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

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Tremell Murphy scored 30 points and No. 25 Drake rolled past Illinois State 95-60 on Monday night in the Bulldogs’ first game as a ranked team in nearly 13 years. ShanQuan Hemphill had 18 points for the unbeaten Bulldogs, who improved to 37-4 in the Knapp Center under coach Darian DeVries. Antonio Reeves led Illinois State with 20 points. The Bulldogs had little trouble with the Redbirds after struggling to a 78-76 overtime win in Sunday’s series opener. Reeves had 27 points in the first meeting.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have placed a pair of backups, wide receiver Demarcus Robinson and center Daniel Kilgore, on the COVID-19 list as close contacts as they begin their final preparations for the Super Bowl against Tampa Bay. Chiefs coach Andy said Monday he was told of the situation Sunday but could provide no other information. Neither of the players actually tested positive for COVID-19, which means Robinson — a regular contributor — and Kilgore could still play in the Super Bowl. Both would need to return negative tests throughout the week to get off the list.

UNDATED (AP) — Rob Gronkowski was the prototype as a big, physical, pass-catching tight end who could take over games with Tom Brady throwing to him in New England. The two are together again with the Buccaneers and relying on each other in another Super Bowl. Travis Kelce has been exactly that for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs as a record-shattering game changer at the position. Both Gronkowski and Kelce are fun-loving guys who take over any room their in with their larger-than-life personalities. They also have a mutual respect for each other and all of their respective career accomplishments.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals have completed their blockbuster trade to acquire All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado from the Colorado Rockies. St. Louis dealt left-hander Austin Gomber and four minor leaguers to the Rockies: infielder Elehuris Montero, right-hander Tony Locey, infielder Mateo Gil and right-handed pitcher Jake Sommers. As part of the trade, Colorado will send cash to St. Louis to offset part of the money Arenado is due in his contract.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — When the Kansas City Chiefs fell short in an overtime loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC title game two years ago, what was missing wasn’t so much an impact pass rusher or shut-down corner. No, what was missing most was someone orchestrating the entire defense. That’s when Steve Spagnuolo entered the picture. His scheme helped the Chiefs return to the Super Bowl for the first time in 50 years last season, and now they are back looking for a repeat.

UNDATED (AP) — The Super Bowl is always defined by numbers, this one perhaps more than others because there’s one number _ positive tests for COVID-19 this week _ that no one wants to see. That was on the minds of players and coaches who gathered Monday _ virtually, of course _ for the kickoff to Super Bowl week. Even so, their attention was focused mainly on the week of preparations for the game, a week that will be very different for Tom Brady and other players who have Super Bowl experience.

UNDATED (AP) — Tom Brady keeps raising the bar about how long he could keep playing quarterback in the NFL. As the 43-year-old Brady prepares for his record 10th Super Bowl and first since joining Tampa Bay this past offseason he says he’s definitely considering surpassing his previous goal and playing beyond age 45. It’s a matter of having the commitment and staying healthy but Brady has shown he can still thrive at an age most of his peers have retired.