– Wayne Byers Show – Morning – Mar 5

CSi Weather…

…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT 6 PM CST THURSDAY…

* WHAT…Northwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.

* WHERE…Portions of south central and southeast North Dakota, and the James River Valley. Barnes, Sargent, Ransom, Eddy and Griggs Counties.

* WHEN.. to 6 PM CST Thursday.

* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

Forecast…

REST OF TODAY…Decreasing clouds. Windy. Highs in the mid 30s.

Northwest winds 25 to 30 mph with gusts to around 45 mph

decreasing to 15 to 25 mph in the afternoon.

.TONIGHT…Increasing clouds. Lows 15 to 20. Northwest winds

around 5 mph shifting to the south after midnight.

.FRIDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 30s. South winds 10 to

20 mph.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 20s. South winds

5 to 15 mph.

.SATURDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 30s. South winds

around 5 mph shifting to the east in the afternoon.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Cloudy. Lows in the upper 20s.

.SUNDAY…Cloudy. Highs in the mid 30s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of snow in the

evening. Lows 5 to 10 above.

.MONDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 20s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows 5 to 10 above.

.TUESDAY…Partly sunny. Slight chance of snow in the afternoon.

Highs in the upper 20s.

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of snow.

Lows 15 to 20.

.WEDNESDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 30s.

Chance for light snow, wintry mix, and rain for Sunday

and Monday.

Jamestown (CSi) The North Dakota State Hospital inmate who assaulted and attempted to murder a staff member on March 29, 2019 has been found not guilty, in Southeast District Court.

32 year old Jason Benefiel, was accused of choking, striking, and kicking an employee of the State Hospital in March 2019 while he was a patient at the State Hospital. He faced charges of attempted murder and two counts of aggravated assault.

During testimony in Southeast District Court, Judge Cherie Clark found that Benefiel had in fact committed the crimes as charged, but the court concluded he was not criminally responsible. According to the Northe Dakota Century Code, “an individual lacks criminal responsibility when he or she does not have the “substantial capacity or consequences of the conduct.”

Benefiel was ordered to be committed to the North Dakota State Hospital for evaluation with a final disposition scheduled for May 5th.

If he’s is mentally ill or considered a threat, he could be ordered to a treatment facility for up to 20 years.

Valley City (Valley News Live) A Valley City man is facing several charges after investigators say they found child pornography on his computer.

Valley News Live reports, 40-year-old Justin Hatcher is charged with 11 counts of felony possession of certain materials prohibited.

Court documents say during a search, officers found numerous images of young nude children. When asked about the images, Hatcher told officers he would use meth and search for child porn, and said it became an obsession.

Hatcher admitted to saving around 100 images of child porn.

Court documents filed Wednesday say officers found 27 images on Hatcher’s devices. They say most of the pictures were of young children between the ages of 5 and 16.

Valley City (VCPS)_A short administrative lockdown was implemented Wednesday, March 4, at Valley City Junior and Senior High School, following a medical issue with a student on the second floor.

Valley City Public School, Superintendent, Josh Johnson says using the combined efforts of the school staff, School Resource Officer, Sean Hagen, and Barnes County First Responders, the situation was dealt with as quickly as possible, with the lockdown in place about 15 minutes.

Johnson says the student was transported to the hospital with a non-life threatening medical condition.

Valley City (CSi) As reported during the Valley City Commission meeting, the community is invited to a fundraiser to support the Erlandson family who recently lost their home and all their belongings when their house exploded and caught fire, on February 26.

A freewill donation “Fun”draiser is on Thursday, March 5 at the Hi Liner Activity Center, from 4-p.m., to 9-p.m. Concessions will be open from 5-p.m. to 8-p.m.

Activities for the kids includes inflatables and games.

Jamestown (CSi) Load restrictions on all Stutsman County roads begins at 7 a.m. Monday, March 9

Single axle vehicles are limited to a gross vehicle weight of 14,000 pounds. Tandem axle vehicles may weigh no more than 14,000 pounds per axle. Trucks with three-axle or more groups are limited to no more than 12,000 pounds per axle.

The maximum weight allowed by any axle group is 36,000 pounds and maximum gross vehicle weight is 80,000 pounds. Signs will be placed on access roads.

Enforcement of the load limits will by handled by the Stutsman County Sheriff’s Department and the North Dakota Highway Patrol.

Jamestown (CSi) The Veterans Administration is requesting $243 Billion in federal funds, for Fiscal Year 2021.

On Wednesday’s Wayne Byers Show, Stutsman County Veterans Service Officer, David Bratton said, in the request is funding for veterans issues such as mental health and suicide prevent support, along with women’s health, and the Navy’s Blue Water Health, claims.

He also said, that the U.S. Department of Labor recognizes an apprenticeship program for disabled vets.

