"PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Six players were ejected from Saturday's game between No. 17 St. John's and Providence after a fracas resulting from a hard foul by Friars forward Duncan Powell on Bryce Hopkins sent the Red Storm star crashing to the ground. St. John's coach Rick Pitino, who led Providence to the 1987 Final Four, was in the middle of it, trying to hold back his players."
"Hopkins got up and moved toward Powell but was held back and guided away by his former teammate, Friars forward Oswin Erhunmwunse. Others in the game got involved and the players from the nearby St. John's bench couldn't be held back any longer. The pushing and shoving continued while coaches, referees and security tried to break it up. During the delay, players for both teams warmed up at their baskets."
"As the referees updated the coaches on their decision, the fans broke into a chant of "Duncan Powell!" Providence guard Jaylin Sellers was led down the tunnel to cheers from the crowd; he was soon joined by Powell. St. John's Dillon Mitchell, Ruben Prey, Sadiku Ibine Ayo and Kelvin Odih also were ejected. Hopkins made two free throws, then St. John's Oziyah Sellers made one of two and followed it with a layup for a five-point play that gave the Red Storm a 44-40 lead."
Bryce Hopkins was hard fouled by Duncan Powell on a fast-break layup, sending Hopkins to the floor and igniting a fracas that drew players from both benches. St. John's coach Rick Pitino intervened but several players entered the altercation. The referees delayed the game nearly 20 minutes while assessing punishments, ultimately ejecting four St. John's players and two Providence players. Providence had rallied in the second half after trailing by as many as 13, briefly holding a 40-39 lead before the melee. Fans chanted Powell's name during the delay. After play resumed, Hopkins made two free throws and St. John's extended its lead.
Read at ESPN.com
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