Stories for December 2006

KU women’s basketball team falls to Xavier

The Jayhawks had another sluggish game, this time against the Xavier Musketeers. The Jayhawks lost the contest 63-72.

The top 10 local sports stories of 2006

Year had plenty of highs, lows

The 2006 calendar year was a mixed bag for area sports. Kansas University’s men’s hoops team opened the year with some of its best basketball of the season as the calendar flipped to January, but by March all that promise flamed out in another stunning first-round NCAA Tournament ouster.

Tall order awaits KU women

Xavier's Harris figures to cause problems on both ends of floor

As far as anyone knows, no woman has ever dunked in a scheduled basketball game in Allen Fieldhouse. History could be made today.

Baron’s FT woe typifies night

If there were proof the University of Rhode Island’s basket may have had cellophane covering it, sharpshooting sophomore Jimmy Baron provided it Saturday.

KU vs. R.I. basketball notebook

Shockers can’t shake slide as MVC play opens

Here’s a shocker: Northern Iowa, not Wichita State, might be the class of the Missouri Valley Conference. The inside duo of Grant Stout and Eric Coleman took over late in the game, and the Panthers handed No. 16 Wichita State its third straight loss, 63-59 on Saturday night.

Gators solid at line, rally to beat UAB

Joakim Noah had 13 points, 13 rebounds and four blocked shots, and No. 3 Florida rallied for a 75-70 victory over Alabama-Birmingham on Saturday night in the Orange Bowl Classic.

Rough day on the road

UConn falls from unbeaten ranks with a thud

West Virginia found No. 12 Connecticut’s weak spot - the road. The Mountaineers made a shocking statement in the teams’ Big East opener Saturday by opening a double-digit lead early and cruising to an 81-71 victory over the previously unbeaten Huskies.

QB guides Texas comeback

McCoy recovers from neck injury, 14-point deficit

Colt McCoy was supposed be a placeholder for Texas at quarterback this season. Now, he’s a record holder. The redshirt freshman who replaced Vince Young turned in another gritty performance with two touchdown passes to rally the No. 18 Longhorns to a 26-24 victory Saturday over Iowa in the Alamo Bowl.

Home haze doesn’t hurt OSU

Cowboys finally come to life, rout Texas-San Antonio

Oklahoma State hadn’t played at home in so long, the Cowboys appeared almost lost during the opening minutes of Saturday night’s game against Texas-San Antonio.

Woodling: Kansas needs a scare

If the whole is equal to the sum of its parts, then why is so little attention paid to the first half of basketball games? The reason seems obvious. No team ever has won a game without playing the second half, so why bother?

KU’s Collins wises up

Freshman has 13 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists

Sherron Collins knows something very valuable. He knows some of the shots he has hoisted in the immediate vicinity of the hoop early in his freshman season were not wise. In Kansas University’s 80-69 victory over Rhode Island on Saturday, he showed the fruits of that lesson learned.

Wright makes right

Penalized soph sits, responds

Late for practice Friday, Julian Wright knew there’d be a penalty to pay Saturday night in Allen Fieldhouse. “Coach tells us you’ve got to be on time,” said Wright, Kansas University’s sophomore forward, banished to the bench at the start of a game for the first time this season as punishment for being late for a Friday workout.

Paris at home in OKC

Oklahoma coach Sherri Coale scheduled a game at the Cox Convention Center to help the Sooners become familiar with the facility hosting this season’s Big 12 Conference women’s basketball tournament.

Extra Minutes: Kansas 80, Rhode Island 69

Tying up loose ends from Kansas’ second-to-last non-conference game of the season, in which KU’s offense flowed to its fullest. While the defense was still a bit spotty, big offensive production mostly covered it up.

KU holds steady, knocks off URI 80-69

Collins hit one more free throw, and Baron answered with another three, but URI continued to foul, drawing ire from the home crowd with 6.6 seconds left and KU up 79-69. Julian Wright led all scorers with 23 points, while Brandon Rush had 19, Sherron Collins had 13 and Mario Chalmers had 12 for KU. Will Daniels led three Rams in double figures with 21. KU now has a week off before closing the non-conference schedule with South Carolina on the road next Saturday.

Jayhawk recalls heartbreak

Robertson reluctantly re-lives Rhode Island

A college basketball team representing the smallest state in the Union claimed one of the biggest upsets in NCAA Tournament history nine seasons ago. The University of Rhode Island - a No. 8 seed from a state just 37 miles wide and 48 miles long - shocked No. 1-seed Kansas University, 80-75, in a second-round NCAA Tournament contest on March 15, 1998, in Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma freshman hurts knee

Clark out for season with torn ligaments

University of Oklahoma forward Keith Clark will miss the rest of the men’s basketball season with a knee injury suffered in the Sooners’ 69-42 victory over Southern Methodist on Thursday night.

Assistant Quartaro resigns

Nick Quartaro has resigned from Kansas University’s football coaching staff, it was announced Friday afternoon. KU’s offensive coordinator for the past five seasons, Quartaro said in a statement that he plans to leave coaching, though no specifics were given. He was unavailable for comment Friday evening.

Texas Tech stuns Minnesota

Red Raiders storm back from 31-point deficit to claim 44-41 victory in OT

Trailing Minnesota by four touchdowns at halftime, Texas Tech coach Mike Leach told his team it had a chance to make history. The pep talk turned out to be a prediction.

Oregon State rally dooms Mizzou, 39-38

Two-point conversion in closing seconds provides decisive margin

Oregon State coach Mike Riley was set to take his chances in overtime at the Sun Bowl. Then Missouri called timeout to have Joe Newton’s 14-yard touchdown catch with 22.1 seconds to go reviewed, believing he may have bobbled the ball. During that break, Riley decided to go for the win.

Texas A&M slams S.H. State

Takia Starks scored 28 points to lead No. 16 Texas A&M to a 93-43 win over Sam Houston State on Friday night.

Huskers refute perception

Defense takes exception to Auburn QB's comment

Auburn quarterback Brandon Cox’s contention that the Nebraska defense doesn’t match up with the speed of Southeastern Conference teams was met with rolled eyes and sharp retorts Friday.

Jayhawks relish busy slate

KU 1-1, URI 0-2 against common opponents

Two games in three nights is not too many for Kansas University’s basketball players. “It’s always good to play games. It gets you ready for league play when things get pretty busy,” said KU junior guard Russell Robinson, eager to step on the court for today’s nonconference clash against Rhode Island.

KU vs. Rhode Island notebook

No help here

KU can't get back on track vs. NIU

When the going gets tough, the tough get going : back home to DeKalb, Ill., with a win. Northern Illinois persevered in the last four minutes and plunked Kansas, 82-74, in women’s basketball Friday night in Allen Fieldhouse.

Mayer: Mayer: Not so fast, Billy Packer

Analyst Billy Packer once labeled Kansas’s Christian Moody as the best walk-on in college basketball history. Moody had a dandy game that Billy narrated. Not close, even for KU, let alone all ball. There have been far better guys, like Allen Kelley of 1952-53-60 fame who parlayed a bread-and-water beginning to stardom. Ouch! KU almost lost both unheralded Al and noted brother Dean to Pittsburg State after Dean’s lonesome freshman year here (1949-50). His uncle, Keith Kelley, then a Haskell Institute leader, and coach Phog Allen had to do a real sales job.

CU games cancelled

A storm that dumped more than two feet of snow in the foothills near Denver led to the cancellation of today’s men’s basketball game between Colorado and Texas Christian, Colorado’s second straight game wiped out because of weather.

LSU survives Samford

Davis named MVP of tourney

LSU coach John Brady didn’t expect to have an easy time against Samford in the final game of the Hispanic College Fund Classic on Friday.

‘Super Mario’ carries KU men again

Only one Jayhawk player scored in double figures last night against Detroit. No, it wasn’t Brandon, Jullian, or Darrell…for the second straight game, it was sophomore guard Mario Chalmers.

It’s a 1-2 start to the Bowl Season for the Big 12 Conference

On Thursday, Oklahoma State defeated Alabama in the Independence Bowl, but K-State was crushed by Rutgers in the Texas Bowl and Texas A & M was dismantled by California in the Holiday Bowl.

KU women’s basketball team falls short against NIU

This Sunday, the Jayhawks with play the final basketball game of 2006 in Allen Fieldhouse, but before that battle, the ladies have to worry about Northern Illinois.

Quartaro resigns from offensive coordinator post

Assistant football coach Nick Quartaro, who had served as Mark Mangino’s offensive coordinator during his entire five-year tenure at Kansas University, announced Friday he is resigning from his position to pursue opportunities outside of the coaching profession.

Fast start lifts A&M

Josh Carter tied a school record with eight three-pointers, and No. 11 Texas A&M scored the first 28 points in a 101-27 win over Grambling State on Thursday.

Woodling: Woodling: KU win typically defensive

Those who came to see Kansas University show Detroit Mercy no mercy were doomed to shake their heads and wonder if the Jayhawks actually were playing the Detroit Pistons.