More information on line at abilityone.com

He added that the Jamestown office of Freedom Resource Center for Independent Living will hold an informational session on the topic “Disaster Planning For Those With Disabilities, March 19^th from 1:30-p.m., to 3:30-p.m. at the LEC lower level meeting room.

The Freedom in Action class will discuss risks in your community.

Learn how you prepare for a disaster.

Who is your network of support in time of disaster.

Learn what your disaster resources are.

To register, call Beth at 701-252-4693

David pointed out that the Veterans Administration is responding to the Coronavirus pandemic with information through the Centers For Disease Control (CDC).

Local VA Centers/Clinics have more information.

The Stutsman County Veterans Service Office has more information on topics such as obtaining a 1095-B tax form, indicating health insurance coverage when filing federal income tax forms.

His office is located at the lower level of the LEC in Jamestown, open Monday Through Friday

From 8-a.m., to noon, and 1-p.m., to 5-p.m. Call 701-252-9043.

Jamestown (JRMC) — Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC) recently announced Holly Wald as its most recent Legend Award recipient.

The Legend Award is the most prestigious distinction for a JRMC employee. The Legend Award recognizes employees who exceed expectations and make THE difference in the lives of those they serve.

JRMC Patient Access Manager Alison Kennison and Respiratory Therapist Erin Stewart nominated Wald because of her caring and compassionate nature.

“Holly is known for never saying “It’s not my job” and for picking up shifts when the department is short of help,” Kennison wrote. “She always thinks of others, especially her patients and coworkers. This is especially shown during winter storms – Holly always keeps an overnight bag in her vehicle just in case.”

Originally from the Edgeley, N.D. area, Wald joined the JRMC team in 2014.

JRMC’s 350 employees cast anonymous votes to select each Legend Award winner.

The purpose of the Legend Award is to inspire, motivate and capture the moments that define JRMC. The goal is to help employees and volunteers connect to the sense of purpose that brought them to the organization. This award is for employees who’ve made extreme efforts to benefit their patients and colleagues.

“The nominations inspire staff members to continually be the best, exceed expectations and make THE difference in the lives of those we serve,” said JRMC President & CEO, Mike Delfs.

Once nominated, both JRMC administration and employees vote on their favorite nominees and their stories.

“Holly is one of the many patient access faces of JRMC. Her passion and dedication to our patients and their families is unwavering. She is the definition of Legendary Healthcare,” said JRMC Chief Operating Officer Ricki Ramlo. “During Holly’s tenure with JRMC, she has greeted and taken care of the needs of many, including supporting her coworkers. During a recent weather-related event, Holly was an amazing resource to many staff due to the need of working with a skeleton storm team. She is a perfect example of years of consistent commitment to performing with selfless purpose and providing legendary care each day. Her steady demeanor and calm approach is celebrated and are part of the JRMC work culture.”

The Legend Award first began in 2012. Since then, more than 40 individuals have been named Legends and more than 115 employees were nominated.

To read her full story, visit www.jrmcnd.com.

About Jamestown Regional Medical Center

Jamestown Regional Medical Center is located at 2422 20^th St. SW, Jamestown, N.D. and serves approximately 55,000 people in nine counties. In 2019, it was named a “Top 100 Critical Access Hospital” as well as a “Best Places to Work in Healthcare.” For more information, visit www.jrmcnd.com or call 701-952-1050.

Jamestown (UJ) Tena Lawrence, MA, Executive Vice President at University of Jamestown, was named in Prairie Business magazine’s annual “Top 25 Women in Business,” a list that honors some of the region’s most successful and noteworthy business women.

Awardees were selected based on their impressive accomplishments, community involvement, and work histories.

Lawrence, a Jamestown native, started her career in banking, serving 25 years at Unison Bank (formerly Stutsman County State Bank). Lawrence then transitioned to University of Jamestown, accepting a role as the Director of Development. From there, she became the Dean of Enrollment, then the VP of Public Relations and Marketing, and now, Executive Vice President. In her current role, Lawrence is responsible for the oversight of University finances and strategic plan implementation.

UJ President, Dr. Polly Peterson says, “Tena is one of the most talented people I have ever had the joy of working with. She has had several positions of leadership at the University of Jamestown due to her diverse set of skills and her continuous desire to learn and serve others. Tena is a very special talent, and I am so excited for her to have received this honor and recognition.”

When not working at the University, Lawrence has donated much of her experience and expertise to local non-profits. She has served on Jamestown Dollars for Scholars as an officer, ND Dollars for Scholars Board as President, Safe Shelter Board as President, the Safe Shelter Capital Campaign Committee Chair, on the Trinity Lutheran Church Capital Campaign committee and the South Central Dakota Regional Council Board. Currently, she serves on the Jamestown Tourism Board as Vice President.

