas State

Orlando, Florida

5:45 p.m. | ESPN

Alamo Bowl

No. 12 Oklahoma vs. No. 14 Arizona

San Antonio, Texas

9:15 p.m. | ESPN

Friday, Dec. 29

Gator Bowl

No. 22 Clemson vs. Kentucky

Jacksonville, Florida

12 p.m. | ESPN

Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl

No. 16 Notre Dame vs. No. 19 Oregon State

El Paso, Texas

2 p.m. | CBS

Liberty Bowl

Memphis vs. Iowa State

Memphis, Tennessee

3:30 p.m. | ESPN

Cotton Bowl

No. 7 Ohio State vs. No. 9 Missouri

Dallas, Texas

8 p.m. | ESPN

Saturday, Dec. 30

Peach Bowl

No. 10 Penn State vs. No. 11 Ole Miss

Atlanta, Georgia

12 p.m. | ESPN

Music City Bowl

Auburn vs. Maryland

Nashville, Tennessee

2 p.m. | ABC

Orange Bowl

No. 5 Florida State vs. No. 6 Georgia

Miami Gardens, Florida

4 p.m. | ESPN

Arizona Bowl

Wyoming vs. Toledo

Tucson, Arizona

4:30 p.m. | CW Network/Barstool

Monday, Jan. 1, 2024

ReliaQuest Bowl

No. 13 LSU vs. Wisconsin

Tampa, Florida

12 p.m. | ESPN2

Citrus Bowl

No. 17 Iowa vs. No. 21 Tennessee

Orlando, Florida

1 p.m. | ABC

Fiesta Bowl

No. 8 Oregon vs. No. 23 Liberty

Glendale, Arizona

1 p.m. | ESPN

College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl

No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 4 Alabama

Pasadena, California

5 p.m. | ESPN

College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Sugar Bowl

No. 2 Washington vs. No. 3 Texas

New Orleans, Louisiana

8:45 p.m. | ESPN

Monday, Jan. 8

College Football Playoff National Championship Game

Houston, Texas

7:30 p.m. | ESPN

NFL WEEK 16 SCHEDULE

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL SCHEDULE, DEC. 21

New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Rams, 6:15 p.m., Amazon Prime Video (stream with Amazon Prime Video)

SATURDAY FOOTBALL GAMES SCHEDULE, DEC. 23

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers, 2:30 p.m., NBC, Universo (stream with free trial from FUBO)

Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Chargers, 6 p.m., Peacock

SUNDAY EARLY FOOTBALL GAMES SCHEDULE, DEC. 24

Indianapolis Colts at Atlanta Falcons, 11 a.m., FOX (stream with free trial from FUBO)

Green Bay Packers at Carolina Panthers, 11 a.m., FOX (stream with free trial from FUBO)

Cleveland Browns at Houston Texans, 11 a.m., CBS (stream with free trial from FUBO)

Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings, 11 a.m., FOX (stream with free trial from FUBO)

Washington Commanders at New York Jets, 11 a.m., CBS (stream with free trial from FUBO)

Seattle Seahawks at Tennessee Titans, 11 a.m., CBS (stream with free trial from FUBO)

SUNDAY LATE FOOTBALL GAMES SCHEDULE, DEC. 24

Jacksonville Jaguars at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2:05 p.m., CBS (stream with free trial from FUBO)

Arizona Cardinals at Chicago Bears, 2:25 p.m., FOX (stream with free trial from FUBO)

Dallas Cowboys at Miami Dolphins, 2:25 p.m., FOX (stream with free trial from FUBO)

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL SCHEDULE, DEC. 24

New England Patriots at Denver Broncos, 6:15 p.m., NFL Network (stream with free trial from FUBO)

MONDAY FOOTBALL GAMES SCHEDULE, DEC. 25

Las Vegas Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs, 11 a.m., CBS, Nickelodeon (stream with free trial from FUBO)

New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles, 2:30 p.m., FOX, FOX Deportes (stream with free trial from FUBO)

Baltimore Ravens at San Francisco 49ers, 6:15 p.m., ABC, ESPN Plus, ESPN Deportes (stream with free trial from FUBO)

MEN’S TOP 25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL SCORES

#21 Duke 78 #10 Baylor 70

Seton Hall 75 #5 Connecticut 60

Villanova 68 #12 Creighton 66 OT

#15 Gonzaga 100 Jackson State 76

#11 North Carolina 81 #7 Oklahoma 69

#4 Arizona 87 Alabama 74

ELSEWHERE

Pittsburgh 62 Purdue Fort Wayne 48

Evansville 82 Tennessee Tech 51

Northwestern 65 Arizona State 46

WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL TOP 25 SCORES

#10 Baylor 61 Providence 36

#9 Stanford 92 UC Davis 52

#20 Gonzaga 81 Arizona 69

#7 LSU 80 Coppin State 48

#21 Florida State 110 Alabama State 45

#17 Connecticut 111 Toronto Metropolitan 34

#3 North Carolina State 87 Old Dominion 50

#19 Louisville 59 #23 Washington 51

#25 TCU 96 Omaha 56

#12 Kansas State 84 Southern 52

#5 Texas 104 Texas Rio Grande 51

ELSEWHERE

Arkansas 60 Illinois 59

Stetson 78 Valparaiso 62

Purdue 79 Indiana State 63

South Florida 85 IUPUI 49

Florida 82 Michigan 65

Kansas 69 Nebraska 52

Michigan State 83 Richmond 76

NBA SCOREBOARD

Indiana 144 Charlotte 113

Miami 115 Orlando 106

Philadelphia 127 Minnesota 113

Cleveland 124 Utah 116

New York 121 Brooklyn 102

Denver 113 Toronto 104

Atlanta 134 Houston 127

Chicago 124 LA Lakers 108

LA Clippers 120 Dallas 111

Boston 144 Sacramento 119

NHL SCOREBOARD

Washington 3 NY Islanders 2 OT

Winnipeg 5 Detroit 2

Seattle 2 Los Angeles 1

NATIONAL SPORTS RELEASES/HEADLINES

NFL NEWS

THE STARTING ELEVEN

 Models, simulations and probabilities.

With apologies to Bing Crosby, they’re nothing more than ringing sleigh bells and new-bird whistles on the NFL’s playoff picture. Entering Week 16, only one thing matters on the snow-glistened lane to the postseason: Winning.

“You’ve earned the right to play in these important games late in the season,” said CBS analyst and two-time Pro Bowler TRENT GREEN, “and every one you win, the next one becomes that much more important.”

The next one is so important that it might as well be a playoff contest. The first game on the NFL’s Week 16 slate, the NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (7-7) at the LOS ANGELES RAMS (7-7) on Thursday Night Football (8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video), not only figures to produce a playoff atmosphere, it also figures to set the tone for a fantastic Christmas weekend.

The last game on the Week 16 slate, the finale of a Christmas Day tripleheader, features the teams with the NFL’s best records, the BALTIMORE RAVENS (11-3) at the SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (11-3) on Monday Night Football (8:15 p.m. ET, ABC).

In between, get ready for a pair of Saturday games and 10 more on Christmas Eve. With three weeks remaining, 26 teams are still in contention and 22 of those clubs are either in playoff position or within one game of joining that group.

Wins, not reputations or analytics, will keep those teams in contention. And in the NFL, a win is a win. No one cares about votes in a poll. Impressive wins, ugly wins and exciting, improbable wins all count equally in the fight for Super Bowl LVIII.

The Starting 11 entering Week 16…

1.   RAVENS, 49ERS COLLIDE IN CHRISTMAS CONCLUSION: For only the second time since the 1970 merger, two teams with a share of the league’s best record will meet in Week 16 or later when BALTIMORE (11-3) visits SAN FRANCISCO (11-3) on Christmas night (8:15 p.m. ET, ABC). The only other game in that period involving teams that shared the league’s best record this late in a season was Jan. 2, 1994, when Dallas defeated the New York Giants en route to victory in Super Bowl XXVIII.

• Last week, the Ravens clinched their fifth playoff berth in six seasons and need a Christmas win to continue the march toward their first AFC North division title since 2019. Baltimore also owns the NFL’s best winning percentage (.857, 6-1) in road games.
  • In last week’s win, Ravens quarterback LAMAR JACKSON recorded 97 yards on 12 carries. His 54 career games of 50-or-more rushing yards are tied with MICHAEL VICK (54) for the most by a quarterback in NFL history. Jackson also has 13 career victories against teams at least three games above .500, more than any starting quarterback since 2018, when he entered the league.
  • Also last week, Ravens defensive tackle JUSTIN MADUBUIKE became only the third player since 1982, when the individual sack became an official statistic, to record at least half a sack in 11 consecutive games during a season, joining TREY HENDRICKSON (11 straight games in 2021) and CHRIS JONES (11 straight games in 2018)
  • Baltimore (163.8) leads the NFL in rushing yards per game while San Francisco’s defense (89.4) has allowed the third-fewest ground yards per contest in 2023.
  • Niners quarterback BROCK PURDY leads the NFL in both touchdown passes (29) and passer rating (119.0), and ranks second with 3,795 passing yards. Purdy has six games with a passer rating of 130-or-higher this season, tied for the most such games in a season in NFL history.
  • San Francisco running back CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY has 6,018 rushing yards and 4,265 receiving yards since entering the NFL in 2017. He’s the third player ever with 6,000 rushing yards and 4,000 receiving yards in his first seven seasons, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer MARSHALL FAULK and ROGER CRAIG. McCaffrey also has 499 receptions in 89 NFL games and can surpass Faulk (112 games) as the fastest running back to reach 500 career catches all-time.

2.   NUMBER OF THE WEEK – 17: The number of scrimmage touchdowns scored by Lions rookies this season, most in the NFL. The Lions are the first team to have multiple rookies – tight end SAM LAPORTA (nine) and running back JAHMYR GIBBS (eight) – score eight-or-more touchdowns since REGGIE BUSH and MARQUES COLSTON did it with the 2006 Saints. Detroit general manager BRAD HOLMES acquired the selections he used to draft Gibbs and LaPorta, No. 12 and 34 overall, respectively, in a draft-day trade. Since the 1970 merger, the 2016 Cowboys and 1983 Rams are tied for the most single-season touchdowns scored by rookies, 22.

• DETROIT (10-4) heads to MINNESOTA (7-7) for a Sunday divisional showdown (1 p.m. ET, FOX). The teams will meet twice over the season’s final three weeks, including the Week 18 finale at Ford Field.
  • The Lions with a win can clinch their first division title since 1993. Since the 1970 merger, only the Browns’ current streak of 30 seasons without a division championship (1990-95, 1999-2022) is longer than Detroit (29).
  • LaPorta is the first rookie tight end ever to reach 70 receptions, 700 receiving yards and seven touchdown catches. His nine touchdown receptions this season are tied with JUNIOR MILLER (nine in 1980) for the third most ever by a rookie tight end. Only Pro Football Hall of Famer MIKE DITKA (12 in 1961) and ROB GRONKOWSKI (10 in 2010) have more. LaPorta’s 71 receptions represent the third most by a rookie tight end in NFL history, behind KEITH JACKSON (81 in 1988 with Philadelphia) and JEREMY SHOCKEY (74 in 2002 with the New York Giants).
  • Detroit wide receiver AMON-RA ST. BROWN is the third player in NFL history to reach 90 receptions and 900 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons, joining ODELL BECKHAM JR. and MICHAEL THOMAS. St. Brown has 290 career receptions and can join JUSTIN JEFFERSON (324), Thomas (321) and CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY (303) as the only players ever with 300 in their first three seasons.
  • Minnesota linebacker DANIELLE HUNTER leads the NFL with 21 tackles for loss and ranks second with a career-high 15.5 sacks.

3.   PEACOCK HOSTS NFL HOLIDAY EXCLUSIVE: Peacock will stream its first exclusive NFL game when the BUFFALO BILLS (8-6) meet the LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (5-9) at SoFi Stadium (8 p.m. ET, Peacock) in the nightcap of the league’s Saturday doubleheader.

• In last week’s win, Bills quarterback JOSH ALLEN registered his 10th game this season with both a touchdown pass and a rushing touchdown, surpassing KYLER MURRAY (nine in 2020) for the most such single-season games in NFL history.
  • Also last week, Buffalo running back JAMES COOK posted career highs in both rushing yards (179) and scrimmage yards (221), the most scrimmage yards by a Bills player since FRED JACKSON had 227 on Jan. 3, 2010.

4.   SPOTLIGHT – INDIVIDUAL MATCHUP: When the LOS ANGELES RAMS (7-7) host the NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (7-7) on Thursday Night Football (8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video), look for Rams wide receiver PUKA NACUA lined up across from Saints cornerback PAULSON ADEBO. Nacua, selected 177th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, has the most receiving yards (1,163) by a rookie not drafted in the first 100 selections in the common-draft era (since 1967). Nacua surpassed MARQUES COLSTON, the 252nd overall choice in the 2006 draft, who had 1,038 receiving yards as a rookie for the Saints. Adebo, meanwhile, has career bests in interceptions (four), passes defensed (15), forced fumbles (two) and fumble recoveries (two). His 15 passes defensed are tied for fifth in the league.

• The Rams have won four of their last five games. In that stretch, since Week 11, they rank third in the NFL with 395.6 offensive yards per game and fourth with 29.8 points per game.
  • In last week’s win, Rams running back KYREN WILLIAMS posted 152 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries. His 114.5 scrimmage yards per game ranks third in the NFL this season behind CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY (128.6) and TYREEK HILL (119.8).
  • New Orleans quarterback DEREK CARR completed 23 of 28 attempts (82.1 percent) for 218 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions for a 134.8 rating in the Saints’ victory last week. Carr has 3,098 passing yards in 2023 and became the third player in NFL history with 3,000 in each of his first 10 career seasons, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer PEYTON MANNING and RUSSELL WILSON.

5.   SPOTLIGHT – TEAM MATCHUP: The Dolphins lead the NFL with 274.4 passing yards per game. The Cowboys are allowing 176.9 passing yards per game, fourth fewest in the league. Those units will be on the same field when DALLAS (10-4) travels to MIAMI (10-4) on Sunday (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX).

• Dolphins running back RAHEEM MOSTERT has 18 rushing touchdowns this season, tied with LEGARRETTE BLOUNT (18 in 2016) for the third most by an undrafted player in a season in the common-draft era (since 1967). Only PRIEST HOLMES (27 rushing touchdowns in 2003 and 21 in 2002) has more. Mostert, who has 18 rushing touchdowns and two touchdown receptions in 2023, also is the third undrafted player since 1967 to record at least 20 touchdowns in a season, joining AUSTIN EKELER (20 in 2021) and PRIEST HOLMES (27 in 2003 and 24 in 2002).
  • In last week’s win, Miami wide receiver JAYLEN WADDLE had eight receptions for 142 yards, including a 60-yard touchdown catch.
  • Miami’s seven scrimmage touchdowns of 60-or-more yards are tied with four other teams for second most by any club since the 1970 merger. In that span, only the 1998 San Francisco 49ers (eight) have more.
  • Dallas is 5-1 and averaging a league-best 35.2 points per game since Week 10.
  • Cowboys quarterback DAK PRESCOTT has 15 touchdown passes and one interception over his last 209 attempts.

6.   STREAK SPEAK: Chiefs wide receiver RASHEE RICE has at least seven receptions in each of his last four games. Only four rookies over the last 30 seasons – AMON-RA ST. BROWN (six games in 2021), ODELL BECKHAM JR. (six games in 2014), JAYLEN WADDLE (four games in 2021) and Rice – have had streaks of at least four games with seven-or-more receptions.

• Rice and the KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (9-5) host the LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (6-8) in the first of three Christmas Day games (1 p.m. ET, CBS).
  • Kansas City quarterback PATRICK MAHOMES has 217 touchdown passes in 94 career games, tied with Pro Football Hall of Famer DAN MARINO (217) for the most touchdown passes by a player in his first 100 career games in NFL history.
  • Last week, when the Raiders scored a franchise-record 63 points, Las Vegas became the first team since the Los Angeles Rams on Oct. 22, 1950, to have eight players score touchdowns.

7.   DID YOU KNOW?: Bengals quarterback JAKE BROWNING, who has 1,180 passing yards and a 76.0 completion percentage as a starter, is the first player since at least 1950 to pass for more than 1,000 yards and complete at least 75 percent of his passes in his first four career starts.

• CINCINNATI (8-6) makes the short trek to PITTSBURGH (7-7) in the first game of the NFL’s Saturday doubleheader (4:30 p.m. ET, NBC). The Bengals have won three straight games, two in overtime.
  • Bengals running back JOE MIXON has scored a touchdown in seven of his last eight games.
  • Pittsburgh linebacker T.J. WATT, who leads the league with 16 sacks in 2023, has 21 career games with at least two sacks, tied with his brother J.J. WATT for the fifth-most games by a player in his first seven NFL seasons since 1982, when the individual sack became an official statistic. Only Pro Football Hall of Famers REGGIE WHITE (30 games) and RICHARD DENT (23) as well SIMEON RICE (23) and JARED ALLEN (22) have more.

8.   UNDER-THE-RADAR STORYLINE: The Texans’ DEMECO RYANS (49ers defensive coordinator) and the Colts’ SHANE STEICHEN (Eagles offensive coordinator) coached against each other in the NFC Championship Game last year. This year, they could become the first pair of rookie head coaches from the same division to lead their teams to the playoffs since JIM HASLETT and MIKE MARTZ in 2000. Entering Week 16, they’ve led their teams to a three-way tie with JACKSONVILLE (8-6) atop the AFC South.

• INDIANAPOLIS (8-6) has a takeaway in 19 consecutive games, the NFL’s longest active streak. The Colts, who look to extend that stretch at ATLANTA (6-8) on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, FOX), are the only team in the league with a takeaway in every game this season. The Colts also have 46 sacks, tied for third in the NFL.
  • Both HOUSTON (8-6) and CLEVELAND (9-5), who meet in a key AFC showdown at NRG Stadium on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, CBS), won thrillers last week. The Texans’ KA’IMI FAIRBAIRN converted a 54-yard field goal to lift Houston with no time remaining in overtime. The Browns’ DUSTIN HOPKINS hit a game-winning 34-yard field goal with 32 seconds left in regulation. Houston erased a 13-point deficit in the win while Cleveland came back from 10 down.
  • Browns tight end DAVID NJOKU had 104 yards and a touchdown on a career-best 10 receptions in last week’s victory. He has three touchdown receptions over his last two games.

9.   TREND TIME: Under PETE CARROLL (since 2010), the Seahawks now have nine wins against opponents that entered with records of seven-or-more games above .500, including their storybook victory in Week 15. Quarterback DREW LOCK engineered a 10-play, 92-yard drive in the final two minutes, hitting rookie wide receiver JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA on a 29-yard touchdown with 28 seconds remaining to keep SEATTLE (7-7) firmly in contention for the seventh and final NFC playoff spot.

• The Seahawks, who travel to TENNESSEE (5-9) for an interconference matchup Sunday (1 p.m. ET, CBS), got their second game-winning, fourth-quarter touchdown reception of the season from Smith-Njigba, the only rookie since 1960 with two game-winning touchdown receptions in the final minute of the fourth quarter (also Week 8 with 38 seconds left). On that final drive last week, Seattle wide receiver DK METCALF had three catches for 58 yards. Seahawks safety JULIAN LOVE had two fourth-quarter interceptions, including a spectacular play to seal the win with six seconds on the clock.

10. NEXT GEN STAT OF THE WEEK: Las Vegas defensive tackle JOHN JENKINS reached a top speed of 14.95 miles per hour on his 44-yard fumble-return touchdown, the fourth-fastest speed by a 320-pound ball carrier in the NGS era (since 2016).

11. AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST: Tampa Bay quarterback BAKER MAYFIELD passed for 381 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions for a 158.3 rating, the highest attainable mark, in last week’s win. Mayfield is the third player with at least 375 passing yards, four touchdown passes and a 158.3 rating in a road game in NFL history, joining Philadelphia’s NICK FOLES (Nov. 3, 2013, at Oakland) and the Jets’ KEN O’BRIEN (Nov. 2, 1986, at Seattle). TAMPA BAY (7-7) hosts JACKSONVILLE (8-6) in a battle of teams with a share of first place in their divisions on Sunday (4:05 p.m. ET, CBS).

2023 NFL PLAYOFF SCENARIOS – WEEK 16

CLINCHED:

Baltimore Ravens (11-3) – playoff berth

BALTIMORE RAVENS (11-3) at San Francisco (11-3); Christmas (Monday), 8:15 p.m. ET, ABC

Baltimore clinches AFC North division title with:

1. BAL win + CLE loss or tie OR
2. BAL tie + CLE loss

CLEVELAND BROWNS (9-5) at Houston (8-6); Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

Cleveland clinches playoff berth with:

1. CLE win + CIN loss + DEN loss or tie + BUF loss + MIA win or tie + IND loss or tie OR
2. CLE win + PIT loss or tie + BUF loss + MIA win or tie + DEN loss or tie OR
3. CLE win + PIT loss or tie + BUF loss + MIA win or tie + JAX loss + IND win OR
4. CLE win + PIT loss or tie + DEN loss or tie + JAX loss + IND win OR
5. CLE win + PIT loss or tie + BUF loss + KC win + IND win + JAX loss OR
6. CLE win + PIT loss or tie + DEN loss or tie + MIA win or tie + IND loss OR
7. CLE win + PIT loss or tie + DEN loss or tie + MIA win or tie + JAX loss OR
8. CLE win + CIN-PIT tie + BUF loss + IND win + JAX loss

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (9-5) vs. Las Vegas (6-8); Christmas (Monday), 1 p.m. ET, CBS

Kansas City clinches playoff berth and AFC West division title with:

1. KC win OR
2. KC tie + DEN loss

MIAMI DOLPHINS (10-4) vs. Dallas (10-4); Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX

Miami clinches AFC East division title with:

1. MIA win + BUF loss or tie OR
2. MIA tie + BUF loss

Miami clinches playoff berth with:

1. MIA win OR
2. MIA tie + JAX loss OR
3. MIA tie + IND loss + HOU loss OR
4. MIA tie + IND loss or tie + CLE loss OR
5. MIA tie + HOU loss or tie + CIN loss or tie OR
6. MIA tie + CIN loss or tie + IND loss or tie

NFC

CLINCHED:

San Francisco 49ers (11-3) – NFC West division title

Dallas Cowboys (10-4) – playoff berth

Philadelphia Eagles (10-4) – playoff berth

DETROIT LIONS (10-4) at Minnesota (7-7); Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX

Detroit clinches NFC North division title with:

1.             DET win or tie

Detroit clinches playoff berth with:

1.             LAR loss or tie OR

2.             SEA loss or tie

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (11-3) vs. Baltimore; Christmas (Monday), 8:15 p.m. ET, ABC

San Francisco clinches NFC’s No. 1 seed, lone first-round bye and homefield advantage with:

1. SF win + PHI loss + DAL loss + DET loss

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (7-7) AT LOS ANGELES RAMS (7-7)

QB DEREK CARR completed 23 of 28 atts. (season-high 82.1 pct.) for 218 yards & 3 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 134.8 rating in Week 15, his 8th-career start with 80+ comp. pct., tied 4th-most among active QBs. Has 3,098 pass yards in 2023 & became 3rd QB ever (HOFer Peyton Manning & Russell Wilson) with 3,000+ pass yards in each of 1st 10 career seasons. Has 3,503 career completions & joined Matt Ryan (3,630) as only players ever with 3,500+ completions in 1st 10 career seasons. • RB ALVIN KAMARA had 5 catches & 110 scrimmage yards (66 rush, 44 rec.) in Week 15. Has 1,076 scrimmage yards in 2023, his 7thstraight 1,000-yard season. Leads all RBs in catches (68) & ranks 3rd in rec. yards (446) this season. Aims for his 3rd in row in Thursday games with 100+ scrimmage yards. Has 453 scrimmage yards (113.3 per game) & 5 TDs (3 rush, 2 rec.) in 4 career games vs. LAR. • WR CHRIS OLAVE needs 82 rec. yards for 2nd-straight 1,000- yard season. Has 5+ catches in 7 of his past 8. • TE JIMMY GRAHAM aims for his 4th in row with TD catch. Has 89 career reg.-season TD catches, 4th-most by TE in NFL history. Has rec. TD in 4 of his past 4 Thursday games. • DE CAMERON JORDAN has 16.5 sacks & 20 TFL in 14 career Thursday games. Aims for his 3rd in row at LAR with sack. • DE CARL GRANDERSON aims for his 3rd in row with sack. • DE TANOH KPASSAGNON had career-high 3 sacks last week. • DT BRYAN BRESEE(rookie) had 1st-career 2-sack game in Week 15. • LB DEMARIO DAVIS had 10 tackles, 2 TFL & sack in Week 15. Needs TFL for 7th-straight 10+ TFL season. Has 100+ tackles (102) for 7th-straight season. • CB ISAAC YIADOM aims for his 3rd in row with 3+ PD. • CB PAULSON ADEBO ranks tied-5th in NFL with 15 PD in 2023.

QB MATTHEW STAFFORD passed for 258 yards & 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 118 rating in Week 15. Has 3,320 pass yards in 2023, his 11thcareer 3,000-yard season. Aims for his 5th in row with 2+ TD passes & 100+ rating. Aims for his 7th in row vs. NO with 2+ TD passes. Has 3,825 pass yards (294.2 per game) in 13 career Thursday starts. • RB KYREN WILLIAMS had 155 scrimmage yards (152 rush, 3 rec.) & rush TD in Week 15, his 3rd game with 150+ scrimmage yards in 2023, tied-3rd most in NFL this season. Aims for his 6th in row with 100+ scrimmage yards. Has career-high 1,145 scrimmage yards in 2023 & is 1 of 3 RBs (James Cook & Christian McCaffrey) with 100+ scrimmage yards per game average (114.5) this season. • WR COOPER KUPP had 8 catches for 111 yards & 4th rec TD of season last week, his 31st-career game with 100+ rec. yards, tied 3rd-most in NFL since 2017. Aims for his 3rd in row with 100+ rec. yards & 4th in row with TD catch. Aims for his 4th in row vs. NO with 5+ catches & 85+ rec. yards. Has 5 rec. TDs in his past 5 Thursday games. • WR PUKA NACUA leads all rookies with 87 catches, 3rd-most ever by player in 1st 14 games. Has 1,163 rec. yards, 5th-most by player in 1st 14 games in SB era. • WR DEMARCUS ROBINSON aims for his 4th in row with TD catch. • DT AARON DONALD has 5 TFL in his past 5 at home. Has 8 TFL in 5 career games vs. NO & aims for his 6th in row vs. NO with TFL. Has 7.5 sacks & 11 TFL in 9 career Thursday games. Aims for his 4th in row on Thursday with sack & 7th in row on Thursday with TFL. • LB ERNEST JONES aims for his 3rd in row with sack & PD. Is only player with 125+ tackles (125) & 10+ TFL (11) in 2023. • CB AHKELLO WITHERSPOON had 2 PD last week & aims for his 5th in row with PD. Has career-high 13 PD in 2023.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS

REPORT: MICHIGAN NOTIFIED OF LEVEL I CHARGE FOR HARBAUGH

Michigan received a notice of allegations from the NCAA regarding alleged recruiting violations by the football staff, university officials told ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh is facing a Level I violation for allegedly providing false or misleading information in an investigation into recruiting infractions during the COVID-19 dead period, a source told Austin Meek and Nicole Auerbach of The Athletic.

The NCAA notice reportedly also outlined four Level II charges that included impermissible contact with recruits and analysts performing coaching duties. Though some of the allegations have been addressed through a negotiated resolution earlier this year, the Wolverines and NCAA weren’t able to resolve the Level I charge against the veteran coach, report Meek and Auerbach.

In August, Michigan imposed a three-game suspension on Harbaugh to start the season. The ban took place after the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions rejected a negotiated four-game punishment for Harbaugh.

The notice of allegations received this week is reportedly unrelated to the NCAA investigation into the in-person scouting and sign-stealing scheme that resulted in Harbaugh being suspended for the regular season’s final three games in 2023.

Harbaugh could receive another suspension in 2024, according to Meek and Auerbach. The 59-year-old will be back on the sideline for Michigan’s matchup against Alabama in the College Football Playoff semifinal Jan. 1.

QB TRANSFERS DOMINATE THE HEADLINES. BUT THE PORTAL’S HAD A MAJOR IMPACT ON OTHER POSITIONS TOO

All the attention surrounding quarterbacks who switch schools has overshadowed how the transfer portal has affected the way colleges try to stockpile talent at other positions.

The Associated Press measured the impact of the transfers by tracking the top 20 prospects at every position each year from 2019-22, as rated by composite rankings of recruiting sites compiled by 247Sports.

