NCAA

Clemson Johnson Football FILE - Northwestern quarterback Hunter Johnson throws against Michigan State during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Evanston, Ill., Friday, Sept. 3, 2021. Onetime Clemson quarterback Johnson is returning to the Tigers for his final season of college football, in 2022. It's Clemson coach Dabo Swinney's first foray into the NCAA transfer portal. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File) (Nam Y. Huh)CLEMSON, S.C. — (AP) — Onetime Clemson quarterback Hunter Johnson is returning to the Tigers, becoming coach Dabo Swinney's first player taken from the NCAA transfer portal. He sat out that year because of NCAA transfer rules at the time.

Onetime Clemson quarterback Hunter Johnson is returning to the Tigers for his final season of college football.

Purdue Illinois Basketball Purdue's Sasha Stefanovic (55) passes as Illinois' Trent Frazier defends during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Michael Allio) (Michael Allio)CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — (AP) — Sasha Stefanovic scored 22 points, including a go-ahead 3 at the start of double overtime that sent No. Illinois guards Andre Curbelo and Alfonso Plummer made baskets in the final seconds of regulation and the first overtime before the Boilermakers (15-2, 4-2 Big Ten) broke away. Purdue hit four straight shots to take an 89-83 lead with 1:03 left in double overtime. Plummer led the Illini (13-4, 6-1) with 24 points, shooting 6 of 12 on 3s. BIG PICTUREPurdue: Boilermakers are 3-1 this season against AP Top 25 opponents, while Illinois is 0-2 against ranked teams.

14 Villanova to its sixth straight win, 82-42 over Butler on Sunday. The Wildcats (13-4, 6-1 Big East) are rolling again since dropping their conference opener and never let Butler get comfortable at the Wells Fargo Center. Butler (9-7, 2-3) had given coach Jay Wright’s Wildcats fits more than any other team in the Big East since 2016. Gillespie and Eric Dixon each made all four of their shots and Villanova was 5 of 7 on 3s. Villanova: Retire 2017 Big East player of the year and current New Orleans Pelicans guard Josh Hart’s jersey on Wednesday against Marquette.

Yet the Ducks hit their first four and nine of their first 13 en route to going 29 of 58 (50%) from the floor. The Ducks hit three 3-pointers during the spurt, including two by Richardson. Richardson had eight points during the late run, and Eric Williams Jr. scored five. The Ducks extended their lead to 55-37 five minutes into the second half. They needed a late run in the second half to beat Oregon State on Thursday.

Oregon knocked off a top-five team for the second time in two games, beating No. 5 Southern California 79-69 behind Will Richardson’s career-high 28 points.

Oklahoma St Baylor Basketball Oklahoma State guard Bryce Thompson scores over Baylor guard Adam Flagler (10) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, in Waco, Texas. 1 Baylor 61-54 on Saturday, giving the Bears consecutive home losses for the first time in nearly six years. The reigning national and Big 12 champions led for only 16 seconds Saturday against an Oklahoma State team playing its third Big 12 road game in five days. The only time Oklahoma State (9-7, 2-3) trailed was after Kendall Brown’s basket that made it 4-3 only 2 1/2 minutes into the game. Baylor hadn't had consecutive losses since the last three regular-season games of the 2018-19 season and its Big 12 tournament opener.

NC State Duke Basketball Duke center Mark Williams (15) blocks North Carolina State forward Ebenezer Dowuona (21) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Durham, N.C., Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022. 8 Duke dominated inside to beat North Carolina State 88-73 Saturday with Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski back on the sideline after missing a game due to illness. Paolo Banchero had a team-high 21 points to help the Blue Devils win for the third time in four games since returning from a COVID-19 outbreak. Freshman Terquavion Smith scored 19 points for N.C. State (9-9, 2-5), which shot 41%. N.C. State thrice got as close as nine, only to see Duke respond with a score on the ensuing possession each time to stay in control.

Mark Williams had 19 points, 11 rebounds and eight blocks to lead eighth-ranked Duke’s dominant effort inside as the Blue Devils beat North Carolina State 88-73.

APTOPIX Tennessee Kentucky Basketball Kentucky guard Sahvir Wheeler (2) flies through the air as he commits a foul against Tennessee guard Josiah-Jordan James (30) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb) (Michael Clubb)LEXINGTON, Ky. — (AP) — Freshman TyTy Washington Jr. scored a career-high 28 points, Sahvir Wheeler returned from injury to add 21 points and No. Kentucky then unleashed its most energetic performance this season before its biggest crowd in a while, an effort helped by the return of point guard Wheeler from a neck injury. Santiago Vescovi scored 20 points and Kennedy Chandler 17 for Tennessee, which shot 53% but wasn't close for the final 30 minutes. Kellan Grady added 16 points and Davion Mintz 10 for the Wildcats, who made 11 of 18 from beyond the arc.

