Despite Illness, Dean Will Play On

Louisville guard Taquan Dean has mononucleosis, but he will continue to play through the end of the season. Dean, a 6-foot-3 junior, is Louisville’s third-leading scorer, averaging 13.8 points.

Dean scored only three points on one-for-seven shooting in the 12th-ranked Cardinals’ 64-61 victory over Marquette on Thursday night at Milwaukee.

Coach Rick Pitino said Friday that Dean sat out three practices this week. Mononucleosis symptoms include fever, sore throat, headaches and overall fatigue.

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South Carolina was fined $5,000 by the Southeastern Conference for violating league policy that prohibits spectators from going onto the court during or after a game.

After South Carolina beat No. 3 Kentucky, 73-61, Tuesday night, fans rushed the court to celebrate.

The fine was part of the SEC’s new policy for football and men’s and women’s basketball games. A second offense calls for a $25,000 fine; a third costs $50,000.

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Prosecutors in Iowa City filed tougher charges against former Iowa player Pierre Pierce in connection with an alleged assault on his former girlfriend last month.

The new charges, which supersede six previous counts, include two counts of first-degree burglary, one count of assault with intent to commit sexual assault and one count of fourth-degree criminal mischief.

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Ohio State forward Matt Sylvester was suspended by the school for one game for unsportsmanlike behavior toward a Michigan State fan after the Buckeyes’ 83-69 loss on Feb. 9 at East Lansing, Mich.

Ohio State did not specify what Sylvester did. He will sit out today’s game at Minnesota.