Sun Bowl on deck for MU, Oregon St.

Two four-loss teams with different season stories meet in El Paso for matinee

Oregon State fans wanted a new coach after the first five games. Missouri had a perfect coach, or at least a perfect record, after six games. Mike Riley and Gary Pinkel ended up in the same place, providing a compelling story line for the 73rd Sun Bowl today.

UCLA survives scare, 55-52

Josh Shipp scored 14 points, Darren Collison and Arron Afflalo added 13 points each, and No. 1 UCLA overcame Washington State’s slowdown game for a 55-52 victory Thursday night in the Pac-10 opener for both teams. The Bruins (12-0) are 50-1 against the Cougars in Los Angeles.

Bulls’ Hinrich accused of dirty play

Heat coach Riley blames former Jayhawk standout for Wade's sprained wrist

A physical Bulls-Heat game turned into verbal sparring after Miami star Dwyane Wade was injured on Wednesday night.

Rebounds focus for Kansas, NIU women

Jayhawks, Huskies to tangle tonight in Allen Fieldhouse

Bad backboarding proved costly to Kansas the last time out. Same for Northern Illinois’ women’s basketball team. Thus both schools’ coaches will be paying close attention to carom counts when the Jayhawks and Huskies tangle tonight in Allen Fieldhouse. Tipoff will be at 7 p.m. Sunflower Broadband Channel Six will have a live telecast.

Not so fast: Knight remains stuck on No. 879

Bob Knight will have to wait until next year to become the all-time winningest coach in men’s college basketball history.

Cal has better showing in S.D.

Lynch powers Golden Bears over No. 21 Texas A&M

What a difference it made when California actually wanted to be in the Holiday Bowl.

Titans aide leaves it all on floor

Detroit coach hurls; Titans come close, but fall to KU

What happened to Detroit Mercy assistant coach Garland Mance 65 seconds into the second half of the Detroit’s 63-43 loss to Kansas University was indicative of how everyone at Allen Fieldhouse must have felt about the play of both teams much of the night.

Late field goal lifts Oklahoma State

Jason Ricks had attempted only 10 field goals this season for Oklahoma State, and had missed a couple of PATs that cost the Cowboys a victory.

Knights hammer KSU, 37-10

Like a true Texas hero, Ray Rice donned a white cowboy hat after leading Rutgers to one more milestone victory. Rice ran for 170 yards and a touchdown, Tim Brown caught two TD passes, and the 16th-ranked Scarlet Knights won a bowl game for the first time Thursday night, beating Kansas State, 37-10, in the Texas Bowl.

Wretched victory

KU wins despite ailments

Hit hard by the intestinal-flu bug, Brandon Rush tossed and turned all Tuesday night. “I was waking up every hour on the dot throwing up - 4:24, 5:24. It was really like that the whole night,” Rush said after mustering enough energy to play 33 minutes in Kansas University’s lethargic 63-43 victory over Detroit Mercy on Thursday night at Allen Fieldhouse.

KU vs. Detroit-Mercy basketball notebook

It looked as if Russell Robinson had been hit by a haymaker from Rocky Balboa. Robinson, Kansas University’s junior point guard, went down to the ground in a heap with 1:37 remaining in the Jayhawks’ 63-43 victory over Detroit Mercy on Thursday at Allen Fieldhouse.

KU’s Chalmers ‘in a groove’

Preach something enough to a group of college basketball players, and sooner or later, it has to sink in with one or two. For Kansas University men’s basketball coach Bill Self this season, the sermon has centered around being aggressive on the offensive end.

Extra Minutes: Kansas 63, Detroit 43

Tying up loose ends from a 20-point win which seemed was much closer than the final score indicates. Though it wasn’t pretty, continued strong defense and Mario Chalmers’ second straight 22-point performance did enough.

Big 12 Bowl games under way

With 8 Big 12 Bowl games in the next 5 days, one might have trouble keeping up. Tonight, 3 Big 12 games were played.

Jayhawks look sloppy in win over Detroit-Mercy

Behind Mario Chalmers 22 points, the Jayhawks were able to overcome a supposed lack of focus and terrible free throw shooting to take care of the visiting Detroit Mercy Titans.

Chalmers again scores 22, KU pulls away late

Chalmers scored on a with less than a minute to go, giving him a team-high 19 points on the night and KU a 60-43 lead. He then hit a final three-pointer to put KU up 63-43 and give himself his second straight 22-point game. That was the final score, and Chalmers’ point total led all scorers. Brandon Cotton had 20 for Detroit, who drops to 3-9. KU, 11-2, hosts Rhode Island Saturday night at 7 p.m.

California wary of A&M’s Lane

Jorvorskie Lane has the chance to dance his way into Holiday Bowl lore.

Robinson treats himself to happy holiday

Teammates join non-traveler at Wednesday's KU hoops clinic

After carefully considering his options, Russell Robinson decided to stay local for Christmas rather than travel back to his native New York.

OSU knows ‘Bama

Alabama wants to prove it can live up to its glorious bowl history. Oklahoma State wants to keep building one.

UConn extends streak

Jeff Adrien had 16 points and 11 rebounds to lead No. 12 Connecticut to an 84-41 victory over Coppin State on Wednesday night, extending the Huskies’ home winning streak to 30 games.

Rutgers fired up for KSU

Scarlet Knights hope to make history

It took some time for Rutgers to get over squandering its chance to reach the Bowl Championship Series.

Missouri players on road to recovery

Missouri was almost back to full strength for its final practice of the season on Wednesday, shaking off an illness that hit more than 20 players, assistant coaches and children who made the Sun Bowl trip.

Detroit guard bounces back

It’s a wonder - some say a miracle - former McDonald’s All-American Brandon Cotton was able to play basketball at all last season at University of Detroit Mercy.

Knight takes first crack at record

Texas Tech plays host to UNLV as legendary coach looks for win No. 880

Texas Tech Chancellor Kent Hance walked into a convenience store in Lake Placid, N.Y., last summer, 1,658 miles from his campus. The clerk looked up, noticed the Tech logo on his T-shirt and said: “Bobby Knight, Bobby Knight.”

Huggins hiring creates big buzz

New KSU hoops coach hottest sports topic in Sunflower State

Firing Kansas State basketball coach Jim Wooldridge hardly caused a stir.

Boggan, Durant earn Big 12 honors

Oklahoma State senior Mario Boggan and Texas freshman Kevin Durant are the Phillips 66 Big 12 men’s basketball player and rookie of the week, respectively.

Woodling: Woodling: Big 12’s bowl blitz beckons

Eight games in five days. Never has the Big 12 Conference had so many football teams playing in such a tight postseason time span.

Change of pace at holiday clinic pleasant for Jayhawks

In a 5 on 5 game, it’s likely the Kansas men can compete with just about anybody on the hardwood. But if it’s five against 500, that’s changes things.

KU women ready for Northern Illinois Friday

On the ladies hardwood, Bonnie Henrickson’s team will end an eight day layoff Friday. That’s when the Jayhawks take on Northern Illinois in the Fieldhouse.

Tigers depleted by flu

Missouri players, coaches hit hard

The cold and flu season is something Missouri probably thought it was escaping when the team left for the Sun Bowl just before Christmas.

Huskers making strides

Player says Cotton Bowl bid proof of Callahan's progress

Two years after failing to qualify for a bowl, Nebraska is playing in January again.

Hardly a holiday for Self

KU coach digests food, lighthearted family jabs

Bill Self found it impossible to go 21â2 days without thinking - at least a little bit - about his Kansas University basketball team.

Woodling: Woodling: Recalling former Jayhawks

As we come closer to the end of 2006, I hope you’ll take a couple of minutes with me to remember four former Kansas University football players who died this year.

KU’s Arthur impressive in first half of season

Seven months ago, five-star forward Darrell Arthur had a dream he was playing for Bill Self’s Jayhawks. Now nearly half-way through his first season at Kansas, Darrell is definitely living that dream.

Big 12 teams preparing for bowl season

For Kansas the football season ended on Nov. 25, but for eight other conference teams the bowl season is just beginning.

Woodling: Woodling: Softball successes best of ‘06

Title IX changed the face of women’s intercollegiate athletics, so in that numerical spirit here are my top nine Kansas University women’s sports stories of 2006:

Hoops and troops

Nash takes pride in Trotters' tour

Bryant Nash shook a lot of hands and signed a batch of autographs during the Harlem Globetrotters’ just-completed 21-day Holiday Military Tour of the Middle East.

KU slides up to ninth in newest AP poll

Kansas University’s men’s basketball team is back in the top 10.

Jayhawks jump to No. 9 in AP poll

It was a statement win the KU desperately needed and after an 84-66 victory over Boston College Saturday, the Jayhawks once again have the attention of the rest of the country.

Break much needed for KU men

After a solid victory over Boston College, Coach Self rewarded the team by letting them take off a few days for the holidays.

