Great Plains News Digest
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IOWA
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US-MED–Infant Formula-Botulism Recall-Explainer
More than 3 dozen sickened in infant botulism outbreak tied to contaminated formula
SUMMARY: Federal health officials say 37 babies in 17 states have been sickened in an infant botulism outbreak tied to contaminated formula. ByHeart recalled all of its products sold throughout the U.S. No deaths have been reported. Health officials say parents and caregivers who have the formula in their homes should stop using it immediately. Botulism a rare but potentially deadly disease. The most recent case was reported Nov. 19. The company has said lab tests confirmed some samples were contaminated with the bacteria that can cause the illness.
WORDS: 907 – MOVED: 11/09/2025 2:46 p.m. CST
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MINNESOTA
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US-MED–Infant Formula-Botulism Recall-Explainer
More than 3 dozen sickened in infant botulism outbreak tied to contaminated formula
SUMMARY: Federal health officials say 37 babies in 17 states have been sickened in an infant botulism outbreak tied to contaminated formula. ByHeart recalled all of its products sold throughout the U.S. No deaths have been reported. Health officials say parents and caregivers who have the formula in their homes should stop using it immediately. Botulism a rare but potentially deadly disease. The most recent case was reported Nov. 19. The company has said lab tests confirmed some samples were contaminated with the bacteria that can cause the illness.
WORDS: 907 – MOVED: 11/09/2025 2:46 p.m. CST
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MN–Growing Food Cooperatives
A space for more: Co-op kitchens are helping Minnesota food producers to get creative
SUMMARY: From potatoes to peppers to tomatoes, the food grown by farmers near the western Minnesota town of Detroit Lakes will soon be put to more and better use.  Manna Food Co-op is planning to open a commercial kitchen in its new bigger space early next year. Funded by a federal grant, the kitchen will strengthen Manna’s connection to local food producers, a core principle for co-ops. Manna board president Zachary Paige says farmers will be able to process items for their business or for the co-op. Paige said he hopes Manna is a launch point for producers in Detroit Lakes, whether the end products end up being sold in the co-op or elsewhere.
WORDS: 1161 – MOVED: 11/26/2025 2:19 p.m. CST
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US-Lake-Effect-Snow-Explained
Great Lakes region preparing for bad weather as lake-effect snowfall ingredients begin mixing
SUMMARY: Cold air is sweeping across the Great Lakes region, bringing lake-effect snow from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to Western New York. Snowfall started Wednesday in Houghton, Michigan, and is expected to continue through Thanksgiving. The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for the Keweenaw Peninsula. Forecasters say that cold air, often from Canada, blows over the Great Lakes, creating conditions for heavy snowfall. Areas like Buffalo, New York, are particularly affected, with significant snow expected. Lake-effect storms previously dumped over six feet of snow in Western New York in November 2022.
WORDS: 697 – MOVED: 11/26/2025 3:58 p.m. CST
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US–National Guard Shooting-Trump
Trump says lax migration policies are top national security threat after National Guard members shot
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump says Wednesday’s attack on two National Guard members near the White House highlights the dangers of lax migration policies. He calls it the greatest national security threat. Trump says the suspect is an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in 2021 after Kabul’s collapse. He criticizes former President Joe Biden’s handling of Afghan evacuees and plans to review those who entered under Biden’s administration. Trump also targets Minnesota’s Somali community, calling for the removal of those who don’t benefit the country. Supporters of Afghan evacuees fear increased scrutiny and political exploitation of the incident.
WORDS: 721 – MOVED: 11/26/2025 10:01 p.m. CST
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MISSOURI
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US–Government Shutdown-Giving Thanks
Gratitude and doubt: The effects of the shutdown linger as families prepare for Thanksgiving
SUMMARY: As Americans prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, the gratitude many feel is tempered by doubts caused by the disruptions of the recent government shutdown. Washington has reopened but insecurity lingers. In one Missouri community, a single mother is relieved by the restoration of benefits that help feed her children but feels newly vulnerable. A retired school cafeteria worker who hosts a free holiday feast in the community has upped her plans to 700 meals to account for the food insecurity. A U.S. customs worker in Florida who worked for weeks without pay is grateful for the invitation to a meal her family would otherwise be unable to afford.
