Great Plains News Digest
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IOWA
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US-Powerball Jackpot
Powerball jackpot climbs to $1.6 billion, among largest lottery prizes ever in U.S.
SUMMARY: The Powerball jackpot now stands at an estimated $1.6 billion, making it one of the largest lottery prizes in U.S. history. Powerball said in a news release Sunday that no ticket matched all six winning numbers the previous night. That sets up the fifth largest U.S. jackpot ever for Monday’s drawing. The biggest U.S. jackpot was $2.04 billion in 2022. The winner bought the ticket in California and opted for a lump-sum payment of $997.6 million. The odds of winning Monday’s jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.
WORDS: 219 – MOVED: 12/21/2025 1:38 p.m. CST
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NEBRASKA
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US–Meatpacking Town
A small town’s American Dream is at risk. What happens when its biggest employer shuts down?
SUMMARY: Tyson Foods is closing its beef plant in Lexington, Nebraska, laying off 3,200 workers next month in a town of just 11,000. Nearly a third of the town’s population will be out of work, causing spinoff layoffs in local businesses and threatening to unravel the small town. Workers who bought homes and sent their children to college will be stuck with bills they won’t be able to pay. Hundreds of families may be forced to pack up and leave. Local businesses struggling without enough customers may have to join them. State agencies are responding with the urgency of a natural disaster, but the workers still have no clear plan for what comes next.
WORDS: 1520 – MOVED: 12/22/2025 9:45 a.m. CST
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US–Meatpacking Town-Takeaways
Takeaways from AP’s report on a beef plant closure that threatens to unravel a small Nebraska town
SUMMARY: Tyson Foods is closing its beef plant in Lexington, Nebraska, laying off 3,200 workers next month in a town of just 11,000. Nearly a third of the town’s population will be out of work, causing spinoff layoffs in local businesses and threatening to unravel the small town. Workers who bought homes and sent their children to college will be stuck with bills they won’t be able to pay. Hundreds of families may be forced to pack up and leave. Local businesses struggling without enough customers may have to join them. State agencies are responding with the urgency of a natural disaster, but the workers still have no clear plan for what comes next.
WORDS: 934 – MOVED: 12/22/2025 11:57 a.m. CST
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SPORTS
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IOWA
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BKW—T25-Kansas-Iowa St
Hare beats buzzer with a winning 3 and Crooks scores 41 to lift No. 10 Iowa State over Kansas 79-76
SUMMARY: Kenzie Hare hit the game-winning 3-point shot as time expired, Audi Crooks scored 41 points and No. 10 Iowa State beat Kansas 79-76. The unbeaten Cyclones fended off Kansas’ late run when Hare took a pass from Addy Brown and shot over Elle Evans from the corner. The shot accounted for Hare’s only points. Crooks, who leads the nation in scoring, shot 19 of 28 from the field while going over 40 points for the third time this season. S’Mya Nichols led Kansas with 29 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter as the Jayhawks came back from an 11-point deficit.
WORDS: 340 – MOVED: 12/21/2025 2:40 p.m. CST
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BKC–T25-Long Beach St-Iowa St
Momcilovic hits 7 3s, scores 27 points in No. 4 Iowa State’s 91-60 win over Long Beach State
SUMMARY: Milan Momcilovic made seven 3-pointers and scored 27 points and No. 4 Iowa State routed Long Beach State 91-60 on Sunday night to improve to 12-0. Momcilovic, who entered the game leading the Big 12 in 3-point shooting accuracy at 52.6%, made his first six shots from beyond the arc for his best start since he was 7 of 7 against Fairleigh Dickinson on Nov. 3. He finished 7 of 9 on 3s and was 9 of 11 overall from the field. Iowa State held Long Beach State (3-10) to six points in the opening 10 minutes and led 45-9 with 5 1/2 minutes left in the first half. Freshman Gavin Sykes led Long Beach State with 19 points.
WORDS: 265 – MOVED: 12/21/2025 7:31 p.m. CST
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KANSAS
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BKC–T25-Kansas-Dooley
Kansas suspends assistant basketball coach Joe Dooley after DUI arrest
SUMMARY: Kansas has suspended men’s basketball assistant coach Joe Dooley after his arrest. He was suspected of driving under the influence and failing to stop at an accident. Jayhawks coach Bill Self announced Sunday that Dooley will be suspended for three weeks. Self stated that Dooley is remorseful and accepts the consequences. Dooley was hired by Self in 2003 and returned to Kansas in 2022. The Jayhawks, ranked No. 17, play Davidson on Monday night before starting Big 12 play against UCF on January 3 in Orlando, Florida.
