The Hoosiers had been waiting for the NCAA's eligibility center to make its ruling on Muniru, a 6-11, 260-pound center from Tumu, Ghana. Muniru played high school ball the last two seasons in the United States. The decision takes immediate effect.

Coach Tom Crean said he understood it would take the NCAA time to do a thorough review and appreciated the work done both by the eligibility center and compliance officials at Indiana.

The Hoosiers open their season at home against Howard University on Nov. 13.

There were questions about whether Stephenson, a 6-5, 240-pound forward, would be eligible because of his involvement in a documentary. Stephenson was a prep star in Brooklyn, N.Y., but his off-the-court issues made many schools back away. Stephenson averaged 28.9 points, 10 rebounds and 3.9 assists in his senior season at Lincoln High School.

* Niagara reserve junior guard Chris Armstrong was suspended by the school for one game following an alleged altercation in a Niagara Falls bar.

Armstrong pleaded not guilty on Monday, a day after being charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. He is scheduled for a pretrail hearing in Niagara Falls city court on Dec. 9, assistant district attorney John Andrews said.

Purple Eagles athletic director Ed McLaughlin announced Armstrong will be suspended for Niagara's season opener at Auburn on Nov. 13, and could face further punishment, pending court proceedings.

Armstrong has appeared in 12 games, including nine last season. *