Lawrence earned her Master of Arts in Leadership from University of Jamestown in 2017 and her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, History/Political-Science, and Secondary Education from University of Jamestown in 1981. She will be profiled among the “Top 25 Women in Business” in the March issue of Prairie Business magazine.

Established in 1883, the University of Jamestown is a private, liberal arts university granting Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science and Science in Nursing degrees, as well as Master’s Degrees in Education, Leadership, Clinical Counseling, and a Fargo-based Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. With the Jamestown Journey to Success, emphasis is placed not only on preparing students academically in their chosen areas of study, but also on preparing them through a student-centered experience. For more information, visit uj.edu.

Washington (USDA) U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue has designated 16 North Dakota counties as primary natural disaster areas.

Emergency support to producers in surrounding counties, including counties in border states, is also available. Producers suffering losses from five separate WHIP+ eligible disaster events may now be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans.

In The Region:

Counties Affected by Excessive Snow, Excessive Moisture, and Flooding
Producers in Barnes, Dickey, and Logan counties who suffered losses due to excessive snow, excessive moisture, and flooding that occurred Jan. 1, 2019, through Dec. 6, 2019, are eligible to apply for emergency loans.

Producers in the contiguous North Dakota counties of Cass, Emmons, Griggs, Kidder, LaMoure, McIntosh, Ransom, Sargent, Steele, and Stutsman, along with Brown and McPherson counties in South Dakota, are also eligible to apply for emergency loans.

Forty-seven of North Dakota’s 53 counties were previously approved for a secretarial disaster designation. The remaining six counties are now covered with this designation, making all of North Dakota eligible.

The deadline to apply for these emergency loans is Oct. 28, 2020. FSA considers each loan based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.

For further information on eligibility requirements and application procedures, please go to www.farmers.gov/recover.

BISMARCK, N.D. (Bismarck Tribune) — The University of Mary in Bismarck is joining other American universities with ties to Italy that have temporarily closed campuses there amid the coronavirus outbreak. The school said Wednesday it is closing its Rome campus for now. The U.S. government has escalated travel advisories to Italy in recent weeks and is now advising against nonessential travel. Italy is the epicenter of Europe’s coronavirus outbreak. More than 100 people have died and more than 3,000 have been infected. The Bismarck Tribune reports the university had 25 students in Rome this semester, seven of whom returned home last week.

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KFGO-AM) — State agents are investigating the death of a man who died after he was arrested on felony warrants in Moorhead. KFGO reports officers from the High Plains Task Force were taking the man into custody Tuesday afternoon when he complained of shortness of breath and passed out as paramedics arrived. He was rushed to Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota where he died Tuesday night. The Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting an autopsy to determine cause and manner of death. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating. He has not been identified.

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Three attorneys who conducted their own investigation into clergy sex abuse want the North Dakota Legislature to open up the statute of limitations that has protected offenders in civil cases. They are also demanding that that the state’s two Roman Catholic dioceses release more files on accused priests. The Fargo and Bismarck dioceses in January released a list of 53 clergy members with substantiated allegations of sexual abuse of a minor, but it did not include their assignment histories. Attorneys Michael Bryant, Tatum O’Brien and Tim O’Keeffe released those histories Wednesday. The dioceses say a review by the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation on their files of deacons, priests and bishops is almost complete.

(AP) North Dakota State Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler says she is seeking formal treatment after her arrest for drunken driving. Baesler released a statement Wednesday in which she said she remains committed to her work as state superintendent. Baesler was pulled over about 10 p.m. last Wednesday in Mandan and arrested by the state Highway Patrol. In her statement, Baesler says she will work with counselors to address her struggles with alcohol. Baesler was first elected in 2012 and is up for reelection this November.

MINOT, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota regulators have rejected a permit for a proposed wind farm in Ward and McLean counties. The Public Service Commission denied the permit for Southern Power’s Ruso Wind project on Wednesday by a 1-2 vote. The project had difficulties complying with a 2017 state law requiring new technology to stop lights atop the turbines from blinking all night. The company did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

In sports…

Sioux City Iowa (uj.edu) — Four University of Jamestown men’s basketball players earned GPAC All-Conference honors as the first, second, and honorable mentions were announced by the league office Wednesday.

Jack Talley (JR/Sioux Falls, SD) was named to the first team. Talley led the Jimmies in scoring during the 2019-20 season, averaging 16.7 points per game. His 7.2 rebounds per contest was second on the Jimmies.

Terrell Alfred (SR/Orlando, FL) was a second team selection. Alfred made a team-high 101 three-pointers and averaged 15.7 points per game. His 472 points led Jamestown.