Coaches Knight and Smith not exactly night and day

Bob Knight and Dean Smith share little in image or personal style, but their ideas on basketball often converged.

KU aide moving closer to dad

Cornerbacks coach Collins headed to UCF

Earnest Collins made his late run for son-of-the-year honors. Or, at the very least, he gave his father a nice present for the holidays.

Home for the holidays

Jayhawks eager for break

Bill Self, his wife and two children didn’t hop in the family truckster and drive to Oklahoma to visit relatives for Christmas this year.

Is Missouri better under Pinkel?

As the Missouri Tigers prepare to play in a third bowl game in four seasons for the first time in a generation, the Reaganesque question of whether the program is better off than it was six years ago when Gary Pinkel took over hardly can be answered in anything but the affirmative.

Jayhawks step up ‘D’ in win over Boston College

A 51-point blowout over Winston-Salem State isn’t exactly the best tune-up for a top tier team out of the ACC, but nonetheless the Jayhawks stepped up their game yesterday in a route to a 84-66 win over Boston College in Allen Fieldhouse.

Keegan: Keegan: Chalmers does it all for KU

On an afternoon the Kansas University basketball team showcased its defensive versatility and depth at the expense of Boston College, there was no question who led the Jayhawks.

Knight ties victory knot

Texas Tech beats Bucknell for win No. 879

Bob Knight always will be known for his temper and guile, for throwing a chair and winning national championships. Now he’s got the ultimate vindication for doing things his way: Nobody has ever won more Division I men’s basketball games.

KU weathers block party

B.C. standout swats seven Jayhawk shots

One school of thought for a basketball coach is sometimes you just have to realize a star player is going to get his, and you work around it.

Kansas basketball notebook

Former Kansas University walk-on guard Scott Novosel, who has lived in Tokyo the last seven years, attended, as did former KU guard Nick Bradford, who plays professional basketball in France.

Danger! Zone

Seldom-seen defense keys KU victory

Jared Dudley was prepared to face Kansas University’s in-your-face, man-to-man defense for a full 40 minutes Saturday afternoon at Allen Fieldhouse.

No. 1 Bruins blast Michigan

Oregon continues best start since 1946-47 season

Josh Shipp scored 18 points, Arron Afflalo added 17, and No. 1 UCLA overpowered Michigan, 92-55, on Saturday.

Vols storm back, upend Texas in OT

Kansas State wins Vegas tourney

Add another improbable comeback to Tennessee’s early season resume.

B.C. hurt before tip

Boston College hadn’t even stepped on the court at Allen Fieldhouse to face No. 11 Kansas University before the bad breaks hit.

Extra Minutes: Kansas 84, Boston College 66

Tying up loose ends and summing up a strong defensive performance, including some zone, from the Bill Self’s team, which resulted in a huge home win over Boston College and a nice early Christmas present for the entire Jayhawk nation.

KU finishes off BC

Marquez Haynes answered with a three-pointer to make it a 14-point game. A Darnell Jackson dunk put it back up to 16 points with less than a minute to go. KU put the finishing touches on, making it an 84-66 final. Mario Chalmers led all scorers with 22 points, Brandon Rush had 15, Julian Wright 13 and Darnell Jackson 11 for KU. Sean Williams had 19 points, 14 rebounds and seven blocks for BC. KU, now 10-2, hosts Detroit Thursday at Allen Fieldhouse.

Pa. high school has Jayhawk of its own

Kansas University’s “happy” Jayhawk has an identical twin in the small western Pennsylvania town of Jeannette.

Hansbrough helps Heels

Soph's double-double leads No. 2 UNC past St. Louis

Tyler Hansbrough had 15 points and matched his career best with 13 rebounds to lead No. 2 North Carolina to a 69-48 victory over Saint Louis on Friday night.

BC forward no dud

Eagle draws praise for early season dominance

Jared Dudley, who grew up on the West Coast, always dreamed of playing ball in the East.

BC rebounds from bad start

Six straight victories put Eagles on doorstep of poll

Ranked No. 14 in the country to start the season, Boston College’s basketball team lost favor with the voters early.

Keegan: Keegan: Dudley’s skills deadly

Sometimes it seems as if the top 100 lists of high school basketball players are determined by having the players jump as high as they can, marking the wall at the spot of the apex, pulling out a tape measure and assigning a number based solely on that.

Kansas basketball notebook

Law holds court in A&M rout

Acie Law scored 21 points and No. 13 Texas A&M had five players score in double figures in an 87-58 victory over Auburn on Friday night.

CBS announcer brings renowned humor to game

It was just another dinner on the road, except that college basketball analyst Bill Raftery was in the same restaurant, and when Raftery’s around, nothing fits into the “just another” category.

Learning at the foot of a winner

Pat Knight's education grows each day he works alongside famous father

Bob Knight talks to his son every day about coaching. It isn’t always about offense, defense or even recruiting. Sometimes it’s about dealing with a particular player or the media.

KU football notebook

Kansas University running back Jon Cornish has been selected to participate in the annual East-West Shrine Game next month.

Coach at a crossroads

Barnett awaits second chance in wake of CU debacle

Five months after his unceremonious exit from Colorado, Gary Barnett was standing in a hotel lobby when he was approached by a hyper young man claiming to be a college student in town on a job interview.

KU men take confidence into BC contest

Last Tuesday’s 51-point blow out of Winston-Salem State may have helped boost the confidence of the KU men’s basketball team. Now the Jayhawks hope to carry that momentum into the tomorrow’s contest against Boston College.

Callahan content; Huskers get a break

Nebraska coach Bill Callahan turned his players loose for a four-day holiday break after declaring them good to go for the Cotton Bowl. “The game plan has been fully installed,” Callahan said Thursday after the Cornhuskers’ final practice on campus. “All we need to do is go down to Dallas and polish it up and prepare the final touches for Auburn.”

Jayhawks sputter at IU

Kansas University’s women’s basketball team followed its best offensive performance of the season with one of its worst Thursday night at Indiana University.

Freshmen receivers give Mizzou depth

When Will Franklin tore his shoulder in Missouri’s loss at Iowa State Nov. 18, the Tigers lost their most productive receiver and most dangerous deep threat.

Guard Paulus breaks out; Duke tops Zags

Greg Paulus had five stitches in his chin and a wide smile on his face. The sophomore guard scored a career-high 20 points and combined with Josh McRoberts on three big plays in the second half to help No. 6 Duke beat No. 22 Gonzaga, 61-54, Thursday in the Aeropostale Classic at Madison Square Garden.

Boggan carries Cowboys past Pitt

Mario Boggan kept expecting to get tired. He never did. Oklahoma State’s star forward scored a career-high 30 points and had a crucial putback in the final minute to help lift No. 15 Cowboys to a 95-89 double-overtime victory over seventh-ranked Pittsburgh on Thursday night.

Arthur starting to make strides on defense

Darrell Arthur dominated on the defensive end - without fouling - during his four years at Dallas’ South Oak Cliff High. “It used to be, ‘Just stay behind your man, then block every shot,”’ Kansas University coach Bill Self said.

KU faces red-hot Hoosiers

Jayhawks coming off best win of year

When you’re hot, you’re hot, and Indiana University’s women’s basketball team is off to its best start in five years.

Healthy Kaun returns

KU center overcomes plethora of ailments

Sasha Kaun wore a brace on his right knee, heavy tape on his left ankle and a new accessory - a bandage wrap on his lower left leg - during a postgame interview session with reporters on Tuesday night in Allen Fieldhouse.

No Horford, no problem for No. 5 Gators

Donovan becomes Florida's winningest coach with commanding victory

Joakim Noah scored 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting to lead No. 5 Florida to an 88-67 victory over Stetson on Wednesday night.

Mayer: Mayer: Walker hype not justified

This is an alleged season of miracles with rebirths of faith, hope and love, Santa Claus visitations and other wondrous happenings. I’m going to wait before I put a guy named Bill Walker in such a category.

KU aide Collins takes job at UCF

Kansas University football assistant Earnest Collins accepted a job as assistant coach at Central Florida, UCF head coach George O’Leary announced Wednesday.

Juco signees plug gaps on KU football squad

Kansas University football coach Mark Mangino stressed the need for help in both the secondary and on the offensive line when talking with reporters in November. Within a month, the Jayhawks significantly upgraded both areas.

Texas outlasts old SWC rival

The Texas freshmen are too young to remember the wild and woolly days of the Longhorns’ old rivalry with Arkansas.

KU women’s team hits the road to battle against the Hoosiers

For the 3rd time this year, the Jayhawk women’s basketball squad will play outside of the fieldhouse, this time against the Indiana Hoosiers.

With finals out of the way, KU is ready to concentrate solely on basketball

Now that the KU men’s basketball team doesn’t have to stress over finals anymore, the Jayhawks have been preparing for the basketball long-haul with 2-a-day practices.

Mangino inks trio of JUCO prospects

Kansas University football coach Mark Mangino announced Wednesday the signings of three junior college prospects to National Letters of Intent. during the early signing period.