WORDS: 176 – MOVED: 12/21/2025 12:39 p.m. CST
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BKW—T25-Kansas-Iowa St
Hare beats buzzer with a winning 3 and Crooks scores 41 to lift No. 10 Iowa State over Kansas 79-76
SUMMARY: Kenzie Hare hit the game-winning 3-point shot as time expired, Audi Crooks scored 41 points and No. 10 Iowa State beat Kansas 79-76. The unbeaten Cyclones fended off Kansas’ late run when Hare took a pass from Addy Brown and shot over Elle Evans from the corner. The shot accounted for Hare’s only points. Crooks, who leads the nation in scoring, shot 19 of 28 from the field while going over 40 points for the third time this season. S’Mya Nichols led Kansas with 29 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter as the Jayhawks came back from an 11-point deficit.
WORDS: 340 – MOVED: 12/21/2025 2:40 p.m. CST
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FBN–Chiefs-Titans
Titans knock Gardner Minshew out of game and end 11-game home skid, beating Chiefs 26-9
SUMMARY: The Tennessee Titans have snapped an 11-game home skid with a 26-9 victory over the banged-up Kansas City Chiefs. Cam Ward threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns for Tennessee. The Titans (3-12) improved to 1-7 at home this season with their first win at Nissan Stadium since Nov. 3, 2024. The skid matched the franchise’s worst since moving to Tennessee in 1997. With two games left, the Chiefs are 6-9. They are assured of their first losing record since 2012. A week after Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending torn ACL, his backup, Gardner Minshew, was knocked out of the game with a knee injury.
WORDS: 844 – MOVED: 12/21/2025 3:19 p.m. CST
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FBN–Chiefs-Minshew Hurt
Chiefs lose another QB to a knee injury. Gardner Minshew knocked out of loss to Titans
SUMMARY: Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid says quarterback Gardner Minshew will have an MRI on his injured left knee. Minshew was hurt in the second quarter of the Chiefs’ 26-9 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. It was the second straight game that Kansas City lost its starting QB to a knee injury. Patrick Mahomes tore two knee ligaments last week, ending his season. Chris Oladokun replaced Minshew and finished the game. Oladukun went 11 of 16 for 111 yards took four sacks in the first extensive action of his career.
WORDS: 535 – MOVED: 12/21/2025 1:24 p.m. CST
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BKC–Eastern Kentucky-Wichita State
Boyd scores 22 in Wichita State’s 88-57 victory over Eastern Kentucky
SUMMARY: Led by Karon Boyd’s 22 points, the Wichita State Shockers defeated the Eastern Kentucky Colonels 88-57. Will Berg scored 14 points and added 12 rebounds for the Shockers.
WORDS: 173 – MOVED: 12/21/2025 6:15 p.m. CST
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FBN–Chiefs-Stadium
Kansas lawmakers to vote on proposal to lure Kansas City Chiefs with new stadium across state line
SUMMARY: Kansas lawmakers are set to vote Monday on a proposal to attract the Kansas City Chiefs from Missouri. The plan could replace Arrowhead Stadium with a new facility for major year-round events. Chiefs owner Clark Hunt is expected to attend the meeting. If passed, the team could announce plans to leave its 53-year-old home at the Truman Sports Complex. The proposal involves the use of STAR bonds to cover up to 70% of the project’s cost, paid off with state tax revenues. Kansas is in active discussions with the Chiefs, while Missouri lawmakers have been working on their own package to keep the team.
WORDS: 766 – MOVED: 12/22/2025 12:51 a.m. CST
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FBN–Chiefs Analysis
Chiefs’ injury-riddled season hits new low with 26-9 loss to Titans
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs have faced a tough season, marked by injuries and a recent 26-9 loss to the Tennessee Titans. This defeat is their fourth consecutive loss, a first since 2017, leaving coach Andy Reid with a 6-9 record. Injuries have plagued the team, sidelining key players such as Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew. Despite these setbacks, the Chiefs aim to finish strong against the Denver Broncos on Thursday and the Las Vegas Raiders in their final game. Linebacker Nick Bolton emphasizes the team’s mindset of gratitude and determination, despite the challenges they face.
WORDS: 702 – MOVED: 12/22/2025 11:21 a.m. CST
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MINNESOTA
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FBN–Vikings-Giants
J.J. McCarthy gets injured as the Vikings hand the Giants their ninth loss in a row
SUMMARY: J.J. McCarthy ran for a touchdown before leaving with an injury to his right, throwing hand, and backup quarterback Max Brosmer helped the Minnesota Vikings win their third game in a row, beating the New York Giants 16-13 in a matchup of teams eliminated from playoff contention. Brosmer led a go-ahead scoring drive in the fourth quarter that ended with Will Reichard making a 30-yard field goal. Rookie Jaxson Dart had just 33 yards passing as the Giants lost their nine consecutive game to fall to 2-13.
