Charlotte’s Lutz rewarded with five-year extension

Charlotte Coach Bobby Lutz received a five-year contract extension that will keep him at the school through the 2012-13 season.

The school’s board of trustees approved the new contract at a meeting Friday, ending an uncertain time for Lutz after the school denied him a contract extension last summer.

Lutz’s future was in doubt after the 49ers went 14-16 in the 2006-07 season. Lutz said he was told to start looking for other jobs. But he turned down the coaching job at South Alabama last spring and said he was determined to turn things around at Charlotte.

The 49ers went 20-14 this season, including an upset win at Clemson and a first-round loss to Nebraska in the NIT.

Lutz is 188-126 in 10 seasons at Charlotte and is the school’s career leader in victories.

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Connecticut guard A.J. Price underwent surgery to his left knee, a week after getting injured during the NCAA tournament.

Price’s rehabilitation is scheduled to start today and continue through the summer.

He was injured March 21 in the first half of the Huskies’ overtime loss to San Diego in the first round.

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Idaho women’s coach Mike Divilbiss resigned after Athletic Director Rob Spear decided the Vandals needed to move in another direction.

The Vandals were 4-25 this season and 82-119 in Divilbiss’ seven seasons.