Mason Walters (FR/Jamestown, ND) and Brady Birch (JR/Melrose, MN) were named honorable mention. Walters led the Jimmies in rebounding with 8.7 per game while averaging 14.2 points per game. Birch averaged 11 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, pulling down a team-best 218 boards, and shot 61.4 percent from the field.

In addition, Walters was selected as the GPAC’s Freshman of the Year. Despite missing eight games due to injury, Walters ranked fourth on the Jimmies in scoring average, third in field goal percentage, and second in total rebounds.

2019-20 GPAC All-Conference Teams and Postseason Honors

Jamestown (uj.edu) The University of Jamestown hockey team will be making its third straight trip to the ACHA National Tournament as the conference office released the list of qualifiers, final rankings, and the tournament bracket.

The 12th-seeded Jimmies will face a familiar foe in their first game, No. 5 seed Minot State University, Saturday March 21 at 10:00 a.m. at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas. The UJ-MSU winner will then play the winner of No. 4 Ohio and the winner of 13th-ranked Central Oklahoma and No. 20 Niagra.

Jamestown dropped one spot in the rankings, going from #11 to #12.

ACHA National Rankings
ACHA Tournament Bracket
Tournament Schedule
Tournament Qualifiers

UJ hosts its final home game of the 2019-20 season Thursday night against Minot State at 7:10 p.m. in John L. Wilson Arena.

Jamestown (uj.edu) —The American Midwest/Great Plains/Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference announces the following men’s volleyball players of the week. The student-athletes were selected for their performances for games played February 24-March 1, 2020 by a vote of conference sports information directors.

AMGPKCAC Men’s Volleyball Players of the Week

Attacker of the Week: Clark Steele (JR/Lake Forest, Calif.), Jamestown (N.D.) (Opposite)
Steele, a junior from Lake Forest, Calif., had an impressive weekend in helping Jamestown (N.D.) split a pair of matches. In a 3-1 loss at No. 3 Park (Mo.), Steele smashed home a career-high 27 kills and hit .478 while being credited with seven block assists. Against Ottawa (Kan.), Steele sent 14 balls to the floor, hitting .480 with just two errors.

Defender of the Week: Noah Marasco-Ayau, Briar Cliff (Iowa) (Libero)
Marasco-Ayau, a senior from Honolulu, Hawaii, led Briar Cliff defensively in all three matches last week, including tallying 22 digs in BC’s five-set win over Graceland (Iowa). He also contributed six assists and two ace serves on the week.

Setter of the Week: Luciano Bucci, Park (Mo.)
Bucci, a junior from San Salvo, Italy, helped lead the No.3 Pirates to a 2-0 record last week as he dished out 106 assists in just eight sets for an average of 13.25 assists per set. Bucci also had nine digs and seven total blocks.

Previous Winners:
Week One (January 28, 2020): Tyler Gardenhire, Ottawa (Attacker) | Noah Marasco-Ayau, Briar Cliff (Defender) | Jason Harman, Missouri Baptist (Setter)
Week Two (February 4, 2020): Luka Cajic, Missouri Baptist (Attacker) | Caylor Cox (FR/Helena, Mont.), Jamestown (Defender) | Jason Harman, Missouri Baptist (Setter)
Week Three (February 11, 2020): Hiago Crins, Park (Attacker) | Hiago Crins, Park (Defender) | Derek Correa (FR/Vega Baja, Puerto Rico), Jamestown (Setter)
Week Four (February 18, 2020): Felipe Guirau, Park (Attacker) | Hunter Miller, Briar Cliff (Defender) | Jason Harman, Missouri Baptist (Setter)
Week Five (February 25, 2020): Luka Cajic, Missouri Baptist (Attacker) | Leandro Lima, Park (Defender) | Luciano Bucci, Park (Setter)

2020 NAIA Softball Coaches’ Top 25 Poll 1 – March 4

RANK	LAST WEEK	SCHOOL [1st PLACE VOTES]	RECORD	FINAL POINTS
1	1	Southern Oregon [18]	19-3	529
2	2	Science & Arts (Okla.) [1]	14-2	512
3	5	Lindsey Wilson (Ky.)	10-1	480
4	4	Marian (Ind.)	0-0	469
5	3	Oklahoma City	11-3	464
6	16	Columbia (Mo.)	8-0	455
7	9	Vanguard (Calif.)	18-4	422
8	7	Mobile (Ala.)	5-4	405
9	14	Truett-McConnell (Ga.)	9-2	392
10	5	Georgia Gwinnett	9-6	366
11	12	Indiana Wesleyan	4-2	344
12	11	Hope International (Calif.)	14-7	337
13	13	Campbellsville (Ky.)	8-5	304
14	15	Olivet Nazarene (Ill.)	8-4	287
15	19	College of Idaho	10-6	275
16	NR	Central Baptist (Ark.)	11-2	263
17	17	Grand View (Iowa)	7-3	241
18	18	William Carey (Miss.)	6-3	231
19	NR	Coastal Georgia	13-4	215
20	22	Morningside (Iowa)	10-2	201
21	NR	Reinhardt (Ga.)	12-6	179
22	NR	Saint Xavier (Ill.)	9-1	168
23	23	Houston-Victoria (Texas)	8-6	137
24	24	Corban (Ore.)	9-5	122
25	NR	Warner (Fla.)	9-3	109

Dropped Out: Marymount (Calif.), Oregon Tech and USC Beaufort (S.C.)

