The recently concluded match between Texas A&M-Commerce & Incarnate Word is making the headlines, but not due to A&M-Commerce’s exhilarating 76-72 win over Incarnate Word, but rather for the out-of-nowhere brawl that broke out after the game.
The highly competitive match between the two Southland Conference rivals, which went into an overtime thriller, ended with a close win for A&M-Commerce, followed by players from both sides shaking hands on the court. However, the bigger story out of the matchup was when the courteous handshake turned into an all out altercation.
Crazy brawl breaks out between Texas A&M Commerce vs. Incarnate Word after the game. 😳
(via @CraigGSports, h/t @overtime)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 20, 2024
A&M-Commerce & Incarnate Word investigating the postgame brawl
It is yet to be known what was the cause behind the start of the brawl, which had the players punching each other, with coaches and managers from both teams getting involved as well, trying to ease off the situation, only to have the brawl escalate time to time.
Aside from expected injuries sustained by players from both teams, with many of them seen on the floor, the broadcast analysts revealed that a young girl, as well as one of the team managers were injured in the brawl as well.
Later in the day, a joint statement from A&M-Commerce and Incarnate Word followed up, apologizing for the untoward incident that took place after the game.
“There is no place in college sports for such actions,” read the joint statement. “The unsportsmanlike conduct that occurred after the game does not reflect the values of the universities involved, as well as the Southland Conference and their member institutions. The matter is currently being reviewed collectively by the Conference office and both institutions as the safety of our student-athletes, staff, and fans if our primary concern.”
The Conference themselves came up with a statement as well, informing that an investigation will be underway and to impose “disciplinary action” towards the perpetrators for their “Unsportsmanlike behavior”.
“We will be working closely with both universities to review the footage and issue appropriate disciplinary action. Unsportsmanlike behavior is unacceptable in the Southland Conference and the safety of our student-athletes, spectators, and officials remains a top priority,” the Southland Conference statement added. [H/T ESPN]
As per the game is concerned, it was the brilliant performance from Alonzo Dodd that powered A&M-Commerce into their superb overtime victory. Dodd clocked 20 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals in the match. They are currently 10-17 overall and 4-10 in the Southland Conference, while Incarnate Word are 8-18 overall and 3-10.
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