As expected, the most impacted position was quarterback. Nearly two-thirds of those 80 quarterbacks already have switched schools or are currently in the portal. But about 55% of the cornerbacks and about half of the safeties, running backs, wide receivers and inside linebackers also have either transferred or are in the process of doing so.

All that movement is having a trickle-down effect on high school recruiting that has become apparent heading into Wednesday’s start of the December signing period. Since teams have a chance to fill holes in their roster with more proven players, high school prospects don’t have the same choices as they might have enjoyed before the 2021 NCAA policy change enabling athletes to transfer one time as undergraduates without sitting out a season.

“There are more kids signing probably a level down than probably ever before,” said Andrew Ivins, the director of scouting at 247Sports. “You can go through state by state, and you’ll come across kids who in previous years they’d be probably going to a Power Five program, and now they’re at the Group of Five level.”

QUARTERBACKS

Four of the top five finishers in the Heisman Trophy balloting were quarterbacks who had transferred at one point in their college careers. The last two Heisman winners are quarterback transfers: LSU’s Jayden Daniels (formerly at Arizona State) and Southern California’s Caleb Williams (Oklahoma).

A majority of the 133 Football Bowl Subdivision programs this year had a transfer quarterback who either started at least half the team’s games or led the team in passing.

“I had a Group of Five program tell me they’re never going to sign a high school quarterback again because they know there’s going to be a ton of transfers every single year,” Ivins said.

DBs AND WRs

There’s also plenty of movement elsewhere. In many cases, players aren’t needing more than one or two years before moving on.

Three of the top five cornerbacks from 2022 already have transferred, headlined by Travis Hunter’s decision to follow coach Deion Sanders from Jackson State to Colorado. Three of the top six receivers from 2022 and five of the top seven wideouts from 2021 also have moved on.

“In college football now, you literally have added a whole other department in what’s the equivalency of a pro personnel department in the NFL,” Rutgers coach Greg Schiano said. “Because you have to now scout other colleges and be ready if a guy goes in the portal, you have to know what your opinion is. So now we scout every single position, just like we do high school prospects.”

ON THE LINE

Some positions don’t have quite as much movement.

Looking at the 247Sports composite’s top 20 prospects at each position from 2019-22, just over one-quarter of the offensive tackles have entered the portal. About 70% of the interior offensive linemen and interior defensive linemen remain at the schools that initially signed them out of high school.

“Why there are more skill guys than there are bigger guys (in the portal), I don’t know,” Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell said. “I think the nature of the beast, it’s pretty easy to evaluate if you don’t get a lot of balls, if you don’t catch a lot of balls, obviously sometimes it probably looks like the grass is greener on the other side.”

Ivins said schools might not be as concerned if one of their own running backs or receivers transfers because it’s easy to find a potential replacement in the portal. But if a school lands a quality lineman or pass rusher out of high school, Ivins noted those teams are “going to try to hold on to them as much as they can.”

“NFL teams, you start looking at the really good teams — where do they spend their money? Where do they allocate their resources?” Auburn director of player personnel AK Mogulla said. “It’s O-line, D-line. This day and age, you’ve got to have a premier shutdown type of corner. That’s where it’s going. It’s just trickling down from the NFL, down to the college level now. That’s all it is. It’s just now become free agency. That’s what we are in.”

PORTAL CONCERNS

Although transfers at all positions have college experience, Fickell says recruiting from the portal has its own challenges.

“The reality is the transfer portal, to me it’s a bigger crapshoot than a high school kid,” Fickell said. “Now, there are some that aren’t. There are some guys out there that have 50-60-70 catches, that aren’t as much of a crapshoot. But they’re still leaving for a reason.”

The challenge is that colleges often don’t know the players they get out of the portal as well as the high school recruits they’ve been following for years. Fickell said that when he recruits from the portal, he gravitates toward players he might have recruited from high school or who might have some connection with his staff.

Even then, there are risks.

“Does somebody really know why they’re leaving?” Fickell said. “Are there good reasons to leave? I’m sure there are. But they’re still walking away. I think we’ve just got to be careful. There’s a lot of really good kids out there who can fit into some good situations, but it’s an educated guess.”

It’s a guess coaching staffs are making more and more. And that has made the recruiting process more challenging for those prospects still in high school.

“It feels from my perspective and my vantage point, there are a lot of programs out there that three weeks before signing day, they were not looking at the high school ranks,” Ivins said. “It’s quickly pivoted all to the transfer portal, and that’s going to leave a lot of talented athletes without a chair when the music stops.”

SIGNING DAY: QB DYLAN RAIOLA SIGNS WITH NEBRASKA; GEORGIA, OHIO STATE VIE FOR TOP RECRUITING CLASS

Georgia landed a commitment from 247Sports’ No. 1 ranked safety KJ Bolden on Wednesday, flipping the Buford (Ga.) High five-star from Florida State and sealing up 247Sports’ No. 1 recruiting class in the process. We feel comfortable that Georgia won’t surrender its perch at No. 1 with 316.03 points in the rankings, even with another signing period in February.

This is the earliest 247Sports has called a recruiting class. In the case of Georgia, that point total would currently rank as the 14th-best class in the 247Sports era (2010-present). SEC arch-rival Alabama has the No. 2 class. Speaking of the SEC: This is the 16th consecutive year an SEC program has finished with the No. 1-ranked recruiting class.

Bolden becomes commit No. 28 for head coach Kirby Smart and his staff in the 2024 cycle, with Will Muschamp, David Cooper and Glenn Schumann among others playing a hand in getting 247Sports’ No. 15 prospect overall in the fold.

Bolden joins a haul that includes 247Sports No. 1 cornerback in five-star Ellis Robinson IV and No. 1 linebacker in five-star Justin Williams. He is the 11th Top100 prospect overall.

This class is highlighted by the work done in the secondary with Bolden and Robinson coming in alongside cornerback Demello Jones (No. 74), cornerback Ondre Evans (No. 99). Syracuse head coach Fran Brown ranks as 247Sports No. 2 recruiter because of his work in helping land these guys, but Muschamp, Schuman, Cooper and Smart collectively kept these guys comfortable with the Bulldogs after Brown’s departure for the Orange corner office.

Williams and Chris Cole are the No. 1 and No. 3 linebackers in the country.

Joseph Jonah-Ajonye (No. 50) and Nasir Johnson (No. 58) anchor the defensive line haul.

Georgia saw quarterback Dylan Raiola flip to Nebraska, but Smart, Mike Bobo and company are excited about Top247 signal-caller Ryan Puglisi, the No. 10 signal-caller in the country.

The five offensive linemen are literally massive, none coming in lighter than 320 pounds in Top247 recruits in Daniel Calhoun (6-6 1/2, 335), Marques Easley (6-5 1/2, 335), Nyier Daniels, Michael Uini (6-7, 335) along with Malachi Oliver 6-6 1/2, 320) and Marcus Harrison 6-7 1/2, 336). Uini, who the Bulldogs beat Michigan on, may have the most upside of the bunch.

Ace tight end recruiter Todd Hartley landed Jaden Reddell and Colton Heinrich. Reddell was among the most coveted in the country.

This marks the third time Georgia has finished No. 1 in the 247Sports Composite Team Recruiting Rankings, following the 2018 and 2020 hauls. Going back to 2017, Smart and the Bulldogs have never finished lower than No. 4 in the standings. Smart puts in a lot of time on the trail, demands excellence from his staff, and the results continue to come in.

MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

TOP 25 ROUNDUP: SETON HALL TOPPLES NO. 5 UCONN

Kadary Richmond racked up 23 points, six rebounds, five assists and a career-high eight steals as Seton Hall toppled No. 5 UConn 75-60 in the rivals’ conference opener Wednesday in Newark, N.J.

Dre Davis added 17 points on 8-of-13 shooting to help Seton Hall (8-4, 1-0 Big East) defeat a top-five opponent for the first time since Nov. 16, 2021, against then-No. 4 Michigan.

Jaden Bediako, a center who transferred from Santa Clara, held his own against UConn star Donovan Clingan with 10 points and nine rebounds in his Big East debut. The 7-foot-2 Clingan had 14 points and seven rebounds in just 14 minutes but sustained a sprained ankle and missed most of the second half.

Tristen Newton led UConn (10-2, 0-1) with 16 points, and Alex Karaban had nine points and eight boards. Seton Hall outshot UConn 51.8 percent to 37.9 percent and outscored the Huskies 18-0 in fastbreak points.

No. 4 Arizona 87, Alabama 74

Oumar Ballo had a double-double and the Wildcats roared back in the second half to beat the cold-shooting Crimson Tide at the Jerry Colangelo Hall of Fame Series in Phoenix.

Ballo finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds, and he helped foul out Alabama big men Mohamed Wague and Nick Pringle, each with about six minutes to go. Arizona (9-1) also got 16 points and six rebounds from Pelle Larsson.

Alabama (6-5) mostly ran out of offense after taking a seven-point lead early in the second half. The Crimson Tide hit just 33.8 percent of their shots, including 20 percent (8 of 40) from 3-point range. Grant Nelson scored a team-high 17 points but was only 3 of 15 from behind the arc.

No. 11 North Carolina 81, No. 7 Oklahoma 69

RJ Davis scored 23 points and the Tar Heels never trailed on the way to defeating handing the Sooners their first loss of the season in the Jumpman Invitational in Charlotte, N.C.

Armando Bacot provided 14 points and eight rebounds as North Carolina (8-3) scored eight of the last 10 points in the game. The Tar Heels snapped a two-game losing streak that involved neutral-site losses to Connecticut and Kentucky.

Otega Oweh pumped in 23 points for Oklahoma (10-1), with 10 of his points coming on free throws. Javian McCollum added 14 points.

No. 21 Duke 78, No. 10 Baylor 70

Jared McCain scored 21 points and Jeremy Roach added 18 for the Blue Devils, who were at their best in the final six minutes against the Bears.

Kyle Filipowski added 13 points and 10 rebounds for Duke (8-3), with Caleb Foster scoring 12 and Mark Mitchell hitting for 10. The Blue Devils have won three consecutive games.

RayJ Dennis led Baylor (9-2) with 17 points while Ja’Kobe Walter added 15 and Yves Missi racked up 11 points and 10 rebounds. The Bears have dropped back-to-back games after opening the season with nine consecutive wins.

Villanova 68, No. 12 Creighton 66 (OT)

Eric Dixon scored 32 points, including a pair of 3-pointers in overtime, as the Wildcats overcame a 14-point, second-half deficit to beat the Bluejays in the Big East opener for each team at Omaha, Neb.

Hakim Hart scored 10 points off the bench and Tyler Burton added 12 rebounds as Villanova (8-4, 1-0) won its second straight after a three-game losing streak. Villanova was without second-leading scorer Justin Moore for a second consecutive game because of a knee injury.

Trey Alexander scored eight of his 16 points in overtime for Creighton (9-3, 0-1), which lost at home for the first time in seven games this season.

No. 15 Gonzaga 100, Jackson State 76

Graham Ike recorded 22 points and 11 rebounds to help the Bulldogs roll past the Tigers in Spokane, Wash.

Nolan Hickman scored 18 points and Braden Huff had 17 points and nine rebounds off the bench for Gonzaga (9-3), which had lost two of its previous three games. Ryan Nembhard added 11 points and six assists for the Bulldogs.

Ken Evans had 23 points and 10 rebounds for Jackson State (4-8), which has yet to play a home game this season. Chase Adams scored 14 points and Coltie Young had 13 for the Tigers.

WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

TOP 25 ROUNDUP: NO. 10 BAYLOR ANNIHILATES PROVIDENCE

No. 10 Baylor blew the doors off of Providence from the opening tip and sprinted to a 61-36 victory on Wednesday in the first of two games for the Lady Bears at the West Palm Beach Classic.

The Lady Bears (10-0) got 14 points from Bella Fontleroy and 12 from Sarah Andrews, but Baylor set the tone with defense.

Already trailing 5-0 just 50 seconds into the game, Olivia Olsen made a layup on Providence’s second offensive possession. It was more than 13 minutes later in the middle of the second quarter when the Friars made their second field goal (Laryn Edwards’ short-range bucket) during the Lady Bears’ 17-2 run.

Providence finished 11 of 45 from the floor and 1 of 14 from 3-point range. Olsen scored a team-high 12 points with 10 rebounds.

Baylor, off to its best start since the 2015-16 season, plays South Florida on Thursday afternoon.

No. 9 Stanford 92, UC Davis 52

Cameron Brink scored 21 points and Kiki Iriafen added 20 points and 11 rebounds as the Cardinal cruised to a 40-point win over the Aggies.

The Cardinal (10-1) had six players with 10-plus points and shot 57.6 percent from the field and 50 percent (8 of 16) from 3-point range.

Evanne Turner had 17 points for the Aggies (4-6), who had 21 turnovers in defeat.

NBA NEWS

NBA ROUNDUP: JOEL EMBIID NETS 51 AS 76ERS ROLL OVER WOLVES

Joel Embiid had 51 points and 12 rebounds to lift the host Philadelphia 76ers over the Minnesota Timberwolves 127-113 on Wednesday.

It was Embiid’s 12th consecutive game with at least 30 points and 10 rebounds, the longest streak since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1971-72.

Embiid, who made 17 of 18 free throws, also compiled at least 40 points and 10 rebounds for the third straight game. Embiid recorded his second game of 50 or more points this season and the seventh of his career.

Tyrese Maxey added 35 points for Philadelphia.

Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 27 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 23 points and 13 rebounds. Jaden McDaniels had 21 points.

Clippers 120, Mavericks 111

Kawhi Leonard recorded 30 points and 10 rebounds and Los Angeles stretched its winning streak to nine games by defeating host Dallas.

Norman Powell scored 21 points off the bench and played 31 minutes with Paul George (illness) out for Los Angeles. Powell shot 7 of 10 from the field, including 3 of 6 from 3-point range. James Harden had 17 points and 11 assists for the Clippers.

Luka Doncic had 28 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for Dallas, but his franchise record of 11 straight 30-point efforts came to an end. Doncic was just 8 of 14 from the free-throw line. Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 21 points off the bench. Kyrie Irving (heel) missed his sixth straight game.

Cavaliers 124, Jazz 116

Sam Merrill drained eight 3-pointers and scored a career-high 27 points to lift host Cleveland over Utah.

Merrill, who set his previous career-high with 19 points in an overtime win against Houston on Monday, went 8-for-14 from beyond the arc and 9-for-16 from the floor. The former Utah State star helped the Cavaliers win without Donovan Mitchell (illness), Evan Mobley (knee surgery) and Darius Garland (jaw).

Former Cavaliers Lauri Markkanen and Collin Sexton led the Jazz with 26 and 20 points, respectively. Markkanen pulled down 10 rebounds.

Celtics 144, Kings 119

Jaylen Brown and Derrick White scored 28 apiece and Boston bounced back from an overtime loss 24 hours earlier in San Francisco to thump host Sacramento.

Kristaps Porzingis returned to the Celtics lineup and scored 24 points. He was rested on Tuesday. Boston snapped a four-game road losing streak and won for the sixth time in seven games overall.

De’Aaron Fox produced a game-high 29 points for the Kings, whose three-game winning ended.

Pacers 144, Hornets 113

Buddy Hield scored 19 of his 25 points in the third quarter, and Indiana used a sterling long-range shooting display to snap a four-game losing streak by routing Charlotte in Indianapolis.

The Pacers made 18 shots from 3-point range, including four by Hield and reserve Aaron Nesmith’s 4-for-4 effort. Indiana shot 61.3 percent overall from the field, going 18-for-39 on 3-pointers, and hitting 28 of 30 free throws. Tyrese Haliburton turned in 19 points and 13 assists, and Myles Turner racked up 18 points.

The Hornets lost their sixth game in a row despite Terry Rozier’s 25 points and Brandon Miller’s 21 points. Rozier was 10-for-26 from the field and just 2-for-10 on 3-pointers.

Heat 115, Magic 106

Tyler Herro had 28 points to lead seven scorers in double figures as visiting Miami hit 15 3-pointers and beat Orlando.

Bam Adebayo scored 18 points and Haywood Highsmith added a season-high 15 for Miami, which led by as many as 24 and snapped Orlando’s nine-game home winning streak. Josh Richardson, Duncan Robinson and Thomas Bryant each scored 12 points, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. had 10.

Cole Anthony paced Orlando with 20 points off the bench. Franz Wagner added 15 points, Jalen Suggs and Moritz Wagner scored 11 apiece and Paolo Banchero finished with 10 points on 2-of-12 shooting.

Nuggets 113, Raptors 104

Nikola Jokic had 31 points and 15 rebounds as visiting Denver defeated Toronto.

Jamal Murray added 20 points for the Nuggets, who have won five of their past six.

Scottie Barnes scored 30 points and had 10 rebounds for the Raptors, who completed a 2-2 homestand.

Bulls 124, Lakers 108

DeMar DeRozan finished with a game-high 27 points and Coby White followed with 17 to lead eight scorers in double figures and lift host Chicago over Los Angeles.

Chicago sent Los Angeles to its third straight loss and fourth defeat in five games behind 54.5 percent shooting, including a 52.9 percent effort from deep.

The Bulls led by as many as 18 points while withstanding LeBron James’ triple-double bid for the Lakers. James scored 25 points to go with 10 rebounds and nine assists. Austin Reaves followed with 21 points, while Anthony Davis posted a double-double of 19 points and 14 boards.

Knicks 121, Nets 102

Julius Randle scored 19 of his 26 points in the first half as New York led most of the way in beating host Brooklyn in New York.

Randle made 9 of 20 shots and also grabbed seven rebounds. Donte DiVincenzo added 23 points and hit five of New York’s 13 3-pointers as the Knicks led for the final 46-plus minutes. They won for the fourth time in six games.

The Nets lost for the fifth time in six games as Mikal Bridges struggled all night. Bridges was held to 15 points as he missed his first eight shots and missed 17 of 21 overall. Cam Thomas and Cameron Johnson scored 20 points apiece as the Nets shot a season-worst 36.6 percent despite hitting 15 treys.

Hawks 134, Rockets 127

Trae Young finished with at least 30 points and 10 assists for the fifth straight game, but the late-game production of reserves Bogdan Bogdanovic and Onyeka Okongwu carried visiting Atlanta past Houston.

Young finished with 30 points and 14 assists. Bogdanovic tallied 22 points, Okongwu paired 19 points with 11 rebounds, and Dejounte Murray added 21 points for the Hawks, who shot 51.6 percent from the floor.

VanVleet posted 32 points and 15 assists, while Smith grabbed 13 rebounds and finished 14 of 14 at the free-throw line. The Rockets had their 11-game homecourt winning streak snapped.

NHL NEWS

NHL ROUNDUP: JOEY DACCORD STONEWALLS KINGS IN KRAKEN WIN

Joey Daccord made 43 saves to help the visiting Seattle Kraken hold on for a 2-1 win against the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday night.

Brandon Tanev and Jordan Eberle scored for the Kraken, who have earned at least a point in six of their past seven games (3-1-3).

Blake Lizotte scored short-handed and Cam Talbot made 28 saves for the Kings, who have dropped four of six (2-3-1).

The Kings outshot Seattle 20-8 in the first period but couldn’t get one past Daccord. Los Angeles went 0-for-4 on the power play, while Seattle finished 0-for-3 with the man advantage.

Capitals 3, Islanders 2 (OT)

Dylan Strome scored a power-play goal 1:41 into overtime for host Washington, which edged New York.

Hendrix Lapierre and Joel Edmundson scored in regulation for the Capitals, who have won two straight following a two-game losing streak (0-1-1). Goalie Darcy Kuemper made 30 saves.

Hudson Fasching and Anders Lee scored for the Islanders, who have lost three of four (1-1-2) but have collected at least one point in 16 of their last 18 games (10-2-6). Varlamov recorded 34 saves.

Jets 5, Red Wings 2

Gabriel Vilardi had a goal and two assists to help Winnipeg defeat visiting Detroit.

Nikolaj Ehlers and Axel Jonsson-Fjallby each had a goal and an assist for the Jets, who are 7-1-1 in their past nine games. Neal Pionk and Mark Scheifele also talked, and Laurent Brossoit made 26 saves.

Patrick Kane had a goal and an assist, Olli Maatta scored and James Reimer made 36 saves for the Red Wings, who have lost seven of eight.

TOP INDIANA SPORTS RELEASES/ NEWS

COLTS FOOTBALL

COLTS’ JONATHAN TAYLOR PRACTICES, MICHAEL PITTMAN JR. LIMITED

Colts running back Jonathan Taylor was projected as a full participant Wednesday, but not all of the injury news out of Indianapolis was positive.

The Colts held a walkthrough and the injury report is an approximation of health ahead of Week 16.

Taylor’s return appears to be right on cue considering backup running back Zack Moss (forearm) didn’t practice and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. was limited. Moss exited Saturday’s win over Pittsburgh in the first half with an arm injury. Pittman also left Saturday’s game following a vicious helmet-first hit that led to the ejection of Steelers safety Damontae Kazee and a ban of the defensive back for the rest of the season by the league.

One addition to the report not previously known was kicker Matt Gay. He was listed as “DNP” with a right hip injury after missing three field goals and an extra point in the past two games.

Gay is the only kicker on the 53-man roster.

Taylor hasn’t been on the field with the Colts since he was injured during a Nov. 26 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and underwent surgery three days later.

Indianapolis (8-5) plays at Atlanta (6-8) on Sunday.

The Colts beat the Steelers last week, their fifth victory in six games, and are even with the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars in the division race with three regular-season games remaining.

After missing the first four games of the season due to a contract standoff and an ankle injury, Taylor has amassed 414 rushing yards and four touchdowns in seven games (five starts). He also has 16 catches for 137 yards and one score.

Taylor has 5,194 yards from scrimmage and scored 41 touchdowns in 50 career games (46 starts). Taylor, 24, was the NFL rushing champion with 1,811 yards in his second season in the league.

INDIANA PACERS BASKETBALL

GAME REWIND: PACERS 144, HORNETS 113

On Star Wars Night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Indiana Pacers were an absolute force.

The Pacers (14-12) led at the end of each quarter on Wednesday, including by 21 going into the final frame, in a 144-113 blowout victory over the Charlotte Hornets (7-19).

With the win, the Pacers snapped a four-game skid. Charlotte has lost five straight games, and the season series between the teams is now tied 1-1.

After dueling for much of the first half, the Pacers closed the opening 24 minutes with a 13-4 run – capped by an alley-oop dunk from Tyrese Haliburton to Obi Toppin – to lead 71-60. Veteran sharpshooter Buddy Hield then scored 19 points in the third quarter, by making five 3-pointers, to help the Pacers to a 107-86 lead.

In the fourth quarter, the Pacers dropped another 37 points to seal the win.

“We did much better tonight, as a group, with toughness, with friction,” Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said of the defensive effort. “ All you have to do is look at the quarter scoring, and you can see there was some consistency. Now the task is to sustain. It will not be easy.”

Seven players finished in double-digit scoring for Indiana, led by 25 points from Hield, 19 each by Haliburton and Aaron Nesmith, 18 from Myles Turner and 14 by Bennedict Mathurin.

Terry Rozier led the visitors with 25 points, rookie Brandon Miller scored 21 and Miles Bridges chipped in 19 for the Hornets.

Overall, the Pacers shot 61.4 percent to the Hornets’ 47.4 percent. Indiana made 18 3-pointers to Charlotte’s eight treys.

Indiana’s bigs dominated early, as Turner logged 18 points and four rebounds while backup Jalen Smith – playing for the first time since Nov. 27 due to injuries – had 10 points and four boards in the first half. Rozier led all scorers with 19 points (7-for-13 shooting) at the break.

In the first quarter, the Hornets didn’t have an answer for Turner, who scored 11 points on 4-for-6 shooting to help the Blue & Gold to a 31-29 lead. Rozier also carried the offensive load early for his squad, scoring 14 points on 5 of 8 shooting in the first frame.

Neither team could find the bottom of the basket early on, as both sides started 2-for-10 shooting from the field.

Out of a timeout, both teams got into an offensive rhythm before the Pacers strung together a 12-4 run, thanks to 3-pointers by Mathurin and Nesmith, to lead 29-19 with 1:48 on the clock.

However, Rozier’s hot shooting – which included a 3-pointer with 0.3 seconds left – narrowed the score to 31-29 by the first-quarter buzzer.

Both teams strung together 7-0 runs early in the second quarter, with the teams tying at 43 with 7:35 left in the half.

Indiana then used a 13-5 run – sparked by a 3-pointer by Haliburton and capped by an and-one conversion by Turner – to go ahead 56-48 with 4:56 on the clock. The Hornets again answered, however, with an 8-2 run to make it a one-possession game.

The Pacers then willed their way to an 11-point lead down the last stretch of the opening half.

Hield scored 19 of Indiana’s 36 points in the third quarter, and Charlotte shot just 39.1 percent from the field in the frame. Overall, the Pacers shot 57.9 percent in the period.

Out of intermission, Hield made four 3-pointers in the first six minutes of the third quarter to help the Pacers to an 87-73 advantage. Hield was then fouled from beyond the arc and drained all his freebies before Haliburton made one from deep to put the Pacers up 95-75.

Threes from Haliburton and Hield in the final 61 seconds of the third quarter boosted the Blue & Gold ahead 107-86.

“Rick (Carlisle) called a play starting in the third quarter, and seeing them go down is sometimes all you need,” Hield said of his scoring outburst. “ I think you can sense that.”

Nesmith and Mathurin each hit 3-pointers to start the fourth quarter, and the Pacers never relented as they outscored the Hornets 37-27 in the final 12 minutes. Indiana’s starters didn’t play in the final 8:43 of the game.

The Pacers are back in action tomorrow when they take on the Memphis Grizzlies (7-19) at FedExForum.

Inside the Numbers

Jalen Smith shot 4-for-4 from the field for 10 points, while Aaron Nesmith was a perfect 6-for-6 (4-for-4 from 3-point range) and scored 19.

The Pacers led by as many as 33 points in the game.

Tyrese Haliburton has achieved 24 double-doubles this season. He finished with 19 points and 13 assists.

Indiana’s bench outscored Charlotte’s reserves 70-33.

From the free-throw line, the Pacers shot 28-for-30, and the Hornets went 15-for-19.

On the boards, the Pacers outrebounded the Hornets 38-37.

You Can Quote Me On That

“Buddy (Hield) was going to have a breakout in one of these games. Through the losing streak, he was one of our best defenders. He’s worked extremely hard on that. There have been times he’s sat out during games when other guys were going good during the stretch and he’s had the right spirit and has been a real cheerleader. Tonight, when he got it going in the third quarter, everybody was pulling for him. That was a big part of the game.” – Carlisle on Hield

“If you’re a (Tyrese) Haliburton, if you’re a Chris Paul, if you’re a Steph Curry, you figure out how to enable your teammates (and get the team functioning at a high level and work your way into the game. That’s precisely what he did tonight. It was masterful. It was very, very good.” – Carlisle on Haliburton navigating games when more defensive focus is on him

“It was as if he never left. He was terrific. He was in position, took the right shots, rebounded the ball, and had a big presence out there. We’re happy to have him back.” – Carlisle on Jalen Smith returning

“I just told him to keep shooting. I know who Buddy is. He’s one of the greatest shooters of all-time. If he just shoots enough, he’ll make them eventually – it was just a matter of time.” – Haliburton on Hield’s performance

“As long as we take care of the ball, we’ll be fine. I think that’s really the biggest thing. When we take care of the ball, usually we defend better because teams are in transition less.” – Haliburton on the keys to the team’s defense

“I just gotta control what I can – my effort, attitude, and just how hard I play. Those are all things that I can control, and everything else will fall in line.” – Haliburton on continuing to improve his game

“This was a game we needed to get right.” – Hield on the win

“Winning cures a lot on any team. No matter how you win. It cures a lot.” – Hield on the win

“Overall, I felt fine out there. I got my wind back. That was really the only thing I was worried about – just how my conditioning was. Overall, it was fine … and plus we got a win, so I can’t complain.” – Smith on returning from injury

“It was a good time to get one back in the win column.” – Nesmith on the win

“I actually didn’t shoot it well during my warmup, and I was pretty upset. But I just found a rhythm. Guys like T.J. (McConnell) finding my spots makes my life easy.” – Aaron Nesmith on not missing a shot in the game

“When you sit out for weeks, and you come in and you get offensive rebounds and make your shots … he made his two open threes, and that’s huge for not only him, but for us. It’s a good momentum boost and for him really helps him calm down and get back into the flow of the game and get his rhythm back.” – Nesmith on Smith returning

Stat of the Night

In the third quarter, Buddy Hield shot 5-for-6, including 4-for-5 from 3-point, while sinking five shots from the free throw line for 19 points.

Noteworthy

The Hornets were without All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball, who has been sidelined since Nov. 26 with an ankle sprain.