WORDS: 816 – MOVED: 12/21/2025 3:04 p.m. CST
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FBN–Vikings-McCarthy
X-rays negative for Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy after injuring his right hand
SUMMARY: X-rays were negative on J.J. McCarthy’s injured right hand, coach Kevin O’Connell said after the Minnesota Vikings quarterback left game at the New York Giants and did not return. O’Connell said McCarthy injured the hand at some point in the first half before running for a touchdown. It’s unclear if McCarthy will be able to play in either of the final two games of the season. While the Vikings are eliminated from playoff contention, they’d like McCarthy to get some more valuable experience in his first year playing in the NFL.
WORDS: 580 – MOVED: 12/21/2025 1:49 p.m. CST
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BKN–Timberwolves-Finch Fined
Timberwolves coach fined $35K for spat with officials in win over Thunder
SUMMARY: The NBA fined Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch $35,000 on Sunday for “directing inappropriate language toward game officials and failing to leave the court in a timely manner following his ejection” on Friday. Finch was ejected in the first quarter of the Timberwolves’ 112-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Finch chased a referee up the court to yell his case and picked up a technical foul. Then he charged at the rest of the crew during the break and got a second technical with the accompanying ejection. Finch had to be restrained by his assistant coaches and team security before relenting and leaving the court to a roaring ovation.
WORDS: 212 – MOVED: 12/21/2025 5:09 p.m. CST
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BKC–Campbell-Minnesota
Cade Tyson continues to sizzle, scores 24 for Minnesota in 78-50 win over Campbell
SUMMARY: Cade Tyson had 24 points and all five starters scored in double digits in Minnesota’s 78-50 victory over Campbell. Tyson, who scored a career-high 38 points last time out, made 10 of 15 shots against the Fightin’ Camels. He had seven rebounds and five assists. Isaac Asuma scored 15 points, Jaylen Crocker-Johnson 14, Langston Reynolds 12 and Bobby Durkin 11 for the Golden Gophers. Minnesota had two bench points, from Nehemiah Turner. Jeremiah Johnson scored 17 for Campbell. Minnesota improved to 7-0 at home.
WORDS: 266 – MOVED: 12/21/2025 7:38 p.m. CST
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HKN–Avalanche-Wild
MacKinnon nets 2 goals, Makar and Nelson have goal, two assists, as Avalanche beat Wild 5-1
SUMMARY: Nathan MacKinnon scored twice, Cale Makar and Brock Nelson each had a goal and two assists, and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Minnesota Wild 5-1 on Sunday night. Martin Necas also scored and Gabriel Landeskog had two assists for Colorado, winners of five straight. Mackenzie Blackwood made 28 saves. Ryan Hartman scored and Jesper Wallstedt made 37 saves for Minnesota, which lost for the first time in eight games, and first time in regulation in 15 home games dating to Nov. 1.
WORDS: 321 – MOVED: 12/21/2025 8:06 p.m. CST
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BKN–Bucks-Timberwolves
Edwards scores 24 as Wolves outlast Bucks 103-100 for their 9th win in 11 games
SUMMARY: Anthony Edwards scored 24 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves rode timely 3-pointers from Donte DiVincenzo and Terrence Shannon Jr. to a 103-100 victory over Milwaukee on Sunday. Two days after closing out defending champion Oklahoma City in its third loss of the season, Edwards went 7 for 24 from the field and 2 for 11 from 3-point range, leading six Wolves in double figures. DiVincenzo made 4 of 8 3-point attempts for 18 points, and Rudy Gobert had 11 points and 18 rebounds, becoming the 45th NBA player with 10,000 rebounds. Edwards’ driving layup with 21 seconds left sealed the Wolves’ ninth win in their past 11 games.
WORDS: 358 – MOVED: 12/21/2025 8:43 p.m. CST
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MISSOURI
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FBC–Missouri-Lindsey
Missouri hires Chip Lindsey as offensive coordinator amid Michigan turmoil
SUMMARY: Missouri has hired Michigan offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey to take on the same role with the Tigers. Lindsey replaces Kirby Moore, who left to become head coach at Washington State. Lindsey expressed excitement about joining Missouri, highlighting the program’s commitment and talent. Moore was fired by Michigan after a university investigation found evidence of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Lindsey, who helped develop Michigan freshman Bryce Underwood, has over 28 years of coaching experience. Missouri is preparing to play Virginia in the Gator Bowl on December 27.
