*COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Cursing or venturing onto the court could earn coaches a quick technical foul this season. The NCAA is making bench decorum a point of emphasis and warns coaches to expect a whistle without warning for a variety of unsportsmanlike actions, including disrespectfully addressing an official or attempting to influence an official’s decision, using abusive or profane language and taunting an opponent.
*COLLEGE BASEBALL: Former Louisiana Tech coach Pat Patterson killed his wife, who had Alzheimer’s, then shot himself to death Thursday at an assisted-living facility in Ruston, La. Patterson, 73, had a 741-462 record as Tech’s coach.
*NBA: Washington Wizards center Etan Thomas underwent open-heart surgery Thursday at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota to repair a leak of the aortic valve, an irregularity discovered during a routine physical before start of training camp. The Wizards, citing Thomas’ right to privacy, made no statement other than to acknowledge the surgery took place.
*GOLF: Defending champion Paul Casey and six-time winner Ernie Els advanced to the second round of the World Match Play Championship at Virginia Water, England. Casey beat Jerry Kelly 3 and 2. Els easily defeated Colin Montgomerie 6 and 5. U.S. Open champion Angel Cabrera had 11 birdies to beat Retief Goosen 6 and 5.