Pacers second-year guard Andrew Nembhard missed a seventh straight game due to a right knee bone bruise.

Myles Turner achieved 750 career offensive rebounds on Wednesday night. He came into the game with 749 and grabbed one offensive board against the Hornets.

The Pacers will play the Hornets two more times this season: in Charlotte on Feb. 4 and Feb. 12.

Up Next

The Pacers travel to Memphis to take on Ja Morant and the Grizzlies on the second night of a back-to-back on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 8:00 PM ET.

Tickets

The Pacers return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse to host Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic on Saturday, Dec. 23 at 7:00 PM ET.

GAME PREVIEW: PACERS AT GRIZZLIES

The Pacers got back on track on Wednesday night, snapping a four-game skid with a comfortable win over Charlotte at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Now, Indiana (14-12) hits the road for one of its more anticipated road games of the season.

The Blue & Gold will be in Memphis on Thursday night to face the Grizzlies (7-19) on the second night of a back-to-back. Because of where this particular matchup falls on the calendar, the Pacers will be the visiting team for All-Star guard Ja Morant’s first home game since returning from a 25-game suspension to start the season.

The 24-year-old guard had emerged as one of the league’s biggest young stars in recent seasons. The second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Murray State, Morant won the NBA’s Most Improved Player award in 2022, when he was a first-time All-Star and a second-team All-NBA selection. He was an All-Star again last season, but earned discipline from the league after making repeated poor decisions off the court.

After missing the first two months of the season, Morant made his season debut on Tuesday and it couldn’t have gone any better for Grizzlies fans in their wildest dreams. He scored 34 points, dished out eight assists, and led a Grizzlies comeback from a 24-point first half deficit, ultimately hitting a buzzer-beating runner to lift Memphis to a 114-112 victory.

Morant will no doubt be amped up for his first game back in Memphis on Thursday. The Pacers have had issues protecting the paint this season and there are few players in the league better at getting to the rim than Morant. The Blue & Gold will certainly have their hands full.

But Indiana enters Thursday’s matchup with some momentum after a 144-113 drubbing of Charlotte on Wednesday night. Seven players scored in double figures in the victory as Indiana shot a blistering 61.3 percent from the field and 18-for-39 (46.2 percent) from 3-point range.

Several players had been in a bit of a funk offensively during the Pacers’ four-game skid, but there were promising signs from all of Indiana’s biggest offensive threats against the Hornets. All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton had the offense flowing, tallying 19 points and 13 assists. Sharpshooter Buddy Hield scored 19 of his team-high 25 points in the third quarter and hit four 3-pointers. And center Myles Turner did the heavy lifting early, scoring all 18 of his points in the first half.

On the other side, the Grizzlies have struggled mightily to start the season without Morant. Memphis won 51 games and was the second seed in the West last season, but the Grizzlies went just 6-19 during Morant’s suspension. Injuries played a key part in that, as big men Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke have missed the entire season (Adams is out for the year, while Clarke won’t return until near the All-Star break), sharpshooter Luke Kennard has only played in eight games, and former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart has missed 15 contests.

But with Morant back, the Grizzlies have the talent to string together some wins as they try to climb back up the standings. Fourth-year guard Desmond Bane (24.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game), and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. (21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks) are two All-Star caliber players. With Morant back to help carry the load offensively, the Grizzlies figure to be a dangerous team for the remainder of the season as long as that trio stays healthy.

Projected Starters

Pacers: G – Tyrese Haliburton, G – Buddy Hield, F – Bruce Brown, F – Obi Toppin, C – Isaiah Jackson

Grizzlies: G – Ja Morant, G – Desmond Bane, F – Vince Williams Jr., F – Jaren Jackson Jr., C – Bismack Biyombo

Injury Report

Pacers: Andrew Nembhard – out (right knee bone bruise), Ben Sheppard – out (G League assignment), Jarace Walker – out (G League assignment)

Grizzlies: Marcus Smart – doubtful (left foot sprain), Steven Adams – out (right knee PCL surgery), Brandon Clarke – out (left Achilles tendon repair), Luke Kennard – out (left knee bone bruise), Jake LaRavia – out (G League assignment), Derrick Rose – out (left hamstring strain)

Last Meeting

Jan. 29, 2023: The Pacers led by 12 at halftime in Memphis, but the Grizzlies dominated the final two quarters, outscoring Indiana 62-38 en route to a 112-100 victory.

Bennedict Mathurin led Indiana with 27 points and eight rebounds off the bench in the loss. Aaron Nesmith added 16 points and Myles Turner tallied 15 for the Blue & Gold.

Jaren Jackson Jr. led all scorers with 28 points to go along with eight rebounds and five blocks in the victory. Ja Morant added 27 points and 15 assists for the Grizzlies.

Noteworthy

The Pacers have dropped their last four games against the Grizzlies, who have swept the season series with Indiana for two straight years.

Indiana is 1-3 on the season when playing on the second night of a back-to-back.

The Grizzlies’ roster features four players who played high school or college basketball in Indiana: Jackson (La Lumiere), Bane (Richmond), John Konchar (Purdue Fort Wayne), and Jake LaRavia (Lawrence Central).

Pacers forward James Johnson spent one of his 16 NBA seasons in Memphis, playing for the Grizzlies in 2013-14.

Broadcast Information (TV and Radio Listings >>)

TV: Bally Sports Indiana – Chris Denari (play-by-play), Quinn Buckner (analyst), Jeremiah Johnson (sideline reporter/host)

Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan – Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Eddie Gill (analyst), Pat Boylan (studio/host)

Tickets

The Pacers return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse to host Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic on Saturday, Dec. 23 at 7:00 PM ET.

INDIANA MEN’S BASKETBALL

INDIANA BASKETBALL GAME NOTES – GAME 12 VS. NORTH ALABAMA

Opening Tip

• Indiana University continues its 124th season of competition in men’s basketball at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall against North Alabama. Tip is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 21 on BTN.

• North Alabama (6-6) is led by sophomore guard Jacari Lane. The reigning ASUN Freshman of the Year averages 13.4 points, 4.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per night. Senior guard KJ Johnson leads the team in scoring at 13.9 per night, while senior forward Damian Forrest pulls down a team-best 8.5 rebounds a game.

• UNA is led by sixth-year head coach Tony Pujol. He led the Lions to their first NCAA Division I postseason game with an appearance in the CBI Tournament in 2014.

Game Information

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023 • 8:30 PM ET

Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall (17,222) • Bloomington, Ind.

TV: BTN (Cory Provus, Trent Meachem)

Radio: IU Radio Network (Don Fischer, Errek Suhr, John Herrick)

Series History: Indiana leads, 2-0

Last Meeting: IU 87, UNA 52 on Dec. 13, 2020 in Bloomington

Series History

• The two programs have met two previous times on the basketball court. Indiana won both meetings by scores of 91-65 (Nov. 12, 2019) and 87-52 (Dec. 13, 2020) in Bloomington.

• Trey Galloway, a freshman at the time, scored 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the floor in 21 minutes off the bench in the last matchup between the Hoosiers and Lions. Anthony Leal posted four points, three rebounds, and three assists in 14 minutes of run.

• The game marks the second of three opponents on the schedule from the Atlantic Sun Conference. Indiana opened the season with a 69-63 win over Florida Gulf Coast (Nov. 7) and will host Kennesaw Stats (Dec. 29) in the final non-conference contest of the season. IU is 20-1 against the ASUN.

Last Time Out

• Indiana used a 20-4 run over the final 8:47 of game action to earn a 69-68 victory over Morehead State on Dec. 19 at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.

• In the last nine minutes of game time, IU held MSU to 2-of-12 shooting from the floor. The Eagles grabbed just five rebounds down the stretch.

• Fifth-year senior forward Anthony Walker led the way for the Hoosiers with 18 points and nine rebounds. Freshman forward Mackenzie Mgbako added 13 points and seven boards, while senior guard Trey Galloway chipped in 14 points, including the go ahead 3-pointer with 3:14 on the clock.

IU Mourns the Loss George McGinnis

The Indiana men’s basketball program is saddened by the loss of Indiana University Athletics Hall of Famer George McGinnis (1950-2023). He was 73 years old.

“I loved George McGinnis,” Indiana men’s basketball head coach Mike Woodson said. “He meant so much not only to IU and the state of Indiana, but to the entire basketball world.

“I looked up to George growing up in Indianapolis. He meant so much to me as a player and more importantly as a man. George was a Hall of Famer on and off the court, and I am going to miss him so much. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the McGinnis family, his friends, and his teammates. Rest easy Big Mac.”

In his one year of varsity basketball at Indiana, McGinnis led the Big Ten in both scoring (29.9 points per game) and rebounds (14.7) to become the first sophomore in league history to lead the Big Ten in both categories. He was named to the Associated Press All-America Third Team and added to the All-Big Ten First Team before bypassing his final two seasons of eligibility as a hardship case. He was inducted to the IU Athletics Hall of Fame on Sept. 22, 2023.

Late Push Leads Indiana Over Morehead State

• Indiana erased a 15-point lead in just under nine minutes on the strength of a 20-4 run to close the game to secure a 69-68 win over Morehead State on Dec. 19. Fifth-year senior Anthony Walker charted 18 points and nine rebounds off the bench to lead IU.

• Sophomore forward Malik Reneau blocked Morehead State’s game-winning shot attempt at time expired.

Indiana Takes Kansas Down to the Wire

• The Hoosiers led the second-ranked Kansas Jayhawks for the first 35 minutes of the game before falling by a score of 75-71 on Dec. 16 in front of a striped-out crowd at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.

• Senior guard Trey Galloway posted a career night with 28 points on 12-of-17 shooting from the floor. Sophomore center Kel’el Ware tallied an 11-point, 15-rebound double-double.

• Freshman forward Mackenzie Mgbako added 14 points and five rebounds, while sophomore forward Malik Reneau scored 13 points. The quartet scored 93.0% (66-of-71) of the IU points.

INDIANA FOOTBALL

SIGNING DAY

MILES CROSS WIDE RECEIVER BOWIE, MARYLAND

Career Notes & Records: Appeared in 37 career games with 22 starts over three seasons at Ohio (2021-23) … Caught 105 passes for 1,301 yards and eight touchdowns in his career … completed a 7-yard toss to his quarterback versus Central Michigan (11/15) in 2023 … Owns a catch in 14-straight games entering 2024.
 
2023 (Junior Season – Ohio): Started 11 games … Tabbed third-team All-Mid-American Conference by Phil Steele … Totaled 47 receptions for 560 yards and three touchdowns … Boasted two 100-yard receiving games … Caught at least one pass in each of his 11 games played with five games of five-plus receptions … Completed one pass for seven yards versus Central Michigan (11/15) … Named MAC East Division Player of the Week after a seven-catch, 125-yard effort and two touchdowns against Kent State (10/7) … Caught seven passes for 103 yards and one touchdown at Akron (11/24) … Made six catches against Western Michigan (10/21; 63 yards) and Miami (Ohio) (10/28; 79 yards) in back-to-back weeks … Had five catches for 44 yards at Buffalo (11/7) … Caught touchdown passes at San Diego State (8/26) and at Bowling Green (9/23).
 
2022 (Sophomore Season – Ohio): Appeared in all 14 games with 11 starts … Recorded 47 catches for 560 yards and three touchdowns … Boasted one 100-yard receiving game … Carried three times for five yards … Caught at least one pass in 12 of 14 games played … Collected first career 100-yard receiving effort as part of a 137-all-purpose yard game at Miami (Ohio) (11/8) … Caught six passes for 133 yards and rushed twice for four yards against the RedHawks … Hauled in four passes – two touchdowns – for 18 yards against Buffalo (11/1) for his first multi-touchdown game … Caught five passes in three-straight games: at Iowa State (9/17; 54 yards), versus Fordham (9/24; 52 yards) and at Kent State (10/1; 63 yards).
 
2021 (Freshman Season – Ohio): Appeared in all 12 games … Caught 11 passes for 124 yards … Made collegiate debut and first collegiate reception against Syracuse (9/4) … Caught season-high two passes on three occasions: at Akron (10/2; 14 yards), versus Central Michigan (10/9; 47 yards) and at Bowling Green (11/26; 31 yards). 
 
Prep/Personal: Wide receiver for head coach David Pittman at Rock Hill (S.C.) High School … Three-star prospect per ESPN and 247Sports … Ranked as a top-50 prospect in South Carolina by ESPN (No. 49) and 247Sports (No. 47) … Earned all-conference honors as a senior … Logged 33 receptions for 401 yards and three touchdowns in his final prep season.

JUSTICE ALLISON RUNNING BACK ASHBURN, VIRGINIA

Career Notes & Records: Appeared in 43 games with 20 starts over four seasons at Wake Forest (2020-21) …Tabbed third-team All-ACC in 2022 … Rushed for 1,909 yards on 427 carries and 15 touchdowns in his career with the Demon Deacons … Added 24 receptions for 163 yards and one touchdown.
 
2023 (Senior Season – Wake Forest): Appeared in 11 games with 10 starts … Ranked No. 2 on the team in rushing yards (548) and attempts (120) … Scored one touchdown … Logged double-digit carries eight games … Added 10 receptions for 61 yards … Rushed for a season-high 137 yards on 18 carries against Georgia Tech (9/23) …Carried a season-high 20 times for 60 yards against Pitt (10/21) … Gained 77 yards on 10 carries versus No. 4 Florida State (10/28) … Scored lone touchdown at Syracuse (11/25) with 11 rushes for 38 yards in the regular season finale.
 
2022 (Junior Season – Wake Forest): Named third-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference … Appeared in 13 games with 10 starts … Led the team in rushing yards (707) and carries (170) … Finished No. 2 on the team in rushing touchdowns (6) … Logged double-digit carries in 10 games … Added six receptions for 62 yards … Rushed for a season-high 114 yards on 18 carries with one touchdown at No. 23 Florida State (10/1) … Logged 96 yards versus Army (10/8) on 11 rushes with one touchdown … Gained 80 yards on 13 carries in the season opener versus VMI (9/1) … Rushed for one touchdown in each of the final two games of the season … Carried 10 times for 42 yards and a score at Duke (11/26) … Gained 64 yards on 21 carries and one touchdown versus Missouri (12/23) in the Gasparilla Bowl.
 
2021 (Sophomore Season – Wake Forest): Appeared in 11 games … Led the team in yards per carry (5.1) … Ranked No. 2 on the team in rushing yards (541) and rushing touchdowns (7) … Also caught 7 passes for 37 yards and one touchdown … Rushed for 86 yards on 13 carries with one touchdown at Virginia (9/24) … Gained 67 yards on 15 carries with one touchdown against Louisville (10/2) … Added three catches for 19 yards versus the Cardinals … Totaled 66 yards on five carries at Army (10/23) and scored one touchdown … Rushed for 81 yards on 13 carries at North Carolina (11/6) … Scored three touchdowns against No. 16 NC State (11/13) … Carried 17 times for 56 yards and two scores versus the Wolfpack … Added one reception for a 4-yard touchdown … Rushed nine times for 59 yards and one touchdown versus Rutgers (12/31) in the Gator Bowl.
 
2020 (Freshman Season – Wake Forest): Appeared in eight games … Totaled 30 rushes for 113 yards rushing and one touchdown on the season … Made one reception for three yards … Gained a season-high 50 yards on nine carries at Louisville (12/12) … Scored lone touchdown versus Wisconsin (12/30) in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl with 19 yards on six carries.
 
Prep/Personal: All-purpose athlete for head coach Jason Thomas at The Flint Hill School … Saw time at running back, wide receiver, quarterback, defensive back and kick returner … Three-star recruit per ESPN and 247Sports …Top-50 prospect in Virginia per ESPN (No. 49) and 247Sports (No. 49) … Guided FHS to consecutive Division I private-school state titles (2018-19) … Helped Huskies to three-straight MAC championships … Three-time first-team All-Mid-Atlantic Athletic Conference pick at three different positions … Earned honors at running back (2019), wide receiver (2018) and defensive back (2017) … Accumulated 3,646 all-purpose yards and 38 touchdowns in her career … Accumulated 1,844 all-purpose yards (204.9 ypg) with 16 touchdowns as a senior … Carried 60 times for 544 yards and 12 touchdowns … Caught 35 passes for 618 yards and three scores … Logged 373 kickoff return yards and 309 punt return yards … returned one kickoff for a touchdown … Added three interceptions.

MIKAIL KAMARA DEFENSIVE LINE ASHBURN, VIRGINIA

Career Notes & Records: Appeared in 23 career games with 22 starts over four seasons at James Madison (2020-23) … Redshirted his second season on campus due to injury … Owns at least one tackle in all 23 career games … Has a tackle for loss in 21 of 23 career games … Second-team All-Sun Belt Conference selection as a junior.
 
2023 (Junior Season – James Madison): Started 12 games … Named second-team All-Sun Belt Conference … Totaled 52 tackles with 17.5 tackles for loss … Logged 6.5 sacks … Forced three fumbles … Posted at least 1.0 tackles for loss in 11 of 12 games played … Logged a sack in five games … Posted three solo tackles with each a tackle for loss at Troy (9/16) … Logged two sacks and forced two fumbles against the Trojans … Opened the season with six tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.0 sack versus Bucknell (9/2) … Had 2.0 tackles for loss as part of a four-tackle day at Utah State (9/23) … Logged 1.5 sacks against South Alabama (9/30) … Logged seven tackles with 1.0 sack against Old Dominion (10/28) … Both tackles at Georgia State went for a loss (1.5), which included a solo sack.
 
2022 (Redshirt Sophomore Season – James Madison): Appeared in five games with four starts … Made at least 0.5 tackle for loss in all five games … Logged 1.0 sack in four of five games … Had 1.0 sack against Middle Tennessee State (9/3), at Appalachian State (9/24), versus Texas State (10/1) and at Louisville (11/5) … Lone tackle versus Norfolk State (9/10) was a combined tackle for loss … Had a season-high four tackles against MTSU and at Louisville.
 
2021 (Sophomore Season – James Madison): Missed season due to injury and redshirted.
 
2020 (Freshman Season – James Madison): Started six games during the spring season … Named Colonial Athletic Association in Week 1 after three tackles and a solo sack in a start of his collegiate debut versus Morehead State (2/20) … Totaled 16 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss … Ranked No. 2 on the team with 3.0 sacks … Posted at least 0.5 tackle for loss in five of six games played … Posted a season-high four tackles against Robert Morris (2/27) with a combined tackle for loss … Both tackles at Elon (3/6) were for a loss … Combined on a sack versus the Phoenix … Had a solo sack as a part of a two-tackle day at William & Mary (3/27) … Had a combined sack against Richmond (4/17) with two stops in the game … Made three tackles against VMI (4/24).
 
Prep/Personal: Defensive end for head coach Mickey Thompson at Stone Bridge High School … Helped Bulldogs to Virginia High School League Class 5A runner-up finishes as a junior and senior … Tabbed Washington Post honorable mention All-Metro as a senior … Named VHSL Class 5A second-team All-State as a junior … Earned Region 5A Defensive Player of the Year as a senior … Two-time first-team all-region and All-Potomac District as a junior and senior … Registered 34.0 tackles for loss and 15.0 sacks as a senior … Tallied 72 tackles, 16.0 sacks and three forced fumbles as a junior.

TY SON LAWTON, RUNNING BACK STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK

Career Notes & Records: Owns bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies from Stony Brook … Appeared in 39 career games with 22 starts … Spent five seasons at Stony Brook (2018-22) and one season at James Madison (2023) … Named first-team All-Colonial Athletic Association as a junior … Rushed for 2,660 yards on 583 carries and 26 touchdowns in his career.
 
2023 (Senior+ Season – James Madison) – Appeared in 12 games with one start … Finished No. 2 on the team in yards rushing (568), carries (126) and rushing touchdowns (5) … Added 19 receptions for 174 yards and one receiving touchdown … Accumulated 152 all-purpose yards (95 rushing; 57 receiving) with one receiving touchdown at Georgia State (11/4) … Rushed for 79 yards on eight carries at Virginia (9/9) … Rushed for a 4-yard touchdown in the third quarter and a 27-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Cavaliers … Rushed for 73 yards on 14 carries with one touchdown at Coastal Carolina (11/25) … Carried six times for 25 yards and one touchdown against Georgia Southern (10/14) … Also scored once as part of a 22-yard rushing afternoon on four carries against Bucknell (9/2).
 
2022 (Senior Season – Stony Brook): Started all three games … missed eight games due to injury … Tabbed Colonial Athletic Association Preseason Player of the Year … Totaled 88 yards on 33 carries with one touchdown … Added three receptions for 37 yards … Rushed for 51 yards on 20 carries against Rhode Island (9/1) … Scored on a 2-yard touchdown run in the second quarter … Caught one pass for 15 yards versus the Rams … Carried six times for eight yards at UMass (9/17) … Added one reception for 22 yards against the Minutemen … Gained 34 yards on seven rushes at Fordham (10/15).
 
2021 (Junior Season – Stony Brook): Started all 11 games … Earned first-team All-Colonial Athletic Association … Led the CAA and ranked No. 11 in the FCS in yards rushing (1,088) … Rushing yardage total finished No. 10 in program history … Produced five 100-yard rushing efforts … Owned three multi-touchdown games … Scored twice on the ground against No. 15 Delaware (10/16) as part of a 22-carry, 192-yard effort that earned CAA Player of the Week honors … Raced 99 yards for a touchdown on the first Stony Brook play from scrimmage for a touchdown against the Blue Hens for the longest play from scrimmage in CAA and SBU history … Also scored on a 1-yard run … Ran for 154 yards on 28 carries and one touchdown at Rhode Island (10/2) … Totaled 134 rushing yards and one score at Colegate (9/11) and versus Albany (11/20) … Gained 119 yards on 19 carries at Towson (10/9) with two rushing touchdowns … Totaled 105 all-purpose yards with 96 yards rushing and nine yards receiving at Maine (11/6) … Rushed for one touchdown and caught one touchdown pass against the Black Bears.
 
2020 (Sophomore Season – Stony Brook): Started all four games during the spring season … Led the team with 268 yards rushing on 56 carries and a team-best three touchdowns … Caught one pass for one yard … Posted two 100-yard rushing efforts … Gained 20 yards on six carries at Delaware (3/13) … Rushed for 134 yards on 22 carries versus Maine (3/20) with one touchdown … Scored a pair of touchdowns on the ground with 114 yards on 28 carries at Albany (3/27).
 
2019 (Redshirt Freshman Season – Stony Brook): Appeared in nine games with three starts … Tabbed fourth-team Freshman All-America by Phil Steele … Rushed for 648 yards … Led the team in carries (152) and rushing touchdowns (7) … Caught one pass for five yards … Earned CAA Rookie of the Week after 121 yards rushing and one touchdown at Villanova (10/26) … Owned three 100-yard rushing efforts … Made collegiate debut against Bryant (8/29) with 49 yards rushing on 11 carries … First career score came on a 5-yard rush in the first quarter in Week 2 versus Fordham (9/21) … Gained 10 yards on two carries in the game … Ran for one score as part of an 88-yard rushing effort at Rhode Island (9/28) … Gained 108 yards on 27 carries with three scores against James Madison (10/5) for first career 100-yard rushing effort … Went for 124 yards on 23 carries and one touchdown against New Hampshire (10/12) … Scored once and rushed for 121 yards on 25 totes at Villanova (10/26) … Closed the season with 22 carries and 75 yards rushing against Albany (11/23) … Made first career reception for five yards against the Great Danes.
 
2018 (Freshman Season -Stony Brook): Redshirted his initial collegiate season.
 
Prep/Personal: Running back for head coach Peter Gambardella at Curtis High School … Gained over 2.600 yards rushing as a prep … Helped CHS to the New York City Public City Athletic League titles and a 23-1 record as a junior and senior … Tabbed all-city as a senior … Boasted four 100-yard rushing games and 970 yards rushing as a senior … Scored 13 touchdowns on the ground in his final prep season … Led the Warriors with 1,051 all-purpose yards as a senior.

MILES PRICE, WIDE RECEIVER THE COLONY, TEXAS

Career Notes & Records: Appeared in 42 games with 25 starts over four seasons at Texas Tech (2020-23) … Two-time honorable mention Big 12 … Accumulated 2,521 all-purpose yards over four seasons with 1,751 receiving yards, 296 punt return yards, 207 yards rushing, and 59 kickoff return yards … Amassed 161 receptions at Texas Tech with 10 touchdown catches … Added two rushing scores … Owns one career 100-yard receiving game … Has two career double-digit catch games.
 
2023 (Senior Season – Texas Tech): Appeared in 10 games with seven starts … Missed two games due to injury … Earned honorable mention All-Big 12 selection … Led the team in receptions (43) and touchdown receptions (5) … Logged 410 yards receiving … Pulled in a receiving touchdown in each of the first three games of the season … Had six catches for 65 yards and one touchdown at Wyoming (9/2) … Made four receptions for 31 yards and one touchdown versus Oregon (9/9) … Gained 22 yards on two catches with one touchdown against Tarleton State (9/16) … Caught 10 passes for 90 yards at Baylor (10/7) … Made five receptions with one touchdown versus Houston (9/30; 63 yards) and against TCU (11/2; 50 yards).
 
2022 (Junior Season – Texas Tech): Appeared in 11 games with nine starts … Missed two games due to injury … Earned honorable mention All-Big 12 selection … Led the team in receptions (51) … Added 513 yards receiving and two receiving touchdowns … Returned eight punts for 63 yards … Caught 13 passes for 98 yards against Texas (9/24) … Logged 78 yards on five catches and one touchdown versus Houston (9/10) … Made four catches for 50 yards and one touchdown at NC State (9/17) … Caught six passes at Kansas State (10/1; 44 yards) and Oklahoma (11/26; 54 yards). 
 
2021 (Sophomore Season – Texas Tech): Appeared 12 games with nine starts … Missed one game due to injury … First collegiate start came against Houston at NRG Stadium – home of the Houston Texans … Totaled 523 yards on 38 receptions with two receiving touchdowns … Logged one 100-yard receiving game … Rushed 14 times for 94 yards and one rushing touchdown … Gained 175 yards on nine receptions and one touchdown versus Iowa State (11/13) … Caught five passes for 75 yards and one touchdown at Texas (9/25) … Brought in six passes for 36 yards at Oklahoma (10/30) … Rushed three times for 25 yards and one score at Kansas (10/16) … Added two receptions for 20 yards against the Jayhawks … Garnered second-team Academic All-Big 12.
 
2020 (Freshman Season – Texas Tech): Appeared in nine games … Made collegiate debut against Texas (9/26) and made first career reception … Totaled 28 receptions for 300 yards and one receiving touchdown … Rushed 12 times for 124 yards and one rushing touchdown … Caught six passes for 51 yards and his first collegiate touchdown at Kansas State (10/3) … Totaled 114 all-purpose yards against Kansas (12/5) … Rushed for 71 yards and one touchdown … Caught two passes for 43 yards versus the Jayhawks … Pulled in seven receptions for 79 yards against West Virginia (10/24) … Caught four passes at TCU (11/7; 30 yards) and at Oklahoma State (11/28; 59 yards).
 
Prep/Personal: Wide receiver for head coach Rudy Rangel at The Colony High School … Consensus three-star prospect by ESPN, 247Sports and Rivals … Rated as a top-100 wide receiver nationally per ESPN (No. 98) and 247Sports (No. 42) … Tabbed a top-100 recruit in Texas by ESPN (No. 84) and 247Sports (No. 87) … Garnered District 5-5A Division I Offensive MVP as a senior … Earned District 5-5A Division I Overall MVP as a junior … Tabbed second-team Associated Press All-State as a senior … Earned honorable mention Texas Sports Writers Association All-State his final prep season … Finished prep career with 3,884 all-purpose yards … Logged 1,606 yards rushing and 2,278 yards receiving in three high school seasons … Posted 1,307 yards receiving, 311 yards rushing and 227 kickoff return yards as a senior … Boasted 906 yards receiving and 661 yards rushing as a junior.

CURTIS ROURKE, QUARTERBACK OAKVILLE, ONTARIO

Career Notes & Records: Appeared in 36 career games with 33 starts over five seasons at Ohio (2019-23) … Tabbed Mid-American Conference Offensive Player of the Year and first-team All-MAC as a junior … Earned second-team All-MAC as a senior … Amassed 8,479 career all-purpose yards and accounted for 61 touchdowns (50 passing, 11 rushing) … Completed 638-of-963 passes for 7,651 yards passing and 50 touchdown passes … Rushed for 1,240 career yards on 232 carries and 11 touchdowns … Caught three career passes for 62 yards.
 
