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

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs have fired defensive coordinator Bob Sutton after a second-half collapse in the AFC championship game, including an overtime period in which Kansas City failed to stop the New England Patriots on what turned out to be the only possession. The Patriots won the game 37-31 to reach their third consecutive Super Bowl.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — NFL security is investigating whether a fan attempted to shine a laser into the face of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady during their AFC championship game victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night. Laser pointers are banned at most sporting events because of the potential for distraction and safety reasons.

MANHATTAN, Kansas (AP) — Barry Brown Jr. had 15 points, Dean Wade had 13 and Kansas State’s defense shut down No. 14 Texas Tech in a 58-45. The Big 12’s top-ranked defenses combined to force 30 turnovers. The Wildcats held Texas Tech to 33-percent shooting and never led the Red Raiders get their offense rolling. Jarrett Culver led Texas Tech with 17 points. Tariq Owens had 12.

UNDATED (AP) — Bad officiating may have dominated the AFC and NFC championships, but the trophies the Patriots and Rams won aren’t tarnished because the victors stepped up and overcame adversity on the road to earn a trip to Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta. The Rams didn’t panic over early deficits to the Saints and the Patriots kept their quarterback clean by manhandling the league’s top pass-rushing defense and holding the Chiefs without a sack.

UNDATED (AP) — Arkansas basketball’s slow return to national relevance has hit a snag. The Razorbacks are struggling in coach Mike Anderson’s eighth season in Fayetteville, losing four straight league games over the past two weeks. The skid has put a third-straight trip to the NCAA Tournament in jeopardy. The Razorbacks host Missouri on Wednesday.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — David Collins scored 13 points and grabbed six rebounds and South Florida beat Wichita State 54-41 after holding the Shockers to 15 first-half points, but scoring just 24 of their own in the second half. It was the fewest points the Bulls have allowed in a first half since the 15 scored by Ohio on Nov. 16, 2018.