Freshman TyTy Washington Jr. scored a career-high 28 points, Sahvir Wheeler returned from injury to add 21 points and No. 18 Kentucky shot a season-high 68% to blow out No. 22 Tennessee 107-79.

APTOPIX CFP Championship Football Georgia's Stetson Bennett celebrates after the College Football Playoff championship football game against Alabama Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) (Darron Cummings)Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner Jim Phillips says now is not the time for College Football Playoff expansion, citing an abundance of uncertainty throughout college sports and the NCAA. “To the ACC, we don’t have a College Football Playoff problem,” Phillips said Friday during a conference call with reporters. “We have a college football and collegiate athletics-slash-NCAA problem.”Phillips said with the NCAA about to embark on a transformation of Division I, CFP expansion should not be a priority. ___Follow Ralph D. Russo at https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP and listen at http://www.appodcasts.com___More AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25.

Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner Jim Phillips says now is not the time for College Football Playoff expansion.

2 Gonzaga beat rival BYU 110-84 on Thursday night to extend the nation's longest home winning streak to 61 games. Alex Barcello scored 19 points to lead BYU (14-4, 2-1), which was the last WCC team to beat Gonzaga in February of 2020. BYU jumped to an early 18-16 lead, but Gonzaga replied with a 15-4 run — 11 points by Nembhard — to take a 31-22 lead midway through a fast-paced first half. Gonzaga withstood a late 3-point barrage by BYU to lead 61-49 at halftime. An 11-2 run midway through the second — with nine points by Timme — gave Gonzaga a 20-point lead at 80-60.

Drew Timme scored 30 points on 13-of-14 shooting and No. 2 Gonzaga beat rival BYU 110-84 to extend the nation’s longest home winning streak to 61 games.

Oregon UCLA Basketball Oregon forward Eric Williams Jr. (50) defends against UCLA guard Tyger Campbell (10) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Los Angeles, Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) (Ashley Landis)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — Jacob Young scored a season-high 23 points and Oregon edged No. 3 UCLA 84-81 in overtime Thursday night to give coach Dana Altman his 700th career victory. Young scored to put Oregon ahead by two. Myles Johnson scored for UCLA before Richardson made one of two free throws for an 84-81 lead.

Griffin had a season-high 22 points to help the Blue Devils bounce back from a weekend home loss to Miami. They did it with the retiring longtime Duke coach out with what the school called a "non-COVID-related virus,” while associate head coach Jon Scheyer — designated as Krzyzewski’s successor after this season — worked as acting coach. But the Demon Deacons erased a stretch of quality minutes with a shaky finish that jumpstarted Duke's run-turned-landslide. BIG PICTUREDuke: This was the Blue Devils' third game back from a COVID-19 outbreak that led to two postponements. Wake Forest: At Virginia on Saturday.

APTOPIX Texas Tech Baylor Basketball Texas Tech guard Adonis Arms celebrates with a teammate after they defeated No. (AP Photo/Jerry Larson) (Jerry Larson)WACO, Texas — (AP) — Texas Tech ended No. Texas Tech beat then-No. Obanor had a dunk for Texas Tech only 10 seconds into the second half that started a quick 7-1 run. BIG PICTURETexas Tech: The Red Raiders wrapped up a three-game stretch of games against top-11 teams, falling 51-47 at No.

Alabama and Georgia are scheduled to play in the NCAA College Football Playoff National Championship game on Monday, Jan. 10 at Lucas Oil Stadium. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) (Darron Cummings)INDIANAPOLIS — (AP) — College Football Playoff expansion talks remain stalled and the possibility of implementing a new format by the 2024 season dimmed after three days of meetings by the administrators who manage the postseason failed to produce an agreement. While Bowlsby said it looked increasingly unlikely that expansion would come before the end of the current CFP contract that expires in 2026, it was not ruled out altogether. There was hope initially an agreement could be reached soon enough to have it implemented for the 2024 season, two years before the current CFP contract with ESPN expires. ___Follow Ralph D. Russo at https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP and listen at http://www.appodcasts.com___More AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-pollCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.

Kentucky South Carolina Basketball South Carolina forward Aliyah Boston (4), Victaria Saxton (5) and Sania Feagin (20) react to a blocked shot during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Kentucky Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Columbia, S.C. South Carolina won 74-54. 1 spot in The Associated Press women's basketball poll. South Carolina remained the No. In all nearly 400 women's games have been postponed or canceled because of COVID-19 since the Division I college basketball season began. ___More AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25Copyright 2022 The Associated Press.