KU assistant Collins headed to UCF

Kansas University football assistant Earnest Collins accepted a job as an assistant coach at Central Florida, UCF head coach George O’Leary announced Wednesday. Collins has coached cornerbacks at KU since 2003. Prior to this season, he was promoted to special teams coordinator. At UCF, Collins will be in charge of the entire secondary.

Roy blasts Rex; Syracuse tumbles

Not even hard-to-please coach Roy Williams could find much fault with North Carolina’s near-perfect first half.

‘Braggin’ rights’ belong to UI

Illinois overcomes poor shooting with careful ballhandling

Illinois handled Missouri’s pressure just well enough to win its seventh straight “Braggin’ Rights” game.

Kansas basketball notebook

Russell Robinson, who was hammered twice on intentional fouls, left the game for a spell the second half as a trainer and team doctor tended to a cut lip. Robinson needed no stitches to close the gash.

KU-MU football finale a fixture

Get used to 11 tune-ups for the Border War football game. The Big 12 Conference released league football schedules through 2015 on Tuesday, and each year the Missouri-Kansas University game is slated as the regular-season finale.

Welcome back

Jayhawks end layoff with laugher

Scrooge does not play for Kansas University’s men’s basketball team. It just seemed that way the past 21â2 weeks as the Jayhawks labored with dour faces since a lethargic loss at DePaul.

Cotton bowl ‘tough sell’

Nebraska, Auburn still have tickets

With less than two weeks to the Cotton Bowl, Nebraska and Auburn officials say a good number of tickets remain. Groups putting together travel packages to Dallas have space available, as well.

Dunks give KU a lift

Jayhawks happy to slam on Rams

Lets be honest: Kansas University didn’t have a ton to gain by blowing out an undersized, overmatched Winston-Salem State team at home Tuesday night.

Octogenarian relishes fieldhouse

To hear Marvin Warkentine, 83 and a resident of Peabody, tell it, experiencing a game in Allen Fieldhouse was worth the wait.

Rams countered trees with treys

Winston-Salem State, subconsciously, figured out it had no choice.

Shocks stay perfect

Wichita State’s record stayed perfect, even if the eighth-ranked Shockers’ execution wasn’t.

Keegan: Keegan: Collins speeds, shapes up

Faster, faster, faster. Play faster. Will you please play faster? Too often this season, it has been difficult to sit in Allen Fieldhouse and not repeat that thought.

Extra Minutes: Kansas 94, Winston-Salem State 43

Tying up loose ends from KU’s enjoyable pasting of Winston-Salem State Tuesday night at Allen Fieldhouse.

6Sports video: Freshman Kohn leading KU women

On Monday she was named the Big 12 Conference Rookie of the week, by the end of the year she’ll likely be the Jayhawks’ MVP.

6Sports video: Jayhawks trounce Rams 94-43

Finals are over and its back to basketball full time for the Kansas men.

6Sports video: Border showdown to close regular season for KU

For the next nine years the border showdown will close out the regular seasons for Kansas and Missouri football.

KU dusts Winston-Salem State, 94-43

Jeremy Case orchestrated a shot clock consuming possession out of the final full timeout of the game, and he drilled a long three to ice it, putting KU up 89-41. Sasha Kaun put himself in double figures for the second straight game with an inside turnaround off the galss, and after that Brennan Bechard and Brad Witherspoon checked in for the final 60 seconds or so. Jeremy Case hit yet another three after the ball went around the world a few times to give himself eight points with just over a minute to go. It was the last point KU would score en route to a 94-43 final tally.

Fuzzy math helps Jayhawks

Creativity allows KU football to sign four juco recruits in 2006-07 class

With four junior-college recruits set to sign Wednesday, it seems Kansas University’s football team once again blew past its self-imposed limit of three juco recruits per year for 2005-06 and 2006-07 after NCAA violations were unearthed. And that’s true - but it’s also within the rules of its own penalty.

Big 12 rewards KU freshman Kohn

Kansas University’s Kelly Kohn has been named Big 12 Conference women’s basketball rookie of the week.

Rams feel growing pains

Tradition-rich WSSU 1-13 in first year in Div. I

The transition from NCAA Div. II to Div. I has been a painful one for Winston-Salem State University’s tradition-rich basketball program. “It’s tough, very tough,” senior guard Curtis Hines told the Winston-Salem Journal. “I didn’t lose in high school, and my first three years here we were successful, so in this transition year we have to get through it as best we can.”

Volunteers top OSU

Putback finishes off upset of Cowboys

Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl thought about benching Dane Bradshaw late because of the senior guard’s injured right shoulder. Good thing he didn’t.

Texas Tech loses on rainy court

Tenth-ranked Arizona State beat Texas Tech, 61-45, on Monday night when the second outdoor game in women’s college basketball history was called because of rain with 4:18 to play at Chase Field, home of baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks.

Kansas basketball notebook

Badgers leap to 4th in poll

An eight-day run that Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan called a “huge week” has the Badgers at their highest ranking ever.

Woodling: Woodling: Barrage no game to forget

As sand slithers through the hourglass, memories dim. We can recall, but we don’t really remember. Specifics fade away. During a holiday party conversation the other day, the inevitable topic of Kansas University men’s basketball arose, and somehow the conversation led to me mentioning how the Jayhawks once scored 150 points in a game against Kentucky. Jaws dropped. Eyes bugged. “One hundred and 50 points???” “Against Kentucky???”

Simien takes on teaching duties

Self turns to former KU star's game film to educate, inspire current roster

Saddled with a case of salmonella, former Kansas University forward Wayne Simien hasn’t been able to help his current team - the Miami Heat - the past three weeks. He has remained productive, however, assisting his alma mater in an indirect way.

6Sports Video: KU women’s basketball team spreads holiday cheer

The Jayhawk women’s team visited Lawrence Memorial Hospital earlier today to spread some holiday cheer.

6Sports Video: Arthur’s starting status still unsure

After getting into foul trouble earlier in the year, KU freshman phenom Darrell Arthur asked coach Self to come off the bench for the game against Toledo. But will this trend continue?

Kansas scores trio of commitments

Kansas University’s football team continues to address its noticeable holes, picking up commitments from two junior-college recruits and a high school standout who visited over the weekend.

Shockers roll, 102-46

Couisnard perfect in WSU's victory

P.J. Couisnard is usually the one setting up his teammates. This time, they fed him the ball - and some good-natured abuse.

Walker winded in debut

Ballyhooed freshman sparks K-State to 82-54 victory

Only one person seemed slightly disappointed in the debut of the most highly sought freshman ever to play for Kansas State.

Keegan: Walker KSU’s superstar

He hangs in the air so long it almost seems inevitable somebody is going to foul him before he lands, unless, that is, Bill “Sky” Walker decides to pass from way up there, as he did during Sunday’s memorable debut in Bramlage Coliseum.

Jayhawks shop for needy families

Team makes annual excursion to Wal-Mart

Smart-shopper Julian Wright wasn’t prepared to purchase a Christmas gift for a 7-month-old girl without sampling it first. So Kansas University’s 19-year-old basketball player punched buttons and levers on a Playskool Poppin’ Pals keyboard, making animal characters snap up and down from under the toy’s base. What about it, Julian?

Jayhawks hit offensive stride in win

Freshman Kohn finds stroke, leads Kansas' highest-scoring effort of year

Who were those women wearing Kansas University basketball uniforms? Who were those females who shot 56 percent and posted a season-high point total in Sunday afternoon’s 78-68 triumph over Santa Clara? They sure didn’t resemble the Jayhawks who had cascaded to the bottom of Big 12 Conference scoring (58.5 points per game) and shooting (38.2 percent) charts. Yet they were.

Paris propels Sooners

Texas tumbles to Tennessee, 67-46

Courtney Paris had 20 points and 13 rebounds - her 37th straight double-double - and No. 3 Oklahoma set a school record for defensive prowess in an 82-36 victory over Northern Colorado on Sunday.

6Sports Video: Jayhawks give back to the community this holiday season

The KU mens basketball team headed off to Wal-Mart earlier today to purchase gifts for less fortunate families throughout the community.

6Sports Video: KU women’s basketball squad downs the Broncos

The Jayhawks found the offense they were missing in previous games and came up victorious over the visiting Santa Clara Broncos.

Georgia serves national notice

Bulldogs treat TV audience to upset of No. 16 Gonzaga

Georgia’s goal on Saturday, as voiced by coach Dennis Felton in his pregame speech, was to “wake folks up” about his team’s potential. Consider Gonzaga painfully awake.

Double dose of trouble

Tucker, Butch team up to lead Badgers past Pitt

Alando Tucker looked for Pittsburgh to finally send a second man to try to guard him. Brian Butch was the reason the Panthers never did. Tucker had 32 points and 10 rebounds, and Butch added a career-high 27 points and had 11 rebounds as No. 7 Wisconsin beat No. 2 Pittsburgh 89-75 on Saturday, snapping the Panthers’ 21-game nonconference winning streak.