Receiving Votes: Taylor (Ind.) 82, Lyon (Ark.) 61, Madonna (Mich.) 61, Simpson (Calif.) 51, Indiana Southeast 38, Webber International (Fla.) 33, Arizona Christian 20, Georgetown (Ky.) 19, Bellevue (Neb.) 18, Central Methodist (Mo.) 13, McPherson (Kan.) 12, Marymount (Calif.) 10, Jamestown (N.D.) 9, Martin Methodist (Tenn.) 8, Cumberlands (Ky.) 5, Oregon Tech 4, Baker (Kan.) 3

NBA..

UNDATED (AP) — Malik Beasley produced 24 points and D’Angelo Russell added 19 for the Timberwolves in a 115-108 win against the Bulls. Naz Reid had his second straight double-double for Minnesota with 16 points and 11 rebounds.

The Milwaukee Bucks have avoided their first losing streak in 12 months.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (YAH’-nihs an-teh-toh-KOON’-poh) had a double-double and the Bucks bounced back from Monday’s loss at Miami by topping the Pacers, 119-100. Antetokounmpo had 29 points, 12 rebounds and six assists for Milwaukee, which recovered after squandering most of an early 22-point lead.

Khris Middleton had 20 points and Donte DiVincenzo matched a career high with 19 as the Bucks improved to a league-best 53-9.

Milwaukee hasn’t dropped two in a row since last March 2 and 4.

— Luka Doncic (DAHN’-chihch) contributed 30 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists for his team-record 22nd career triple-double, helping the Mavericks get past the Pelicans, 127-123 in overtime. Kristaps Porzingis (KRIHS’-tahps pohr-ZIHN’-gihs) had 34 points and 12 rebounds as Dallas pulled within 2 ½ games of Houston for first place in the Southwest Division.

— Jayson Tatum dropped in 32 points and the Celtics overcame Collin Sexton’s career-high 41 points to beat the Cavaliers, 112-106. Semi Ojeleye scored a career-high 22 points for Boston, which played without injured starter Kemba Walker, Jaylen Brown and Gordon Hayward due to injuries.

— The Heat hit a franchise-record 22 3-pointers in their 116-113 win over the Magic. Duncan Robinson scored 27 points, all of them coming from beyond the arc.

— The Jazz cruised to their third straight win as Donovan Mitchell and Bojan Bogdanovic each provided 23 points in a 112-104 downing of the Knicks. Rudy Gobert had 18 points and 14 rebounds as Utah climbed within a half-game of the Rockets for fourth place in the Western Conference.

— The Thunder wasted a 16-point, second-half lead before Danilo Gallinari (dah-NIH’-loh gah-lih-NAHR’-ee) made a crucial 3-pointer in the final minute of Oklahoma City’s 114-107 triumph over the Pistons. Shai Gilgeous (shay GIHL’-juhs)-Alexander scored 27 points as the Thunder ended a two-game skid.

— Josh Jackson scored 19 points and the Grizzlies ran away from the Nets in the second half of a 118-79 blowout at Brooklyn. Tyus Jones added 18 points as Memphis won its third in a row.

— Hassan Whiteside, Carmello Anthony, CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard each scored at least 22 points as the Trail Blazers hammered the Wizards, 125-105. Anthony was high man for Portland with 25 points and Whiteside grabbed a team-best 16 rebounds while scoring 24 points.

Men’s College Basketball….

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) — The Indiana Hoosiers got 18 points from Trayce Jackson-Davis and 12 from Joey Brunk to pick up a key 72-67 victory over Minnesota. Indiana snapped a two-game losing streak as it tries to make a late push to seal its first NCAA Tournament bid under coach Archie Miller. Minnesota was led by Daniel Oturu with 24 points and 16 rebounds but lost its third in a row. Indiana broke open the game with 9-1 run late in the second half and put it away with free-throw shooting in the final minute.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Nate Reuvers scored 11 points as No. 24 Wisconsin struggled through a poor offensive performance in a 63-48 win over Northwestern. The win moved the Badgers into a three-way for first place in the Big Ten on Wednesday night. Wisconsin was not effective with the ball against a team that has the 12th-worst defense in the league, giving up more than 70 points a game, and is in last place in the conference. Northwestern dug itself two holes, but only found its way out of only one. Pete Nance led the Wildcats with 14 points.

