Basketball:
U-C Edged by Kansas State:
MANHATTAN, Kan. – The University of Cincinnati men’s basketball team (#16) dropped its Big 12 opener Monday night, falling 70-67 to Kansas State.Turnovers proved costly for the No. 16 Bearcats, who gave the ball away 15 times, leading to 15 points for the Wildcats. Dan Skillings Jr. paced Cincinnati with 18 points, while Dillon Mitchell delivered a strong performance with 15 points and 11 rebounds.Cincinnati made a late push, with Aziz Bandaogo throwing down a dunk to cut the deficit to two points in the final seconds. But Kansas State held on, thanks to clutch free throws from C.J. Jones in the waning moments.The loss moves the Bearcats to 12-2 overall and 0-1 in conference play.
Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks:
- The Pacers, currently 16-17, face the 16-14 Bucks this afternoon at 3:00 pm EST. Catch the broadcast starting at 2:30 on 103.9 FM, and The WRBI App.
- Pacers Head Coach Rick Carlisle expressed confidence in Tyrese Haliburton and challenged Jarace Walker to maintain high effort on both ends of the court.
Men’s College Basketball Today:
- Ball State vs. Anderson at 2:00 pm.
- #10 Kentucky will host Brown at 2:00 pm.
- Notre Dame vs. Georgia Tech at 2:30 pm.
Women’s College Basketball Tomorrow:
- Ball State vs. Miami (OH) at 1:00 pm.
- Purdue vs. Michigan State at 2:00 pm.
- Butler vs. Creighton at 3:00 pm.
Tomorrow in Men’s College Basketball:
- Indiana State vs. Bradley at 7:00 pm.
Football:
College Football Playoff – Sugar Bowl:
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Georgia Bulldogs:
- Kickoff: 8:45 pm EST, New Year’s Day in New Orleans.
- The 12-1 Irish are riding an 11-game win streak.
- Quarterback Riley Leonard has improved significantly, with a passer rating of 106.2 in his last four games, compared to 70.7 in his first four.
- Notre Dame Head Coach Marcus Freeman:
- Finalist for the 2024 George Munger College Coach of the Year Award (winner announced January 9th).
Indiana Hoosiers Football:
- Chandler Whitmer joined the program as quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator. Whitmer brings NFL experience from the Los Angeles Chargers and Atlanta Falcons. Head Coach Curt Cignetti expressed confidence in Whitmer’s ability to elevate the quarterback room.
NFL:
Cincinnati Bengals:
- The Bengals kept their playoff hopes alive with a 30-24 overtime victory against the Denver Broncos in Week 17.
- Cincinnati’s playoff chances increased to 21% following the Colts’ loss to the Giants, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
- To make the playoffs, the Bengals must:
- Win their Week 18 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Have the Broncos lose to the Chiefs in Week 18.
- See the Dolphins lose at least one of their remaining games (vs. Browns or Jets).
- Running back Chase Brown, who has been crucial to the Bengals’ recent success, suffered a high ankle sprain in the fourth quarter against the Broncos.
- The Bengals face the Steelers in a Saturday night primetime game for Week 18, marking their franchise-record sixth primetime game of the season.
Indianapolis Colts:
- The Colts were eliminated from playoff contention with a 45-33 loss to the New York Giants.
- Former Colt Pat McAfee voiced frustration on X, expressing disgust with the team’s current state.
- Defensive Tackle DeForest Buckner acknowledged the team’s struggles and the missed opportunities in key moments this season.
- Colts Head Coach Shane Steichen emphasized the need to raise the standard for accountability and performance within the organization.
- The Colts wrap up the regular season this Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars at 1:00 pm EST.