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

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Solomon Young scored 14 points, Prentiss Nixon added 13 and Iowa State eased past Southern Miss 73-45 for its second straight win. Tyrese Haliburton had 12 points with nine assists and three steals for the Cyclones (3-1), who used a 15-2 run to close the first half to pull away.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Longtime Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz has been more open to giving freshmen a shot at playing time in recent years. Ferentz’s new-found openness might have saved the Hawkeyes’ offense this fall. Redshirt freshman receiver Tyrone Tracy and true freshman running back Tyler Goodson, both third options entering this season, have become invaluable to Iowa’s attack.

AMES, Iowa (AP) — With three games left, Iowa State is in position to put up the best scoring season in school history. The Cyclones enter Saturday’s home finale against Kansas with a chance to move closer to breaking the program’s record for points per game of 33.5 set in 1976. Iowa State is averaging 35.1 points a game in 2019.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs have struggled to put away teams this season, including in a loss just over a week ago in Tennessee. But after a late touchdown by the Chargers made their game in Mexico City a nail-biter, the Chiefs defense finally stepped up in a crucial moment. It picked off Philip Rivers and preserved a 24-17 victory heading into the Chiefs’ bye.

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — Obi Toppin had 21 points and Ryan Mikesell scored 16 to lead five Dayton players in double figures as the Flyers defeated Omaha 93-68. Rodney Chatman added 13 points, Trey Landers 11 and Ibi Watson 11 for the Flyers.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Udoka Azubuike pounded home 21 points, Devon Dotson added 19 and fourth-ranked Kansas weathered East Tennessee State’s second-half charge to escape with a 75-63 victory. Marcus Garrett added 13 points for the Jayhawks, who led by as many as 18 early in the game before the Pirates closed within 61-56 with just over 5 minutes to go. Bo Hodges led the Pirates with 22 points.

UNDATED (AP) — Kyle Pitts has been crucial to Florida’s success even after losing quarterback Feleipe Franks to a season-ending knee injury. He has the second-most catches and fifth-most yards receiving among tight ends nationally, averaging 4.2 catches per game and hauling in five touchdowns. It’s why Pitts, despite being left off the Mackey Award semifinal list, is a legitimate All-America candidate.