T25 MEN’S BASKETBALL…

UNDATED (AP) — — Trent Forrest’s putback with 3.8 seconds left capped a ferocious late charge by seventh-ranked Florida State in a 73-71 comeback against Notre Dame. M.J. Walker scored 16 of his 21 points over the final 8:40 as the Seminoles erased a 61-48 deficit.

Villanova picked up its fourth straight road win as Saddiq Bey (sah-DEEK’ bay) had 20 points and Justin Moore had 19 to send the 14th-ranked Wildcats past No. 8 Seton Hall, 79-77. Jermaine Samuels added 19 points and seven rebounds as the Wildcats stayed in a second-place tie with Creighton in the Big East at 12-5, one game behind the Pirates.

— Texas A&M pulled off a 78-75 upset of 17th-ranked Auburn behind Josh Nebo, who scored 17 of his 19 points in the second half. Wendell Mitchell added 14 points and a key 3-pointer to help the Aggies pick up their fifth league road win.

— Obi Toppin (OH’-bee TAH’-pihn) poured in 20 points and Trey Landers added 14 with 14 rebounds for No. 3 Dayton in an 84-57 thrashing of Rhode Island. The Flyers earned their 19th straight win and matched a school record with their 28th victory while staying unbeaten in the Atlantic 10.

Udoka Azubuike (oo-DOH’-kah az-ah-BOO’-kay) showed no signs of the ankle injury he suffered in Saturday’s win over Kansas State.

The center was his dominant self for top-ranked Kansas on Wednesday, scoring a career-high 31 points on 13 of 14 shooting and grabbing 14 rebounds in a 75-66 victory against TCU. Azubuike also had five blocks in helping the Jayhawks capture at least a share of their 62nd regular-season conference title.

Devon Dotson finished with 18 points and finished the game despite suffering an ankle injury in the second half.

Kansas can win the Big 12 title outright with a win at Texas Tech on Saturday or a Baylor loss at West Virginia.

— Mitch Ballock made a season-high seven 3-pointers and finished with 20 points as 11th-ranked Creighton hammered Georgetown, 91-76. Marcus Zegarowski had 20 points and eight assists for the Bluejays, who were 17 of 33 in 3-point attempts after hitting just 4 of 27 in Sunday’s loss at St. John’s.

— Kihei (KEE’-hay) Clark drained both ends of a one-and-one with eight seconds left to send No. 22 Virginia to its seventh straight win, 46-44 against Miami.

— Nate Reuvers (REE’-vurz) scored 11 points and 24th-ranked Wisconsin moved into a three-way tie with Maryland and Michigan State for the Big Ten lead by stifling Northwestern, 63-48.

MEMPHIS-NCAA

Memphis’ NCAA case goes to independent investigation arm

UNDATED (AP) — Memphis will go through the NCAA’s new independent investigation arm in a case involving the recruitment of star basketball player James Wiseman.

The NCAA has announced that the school’s request to have the infraction case resolved through the Independent Accountability Resolution Process had been granted.

Wiseman was suspended by the NCAA for 12 games early this season after his family received $11,500 from former Memphis player and current Tigers coach Penny Hardaway. The money assisted in family moving expenses from Nashville to Memphis in 2017 while Hardaway was a booster for the Tigers’ basketball program.

Wiseman left the school in December.

NHL..

UNDATED (AP) — Just one point separates the first-place Washington Capitals and Philadelphia Flyers in the NHL’s Metropolitan Division.

The Flyers closed the gap and picked up their seventh straight win by whipping the Caps, 5-2 in Washington. Travis Konecny (kah-NEHK’-nee) sparked a 10-minute stretch in which Philadelphia scored three times to take a 3-1 lead in the second period. Konecny beat Braden Holtby just 71 seconds after the Flyers had a goal disallowed.

Kevin Hayes and Ivan Proforov each had a goal and an assist to back Brian Elliott, who turned back 25 shots.

It was a costly victory for the Flyers, who lost forward James van Riemsdyk (REEMZ’-dyk) to a broken right hand. Van Riemsdyk has 19 goals and 40 points this season.

The Capitals are 4-7-1 in their last 12 games.

— Rickard Rakell (rah-KEHL’) scored with just two seconds remaining on the clock in overtime to give the Ducks a 4-3 win at Colorado. Gabriel Landeskog (LAN’-dehs-kahg) had a goal and two assists for the Avalanche, who are two points behind the Central Division-leading Blues.

