Massive On-Court Brawl Disrupts College Basketball Game, Six Players Ejected
A heated college basketball matchup between No. 17 St John's and Providence descended into chaos on Saturday when a hard foul ignited a full-scale brawl, resulting in six player ejections and a nearly 20-minute game delay. The incident required police intervention on the court to prevent further escalation, marking a dramatic turn in what had been a competitive contest.
Hard Foul Sparks Immediate Escalation and Bench Clearing
The fracas erupted with 14:25 remaining in the second half, as Providence held a narrow 40-39 lead. St John's star Bryce Hopkins, a former Providence player, drove for a fast-break layup when Friars forward Duncan Powell delivered a forceful arm across Hopkins' head and face, sending him crashing to the floor. Hopkins immediately rose and advanced toward Powell, but was restrained by his former teammate, Providence forward Oswin Erhunmwunse.
However, tensions could not be contained. Players from both teams quickly became involved, and the St John's bench emptied as coaches struggled to maintain order. Legendary St John's coach Rick Pitino, who famously led Providence to the 1987 Final Four, was seen actively attempting to hold back his players amidst the pushing and shoving that spilled toward the visitors' bench.
Police Intervention and Extended Game Delay
As the altercation continued, referees, coaches, and arena security personnel worked to separate the combatants. The situation grew so volatile that police officers were dispatched onto the court to ensure the confrontation did not escalate further. The TNT broadcast reported that at least one fan was ejected from Providence's Amica Mutual Pavilion for attempting to involve themselves in the melee.
The officials required nearly 20 minutes to assess the situation and determine appropriate punishments. During this extended delay, players from both teams attempted to stay warm by shooting at their respective baskets while awaiting the verdict. The arena crowd broke into chants of "Duncan Powell!" as the referees consulted with coaches.
Significant Player Ejections Alter Game Dynamics
When order was finally restored, the officiating crew handed down severe consequences. Four St John's players—Dillon Mitchell, Ruben Prey, Sadiku Ibine Ayo, and Kelvin Odih—were ejected from the contest. Providence lost two players: Duncan Powell, whose foul initiated the incident, and guard Jaylin Sellers, who received cheers from the home crowd as he exited through the tunnel.
The ejections dramatically shifted the game's momentum. Providence had held a one-point lead before the brawl, but found themselves facing a four-point deficit once play resumed. St John's capitalized immediately, with Hopkins making two free throws followed by a five-point play sequence from Oziyah Sellers that extended their advantage.
Game Concludes with Continued Tensions and Additional Ejection
Despite the lengthy interruption and multiple ejections, tensions remained high throughout the remainder of the contest. With five minutes remaining, another hard foul by Providence's Erhunmwunse on St John's Zuby Ejiofor reignited hostilities, requiring referee intervention to calm players agitated by Providence fans under the basket.
Later in the game, Providence suffered another ejection when Jamier Jones was disqualified for pushing Ejiofor during a fast break. St John's ultimately secured a 79-69 victory, having led by as many as 13 points in the first half before Providence's second-half rally set the stage for the explosive confrontation.
This incident highlights the intense rivalries and high emotions characteristic of college basketball, while raising questions about player conduct and game management in heated athletic competitions.