WORDS: 1185 – MOVED: 11/26/2025 10:32 a.m. CST
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US–Executions-Glance
8 executions in October: Why the death penalty is being used more in the US this year
SUMMARY: The U.S. has seen 35 executions so far in 2025, with seven more scheduled for later this month. This year’s total already surpasses last year’s 25 executions and could be the highest since 2012. But that’s still far below the modern peak of 98 executions in 1999. Florida, Texas, Alabama, and South Carolina have carried out 76% of this year’s executions. Florida leads with 13 executions. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has not commented on the reasons for the surge. But the increase comes as President Donald Trump has urged governors to expand their use of the death penalty.
WORDS: 978 – MOVED: 10/09/2025 2:56 p.m. CDT
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US–Trading Turkeys
How trading wild turkeys for other animals became a conservation success story
SUMMARY: Swapping turkeys for other animals was once a key part of North America’s wildlife conservation efforts. The wild turkey population dwindled to a few thousand in the late 1800s but has since grown to about 7 million across 49 states, plus more in Canada and Mexico. Restoration often relied on trades. For example, Oklahoma swapped walleye and prairie chickens for turkeys from Arkansas and Missouri. New Hampshire sent fishers to West Virginia in exchange for turkeys. Early efforts to raise turkeys on farms failed, leading to capturing and relocating wild turkeys, which proved successful.
WORDS: 547 – MOVED: 11/27/2025 6:21 a.m. CST
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OKLAHOMA
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US–Trading Turkeys
How trading wild turkeys for other animals became a conservation success story
SUMMARY: Swapping turkeys for other animals was once a key part of North America’s wildlife conservation efforts. The wild turkey population dwindled to a few thousand in the late 1800s but has since grown to about 7 million across 49 states, plus more in Canada and Mexico. Restoration often relied on trades. For example, Oklahoma swapped walleye and prairie chickens for turkeys from Arkansas and Missouri. New Hampshire sent fishers to West Virginia in exchange for turkeys. Early efforts to raise turkeys on farms failed, leading to capturing and relocating wild turkeys, which proved successful.
WORDS: 547 – MOVED: 11/27/2025 6:21 a.m. CST
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SPORTS
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IOWA
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FBC–Tradition Glimpse-Rivalry Trophies
What do an axe, a bucket and a cannon have in common? Meet the rivalry trophies of college football
SUMMARY: There’s hardly a richer or quirkier tradition in college football than rivalry trophies. They’re one of the few elements of the game remaining the same in the new era of revenue sharing as decades ago when a 10-team conference was considered full. From the small schools to the powerhouse programs, nothing captures a sports fan’s attention quite like a traveling trophy. The long-time members of the Big Ten boast the richest histories of these one-of-a-kind prizes. Paul Bunyan’s Axe is awarded annually to the Minnesota-Wisconsin winner of the most-played series in major college football history.
WORDS: 1058 – MOVED: 11/26/2025 2:16 p.m. CST
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BKC–T25-Iowa St-Syracuse
Milan Momcilovic scores 24, leads No. 15 Iowa State over Syracuse 95-64 at Players Era
SUMMARY: Milan Momcilovic scored 24 points to lead No. 15 Iowa State to a 95-64 win over Syracuse in the final day of the Players Era Championship. The Cyclones (7-0) won all three of their games at the tournament but were playing in the consolation round because of a point differential tiebreaker. Killyan Toure scored 19 points for Iowa State alongside three others in double-figures: Josh Jefferson (13 points), Blake Buchanan (12) and Dominic Nelson (12). Iowa State shot 59% from the field while limiting Syracuse to 39.3%. Sadiq White Jr. led the Orangemen (4-3) with 14 points, while J.J. Starling and Tyler Bestey each added 10.
