Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press
SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — As a rule five draft selection, Brad Keller was a surprising success with Kansas City last season. The rebuilding Royals are hoping to do it again with Chris Ellis and Sam McWilliams. Kansas City plucked Keller from the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the right-hander rewarded them with a stellar rookie season, going 9-6 with a 3.08 ERA while making 20 starts. He was named the organization’s pitcher of the year, and he’s going into 2019 as the team’s No. 2 starter behind Danny Duffy.
NEW YORK (AP) — Women’s basketball teams across the country found many different ways to honor cancer survivors this week as part of the Play4Kay initiative. Texas A&M and Iowa had their players wear names on their jerseys of people who had touched their lives and battled cancer.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Kayla Goth scored 15 points, Peyton Williams posted a double-double and Kansas State overcame a 14-point second-half deficit to upset No. 15 Texas 69-60. Williams finished with 13 points and 14 rebounds, Jasauen Beard and Rachel Ranke each scored 11 and Kali Jones grabbed 11 rebounds for the Wildcats.
CINCINNATI (AP) — Jarron Cumberland scored 27 points, matching his career high with six 3-pointers, and Cincinnati swept its season series with Wichita State, beating the Shockers 72-62. The Bearcats took control with a late first-half run led by Cumberland, who scored 14 in the opening half.
COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Rennia Davis made two free throws to break a tie with 52.6 seconds left as Tennessee edged Missouri 62-60 to win for the fifth time in its last six games. The score was tied at 60-all when Davis pulled down an offensive rebound and got fouled.
CHICAGO (AP) — Tulio Da Silva had 16 points, nine rebounds and three blocks as Missouri State narrowly beat Loyola of Chicago 65-61. Jarred Dixon had 10 points for Missouri State, which earned its fourth straight win.
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — AJ Green had 21 points as Northern Iowa beat Evansville 73-58. Trae Berhow had 14 points and 11 rebounds for Northern Iowa, which ended its five-game road losing streak.