Heart Forces Out Bucke’ Tate

Ohio State will have to play the rest of the season without its second-leading scorer and rebounder.

Starting 6-foot-9 center Jermaine Tate has been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a weakening of the heart muscle, and has been advised to withdraw from basketball and other vigorous activity, the team said. Dr. Jim Ryan said there are no odds or percentages of recovery.

The NCAA upheld its suspensions of two Connecticut basketball players, ending senior captain Kirk King’s career at the school.

The NCAA suspended King on Jan. 23 for the remainder of his senior season for accepting an airline ticket from a sports agent, then lying about his conduct.

Sophomore point guard Ricky Moore was suspended for five games, for accepting an airline ticket. He received less of a penalty partly because he was unaware the ticket was provided by an agent, the university said.