Multiyear sentences sought in fraud case

Federal prosecutors have recommended multiyear prison sentences for three men convicted of fraud for channeling secret payments to the families of top-tier recruits to influence where the players went to school.

Former Adidas executive James Gatto, business manager Christian Dawkins and amateur league director Merl Code were convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in October for funneling recruits to Louisville, Kansas and North Carolina State.

On Wednesday, prosecutors in the Southern District of New York recommended a sentence of 46 to 57 months for Gatto and 30 to 37 months in prison for Code and Dawkins. They are scheduled to be sentenced next week.

The schools submitted victim impact statements seeking restitutions from those convicted.

Special debut: Fletcher Magee scored 18 points and No. 24 Wofford made a successful debut as an AP Top 25 team by trouncing host Chattanooga 80-54 on Thursday for its 16th consecutive victory.

Wofford, a private liberal arts college in Spartanburg, S.C., with fewer than 1,600 students, moved into the Top 25 for the first time in school history Monday. The Terriers responded by showcasing the depth and 3-point shooting prowess that got them to this point.

The Terriers (25-4, 17-0 Southern) haven’t lost since falling 98-87 at Mississippi State on Dec. 19.

Milestone for Morant: Ja Morant scored 11 points and added 10 rebounds and 10 assists in Murray State’s 71-52 road win over Morehead State on Thursday night to join Wisconsin senior big man Ethan Happ as the only two Division I men’s players to post two triple-doubles this season.

Morant tallied 29 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists in a 77-66 home win over Missouri State on Nov. 24.

The sophomore guard became the ninth player in the last 20 seasons to record three career triple-doubles. In an 80-52 win over Eastern Illinois last season, Morant had 11 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists.