Louisville meets with NCAA over sanctions

Louisville officials are meeting with the NCAA’s Infractions Appeals Committee to appeal sanctions from a sex scandal that could include vacating the 2013 men’s basketball title.

University spokesman John Karman confirmed Wednesday’s hearing in Atlanta with the Appeals Committee, with a decision expected by February. The NCAA in June placed the school on four years’ probation and ordered vacation of up to 123 victories, including the 2013 title.

The penalties followed an investigation into an escort’s allegations that former Cardinals basketball staffer Andre McGee hired her and other dancers for sex parties with players and recruits.

Louisville said the penalties are “grossly excessive” in its October response to the infractions appeal committee. The school also filed a counterclaim to former basketball coach Rick Pitino’s lawsuit and is seeking monetary damages from vacated games and bonuses.

Top 25 games

■ No. 1 Villanova 87, (at) Temple 67: Jalen Brunson scored a career-high 31 points and had 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the Wildcats (10-0). Quinton Rose had 27 points for the Owls (6-2).

■ (At) No. 9 Texas A&M 113, Savannah State 66: D.J. Hogg scored 18 points to lead the Aggies (9-1). The Tigers (3-9) were led by Javaris Jenkins’ 18 points.

■ (At) No. 24 Texas Tech 82, Kennesaw State 53: The Red Raiders (8-1) got 16 points from Keenan Evans in 16 minutes of playing time to drop the Owls to 1-8.