WORDS: 285 – MOVED: 11/26/2025 2:23 p.m. CST
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BKC–Players Era Championship-Berger
Players Era Championship teams to receive more than $1M on average in NIL compensation
SUMMARY: The Players Era Championship is offering significant name, image and likeness compensation to participating college basketball teams. Co-founder Seth Berger says the average payout exceeds $1 million per team. This is the tournament’s second year and it includes 18 men’s teams plus a new women’s bracket. Eight men’s teams and three women’s teams are ranked in the AP Top 25 poll. The Big 12 Conference has purchased an equity stake, and the top eight teams will receive automatic bids for next year. The tournament is gaining popularity, surpassing the Maui Invitational and Battle 4 Atlantis during Thanksgiving week.
WORDS: 489 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 9:13 p.m. CST
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BKW–T25-Western Illinois-Iowa
Deal, Heiden led No. 11 Iowa women in 86-69 victory over Western Illinois
SUMMARY: Addison Deal scored 17 points of the bench, Ava Heiden had her fourth double-double of the season, and No. 11 Iowa defeated Western Illinois 86-69. The Hawkeyes made 16 of 20 shots inside the arc in the first, 19 of 31 overall, and led 44-25 at the break. Heiden made 5 of 5 shot attempts and scored 13 points. She grabbed eight rebounds in the half. Iowa’s lead ranged from 18 to 23 points throughout the second half until Kennedy Herrig made two free throws for Western Illinois in the final minute. Heiden finished with 18 points on 6-of-7 shooting plus 10 rebounds and three steals. Deal, a freshman, had career highs in points, assists with five and rebounds with three.
WORDS: 297 – MOVED: 11/26/2025 8:46 p.m. CST
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BKC–Iowa-Grand Canyon
Howard, Stirtz lead Iowa to 59-46 win over Grand Canyon for Acrisure Classic title
SUMMARY: Isaia Howard scored 19 points off the bench, Bennett Stirtz added 13, and Iowa defeated Grand Canyon 59-46 in the Acrisure Classic championship game. The Hawkeyes remained undefeated under first-year coach Ben McCollum, who coached Drake last season and brought Howard and Stirtz with him to Iowa City. The Hawkeyes led 30-23 at halftime then allowed one point in the first eight minutes of the second half while extending their lead to 37-24. Each team had more made free throws than made shots in the first 14 1/2 minutes after halftime. A 3-pointer by Howard gave the Hawkeyes a 51-37 lead with about 4 minutes remaining. He buried two more 3-pointers down the stretch and finished with his season high in scoring.
WORDS: 275 – MOVED: 11/26/2025 10:58 p.m. CST
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KANSAS
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BKC–Players Era Championship-Berger
Players Era Championship teams to receive more than $1M on average in NIL compensation
SUMMARY: The Players Era Championship is offering significant name, image and likeness compensation to participating college basketball teams. Co-founder Seth Berger says the average payout exceeds $1 million per team. This is the tournament’s second year and it includes 18 men’s teams plus a new women’s bracket. Eight men’s teams and three women’s teams are ranked in the AP Top 25 poll. The Big 12 Conference has purchased an equity stake, and the top eight teams will receive automatic bids for next year. The tournament is gaining popularity, surpassing the Maui Invitational and Battle 4 Atlantis during Thanksgiving week.
WORDS: 489 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 9:13 p.m. CST
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BKC–T25-Kansas-Tennessee
Kansas deals No. 17 Tennessee its 1st loss, 81-76 in 3rd-place game at Players Era Championship
SUMMARY: Melvin Council Jr. and Elmarko Jackson each scored 17 points and Kansas beat previously unbeaten No. 17 Tennessee 81-76 in the third-place game of the Players Era Championship on Wednesday night. Tre White added 14 points for Kansas (6-2) before fouling out and Florey Bidunga scored 13. Nata Ament led Tennessee (7-1) with 20 points. Jaylen Carey and Ja’Kobe Gillespie each scored 11 points and J.P. Estrella added 10.
