SPORTS : NCAA Orders Houston U. Probation

The University of Houston, about to complete its most successful football season since 1979, today was placed on three years probation and barred from bowl appearances for two years.

The NCAA, after investigating more than 250 alleged violations in recruiting, also barred the university from television appearances for one year and cut its scholarships by 10, allowing only 15 to be given to incoming players next season.

Under the penalty, the university will not be allowed to play in post-season bowls in 1989 and 1990. The probation is effective for 1989, 1990 and 1991. The scholarship limit and TV ban is for only 1989.