2023 (Senior Season – Ohio) – Started 11 games … Tabbed second-team All-Mid American Conference … Led the team in yards passing (2,207), completions (195) and touchdown passes (11) … Tied for No. 2 on the team in rushing touchdowns (4) … Finished No. 3 on the team in yards rushing (219) and carries (67) … Caught one pass for seven yards versus Central Michigan (11/15) … Completed 20-of-32 passes for 300 yards and three touchdowns against Kent State (10/7) … Also rushed for a touchdown against the Huskies … Tossed three touchdown passes on 14-of-16 passing for 196 yards at Bowling Green (9/23) … Piled up 313 yards passing and one touchdown through the air against Miami (Ohio ) (10/28) … Threw for 275 yards and one touchdown against Western Michigan (10/21) … Threw one touchdown pass and rushed for a score at Akron (11/24) … Posted rushing touchdowns at Northern Illinois (10/14) and versus Central Michigan (11/15).
 
2022 (Junior Season – Ohio) – Started first 11 games of the season … Missed final two games due to injury … Tabbed Mid-American Conference Offensive Player of the Year and first-team All-MAC … Earned second-team CoSIDA Academic All-America … Completed 244-of-353 passes for 3,256 yards and 25 touchdown passes … Rushed 74 times for 249 yards and four scores … Caught one pass for 17 yards at Penn State (9/10) … Threw for a season-high 537 yards and four touchdowns on 41-of-50 passing against Fordham (9/24) … Also rushed for 45 yards and one touchdown against the Rams … Had a season-high five touchdown passes on 20-of-29 passing for 317 yards at Miami (Ohio) (11/8) … Accounted for five touchdowns at FAU (9/3) with four passing and one rushing score … Completed 27-of-34 passes for 345 yards against the Owls … Threw for 427 yards on 24-of-27 passing and three scores against Akron (10/8) … Tossed two touchdown passes and rushed for one more score at Kent State (10/1) … Completed 25-of-39 passes for 322 yards against the Golden Flashes … Ran for a season-high 64 yards on seven carries and one touchdown against Northern Illinois (10/22) … Also rushed for one touchdown at Western Michigan (10/15) … Earned Academic All-MAC.
 
2021 (Sophomore Season – Ohio) – Appeared in 10 games with eight starts … Completed 169-of-259 passes for 1,801 yards and 11 touchdowns … Rushed for 327 yards on 74 carries with three touchdowns … Caught one pass for 38 yards against Syracuse (9/4) … Completed a season-best 31 passes for 308 versus Kent State (10/23) and one touchdown pass … Gained 49 yards rushing and scored twice on the ground against the Golden Flashes … Threw for three touchdowns and 289 against Miami (Ohio) (11/2) … Three of nine completions went for touchdowns at Eastern Michigan (11/9) with 230 yards passing … Also ran for 55 yards versus the Eagles … Threw a pair of touchdown passes at Louisiana (9/16) on 10-of-20 passing for 106 yards … Threw for 233 yards on 22-of-36 passing with one touchdown pass against Toledo (11/16) … Also rushed for a touchdown against Duquesne (9/11) … Earned Academic All-MAC.
 
2020 (Redshirt Freshman Season – Ohio) – Started all three games … Totaled 386 yards passing and three touchdowns … Rushed 14 times for 17 yards … Threw for 231 yards on 12-of-19 passing and two touchdowns at Central Michigan (11/4) … Completed 8-of-14 passes for 92 yards against Akron (11/10) … Connected on 10-of-11 passes for 63 yards and rushed for 43 yards versus Bowling Green (11/28).
 
2019 (Freshman Season – Ohio) – Appeared in one game and redshirted his initial collegiate season … Rushed three times for 20 yards at Bowling Green (11/19).
 
Prep/Personal: Quarterback for head coach Matt Hassett at Holy Trinity Academy … Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN … Tabbed a top-100 quarterback recruit per ESPN (No. 62) and 247Sports (No. 97) … Rated the No. 1 prospect in Canada by 247Sports and No. 2 by ESPN … Helped lead Holy Trinity to a Halton Championship as a junior … Two-time league MVP … Two-time first-team all-star selection … Totaled 4,250 career yards passing with 63 passing touchdowns … Rushed for 705 career yards and six touchdowns … Older brother, Nathan, lettered three seasons at Ohio University (2017-19) … Nathan was a two-time second-team All-Mid-American Conference selection and two-time winner of the Jon Cornish Trophy, which is awarded annually to the most outstanding Canadian player in NCAA Football … Nathan also played in the CFL and with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars.

TREY WEDIG, OFFENSE LINE OCONOMOWOC, WISCONSIN

Career Notes & Records: Appeared in 35 career games with eight starts over four seasons at Wisconsin (2020-23).
 
2023 (Senior+ Season – Wisconsin) – Appeared in 12 games.
 
2022 (Senior+ Season – Wisconsin) – Appeared in 10 games with eight starts … Started games at right tackle (5), right guard (2) and left guard (1).
 
2021 (Redshirt Freshman Season – Wisconsin) – Appeared in all 13 games.
 
2020 (Freshman Season – Wisconsin) – Redshirted his initial collegiate season.
 
Prep/Personal: Offensive lineman for head coach Matthew McDonnell at Kettle Moraine High School … Consensus four-star prospect per ESPN, 247Sports and Rivals … Rated a top-125 prospect nationally per ESPN (No. 64), 247Sports (No. 124) and Rivals (No. 93) … Tabbed a top-10 offensive tackle by ESPN (No. 8), 247Sports (No. 10) and Rivals (No. 10) … Rated the No. 1 recruit in Wisconsin by ESPN and 247Sports … Invited to the Under Armour All-America Game … Two-time first-team Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-State selection … Collected honorable-mention all-state honors on the defensive line as a senior … Two-time first-team All-Little 8 Conference pick … Also lettered in track and field … Finished runner-up in the shot put at the 2019 Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association State Championships.

KE’ SHAWN WILLIAMS WIDE RECEIVER PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

Career Notes & Records: Appeared in 46 career games with 11 starts over four seasons at Wake Forest (2020-23) … Amassed 2,094 all-purpose yards … Caught 107 passes for 1,385 yards and five touchdowns … Carried three times for 29 yards … Returned 33 kickoffs for 654 yards … Registered two punt returns for 26 yards … Posted one career 100-yard receiving game … Owns 10 career tackles on special teams.
 
2023 (Senior Season – Wake Forest): Started 11 games … Totaled 384 yards receiving on 38 catches and one receiving touchdown … Rushed three times for 29 yards and one rushing score … Returned eight kickoffs for 187 yards … Posted two special teams tackles … Gained 116 all-purpose yards against Elon (8/31) with seven yards rushing, 13 yards receiving and 96 kickoff return yards … Caught five passes for 92 yards and one touchdown versus Vanderbilt (9/9) … Made six catches for 46 yards at Pittsburgh (10/21) … Rushed once for a 2-yard touchdown against Florida State (10/28) … Caught seven passes for 90 yards at Duke (11/2) … Named Academic All-Atlantic Coast Conference.
 
2022 (Junior Season – Wake Forest): Appeared in 13 games … Caught 39 passes for 553 yards and one touchdown … Returned 12 kickoffs for 235 yards … Made one special teams tackle … Posted first career 100-yard receiving game with 129 yards on five catches against Liberty (9/17) … Caught a touchdown pass against Syracuse (11/19) as part of a six-catch, 61-yard effort … Gained 106 all-purpose yards at Louisville (10/29) … Caught five passes for 67 yards and returned three kickoffs for 39 yards against the Cardinals … Pulled in five passes for 51 yards at NC State (11/5).
 
2021 (Sophomore Season – Wake Forest): Appeared in 14 games … Totaled 27 receptions for 404 yards and three touchdowns … Returned eight kickoffs for 150 yards … Gained 36 yards on two punt returns … Made five special teams stops … First collegiate touchdown catch came against Old Dominion (9/3) as part of a three-catch, 21-yard outing in the season opener … Caught four passes for 57 yards and one touchdown against Duke (10/30) … Had two catches for 93 yards and one touchdown at Army (10/23) … Added three kickoff returns for 49 yards against the Black Knights for 142 all-purpose yards … Made two catches for 38 yards versus Rutgers (12/31) in the Gator Bowl.
 
2020 (Freshman Season – Wake Forest): Appeared in eight games … Made collegiate debut against NC State (9/19) … Made first collegiate reception as part of a two-catch, 44-yard effort against Campbell (10/2) … Made one reception and returned four kickoffs for 66 yards at Louisville (12/12) … Returned one kickoff for 16 yards against Wisconsin (12/30) in the Dukes Mayo Bowl … Had two special teams tackles.
 
Prep/Personal: Wide receiver for head coach Richard Knox at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy … Three-star prospect per ESPN and 247Sports … Tabbed the No. 195 wide receiver nationally by ESPN … Rated a top-25 prospect in Pennsylvania by ESPN (No. 15) and 247Sports (No. 21) … Tabbed all-state as a senior … Named first-team all-city and All-Inter-Academic League as a junior and senior … Named All-Southeastern Pennsylvania his final prep season … Earned Inter-Ac all-league honors as a junior … Had 58 receptions for 889 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior … Scored 22 total touchdowns (13 receiving, six rushing, two kickoff return, one interception) … Set the Inter-Academic League record for receptions (67), yards receiving (1,066) and receiving touchdowns (11) as a junior … Made 12 catches for 244 yards and two touchdowns as a sophomore … Also lettered in basketball and track and field … Named first-team All-Inter-Ac in basketball. 

BRODY KOSIN, TIGHT END DAVISBERG, MICHIGAN

Prep/Personal: Tight end for head coach Justin Pintar at Clarkston High School … Consensus three-star prospect per ESPN, 247Sports, Rivals and On3 … Tabbed a top-40 tight end prospect nationally by ESPN (No. 40) and Rivals (Np. 41) … Consensus top-30 prospect in Michigan by ESPN (No. 27), 247Sports (No. 26), Rivals (No. 15) and On3 (No. 18) … Named first-team All-State by the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association as a senior … Logged 42 catches for 876 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior … Totaled 17 catches for 250 yards and five touchdowns as a junior … Brother, Blake, plays football at Northwood University (Mich.).

DONTRAE HENDERSON, DEFENSIVE BACK CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

Prep/Personal: Defensive back for head coach Brandon Wiggins at Julius Chambers High School … Tabbed a three-star prospect per ESPN and On3 … Rated the No. 159 cornerback nationally by ESPN … Earned top-60 rating among prospects in North Carolina from ESPN (No. 56) and On3 (No. 54) … Tabbed all-state as a junior … Earned All-Queen City Conference 3A/4A as a junior … Totaled 65 tackles, five interceptions, 32 pass breakups, two recovered fumbles and one forced fumble as a junior … Member of the National Honor Society … Brother, Jacobie, is a defensive back at Marshall (2022-present) … Brother, Deontae, was a defensive back at Campbell (2015-18) … Cousin, Jaire Alexander, is an All-Pro defensive back for the Green Bay Packers after an All-ACC career at Louisville.

QUINTON CLARK, LINEBACKER DEXTER, GEORGIA

Prep/Personal: Linebacker for head coach Kip Burdette at West Laurens High School … Consensus three-star prospect per ESPN, 247Sports, Rivals and On3 … Rated the No. 26 linebacker nationally by ESPN … Top-100 recruit in Georgia per ESPN (No. 93) and 247Sports (No. 82) … Totaled 105 tackles, 6.0 sacks, five forced fumbles and two recovered fumbles as a junior … Also lettered in basketball, track and field, and weightlifting … Placed ninth in the Georgia High School Association 4A shot put as a junior.

EVAN LAWRENCE, OFFENSIVE LINE DANVILLE, INDIANA

Prep/Personal: Offensive lineman for head coach Jayme Comer at Danville Community High School … Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN, 247Sports and On3 … Rated the No. 41 offensive tackle nationally per On3 … Consensus top-20 prospect in Indiana per ESPN (No. 20), 247Sports (No. 19) and On3 (No. 8) … Named Indiana Football Coaches Association All-State as a senior … Tabbed Indianapolis Star Central Indiana Super Team his final prep season … Also lettered in basketball and track and field.

ALBERTO MENDOZA QUARTERBACK MIAMI, FLORIDA

Prep/Personal: Quarterback for head coach Dave Dunn at Christopher Columbus High School … Consensus three-star prospect by ESPN, 247Sports, Rivals and On3 … Rated a top-90 quarterback nationally per ESPN (No. 55), 247Sports (No. 86) and On3 (No. 70) … Tabbed the No. 137 prospect in Florida per On3 … Two-time Class 4 Metro Florida Player of the Year … Named a Finalist for Florida Mr. Football as a junior … Two-time first-team All-Miami-Dade County … Guided CCHS to a 26-2 record as a starter and back-to-back Florida High School Athletic Association Class 4 Metro state titles … Threw for 4,596 yards passing and 57 touchdowns in his career … Logged 1,950 yards passing and 22 touchdowns as a senior … Completed 159-of-223 passes with just five interceptions in final prep season … Rushed for 319 yards as a senior … Completed 186-of-256 passes for 2,470 yards passing and 34 touchdowns as a junior … Gained 207 yards rushing with two touchdowns as a junior … Brother, Fernando, plays football at Cal and was the starting quarterback in 2023.

ADEDAMOLA AJANI, OFFENSIVE LINE SPEEDWAY, INDIANA

Prep/Personal: Offensive lineman for head coach Shane Clampitt at Speedway High School … Consensus three-star prospect per ESPN, 247Sports, Rivals and On3 … Rated a top-55 offensive line prospect by ESPN (No. 53) and 247Sports (No. 52) … Tabbed as a top-20 prospect in Indiana by all four major recruiting services … Named to the Indianapolis Star Central Indiana Super Team as a senior … Tabbed first-team All-Marion County as a senior and honorable mention as a junior … Helped the SHS offense gain 318 yards per game as a senior … Unit produced 14 rushing scores and 17 passing touchdowns … Paved the way for two 100-yard rushing games in 2023 … also starred on defense with a team-best 19.0 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks … Finished No. 2 in total tackles (82) for the Sparkplugs … Offense logged 307 yards per game as a junior … Offense totaled 17 rushing scores and 19 passing touchdowns … Blocked for three 100-yard rushing games … Also forced one fumble and blocked a punt on defense.

MARIO LANDINO, DEFENSIVE LINE MACUNGIE, PENNSYLVANIA

Prep/Personal: Defensive end for head coach Harold Fairclough at Emmaus … Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports and On3 … Ranked as the No. 58 recruit in Pennsylvania by 247Sports … Named Eastern Pennsylvania Conference South Defensive Player of the Year as a senior … Named first-team All-EPC South on both offense and defense as a junior and senior … Logged 97 tackles with 20.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks in his final prep season.

CHARLIE BECKER WIDE RECEIVER NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

Prep/Personal: Wide receiver for head coach Brian Rector at Father Ryan High School … Consensus three-star prospect per ESPN, 247Sports, Rivals and On3 … Rated as the No. 26 overall prospect in Tennessee by 247Sports … Top-45 recruit in the state by ESPN (No. 42), Rivals (No. 35) and On3 (No. 28) … Tabbed Division II AAA West Region Offensive MVP as a senior … Garnered The Tennessean Dandy Dozen honorable mention … Earned first-team All-Division II AAA West Region as a junior and senior … Also competed in track and field … Won the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association Division II state title in the 110-meter hurdles, 300-meter hurdles and 4×400-meter relay as a junior … Brother, Cole, is a linebacker at Appalachian State … Father, David, lettered in football at Ohio State (1995).

JAH JAH BOYD, DEFENSIVE BACK PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

Prep/Personal: Defensive back for head coach Rick Prete at Roman Catholic High School … Four-star prospect by ESPN … Tabbed three-star recruit by 247Sports and On3 … Rated as the No. 32 two-way athlete nationally by ESPN … Rated as the No. 9 prospect in Pennsylvania by ESPN … Top-40 recruit in the Keystone State by 247Sports (No. 26) and On3 (No. 38) … Owns RCHS single-season receiving touchdowns record … Named Philadelphia Catholic League MVP as a senior … Tabbed first-team All-Catholic League as a wide receiver and defensive back as a senior.

WILLIAM DEPAEPE DEFENSIVE LINE MOLINE, ILLINOIS

Prep/Personal: Defensive line for head coach Mike Morrissey at Moline High School … Consensus three-star prospect per ESPN, 247Sports, Rivals and On3 … Rated the No. 159 defensive end prospect nationally by ESPN … Consensus top-40 recruit in Illinois by ESPN (No. 37), 247Sports (No. 25), Rivals (No. 22) and On3 (No. 18) … Tabbed second-team All-Western Big 6 Conference as a senior … Totaled 39 tackles, 14.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks and two forced fumbles as a senior.

MITCH VERSTEGEN, OFFENSIVE LINE KAUKAUNA, WISCONSIN

Prep/Personal: Offensive lineman for head coach Michael Moreau at Kaukauna High School … Consensus three-star prospect by ESPN, 247Sports, Rivals and On3 … Rated the No. 116 offensive tackle by On3 … Consensus top-20 recruit in Wisconsin by ESPN (No. 15), 247Sports (No. 18), Rivals (No. 10) and On3 (No. 14) … Tabbed first-team Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-State as a senior … Selected WFCA All-Region as a junior … Named Fox Valley Association Offensive Lineman of the Year as a senior … Two-time unanimous first-team All-Fox Valley Association selection on the offensive line.

KHOBIE MARTIN, RUNNING BACK FISHERS, INDIANA

Prep/Personal: Running back for head coach Curt Funk at Fishers High School … Consensus three-star prospect per ESPN, 247Sports, Rivals and On3 … Rated as a top-100 running back nationally per ESPN (No. 100) and 247Sports (No. 65) … Tabbed a consensus top-30 prospect in Indiana by ESPN (No. 2), 247Sports (No. 13), Rivals (No. 20) and On3 (No. 30) … Garnered Indianapolis Star Central Indiana Super Team as a senior … Tabbed Junior All-State by the Indiana Football Coaches Association … Named first-team All-Hoosier Crossroads Conference as a junior and senior … Rushed for 2,746 yards and 38 touchdowns in three seasons at FHS … Missed two games due to injury as a senior … Ran for 1,379 yards and 19 touchdowns in nine games … Rushed for 1,194 yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior … Scored three times on the ground and gained 173 yards on 27 carries as a sophomore.

AUSTIN LIEBFRIED, OFFENSIVE LINE MOUNT HOREB, WISCONSIN

Prep/Personal: Offensive lineman for head coach Bret St Arnauld at Mount Horeb High School … Consensus three-star prospect per ESPN, 247Sports, Rivals and On3 … Rated a top-120 offensive line prospect by ESPN (No. 120) and 247Sports (No. 88) … Tabbed a top-20 prospect in Wisconsin per ESPN (No. 9), 247Sports (No. 10) and On3 (No. 17) … Guided the Vikings to three-straight Badger Conference titles … Selected Associated Press high honorable mention All-State … Two-time Wisconsin Football Coaches Association all-region selection … Tabbed Badger Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year as a senior … Earned first-team All-Badger Conference in final two prep seasons … Also lettered in basketball and track and field.

DANIEL NDUKWE, DEFENSE LINE LITHONIA, GEORGIA

Prep/Personal: Defensive end for head coach Julian Washington at Arabia Mountain High School … Consensus three-star prospect by ESPN, 247Sports, Rivals and On3 … Rated the No. 105 defensive end prospect by 247Sports … Tabbed the No. 146 recruit in Georgia by ESPN … Helped AMHS to the Georgia 4-5A Region title as a senior … Totaled 40 tackles and 10.5 tackles for loss and 1.0 sack as a senior … Brother, David, plays football at Houston (2023) after three seasons at Western Kentucky (2020-22).

TYLER CHERRY, CORNERBACK GREENWOOD, INDIANA

Prep/Personal: Quarterback for head coach Eric Moore at Center Grove High School … Tabbed a four-star prospect by 247Sports, Rivals and On3 … Rated the No. 105 overall prospect nationally by On3 … A top-25 quarterback prospect nationally per 247Sports (No. 22), Rivals (No. 18) and On3 (No. 6) … Consensus top-15 prospect in Indiana by ESPN (No. 12), 247Sports (No. 6), Rivals (No. 5) and On3 (No. 2) … Posted a 23-4 record in two seasons as the starting quarterback at CGHS … Accounted for 64 career touchdowns (56 passing, 8 rushing) … Tabbed Indiana Football Coaches Association Mr. Football positional winner … IFCA All-State selection … Owns career records for yards passing (5,461), passing touchdowns (56), completions (364) and completion percentage (68.5) … Completed 71 percent of his passes for 3,156 yards and 34 touchdown passes as a senior … Helped the Trojans to a Class 6A state championship as a junior … Threw for 2,269 yards and 22 TDs as a junior.

JOSH PHILOSTIN, DEFENSIVE BACK PALM BEACH, FLORIDA

Prep/Personal: Defensive back for head coach Jack Daniels at Cardinal Newman High School … Tabbed a four-star recruit by ESPN … Three-star prospect by 247Sports, Rivals and On3 … Consensus a top-70 cornerback by ESPN (No. 36), 247Sports (No. 66), Rivals (No. 68) and On3 (No. 54) … Consensus top-100 prospect in Florida by ESPN (No. 51), 247Sports (No. 54), Rivals (No. 100) and On3 (No. 67) … Logged 29 tackles and two interceptions as a senior … Totaled 12 tackles and four interceptions as a junior … Made 27 tackles and broke up 12 passes during his sophomore season.

PURDUE MEN’S BASKETBALL

#1 PURDUE CLOSES OUT PRE-HOLIDAY SCHEDULE THURSDAY AGAINST JACKSONVILLE

GAMEDAY INFORMATION — GAME 12

[1] Purdue (10-1) vs. Jacksonville (8-4)

Thursday, December 21, 2023

6:30 p.m. ET | West Lafayette, Ind.

Mackey Arena | 14,876

TELEVISION: Big Ten Network (Connor Onion, Rapheal Davis)

RADIO: Purdue Global Radio Network (Rob Blackman, Bobby Riddell)

THE NOTES TO KNOW

• The No. 1-ranked Purdue Boilermakers wrap up their pre-Holiday schedule with a Thursday night contest against Jacksonville in Mackey Arena. Purdue is looking for its fourth straight victory and to keep its momentum going into the New Year when Big Ten play resumes. The contest with Jacksonville is the penultimate non-conference game of the year as Purdue aims for its third straight unbeaten non-conference record.

• Purdue returned to the top of the Associated Press top-25 poll for the second time this year, following Saturday’s 92-84 win over previously No. 1-ranked Arizona. In the last three years, Purdue’s 10 weeks at the top of the charts is the most in the country.

• With its No. 1 ranking this week, Purdue has now been ranked in the top 5 of the AP poll for 23 straight weeks, the longest-active streak in America by 11 weeks (Kansas – 12). It has been ranked in the top 3 in 17 of those 23 weeks.

• Purdue’s schedule has been one of the toughest in the country according to KenPom.com, already having faced Marquette (#6), Tennessee (#7), Gonzaga (#18), Alabama (#9) and Arizona (#4). Purdue has as many KenPom top-10 wins (4) as any other team has top-50 wins.

• Through games played Dec. 18, Purdue owns the most quad-1 wins (5), most quad-1 and 2 wins (7) and most quad-1, 2 and 3 wins (9). Florida Atlantic, Colorado State and Utah State are the only other teams with EVEN seven quad-1, 2 and 3 wins combined. Those three teams have combined for three quad-1 wins and eight quad-3 victories.

• The Boilermakers finished a nine-game stretch in which it played Xavier (4 seed in 2023 NCAAs), Gonzaga (ranked No. 11), Tennessee (ranked No. 7), Marquette (ranked No. 4), Texas Southern (2023 NCAA Tournament), Northwestern (2nd rd. in 2023 NCAA Tournament), Iowa (2023 NCAA Tournament), Alabama (1 seed in NCAA Tournament) and Arizona (ranked No. 1). Purdue finished 8-1 in those games.

• Purdue has won 33 straight non-conference, regular-season games, the longest streak for any program in the country in almost 10 years and the fifth-longest streak in the last 30 years. Purdue is attempting to become the third team in the last 50 years (Syracuse — 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12; Duke — 1991-92, 1992-93, 1993-94) to have three straight unbeaten regular seasons against non-conference opponents.

• Purdue’s 33-game non-conference, regular-season win streak is the longest in the country by 19 games (Houston – 14).

• Purdue has six non-conference wins over the KenPom top 50. The rest of the Big Ten has seven COMBINED wins over the KenPom top 50.

• Purdue has scored at least 87 points in five straight games, marking the first time since the 1968-69 season that Purdue has done that. Over the last five games, Purdue’s offensive efficiency is 131.6 (131.6 points scored per 100 possessions).

• Purdue has also scored at least 90 points in consecutive games for the first time since December 2017.

• Matt Painter (423 wins) needs one victory to move into fourth place by himself on the Big Ten’s all-time wins list, currently tied with Illinois’ Lou Henson. Painter also needs two wins for 450 in his career (423 at Purdue; 25 at Southern Illinois) in just his 20th season.

• Fletcher Loyer was named the Big Ten’s Player of the Week for the second time in his career after a 27-point, 4-steal outing against No. 1 Arizona. Loyer is averaging 19.2 points per game and is 16-of-36 (.444) from deep in five career games vs. top-10 teams.

• Zach Edey has moved into second on the school’s career rebounding chart (964) and is now 10th in points (1,803) and 5th in blocks (175). He needs 197 points, 36 rebounds and 25 blocks to become the third player in NCAA history (Patrick Ewing, David Robinson) to have scored 2,000 career points with 1,000 rebounds and 200 blocks while shooting at least 60.0 percent from the field.

• The 23 straight weeks ranked in the top 5 is the sixth-longest streak in Big Ten history, but the second-longest streak in the last 45 years.

• Purdue is in search for its 26th Big Ten Championship, already owning the most Big Ten titles in league history. Should Purdue win the Big Ten title in 2024, it will mark its fourth title in the last eight seasons and back-to-back titles for the first time since 1994-95-96.

PURDUE FOOTBALL SIGNING DAY

WR DONOVAN HAMILTON, HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN

PREP

• Three-star recruit, No. 15 in Indiana per 247Sports

• Awarded Indiana Mr. Wide Receiver as well as conference player of the year in his senior season

• Named first team all-conference in his final two seasons

• Tallied 50 receptions for a total of 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior

• Also a first team all-conference player in basketball

PERSONAL

• Full Name: Donovan James Hamilton

• Birthdate: July 23, 2005

• Parents: Christine and Brian Hamilton

• Siblings: Amaya and Mari

• Intended Major: Undecided

• Father Brian played football at Notre Dame

WR SHAMAR RIGBY, ST. PETERSBURG, FLA

PREP
• Consensus three-star recruit, No. 73 in Florida per On3
• Named all-state honorable mention in his junior season
• Helped lead his team to the state championship two consecutive years
• Totaled 39 receptions for 657 yards as a senior
• Caught 42 passes for 632 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior
• Also plays basketball, averaging 13.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game in his junior year

PERSONAL
• Full Name: Shamar Alexander Rigby
• Birthdate: Nov. 21, 2005
• Parents: Michelle Billue and William Rigby
• Siblings: Xavier, Eli, Zoey, Dlo, Bari, Renee and CJ
• Intended Major: Undecided

DB HUDAURI HINES, FRANKLIN CENTRAL

PREP
• Consensus three-star recruit, No. 9 player in Indiana per On3
• Tabbed as the No. 58 CB in the class by On3
• Named first team all-conference and all-county in 2022
• Earned a spot on the 2023 IFCA Top 50 All-State team
• Made 37 tackles and eight pass breakups in his senior season
• Also runs track at Franklin, has clocked an 11.15 100-meter dash

PERSONAL
• Full Name: Hudauri Rashaad Hines
• Birthdate: Aug. 30, 2006
• Parents: Megan Hines
• Siblings: Emauri, Rhyana, Satori, Alise, Aaliyaha and Sevynn
• Intended Major: Undecided

OL JORDAN KING, FW NORTH

PREP
• Consensus three-star recruit, No. 9 in Indiana per Rivals
• Ranked as the No. 93 OT in the class by ESPN
• Earned all-state nods in both his junior and senior seasons
• Named first team all-conference in 2022 and 2023 as well as second team all-conference in his sophomore season
• Shot put sectional champion for three consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023)

PERSONAL
• Full Name: Jordan De’Andre King
• Birthdate: November 21, 2005
• Parents: Thea Surles and Andre King
• Siblings: Donald, Tyrell and Paige
• Intended Major: Kinesiology

ATH KOY BEASLEY,  CINCINNATI

PREP
• Consensus four-star recruit, No. 5 prospect from Ohio per On3
• Purdue’s highest ranked recruit since David Bell and George Karlaftis in 2019 according to 247Sports
• Ranked as the No. 102 overall recruit in the class by On3
• A Top-10 prospect at the position according to 247Sports
• Ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash at the 2023 Ohio UA Camp while recording a top speed of 21.7 mph
• First Team All-GCL as a junior, making the second team as a sophomore
• Awarded first team all-district and second team all-state in his junior season
• Also holds the school record in the 100 meter, 4×100 and 4×200, earning two 4×100 state titles

PERSONAL
• Full Name: Koy Christian Beasley
• Birthdate: May 28, 2006
• Parents: Natrasha and Micahel Beasley
• Intended Major: Mechanical Engineering

DEMECO KENNEDY, LEXINGTON, KY.