TCU Baylor Basketball Baylor guard Kendall Brown (2) smiles as he, forward Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua, center back, and guard Adam Flagler (10) walk off the floor after an NCAA college basketball game against TCU in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022. 1 in The Associated Press men's college basketball poll once again, while fifth-ranked Southern California climbed to its highest ranking in nearly five decades. The reigning national champion Bears earned all 61 first-place votes in Monday’s poll for the fourth time in five weeks. That came after the AP Top 25 featured no new teams for each of the past two weeks. ___Follow Aaron Beard on Twitter at https://twitter.com/aaronbeardap___More AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25Copyright 2022 The Associated Press.

Baylor is once again the unanimous No. 1 in The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll, and fifth-ranked Southern California climbed to its highest ranking in nearly five decades.

Miami Duke Basketball Miami guard Jordan Miller (11) guards Duke forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Durham, N.C., Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022. After a free throw from Isaiah Wong pushed Miami to the 76-74 lead with 8.0 seconds left, Duke had two chances to win. On the final play, Moore inbounded to freshman Trevor Keels, whose desperation 3 hit the rim but wasn't particularly close to end it. Duke: The Blue Devils were playing their second home game this week since returning from a stoppage due to a COVID-19 outbreak. Duke: The Blue Devils play their own instate road game by visiting Wake Forest on Wednesday.

Kameron McGusty hit a hanging layup in traffic with 22.8 seconds left and Miami survived a final-play shot for the win to stun No. 2 Duke 76-74 on Saturday night.

Michigan Rutgers Basketball Michigan coach Juwan Howard taps his son, guard Jace Howard, on the shoulder during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against Rutgers on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022, in Piscataway, N.J. (Andrew Mills/NJ Advance Media via AP) (Andrew Mills)ANN ARBOR, Mich. — (AP) — The Michigan State-Michigan men's basketball game has been postponed because the Wolverines have fewer than seven scholarship players cleared to play due to pandemic protocols. Michigan and Michigan State will work with the Big Ten to reschedule the first of two scheduled games with the rivals. Both schools are requiring proof of vaccination for fans to attend indoor events or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the game. ___More AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Struggling to find opponents amid the coronavirus chaos, San Francisco and Loyola Chicago decided to meet in the middle. The Dons and Ramblers are set to play Thursday in Salt Lake City, an unexpected nonconference mid-major pop-up game that had San Francisco coach Todd Golden so giddy he called on support from a rival. “We would love any @BYUMBB fans in the Salt Lake area to come support the @USFDonsMBB on Thursday at 12noon Mtn Time! !”The college basketball season got off to such a great start, a sense of normalcy returning to the hardwood. Barring more issues, San Francisco and Loyola Chicago will meet at Salt Lake Community College's Lifetime Activities Center-Bruin Arena.

San Francisco and Loyola Chicago struggled to find opponents for college basketball games so they decided to meet in the middle.

Georgia Tech Duke Basketball Duke forward Paolo Banchero (5) holds the ball against Georgia Tech guard Michael Devoe during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Durham, N.C., Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. 2 Duke beat Georgia Tech 69-57 on Tuesday night in its return from a COVID-19 outbreak that had led to a pair of postponements. But the Blue Devils' defense made things even tougher on the Yellow Jackets while Duke dominated the boards to grind through this one. Michael Devoe, who came in averaging a league-best 21.2 points, finished with 21 points for Georgia Tech. The Blue Devils finished with a 48-35 rebounding advantage and more than doubled the Yellow Jackets (17-8) in second-chance points.

Oklahoma Baylor Basketball Baylor guard Adam Flagler shoots a 3-pointer over Oklahoma guard Elijah Harkless during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerry Larson) (Jerry Larson)WACO, Texas — (AP) — James Akinjo matched his career high with 27 points, Adam Flagler scored 22 and top-ranked Baylor stretched its national-best winning streak to 20 games with an 84-74 win over Oklahoma on Tuesday night. In a game with not too many missed shots, Baylor outscored Oklahoma 19-0 on second-chance points. Baylor: The Bears have only the fourth 20-game winning streak in Big 12 history. Baylor set the conference record with a 23-game winning streak two seasons ago, while Kansas has two such streaks: 22 games in 1997-97 and a 20-game 10 years after that.