WORDS: 293 – MOVED: 11/26/2025 8:41 p.m. CST
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BKC–Wichita State-Saint Mary’s (CA)
Saint Mary’s beats Wichita State 70-65 at the Battle 4 Atlantis
SUMMARY: Paulius Murauskas scored 20 points to lead the Saint Mary’s Gaels and Joshua Dent sealed the victory with a jump shot with 1:00 left as the Gaels knocked off the Wichita State Shockers 70-65 on Wednesday. The Gaels are now 7-0 on the season, while the Shockers fell to 4-2.
WORDS: 140 – MOVED: 11/26/2025 10:07 p.m. CST
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MINNESOTA
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FBC–Tradition Glimpse-Rivalry Trophies
What do an axe, a bucket and a cannon have in common? Meet the rivalry trophies of college football
SUMMARY: There’s hardly a richer or quirkier tradition in college football than rivalry trophies. They’re one of the few elements of the game remaining the same in the new era of revenue sharing as decades ago when a 10-team conference was considered full. From the small schools to the powerhouse programs, nothing captures a sports fan’s attention quite like a traveling trophy. The long-time members of the Big Ten boast the richest histories of these one-of-a-kind prizes. Paul Bunyan’s Axe is awarded annually to the Minnesota-Wisconsin winner of the most-played series in major college football history.
WORDS: 1058 – MOVED: 11/26/2025 2:16 p.m. CST
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FBN–Vikings-McCarthy
McCarthy still in concussion protocol, limited in practice for Vikings with status for week unclear
SUMMARY: Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy remained in the concussion protocol on Wednesday, doing well enough for limited participation in practice but still uncertain to play this weekend. McCarthy was cleared to take part in individual drills but not full-team work. Rookie Max Brosmer was running the first-team offense in preparation for potentially his first career start. The struggling Vikings play at Seattle on Sunday. McCarthy reported symptoms during the team’s flight home from Green Bay last weekend. The second-year player with only six career starts because of injuries struggled again with accuracy and timing.
WORDS: 462 – MOVED: 11/26/2025 2:43 p.m. CST
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FBN–Vikings-Seahawks-Preview Capsule
Vikings face Darnold, Seahawks looking to snap 3-game skid
SUMMARY: Minnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy entered the concussion protocol after the team returned from Green Bay, putting his availability for Sunday in question. If he’s not cleared in time to play, rookie Max Brosmer would start. The Vikings have already lost more than twice as many games as last season. Former Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold bounced back from throwing a season-high four interceptions against the LA Rams to throw two touchdown passes against the Tennessee Titans last week. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who set the Seahawks single-season receiving yards record last week, leads the NFL in that category this season.
WORDS: 1037 – MOVED: 11/26/2025 5:01 p.m. CST
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BKN–Timberwolves-Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 40 points while ill, leads Thunder to 10th straight win
SUMMARY: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points despite being ill, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 113-105 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was listed as questionable but delivered a standout performance, making 12 of 19 field goals and 15 of 17 free throws. The Thunder have now won their 10th straight game, improving to 18-1. Oklahoma City is 4-0 in West Group A and is well-positioned for the knockout round. Anthony Edwards scored 31 points for Minnesota, but the Timberwolves lost their third straight. The Thunder host the Phoenix Suns on Friday.