PREP
• Consensus three-star recruit, No. 5 player in the state of Kentucky per On3
• Helped guide the Broncos to the 2022 Kentucky Class 5A State Championship
• Team captain in two straight years for Frederick Douglas High School

PERSONAL
• Full Name: Demeco Assante Cruz Kennedy
• Birthdate: July 20, 2006
• Parents: Ronayle and Cameron Kennedy
• Siblings: Cameron, Zateece, Japhia, Tia and Kaja
• Intended Major: Sports Marketing
• Brother, Japhia Kennedy, plays football for Thomas Moore University

OL JADEN BALL, CARROLL, OHIO

PREP
• Three-star prospect, No. 21 ranked recruit in the state of Ohio per On3
• Team captain 
• 2022 D3 State Runner-Up
• Two-time First Team All-Ohio
• Two-time league lineman of the year
• Two-time first team all-district
• Two-time first team all-league
• Two-time first team all-metro
• Tallied 325 pancake blocks throughout his high school career

PERSONAL
• Full Name: Jaden Mikael Ball
• Birthdate: June 15, 2006
• Parents: Megan Ball
• Siblings: Christian and Lynnleigh
• Intended Major: Undecided

RB JAHEIM MERRIWEATHER, JACKSON, TENN.

PREP
• Three-star recruit, ranked as the No. 10 prospect in the state by ESPN
• Ranked as the No. 19 ATH in the nation by On3
• Helped the Bulldogs to the state quarterfinals as a senior, battling back from an ankle injury in time for the playoff push
• Rushed for 11 touchdowns and over 900 yards on offense while picking off a pair of passes on defense, and returned a kickoff for a touchdown as a junior at Gallatin 

PERSONAL
• Full Name: Jaheim Cantrell Merriweather
• Birthdate: Dec. 31, 2005
• Parents: Shereka James
• Siblings: Jasmine, Carlyia, Armani, Michael and Ry’leigh
• Intended Major: Undecided

DB D’MON MARABLE, KNOXVILLE, TENN.

PREP
• Three-star recruit, No. 11 in the state per 247Sports
• Ranked as the No. 49 safety in the class by On3
• Helped the Dragons advance to the third round of the Tennessee state playoffs
• Led the state in tackles as a senior with 174 according to MaxPreps
• Finished his senior year with 174 total tackles (82 solo), 4.5 sacks, 13.5 tackles-for-loss and a pick six
• Totalled 87 tackles, 15.5 TFLs, four sacks, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in his junior season
• Earned Tennessee Region 3-5A Co-Defender of the Year honors in 2022
• Broke the Clinton single game and season record for tackles
• Also ran track and posted an 11.66 100-meter dash as a junior

PERSONAL
• Full Name: D’mon Rashaad Marable
• Birthdate: June 29, 2006
• Parents: Monique Rogers
• Intended Major: Architecture

TE TAYVION GALLOWAY, CHILLICOTHE, OHIO

PREP
• Four-star recruit, No. 9 in the state per ESPN
• Tabbed as the No. 4 TE in the class by ESPN
• Listed as one of the five best prospects in the class of 2024 from Ohio by MaxPreps
• Helped guide the Tigers to the 2023 OCC Buckeye title
• Recorded 700 yards, eight touchdowns on 36 receptions as a junior
• Earned third team all-state honors in his junior season

PERSONAL
• Full Name: Tayvion Demonte Galloway 
• Birthdate: Aug. 21, 2005
• Parents: Belinda Lett and Luke Brown
• Siblings: Luke, Charles, Tyquan, Keion, Deontae and Kiara
• Intended Major: Business

DB EARL KULP, FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.

PREP
• Three-star recruit, No. 55 for his position per On3
• Ranked as the No. 67 prospect from Florida by On3
• Made 36 tackles (23 solo) along with six passes defended and a TFL
• Tallied two fumble recoveries, one blocked punt and a pair of interceptions throughout his high school career
• Four-time state champion, earning three with St. Thomas Aquinas and one with Miami Central

PERSONAL
• Full Name: Earl Angello Kulp
• Birthdate: August 12, 2005
• Parents: Shatona Wise and Earl Kulp
• Siblings: Destiny, Jevon, Diandra, Braylon, Arley, and Grey
• Intended Major: Business
• Hobby: Loves art. “Drawing and painting help me put my mind at ease.”

OL ROD GREEN, SPRINGFIELD, OHIO

RANKS
• Three-star prospect 
• No. 2 junior college interior lineman and No. 42 overall according to 247Sports

2023 | AS A REDSHIRT-SOPHOMORE (AT COFFEYVILLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE) 
• Appeared in all 12 games for the Red Ravens
• Named to the KJCCC All-Conference Second Team

2022 | AS A REDSHIRT-FRESHMAN (AT TENNESSEE STATE)
• Played in four games for the Tigers, helping the team to a 3-1 record in those contests
• Helped his team to 445 rushing and 819 passing yards in his appearances

2021 | AS A FRESHMAN (AT GRAMBLING)
• Did not see the field in his redshirt season

PREP
• Helped his team to a 9-2 record in his senior season
• Saw the Wildcats advance to the state semifinals
• A 2020 Second Team All-Southwest District selection

PERSONAL
• Full Name: Roderick Brandon Green
• Birthdate: November 27, 2002
• Intended Major: Exercise Science

QB MARCOS DAVILA, MIDLAND, TEXAS

PREP
• Four-star recruit according to 247Sports and Rivals 
• No. 15 ranked QB in the country by 247Sports
• No. 41 recruit in the state per On3
• Ended his career with 93 touchdown passes and 9,101 career passing yards, both school records, serving as the starter in his final three seasons
• Tossed 30 touchdowns for 3,303 yards on 219-of-339 passing in his senior season, averaging 254.1 yards per game and 16.8 yards per completion
• Won the Texas District 2-6A title all three years as a starter
• Picked as the District 2-6A Offensive MVP in his final two seasons
• Threw for 3,051 yards, 36 TDs as a junior in 2022
• Named Texas District 2-6A Offensive Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore in 2021

PERSONAL
• Full Name: Marcos Adan Davila
• Birthdate: March 18, 2005
• Parents: Michelle and Caesar Davila
• Siblings: Aaron and Lexi
• Intended Major: Selling and Sales Management

K SPENCER PORATH, BROWNSBURG, IND.

PREP
• Three-star recruit, No. 8 kicker in the class according to On3
• 2023 U.S. Army Bowl All-American
• Earned a spot on the 2023 IFCA Top 50 All-State team
• Indiana Mr. Football 2023 position award winner
• Made all seven of his field goal attempts in his senior season with his longest attempt being 48 yards
• Scored 44 extra points in 2023 and earned a punting average of 40 yards
• Served as team captain and named special teams player of the year
• Also a two-year starter for the basketball and soccer teams

PERSONAL
• Full Name: Spencer Alex Porath
• Birthdate: Aug. 25, 2005
• Parents: Jenifer and Kevin Porath
• Siblings: Ryan, Colin and Grant
• Intended Major: Business Analytics and Information Management

WR TRA’MAR HARRIS, CINCINNATI, OHIO

PREP
• Consensus three-star prospect, No. 17 in the state of Ohio per On3
• Ranked as No. 58 wide receiver in the country by ESPN
• Named OPSWA Div. II All-State and All-Southwest First Team in 2023
• Holds single season records for yards, receptions and touchdowns
• Totaled 58 receptions for 780 yards and six scores his senior season
• Tallied 56 receptions for 806 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior 
• Had a receiving touchdown in eight consecutive games in his junior year
• Won an Ohio Division II state title in 2021
• Invited to the Under Armour Next Football Camp Series

PERSONAL
• Full Name: Tra’Mar Keshawn Harris
• Birthdate: May 14, 2006
• Parents: Trina Scott-Harris and Markus Harris
• Siblings: Deasia, Chuck and Jayden
• Intended Major: Sports Psychology

DL JAMARI PAYNE, AUBURN, ALA.

PREP
• Consensus three-star recruit, No. 23 recruit from Alabama per On3
• Ranked as the No. 44 defensive lineman in the class by On3
• Ended his senior season with 76 tackles, including 12 sacks, and two interceptions
• Tallied a pick-six in a Loachapoka win over LaFayette
• Named the preseason Super 8 Senior honoree by the Opelika-Auburn News
• Recorded 109 tackles, 27.5 for a loss, with 6.5 sacks as a junior
• Helped Loachapoka to its first playoff win in nine years in his junior season
• Also played basketball, averaging 9.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game as a junior

PERSONAL
• Full Name: Jamari Tyriek Payne
• Birthdate: Sep. 13, 2005
• Parents: Whitney Torbert and Cameron Payne
• Siblings: Kamryn and Miyasia
• Intended Major: Undecided

OL JOHN RANDLE JR., HORN LAKE, MISS.

PREP
• Consensus three-star recruit, No. 33 in the state by ESPN
• Started on the varsity football team freshman through senior year
• Named to the North Team for the 75th-annual Bernard Blackwell All-Star Football Classic
• Earned first team all-region honors for both football and basketball
• Started for a Horn Lake basketball squad that went 30-2 and made the Mississippi 6A Final Four as a junior
• Also played baseball and ran track
• Member of Horn Lake’s National Honor Society chapter

PERSONAL
• Full Name: John B Randle Jr.
• Birthdate: July 1, 2006
• Parents: Catina and Eddie Williams
• Intended Major: Mechanical Engineering

WR JESSE WATSON, ST. LOUIS, MO.

PREP
• Consensus three-star recruit, No. 25 in the state per ESPN
• Reached three Illinois Class 6A State Finals, winning the championship in 2022
• Named IHSFCA Honorable Mention All-State as a senior
• Recorded 865 all-purpose yards for seven touchdowns in his final season
• Totaled eight touchdowns on 29 receptions for 430 yards his junior year

PERSONAL
• Full Name: Jesse James Watson
• Birthdate: May 4, 2006
• Parents: Leslie and Jesse Watson
• Siblings: Kiera and Carlos
• Intended Major: Business Management

DB LUKE WILLIAMS, NAPERVILLE, ILL.

PREP
• Three-star recruit, No. 6 player in the state per On3
• Named No. 17 in his position according to On3
• Tallied 62 tackles, seven INTs and six PBUs in his senior season
• Helped the team in all phases of the game. He played wide receiver on the offensive side, making 50 catches for 565 yards and five touchdowns. Also served as the team’s punter, averaging 30.7 yards on 39 kicks. 
• Named to the 2023 IHSFCA All-State team
• Awarded Defensive Player of the Year in the DuPage Conference
• Four-time all-conference honoree
• Also played basketball and ran track. Averaged 21 points and 4.2 rebounds per game in his junior season. Was an All-State honorable mention.

PERSONAL
• Full Name: Luke Austin Williams
• Birthdate: Jan. 17, 2006
• Parents: Rhonda and Cedric Williams
• Siblings: Zeke Williams (also on the team)
• Intended Major: Animal Science

OL MAX PARROTT, CENTENNIAL, COLO.

PREP
• Consensus three-star recruit, No. 7 in the state of Colorado per 247Sports
• Helped his team advance to four consecutive Colorado State Championships, winning three in a row
• Selected for the 2023 All-Centennial League First Team
• Named all-conference in his junior season
• Earned a spot on the Colorado Academic All-State team in 2022
• Chosen as a team captain for his senior year
• Also competed in track and field for Cherry Creek, running the 100-meter dash and throwing shot put

PERSONAL
• Full Name: Maxwell Thomas Larney Parrott
• Birthdate: Dec. 19, 2005
• Parents: Linda and Thomas Parrott
• Siblings: Jaden Parrott
• Intended Major: Kinesiology

DL CALEB IRVING, GLENN HEIGHTS, TEXAS

PREP
• Three-star recruit, ranked at No. 51 at his position by Rivals
• Tabbed as the No. 120 prospect from Texas by the On3 Industry Ranking
• Ranked as the No. 51 Dallas-area recruit according to SportsDay, the only player on his team to be ranked inside the Top 100
• Helped Parish Episcopal to its fourth consecutive TAPPS Division I state title in 2022
• First team all-district and all-state in 2022
• Totaled 96 tackles, including five sacks and 15 tackles-for-loss, in his junior season
• Chosen as a team captain in 2023
• Also throws shot put and discus for Parish Episcopal

PERSONAL
• Full Name: Caleb Mitchell, William-Joseph, Irving
• Birthdate: Oct. 3, 2005
• Parents: Eboni Mitchell and Derrick Irving
• Siblings: Dwight and Bryson
• Intended Major: Kinesiology 
• Hobbies: Avid chess player and is currently teaching himself how to play keyboard

DB SMILEY BRADFORD, ST. LOUIS, MO.

PREP
• Three-star recruit, No. 15 in the state per Rivals
• Tabbed as the No. 42 safety in the class by Rivals
• Reached three Illinois Class 6A State Finals, winning the a championship in 2022
• Recorded 93 tackles (66 solo) as a senior in 2023 to earn first team all-state honors
• Made 110 tackles with a trio of sacks, two fumble recoveries and one interception as a junior in 2022
• Recorded 110 tackles, one sack, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries as a sophomore in 2021
• No. 6 on the 2023 Post-Dispatch Super 30 list
• Team captain 

PERSONAL
• Full Name: LeonTre Edward Bradford
• Birthdate: Dec. 11, 2005
• Parents: Trina Steeples and Leland Bradford
• Siblings: Destiny, Diearra, Leland, Landon and Laila
• Intended Major: Computer Science or Business

LB DJ ALLEN, MEMPHIS, TENN.

PREP
• Consensus three-star recruit, No. 30 in the state of Tennessee per 247Sports
• Ranked as the No. 67 edge rusher in the class by 247Sports
• Tallied 75 tackles in his senior season, including 17 tackles-for-loss, 15 sacks and three forced fumbles
• Awarded Region 8-6A Defensive Player of the Year
• Helped guide his team to a perfect regular season in 2023, going 12-0

PERSONAL
• Full Name: DJ Dewane Allen
• Birthdate: November 24, 2005
• Parents: Bianka Clark
• Siblings: Brittany, Lil D, Jaylen, Tierra, Chiya, Tray, Mello and Bleu
• Intended Major: Journalism and Communications

OL JAEKWON BOULDIN, CANTON, MISS.

2022 & 2023  | AT MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST
• Helped block on the offensive line for his team that averaged 235.6 rushing yards per game and 210.2 passing yards per game 
• Played in 13 games, helping the team win 12 times

PERSONAL
• Full Name: Jaekwon Omari Bouldin
• Birthdate: March 12, 2004
• Parents: Natanya Bouldin
• Siblings: Jakayla and Jataylor
• Intended Major: Physical Therapy

DB TY HUDKINS, GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.

PREP
• Three-star recruit, No. 18 player from Michigan according to ESPN
• Ranked as the No. 91 safety in the class by ESPN
• Named the Michigan Player of the Year for divisions three and four by the AP
• Helped his team to a state title as a senior after finishing as the runner-up in his junior campaign. Had an INT and three tackles on defense with six catches for 115 yards and a touchdown on offense.
• Totaled 98 tackles along with eight pass breakups and five interceptions as a senior
• Tallied 10 pass breakups, 85 tackles and two interceptions in his junior season
• Awarded first team all-state honors in both of his final two seasons

PERSONAL
• Full Name: Tyler David Hudkins
• Birthdate: March 10, 2005
• Parents: Stacie and Greg Hudkins
• Siblings: Kate and Grace
• Intended Major: Business

NOTRE DAME WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

WESTERN MICHIGAN VISITS FOR PRE-BREAK HOLIDAY HOOPS

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — No. 14 Notre Dame (8-1) will close out the 2023-24 non-conference schedule on Thursday with a home matchup against regional foe Western Michigan (5-4). The game is exactly one year after the teams met in South Bend last season. The Irish won, 85-57.

Last year, Notre Dame held just a 38-30 lead at the break before blowing the game open in the second half. The Irish came out of the locker room and went on a 17-0 run, while Western Michigan scored a total of just 10 points in Q3. Westbeld led the Irish with 23 points, 19 of which were in the second half. She also had 8 rebounds. Olivia Miles had 12 assists on the night.

But this is a different year, albeit with many of the same names on the court for both teams. Western Michigan is coming off of a 78-76 victory over Purdue Fort Wayne. Saginaw Valley State graduate transfer Kaitlyn Zarycki is pacing the Broncos in scoring, posting 16.4 points per game. She is also leading them on the boards with 5.4 rebounds per contest.

Western Michigan made 8 3-pointers last year in Purcell, and the team enters Thursday’s game averaging 7.7 per game this season. For reference, the Irish are making 5.6.

The Broncos will try to stop reigning ACC Rookie of the Week (for the fourth time) Hannah Hidalgo, who leads the ACC in scoring (23.6) and the nation in steals (6.1). She is coming off of Purdue with a pair of career highs as well: 10 rebounds and 8 assists.

Westbeld has been unstoppable in the rebounding category for Notre Dame; she has posted three straight double-doubles for the first time in her career. At 14.2 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, she is nearly averaging a double-double, too.

Thursday’s game tips off on the ACC Network at 6 p.m. Notre Dame is 10-0 all-time against Western Michigan.

NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL SIGNING DAY

QB CJ CARR, SALINE, MI

PREP AND PERSONAL

• A consensus four-star recruit
• The 37th overall prospect, third quarterback and the top prospect in the state by ESPN
• The 38th overall prospect, fifth quarterback and the top prospect in the state by 247Sports
• The 49th overall prospect, fourth quarterback and the top prospect in the state by Rivals.com
• The 209th overall prospect, 15th quarterback and third-ranked player in the state by On3
• Named an All-American following his senior season
• Earned an Elite 11 Finals roster spot
• All-American Bowl participant
• A three-time first team all-state quarterback
• Led Saline to an SEC Red championship during his senior season
• Finished his senior season 199-for-292, for 2,754 yards, 24 touchdowns, ran 59 times for 91 yards and nine scores
• As a junior, threw for 2,685 yards with 26 touchdowns, running for 221 yards and seven scores
• Saline earned another SEC Championship during his sophomore season
• Finished his sophomore season with 2,696 yards and 28 touchdowns 
• Son of Jason and Tammi Carr
• His father, Jason, played football at the University of Michigan
• Grandson of former University of Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr
• Played under head coach Joe Palka, earning three varsity letters in football and basketball at Saline High
• Has one sibling, Tommy

DL COLE MULLINS, HOSCHTON, GA

PREP AND PERSONAL

• A consensus three-star recruit
• The 46th ranked edge and 75th-ranked player in the state by Rivals.com
• The 54th ranked edge and the 97th-ranked player in the state by 247Sports
• The 60th ranked edge and 66th-ranked player in the state by On3
• The 61st ranked edge and 73rd-ranked player in the state by ESPN
• Rated as a top 65 recruit at his position by all recruiting outlets
• Earned four varsity letters in football and three in baseball
• Played under head coaches Josh Lovelady and T. McFerrin
• Missed his senior season due to injury
• As a junior, earned all-state honors, first team all-county and first team all-region
• Led his team to a state championship as a junior
• Named second team all-region as a sophomore
• Participates as part of Gen50 ministries, serving the community and other student-athletes
• Son of Suzette and Patrick Mullins
• His father played football at Utah State
• His mother ran track at Utah State
• Three siblings, Trey, Shelby and Reed
• Trey played baseball at Gordon State
• Shelby played volleyball at Young Harris

DL BRYCE YOUNG, CHARLOTTE, NC

PREP AND PERSONAL

• A consensus four star recruit 
• The 50th ranked player nationally, the eighth edge player and the top recruit in the state by On3
• The 74th player nationally, the 13th edge player and the second best recruit in the state by 247Sports
• The 219th player nationally, the 24th edge player and the seventh best recruit in the state by ESPN
• The 214th player nationally, the 13th edge player and the sixth best recruit in the state by Rivals.com
• Earned four varsity letters at Charlotte Christian under head coach Chris James, and Jason Estep and two in wrestling
• As a senior, first team all-state and all-conference and earned Adidas all-American honors
• Finished his final season with 97 tackles, 14 sacks, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, 18 tackles for loss, 12 quarterback hurries, three passes defended, one blocked punt, a blocked field goal and scored a touchdown
• Led Charlotte Christian to an 8-4 record and a second place finish in the Big South Conference
• As a junior, earned second team all-conference honors after posting 92 tackles, three sacks, one pass defended, six tackles for loss, 11 hurries and two forced fumbles
• Helped Charlotte Christian earn a spot in the state championship game, finishing with a 10-3 record
• Finished his career with 191 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, 23 quarterback hurries, five forced fumbles, a blocked punt and a blocked field goal
• Also a member of the National Honor Society and the National Latin Honor Society
• Earned Charlotte Observer All-Star Team honors
• Son of Bryant and Kristin Young
• His mother, Kristin, competed with Notre Dame track and field
• His father, Bryant, played football at Notre Dame before being drafted in the first round of the 1994 draft by San Francisco, playing 14 years in the NFL
• Has five siblings, Kai, Colby, Kennedy, Kamille and Beau

S TAEBRON BENNIE-POWELL, CINCINNATI

PREP AND PERSONAL

• A consensus three star recruit
• The 40th ranked safety and the 23rd ranked player in the state  by On3
• The 48th ranked safety and the 24th ranked player in the state Rivals.com
• The 59th ranked safety and the 26th ranked player in the state by 247Sports
• The 71st ranked safety and the 30th ranked player in the state by ESPN
• Earned three varsity letters in football under head coach Tom Bolden
• Named first team all-southwest Ohio and first team all-conference as a senior
• Team captain in 2023
• First team All-Ohio
• Team skill Player of the Year
• Second team all-conference following his junior year
• Finished his prep career with 101 tackles, five interceptions, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and scored seven touchdowns
• Volunteered with the Hope Squad for four years, working to help prevent suicide
• Worked as part of the Lakota West Yearbook team as a senior
• Made the honor roll in all four years
• Earned the Award for Achievement, presented by Ohio governor Mike Dewine
• Son of Tanya Bennie-Powell and Eric Powell
• Has four siblings, Nyana Lindsay, Nashay Bennie, Lebron Bennie-Powell and Eric Powell, Jr.
• His brother, Lebron plays basketball at NCAA Division III Franklin College

LB BODIE KAHOUN, ROANOKE, VA

PREP AND PERSONAL

• A four-star recruit by Rivals.com
• A three-star recruit by On3, 247Sports and ESPN
• The 27th ranked linebacker and the 14th ranked player in the state by ESPN
• The 25th ranked linebacker and the seventh ranked player in the state by Rivals.com
• The 62nd ranked linebacker and the 11th ranked player in the state by 247Sports
• The 63rd ranked linebacker, and 17th ranked player in the state by On3
• Earned four varsity letters in football, playing under head coach Alan Fiddler and three in lacrosse where he was a four star prospect
• As a senior, was a team captain and a first team all-region and all-district linebacker
• Class 5A first team all-state linebacker
• Named Patrick Henry’s Defensive Player of the Year
• Set a school record with 200 tackles
• Dick Butkus award finalist
• US Army Bowl All-American 
• As a junior, earned all-district and all-region honors
• Led his team to a district championship in 2022 as a starter
• Second team all-district defensive back in 2021
• As part of the Patriot football program, helped organize food drives for families in need
• Carried a perfect grade point average through his high school career
• Son of Jenny and Craig Kahoun
• His father, Craig, played college lacrosse at Butler, becoming the first Bulldog to earn All-American honors
• Has two sisters, Gracie and Ruby
• Gracie plays lacrosse at the University of Pittsburgh

TE JACK LARSEN, CHARLOTTE, NC

PREP AND PERSONAL

• Rated as a four-star recruit by ESPN and Rivals.com
• Rated as a three-star recruit by On3 and 247Sports
• The 17th ranked tight end and the seventh-ranked prospect in the state by Rivals.com
• The 18th ranked tight end and the 10th-ranked prospect in the state by ESPN
• The 36th ranked tight end and the 16th-ranked prospect in the state by 247Sports
• The 45th ranked tight end and the 24th-ranked prospect in the state by On3
• Earned four varsity letters in football at Charlotte Catholic under head coach Matthew Reilly and Mike Brodowicz
• Three-time all-conference selection
• Named all-state as a senior, leading his team to the third round of the North Carolina playoffs
• Finished his senior season with 811 receiving yards on 45 catches and 11 touchdowns
• Totaled 2,085 career receiving yards on 117 receptions and scored 27 touchdowns
• Son of Frank and Erin Larson
• Has one sister, Margaret

OL PETER JONES, COATESVILLE, PA

PREP AND PERSONAL

• Rated as a four-star recruit by ESPN and Rivals.com
• Rated as a three-star recruit by On3 and 247Sports
• The 207th ranked player nationally, the tenth-ranked interior offensive lineman and the second-ranked player in the state by Rivals.com
• The 33rd ranked interior offensive lineman and the eighth-ranked player in the state by ESPN
• The 36th ranked interior offensive lineman and the 12-ranked player in the state by 247Sports
• The 61st ranked interior offensive lineman and the 13th-ranked player in the state by On3
• Earned four varsity letters in football under head coach Dave Gueriera and four in track and field
• Earned first team all-conference honors as a junior and senior
• Second team all-conference as a sophomore
• Led Malvern Prep to a 9-1 overall record and an Inter-Ac Championship as a senior
• Earned an 8-2 record and an Inter-Ac Championship as a sophomore
• Led Malvern Prep to a 29-5 record during his career, starting 29 games
• Son of Kevin and Jennifer Jones
• Three siblings, Kevin, Julianna and Grace
• His brother, Kevin, played football at the University of Maine

CB KARSON HOBBS, CINCINNATI, OH

PREP AND PERSONAL

A consensus three-star recruit and a top 55 corner nationally by all publications

The 48th ranked cornerback and the 24th-ranked player in the state by 247Sports

The 55th ranked cornerback and the 22nd-ranked player in the state by ESPN

The 55th ranked cornerback and the 27th-ranked player in the state by On3

The 54th ranked cornerback and the 23rd-ranked player in the state by Rivals.com

Earned four varsity letters in football under head coaches Bert Bathiany and Mark Elder, and track and field

Named first team all-state and all-conference

Finished with 13 pass breakups, two interceptions and 35 tackles as a senior

Team earned a regional championship in 2023

As a junior, was second team all-conference and led his team to a regional championship

Finished his career with 84 tackles, 27 pass breakups, a sack, two forced fumbles, three interceptions and two tackles for loss

Runs a 4.4 40-yard dash and hit 21.9 mph in a game

Son of Wanda and Dan Hobbs

Dan played football at Centre College

Has a brother, Fausto, who played football at FIU

WR MICAH GILBERT, CHARLOTTE, NC

PREP AND PERSONAL

• A consensus four star recruit
• The 157th ranked player nationally, 29th ranked cornerback and fifth-ranked prospect in the state by On3
• The 257th ranked player nationally, 35th ranked wide receiver and the eighth-ranked prospect in the state by ESPN
• The 41st ranked wide receiver and the ninth-ranked prospect in the state by 247Sports
• The 56th ranked wide receiver and the eighth-ranked player in the state by Rivals.com
• Earned four varsity letters in football under head coaches Chris James, and Jason Estep, three in basketball and one in track and field
• As a senior, named first team all-state, first team all-conference, and was a Charlotte Observer All Star
• Finished his final season with 1,200 yards, 10 scores and set Charlotte Christian’s single season receiving record
• Led Charlotte Christian to the second round of the North Carolina playoffs as a senior
• Finished first team all-conference and second team all-state as a junior
• Led the team to a state runner-up finish
• Was part of a state championship team in his freshman season
• Finished his career with 2,200 receiving yards
• Scored 25 receiving touchdowns
• Averaged 15.5 points per game and 3.8 rebounds per game as a junior on the hardwood
• Volunteered with Samaritans Feet, helping pack shoes for less fortunate children
• Son of Tonya and Mark Gilbert
• One father, Mark, played basketball at Duquesne
• Has two siblings, Naomi and Mark
• His sister, Naomi, played basketball at UNC Pembroke
• His brother, Mark, played football at Duke before signing as an undrafted free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers

