The highly anticipated Atlantic 10 showdown between No. 18 Saint Louis and VCU ended in a dramatic fashion with benches clearing, multiple ejections, and a decisive 88-75 victory for Saint Louis, solidifying their position in the league.
ST. LOUIS (AP) — The intense matchup for first place in the Atlantic 10 between No. 18 Saint Louis and VCU concluded with benches clearing and multiple ejections on Friday night, as Saint Louis secured a significant 88-75 win.
The altercation occurred when VCU’s Nyk Lewis stole the ball from Saint Louis’ Robbie Avila near half court and launched it toward the basket. Avila bumped into Lewis, who fell onto a broadcasting table, prompting Barry Evans to shove Avila in the back. This led to Quentin Jones shoving Evans in response, escalating the situation.
Despite the intense confrontation, Saint Louis coach Josh Schertz downplayed the incident, stating, “There were no punches thrown. It was a typical basketball fight, a lot of pushing and shoving and nobody did anything.” Schertz also joked that in such situations, “everybody’s trying to get held back so they don’t do anything,” and expressed that he didn’t see anything worthy of suspension for either team.
The victory prevented VCU from taking over first place, with Saint Louis (25-2, 13-1 Atlantic 10) maintaining their lead. VCU coach Phil Martelli Jr. acknowledged the intensity and competitiveness of the game, saying, “It’s two tough teams, two very competitive teams, two physical teams. Stuff like that, you wish it didn’t happen but, yeah, it’s an intense game. It’s an emotional game.”
Evans and Jones were assessed flagrant fouls and ejected, while the officials also disqualified players who left the bench during the confrontation. The game concluded with Lewis shooting three free throws, and the remaining players from both teams finishing the game.
Lazar Djokovic, who led VCU with 19 points, explained the team’s reaction, saying, “Everybody was coming in, so just we’re gonna have our teammates’ back. No matter what happens, we’re gonna have their backs.”
Schertz reflected on the incident, suggesting that perhaps Avila should have just held the ball instead of dribbling it, as going for a steal in that situation with the game out of hand is “frowned upon.” Avila himself stated, “There’s no ill intention between anybody. It was just the emotions of the game, the competition.”
Schertz also noted that while the altercation might be blown out of proportion, it’s a reflection of the emotional and competitive nature of the game, especially between rivals. He said, “I don’t know if we’re a rival to them, but they’re a rival to us. And so, you know, emotions run hot.”
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