Alabama St UCLA Basketball An empty Pauley Pavilion is seen before an NCAA college basketball game between UCLA and Alabama State Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (Marcio Jose Sanchez)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — After a nearly two-week shutdown because of COVID-19, UCLA is back. The Bruins’ game that night against Alabama State was canceled an hour before tipoff. UCLA thought it would be hosting Arizona State on Wednesday, but then the Sun Devils came down with COVID-19 issues. The Bruins’ COVID-19 woes coincided with the Christmas break, leaving Bernard alone in his off-campus apartment.

The UCF men's basketball team get ready for three straight home games against conference opponents.

Baylor Iowa St Basketball Iowa State guard Tre Jackson (3) fouls Baylor guard Adam Flagler (10) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, in Ames, Iowa. Baylor won 77-72. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25 men's college basketball poll, with few changes at the top and no new teams entering the rankings Monday. 8 Iowa State, marking its 19th straight win going back to last year's title run in the Indianapolis bubble. ___Follow Aaron Beard on Twitter at https://twitter.com/aaronbeardap___More AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25Copyright 2022 The Associated Press.

Baylor kept its firm hold on No. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25 men’s college basketball poll with few changes at the top and no new teams entering the latest rankings.

Sugar Bowl Football Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral warms up for the team' Sugar Bowl NCAA college football game against Baylor in New Orleans, Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton) (Matthew Hinton)NEW ORLEANS — (AP) — Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral injured his right leg while being sacked by Baylor's Cole Maxwell during the first quarter of the Sugar Bowl on Saturday night. He never wavered in his decision to play in the Sugar Bowl against Baylor, even as many college players in similar situations opted out of bowl games to minimize their injury risk as they prepare to turn pro. Corral was replaced by freshman Luke Altmeyer on Ole Miss' next possession. ___More AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25Copyright 2022 The Associated Press.

Sugar Bowl Football Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral warms up for the team' Sugar Bowl NCAA college football game against Baylor in New Orleans, Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton) (Matthew Hinton)NEW ORLEANS — (AP) — Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral injured his right leg while being sacked by Baylor's Cole Maxwell during the first quarter of the Sugar Bowl on Saturday night. He never wavered in his decision to play in the Sugar Bowl against Baylor, even as many college players in similar situations opted out of bowl games to minimize their injury risk as they prepare to turn pro. Corral was replaced by freshman Luke Altmeyer on Ole Miss' next possession. ___More AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25Copyright 2022 The Associated Press.

Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral injured his right leg while being sacked by Baylor’s Cole Maxwell during the first quarter of the Sugar Bowl.

Baylor Iowa St Basketball Iowa State forward Aljaz Kunc (5) works to steal the ball from Baylor guard James Akinjo (11) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, in Ames. 8 Iowa State 77-72 on Saturday for the Cyclones' first loss. Iowa State: The Cyclones played Baylor closer than any of the Bears' opponents this season, and it doesn't get any easier. STAT PACKIowa State freshman point guard Tyrese Hunter had 10 of his 12 points in the second half. Iowa State: Hosts No.

Notre Dame has lost 11 of its past 12 postseason games played in January dating back to 1995. Trailing 34-28, Notre Dame got a huge break when Cowboys receiver Brennan Presley fumbled at the 1-yard line early in the fourth quarter. The quick move allowed Notre Dame to make a smooth transition into bowl preparation. Every move and decision Notre Dame made was working. Their top running back Kyren Williams opted out of the Fiesta Bowl, leaving a huge hole in the offense.

5 Notre Dame 37-35 in the Fiesta Bowl on Saturday. 6 Baylor at the Big 12 title game and fell into 21-point, first-half hole against Notre Dame (11-2, No. Jack Coan led Notre Dame's early charge while throwing for a Fiesta Bowl-record 509 yards and five touchdowns. Oklahoma State ramped up the pressure on Coan and shut down Notre Dame’s offense while its offense was revving up. A monster turnaround after a flat start gave Oklahoma State its first major bowl win since the 2011 Fiesta Bowl.

Spencer Sanders accounted for 496 yards and threw three of his four touchdown passes to Tay Martin, and No. 9 Oklahoma State overcame a 21-point deficit to beat No. 5 Notre Dame 37-35 in the Fiesta Bowl.

The breakthrough Bearcats held up pretty well despite Ridder's offense going nowhere for long stretches Friday while the Alabama running game overwhelmed them in a 27-6 loss that ended an undefeated season. 4 in The Associated Press and CFP rankings) were held without a touchdown for the first time since a 42-0 loss to Ohio State in the second game of 2019. Alabama had 302 yards at halftime when the Bearcats came in allowing 305 per game. The Bearcats settled for the first of two field goals — their only scoring — before three consecutive three-and-outs. With the game out of reach late in the fourth quarter, the Bearcats failed again on fourth down.