— T.J. Brodie scored 4:49 into overtime to complete the Flames’ comeback from a two-goal deficit in a 3-2 verdict over the Hurricanes. Elias (eh-LEE’-uhs) Lindholm and Matthew Tkachuk (kah-CHUHK’) also scored for Calgary, and Cam Talbot made 20 saves and improved to 8-3-1 since Jan. 1.

— Nick Schmaltz, Lawson Crouse and Oliver-Ekman Larsson scored in the last half of the third period as the Coyotes rallied to beat the Canucks, 4-2. Carl Soderberg had a goal and an assist as Arizona moved into a tie with the Jets and Vancouver in the battle for the two Western Conference wild-card berths.

NHL-NEWS-ISLANDERS-BOYCHUK

Isles’ Boychuk gets 90 stitches after taking skate to face

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Islanders say defenseman Johnny Boychuk needed 90 stitches to his eyelid after being hit in the face with a skate but suffered no damage to his eye.

Boychuk was cut Tuesday night when he was hit by Artturi Lehkonen’s skate as the Montreal Canadiens left wing fell forward. Both players were in front of the Islanders’ net during the third period when Lehkonen fell, causing his legs to go into the air and his right skate to connect with Boychuk under the visor. Boychuk was down on the ice briefly before he got up and skated off the ice with his hand covering his face.

There is no timetable for his return.

In other NHL news:

— The Ottawa Senators have fired CEO Jim Little less than two months after he took the job, saying his conduct was “inconsistent” with the core values of the team and the NHL. The 55-year-old Little said in a statement to media outlets that the reasons for his dismissal were simply the result of a heated disagreement with owner Eugene Melnyk in a phone call on Feb. 14. Little admits to using strong language during his phone with Melnyk, words for which he says he later apologized.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-SPORTS

NHL limits employee travel over virus concerns

UNDATED (AP) — The NHL is not allowing its employees to make work-related trips outside of North America in response to the global fears over the coronavirus. And the league has told its 31 teams they are free to adopt a similar policy.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said Wednesday that if any employees go on their own to a country where the virus has been found they will be quarantined before being able to return to work. That includes the central scouting service. Scouts who are in Europe are staying in Europe, and if they return to North America they will be quarantined.

Bettman said the NHL is in regular communication with the other three major North American sports leagues, as well as health experts in both the U.S. and Canada.

In other virus-related developments:

— Despite worldwide concern and speculation about whether the fast-spreading virus outbreak will affect the Tokyo Olympics, the IOC’s leadership is not joining in the debate. International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach told reporters “neither the word cancellation nor the word postponement was even mentioned” at a board meeting he chaired in Lausanne, Switzerland.

— The Pittsburgh Pirates have given their Florida spring training home a deep clean as a proactive measure after a man in Manatee County tested positive for coronavirus

— Missouri-Kansas City has joined Chicago State in not traveling to Seattle for regularly scheduled Western Athletic Conference men’s basketball games amid concerns about the spread of the coronavirus.

— All sporting events in Italy will take place without fans present for at least the next month due to the virus outbreak in the country.

MLB-NEWS

Bauer reveling in tipped pitches attention

UNDATED (AP) — Cincinnati Reds hurler Trevor Bauer thinks his decision to tip pitches for a Dodgers batter during a spring training game and the resulting attention are good for baseball.

The outspoken starter signaled pitches to Matt Beaty during a game on Tuesday. Bauer flicked his glove toward the catcher, signaling a fastball was coming. Beatty eventually lined out to center field.

Bauer has been openly critical of the Houston Astros over their sign stealing in 2017 and 2018.

In other MLB news:

— Giants right-hander Tyler Beede (BEE’-dee) is seeking a second opinion on his injured throwing elbow. Beede left an exhibition game after one inning on Tuesday with tightness in his elbow. The Giants said Wednesday that an MRI showed he has a flexor strain and a UCL sprain.

— Federal authorities say a New York sports gambler is facing federal charges in Florida related to threatening social media messages sent to players with the Rays and other professional sports teams. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Tampa announced a charge of transmitting threats in interstate or foreign commerce against Benjamin Tucker Patz, who faces up to five years in federal prison. In many messages, Patz threatened to enter the athletes’ homes and behead them or their family members, the FBI said.

NFL-PANTHERS-CHARGERS TRADE

Panthers, Chargers swap Pro Bowl linemen

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press that the Carolina Panthers have agreed to acquire two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Russell Okung from the Los Angeles Chargers for five-time Pro Bowl guard Trai Turner.

Okung has spent the past three seasons with the Chargers and fills a need at left tackle that the Panthers have had ever since Michael Oher (ohr) retired in 2016. The 32-year-old Okung played in six games last year and did not allow a sack.

