SAN ANTONIO — A dramatic basketball game between Incarnate Word and Texas A&M-Commerce saved its biggest sparks for after the final buzzer.
As the Lions and Cardinals went down the traditional handshake line following Incarnate Word's 76-72 OT loss, a confrontation between players turned into a prolonged, all-out brawl involving players, coaches and referees. It's unclear how the confrontation began, but within moments the handshake line turned into a tangle of bodies, with some caught in the middle trying to break up the fighting.
"This is not good. This is really not good," an ESPN commentator can be heard saying. "We've got punches being thrown, this is really bad. Oh my goodness."
About 30 seconds into the fight, it briefly appears as though both programs separate, ending the fracas. Then it suddenly reignites as UIW sophomore Marcus Glover is seen sprinting towards Lions players, prolonging the commotion with more shouting and shoving.
At some point someone can be seen on the ground with players running over them before they are helped off the court, and ESPN's team is heard remarking "we've got a manager that has blood on his face." The court is finally cleared of players and coaches about 80 seconds after the fight began.
There have been no official word on injuries, and it's unclear as of now how many players may be punished. UIW had been struggling this season, winning just three of its last 12 games en route to an 8-17 overall record.
The fight and the video was all students were talking about Tuesday.
"I was pretty surprised," said Logan Edwards, a freshman at UIW. "I went to religion this morning, didn't know anything about it. And we had a lot of the players in there were laughing it up."
UIW Athletics issued a statement:
"The University of the Incarnate Word and Texas A&M University-Commerce apologize for the behavior exhibited by our respective men's basketball programs following the game on Monday night. There is no place in college sports for such actions. 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 is our primary concern."
For 94.1 FM's hosts of 'The Blitz,' the statement isn't enough.
"Action should come quickly," said Jason Minnix. "And the fact that we don't have it right now is embarrassing to the Southland Conference and the UIW."
The Southland Conference released the names of the players that will be suspended following the brawl.
The University of Incarnate Word's Men's Basketball team plays McNeese State University on Saturday.
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