Michigan defensive back Dax Hill started Saturday against No. 3 Georgia in the Orange Bowl.

Lew Nichols III ran for 130 yards and a touchdown, leading late replacement Central Michigan to a 24-21 victory over Washington State in the Sun Bowl.

High Point Kentucky Basketball Kentucky's Sahvir Wheeler (2) drives near High Point's Bryant Randleman (5) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Lexington, Ky., Friday, Dec. 31, 2021. 18 Kentucky to a 92-48 victory over High Point on Friday. The High Point alum was hired to coach the Panthers in March 2018. High Point closed to 47-34 on Zach Austin's 3-pointer with 17:14 left, but Grady responded with three more 3s to help the Wildcats pull away. Austin and John-Michael Wright each had 12 points and six rebounds for High Point (6-8).

Kellan Grady spoiled Tubby Smith’s return to Rupp Arena, making seven 3-pointers to lead No. 18 Kentucky to a 92-48 victory over High Point.

Orange Bowl Football Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart speaks during a coaches luncheon ahead of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game, Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021, in Miami. 3 Georgia square off in the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. It looks as if college football has been relatively lucky, but the explanation might have more to do with the protocols and transparency. Yeah, it’s been tough, but we’re managing pretty well.”___Follow Ralph D. Russo at https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP and listen at http://www.appodcasts.com___More AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25. Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25Copyright 2021 The Associated Press.

For years, college coaches have worried about players partying too much ahead of big games.

(AP Photo/John Bazemore) (John Bazemore)ATLANTA — (AP) — Payton Thorne’s 22-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Reed gave No. 11 Michigan State the lead with less than three minutes remaining and the Spartans overcame an 11-point deficit to beat No. Thorne threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes as Michigan State (11-2) rallied after trailing 21-10. Defensive end John Morgan forced the fumble by Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne that was returned by Bright for a 21-10 lead. Michigan State: Thorne showed poise in regrouping from a slow start.

The Vols also snapped a four-game bowl victory streak with a loss that dropped the Southeastern Conference to 1-5 this bowl season. After Purdue ran three plays, Fineran sealed the victory with his fourth field goal of the game, sending the Boilermakers running down the field in celebration. The Vols had a final chance to win in regulation, but Chase McGrath’s 56 yard field goal fell well short. Tennessee finished with 639 yards total offense and Purdue had 623 in regulation — both bowl records before overtime. THE TAKEAWAYSTennessee: The Vols set a single-season record with 487 points through the first quarter of this game.

Mitchell Fineran kicked a 39-yard field goal in overtime and Purdue finished off its best season since 2003 by overcoming a 14-point deficit and beating Tennessee 48-45 on Thursday in a record-setting Music City Bowl.

19 Clemson beat Iowa State 20-13 on Wednesday night in the Cheez-It Bowl for coach Dabo Swinney’s 150th victory. Will Shipley had a 12-yard touchdown run and finished with 61 yards rushing and 53 yards receiving for Clemson (10-3). Goodrich sealed Clemson’s victory with 33 seconds to play when he stripped the ball away from Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy on a fourth-and-2 play. Iowa State dropped four of its final six games of the season and lost in a bowl game for a fourth consecutive year. Iowa State cut it 20-13 with 9:42 to play on Andrew Mevis’ third field goal and Purdy’s 6-yard touchdown pass to Charlie Kolar.

11 Auburn to a 70-55 victory over previously unbeaten No. 16 LSU on Wednesday night in the Southeastern Conference opener for both teams. Freshman Jabari Smith also scored 16 points for Auburn (12-1), which has won nine straight and didn't give up a field goal in the opening 10 minutes. 5 a couple of minutes later and scored 11. LSU missed 16 straight shots to open the game, 11 of them from 3-point range, and had three of them blocked by Kessler.

Villanova Baylor Basketball ABC/ESPN basketball analyst Dick Vitale sits at midcourt prior to an NCAA college basketball game between Baylor and Villanova, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Ray Carlin) (Ray Carlin)Dick Vitale is taking an extended break from the airwaves to rest his voice. The Basketball Hall of Fame announcer said tests showed he had lymphoma and the treatment plan involved steroids and six months of chemotherapy. Because he will be away from college basketball broadcasts, Vitale said he didn’t want people to fear that he had a setback in his cancer recovery. ___More AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25Copyright 2021 The Associated Press.

Dick Vitale is taking an extended break from the airwaves to rest his voice.

