Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — For the third straight year, top-seeded Kansas made its way through the Sweet 16. Getting to the Final Four has been a different story _ and the Jayhawks are on the doorstep once again. Kansas brought at least a temporary halt to the insanity this March, holding off a big comeback from fifth-seeded Clemson for an 80-76 victory. Malik Newman led the Jayhawks with 17 points in a win that won’t mean much if KU can’t finish the job in Sunday’s regional final.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Michigan, Florida State, Kansas State and Loyola-Chicago will get their chance to earn a trip to the Final Four on Saturday. In an upset-filled NCAA Tournament, the ninth-seeded Wildcats and 11th-seeded Ramblers will play the first regional final for the South Region’s ticket to San Antonio. The second Elite Eight game will feature the third-seeded Wolverines against the ninth-seeded Seminoles in the West final.

UNDATED (AP) — In an NCAA Tournament dominated by upsets, Friday belonged to the favorites. Top seeds Kansas and Villanova, along with second-seeded Duke all moved on to the Elite Eight after holding on for close wins. All three teams are on the right side of the tourney bracket. Joined by Texas Tech, the foursome alone would make for intriguing Final Four. That makes any team that emerges from Sunday a likely top contender for the national title.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Teaira McCowan had 24 points and 15 rebounds, Victoria Vivians added 14 points and top-seeded Mississippi State routed North Carolina State 71-57 to reach the Elite Eight of the women’s NCAA Tournament. Kiara Leslie had 27 points to pace the Wolfpack.

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers’ three-time NL Cy Young Award winner stretched his spring training scoreless streak to 21 1/3 innings with 6 2/3 innings against Kansas City in his final tuneup for Thursday’s opener against San Francisco. He allowed a leadoff single to Jon Jay and no other hits. He struck out four and walked none in a 10-0 win, the left0hander’s first appearance since turning 30 on Monday.

ATLANTA (AP) — It’s only fitting that a South Regional stripped of its top four seeds on the first weekend _ a first for the NCAA Tournament _ is left with two of the tournament’s biggest surprises to play for a Final Four berth. Tough-minded Kansas State, the No. 9 seed, has leaned on its strong defense to carve its path to the regional final against No. 11 seed Loyola-Chicago.

UNDATED (AP) — Texas Tech is headed to the Elite Eight for the first time in program history. Keenan Evans had 16 points and the third-seeded Red Raiders overcame an early first half hole and dominated second-seeded Purdue down the stretch to earn a 78-65 victory in the Sweet 16 on Friday night. Texas Tech will play top seed Villanova in the East regional final Sunday.