K-State’s Walker to debut

Self, Arthur impressed with highly touted 'Cat

Bill Walker doesn’t know how high he can sky. “I won’t get it measured. I want it to be a secret,” Kansas State University’s physically gifted freshman guard/small forward said of his vertical leap, which - legend has it - compares favorably to that of LeBron James today and Michael Jordan in his prime.

Keegan: Keegan: KU, WSU should meet

The best place to put the over-under on when one of the callers to Bill Self’s weekly radio show will ask the question that’s asked every week is about nine minutes. The coach gives his answer, which is really a waste of time because no answer can make the question disappear. Why won’t Kansas University play Wichita State in basketball?

Huskers NCAA volleyball champs

Nebraska stings Stanford, 3-1, in championship match

Sarah Pavan and Jordan Larson led Nebraska to the NCAA women’s volleyball title Saturday night, combining for 41 kills in the Cornhuskers’ 27-30, 30-26, 30-28, 30-27 victory over Stanford.

Aggies happy at home

Texas A&M continues winning ways at Reed Arena

Texas A&M is making Reed Arena a tough place to visit. Josh Carter scored 16 points, and Acie Law and Antanas Kavaliauskas had 15 apiece to help the No. 13 Aggies roll to a 97-58 victory over Jacksonville on Saturday night.

Kansas looks for improved offense

It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to determine what’s ailing Kansas University’s women’s basketball team.

Big 12, Pac-10 ready to do battle

Conferences will square off in Challenge format next season

There will be a Big 12/Pac-10 men’s basketball challenge next season. “It’s going to happen,” Big 12 associate commissioner John Underwood told the Austin (Texas) American-Statesman. Though details for the annual event have not been finalized, the Challenge is expected to be similar to the one between teams from the ACC and Big Ten Conference.

Nothing junior about Kansas jucos

Jayhawk Conference annually grooms its fair share of football talent

Small-town Kansas probably was the farthest thing from Kendrick Harper’s mind just two years ago. Ready to play football for Division I-AA Gardner-Webb University out of high school, Harper thought twice after a buddy from his hometown of Hartwell, Ga., signed on at Butler Community College in El Dorado.

Ohio State, Cincinnati to resume rivalry today

Ohio State and Cincinnati are finally getting back together on the basketball court.

Ducks keep right on rolling

Oregon rips short-handed Eastern Washington

Oregon’s defense didn’t get a chance to test itself against one of the premier scorers in the nation, but the way the 22nd-ranked Ducks played on offense, it’s hard to imagine it would have made much of a difference.

Cowboys respect, but don’t fear Alabama

Independence Bowl foes enter with 6-6 records; Gundy wary of overconfidence

Perhaps it’s the best potential bulletin-board material that could be expected from a player on a 6-6 football team.

K-State women rout Broncos

Marlies Gipson tied a career high with 18 points to lead Kansas State to a 76-52 victory over Santa Clara on Friday night.

Dealer queried by OU

The University of Oklahoma asked an attorney for a Norman car dealership to provide a list of players who used vehicles from the dealership during an investigation that resulted in the dismissal of two players from the school’s football team.

City discusses methods of funding new library

In tonight’s 6News and tomorrow’s Lawrence Journal-World, city leaders release details about the cost of a new library, more about a helicopte monitoring two concerts early Friday morning, and Parks & Rec directer Fred DeVictor will retire.

Mayer: Big 12 will test Kansas

Are the current Kansas University basketball Jayhawks overcoached, undertaught, overrated or a combination of all this? To heck with any of these guys declaring early for professional ball; so far, none of them have even staked a hardcore claim to all-league status. Brandon Rush and Julian Wright were voted preseason players of the year for the Big 12. Rush was projected as a first-team All-American. Not yet for either of them, or anyone else on Bill Self’s roster.

Jayhawks loosen up as tests wind down

Darnell Jackson peered over his shoulder as Kansas University basketball staffer Danny Manning prepared to hoist a three-pointer late Thursday afternoon in Allen Fieldhouse. “Brick!” Jackson, KU’s junior power forward, heckled as he strolled through the northwest tunnel toward the locker room.

Memphis shines despite late lapses

Memphis coach John Calipari was a bit perplexed about the way his No. 19 Tigers lost concentration with a big lead.

Bulldog mentality

Butler's 'little guys' defying odds with surprising start

The players come from towns as small as 200, cities as big as Philadelphia. Most were told they weren’t tall enough, fast enough or athletic enough to play big-time college basketball.

6Sports Video: Finals week almost over for Jayhawk student-athletes

Friday will be the last day for finals at KU, which will be a big sigh of relief for lots of KU students. But for the men’s basketball team, it means a return to the hardwood to ready for next week’s match-up with WSS.

Peterson pumped

OU tailback looking good for Fiesta Bowl return

Adrian Peterson isn’t yet talking about it, but his teammates and coaches said Wednesday the Oklahoma tailback is eager to play football again for the Sooners.

Funny what talent can do

Badgers win battle of in-state rivals with similar systems

Wisconsin and Wisconsin-Milwaukee run a similar version of the same offense.

MU jumps on bowl-ticket give-away wagon

It’s becoming a growing trend in college football. Big trips for big bowl games? Give the rowdy - and traditionally poor- fans a little extra incentive to go.

Salmonella sidelines Simien

Wayne Simien, who has missed the Miami Heat’s last 10 games, isn’t injured or in coach Pat Riley’s doghouse.

KU coach Redwine lands Pan Am post

Kansas University’s Stanley Redwine will coach Team USA at the 2007 Pan American Games July 13-29 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Redwine’s appointment - one of the most prestigious in track and field - puts the sixth-year Jayhawk track and cross country coach on a path to perhaps someday lead the United States in the Olympic Games.

Clark guides ISU back to win column

Rahshon Clark scored 16 points, and Wesley Johnson had 15 points and 11 rebounds as Iowa State broke a three-game losing streak with a 70-59 victory over Savannah State on Wednesday night.

Commentary: KU falling into same trap as UConn

Jayhawks could finish with plenty of victories but not much to show for them at tournament time

There are similarities, which could be good or bad. There are three or four NBA first-rounders. There is the cast of veteran supporting players, maybe wishing for greater glory.

Another McCoy may play for UT

Matt McCoy, a senior walk-on who has never thrown a pass in college, is practicing as the No. 1 quarterback for Texas while the Longhorns wait to see if injured Colt McCoy will be able to play in the Alamo Bowl against Iowa.

Keegan: Keegan: Hiring Ole Roy took guts

Those who hired Bill Self as the fifth successor to Phog Allen didn’t need a great deal in the way of either imagination or guts to pull the trigger. Self already had coached two schools into the Elite Eight, headed three Div. I programs and won 207 games.

6Sports Video: Sasha Kahn returning to form after early-season injury

Sasha Kahn has admittedly been a step slow since returning from an early-season knee injury which sidelined him for several games. However, playing against Toledo, Kahn showed fans a glimpse of his old self.

6Sports Video: Jayhawk freshmen experiencing KU finals for first time

There are a total of seven freshmen on the KU women’s basketball team, each one of them showing loads of potential this season on the court. However, this week marks the first time they have truly been tested at Ku off the court during finals week.

Jayhawks relish extra practice

Unlimited workouts during winter break will help team assess itself

Philadelphia 76ers point guard Allen Iverson - in one of the funniest sports tirades ever caught on tape - years ago made his feelings known about his disdain for practice.

Captains of chatter

Former Jayhawks discuss this season's edition

No matter the temperature on the outside, it never grows cold in the dining area inside the Hy-Vee on Sixth Street. Hot air forever is in stock there, with men talking sports the day after games, big and small.

A&M bounces back

Aggies upend Fordham, 84-61

Josh Carter scored 24 points, Antanas Kavaliauskas added 19, and No. 13 Texas A&M beat Fordham, 84-61, Tuesday night.

Plans for facility’s exterior not yet complete

The interior designs of the Anderson Family Football Complex are done, and with the official groundbreaking upcoming, Kansas University still is finalizing exterior designs that will fit in with the rest of the campus.

Keegan: Keegan: AP team snubs Talib

In one sense, this past season’s Kansas University football team was a microcosm of the program’s history. Overall, it was the definition of mediocre in that it finished 6-6. Yet, there were two superstars.

6Sports video: Finals week gives KU men needed break, practice

It’s a scheduling hole in December that every team in college basketball has to deal with. Simply put, it’s finals week at the University of Kansas.

6Sports video: Freshmen stepping up for Kansas women

It’s becoming abundantly clear that the best four players on the KU women’s basketball team are all freshmen.

Kansas 11th in new AP poll

UCLA, Pittsburgh hold steady in top two slots

There wasn’t much change at the top of the Associated Press Top 25 poll this week.

KU football lands two players

Kansas University’s football team snagged two more commitments stemming from last weekend’s official visits - both highly rated prospects out of Texas.

Ducks prove they belong in poll with convincing home victory

Bryce Taylor scored 21 points to lead No. 22 Oregon to a 92-64 victory over Bethune-Cookman on Monday night.

