Oklahoma avoids big NCAA penalties

Oklahoma had about one quarter of its recruiting days this season taken away by the NCAA on Friday as punishment for committing major violations while the men's basketball program already was on probation.

The NCAA infractions committee reduced the Sooners' recruiting days from 130 to 100, put Oklahoma on probation for three years, vacated all 13 wins from the 2009-10 season, took away one scholarship and eliminated two of the school's 12 allowed official visits this year.

The NCAA also tacked on a $15,000 fine -- $500 for each of the 30 games the player, Keith "Tiny" Gallon, played while ineligible.

Former assistant coach Oronde Taliaferro, who resigned during the investigation, also was prohibited from recruiting for two years.

However, the Sooners were not labeled a "repeat violator," avoiding the possibility of more severe penalties.

UNC headlines cakewalks

Harrison Barnes had 17 points, and No. 1 North Carolina used a late first-half burst to easily beat Michigan State, 67-55, Friday night aboard the USS Carl Vinson docked at the Naval Harbor in San Diego . . . Jeremy Lamb scored a career-high 30 points and No. 4 Connecticut began defense of its national championship with a 70-57 victory over Columbia in Storrs . . . Travon Woodall scored a career-high 25 points to go with 10 assists as host No. 10 Pittsburgh rolled past Albany, 89-56 . . . Freshman Anthony Davis had 23 points and 10 rebounds, leading the No. 2 Wildcats to a 108-58 victory over Marist in Lexington.

Suspensions

Glen Rice Jr., Georgia Tech's leading returning scorer, has been suspended for the first three games for an undisclosed violation of team rules . . . The NCAA suspended Marquette freshman Juan Anderson for the first three games for accepting a free ticket to a Brewers playoff game.

Combined news services