Tempers flare, six players ejected in St. John's-Providence clash - ESPN
ESPN
February 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Tempers flared in a heated matchup between No. 17 St. John's and Providence during their Big East game on Saturday. Six players were ejected after a controversial incident involving a hard foul by Providence forward Duncan Powell on St. John’s star Bryce Hopkins, leading to a benches-clearing brawl. Despite the chaos, St. John's managed a 79-69 victory, extending their winning streak to 11 games. The game was halted for nearly 20 minutes as officials sorted out penalties, with four St. John's players and two from Providence receiving ejections.
The fracas began late in the second half when Hopkins was fouled hard by Powell during a fast-break layup attempt. This led to a heated exchange between players and coaches from both teams. St. John’s coach Rick Pitino, a former Providence mentor, played a key role in de-escalating the situation but emphasized that such behavior has no place in modern basketball. The game's momentum shifted dramatically as Providence's one-point lead turned into a four-point deficit following the restart, ultimately sealing their loss despite a strong second-half rally.
The incident sparked debates about player conduct and the challenges of managing intense rivalries in college sports. Both coaches expressed contrasting views on the foul and its implications for the game. Providence coach Kim English defended Powell's actions as a legitimate defensive play, while Pitino highlighted the need for toughness but without resorting to violence. The Big East conference will review the game to determine if additional penalties are warranted.
Sports fans interested in high-stakes college basketball will find this incident significant due to its impact on player behavior and game outcomes. The ejections and subsequent controversy highlight the thin line between competitive intensity and unruly conduct, raising questions about how such situations can be better managed in the future. This game serves as a reminder of the emotional stakes involved in intercollegiate sports and the importance of maintaining discipline under pressure.
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Originally published on ESPN on 2/15/2026