WORDS: 369 – MOVED: 11/26/2025 9:48 p.m. CST
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HKN–Wild-Blackhawks
Kaprizov scores in overtime as the Wild beat the Blackhawks 4-3 for their 6th straight win
SUMMARY: Kirill Kaprizov scored a power-play goal 1:38 into overtime, and the Minnesota Wild beat the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3 for their sixth consecutive victory. Brock Faber, Nico Sturm and Matt Boldy also scored for Minnesota, which trailed 2-0 deep into the second period. Filip Gustavsson stopped 34 shots. With Ilya Mikheyev in the penalty box for interference, Kaprizov beat Spencer Knight with a terrific wrist shot from the left circle. Connor Bedard had a goal and an assist for Chicago in its fourth straight loss.
WORDS: 404 – MOVED: 11/26/2025 10:32 p.m. CST
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HKO–CHL-USA-Prospects-Challenge
Plante scores in OT series tiebreaker to lift US National Team Development Program past CHL
SUMMARY: Victor Plante scored at 5:53 of an overtime series tiebreaker and the U.S. National Team Development Program won the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge over the Canadian Hockey League on Wednesday night. After the USNTDP won the opener of the two-game series 4-2 in Calgary on Tuesday night, the CHL prospects rallied from two goals down to win 4-3 on Wednesday, forcing 20 minutes of 3-on-3 sudden death. The 17-year-old Plante is the son of former NHL player Derek Plante. Xavier Villeneuve, Alessandro Di Iorio, Caleb Malhotra and JP Hurlbert scored for the CHL in Game 2, and Zachary Jonvanovski made 24 saves. Plante, Jamie Glance and AJ Garcia scored the USNTDP, and Luke Carrithers stopped 33 shots.
WORDS: 149 – MOVED: 11/26/2025 10:57 p.m. CST
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BKN–Thunder-Gilgeous-Alexander
Sick Gilgeous-Alexander still looks like MVP as Thunder beat Timberwolves for 10th straight win
SUMMARY: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 113-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. Despite being listed as questionable due to illness, he scored 40 points, helping the Thunder secure their 10th straight win and improve to 18-1. Gilgeous-Alexander made 12 of 19 field goals and 15 of 17 free throws. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised his performance, especially in the second quarter. The Thunder remain undefeated in West Group A of the NBA Cup.
WORDS: 455 – MOVED: 11/27/2025 12:03 a.m. CST
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MISSOURI
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HKN–Blues-Devils
Simon Nemec’s goal in overtime gives Devils a 3-2 victory over the Blues
SUMMARY: Simon Nemec scored on a wrist shot at 2:58 of overtime to give the New Jersey Devils a 3-2 win over the St. Louis Blues. New Jersey (15-7-1) has won a franchise-record nine of its first 10 home games. Nico Hischier assisted on Nemec’s winner and finished with a goal and two assists. Hischier has nine points (five goals, four assists) in his last five games. Timo Meier added a goal and an assist for New Jersey, extending his goal-scoring streak to three games. Can Fowler had a goal and an assist, and Robert Thomas scored on the power play for St. Louis (7-11-6). Jacob Markstrom stopped 21 shots for the Devils. Jordan Binnigton had 26 saves for the Blues.
WORDS: 307 – MOVED: 11/26/2025 9:21 p.m. CST
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FBC–Missouri-Drinkwitz Contract
Missouri locks in Eli Drinkwitz with six-year, $10.75 million annual contract through 2031 season
SUMMARY: Missouri and Eli Drinkwitz have agreed to a new six-year contract, boosting the football coach’s average pay to $10.75 million annually. The deal announced Thursday follows a unanimous vote by the University of Missouri Board of Curators a day earlier. Drinkwitz has been with Missouri since December 2019, leading the Tigers to a bowl game in each of his first five seasons. His success, including an 11-2 record and Cotton Bowl victory, made him a sought-after coach. Missouri has invested heavily in its football program, including a robust NIL program and major renovations to Memorial Stadium.