WR CAM WILLIAMS, GLEN ELLYN, IL

PREP AND PERSONAL

• A five-star recruit by On3
• A four-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals.com
• The 25th ranked prospect nationally, sixth-ranked wide receiver and second-ranked prospect in the state by On3
• The 34th ranked prospect nationally, ninth-ranked wide receiver and second-ranked prospect in the state by Rivals.com
• The 49th ranked prospect nationally, 11th-ranked wide receiver and the second-ranked prospect in the state by 247Sports
• The 50th ranked prospect nationally, 11th-ranked wide receiver and the second-ranked prospect in the state by ESPN
• Earned three varsity letters in football, playing under head coach Ryan Crissey, one in basketball and twice lettered in track
• All-state and all-conference honors as a junior and senior
• Selected as part of the All-American Bowl
• Was named DuPage County Offensive Player of the Year as a senior
• Earned Red Grange Player of the Year honors as a senior
• Led his team to a conference championship as a senior
• Offensive Player of the Year as a junior
• Named all-conference and academic all-conference as a sophomore
• Finished his career with 2,602 receiving yards, 121 receptions, 42 receiving touchdowns, 598 rushing yards on 38 carries, seven rushing touchdowns, five total return touchdowns
• Glenbard South record holder in career receptions, average yards per catch (21.5), total receiving yards, career touchdowns (54), most points scored in a career (324), touchdowns in a game (5) and receiving yards in a game (193)
• Son of Cynthia Williams Marshaun Rockett

CB LEONARD MOORE, ROUND ROCK

PREP AND PERSONAL

• A four star recruit by Rivals.com
• A three star recruit by On3, 247Sports and ESPN
• The 208th ranked player nationally, the 24th ranked safety and the 35th ranked player in the state by Rivals.com
• The 35th ranked safety and the 66th ranked player in the state by On3
• The 37th ranked safety and the 69th ranked player in the state by 247Sports
• The 53rd ranked safety and the 98th ranked player in the state by ESPN
• Picked off a pass as a senior, totaling 21 tackles in six games
• Rallied for 31 tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and nine pass breakups as a junior
• Named first team all-district
• Earned 40 tackles, four interceptions, a sack, a tackle for loss and 11 pass breakups in his sophomore year
• District 25-6A Co-Defensive Newcomer of the Year
• Also has experience returning punts, averaging 13.9 per return with a touchdown
• In 282 pass coverage snaps, allowed just three receptions during his junior season

RB ANEYAS WILLIAMS, HANNIBAL, MO

PREP AND PERSONAL

• A four star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals.com
• A three star recruit by On3
• The 144th player nationally, second ranked running back and fifth-ranked prospect in the state by Rivals.com 
• The 21st running back and the seventh-ranked player in the state by 247Sports
• The 25th running back and the seventh-ranked player in the state by ESPN
• The 34th running back and the ninth-ranked player in the state by On3
• Played under head coach Jason Noland, earning four varsity letters in football, three in track and field and one in baseball at Hannibal High
• Four-time all-state, all-conference and all-district honoree
• Earned All-American honors as a senior
• Missouri Coaches Association’s 2023 Class 4 Offensive Player of the Year
• Was twice named KHQA Player of the Year, the first player to ever win the award twice
• KHQA Breakout Player of the Year as a freshman
• Led the Pirates to a conference and district championship during his sophomore, junior and senior seasons
• Hannibal earned a district championship during his freshman year and a state runner-up finish as a sophomore
• Finished his career with 477 rushing attempts, 4,255 rushing yards, 177 receptions, 3,249 receiving yards and 151 career touchdowns, ranking second in Missouri High School history
• Son of Sarah Williams and James Branch
• Has five siblings, Aliviah, Ealy, James, Serena and Leela

LB TEDDY REZAC, OMAHA, NE

PREP AND PERSONAL

• A consensus three-star recruit
• The 71st linebacker nationally and ninth-ranked player in the state by On3
• The 51st linebacker nationally and eighth-ranked player in the state by 247Sports
• The 57th linebacker nationally and the seventh-ranked player in the state by ESPN
• The 36th linebacker nationally and the fifth-ranked player in the state by Rivals.com
• A top 100 level player at his position nationally, rated as high as 36th by Rivals.com
• Earned three varsity letters in football under head coach Paul Limongi, two in baseball
• Finished his senior season with 75 tackles, four interceptions and 11 pass breakups
• Led his team to a 13-0 record and a state championship
• All-Nebraska team and first team Journal Star Super-State
• As a junior, finished with 67 tackles and two interceptions 
• Named third team all-metro area as junior
• Team finished 12-1 with a state championship in 2022
• Led the Warriors to a 12-1 record with four interceptions and a state runner-up finish as a sophomore
• Finished his career with 170 tackles and 10 interceptions
• Member of the National Honor Society
• Participated in WE-side Unified
• Son of DJ and Lisa Rezac
• His father played a season of football at Indiana
• Four siblings, Dominic, Carly, Anthony and Vincent
• His brother, Dominic, plays football at Vanderbilt

S KENNEDY URLACHER, CHANDLER, AZ

PREP AND PERSONAL

• A four-star safety by Rivals.com
• Rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports, On3 and ESPN
• The 31st ranked safety and the 10th-ranked player in the state by Rivals.com
• The 81st ranked safety and the 23rd-ranked player in the state by On3
• The 89th ranked safety and the 18th-ranked player in the state by 247Sports
• The 104th ranked safety and the 27th-ranked player in the state by ESPN
• Earned four letters in football at Chandler High under head coach Rick Garretson
• As a senior, earned all-state and first team all-region honors as well as being selected as a Defensive Back of the Year finalist
• As a sophomore, earned Chandler High’s special team’s player of the year honors
• Was a MaxPreps freshman All-American
• Finished his career with 127 tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, a touchdown and a blocked field goal
• Son of Brian Urlacher and Tyna Karageorge
• His father, Brian, played football at the University of New Mexico before becoming an All-Pro linebacker with the Chicago Bears
• He has two siblings, Pamela and Riley

PURDUE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

PURDUE POWERS PAST INDIANA STATE TO CLOSE NON-CONFERENCE SLATE

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Purdue women’s basketball team maintained its perfect record at Mackey Arena this season with a 79-63 win over Indiana State on Wednesday. The Boilermakers have won their last eight games at home and enter the holiday break with a 7-5 mark, after going 7-4 against non-conference opponents.

Abbey Ellis finished one point shy of her Purdue career high, going for a game-best 28 points over 33 minutes of action. The Australian international was 8-of-13 from the floor with a trio of 3-pointers and a 9-of-11 mark at the line. Ellis also finished with three rebounds, four steals and one block.

Mary Ashley Stevenson came within a pair of rebounds of her second double-double this season. The freshman from New York City was an efficient 5-of-9 from the floor for 11 points with eight rebounds, two assists and a steal. Madison Layden joined them in double figures with 11 points on three 3-pointers in the opening 20 minutes of the game.

The Boilermakers shot 47.4% from the field for their fifth game shooting over 45% this year. Purdue connected on 11 of its 3-point attempts and shot an even 50% from behind the arc. Mila Reynolds, Emily Monson and Caitlyn Harper each added a make from distance.

Purdue scored 20 points in each of the first three quarters. Finishing with 20 assists on 27 made field goals, eight different Boilermakers dished out a helper with six players recording multiple assists.  The Boilermakers’ defense recorded 19 points on 16 Indiana State (4-6) giveaways.

Purdue started hot in the first quarter making four of their first five shots, including a trio of 3-pointers, to take a 13-3 lead over the first 3:03. The Sycamores countered late in the first closing all the way down to one point at 19-18, before Stevenson hit a mid-range jumper to close the frame. Purdue was 7-of-12 from the field and 4-of-5 from behind the arc.

The Boilermakers cooled off in the second with just five made field goals, but an 8-of-10 mark at the line in the period helped extend the lead back out to double digits. Emily Monson connected on a 3-pointer with a minute left in the half to slow a Sycamore run and give Purdue a 41-33 lead at the break.

Purdue scored the opening eight points out of halftime with six coming from Ellis. Back-to-back 3-pointers by Swanson extended the gap to 18 points with three minutes to play. Purdue won the period 26-12 and shot 61.1% (11-of-18), as Ellis notched 12 of her points.

Ellis laced another 3-pointer early in the fourth to help Purdue grow the gap to 22 points at 74-52. After Indiana State scored eight in a row, Reynolds connected on her first career 3-pointer to quickly halt any late comeback bid.

NOTES

• Purdue’s win leveled the all-time series at 11-11. Wednesday was just the second meeting between the two clubs this century.

• Wednesday’s crowd was 7,177. It marked the fourth game at Mackey Arena this season with an attendance above 5,000.

• The Voice of the Boilermakers Tim Newton broadcasted his 1,000th women’s basketball game at Purdue. The Boilermakers are 681-319 with Newton on the mic.

• Gearlds now has 25-7 mark against regular season non-conference opponents.

• Purdue’s eight-game home winning streak is the longest by the Boilermakers since the 2012-13 season.

• Emily Monson has recorded 10 assists over her last three games played off the bench.

• Ellis’ 28 points has her within 128 of joining the 1,000-point club as a Boilermaker.

UP NEXT

The Boilermakers will dive into Big Ten action following the holiday break on Dec. 30 when they host Wisconsin for a 6 p.m. tip on the Big Ten Network. 

BUTLER WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

BULLDOGS WRAP-UP NON-CONFERENCE ACTION BY HOSTING OHIO

INDIANAPOLIS – Butler’s final non-conference test of the season is up next as the Bulldogs play host to the Ohio Bobcats on Thursday afternoon. The game features an early 1 PM tip and will stream on the Butler Athletics YouTube page for free.

GameDay

Date: Thursday, Dec. 21

Time: 1 PM

Location: Indianapolis, Ind. – Hinkle Fieldhouse

Live Stats: ButlerSports.com – Statbroadcast

Watch: YouTube

Bulldog Bits

– Jordan Meulemans ranks second in the BIG EAST and 10th in the NCAA in 3-point field goal percentage.

– Caroline Strande ranks eighth in the BIG EAST in rebounding (7.2) and 11th in scoring (15.8).

– Ari Wiggins ranks fifth in the BIG EAST in steals per game (2.0).

– Rachel Kent has scored in double figures in five of Butler’s last six games. She is averaging 14.5 ppg during that stretch.

– Karsyn Norman scored a career-high 10 points at the XL Center.

– Butler was credited with an assist on 19 of their 25 made field goals at UConn.

– Wiggins led BU with five assists and Norman added four.

– Butler led UConn by one point after the first quarter (21-20).

– Butler has now led UConn after the first quarter in back-to-back meetings.

– BU shot 62.5 percent from 3-point range in Hartford (10-16).

– The Bulldogs rank second in the BIG EAST in 3-pointers made per game (8.6).

– BU freshmen accounted for 13 of Butler’s 18 fourth quarter points at UConn on Monday.

– Butler will only play UConn once this year.

BIG EAST Standings

Marquette 1-0, 11-0

UConn 1-0, 8-3

St. John’s 1-0, 6-6

Georgetown 0-0, 9-1

Creighton 0-1, 8-2

Seton Hall 0-0, 8-3

Butler 0-1, 7-4

DePaul 0-0, 7-5

Providence 0-0, 6-5

Villanova 0-1, 6-5

Xavier 0-0, 1-8

Scouting Ohio                                                                                        

The Bobcats are 3-5 overall with all three victories coming on their home court (Convocation Center). Three players scored in double figures for Ohio in their last game, leading the team to a 65-62 win over Indiana State. Laylay Fantroy had a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds, Jaya McClure led all players with 21 points and Kennedi Watkins returned to the court to score 15. Head Coach Bob Bolden is in his 11th season at the helm of the program. They rank second in the Mid-American Conference in bench points per game (24.8) and steals per game (11.2). Ohio jumps first in the MAC at defending the 3-point line (26.3). At the start of the season, the Bobcats were picked to finish ninth in the Preseason Coaches Poll.

All-Time Series                                                                                      

Butler is 2-1 all-time against Ohio. The first meeting was an 84-53 setback in Athens on Nov. 26, 2007. Butler’s first win came the following year in the season opener. BU squeaked out a 59-58 win at Hinkle Fieldhouse.

Last Meeting vs. Ohio                                                                          

Butler recorded a 60-55 win over Ohio in the 2019 Daytona Beach Invitational.

Hoosier Ties                                                                                                         

Ohio Head Coach Bob Bolden did some heavy recruiting in Indiana recently. Three of the five freshman on the Bobcat roster are Hoosiers. Monica Williams played at Lawrence North, Asiah Baxter played at Warren Central and Bailey Tabeling played at Trinity Lutheran. Butler’s Sydney Jaynes also went to Trinity Lutheran High School.

Up-tempo                                                                                                             

Ohio has turned the ball over 18 times or more in every game this season. They average 22.6 turnovers per game, but force 23.5 per game.

Stay Fresh                                                                                                             

Ohio has nine players averaging 17 minutes of playing time or more this season. Jaya McClure is the only Bobcat to log over 30 minutes of playing time on a nightly basis.

Point Guard Head Coaches                                                                 

Austin Parkinson and Bob Bolden each played point guard during their collegiate careers. Parkinson played in 120 games at Purdue and ended his four-year career with 386 assists. Bolden was a four-year starter at Walsh and is still the school record holder in career assists with 775.

Point Guard Play                                                                                                 

Ari Wiggins and Karsyn Norman took care of the basketball at UConn on Monday night. The duo combined for nine assists and just two turnovers. Each Bulldog played 20 minutes against the Huskies.

Youth Movement                                                                                                

Karsyn Norman, Riley Makalusky and Cristen Carter all played well in their first game against a ranked opponent. Norman hit multiple 3-pointers in a game for the first time this season and Makalusky didn’t miss a shot, going 3-for-3 with a 3-pointer to net seven points. Carter did her damage inside with six points, three rebounds, and an assist in 15 minutes of court time.

Career Milestone                                                                                                

Rachel Kent needs two points against Ohio to reach 1,400 in her collegiate career. No other Bulldog on the roster has more than 530. The BU sharpshooter has made four 3-pointers in five of Butler’s last six games.

Strande Continues to Score                                                                

Caroline Strande scored in double figures 10 times during the 2022-23 season and after scoring 13 points at UConn, she has now scored 10 or more points in 10 of Butler’s 11 games this year. Strande scored a career-high 22 points in the win over Chicago State and recorded her first 20-point game with 21 in the victory over Austin Peay.

Dawgs’ Playing D                                                                                                

Butler is 7-1 this season when holding their opponent under 70 points. Ohio averages 63 points per game and has only topped 70 points twice.

Meulemans For 3!                                                                                              

Jordan Meulemans ranks 16th in the NCAA in made 3-pointers (32), 10th in 3-point field goal percentage (50.8) and 27th in made 3-pointers per game (2.9). Meulemans made 10 3-pointers over the first five games of the season and has made 22 over her last six.

2 for 20                                                                                                   

Jordan Meulemans and Caroline Strande became the first Bulldog teammates to score 20 points or more in the same game since Feb. 28, 2020. Meulemans scored a team-high 23 points with five made 3-pointers and Strande shot 8-for-10 from the field to come up with her career-high 22 points. The last Bulldog duo to score 20 each in the same game was Kristen Spolyar and Kat Strong. Spolyar had 28 at St. John’s and Strong posted 21.

Tied a Team Record                                                                                            

Jordan Meulemans made eight 3-pointers in the win over St. Thomas to match the single-game high in the BIG EAST this season. She ended the contest going 8-for-10 from behind the arc to score a career-high 24 points. Butler made 16 3-pointers as a team, the second-most by a conference team this year. Meulemans was just one 3-pointer shy of tying the single-game BU individual record and the ‘Dawgs tied their team record.

Up Next                                                                                                                 

Butler will begin 2024 with a pair of home games against conference competition. They host Georgetown on Jan. 3 at 7 PM and then welcome Seton Hall to Hinkle Fieldhouse for a game on Jan. 6 at 2 PM.

IUPUI WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

DAVIDSON TALLIES 19 POINTS IN JAGAURS’ LOSS TO SOUTH FLORIDA, 85-49

WEST PALM, Flo. – The IUPUI women’s basketball team fell to the South Florida Bulls during the West Palm Beach Classic on Wednesday, December 20, 85-49. Katie Davidson once again led the Jaguars’ offense with 19 points. Jazmyn Turner totaled eight rebounds.

South Florida (8-4) outplayed the Jags in nearly every aspect. They took an early 10-point lead in the first quarter and held onto that lead throughout the entire game. IUPUI saw a glimpse of hope in the third quarter, but the Bulls outscored the Jags in the final quarter 25-8 to seal the game.

The Jags got off to a slow start on defense allowing the Bulls to push past them in the paint. South Florida capitalized on that shooting 42.1% (8-for-19) from the floor. IUPUI tried to counter with open looks, but the Jags couldn’t get the ball to sink shooting just 23.8% (5-for-21).

After falling behind 23-13, the Jags came out stronger in the second quarter, shooting 41.7% (5-for-12) from the floor with two three-pointers. IUPUI went on a five-point run to cut the lead down, but it wasn’t enough as the Bulls continued their own high shooting percentage at 43.8% to keep the lead at 41-26.

The Jags had their best quarter in the third with 15 points and 12 rebounds, but they soon lost energy in the fourth quarter when the Bulls went on their 25-8 run.

Junior Davidson led the way for the Jags with 19 points and six rebounds. Turner played for just eleven minutes as she is slowly returning from injury, but she totaled eight rebounds and six points. Jaela Johnson added 13 points while Logan Lewis collected seven points and six rebounds.

IUPUI falls to 2-9 on the season and will next face Horizon League foe, Robert Morris on the road on December 29.

IUPUI MEN’S BASKETBALL

JAGUARS TO HOST DEFIANCE COLLEGE ON THURSDAY NIGHT

INDIANAPOLIS – The IUPUI basketball team will continue its four-game homestand on Thursday night (Dec. 21) when the Jaguars host Defiance College inside Indiana Farmers Coliseum at 7:00 p.m. Thursday’s game will be broadcast on ESPN+ as Greg Rakestraw (pxp) and Jan Boser (analyst) describe the action.

IUPUI (3-9) is looking to snap a season long five-game skid following a near miss to Lindenwood by a 73-67 score inside Indiana Farmers Coliseum over the weekend. Junior Jlynn Counter scored a season-high 23 points and DJ Jackson made the most of his first start of the season with 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting. The game was tied at 62 all with 3:43 remaining when Vincent Brady II scored on a driving layup, but Lindenwood outscored the hosts 11-5 down the stretch to secure the win.

Bryce Monroe and Brady scored seven points apiece and Qwanzi Samuels contributed six points and a game-high nine rebounds in the loss.

Counter continues to pace the Jaguars in scoring (16.0 ppg), ranking sixth in the Horizon League. Coming off a 21-of-25 (84 percent) effort at the free throw line against Lindenwood, IUPUI has climbed to No. 1 in the Horizon League in free throw percentage at 74 percent as a team.

SCOUTING DEFIANCE

Defiance comes in at 1-8 overall on the season, having lost seven straight entering play. The Yellow Jackets lone victory of the season was a 71-69 victory over Miami-Hamilton back on Nov. 11. Landen Swanner (12.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg) and Will Gehlhausen (7.0 ppg) lead Defiance in scoring as the Yellow Jackets enter play shooting 42.4 percent from the field and 33.6 percent from three-point range. Defiance is 0-5 away from home this season.

INSIDE THE SERIES

Thursday’s game marks the first-ever meeting between IUPUI and Defiance.

UP NEXT

IUPUI will continue its homestand against Detroit Mercy on Friday, Dec. 29 at 12:00 p.m. inside Indiana Farmers Coliseum. 

Notes and Tidbits (click here to download the full IUPUI Game Notes)

    MR. DO-IT-ALL

    In his second season with the program, junior guard Jlynn Counter has become the Jaguars’ Mr. Do It All, leading the team in scoring (16.0 ppg),assists (2.8 apg), field goal percentage (50.3%), threes made (11), free throws made (33) and minutes played (29.8 mpg). He ranks second on the team in  rebounding (4.7 rpg) and finds himself among the Horizon League’s top-10 in scoring, assists and field goal percentage. 

    Counter, a preseason Second Team All-Horizon League pick, tallied his 500th career point against Elon on Nov. 17. and enters today with 620 points in his two-year career.

    COUNTER COUNT

    Counter tallied his 500th career point against Elon on Nov. 17 and enters today with 643 career points.

    …He’s scored in double-digits 31 times in 43 career games

    …He’s hit for 20-or-more points 13 times in 43 career games

    AGAINST THE LIONS

    Counter is coming off a season-high 23 points (5-15 FG, 13-14 FT), including a career-high 13 made free throws, 14 attempts and a career-high four steals.

    QWANZ SEES DOUBLE

    Graduate transfer Qwanzi Samuels recently recorded his first collegiate double-double at Minnesota (Dec. 16), having finished with a career-high 13 points (5-8 FG, 3-3 FT), 10 rebounds and four assists in 30 minutes off the Jaguars’ bench.

    It marked his first-ever double-digit scoring game (in his 96th career game) and his second career game with 10-or-more rebounds.

    Q ON THE GLASS

    The last six games, Samuels has hit the glass hard, averaging 7.5 rebounds per game, including a pair of double-digit rebound efforts. Samuels now leads the team in rebounding at 5.3 rebounds per game and is second on the team in offensive rebounding (1.3 rpg).

    FOR STARTERS

    After relying on the starting group of Jlynn Counter, Bryce Monroe, Kidtrell Blocker, Qwanzi Samuels and Yves Nkomba for the bulk of the season (8 games, 2-6 overall), head coach Matt Crenshaw has tried some alternatives of late.

    Cooper Dewitt became the seventh different player to start a game this season against Northern Kentucky and Vincent Brady II then replaced Blocker at EIU last week to become the eighth different starter. DJ Jackson was awarded his first start of the season against Lindenwood on Dec. 16.

    Counter and Monroe have started all 12 games this season while Nkomba has started 11 at center.

    TEN MAN ROTATION

    Ten different Jaguars are playing at least 10 minutes per game, led by Jlynn Counter (29.8 mpg) down to Cooper Dewitt (10.9 mpg).

    Eight of the 10 have scored in double-digits at least once this year.

    ONLY THE LONELY   

    Only five of the Jaguars’ 15 players have appeared in all 12 games so far this season as 10 different players have missed at least one game due to injury or illness. Most recently, both Vincent Brady II (illness) and Abdou Samb (injury) were among those to miss the game at Minnesota on Tuesday.

    SEEING RED

    It’s likely that both Amhad and Armon Jarrard will redshirt this season. Amhad missed the entire summer and preseason after suffering an injury last season and Armon was limited to just three games this season while playing through an injury. He was shutdown after trying to play at Indiana State on Nov. 14.

    The Jarrards are one of 21 sets of brothers playing for the same team this season and one of nine sets of twins in Division I basketball.

    FIRST TO TIP

    IUPUI was the first team in the country to tip-off the 2023-24 season, starting at 11:00 a.m. on Nov. 6 in front of a crowd of 4,867 on the annual NCAA ‘Readers Become Leaders’ Day at Indiana Farmers Coliseum.

    The 4,867 represented a new home attendance record for the Jaguars, eclipsing the previous mark of 4,114 from last year’s similar event.

    ROAD KILL

    The road win at Valpo was a welcome event, marking IUPUI’s first road win since winning at Robert Morris on Feb. 17, 2022. It was the first road non-conference victory since winning at South Florida on Nov. 13, 2019 at the Cayman Islands Classic.

    BENCH WORK

    IUPUI is averaging 26.1 points per game from its reserves this season and has gotten at least 21 bench points in all 12 games (including four games of 30+).

    FIRST MAN OFF

    Sophomore Abdou Samb (4.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg) has been IUPUI’s first man off the bench in eight of his 10 appearances this season, including seven straight before Jackson was the first reserve against NKU on Dec. 2.

    ARC ISSUES

    IUPUI has struggled with the three-point line this season, both offensively and defensively.

    Offensively, IUPUI ranks 362nd (of 362) in the country in three-point percentage at 22.9 percent. The Jaguars’ 3.3 made/game rank 361st nationally.

    Defensively, IUPUI is No. 346 nationally in allowing opponents to shoot 37.7 percent from beyond the arc.

    DEEPER DIVE

    In IUPUI’s three wins, opponents are shooting just 19.0 percent from three and making just 2.7 triples per game.

    In IUPUI’s nine losses, foes are shooting 41.3 percent from deep and making 8.4 triples per game.

    IUPUI is 3-0 this season when making more threes than the opposition and 0-9 in games in which opponents make more threes than the Jags.

    RETURNING CREW

    The IUPUI roster enjoyed considerable continuity from a season ago, bringing back 10 letterwinners from a season ago, including three primary starters in Jlynn Counter, Vincent Brady II and DJ Jackson.

    Counter was a 3rd Team All-Horizon League selection while Brady and Jackson were voted to the Horizon League’s All-Freshman Team.

    Other key returners include John Egbuta, Armon Jarrard and Amhad Jarrard. 

    NO FRESHIES

    IUPUI was responsible for nine Horizon League Freshman of the Week Awards a season ago as Vincent Brady II (4x), DJ Jackson (3x) and Armon Jarrard (2x) had a stranglehold on the award. However, this season, it was be a complete stunner if an IUPUI player received the award as redshirt walk-on Braden Allen is the lone rookie on the roster. Head Coach Matt Crenshaw has no true freshmen on this year’s roster and no players younger than 20 years old.

BALL STATE FOOTBALL SIGNING DAY

CARDINALS WELCOME 28 SCHOLARSHIP NEWCOMERS DURING FOOTBALL’S EARLY SIGNING PERIOD

MUNCIE, Ind. – Ball State University and head football coach Mike Neu have announced the signing of 28 scholarship newcomers on the opening day of college football’s early signing period. The group of talented prep and college standouts includes 18 incoming freshman and 10 transfers who will look to make an impact on the field for the Cardinals.

The 2024 class represents 10 different states and includes 17 players on offense and 11 on defense. All 10 transfers are expected to enroll for the spring semester and participate in 2024 spring drills.

Ball State’s 2024 Early Signing Class – Incoming Freshmen:

Jalen Alexander — RB, 5-11, 195, Fr., Fishers, Ind./Hamilton Southeastern HS

Kameron Anthony — TE, 6-5, 210, Fr., Fishers, Ind./Hamilton Southeastern HS

Zach Bandy — OL, 6-5, 290, Fr., Avon, Ind./Avon HS

Brady Barrowman — OL, 6-5, 275, Fr., Minooka, Ill./Minooka HS

Ty Curran — WR, 5-11, 180, Fr., Chelmsford, Mass./St. Thomas More School

Jordan Davis — DB, 6-3, 170, Fr., Columbia, Tenn./Columbia Central HS

Ryan Eldridge — OL, 6-6, 260, Fr., Goshen, Ind./Goshen HS

Sam Feeney — LB, 6-2, 205, Fr., Indianapolis, Ind./Bishop Chatard HS

Dantu Gardner Jr. — LB, 6-4, 215, Fr., Indianapolis, Ind./Lawrence North HS

Micah Lillard — DB, 6-2, 178, Fr., Lafayette, Ind./Lafayette Jefferson HS

Eric McClain — DB, 5-11, 175, Fr., Lombard, Ill./Glenbard East HS

Mason Riggins — TE, 6-6, 235, Fr., Zionsville, Ind./Zionsville HS

Dion Smith II — DL, 6-3, 275, Fr., Michigan City, Ind./Michigan City HS

Layton Starks — LB, 6-5, 215, Fr., Versailles, Ky./Woodford County HS

Jordan Suggs — DB, 6-2, 170, Fr., O’Fallon, Ill./O’Fallon Township HS

DJ Williams — RB, 5-10, 195, Fr., Youngstown, Ohio/Austintown Fitch HS

Willizhuan Yates – DB, 6-0, 170, Fr., Springboro, Ohio/Springboro HS

CJ Zeltwanger — OL, 6-5, 305, Fr., West Lafayette, Ind./Harrison HS

Ball State’s 2024 Early Signing Class – Transfers

Yaser Al-Awadi – OL, 6-7, 328, R-So., Park Ridge, Ill./Western Illinois

Justin Bowick – WR, 6-4, 190, Jr., Powder Springs, Ga./Eastern Illinois

Luke Dalton – OL, 6-4, 307, R-So., Crystal Lake, Ill./Cincinnati

Trey Firestone – WR, 6-2, 186, R-So., Zionsville, Ind./Purdue

Jasaiah Gathings – WR, 6-2, 180, R-Jr., Statesville, N.C./Akron

Chase Harrison – QB, 6-1, 189, R-So., Centerville, Ohio/Marshall

L’Cier Luter – DL, 6-3, 340, R-So., Detroit, Mich./Saddleback College

Jamarion McDougle — WR, 6-1, 170, So., Deerfield Beach, Fla./Butler CC

Riley Tolsma – DL, 6-4, 255, Grad., Hamilton, Mich./Hillsdale College

Jaxxon Warren – TE, 6-7, 235, So., Flower Mound, Texas/Navarro College

BALL STATE MEN’S BASKETBALL

CARDINALS HEADING NORTH TO MINNESOTA

The Ball State men’s basketball team plays at Minnesota on Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT) in its final game on the 2023 calendar and first game against a Big Ten Conference opponent since 2020.

