PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Tempers flared Saturday during No. 17 St. John’s 79–69 win over Providence after a heated on-court altercation led to multiple player ejections and a lengthy delay.
The incident began when Providence forward Duncan Powell delivered a hard foul on St. John’s star and former Friar Bryce Hopkins during a fast break, sending Hopkins to the floor. Players from both teams quickly surrounded the pair, and the confrontation escalated near the St. John’s bench. Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino attempted to hold his players back, but several left the bench as pushing and shoving continued.
Officials stopped play for nearly 20 minutes to review video and sort out penalties. Four St. John’s players and two Providence players were ejected, shifting momentum as the Friars’ narrow lead turned into a deficit. Another Providence player was later tossed following a separate hard foul.
St. John’s had led by 13 points in the first half before Providence rallied in the second to take several one-point leads. With just over 14 minutes remaining, Hopkins was fouled while driving to the basket. After getting up, he briefly moved toward Powell before teammates and officials stepped in.
During the delay, players warmed up at their baskets while referees explained their decisions. The crowd responded loudly as ejected players were escorted off the court.
According to the pool report, Powell received a flagrant 2 foul and a technical for fighting. Providence guard Jaylin Sellers was assessed a dead-ball flagrant. One St. John’s player was ejected for a dead-ball technical, and three others were removed for leaving the bench area. Conference officials said the incident is under review and further discipline is possible.
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