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

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (AP) — Joseph Yesufu had a career-high 20 points as Drake beat Northern Iowa 77-69. Garrett Sturtz had 19 points for Drake (21-2, 12-2 Missouri Valley Conference). Tremell Murphy added 14 points. D.J. Wilkins had six assists. Austin Phyfe had 19 points for the Panthers (7-15, 5-11). Trae Berhow added 13 points. Nate Heise had 12 points.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa’s Joe Wieskamp is not letting opponents that play physical defense bother him anymore. Last year his production dropped when injuries to teammates left him as the Hawkeyes’ primary 3-point shooting threat. That allowed opponents to get physical with him and throw him off his game. He’s been at his best lately. Wieskamp was named the Big Ten player of the week after averaging better than 23 points and eight rebounds in two games last week. The No. 11 Hawkeyes visits No. 21 Wisconsin on Thursday night.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals had been quiet the past couple of offseason cycles, letting the young core they plan to lead their next assault on the World Series to grow and develop out of the bright spotlight of the major leagues. But the signing of Carlos Santana to a $17.5 million, two-year contract and the trade with Boston for outfielder Andrew Benintendi are signs that the waiting is over and the Royals are ready to compete this season. Pitchers and catchers began working out at their spring training complex Wednesday in Surprise, Arizona.

UNDATED (AP) — No. 3 Michigan and No. 4 Ohio State are set to meet. The Wolverines didn’t need much time to shake off the rust from a three-week layoff, and the Buckeyes are rolling along. Michigan rallied to win at No. 21 Wisconsin last Sunday in its first game back. The school had put all activities on hold due to several positive tests for a COVID-19 variant that transmits at a higher rate. The Wolverines host Rutgers in what could be a tough matchup on Thursday. Ohio State has won six straight, the longest active streak in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes visit Penn State on Thursday.

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — Eric Ayala scored 17 of his career-high 24 points in the first half and Maryland beat Nebraska 79-71 to sweep the regular-season series on consecutive nights. Maryland (13-10, 7-9 Big Ten) has won three straight, including a 64-50 victory over the Cornhuskers. That contest replaced the originally scheduled game on Jan. 16, which was postponed due to health and safety protocols within the Cornhusker program. Aaron Wiggins added 22 points for the Terrapins, who made 13 3-pointers. Teddy Allen led the Cornhuskers (5-14, 1-11) with 25 points, one shy of his career best.

EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) — Kate Cain matched a career-high with 22 points, Isabelle Bourne had 21 points and a career-best 17 rebounds, and Nebraska pulled away in the fourth quarter to beat No. 24 Northwestern 71-64. Nebraska (10-9, 8-8 Big Ten) ended a four-game losing streak despite committing 28 turnovers, and swept the season series against Northwestern (11-5, 9-5). Cain scored 10 points in the fourth quarter and Bourne added eight as Nebraska outscored the Wildcats 31-20. Lindsey Pulliam scored 22 points to lead Northwestern. Jordan Hamilton added 10 points and 10 rebounds.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Marcus Garrett scored 14 points, Jalen Wilson added 11 and No. 23 Kansas beat Kansas State 59-41. The Jayhawks held the Wildcats to a season low in points despite a ho-hum offensive performance. Dajuan Gordon scored a team-high 12 points for the Wildcats.

CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) — Gaige Prim had 29 points plus 21 rebounds as Missouri State defeated Southern Illinois 68-53. Lance Jones led the Salukis with 13 points.