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

AMES, Iowa (AP) — This could have been a lost season for Iowa State sophomore Cam Lard, who lost his starting job while serving a one-month suspension to open the year. Lard has settled into his new role as a reserve, and he’s starting to resemble the player he was a season ago. The 6-foot-9 Lard’s numbers are down considerably from where they were in 2017-18. But the 17th-ranked Cyclones are winning and Lard is doing his part. Iowa State hosts TCU on Saturday.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska is on a six-game losing streak as it heads into its visit to No. 15 Purdue on Saturday. The downturn comes after the Cornhuskers opened the season with wins in 11 of their first 13 games. They were picked to finish fourth in the Big Ten but now sit in 13th place. Nebraska is shooting 33 percent and averaging 59 points during the losing streak.

UNDATED (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals knew they were short a couple of pieces last season, even though they were in contention to make the playoffs until the final week. They may have plugged those holes with a trade for All-Star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and star reliever Andrew Miller.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Veteran Adam Wainwright remains confident in his ability to still be effective on the mound for the St. Louis Cardinals. The team is believed to have one spot open for a starter and Wainwright wants to make his case as he goes into his 15th season in St. Louis. He says he is healthy after making just eight starts last year because of injuries.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas guard Lagerald Vick is taking a leave of absence from the basketball program. That means the No. 13 Jayhawks are even more short-handed in their effort to win a 15th straight Big 12 title. Jayhawks coach Bill Self said in a statement Thursday night that Vick has “some personal matters that require his immediate attention.” Vick is expected to be with family in Memphis when the Jayhawks host Oklahoma State on Saturday. Self said there is no timetable for his return.