The 2006 Woody Awards: Early returns

No bowl means no awards delay

Behold the annual postseason awards for Kansas University’s football team. This year’s honors are passed out a little earlier, because KU’s season ended a little earlier. A 6-6 record wasn’t enough to earn a bowl bid, so the Jayhawks are instead left accepting trophies that don’t exist from the Journal-World.

Practice habits hold key to KU future

Self will use 10-day break as evaluation session to find right players for success

Bill Self, who has not been satisfied by his Kansas University basketball players’ practice habits, soon may see a dramatic increase in intensity at workouts. The Jayhawk coach is using a 10-day stretch between the Toledo and Winston-Salem State games as an evaluation session of sorts.

Keegan: Keegan: KU overrated after shaky start

Obviously, it’s not where a team is ranked during the season that matters, it’s where it’s seeded come tournament time. Still, as long as a Top 25 is released on a weekly basis, it would be nice for teams to earn their rankings by performance on the court, rather than on reputation.

6Sports Video: Jayhawks ready for long break after another dismal performance

Even though Kansas has won their last two contests, the team still struggled and looked out of sync on the floor. With finals week here, the ‘Hawks get a much needed 10-day break to regroup and ready for the long dance to March.

6Sports Video: McCray moves to post in women’s most recent loss on the hardwood

The Jayhawks put up a good fight against the Golden Bears on Sunday, but ultimately came up short of the win. However, the fans got a glimpse of the future as Danielle McCray was moved to the post and had a breakout game.

No. 4 Blue Devils thrash Longhorns

Duke kept taking the ball from Texas and making free throws. For the fourth-ranked Blue Devils, that added up to another easy victory against a ranked opponent.

Keegan: Keegan: Here’s an idea for layoff

In what has to qualify as one of the strangest explanations for shooting so well in the first half and so poorly in the second, Kansas University sophomore forward Brandon Rush wondered if it could have been coach Bill Self talking to the team longer than usual during halftime of Saturday’s ugly victory over Toledo’s band of sawed-off hustlers.

Texas takes out LSU in OT

Wild game goes to Longhorns on late three-pointer

The youthful Texas Longhorns took a big step on Sunday night. A.J. Abrams hit a three-pointer with 1:03 left in overtime to give Texas the lead, and the Longhorns went on to beat No. 9 LSU 76-75 in a thrilling rematch of last year’s NCAA regional final that also went to overtime.

Self: KU has way to go

Coach says Jayhawks not title-worthy - yet

The question, put to University of Toledo basketball coach Stan Joplin, seemed a bit out of place after Kansas University’s lethargic 68-58 victory over the Rockets on Saturday at Kemper Arena.

McCray shines in KU loss

Freshman moves to post in Kansas women's 73-65 loss to Cal

Somehow, some way, Bonnie Henrickson realized, she had to play Danielle McCray. So the Kansas University women’s basketball coach moved McCray from the perimeter to a post position in practice last week. “She made me look smart today,” Henrickson said. “Hopefully, she’ll keep doing that.”

Ryan Wood’s KU football notebook

Kansas University’s football team had its second big recruiting weekend wrap up Sunday with another oral commitment.

Boston College wins ACC opener

A shot-blocker by trade, Sean Williams also can do a little damage on offense.

6Sports Video: Jayhawks win over Toledo in final game at Kemper Arena

KU fell behind early to Toledo, but managed to come back and seal the win. This marks yet another game this season where the team looked somewhat uninspired.

6Sports Video: Jayhawk women struggle in loss to Cal

Despite a wonderful game from freshman McCray, the Jayhawks couldn’t get the ‘W’ against the Golden Bears.

Huskers blast Michigan

After losing to Minnesota on Tuesday night, the No. 25 Cornhusker women stepped up their game Saturday, rolling over Michigan, 85-45, to take their third 40-point win of the season.

No. 1 Bruins fend off Aggies

Mizzou takes first loss; Kansas State wins narrowly

The last time the rest of the country looked in on UCLA, the Bruins played their way into the national championship game with defense. They needed a big dose of it Saturday.

Kansas basketball notebook

The crowd was announced as 16,488 in a building that seats 17,818 for basketball.

Keegan: Keegan: Kansas needs nasty

Wanted: The meanest, nastiest, most sadistic student at Kansas University, a male version of Tonya Harding. Please report to the basketball office and get fitted for a uniform. Immediately.

‘Trees’ trouble Toledo

Rockets find it hard to finish inside

With no one on his team standing over 6-foot-7, Toledo basketball coach Stan Joplin should’ve seen this coming long ago.

Williams wins 500th game, thanks former AD

No Div. I coach reached the 500-win mark faster than Roy Williams. Fittingly, North Carolina used a quick start to give him that meaningful milestone.

Kaun finds groove

KU big man feasts on Rockets

For the first time this season, Sasha Kaun looked completely relaxed in a game setting on the basketball court.

Golden Bears next on heavyweight slate

KU women to entertain No. 16 California

Nobody can accuse Bonnie Henrickson of watering down her schedule.

Kemper clunker

Jayhawks uninspired in arena finale

Kansas University’s basketball players did not wave goodbye to Kemper Arena at midday Saturday as the team bus pulled out of the parking lot one final time.

Extra Minutes: Kansas 68, Toledo 58

Tying up loose ends from Saturday’s 68-58 win over Toledo in what was Kansas’ final game in Kemper Arena.

KU wins Kemper finale, 68-58

Chalmers went back to the line and hit a pair, giving KU the 68-58 win, sending the team on a high note into the 10-day layoff before returning to action Dec. 19 at home against Winston-Salem State. Brandon Rush led all scorers with 19 points, while Sasha Kuan had 10 for the Jayhawks.

Columbia, Mo. - Defensive end Brian Smith, Missouri’s career sack leader, will miss the Sun Bowl against Oregon State while he continues to recover from a broken hip.

Defensive end Brian Smith, Missouri’s career sack leader, will miss the Sun Bowl against Oregon State while he continues to recover from a broken hip.

Smith can’t wait for Knight to catch up

Texas Tech's mercurial coach three wins away from tying Tar Heel legend

Dean Smith never seemed comfortable with all the attention that came with becoming the winningest men’s basketball coach in Div. I history. That’s why the former North Carolina coach didn’t sound too broken up about preparing to hand that mark to Bob Knight.

ISU’s struggles continue

Adam Haluska scored 18 points, and Tyler Smith added 16 to lift Iowa to a 77-59 victory over archrival Iowa State on Friday night.

What, Mark Turgeon worry?

A 'nervous guy' by nature, Wichita State coach not bothered by top-10 ranking

At 41 years old, Mark Turgeon already wears the permanently creased brow of the professional worrier.

Keegan: Keegan: Shooters need to let it fly

Something hasn’t looked quite right with Bill Self’s offense, and it’s not all that easy to put a finger on just what has been amiss, other than the obvious: Darrell Arthur on the bench with foul trouble.

MU’s Horton getting help in backcourt

After two seasons carrying the load as Missouri’s ballhandler, Jason Horton welcomes the help he’s now getting.

Peterson cleared to play, OU coach Stoops says

Oklahoma tailback Adrian Peterson returned to the football huddle on Friday after team doctors gave the OK for him to practice and play in the Fiesta Bowl, coach Bob Stoops confirmed.

Rockets coping with player’s death

Toledo’s basketball players will be wearing a No. 3 patch on their jerseys today in memory of teammate Haris Charalambous, who died Oct. 9 after collapsing in a morning preseason conditioning workout.

KU hopes to cause heat wave at Kemper

Jayhawks face Toledo today in their final game at Kansas City arena

Russell Robinson is hoping Kansas City, Mo., officials, who own Kemper Arena, will crank up the heat in the drafty 32-year-old structure today.

KU in kemper arena

Today’s appearance in Kemper Arena will be the last for KU’s men’s basketball team. The Jayhawks are 79-24 in a building that opened in 1974. It’ll be replaced next season by the new Sprint Center in Downtown KC.

Gary Bedore’s KU-Toledo basketball notebook

Toledo of the Mid-American Conference is 2-4 following a 98-93 overtime loss to Vanderbilt on Dec. 2 in Nashville, Tenn. Toledo has victories over Middle Tennessee State and Virginia Commonwealth and losses to Missouri State, Iowa, Drexel and Vandy.

6Sports video: KU women hosting Cal Sunday

The Kansas women welcome Pac 10 opponent California to the Phog on Sunday.

6Sports video: ‘Hawks hoping to avenge gridiron loss to Toledo

The Kansas men get a chance at some rock chalk revenge this weekend.

K-State next NDSU target

'Cats will travel to Fargo for Saturday game

The North Dakota State men’s basketball team is looking forward to playing Kansas State - and hoping it doesn’t take another 35 years to bring in a high-profile program. Saturday’s game between the Bison and the Wildcats is the final game of a three-game contract that called for NDSU to play two games in Manhattan and Kansas State to play one game in Fargo.

