Fists were exchanged and individuals were injured during a men’s college basketball game on Monday night between Texas A&M-Commerce and Incarnate Word. Given the names of the teams involved, it was expected to be a chaotic altercation, and it certainly lived up to that expectation. Despite the game having a winner, both teams appeared to be losers following this brutal altercation, which occurred shortly after A&M secured a 76-72 victory in overtime at the Alice P. McDermott Convocation Center in San Antonio.
The ESPN broadcast expressed astonishment, exclaiming, “This is not good… this is really bad!” The Southland Conference game was fiercely contested but concluded on a sour note. Tensions escalated during post-game handshakes, leading to a full-blown brawl.
As punches were thrown and bodies collided on the hardwood court, players and coaches from both sides suffered injuries. The chaos spilled into the crowd, resulting in an injury to a female spectator. The broadcast reported, “Someone in the crowd was hurt and struck. We have a manager with blood on his face.”
It was an extremely ugly incident. Given the severity of this foolish behavior, significant disciplinary measures can be expected for both teams. The Southland Conference issued a statement, as conveyed by CBS Sports’ Kyle Boone, condemning the fight as “unsportsmanlike behavior” and emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of players, coaches, and fans alike.
“The Southland Conference is aware of the end-of-game situation that occurred between the Texas A&M University Commerce and the University of the Incarnate Word men’s basketball teams tonight. We will be closely collaborating with both universities to review footage and administer appropriate disciplinary actions. Unsportsmanlike behavior is not tolerated in the Southland Conference, and the safety of our student-athletes, coaches, spectators, and officials remains our utmost priority.”
College basketball enthusiasts have not witnessed such intense action since the brawl between Robert Morris and Jacksonville last year, which resulted in the ejection of 17 players. For Texas A&M-Commerce and Incarnate Word, this President’s Day will be one to forget. Meanwhile, Draymond Green in California watches with envy.
Follow along: @AlejandroAveela
Alejandro Avila resides in Southern California and previously reported on news for the LA Football Network. A Jeopardy expert and a disgruntled sports aficionado, he is renowned for having watched every movie and possessing an insatiable sweet tooth. @alejandroaveela
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