The game will be streamed on B1G+ with Minnesota student broadcasters Andrew Becker (play-by-play) and Kyra Schwanz (color commentator) on the call. Mick Tidrow and David Eha handle the radio broadcast on WMUN 1340AM – 92.5FM.

The Cardinals (8-3) and Golden Gophers (8-3, 1-1 Big Ten) meet for the first time since Nov. 26, 1988 when Ball State won 63-57 in Minneapolis to even the series record at 1-1. Minnesota has enjoyed the friendly confines of Williams Arena this season to the tune of an 8-1 home record, with the only loss being 70-68 to Missouri when the Gophers had a 20-point lead with 11:25 to play.

Ball State nearly overcame a 23-point second half deficit to Indiana State on Saturday afternoon at the Indy Classic Powered by Gainbridge, but the Sycamores pulled away for an 83-72 win at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Jalin Anderson (18 points, eight rebounds, six assists) and the Cardinals trailed 61-38 with 13:20 to play but fought back and made it a 76-72 game after an Anderson 3-pointer with 1:35 to go.

Minnesota has won three in a row going into Thursday’s matchup, including its Big Ten home opener against Nebraska on Dec. 6 by a 76-65 score. The Golden Gophers have beaten common opponents USC Upstate (67-53 on Nov. 18) and Arkansas-Pine Bluff (86-67 on Nov. 21) for the two teams.

Ball State recorded a 20-12 record (11-7 Mid-American Conference) in 2022-23 to earn the No. 4 seed in the MAC Tournament. Head coach Michael Lewis enters his second season leading the Cardinals after recent stops as an assistant at UCLA, Nebraska and Butler.

Juniors Mickey Pearson Jr. and Basheer Jihad headline the returners, as they averaged 7.7 points and 5.5 rebounds and 7.1 points and 3.6 rebounds per game, respectively, in 2022-23. Three transfers and five true freshmen bolster Ball State’s 2023-24 team.

SCOUTING MINNESOTA: The Golden Gophers went 9-22 (2-17 Big Ten) last season in head coach Ben Johnson’s second leading the program. Minnesota was the No. 14 seed in the conference tournament, beating Nebraska 78-75 in the first round before falling to Maryland.

The Gophers lead the league and rank No. 7 nationally in assists per game (19.7) while ranking second in the Big Ten and No. 28 nationally with a 49.2 field goal percentage. Minnesota is third in the conference in rebounding margin (+7.6) and scoring margin (+13.5).

Junior forward Dawson Garcia leads the Gophers with 18.2 points per game (fifth in the Big Ten) and rebounding average at 7.4 per game (ninth). Also scoring in double figures for Minnesota are freshman guard Cam Christie (11.6 points per game) and sophomore forward Joshua Ola-Joseph (10.5). Junior guard Elijah Hawkins averages a Big Ten-best 7.5 assists per game, ranking No. 3 in NCAA Division I.

CARDINAL DIRECTIONS

Jihad leads the Cardinals in scoring (18.5 points per game) and rebounding (7.3) averages. The junior forward out of Detroit has led the Cardinals in scoring eight games so far, scoring in double-figures 10 times, including five games with 20+ points. The big man’s total points (203) rank third in the Mid-American Conference, while his rebounding average is fifth.

The Cardinals lead the MAC and rank No. 7 nationally in fewest fouls committed per game (13.5), while being second in the league in rebounding margin (+5.6) and third in scoring defense (66.5 points per game) and 3-point shooting (37.8 percent).

Ball State’s 20 wins last year were its most since 2016-17 when that team won 21. This season’s Cardinals will look for back-to-back 20-win schedules for the first time since that 2016-17 season.

The Cardinals are a young group, as the roster includes only one senior or graduate student (Ethan Brittain-Watts). Ball State returns only 21.5 percent of minutes played and 19.6 percent of points scored from last year’s team.

Brittain-Watts (Boston University), Jalin Anderson (Loyola Marymount) and Davion Bailey (Southeastern CC) form Ball State’s trio of transfers.

Joey Brown (Indianapolis), Zane Doughty (Indianapolis), Mason Jones (Valparaiso, Ind.), Trent Middleton Jr. (Philadelphia) and Jurica Zagorsak (Zadar, Croatia) are the Cardinals’ quintet of true freshmen.

Ball State recently signed forward Jai Anthoni Bearden (Phoenix, Ariz.) and guard Jermarhi “Fatt” Hill (Bessemer, Ala.) to national letters of intent to form the Cardinals’ 2024 recruiting class.

BANKING ON BASHEER: Junior forward Basheer Jihad leads the team in scoring (18.5 points per game), rebounding (7.3 per game) and field goal percentage (52.4) among Cardinals averaging at least four field goal attempts this season. Jihad has established or tied career highs in scoring five times already this season, including in the Dec. 10 win vs SIUE (27 points).

The Detroit native’s scoring average has nearly tripled over last year (7.1), while his rebounding average has more than doubled (3.6). Jihad started only one game in his first two seasons at Ball State, but has been a mainstay in the starting lineup as an upperclassman now.

JALIN JAMS: Anderson, a transfer out of Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles, leads the Ball State backcourt in scoring (15.4 points per game) and the team in assists (4.3 per game) as the Cardinals’ lead guard.

The Jackson, Tenn., native boasts Ball State’s highest offensive output (29 points against Old Dominion) so far and is on pace to set career bests for points, rebounds, assists and steals. Anderson has shown a penchant for explosive offensive performances, posting three 20+ point games so far in the nonconference season.

EMERGENCE OF BIG BEN: Redshirt junior center Ben Hendriks has started each of the last six games, totaling career-highs of 11 points and seven rebounds in the Dec. 2 win over Bellarmine and 32 minutes played in the Dec. 10 win against SIUE.

Hendriks already surpassed his career-bests for points (56), rebounds (40), assists (12), blocks (10) and steals (four) in a season through the schedule’s first 11 games while shooting an impressive 84.2 percent at the free throw line. The big man has seen increased playing time over the last six contests, averaging 22.7 minutes per game after playing 6.8 per in the first five games.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK X2: Jihad was named the Mid-American Conference Men’s Basketball Co-Player of the Week on both Dec. 4 and Dec. 11.

Jihad averaged 24.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, setting career highs in scoring three times over the four-game stretch to lead Ball State to a 3-1 record.

WINNING IN WORTHEN: The Cardinals clinched an undefeated home nonconference slate for the fourth straight season with the Dec. 10 decision over the Cougars.

Ball State has won 19 consecutive nonconference contests at Worthen Arena, with its last loss being on Dec. 3, 2019 to Loyola (Chicago).

1,300 WINS: The Ball State men’s basketball team recorded win No. 1,300 in program history with the Dec. 2 decision against Bellarmine. The Cardinals are the tenth current MAC men’s basketball team to reach that milestone.

MAC Program Wins (as of Dec. 4, 2023)

Akron – 1,697

Ball State – 1,300

Buffalo – 1,279

Bowling Green – 1,452

Central Michigan – 1,356

Eastern Michigan – 1,292

Kent State – 1,332

Miami (OH) – 1,436

Northern Illinois – 1,315

Ohio – 1,614

Toledo – 1,551

Western Michigan – 1,372

MILESTONE WATCH: Jihad and Pearson Jr. both scored their 500th career points in the second half on Saturday against Indiana St, with Jihad hitting the figure with a 3-pointer and Pearson Jr. getting to the total on a layup.

Pearson Jr. tallied 23 of those points playing at TCU, while Anderson (773) boasts the most career points in NCAA Division I on the current roster.

BIG TEN BATTLE: This serves as Ball State’s first game against a Big Ten Conference opponent since 2020 at Michigan. The Cardinals will be playing for their first win against a Big Ten foe since Dec. 18, 1999 against Purdue (in Indianapolis).

Ball State’s most recent Big Ten win in a true road game came on Nov. 16, 1998 at Michigan. The only current members of the Big Ten the Cardinals have yet to play in series history are Iowa, Penn State and Rutgers.

Up Next

The Cardinals take a break for Christmas and New Year’s before beginning MAC play on Tuesday, Jan. 2 at Kent State.

INDIANA STATE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

SYCAMORES SHOW FIGHT IN NON-CONFERENCE FINALE AT PURDUE

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Six Indiana State players tallied six or more points Wednesday, but a strong second half from Purdue sent the Boilermakers past the Sycamores, 79-63, inside Mackey Arena.

Bella Finnegan and Keslyn Secrist led the Sycamores in scoring with 12 points apiece, while Mya Glanton corralled a team-leading six rebounds. Ella Sawyer and Lily Niebuhr dished out three assists each, while Sawyer also recorded three steals for the Blue and White.

Purdue opened the game on a 10-0 run, but Indiana State battled back with strong shooting in the first half. The Sycamores knocked down 50 percent of their attempts from the field in the opening 20 minutes and kept the game within two possessions at the half, but Purdue outscored the Trees 26-12 in the third quarter to put the game out of reach. Despite a strong fourth quarter for the Blue and White, Indiana State dropped its second straight game.

First Half

Purdue scored the first 10 points of the game, before a 3-pointer from Finnegan opened the Sycamores’ account. Baskets from Chelsea Cain and Kiley Bess midway through added on to the Trees’ tally, and Finnegan added a jumper to make it 17-14 late. Asia Donald and Niebuhr contributed buckets inside the last two minutes, as the Trees whittled down their deficit to 21-18 after the opening period.

Donald opened the second quarter with a jumper, and later added a 3-pointer as Indiana State kept it a one-possession game early in the second. Layups from Cain and Bess kept it a single-digit game, and Finnegan knocked down another 3-pointer to get the Trees within 35-30 with just over three minutes left. Secrist got in on the scoring with a three-point play inside the final minute, as the Sycamores went into the intermission trailing 41-35.

Second Half

Similar to the start of the game, Purdue scored the first eight points of the third quarter before a free throw from Donald ended the run. Savannah White and Niebuhr got in on the act with baskets down low, and Secrist tacked on another three-point play to get the Sycamores within 15 at 59-44. Bess added a late layup, but Purdue put together its best quarter of the day to take a 67-48 lead into the fourth.

Glanton opened a strong fourth quarter for the Sycamores with a basket down low, and Secrist knocked down back-to-back threes to get the Sycamores’ deficit down to 74-58. Sawyer knocked down a jumper to get the Trees within 14, and Saige Stahl added a pair of free throws inside the final minute, but the Boilermakers walked away with a 79-63 win in the Sycamores’ non-conference finale.

News and Notes

Despite the loss, Indiana State outscored Purdue 15-12 in the fourth quarter.

Keslyn Secrist’s 12 points and Lily Niebuhr’s three assists were both career-high marks.

Indiana State’s strong performance from the free throw line continued, as the Sycamores were 16-for-21 (76.2 percent) from the charity stripe.

The Sycamores pulled down 14 offensive rebounds and turned their extra possessions into 13 second chance points.

Indiana State’s 30 bench points were the Sycamores’ most since scoring 35 at Missouri on November 9.

All 10 players who saw the floor Wednesday had at least two points and one rebound.

Two-thirds of Indiana State’s scoring came from freshmen and sophomores.

Indiana State closes the non-conference portion of its slate at 4-6 overall (1-2 home, 2-3 away, 1-1 neutral).

Up Next

Indiana State opens MVC play December 30 at Evansville, with tipoff slated for 7 p.m.

PURDUE FT. WAYNE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

SELLERS TO BREAK GAMES PLAYED RECORD IN FITNESS DAY GAME ON THURSDAY

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Shayla Sellers will become the Purdue Fort Wayne women’s basketball program’s all-time leader with her 122nd appearance on Thursday (Dec. 21) when the Mastodons welcome Aquinas to the Gates Sports Center for Fitness Day. There will be over 600 students from Fort Wayne Community Schools in attendance.

Game Day Information

Who: Aquinas Saints

When: Thursday, December 21 | 11 AM

Where: Fort Wayne, Ind. | Gates Sports Center

Live Stats: Link

Watch: ESPN+

Tickets: Link

Digital Program: Link

Game Notes: Purdue Fort Wayne | Aquinas | Horizon League

Know Your Foe

Aquinas is 4-7 to start the season and has already played six games in the WHAC. The Saints are coming off a 77-62 loss to Lawrence Tech at home. In a common foe with the Mastodons, the Saints beat Great Lakes Christian 93-62 earlier this season. Aquinas is led by former Oakland Golden Grizzly and Indiana State Sycamore Alona Blackwell, who is averaging a team-best 25.9 points per game.

The Series

Purdue Fort Wayne and Aquinas have met twice in the series history, both neutral site wins for the Mastodons. In 1991, the two teams met in Rochester, Michigan and in 1994, the ‘Dons won in Allendale, Michigan.

Get Fit!

This is the ninth Fitness Day event with Purdue Fort Wayne and Fort Wayne Community Schools. The Mastodons have an all-time 5-3 record on Fitness Day games. The ‘Dons have played UIC and Grace twice, and Detroit Mercy, Trine, Belmont and IU Kokomo once each for Fitness Day. This is the first time Aquinas will visit the Gates Sports Center.

In The Polls

Purdue Fort Wayne is receiving votes in the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Top 25 Poll. They are receiving 10 points in the poll for a de facto position of 37th. When they received seven points in the poll on December 6, it was the first time the ‘Dons received votes since the 2011-12 season.

All-Arounda-Schenkel

Amellia Bromenschenkel ranks in the top-10 in the Horizon League in points (13.7 – sixth), rebounds (6.7 – sixth), field goal percentage (50.0 – fourth), blocks (0.8 – eighth) and minutes (31.8 – sixth) per game.

Miss Mastodon

Shayla Sellers will become the program’s all-time leader with 122 games played when she steps on the floor against Aquinas.

What a Start!

Purdue Fort Wayne’s 7-4 start is the best through 11 games in the Division I era of the program. With a win, 8-4 would also be the best start through 12 games in the DI era. In the all-time history, the Mastodons’ most wins with four losses came in 1995-96 when they started 25-4. They finished 23-5 in that best season in program history.

Turn, Turn, Turn It Over

Purdue Fort Wayne has forced three teams into 23 or more turnovers this season, including a season-high 31 against Great Lakes Christian. The 31 turnovers forced against the Crusaders is the most since the ‘Dons forced Manchester into 34.

Net Positive

In the first release of the NET rankings, Purdue Fort Wayne was No. 80, the highest in program history. Of Horizon League schools, only Green Bay (27) was higher. Purdue Fort Wayne was the only Horizon League school to have both their men’s and women’s teams in the top-100 in the initial NET rankings.

Magic Numbers 70 and 80

Under head coach Maria Marchesano, the Mastodons are 19-5 when they score 70 points or more and 10-1 when they hit 80.

#3Nation

Purdue Fort Wayne hit 14 or more 3-pointers twice this season (Western Kentucky and Oakland). This is the first time since 2014 that the Mastodons have had two games with 14 or more triples in a season and the first time ever that the ‘Dons have done it in back-to-back games.

We Love Threes…

Purdue Fort Wayne has been dangerous from 3-point land this season. The Mastodons are leading the Horizon League and top-25 in the nation with a 38.0 3-point percentage and 8.9 3-point makes per contest. Audra Emmerson is in the top-150 nationally with 24 3-pointers made and a 35.3 percentage.

… and It’s Been a While Since We Haven’t…

The Mastodons love making threes so much, they haven’t had a game without a 3-pointer made since January 1, 2021, a streak of 90 games. This includes every game in the Maria Marchesano era.

…But You Don’t Get Any

In addition to controlling their own 3-point line, the Mastodons are stingy on the defensive side as well. The ‘Dons are just outside the top-100 nationally and third in the Horizon League, allowing opponents to shoot just 29.0 percent from beyond the arc.

Some More on the 3-Ball

The Mastodons have five players shooting at least 40 percent from the 3-point line. Lauryn Stover is 1-of-2 (50 percent), Amellia Bromenschenkel is 16-of-32 (50.0 percent),Ryin Ott is 13-for-34 (46.7 percent),  Renna Schwieterman is 15-of-36 (41.7 percent), and Shayla Sellers is 17-of-41 (41.5 percent).

Post Up Syd!

Sydney Graber is shooting 69.4 percent from the floor this season. If she had enough attempts, this mark would be the fifth-best in the nation.

Chasing 1,000

Amellia Bromenschenkel is looking to become the next 1,000 point scorer in Mastodon history. She has 778 in her career. With her average of 13.7 points per game this season, she is on pace to reach 1,000 career points in 16 games.

Audramatic

Audra Emmerson is shooting 41.9 percent from deep since January 1, 2023, a mark of 62-of-151 over 27 games, including 24-of-68 (35.3 percent) this year.

Ott-omatic – Yep, We’re Using The Same Joke Twice

Over the last five games, Ryin Ott is averaging 15.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game while shooting 52.2 percent from the floor (24-of-46) and 55.0 percent from 3-point range (11-of-20). She had a career-high 21 points at Oakland on November 30 with a 6-for-7 effort from 3-point range. She has been in double-figures in each of the last five games.

Last Time Out

Purdue Fort Wayne is coming off a heartbreaking 78-76 loss at Western Michigan. Amellia Bromenschenkel had a team-high 21 points, while Sydney Graber pitched in nine points and a career-high nine rebounds.

Coming Up

The Mastodons will return to Horizon League action on December 30, when they will play at Milwaukee at 3 p.m. Then, they will visit Green Bay on New Year’s Day.

PURDUE FT. WAYNE MEN’S BASKETBALL

MASTODONS FALL SHORT AGAINST PITTSBURGH

PITTSBURGH – Rasheed Bello finished with a team-high 11 points in Purdue Fort Wayne’s 62-48 loss to Pittsburgh on Wednesday (Dec. 20) evening. The Mastodons held Pitt to a season-low 62 points in the loss.

Bello and Jalen Jackson (10) both finished in double figures as the Mastodons’ leading scorers. Jackson had the team lead with six points in the first half, shooting 3-of-6 from the field. The ‘Dons defended well beyond the arc in the first half, limiting Pitt to 1-of-13 from three. In total, the ‘Dons made five 3-pointers and held Pitt to just two.

Bello scored nine points with three assists in the second half. The Mastodons went on a 8-0 run in the second to make it a 45-32 game with 11:40 left. Anthony Roberts had the 3-pointer to cap the run as part of his seven second-half points. However, the Panthers pulled away after that.

Guillermo Diaz Graham scored 13 points with eight rebounds to lead Pittsburgh. The Panthers shot 36.4 percent from the floor, 2-of-20 from three. The ‘Dons finished at 33.9 percent (20-of-59).

Pitt improves to 9-3, the ‘Dons suffer their second loss of the season and are now 11-2. The ‘Dons return to Horizon League action on Friday (Dec. 29) at home against Northern Kentucky. Kids are free for the contest which will be played at the Gates Sports Center.

EVANSVILLE MEN’S BASKETBALL

MEN’S BASKETBALL EARNS 10TH VICTORY WITH WIN OVER TTU

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – For the first time in five seasons, the University of Evansville men’s basketball team has won double digit games, earning its 10th win over 2023 with an 82-51 victory over Tennessee Tech at the Ford Center.

With the win, UE clinched its first 10-win season since earning 11 victories in 2018-19.  The 10th win also doubled the win total from the entirety of last season.  The 31-point win margin was the most for the Purple Aces against a Division I program since Feb. 24, 2018 when UE defeated Southern Illinois by a final of 75-44 at the Ford Center.

“Credit our group for having the right approach as we played three games in five days.  We talked about mindset this morning and I feel like we had great urgency and executed well,” Aces head men’s basketball coach David Ragland exclaimed.  “We took a lead and kept building on it.  Sometimes you can get complacent, but every time out, our group stayed connected and kept building.”

Chuck Bailey III led a trio of double figure scorers with 18 points.  The 3-time Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Week was 2-for-2 from outside and converted all four free throw tries.  Ben Humrichous had a perfect 5-of-5 effort from long range on his way to 15 points while Yacine Toumi earned his first double-double of the year with 10 points and 10 boards.  David Early and Jayvis Harvey led the Golden Eagles with 13 and 12 points, respectively.

Tennessee Tech opened the evening with a triple while Humrichous tied it up at 5-5 with a triple at the 18:02 mark.  After the Golden Eagles knocked down another triple to go up 8-5, the Purple Aces turned it on, scoring 10 in a row to go up 15-8 just over eight minutes in.  Tennessee Tech missed eight in a row as the Aces made their run.

Cam Haffner connected on back-to-back field goals to give Evansville its first advantage of the evening at 9-8 while Chuck Bailey III added the final four points of the run.  TTU ended the stretch with a bucket, but the UE run continued with another 7-0 run.  Five of those tallies came from Tanner Cuff as the lead extended to 22-10 at the halfway mark of the period.

Over the next three minutes, the Golden Eagles cut the deficit to eight before Humrichous took matters into his own hands.  Consecutive 3-pointers saw the Aces take their largest lead of the half (41-22) before holding an 18-point advantage at the break.

Evansville’s defense was the story in the second half, holding TTU scoreless for the first six minutes while holding them to 0-for-8 shooting and forcing three turnovers.  Humrichous made it a perfect 5-for-5 start from 3-point range as the offense hit 5 of its first 8 second-half attempts to go up 56-26.  Bailey added a triple to push the lead to 37 points (66-29) with 12:13 left in the game.

With 4:55 remaining in the contest, UE took a game-high 82-42 lead with the Golden Eagles closing in the final minutes to the final score of 82-51.  The Aces shot 48.5% for the night with Tennessee Tech finishing at 32.1%.  In the rebounding battle, UE finished with a 45-30 advantage.  Evansville dished out a season-high 22 assists in the win; the team has recorded 16 or more helpers in 10 of the last 11 games.

One more non-conference game awaits the Aces when they travel to Cincinnati on Dec. 29.  The new year opens with a road game at Indiana State on Jan. 3 before UE is back at the Ford Center on the 6th to face Murray State.

EVANSVILLE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

ACES WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ENDS NON-CONFERENCE PLAY AT SEMO

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — The University of Evansville women’s basketball team will play its last non-Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) opponent of the year on Thursday morning.

Evansville faced its toughest test of the season on Monday night against No. 16 Indiana in Bloomington. The Aces kept up with the Hoosiers in the first quarter but struggled with their size and efficiency down the stretch in the 109-56 loss. While it was a tough game overall for UE, transfer sophomore forward Tamesha Dozier had a season-high in Bloomington with 11 points while going seven of 11 from the floor. Dozier had the best shooting percentage of any Ace at 63% while being one of four players in double figures. She also set a career-high in made three-pointers with three in Assembly Hall.

UE has one more game before taking some time off for the holidays. The Aces will finish the non-conference season on the road at SEMO to try and get their first win at the Show Me Center. Last

year, Evansville snapped a four-game skid to the Redhawks that stretched back to 2016. A win on Thursday would be the first time UE has won two games in a row against SEMO.

Southeastern Missouri (SEMO) is also 2-8 in non-conference play coming into Thursday morning’s game. The Redhawks were able to pick up wins against NAIA Stephens College and NAIA Harris-Stowe State back in November. SEMO is currently on a four-game losing skid after dropping a close game to Eastern Kentucky on Tuesday. The Redhawks are led by junior guard Jaliyah Green who is averaging 15.6 points a game, closely followed by Evansville native, freshman forward Amiyah Buchanan at 12.1 ppg.

Aces forward Maggie Hartwig earned her second Freshman of the Week honor from the Missouri Valley Conference for her performance against Lindenwood. The freshman forward led Evansville

both against Lindenwood and Indiana with 16 and 13 points respectively. Hartwig also had a double-double in UE’s game against the Lions with 12 rebounds.

UINDY MEN’S BASKETBALL

EJAH GARNERS GLVC MEN’S BASKETBALL WEEKLY AWARD

INDIANAPOLIS – University of Indianapolis senior forward David Ejah has been named the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Player of the Week in men’s basketball, it was announced by the league office Wednesday.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

David Ejah, Indianapolis

Sr. | F | Fort Wayne, Ind.

Major: Master of Sport Management

Team Results: 92-67 W vs. Pitt.-Johnstown (12/15)

Tallied first career double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds

Shot 60 percent (6-of-10) from the field, 50 percent (3-of-6) from three, and 100 percent (2-of-2) from the foul line

Recorded career highs in points, rebounds, and assists

Matched career bests in field goals and 3-point field goals made

Added four assists and two steals

Earns first career Player of the Week Award

Last Greyhounds’ Player of the Week: Jesse Bingham (12/11/23)

SMALL COLLEGE ATHLETICS

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

2023-24 NBA CONFERENCE STANDINGS

WESTERN CONFERENCE		W-L	PCT	GB	PF	PA	HOME	AWAY	CONF	DIV	L10	STRK
1	Timberwolves	20-6	.769	–	113.5	106.7	11-1	9-5	13-3	4-0	8-2	L1
2	Thunder	17-8	.680	2.5	120.2	113.0	9-4	8-4	11-7	3-2	6-4	W2
3	Nuggets	19-10	.655	2.5	115.2	110.3	11-2	8-8	13-8	2-2	6-4	W2
4	Clippers	17-10	.630	3.5	117.1	110.7	11-3	6-7	14-8	4-2	9-1	W9
5	Kings	16-10	.615	4.0	118.2	118.2	10-4	6-6	13-9	4-4	6-4	L1
6	Mavericks	16-11	.593	4.5	119.0	117.7	7-6	9-5	11-9	5-2	5-5	L2
7	Pelicans	16-12	.571	5.0	115.9	113.9	9-5	7-7	11-10	4-3	7-3	L1
8	Lakers	15-13	.536	6.0	113.6	113.9	10-3	5-10	12-8	4-2	5-5	L3
9	Rockets	13-12	.520	6.5	111.4	108.4	11-2	2-10	12-8	5-2	5-5	L3
10	Suns	14-13	.519	6.5	114.8	113.8	7-8	7-5	10-9	3-4	3-7	L1
11	Warriors	13-14	.481	7.5	116.5	116.0	7-6	6-8	10-12	3-6	5-5	W3
12	Jazz	10-18	.357	11.0	112.3	119.7	8-5	2-13	8-14	3-5	4-6	L1
13	Grizzlies	7-19	.269	13.0	106.0	112.5	1-11	6-8	6-16	3-6	4-6	W1
14	Trail Blazers	7-19	.269	13.0	107.7	114.2	3-9	4-10	3-15	1-4	3-7	W1
15	Spurs	4-22	.154	16.0	110.9	122.5	2-12	2-10	4-15	1-5	1-9	L2

EASTERN CONFERENCE		W-L	PCT	GB	PF	PA	HOME	AWAY	CONF	DIV	L10	STRK
1	Celtics	21-6	.778	–	118.9	109.8	14-0	7-6	19-4	9-1	8-2	W1
2	Bucks	20-7	.741	1.0	124.7	119.2	15-2	5-5	16-7	5-3	8-2	W5
3	76ers	19-8	.704	2.0	122.3	111.0	11-4	8-4	14-6	4-2	7-3	W1
4	Magic	16-10	.615	4.5	113.0	110.1	11-3	5-7	11-7	3-2	5-5	L3
5	Knicks	16-11	.593	5.0	114.7	111.4	7-3	9-8	12-6	3-3	6-4	W2
6	Cavaliers	16-12	.571	5.5	112.4	112.1	9-6	7-6	10-7	2-2	6-4	W3
7	Heat	16-12	.571	5.5	112.9	111.8	7-6	9-6	13-10	6-0	6-4	W1
8	Pacers	14-12	.538	6.5	128.0	126.5	8-6	6-6	12-9	6-2	5-5	W1
9	Nets	13-14	.481	8.0	115.6	115.3	8-6	5-8	11-9	1-4	4-6	L4
10	Hawks	12-15	.444	9.0	123.2	122.9	4-7	8-8	8-13	3-2	4-6	W2
11	Bulls	12-17	.414	10.0	110.3	113.1	8-7	4-10	8-11	3-3	7-3	W2
12	Raptors	11-16	.407	10.0	112.2	114.2	8-8	3-8	7-14	0-7	3-7	L1
13	Hornets	7-19	.269	13.5	111.0	121.6	4-10	3-9	7-15	3-5	2-8	L6
14	Wizards	4-22	.154	16.5	117.0	126.8	2-8	2-14	3-18	1-7	2-8	L2
15	Pistons	2-25	.074	19.0	108.9	120.8	1-12	1-13	2-17	1-7	0-10	L24