(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File) (Jae C. Hong)SAN DIEGO — (AP) — The Holiday Bowl became the fifth postseason college football game to be canceled when UCLA was forced to pull out just hours before Tuesday's kickoff because of COVID-19 issues with the team. The Hawaii, Military, Fenway and Arizona bowls have already been canceled due to virus outbreaks leaving teams without enough available players. North Carolina State is the fifth Atlantic Coast Conference team to have its bowl disrupted by the virus. __More AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25. Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25Copyright 2021 The Associated Press.

The Holiday Bowl has become the fifth postseason college football game to be canceled.

Virus Outbreak College Sports FILE - Boise State linebacker DJ Schramm (52), carrying the Dan Paul Hammer, leads Boise State onto the field before an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma State on Sept. 18, 2021, in Boise, Idaho. The Arizona Bowl was canceled on Monday night, Dec. 27, after Boise State pulled out and shut down all team activities due to COVID-19 issues within the program. (AP Photo/Steve Conner, File) (Steve Conner)The Arizona Bowl was canceled on Monday night after Boise State pulled out and shut down all team activities due to COVID-19 issues within the program. The Big East cited COVID-19 issues within the Georgetown and St. John’s programs in canceling their game scheduled for Saturday. Fourth-ranked Arizona also saw both its games scheduled for this weekend get wiped out because of COVID-19 issues at Southern Cal and UCLA.

(AP Photo/Ben McKeown) (Ben McKeown)Boise State has pulled out of the Arizona Bowl and shut down all team activities due to COVID-19 issues within the program. “I would personally like to thank Kym Adair and her team at the Arizona Bowl for putting together a first-class student-athlete and fan experience that we are extremely disappointed to miss.”Arizona Bowl organizers are seeking a replacement for Boise State. Central Michigan also could play the Cougars in the Sun Bowl, which will be broadcast on CBS while the Arizona Bowl will be streamed on title sponsor Barstool Sports’ multiple platforms. The Big East cited COVID-19 issues within the Georgetown and St. John’s programs in canceling their game scheduled for Saturday. Fourth-ranked Arizona also saw both its games scheduled for this weekend get wiped out because of COVID-19 issues at Southern Cal and UCLA.

APTOPIX Big Ten Championship Football Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh celebrates with defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) at the end of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Indianapolis. College Football Playoff week is here with a pair of semifinal games on Friday: Alabama vs. Cincinnati at the Cotton Bowl followed by Georgia vs. Michigan at the Orange Bowl. For the second consecutive season, college football is going to try to get across the finish line amid a raging pandemic, with numbers soaring all over the country and some other bowl games getting canceled after teams determined they simply aren’t healthy enough to play. A handful of games in the NBA, NHL and NFL have been postponed in recent weeks, but the CFP schedule doesn’t allow for that. “When the lights go on Friday night, on New Year’s Eve, tens of millions of people are going to go, ‘Wow, that college football game was done right.’”___More AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25Copyright 2021 The Associated Press.

College Football Playoff week is here with a pair of semifinal games on Friday: Alabama vs.

Virginia Tech Duke Basketball Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski reacts to a call during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Virginia Tech in Durham, N.C., Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021. The Atlantic Coast Conference and Big East each announced Monday they were scrapping three games scheduled to take place over the next several days. Other ACC matchups that won't take place as scheduled Wednesday include Florida State at Boston College and Virginia Tech at North Carolina. The Big East cited COVID-19 issues within the Georgetown and St. John’s programs in canceling their game scheduled for Saturday. ___For more AP college basketball coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball and http://twitter.com/AP_Top25Copyright 2021 The Associated Press.

Stanford South Carolina Basketball South Carolina players react to a score during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against Stanford on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford) (Sean Rayford)A relatively quiet week because of the holidays left The Associated Press women's college basketball poll mostly unchanged. South Carolina remained the unanimous No. Louisville, Arizona and North Carolina State held their spots in the top five. Iowa has lost two of its last three games, including one to rival Iowa State. 1 South Carolina.

A relatively quiet week because of the holidays left The Associated Press women’s college basketball poll mostly unchanged.

(AP Photo/Rod Aydelotte) (Rod Aydelotte)A combination of cancellations and the holidays made for a quiet week in college basketball. The top five remained the same from last week, with Duke, Purdue, Gonzaga and UCLA behind Baylor. RISING SPARTANSMichigan State coach Tom Izzo was irritated when his team wasn't ranked in the AP preseason poll. Michigan State moved into the top 10 for the first time since Week 5 of last season, climbing a spot to No. Michigan State (10-2) has won five straight since a loss to top-ranked Baylor and its other loss was to No.