WORDS: 380 – MOVED: 12/21/2025 1:02 p.m. CST
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BKW—T25-Kansas-Iowa St
Hare beats buzzer with a winning 3 and Crooks scores 41 to lift No. 10 Iowa State over Kansas 79-76
SUMMARY: Kenzie Hare hit the game-winning 3-point shot as time expired, Audi Crooks scored 41 points and No. 10 Iowa State beat Kansas 79-76. The unbeaten Cyclones fended off Kansas’ late run when Hare took a pass from Addy Brown and shot over Elle Evans from the corner. The shot accounted for Hare’s only points. Crooks, who leads the nation in scoring, shot 19 of 28 from the field while going over 40 points for the third time this season. S’Mya Nichols led Kansas with 29 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter as the Jayhawks came back from an 11-point deficit.
WORDS: 340 – MOVED: 12/21/2025 2:40 p.m. CST
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FBN–Chiefs-Titans
Titans knock Gardner Minshew out of game and end 11-game home skid, beating Chiefs 26-9
SUMMARY: The Tennessee Titans have snapped an 11-game home skid with a 26-9 victory over the banged-up Kansas City Chiefs. Cam Ward threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns for Tennessee. The Titans (3-12) improved to 1-7 at home this season with their first win at Nissan Stadium since Nov. 3, 2024. The skid matched the franchise’s worst since moving to Tennessee in 1997. With two games left, the Chiefs are 6-9. They are assured of their first losing record since 2012. A week after Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending torn ACL, his backup, Gardner Minshew, was knocked out of the game with a knee injury.
WORDS: 844 – MOVED: 12/21/2025 3:19 p.m. CST
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VOL–NCAA Championship
Texas A&M volleyball wins national championship with sweep of Kentucky
SUMMARY: Logan Lednicky had 11 kills, Maddie Waak had 29 assists and Texas A&M won its first NCAA volleyball championship, sweeping Kentucky 3-0. The Aggies (29-4) accomplished the rare feat of defeating three No. 1 seeds. They defeated Nebraska and Pittsburgh earlier in the tournament. They did not drop a set in the Final Four. At 24-18 in the third set, Kentucky held off a couple of match points before the Aggies took advantage of a free ball and Cos-Okpalla delivered the championship point, crushing a set from Waak out of the middle. Kyndal Stowers finished with 10 kills and hit .304. Cos-Okpalla added eight kills, hitting .235 and Lednicky hit .250. Eva Hudson had a match-high 13 kills for Kentucky and Kassie O’Brien had 34 assists.
WORDS: 348 – MOVED: 12/21/2025 4:57 p.m. CST
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FBN–Chiefs-Minshew Hurt
Chiefs lose another QB to a knee injury. Gardner Minshew knocked out of loss to Titans
SUMMARY: Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid says quarterback Gardner Minshew will have an MRI on his injured left knee. Minshew was hurt in the second quarter of the Chiefs’ 26-9 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. It was the second straight game that Kansas City lost its starting QB to a knee injury. Patrick Mahomes tore two knee ligaments last week, ending his season. Chris Oladokun replaced Minshew and finished the game. Oladukun went 11 of 16 for 111 yards took four sacks in the first extensive action of his career.
WORDS: 535 – MOVED: 12/21/2025 1:24 p.m. CST
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FBN–Chiefs-Stadium
Kansas lawmakers to vote on proposal to lure Kansas City Chiefs with new stadium across state line
SUMMARY: Kansas lawmakers are set to vote Monday on a proposal to attract the Kansas City Chiefs from Missouri. The plan could replace Arrowhead Stadium with a new facility for major year-round events. Chiefs owner Clark Hunt is expected to attend the meeting. If passed, the team could announce plans to leave its 53-year-old home at the Truman Sports Complex. The proposal involves the use of STAR bonds to cover up to 70% of the project’s cost, paid off with state tax revenues. Kansas is in active discussions with the Chiefs, while Missouri lawmakers have been working on their own package to keep the team.
WORDS: 766 – MOVED: 12/22/2025 12:51 a.m. CST
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FBN–Chiefs Analysis
Chiefs’ injury-riddled season hits new low with 26-9 loss to Titans
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs have faced a tough season, marked by injuries and a recent 26-9 loss to the Tennessee Titans. This defeat is their fourth consecutive loss, a first since 2017, leaving coach Andy Reid with a 6-9 record. Injuries have plagued the team, sidelining key players such as Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew. Despite these setbacks, the Chiefs aim to finish strong against the Denver Broncos on Thursday and the Las Vegas Raiders in their final game. Linebacker Nick Bolton emphasizes the team’s mindset of gratitude and determination, despite the challenges they face.