Mayer: Mayer: KU has room for progress

Some people around the Kansas athletic department may be sporting bright and shiny Happy Faces and preaching the old “onward and upward” sermons. But as the current year ends, I sense an atmosphere of doldrums and malaise among a surprising number of frustrated Jayhawk fans.

Quinn won’t exit awards season empty-handed

Notre Dame quarterback edges out Ohio State's Smith for Maxwell honor

Brady Quinn took this round from Troy Smith. The Notre Dame quarterback won the Maxwell Award as the player of the year Thursday night, beating out Ohio State’s Smith, the Heisman Trophy favorite.

OU’s Paris keeps on doubling her pleasure

Courtney Paris had 15 points and 16 rebounds - her 35th straight game with a double-double - and No. 3 Oklahoma defeated South Carolina 78-51 on Thursday night to open 7-0 for the third time in six seasons.

Fighting Irish finish strong

Late run helps Notre Dame upset No. 4 Alabama

Notre Dame showed it knows how to finish. The Irish opened a 10-point lead, then turned the ball over three straight times to let No. 4 Alabama close to 85-82. But Russell Carter hit a three-pointer and added an 18-footer to ignite a 14-0 run as the Irish beat the Crimson Tide 99-85 on Thursday night.

KU’s Rush strives to end cold streak

Brandon Rush started to feel the heat Oct. 11 when he and Kansas University basketball teammate Julian Wright were named co-Big 12 preseason players of the year. “I think it adds a lot more pressure. People expect so much from us and being ranked so high as a team, too,” Rush said at the time.

Midseason changes responsible for Sun Bowl clash

A Sun Bowl matchup between Oregon State and Missouri seemed unlikely in the middle of the season.

6Sports Video: KU mens basketball team still searching for a ‘leader’

It’s 9 games into the season for the Jayhawks, and the team is still in search of a bona fide leader. Brandon Rush was thought to be the likely candidate for the role, but has been struggling recently.

KU gets jacked up

KU women rally, but fall to Jackrabbits

Lost: One basketball game. Found: Two basketball players. Career performances by freshmen LaChelda Jacobs and Kelly Kohn went to waste as South Dakota State outlasted Kansas University, 53-48, in women’s basketball Wednesday night in Allen Fieldhouse.

Huskers relish practice

Nebraska’s practices leading up to last year’s Alamo Bowl paid dividends not only in the victory over Michigan but in the 2006 season.

Washington turns back No. 15 Texas A&M

Cameo Hicks scored 16 points, and Andrea Plouffe added 13 to help Washington to a 65-59 victory over No. 15 Texas A&M on Wednesday night.

Rutgers miffed over television blackout

Meeting with Kansas State in Texas Bowl to air on NFL Network

Rutgers football fans hoping to watch their team in the Texas Bowl later this month may be better off going to Manhattan - the one in Kansas, that is.

Kansas seeking go-to guy

Self: Jayhawks need to find their leader

It’s been well documented that Kansas University basketball coach Bill Self is still searching for a team leader on and off the court.

Former CU kicker Hnida authors book

Katie Hnida now lives in New York, far away from the football fields that defined her high school and college years and turned them into one part triumph, another part living hell.

Keegan: Keegan: Change coming to KU?

Financially, making one of the lesser bowl games is about a break-even proposition for most schools. It’s the extra few weeks of practice time lost that infuriates football coaches forever looking for the edge.

‘Nova halts OU streak

Playing against the team he spurned, Villanova freshman Scottie Reynolds found senior Mike Nardi’s presence calming.

6Sports video: Jayhawks far from dominate early on

The college basketball season has not been good to the elite teams on the men’s side so far this season.

6Sports video: KU to make last Kemper appearance

When the Kansas men’s basketball team takes the floor at Kemper Arena this Saturday against Toledo, it will be the last time the Jayhawks do so.

6Sports video: Half-time deficit dooms KU women

Large deficits have been a large problem for Bonnie Hendrickson’s team as of late.

District attorney’s office charges Kemp

Kansas safety Jerome Kemp was charged today with felony motor vehicle burglary and two misdemeanors.

Schedule no help for KU women

South Dakota State off to strong start in Div. I infancy

Bonnie Henrickson isn’t ready to circle the wagons.

No. 18 Gonzaga falters

Derrick Low scored 22 points to help Washington State defeat No. 18 Gonzaga, 77-67, on Tuesday night and improve one of the best starts in team history.

LSU hands Texas A&M first loss

No. 22 Oklahoma State turns back No. 21 Syracuse

Glen Davis walked toward the frenzied LSU student section, smiled wide, cocked one fist in the air and let the cheers rain down on him as the clock ticked down.

Woodling: Woodling: Bowls full of KU ties

Everything you wanted to know about postseason college football but were too wrapped up in Britney Spears’ 25th birthday celebration to notice: Was that a misprint, or has Rice really earned a bowl invitation?

Self pleased with Jayhawks’ passion

Coach encouraged by KU's effort during Monday's grind-it-out victory against USC

Kansas University basketball coach Bill Self likes his team’s chances of winning on any given night … if the Jayhawks play as passionately as they did in Monday’s 72-62 victory over Southern California at Allen Fieldhouse.

No. 25 NU stumbles

Brittany McCoy made tie-breaking free throws with 1:44 left and Minnesota held Nebraska without a field goal the last 3:52 in a 74-65 victory over the 25th-ranked Cornhuskers on Tuesday night.

KU football player turns himself in to police

A KU football player turns himself in after being suspected of breaking into a car and stealing more than $1,000 in CD’s and other items.

6Sports video: Self praises team for defensive efforts

If you had to grade KU’s performance on the hardwood last night, the obvious mark would be a “D,” because the Jayhawks’ defense was outstanding.

6Sports video: Wisconsin hammers KU women

The Kansas women played their first road game two days ago, but it didn’t go so well.

Extra Minutes: Kansas 72, Southern Cal 62

Tying up loose ends from Kansas’ defensive dandy Monday night at Allen Fieldhouse.

Lodrick top Stewart

Trojan wins battle, Jayhawk wins war

At 6:25 p.m. Monday night, the whole cute brother-vs.-brother storyline turned into straight business. That was the last time Kansas University junior guard Rodrick Stewart exchanged pleasantries with his twin brother, Southern Cal senior sharpshooter Lodrick Stewart, prior to Monday’s KU-USC game.

Keegan: Keegan: KU finds ugly way to win

Crack open a Baseball Encyclopedia, find a list of 20-game winners, and you’ll see the names of some short ones, some tall ones, some fat ones, some skinny ones, some left-handers, some right-handers, some level-headed guys, some nut jobs. For all their differences, they had one thing in common: They all knew how to figure out a way to win on nights they didn’t have their best stuff.

Wisconsin survives barrage

Winthrop's Martin drains seven threes in OT loss

Winthrop put on a three-point shooting display unlike anything No. 11 Wisconsin had seen before. But it was the one the Eagles missed that allowed the Badgers to survive.

No offense, no problem

KU struggles scoring, but stifles USC

Brandon Rush’s shooting touch, at least for the time being, has completely abandoned him. “They fell short, were going long, off the backboard : every way you can miss, I did,” Rush said, critiquing himself after missing 11 of 14 shots, but still finding a way to score 13 points in the Jayhawks’ 72-62 victory over Southern California on Monday night in Allen Fieldhouse.

Kansas basketball notebook

Practices have been mediocre to sub-par at Kansas University this season, and Bill Self knows why.

Voters defend Gator jump

Poll result sets up Florida-Ohio State matchup in national title game

Avoid a rematch. Stronger schedule. Conference champion. Those were the main reasons cited Monday by many poll voters for jumping Florida over Michigan on their final ballots, setting up a Gators-Buckeyes matchup in the BCS national title game Jan. 8.

Short-handed Pepperdine downs CU

Pepperdine has faced more than its share of adversity this year under first-year coach Vance Walberg. Down to 10 available players, it didn’t matter Monday night to a team that broke its four-game losing streak with a 78-72 victory over Colorado.

Stewart scores 23 to lead USC

Southern California senior Lodrick Stewart can’t consider himself the winner of Monday’s sibling rivalry - even though his stats were much more appealing than twin brother Rodrick.

6Sports Video: Jayhawks take care of USC

In a game that saw KU player Rodrick Stewart face off against his twin brother, USC’s Lodrick Stewart, the Jayhawks came up with the victory 72-62. However, it was Lodrick who had the better stats at the end of the night.

KU fights off Trojan attack, 72-62

Lodrick Stewart led all scorers with 23 points for USC, but bothe Brandon Rush and Mario Chalmers had 13 for the Jayhawks, who improve to 7-2 heading into Saturday’s noon contest against Toledo at Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Mo.

USC’s Stewart has shot at mark

It will take some work, but Lodrick Stewart realistically could finish his career as USC’s all-time three-point shooter.