(AP Photo/Rod Aydelotte) (Rod Aydelotte)A combination of cancelations and the holidays made for a quiet week in college basketball. The top five remained the same from last week, with Duke, Purdue, Gonzaga and UCLA behind Baylor. RISING SPARTANSMichigan State coach Tom Izzo was irritated when his team wasn't ranked in the AP preseason poll. Michigan State moved into the top 10 for the first time since Week 5 of last season, climbing a spot to No. Michigan State (10-2) has won five straight since a loss to top-ranked Baylor and its other loss was to No.

Baylor remained No. 1 for the third straight week in The Associated Press men's college basketball poll, receiving all 61 first-place votes from a national media panel.

Like prized recruit Travis Hunter, Jackson State University coach Deion Sanders has a lot of gall. The nerve of them! […] The post Travis Hunter’s move to an HBCU is just the latest infuriating change for the establishment appeared first on TheGrio.

The Fenway Bowl and Military Bowl have been canceled due to the pandemic as coronavirus outbreaks at Virginia and Boston College forced them to call off their postseason plans. The Military Bowl scheduled for Monday, Dec. 27, at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium between Boston College and Eastern Carolina was canceled because of positive COVID-19 tests at BC. It's the second year in a row that the pandemic has spoiled bowl bids for Boston College and SMU. “We are, however, sympathetic to Virginia’s situation, having had to withdraw from our bowl last season due to COVID. The BC players voted not to go to a postseason game last year because of the emotional toll the pandemic season had taken.

Wake Forest Boston College Football Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley looks on from the sideline during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wake Forest, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm) (Mary Schwalm)BOSTON — (AP) — The Fenway Bowl and Military Bowl were both canceled due to the pandemic on Sunday as coronavirus outbreaks at Virginia and Boston College forced them to call off their postseason plans. The Military Bowl scheduled for Monday at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium between Boston College and Eastern Carolina was canceled because of positive COVID-19 tests at BC. “This is not the way we wanted to see this season come to an end,” BC coach Jeff Hafley said. ___More AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25 Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25Copyright 2021 The Associated Press.

Camellia Bowl Football Georgia State quarterback Darren Grainger (3) throws a pass against Ball State during the first half of the Camellia Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Montgomery, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt) (Vasha Hunt)MONTGOMERY, Ala. — (AP) — Darren Grainger passed for 203 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 122 yards and a fourth TD to lead Georgia State to a 51-20 victory over Ball State in the Camellia Bowl on Saturday. Tight end Aubrey Payne had two touchdown catches for Georgia State, along with career-highs of eight catches and 109 yards. THE TAKEAWAYGeorgia State: Completed a dramatic turnaround after a 1-4 start that included losses to Army, North Carolina, Auburn and Appalachian State. Ball State: Had a disappointing ending after gaining bowl eligibility with a 20-3 win over Buffalo in the regular-season finale. Georgia State starting noseguard Dontae Wilson was also unavailable undisclosed reasons.

Darren Grainger passed for 203 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 122 yards and a fourth score to lead Georgia State to a 51-20 victory over Ball State in the Camellia Bowl on Saturday.

Hawaii Bowl Football FILE - The Hawaii team takes the field before an NCAA college football game against Nevada in Reno, Nev., Oct. 16, 2021. The Hawaii Bowl was canceled Thursday, Dec. 23, on the eve of the game after Hawaii withdrew because of COVID-19, season-ending injuries and transfers. “We are disappointed our season has to end this way,” Hawaii coach Todd Graham said in a statement. ESPN and the EasyPost Hawaii Bowl staff did everything they could for us and we appreciate their valiant effort throughout the week. We are disappointed we can’t compete on the football field.”The Hawaii Bowl is one of several postseason games ESPN owns and operates.

Florida quarterback Emory Jones, playing in his final game with the Gators before entering the transfer portal, completed 14 of 36 passes for 171 yards. Florida was led by interim coach Greg Knox, who took over when Dan Mullen was fired before the regular-season finale against Florida State. Florida led 10-9 at halftime thanks to Chris Howard’s 26-yard field goal with 1:36 left in the second quarter. The announced crowd at Raymond James Stadium, the home of the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was a Gasparilla Bowl record of 63,669. STRANGE STOPPAGEThe game was briefly delayed in the first quarter when Florida linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper lost his helmet.

The Hawaii Bowl was canceled Thursday on the eve of the game after Hawaii withdrew because of COVID-19, season-ending injuries and transfers.

