VIDEO – Explosive conflict and brawling between St. John’s and Providence results in expulsions of six players.

In one of the most electrifying games of the season, the matchup between number 17 St. John’s and Providence resulted in a true melee, leading to the ejection of six players. The explosive incident was triggered by a hard foul from Friars forward Duncan Powell on Bryce Hopkins, which sent the Red Storm star crashing to the floor.

The scene unfolded in Providence, Rhode Island, where St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino, who took Providence to the Final Four in 1987, found himself at the center of the chaos, trying to contain his players as the situation rapidly deteriorated. Despite his efforts, several athletes could not hold back and became involved in the fight, which dangerously approached the Red Storm bench.

The game was halted for nearly 20 minutes while referees decided on the penalties. In the end, four players from St. John’s were ejected, along with two from the Providence team. When the Friars managed to regain possession of the ball, they had already seen a one-point lead turn into a four-point deficit.

St. John’s started the game with a comfortable lead, even going ahead by 13 points in the first half. However, the Friars showed determination in the second half, taking a 40-39 lead with 14:25 remaining. It was at that moment that Hopkins, who played for three seasons at Providence, drove for a layup and was brutally hit by Powell, who knocked him down.

Quickly getting back on his feet, Hopkins advanced toward Powell but was restrained by his former teammate, Oswin Erhunmwunse. The tension in the air was palpable, and the situation rapidly escalated, with players from the St. John’s bench joining the fray.

As the teams warmed up at their respective baskets during the break, the crowd began to chant “Duncan Powell!”, in a clear show of support for the Providence player. Guard Jaylin Sellers was escorted to the tunnel amid applause from the fans, quickly followed by Powell, while St. John’s athletes — Dillon Mitchell, Ruben Prey, Sadiku Ibine Ayo, and Kelvin Odih — also received their ejections.

After the game resumed, Hopkins converted two free throws, followed by a point from Oziyah Sellers and a layup that resulted in a five-point run, putting St. John’s ahead 44-40. Following a mistake by the Friars, Dylan Darling hit a three-pointer, extending the lead to seven.

The tension did not dissipate after the initial turmoil. With five minutes remaining, a hard foul by Erhunmwunse on Zuby Ejiofor of St. John’s once again sparked emotions, although the foul was deemed common. Providence fans, positioned behind the basket, managed to incite the Red Storm players even further, leading the referees to intervene once more.

This fierce contest not only brought excitement to the game but also raised questions about discipline and rivalry between the teams. What appeared to be an afternoon of basketball turned into a spectacle that will be remembered for a long time.