Here is the latest Big Ten Conference sports news from The Associated Press

By AP

PHOENIX (AP) — Kansas State will try to rebound from a difficult finish to the regular season as it faces Rutgers in the Rate Bowl. The Wildcats were once in the thick of the Big 12 race, but lost three of their final four games as their offense faltered. Kansas State is certainly familiar with the desert, playing in the Rate Bowl for the fifth time. Rutgers had its down stretch in the middle of the season, losing four straight games as injuries mounted. The Scarlet Knights closed the season with a blowout win over Michigan State and have a chance to win consecutive bowl games for the first time since a run of five straight from 2006-11.

HONOLULU (AP) — Brice Williams scored 11 of his 25 points in the final six minutes and Nebraska closed on a 6-0 run to beat Oregon State 78-66 in the championship game of the Diamond Head Classic. Nebraska claimed its first tournament title since winning the San Juan Shootout in 2000 when the Cornhuskers won three games by a total of four points. Fred Hoiberg also became the first coach to win multiple Diamond Head Classic titles, including his Iowa State squad in 2013. After Oregon State tied it at 51-all with 10:20 to go, Nebraska used a 10-2 run to take control as the Beavers went five-plus minutes without a field goal. The Cornhuskers’ lead didn’t drop below four points the rest of the way.