Gator Bowl Texas A&M Out Football Signage for the Gator Bowl NCAA college football game is shown outside Daily's Place and TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Fla., Wednesday Dec. 11, 2021. 23 Texas A&M won’t play in the Gator Bowl against Wake Forest on Dec. 31 because of COVID-19 issues and season-ending injuries. The 8-4 Aggies were scheduled to leave for Jacksonville on Sunday before announcing Wednesday that they wouldn’t be able to participate in the bowl game. (Bob Self/The Florida Times-Union via AP)/The Florida Times-Union via AP) (Bob Self)Rutgers will replace Texas A&M in the Gator Bowl against Wake Forest after an NCAA committee decided Thursday to adhere to an existing policy for making teams with 5-7 records bowl eligible. Official word from the Gator Bowl was expected later Thursday.

The Southeastern Conference and Big East Conference have updated their policies for basketball game postponements, cancellations and rescheduling to give more leniancy to teams that are unable to play because of spiking COVID-19 cases.

Paolo Banchero had 23 points and second-ranked Duke shot 62% after halftime to beat Virginia Tech 76-65 in its Atlantic Coast Conference opener.

John Fulkerson had 24 points and 10 rebounds, and No. 19 Tennessee overpowered No. 6 Arizona early and held on for a 77-73 win, giving the Wildcats their first loss.

The Atlantic Coast Conference is changing its rescheduling policy to avoid assigning forfeits for teams unable to play due to COVID-19 protocols.

Lucas Johnson passed for a career-best 333 yards and three touchdowns, and ran for another score as San Diego State beat No. 24 UTSA 38-24 in the Frisco Bowl for the Aztecs’ program-record 12th win of the season.

Sixth-ranked Arizona begins one of the toughest two-week runs in college basketball on Wednesday night, when the Wildcats head to Knoxville to face No. 19 Tennessee in one of this week’s marquee nonconference matchups.

UConn’s record 16-year run in the top 10 is over.

Defending national champion Baylor has maintained its top spot in The Associated Press men's college basketball poll, though not without ceding a No. 1 vote to Arizona, while the six remaining unbeatens continued their rise.

This week's men's basketball showdown between No. 21 Kentucky and archrival Louisville in Lexington has been postponed because of multiple positive COVID-19 tests within the Cardinals’ program.

The Washington Mystics have won the WNBA draft lottery for the first time in franchise history.

Leigha Brown scored 25 points to lead No. 13 Michigan to a 74-68 win over fifth-ranked Baylor in the Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase.

Levi Lewis passed for 270 yards and a touchdown and rushed for another 74 yards, and No. 16 Louisiana-Lafayette defeated Marshall 36-21 in the New Orleans Bowl to end its season on a program-record 13-game winning streak.

Dylan Hopkins broke the Independence Bowl record for completion percentage in wind and driving rain, connecting on 19 of 23 passes for 189 yards and three touchdowns in UAB’s 31-28 victory over No. 12 BYU on Saturday.

Jordan Mims ran for 165 yards and two touchdown and caught five passes for 71 yards and another score to help Fresno State beat UTEP 31-24 on Saturday in the New Mexico Bowl.

Montana State freshman quarterback Tommy Mellott accounted for four touchdowns to send the Bobcats to their first title game in 38 years with a 31-17 win over South Dakota State in a Football Championship Series semifinal game.

Cory Fields threw for four touchdowns, three to Shaquan Davis, to lead South Carolina State to a 31-10 win over Jackson State in a game considered to be the national championship of historically Black colleges and universities.

The men’s basketball game between No. 18 Tennessee and Memphis was canceled about an hour before tipoff due to COVID-19 issues within the Tigers’ program.

Grayson McCall threw four touchdown passes and Coastal Carolina held off Northern Illinois 47-41 in the Cure Bowl on Friday night, with the game ending with the Huskies at the Chanticleers 4.

The University of Central Florida vs. Florida State University basketball game has been canceled due to COVID-19 protocols.

No. 21 Kentucky will now face North Carolina in the CBS Sports Classic in Las Vegas after each of their opponents had to drop out due to COVID-19 issues.

Jenna Staiti had 21 points and 11 rebounds while coming up with a critical defensive stop in the final seconds of overtime to help No. 17 Georgia beat No. 2 North Carolina State 82-80.

Coronavirus concerns have forced the postponement of a number of college basketball games.

Texas A&M holds the lead in the race for the national recruiting title in college football.

Georgia's proud defense is seeking to redeem itself after the Bulldogs' ugly loss to Alabama in the Southeastern Conference championship game.

A telethon hosted by the University of Kentucky Athletics has raised more than $3 million in donations with matching funds to benefit victims of last weekend’s deadly tornadoes in western Kentucky.