2023 NFL DIVISION STANDINGS

AFC NORTH		W-L-T	PCT	PF	PA	HOME	AWAY	CONF	DIV	STRK
1	RavensX	11-3	.786	384	225	5-2	6-1	7-3	3-2	W4
2	Browns	9-5	.643	309	289	7-1	2-4	6-3	3-2	W2
3	Bengals	8-6	.571	307	311	5-3	3-3	3-6	0-4	W3
4	Steelers	7-7	.500	223	280	4-4	3-3	5-5	3-1	L3

AFC WEST		W-L-T	PCT	PF	PA	HOME	AWAY	CONF	DIV	STRK
1	Chiefs	9-5	.643	319	245	4-3	5-2	7-2	3-1	W1
2	Broncos	7-7	.500	304	351	4-3	3-4	4-5	2-2	L1
3	Raiders	6-8	.429	265	280	5-3	1-5	4-5	2-2	W1
4	Chargers	5-9	.357	303	345	2-5	3-4	3-6	1-3	L2

NFC NORTH		W-L-T	PCT	PF	PA	HOME	AWAY	CONF	DIV	STRK
1	Lions	10-4	.714	382	331	5-2	5-2	6-3	2-2	W1
2	Vikings	7-7	.500	290	269	2-4	5-3	6-3	2-1	L1
3	Packers	6-8	.429	300	301	4-3	2-5	4-5	2-2	L2
4	Bears	5-9	.357	287	329	3-3	2-6	4-5	2-3	L1

NFC WEST		W-L-T	PCT	PF	PA	HOME	AWAY	CONF	DIV	STRK
1	49ersY	11-3	.786	425	234	5-1	6-2	9-1	5-0	W6
2	Rams	7-7	.500	327	310	4-3	3-4	5-4	4-1	W1
3	Seahawks	7-7	.500	300	335	5-2	2-5	6-5	1-4	W1
4	Cardinals	3-11	.214	259	376	2-5	1-6	2-7	0-5	L1

YClinched Division

XClinched Playoffs

2023-24 NHL CONFERENCE STANDINGS

EASTERN CONFERENCE		W-L-OTL	PTS	GP	ROW	SOW	SOL	GF	GA	GD	HOME	L10	STRK
1	Rangers	22-7-1	45	30	21	1	1	101	82	19	10-3-0	7-3-0	W3
2	Bruins	19-5-6	44	30	17	2	0	97	77	20	10-2-3	5-2-3	L2
3	Flyers	18-10-3	39	31	15	3	0	93	81	12	8-6-1	7-1-2	W3
4	Islanders	15-8-9	39	32	14	1	3	99	104	-5	9-3-6	6-1-3	L1
5	Maple Leafs	16-7-6	38	29	12	4	1	108	95	13	9-5-2	6-1-3	L1
6	Panthers	18-11-2	38	31	18	0	1	91	81	10	9-4-0	5-4-1	L1
7	Hurricanes	17-12-3	37	32	16	1	1	106	103	3	9-2-3	4-4-2	W1
8	Capitals	16-9-4	36	29	13	3	2	73	82	-9	9-4-2	5-3-2	W2
9	Lightning	15-13-5	35	33	15	0	0	111	115	-4	9-3-3	5-5-0	W1
10	Devils	16-12-2	34	30	16	0	1	103	107	-4	6-7-2	6-3-1	L2
11	Red Wings	15-13-4	34	32	15	0	0	112	104	8	8-6-3	3-6-1	L4
12	Canadiens	14-13-4	32	31	11	3	3	87	106	-19	7-9-2	5-3-2	W2
13	Penguins	14-13-3	31	30	13	1	1	87	84	3	7-6-1	4-3-3	W1
14	Sabres	13-17-3	29	33	13	0	1	94	114	-20	6-8-1	3-6-1	L2
15	Blue Jackets	11-17-5	27	33	11	0	1	105	121	-16	7-9-2	4-5-1	W1
16	Senators	11-16-0	22	27	10	1	0	91	93	-2	8-9-0	3-7-0	L5

WESTERN CONFERENCE		W-L-OTL	PTS	GP	ROW	SOW	SOL	GF	GA	GD	L10	STRK
1	Golden Knights	21-7-5	47	33	17	4	1	116	87	29	7-2-1	L1
2	Canucks	22-9-2	46	33	22	0	1	125	81	44	7-2-1	W2
3	Jets	19-9-3	41	31	19	0	1	104	81	23	7-2-1	W1
4	Kings	18-7-4	40	29	17	1	2	102	70	32	5-4-1	L1
5	Stars	18-8-4	40	30	16	2	1	107	95	12	5-3-2	W1
6	Avalanche	19-11-2	40	32	18	1	1	115	99	16	4-5-1	L1
7	Predators	18-14-0	36	32	17	1	0	101	99	2	7-3-0	L1
8	Coyotes	16-13-2	34	31	14	2	0	97	89	8	6-4-0	W3
9	Blues	15-15-1	31	31	14	1	1	89	105	-16	4-6-0	L1
10	Flames	13-14-5	31	32	13	0	4	96	110	-14	4-4-2	W2
11	Kraken	11-14-9	31	34	10	1	4	92	110	-18	3-4-3	W1
12	Wild	13-13-4	30	30	10	3	2	93	98	-5	7-3-0	W1
13	Oilers	13-15-1	27	29	12	1	0	98	100	-2	7-3-0	L3
14	Ducks	12-19-0	24	31	11	1	0	84	105	-21	3-7-0	W2
15	Blackhawks	10-20-1	21	31	10	0	1	73	111	-38	3-6-1	W1
16	Sharks	9-20-3	21	32	9	0	3	67	128	-61	4-5-1	L3

FOOTBALL HISTORY

December 21, 1941 – Wrigley Field, Chicago – The 1941 NFL Championship Game took place. The New York Football Giants were challenging the defending Champs, the Bears of Chicago. The game was pretty much one sided as the Monsters of the Midway dominated their visitors from the Big Apple as reported by the Golden Rankings website. In an interesting side note Bears kicker Ray McLean made the last NFL drop kick for an extra point per ESPN Classic. The story goes that the Bears were dominating the New York Football Giants in this late season game up 30-9 late in the game. New York coughed up the ball and the Bears Ken Kavanaugh picked it up and raced 42 yards for another Chicago score. Whether it was to humiliate the Giants further or just for entertainment value, McLean attempted the archaic method of kicking for points that had not been used in quite a while. The kick was up and good and the Bears celebrated the 37-9 Title victory to become the first repeat Champs in NFL History and garner their fifth championship for the storied franchise.

December 21, 1948 -Philadelphia’s Bellevue-Stratford Hotel – At the 1949 NFL Draft the Philadelphia Eagles chose University of Pennsylvania center/linebacker Chuck Bednarik as the first overall pick. Bednarik, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s information, played in the League for 14 seasons registering 9 interceptions and becoming an All-Pro selection 9 times. Other legends that got their starts in the NFL in this draft were George Blanda, Doak Walker, Frank Tripucka and Norm Van Brocklin.

December 21, 1959 – The Dallas Cowboys hire the New York Giants defensive coordinator, Tom Landry as their First Head Coach. Landry stayed on as the Dallas head man until 1988. The Dallas News website has a fascinating story on how the former Cowboys owner Tex Schram chose Landry to guide his team. In the article Schram, a former LA Rams GM and later a CBS Sports employee, was quoted to say, “I went to their [Giants] games and was surprised by what I saw,” Schramm said. “Here was an assistant coach – a defensive coach — who was looked upon by his players as almost a god. They were the best defensive club in the league for several years, and Tom Landry was the reason. He had a different philosophy of defense, and it worked.”  Tom actually signed on with Schram before the Cowboys franchise even officially existed. The NFL made the formal announcement of awarding Dallas a franchise on January 28, 1960.

December 21, 1969 – Washington D.C. – Legendary Coach Vince Lombardi coached his last football game. The final game was very unceremonious as the great coach six months in the future would learn that he had colon cancer and would pass away from the terminal condition on September 3, 1970 at the age of 57 according to a Washington-Post story. It is almost forgotten too that in what would be the final season that Lombardi would see he was walking the sidelines of the Washington Redskins and not the Green Bay Packers where he spent 9 seasons winning 5 NFL titles including the first two Super Bowls. By the way the Redskins lost that day to their rivals the Dallas Cowboys 20-10. Lombardi in his one season turned the Washington franchise around though after 14 years of dismal finishes to a 7-5-2 record and put the franchise on a course to be successful in the next decade of play.

December 21, 1980 – Philadelphia Eagles, Harold Carmichael’s NFL streak of 127 consecutive games with a reception comes to an end per Onthisday.com.

December 21, 1984 – Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego – Brigham Young University wins their school’s first National Title. BYU knocked of a very tough University of Michigan team by the score of 24-17 in the Holiday Bowl at to remain undefeated to secure the NCAA Division I-A football title per Onthisday.com.

December 21, 1997 – Pontiac Silverdome, Michigan – The Detroit Lions legendary Running Back Barry Sanders is the third player to run for 2,000 yards in a single season.  Sanders had 23 rushing attempts for 184 yards and one score in the LIons 13-10 victory over the visiting New York Jets to help him reach the milestone according to the Pro-Football-Reference website.

Hall of Fame Birthdays for December 21

December 21, 1916 – Vallejo, California  – Cal’s great halfback Vic Bottari is born per the National Football Foundation’s website. The voters in the NFF in 1981 inducted Vic Bottari and his legendary collegiate career into the College Football Hall of Fame.

December 21, 1935 – Hayti, South Dakota – Garney Henley the running back from Huron came to life per the NFF website. The College Football Hall of Fame welcomed Garney Henley into their ranks in 2004.

December 21, 1941 – Chicago, Illinois – USC’s terrific end, Hal Bedsole was born. National Football Foundation voters selected Hal Bedsole to enter into their College Football Hall of Fame in 2012.

December 21, 1960 – Tampa, Florida – The pride of Eastern Kentucky, Safety George Floyd celebrates his day of birth. The NFF’s bio on him states that Floyd intercepted 22 passes in four years and  against Youngstown State in 1980 he ran 100 yards for a touchdown with an interception. George Floyd proudly entered the College Football Hall of Fame rank and file during the induction ceremonies in 1999.

NUMBERS IN SPORTS

57 – 60 – 17 – 25 – 20 – 11 – 7

December 21, 1891 – 1st game of basketball, based on rules created by James Naismith, played by 18 students in Springfield, Massachusetts

December 21, 1937 – Chicago Black Hawks left wing Paul Thompson became the first player in NHL history to score a goal against his brother. That goal he scored was on goaltender Cecil Thompson of the Boston Bruins with just 9 seconds left in regulation; Bruins win though, 2-1

December 21, 1941 – Chicago Bears Number 57, Ray McLean made the last NFL drop kick for an extra point

December 21, 1948 – 1949 NFL Draft: University of Pennsylvania linebacker/center Number 60, Chuck Bednarik was selected first by Philadelphia Eagles

December 21, 1979 – Atlanta Flames Number 17, Garry Unger’s NHL record for consecutive games ends at 914, as the Flames lose 5-1 to the St Louis Blues and he is benched by coach Al MacNeil; record eventually broken by Washington Capitols Number 25, Doug Jarvis (964)

December 21, 1980 – Philadelphia Eagles future Hall of Fame receiver, Number 17, Harold Carmichael had his NFL streak of 127 consecutive game receptions come to an end

December 21, 1997 – Detroit Lions Number 20, Barry Sanders became the 3rd NFL player to run for 2,000 yards in a season

December 21, 1999 – Ballon d’Or: FC Barcelona’s Brazilian midfielder Number 11, Rivaldo was named best soccer player in Europe ahead of Manchester United midfielder Number 7, David Beckham and Milan striker Number 7, Andriy Shevchenko

TV THURSDAY

NFL REGULAR SEASON	TIME ET	TV Channel
New Orleans at LA Rams	8:15pm	AMZN
NBA REGULAR SEASON	TIME ET	TV
Utah at Detroit	7:00pm	NBATV KJZZ Bally Sports
Indiana at Miami	7:00pm	NBATV Bally Sports
New Orleans at Cleveland	7:30pm	Bally Sports
San Antonio at Chicago	8:00pm	NBCS-CHI Bally Sports
Indiana at Memphis	8:00pm	Bally Sports
Orlando at Milwaukee	8:00pm	Bally Sports
LA Clippers at Oklahoma City	8:00pm	Bally Sports
LA Lakers at Minnesota	9:00pm	Spectrum Bally Sports
Washington at Portland	10:00pm	NBATV MNMT Root Sports
NHL REGULAR SEASON	TIME ET	TV
Toronto at Buffalo	7:00pm	Bally Sports MSG-BUF
Vegas at Tampa Bay	7:00pm	Bally Sports Scripps
St. Louis at Florida	7:00pm	Bally Sports
Nashville at Philadelphia	7:00pm	Bally Sports NBCS-PHI
Carolina at Pittsburgh	7:00pm	Bally Sports ATTSN-PIT
Washington at Columbus	7:00pm	Bally Sports MNMT
Edmonton at New Jersey	7:30pm	ESPN+ Hulu
Vancouver at Dallas	8:00pm	Bally Sports Sportsnet
Montreal at Minnesota	8:00pm	Bally Sports Sportsnet
Ottawa at Colorado	9:00pm	ALT Sportsnet
Calgary at Anaheim	10:00pm	Bally Sports Sportsnet
Arizona at San Jose	10:30pm	ESPN+ Hulu
COLLEGE FOOTBALL	TIME ET	TV
RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl: USF vs. Syracuse	8:00pm	ESPN
COLLEGE BASKETBALL	TIME ET	TV
Dartmouth at Sacred Heart	11:30am	NEC Front Row
Brescia at Western Carolina	11:30am	ESPN+
Central Connecticut at Fordham	12:00pm	SNY
Alice Lloyd at Morehead State	12:00pm	ESPN+
Thomas at Mercer	1:00pm	ESPN+
Hampton at Eastern Michigan	1:00pm	ESPN+
Manhattan at Monmouth	2:00pm	SNY
Holy Cross at Harvard	2:00pm	ESPN+
Navy at Youngstown State	2:00pm	ESPN+
Alcorn State at George Washington	2:00pm	ESPN+
Quinnipiac at Lafayette	2:00pm	ESPN+
UTA at Texas Tech	2:00pm	ESPN+
UIW at UIC	2:00pm	ESPN+
Rosemont at La Salle	2:30pm	ESPN+
Nevada vs. Temple	3:00pm	ESPNU
Presbyterian at Wake Forest	3:00pm	ACCNX
Kentucky Christian at Charleston Southern	3:00pm	ESPN+
VIrginia U. of Lynchburg at UNCG	3:00pm	ESPN+
Jacksonville State at Little Rock	3:00pm	ESPN+
Northern Colorado at Air Force	4:00pm	ALT
Park at Weber State	4:00pm	ESPN+
TCU vs. Old Dominion	5:00pm	ESPNU
Niagara at Syracuse	5:00pm	ACCNX
American at Virginia Tech	5:00pm	ACCNX
Bethesda at Sacramento State	5:00pm	ESPN+
Kentucky at Louisville	6:00pm	ESPN
Lehigh at Boston College	6:00pm	ACCNX
Western Michigan at Cleveland State	6:00pm	ESPN+
New Hampshire at Rhode Island	6:00pm	ESPN+
Jacksonville at Purdue	6:30pm	BTN
Tarleton at Tennessee	6:30pm	SECN+
Gardner-Webb at Akron	6:30pm	ESPN+
Stony Brook at Michigan State	6:30pm	BTN+
Abilene Christian at Arkansas	7:00pm	SECN
Idaho State at Oregon State	7:00pm	PAC12N
Utah Tech at Colorado	7:00pm	PAC12N
Buffalo at Richmond	7:00pm	MASN/2
USC Upstate at Davidson	7:00pm	ESPN+
Fairfield at Fairleigh Dickinson	7:00pm	YES
Le Moyne at Penn State	7:00pm	Peacock
Eastern Kentucky at Troy	7:00pm	ESPN+
Milwaukee School of Engineering at Green Bay	7:00pm	ESPN+
UNCW at Marshall	7:00pm	ESPN+
Defiance at IUPUI	7:00pm	ESPN+
North Carolina A&T at Coastal Carolina	7:00pm	ESPN+
Detroit Mercy at Central Michigan	7:00pm	ESPN+
App State vs. UNC Asheville	7:00pm	ESPN+
William & Mary at Pepperdine	7:00pm	ESPN+
Florida A&M at UCF	7:00pm	ESPN+
Colgate at Iona	7:00pm	ESPN+
Maine at FIU	7:00pm	ESPN+
Saint Joseph’s at Charleston	7:00pm	FloSports
New Orleans at Ohio State	7:00pm	BTN+
Samford at Texas Southern	7:00pm	YouTube
Stonehill at Miami (FL)	8:00pm	ACCN
Alabama A&M at South Alabama	8:00pm	ESPN+
Southeast Missouri at Illinois State	8:00pm	ESPN+
Eastern Illinois at Iowa State	8:00pm	ESPN+
Idaho at UC Riverside	8:00pm	ESPN+
Texas State at Houston	8:00pm	ESPN+
SIUE at Bradley	8:00pm	ESPN+
UNI at Northern Illinois	8:00pm	ESPN+
Army West Point at UTSA	8:00pm	ESPN+
Ball State at Minnesota	8:00pm	BTN+
UW-River Falls at St. Thomas	8:00pm	Summit
North Alabama at Indiana	8:30pm	BTN
Wichita State vs. Kansas State	8:30pm	ESPN+
Georgia Tech vs. UMass	9:00pm	ESPN2
Lamar at LSU	9:00pm	SECN
Stanford at San Diego State	9:00pm	CBSSN
Eastern Washington at Washington	9:00pm	PAC12N
Kent State at Oregon	9:00pm	PAC12N
UC Merced at UC Davis	9:00pm	ESPN+
Santa Clara at San Jose State	10:00pm	ESPN+
Hofstra at UNLV	10:00pm	Scripps
Omaha at Cal Poly	10:00pm	ESPN+
Northern Kentucky at Saint Mary’s	10:00pm	ESPN+
South Dakota at San Diego	10:00pm	ESPN+
Portland vs. Hawai’i	11:00pm	ESPN2
Boise State vs. Washington State	11:00pm	PAC12N
SOCCER MATCHES	TIME ET	TV
La Liga: Cádiz vs Real Sociedad	1:00pm	ESPN+
La Liga: Real Betis vs Girona	1:00pm	ESPN+
EPL: Crystal Palace vs Brighton & Hove Albion	3:00pm	Peacock
La Liga: Mallorca vs Osasuna	3:30pm	ESPN+
La Liga: Deportivo Alavés vs Real Madrid	3:30pm	ESPN+
Club Friendly: Barcelona vs América	9:00pm	TUDN
TENNIS	TIME ET	TV
World Tennis League: Hawks vs. Falcons	6:00am	TENNIS
World Tennis League: Eagles vs. Kites	9:00am	TENNIS
WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL	TIME ET	TV
Lipscomb vs Kentucky	11:00am	SECN+
Stonehill vs George Washington	11:00am	ESPN+
Canisius vs Youngstown State	11:00am	ESPN+
Aquinas (MI) vs Purdue Fort Wayne	11:00am	ESPN+
Northwestern vs Temple	11:00am	ESPN+
St. John’s vs Yale	12:00pm	ESPN+
Radford vs Charleston	12:00pm	FloSports
Evansville vs Southeast Missouri State	12:00pm	ESPN+
Marshall vs Wake Forest	12:00pm	ACCNX
Mercer vs Appalachian State	12:00pm	ESPN+
Manhattan vs LIU	12:00pm	NEC Front Row
Lafayette vs Dartmouth	12:00pm	ESPN+
Ball State vs Georgia	12:00pm	SECN+
Villanova vs La Salle	12:00pm	ESPN+
UNLV vs FDU	12:30pm	NEC Front Row
Drake vs North Dakota	1:00pm	Summit
tbd vs Saint Joseph’s	1:00pm	ESPN+
Charleston Southern vs East Carolina	1:00pm	ESPN+
St. Bonaventure vs Colgate	1:00pm	ESPN+
Tennessee Southern vs Tennessee State	1:00pm	ESPN+
Bucknell vs Marquette	1:00pm	FloSports
Stony Brook vs Iona	1:00pm	ESPN+
Florida A&M vs Detroit Mercy	1:00pm	ESPN+
Ohio vs Butler	1:00pm	FloSports
Illinois vs UTEP	1:15pm	FloHoops
Air Force vs SMU	2:00pm	ESPN+
Louisiana Tech vs South Alabama	2:00pm	ESPN+
Northern Colorado vs Colorado	2:00pm	PAC12
Davidson vs Charlotte	2:00pm	ESPN+
William & Mary vs Virginia Tech	2:00pm	ACCNX
Cal Poly vs Sacramento State	2:00pm	ESPN+
NC Central vs UNC Wilmington	2:00pm	FloSports
Niagara vs West Virginia	2:00pm	ESPN+
Siena vs Cincinnati	2:00pm	ESPN+
UNC Greensboro vs UNC Asheville	2:00pm	ESPN+
Baylor vs South Florida	3:30pm	FloHoops
Western Kentucky vs Missouri State	3:30pm	ESPN+
Stephen F. Austin vs Austin Peay	3:30pm	ESPN+
South Florida vs Baylor University	3:30pm	FloHoops
Oklahoma State vs Oregon	4:00pm	ESPN+
Lindenwood vs Minnesota	4:00pm	B1G+
Whittier vs Cal State Bakersfield	4:00pm	ESPN+
Loyola Marymount vs Cal State Northridge	4:00pm	ESPN+
Bellarmine vs Akron	4:00pm	ESPN+
Northern Arizona vs Southern Utah	4:00pm	ESPN+
USC vs Long Beach State	5:00pm	ESPN+
Loyola Chicago vs Iowa	6:00pm	B1G+
Le Moyne vs Rhode Island	6:00pm	ESPN+
Western Michigan vs Notre Dame	6:00pm	ACCN
UT Martin vs Arkansas State	6:00pm	ESPN+
Fordham vs Virginia	6:00pm	ACCNX
Boise State vs San Diego	7:00pm	ESPN+
South Dakota State vs Creighton	7:00pm	FloSports
Miami (OH) vs Oakland	7:00pm	ESPN+
Campbell vs High Point	7:00pm	ESPN+
Saint Peter’s vs Hampton	7:00pm	FloSports
Tennessee Tech vs North Alabama	7:00pm	ESPN+
Southern Miss vs Florida Gulf Coast	7:00pm	ESPN+
South Carolina State vs Furman	7:00pm	ESPN+
Marist vs Cornell	7:00pm	ESPN+
Eastern Illinois vs Wisconsin	7:30pm	B1G+
Saint Mary’s vs Denver	8:00pm	Summit
Kansas City vs Missouri	8:00pm	SECN+
Cornell College vs Western Illinois	8:00pm	ESPN+
Sam Houston vs Utah Valley	8:00pm	ESPN+
North Texas vs Montana State	9:00pm	ESPN+
Santa Clara vs Cal State Fullerton	10:00pm	ESPN+

TV FRIDAY

NBA REGULAR SEASON	TIME ET	TV
Toronto at Philadelphia	7:00pm	Sportsnet NBCS-PHI
Denver at Brooklyn	7:30pm	NBATV ALT YES
Atlanta at Miami	8:00pm	Bally Sports
Dallas at Houston	8:00pm	SCHN Bally Sports
Washington at Golden State	10:00pm	ESPN
Phoenix at Sacramento	10:00pm	NBCS-CA AFSN
NHL REGULAR SEASON	TIME ET	TV
Philadelphia at Detroit	7:00pm	Bally Sports NBCS-PHI
Edmonton at NY Rangers	7:30pm	ESPN+ Hulu
Boston at Winnipeg	8:00pm	NESN Sportsnet
Montreal at Chicago	8:30pm	NBCS-CHI Sportsnet
COLLEGE FOOTBALL	TIME ET	TV
Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl: Georgia Tech vs. UCF	6:30pm	ESPN
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL	TIME ET	TV
Drexel at Bryant	11:00am	ESPN+
PSU-Kensington at VMI	12:00pm	ESPN+
UMass Lowell at Boston University	12:00pm	ESPN+
St. Mary’s (MD) at Loyola Maryland	12:00pm	ESPN+
Muskingum at Wright State	1:00pm	ESPN+
Medgar Evers at NJIT	1:00pm	ESPN+
Kean at Saint Peter’s	1:00pm	ESPN+
Greensboro College at Charlotte	1:00pm	ESPN+
Vermont at Miami (OH)	1:00pm	ESPN+
Delaware Valley at Princeton	1:00pm	ESPN+
James Madison at Morgan State	1:00pm	ESPN+
Bucknell at Merrimack	2:00pm	NESN+
Gwynedd Mercy at Wagner	2:00pm	NEC Front Row
Siena Heights at Bowling Green	2:00pm	ESPN+
Paul Quinn at Stephen F. Austin	2:00pm	ESPN+
Cornell at Robert Morris	2:00pm	ESPN+
George Mason at Tulane	2:00pm	ESPN+
UAlbany at South Florida	2:00pm	ESPN+
Siena at Brown	2:00pm	ESPN+
Chattanooga at Milwaukee	2:00pm	ESPN+
A&M-Corpus Christi at Texas	3:00pm	LHN
North Florida at Georgia	3:00pm	ESPN+
Drake at UAB	3:00pm	ESPN+
Nicholls at Towson	4:00pm	MNMT
Grambling State at Florida	4:00pm	ESPN+
Montana State at CSUN	4:00pm	ESPN+
Diamond Head Classic	5:00pm	ESPN2
Elon at South Carolina	6:00pm	SECN
Queens at Clemson	6:00pm	ACCN
SMU at Murray State	6:00pm	CBSSN
Georgetown at Marquette	7:00pm	FS1
Maryland Eastern Shore at VCU	7:00pm	MASN
Winthrop at Florida State	7:00pm	ACCNX
Rockford at Lindenwood	7:00pm	ESPN+
Stetson at Cincinnati	7:00pm	ESPN+
Florida Memorial at FGCU	7:00pm	ESPN+
Mississippi Valley State at Baylor	7:00pm	ESPN+
Binghamton at St. Bonaventure	7:00pm	ESPN+
Canisius at High Point	7:00pm	ESPN+
Southern Indiana at Southern Illinois	7:00pm	ESPN+
Diamond Head Classic	7:30pm	ESPN+
Chicago State at Wisconsin	8:00pm	BTN
Houston Christian at Texas A&M	8:00pm	SECN
Marist at Notre Dame	8:00pm	ACCN
Alabama State at Auburn	8:00pm	ESPN+
Ohio at Austin Peay	8:00pm	ESPN+
NM State at Tulsa	8:00pm	ESPN+
Louisiana at Rice	8:00pm	ESPN+
Yale at Kansas	8:00pm	ESPN+
Fresno State at San Francisco	8:00pm	ESPN+
Middle Tennessee at Southern Utah	8:30pm	ESPN+
Maryland at UCLA	9:00pm	ESPN2
Missouri vs. Illinois	9:00pm	FS1
ETSU at Utah State	9:00pm	KMYU
Bellarmine at BYU	9:00pm	ESPN+
Colorado State at Loyola Marymount	10:00pm	ESPN+
Diamond Head Classic	11:00pm	ESPN2
SOCCER MATCHES	TIME ET	TV
Serie A: Empoli vs Lazio	12:30pm	Paramount+
Serie A: Sassuolo vs Genoa	12:30pm	Paramount+
Serie A: Salernitana vs Milan	2:45pm	Paramount+
Serie A: Monza vs Fiorentina	2:45pm	Paramount+
Scottish Championship: Queen’s Park vs Dundee United	2:45pm	Paramount+
EPL: Aston Villa vs Sheffield United	3:00pm	Peacock
TENNIS	TIME ET	TV
World Tennis League: Hawks vs. Falcons	6:00am	TENNIS
World Tennis League: Eagles vs. Kites	9:00am	TENNIS
WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL	TIME ET	TV
Boston University vs Northeastern	12:00pm	FloSports
George Mason vs Towson	12:00pm	FloSports, Monumental
Harvard vs UMass Lowell	1:00pm	ESPN+
Georgia Southern vs Longwood	1:00pm	ESPN+
Southern vs Oklahoma	1:00pm	ESPN+
Tennessee Wesleyan vs Lipscomb	1:00pm	ESPN+
Belmont vs Ohio State	1:00pm	B1G+
Florida A&M vs Michigan	2:00pm	B1G+
Loyola (Md.) vs Monmouth	2:00pm	FloSports
Brescia vs Southern Indiana	2:00pm	ESPN+
ETSU vs Clemson	2:00pm	ACCNX
New Mexico vs Gonzaga	4:00pm	ESPN+
Bowling Green vs Indiana	6:00pm	BTN
Mount St. Mary’s vs TCU	7:30pm	ESPN+