Wisconsin waxes KU women, 68-41

Jayhawks play 'soft,' Henrickson says

Bonnie Henrickson used the S-word several times Sunday afternoon. That’s S as in soft.

Florida gets BCS nod

Michigan to face USC in Rose Bowl on New Year's Day

Florida beat Michigan on Sunday in the only game that mattered. The Gators, who lobbied hard for this victory, were picked to play No. 1 Ohio State for college football’s national championship, ending any chance for the Wolverines to get the rematch they so desired and thought they deserved.

KU football season officially over

Kansas University football coach Mark Mangino released a prepared statement Sunday after officially learning that no bowl invited the Jayhawks to play another game this season.

Florida State hands Florida second loss

Al Thornton is so important to Florida State that Seminoles coach Leonard Hamilton almost feels guilty about it. Still, Hamilton isn’t shy about going to his team’s biggest strength.

Kansas basketball notebook

For first time, Stewart twins on opposite sides of court

Lodrick Stewart tried to remain strong and hold back the tears the day his identical twin brother, Rodrick, packed his belongings and left the University of Southern California for Kansas. He failed. Miserably. “I broke down in practice. For 20 years, we had never been separated,” said Lodrick Stewart, Rodrick’s teammate in grade-school basketball, high school, AAU and college.

6Sports Video: KU football team won’t be ‘bowling’ this season

After a week of playing ‘the waiting game,’ KU’s head coach Mark Mangino found out today that his squad would not be playing in a bowl game this year.

6Sports Video: KU basketball team continues to play to the level of its competition

After erasing the memory of losing to unranked Oral Roberts earlier in the season, Kansas went on to defeat then-top-ranked Florida at the Vegas Invitational. However, on Saturday afternoon, KU suffered its second loss to an unranked team: DePaul.

BCS to snub Gators or Wolverines today

Michigan or Florida? One will play Ohio State in the BCS championship game. The other will be ticked off at the maddeningly imperfect system used to crown a major-college football champion.

Keegan: Rush’s struggles continue

It can be argued that the Sports Illustrated jinx had nothing to do with Kansas University’s loss to Oral Roberts. A case can’t be made that Saturday afternoon’s ugly loss to DePaul had nothing to do with the sophomore slump.

Kansas basketball notebook

Kansas University sophomore Mario Chalmers, who had 15 points and two assists against three turnovers in 34 minutes, played with his right hand taped. He has a severe blister on the palm of his shooting hand. : Darrell Arthur fell hard in the first half and banged his head on the floor, but was able to continue playing after a short stay on the bench.

‘We gave this one away’

Just off the top of his head, Brandon Rush rattled off multiple reasons for Kansas University’s second-half meltdown against DePaul on Saturday afternoon at Allstate Arena.

KU’s bowl possibilities take another blow

Troy's victory eliminates Jayhawks from at-large consideration; affiliated bowls select today

Kansas University’s football team is about finished with its bowl chances.

Oden solid in OSU debut

The wait was worth it for No. 3 Ohio State and prized big man Greg Oden. In his first competition in seven months, the 7-foot freshman, touted by some as the best U.S.-born big man in a generation, had 14 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Buckeyes past Valparaiso, 78-58, on Saturday.

No more cupcakes for A&M

No. 9 Texas A&M has cruised through the early part of its schedule. It’s about to get a lot tougher. Joseph Jones had 24 points, Antanas Kavaliauskas scored 23, and the Aggies prepared for a difficult road game against LSU with a 74-62 victory over Pacific on Saturday.

Sooners rip NU for crown

The journey here was wild and unexpected for Oklahoma University’s football team. But the way to victory Saturday was as scripted and repetitive as the Sooners possibly could make it.

KU gets cold shoulder

Kansas blows late lead

Bundled up in his heavy winter coat, a blue Kansas University stocking cap atop his head, Julian Wright trudged toward an Allstate Arena exit on a bitterly cold December Saturday here on the outskirts of Chicago.

DePaul not awed

'It's not like it's a shock' to play KU

Mere mention of the word Kansas used to be worth something on the scoreboard because opponents would put the Jayhawks on a pedestal and battle the intimidation factor before getting down to business.

Paris punishes Tulsa

Courtney Paris had 24 points and 13 rebounds for her 34th straight double-double for No. 3 Oklahoma despite sitting out more than 10 minutes with foul trouble in the Sooners’ 72-49 victory over Tulsa on Saturday.

Heat’s Simien out indefinitely

Wayne Simien is experiencing a recurrence of the salmonella bacteria that hospitalized him this summer and almost caused him to postpone his wedding.

UCLA ends USC’s title hopes

Florida wins, could play for BCS championship

Southern California’s dejected players trudged off the Rose Bowl field, oblivious to the celebration going on around them. Their national-championship hopes had just ended with the biggest upset of the season.

All-freshman lineup unlikely today

Henrickson regrets playing quintet of rookies in crucial moments of Wednesday's victory

Bonnie Henrickson has relied heavily on freshmen, but the Kansas University women’s basketball coach conceded she went a little too far the other night.

Extra Minutes: DePaul 64, Kansas 57

Tying up loose ends from KU’s second loss this season to an un-ranked opponent.

KU flounders in second half

Mejia leads DePaul in 64-57 upset

Mejia led all scorers with 23 points. Chalmers led KU with 17, while a big sore spot on the KU box score was Brandon Rush scoring just three points on 1-of-8 shooting. The 6-2 Jayhawks take on USC Monday at 8 p.m. at Allen Fieldhouse.

No. 8 Marquette fights off Northwestern St.

Ousmane Barro had a career-high 21 points and tied a personal best with 13 rebounds to help No. 8 Marquette beat Northwestern State, 83-67, in the Blue & Gold Classic on Friday night.

KU football notebook

Recruiting weekend: Kansas is in the middle of its first big recruiting weekend of the winter. Rivals.com analyst Jon Kirby estimated seven recruits currently were on campus taking their official visits.

Wright returns to Windy City

Sophomore unsure how fans will receive him

Like most lifelong natives of the Windy City, Julian Wright has taken day trips to the Field Museum, Art Institute, Lincoln Park Zoo and Shedd Aquarium.

DePaul notebook

OU, NU to square off today

Matchup gives hope for a Big 12 Conference rarity: a tight title game

More than four months ago, Nebraska coach Bill Callahan took three of his players by Arrowhead Stadium during Big 12 football media days - an attempt to motivate the guys into wanting to come back for the postseason.

Collins returns to Chitown

Freshman excited for homecoming bout with DePaul

Except for maybe the marquee matchup against Florida, there’s no game on Kansas University’s men’s basketball schedule as important to Sherron Collins as today’s contest versus DePaul.

6Sports video: KU women head north for Sunday showdown

The Kansas women also hit the road this weekend, making a trip to Wisconsin for a Sunday game against the Badgers.

6Sports video: Jayhawks ready for road game vs. DePaul

The Kansas men’s basketball team will play its first true road game of the season Saturday against DePaul in Chicago.

Missouri hands Hogs first setback

Arkansas was supposed to be Missouri’s toughest opponent this season. But the Tigers’ 86-64 win over the Razorbacks on Thursday looked as easy as their previous seven.

Nieder’s passion leads him to Hall

Former KU and Olympic star earns spot among track and field's best

He walked along the streets of Melbourne, Australia, but didn’t see the car coming. Bill Nieder, fresh off an appearance at the 1956 Olympics, dodged the reckless taxi driver and got out of the way. That was a close one.

Five more years

Self inks lucrative extension

Lew Perkins believes the right man is running Kansas University’s basketball program. “I do not know anybody (else) out there I’d want to be our head coach. He’s as good as it comes. He’s already proved it to me,” Perkins, KU’s athletic director, said Thursday of Bill Self.

No. 13 Baylor survives scare

Bernice Mosby nailed a short jumper with 2.2 seconds remaining to lift No. 13 Baylor to a 64-62 win over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Thursday night.

Mayer: RussRob following Yates’ plan

Russell Robinson is my version of Tony Yates on the current Kansas University basketball team.

Taylor to face hometown team

Nebraska QB to meet squad he grew up rooting for

Sooner born and Sooner bred, Zac Taylor ended up on the other side of one of college football’s most storied rivalries. Now, he’ll get a chance to play in a big Oklahoma-Nebraska game like the ones he grew up watching.

Cornish, Talib nab All-Big 12 honors

Kansas University tailback one of two unanimous selections on this year's Associated Press team

Individually, Kansas University’s football team had a player on each unit shine a little brighter than most this year. Not surprisingly, both are getting their props with postseason honors.

UT freshman sheds pounds

Pittman doing his part to increase playing time

Dexter Pittman breaks a sweat long before the Texas Longhorns hit the basketball court.

Robinson already in swim of things

Slight adjustment helps KU rookie shave precious seconds

Being called Superman in the sports world is typically a compliment. But for Ashley Robinson, the superhero reference made the KU swimmer quickly change her technique in the pool.

Don’t expect Knight to change

Like it or not, Texas Tech basketball coach Bob Knight will soon make history.

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