WORDS: 702 – MOVED: 12/22/2025 11:21 a.m. CST
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NEBRASKA
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BKC–T25-North Dakota-Nebraska
Berke Buyuktuncel has triple-double in No. 15 Nebraska’s 78-55 win over North Dakota
SUMMARY: Berke Buyuktuncel had 12 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for a triple-double and No. 15 Nebraska overcame first-half shooting woes to beat North Dakota 78-53 on Sunday night. At 12-0, Nebraska is off to the best start in school history. Braden Frager came off the bench to lead the Huskers with 17 points. Sam Hoiberg finished with 15 points, and Jamarques Lawrence added 13. Eli King scored 13 points for North Dakota (5-10). Marley Curtis added 10. Nebraska’s largest lead was 25. North Dakota got no closer than 10 in the last nine minutes.
WORDS: 218 – MOVED: 12/21/2025 9:21 p.m. CST
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NORTH DAKOTA
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BKC–UC Irvine-North Dakota State
Evans scores 24, UC Irvine takes down North Dakota State 74-73
SUMMARY: Led by Kyle Evans’ 24 points, the UC Irvine Anteaters defeated the North Dakota State Bison 74-73 at the Sun Bowl Invitational. Markhi Strickland led the way for the Bison with 14 points.
WORDS: 141 – MOVED: 12/21/2025 8:32 p.m. CST
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BKC–T25-North Dakota-Nebraska
Berke Buyuktuncel has triple-double in No. 15 Nebraska’s 78-55 win over North Dakota
SUMMARY: Berke Buyuktuncel had 12 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for a triple-double and No. 15 Nebraska overcame first-half shooting woes to beat North Dakota 78-53 on Sunday night. At 12-0, Nebraska is off to the best start in school history. Braden Frager came off the bench to lead the Huskers with 17 points. Sam Hoiberg finished with 15 points, and Jamarques Lawrence added 13. Eli King scored 13 points for North Dakota (5-10). Marley Curtis added 10. Nebraska’s largest lead was 25. North Dakota got no closer than 10 in the last nine minutes.
WORDS: 218 – MOVED: 12/21/2025 9:21 p.m. CST
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OKLAHOMA
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BKC–Cal State Fullerton-Oklahoma State
Roy’s 22 points leads Oklahoma State over Cal State Fullerton 94-89
SUMMARY: Anthony Roy scored 22 points and Vyctorius Miller and Christian Coleman added 20 apiece as Oklahoma State held off Cal State Fullerton 94-89 on Sunday. The Cowboys (11-1) stayed unbeaten at home by matching Cal State Fullerton’s perimeter shooting and doing just enough late to preserve the win. Oklahoma State shot 51% from the field and 14 of 30 (47%) from 3-point range, offsetting 17 turnovers in a game that stayed tight into the final minute. Cal State Fullerton (5-8) repeatedly answered, finishing 12 of 26 (46%) from beyond the arc and 30 of 59 (51%) overall. The Titans cut the margin to 91-89 with 24 seconds remaining on a 3-pointer by Christian Williams, but Oklahoma State closed it out at the line.
WORDS: 292 – MOVED: 12/21/2025 3:28 p.m. CST
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BKN–Timberwolves-Finch Fined
Timberwolves coach fined $35K for spat with officials in win over Thunder
SUMMARY: The NBA fined Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch $35,000 on Sunday for “directing inappropriate language toward game officials and failing to leave the court in a timely manner following his ejection” on Friday. Finch was ejected in the first quarter of the Timberwolves’ 112-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Finch chased a referee up the court to yell his case and picked up a technical foul. Then he charged at the rest of the crew during the break and got a second technical with the accompanying ejection. Finch had to be restrained by his assistant coaches and team security before relenting and leaving the court to a roaring ovation.
WORDS: 212 – MOVED: 12/21/2025 5:09 p.m. CST
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SOUTH DAKOTA
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BKW–T25-Texas-South Dakota St
No. 2 Texas women pull away from South Dakota State 70-51 in a rare away game at Summit League power
SUMMARY: Jordan Lee had 17 points and four steals to help No. 2 Texas pull away from South Dakota State for a 70-51 win. The Longhorns visited the Jackrabbits in a home-and-home series with the Summit League power after needing to fill out last year’s schedule, coach Vic Schaefer said. This one was a lot closer than the 103-57 outcome at Texas last season. Texas led South Dakota state by eight points midway through the third quarter. Madison Booker scored six points in the final five minutes to help Texas take a 49-34 lead at the end of the period.
WORDS: 321 – MOVED: 12/21/2025 3:43 p.m. CST
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