UPDATE: St. John’s University has just notched its 11th consecutive victory with a 79-69 win over Providence College, but the game was overshadowed by a shocking brawl that resulted in six player ejections. The altercation erupted late in the game and has left fans and players reeling.
The intense incident began with a hard foul by Providence forward Duncan Powell on St. John’s star Bryce Hopkins. Powell stood over Hopkins after the foul, prompting Hopkins to charge back, igniting chaos on the court. Players from both teams quickly joined the fray, leading to a bench-clearing brawl that took almost 20 minutes to resolve. Coaches, referees, and security rushed to separate the players as the atmosphere turned electric.
As a result of the brawl, four players from St. John’s—Dillon Mitchell, Ruben Prey, Sadiku Ibine Ayo, and Kelvin Odih—were ejected, along with Providence’s Jaylin Sellers and Powell. The lengthy delay forced players to warm up at their respective baskets while waiting for order to be restored.
Despite the tumult, St. John’s rebounded from a lost lead to secure the win, further solidifying the return of head coach Rick Pitino to Providence—where he previously led the team to the 1987 Final Four. This victory marks a significant moment for the Red Storm, who are fighting to reclaim their status in college basketball after earlier rankings struggles.
The game took place on November 11, 2023, at the Amica Mutual Pavilion and was critical for both teams as they navigate a competitive season. St. John’s, ranked No. 17, had experienced ups and downs, dropping out of the top 25 earlier before bouncing back in recent weeks.
The implications of this brawl extend beyond the game itself, raising questions about sportsmanship and player conduct. The incident is likely to attract scrutiny from college basketball officials and could lead to further disciplinary action against the players involved.
As fans look ahead, the focus will be on how both teams recover from this chaotic encounter. Will St. John’s maintain its momentum, or will Providence rally in the aftermath of this clash? Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