WORDS: 549 – MOVED: 11/27/2025 10:33 a.m. CST
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NEBRASKA
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BKC–Players Era Championship-Berger
Players Era Championship teams to receive more than $1M on average in NIL compensation
SUMMARY: The Players Era Championship is offering significant name, image and likeness compensation to participating college basketball teams. Co-founder Seth Berger says the average payout exceeds $1 million per team. This is the tournament’s second year and it includes 18 men’s teams plus a new women’s bracket. Eight men’s teams and three women’s teams are ranked in the AP Top 25 poll. The Big 12 Conference has purchased an equity stake, and the top eight teams will receive automatic bids for next year. The tournament is gaining popularity, surpassing the Maui Invitational and Battle 4 Atlantis during Thanksgiving week.
WORDS: 489 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 9:13 p.m. CST
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BKC–Omaha-Florida International
Harris scores 24 as Florida International knocks off Omaha 74-61
SUMMARY: Brit Harris scored 24 points off of the bench to lead the Florida International Panthers past the Omaha Mavericks 74-61. Corey Stephenson added 15 points, nine rebounds and three steals for FIU.
WORDS: 167 – MOVED: 11/26/2025 7:23 p.m. CST
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OKLAHOMA
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US–Oklahoma Basketball-Player Death
College basketball player in Oklahoma dies after being injured during game
SUMMARY: A college basketball player in Oklahoma has died after suffering an injury during a game. Connors State College announced on its Facebook page that sophomore Ethan Dietz died Tuesday after he was injured during a game in Texas over the weekend. The 6-8 forward from Vilonia, Arkansas, was injured during the second half of the Cowboys’ game Saturday against Grayson College in Texas. He was taken to a hospital, and died three days later. A spokesperson for the college said initial reports indicate that Dietz suffered some kind of head injury. Messages seeking comment were left Wednesday with the college’s athletic director and head basketball coach.
WORDS: 225 – MOVED: 11/26/2025 11:14 a.m. CST
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BKC–Rice-Oral Roberts
Rice wins 81-62 over Oral Roberts
SUMMARY: Nick Anderson scored 22 points in Rice’s 81-62 win against Oral Roberts in the Tarpon Bay Division of Coconut Hoops. Jalen Smith scored 17 points and added 10 rebounds for the Owls.
WORDS: 155 – MOVED: 11/26/2025 8:12 p.m. CST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/RicewinsoverOralRoberts/2be2e8854e3145b79ad0ab4afd0e69bd/text
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BKN–Timberwolves-Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 40 points while ill, leads Thunder to 10th straight win
SUMMARY: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points despite being ill, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 113-105 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was listed as questionable but delivered a standout performance, making 12 of 19 field goals and 15 of 17 free throws. The Thunder have now won their 10th straight game, improving to 18-1. Oklahoma City is 4-0 in West Group A and is well-positioned for the knockout round. Anthony Edwards scored 31 points for Minnesota, but the Timberwolves lost their third straight. The Thunder host the Phoenix Suns on Friday.
WORDS: 369 – MOVED: 11/26/2025 9:48 p.m. CST
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BKN–Thunder-Gilgeous-Alexander
Sick Gilgeous-Alexander still looks like MVP as Thunder beat Timberwolves for 10th straight win
SUMMARY: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 113-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. Despite being listed as questionable due to illness, he scored 40 points, helping the Thunder secure their 10th straight win and improve to 18-1. Gilgeous-Alexander made 12 of 19 field goals and 15 of 17 free throws. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised his performance, especially in the second quarter. The Thunder remain undefeated in West Group A of the NBA Cup.
WORDS: 455 – MOVED: 11/27/2025 12:03 a.m. CST
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SOUTH DAKOTA
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BKC–South Dakota State-UC Irvine
UC Irvine beats South Dakota State 64-52 in Cancun
SUMMARY: Led by Jurian Dixon’s 13 points, the UC Irvine Anteaters defeated the South Dakota State Jackrabbits 64-52 on Wednesday. The Anteaters are now 4-4 with the victory and the Jackrabbits dropped to 4-4.
WORDS: 82 – MOVED: 11/26/2025 10:15 p.m. CST
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