The 26-year-old Turner has been a mainstay at guard for the Panthers since he was drafted in the third round in 2014.

NASCAR-DAYTONA

Daytona tweaks Speedweeks, moves Clash onto road course

UNDATED (AP) — NASCAR will hit the road for its first race in 2021, part of a schedule shakeup that starts at Daytona International Speedway.

The track announced several changes that include running the exhibition Busch Clash on the 3.56-mile road course that winds through the Daytona infield and packing seven races as well as Daytona 500 pole qualifying into a six-day span. The tweaks eliminate two traditional “dark days” at the track during Speedweeks leading up to the season-opening Daytona 500.

NASCAR teams have pushed for a shorter season for years, arguing that the 12-week offseason is too short.

The sanctioning body is expected to make significant changes to its 2021 schedule, which could include more short tracks, mid-week races and double-headers.

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN-DOCTOR

Ex-wrestler sues University of Michigan over doc’s assaults

DETROIT (AP) — A college wrestler from the 1980s has sued the University of Michigan, alleging that a doctor molested him dozens of times despite the university knowing that he was a threat to athletes.

The lawsuit is the first since victims of late Dr. Robert E. Anderson began to emerge two weeks ago.

The man is identified only as John Doe and has accused the university of failing to remove the doctor despite complaints about him.

BASEBALL-MINORS-CONGRESS

House committee vote on the Minors

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. comptroller general will study baseball’s minor leagues, which are trying to fend off a contraction proposal from major league clubs.

The House Oversight and Reform Committee approved legislation that calls on the comptroller to “evaluate the social, economic, and historic contributions that minor league baseball has made to American life and culture.” Major League Baseball and the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues are trying to fend off a contraction proposal from major league clubs.

In world and national news…

BANGKOK (AP) — People around the world are bracing for months of disruptions from the new virus as it continues its spread outside China. The World Health Organization says there are about 17 times as many new infections outside China as in it, with widening outbreaks in South Korea, Italy and Iran responsible for a majority of the new cases. Countries desperate to keep the crisis from expanding within their borders have further tightened travel restrictions, with Australia, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates among the latest to do so. The Emirates warned its people not to travel anywhere abroad and said those who do could be subject to quarantines when they return.

BANGKOK (AP) — Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says Japan will impose a 14-day quarantine on all visitors from China and South Korea before they are allowed an entry permit. He says they will be sent to a government facility for the quarantine and will not be allowed to use public transportation. Officials are stepping up their efforts against the spread of the virus. Japan has more than 1,050 confirmed cases, including 706 from a quarantined cruise ship, as transmission inside Japan has accelerated.

SEATTLE (AP) — The U.S. death toll from the coronavirus has risen to 11 with a victim succumbing in California _ the first reported fatality outside Washington state. Officials in Placer County, northwest of Sacramento, said Wednesday an elderly adult who tested positive for COVID-19 after returning from a San Francisco-to-Mexico cruise had died. They said the victim had underlying health conditions. Washington also announced another death Wednesday, bringing its total to 10. Most of the dead were residents of a nursing home in Kirkland, a suburb east of Seattle.

BEIRUT (AP) — Syrian opposition activists say an airstrike on poultry farm housing displaced families in a rebel-held village in northwestern Syria has killed at least 15 people, including children. The activists blame Russian warplanes for the airstrike in Syria’s Idlib province, the country’s last rebel stronghold. Thursday’s strike came amid a Russian-backed Syrian government offensive to retake the province, which has led to direct fighting between Syrian and Turkish forces. Turkey and Russia are the two main power brokers in Syria, each supporting rival sides in the nine-year conflict. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is currently in Moscow ahead of a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the escalation in Idlib.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Joe Biden has hit his stride and found his voice after wins in South Carolina and across Democrats’ Super Tuesday presidential primary map. The whispering, sometimes-meandering former vice president who finished fourth in Iowa and fifth in New Hampshire has been replaced by a confident, scrappy politician promising to unite the Democratic Party and defeat Donald Trump. Time will tell whether Biden is able to overcome Bernie Sanders and win the nomination that has eluded him twice before. Biden aides know more mistakes are ahead. But they now have results to show voters are buying in to Biden’s campaign.

VIENNA (AP) — The oil-producing countries of the OPEC cartel are considering whether to slash output to contain a plunge in prices. The cost of crude has fallen 25% since the start of the year amid concerns about the virus outbreak’s disruption to the world economy. Air travel to China all but stopped and demand for transportation fuel inside the country dropped dramatically as cities locked down. Major companies halted business travel. Oil prices stabilized ahead of the meeting on expectations that OPEC and non-OPEC members like Russia would agree to deeper production cuts. Some analysts predict the cartel will agree to slash production by 1 million barrels per day, on top of existing cuts.