It’s not often that a title game take this ugly of a turn, but that’s exactly what happened when the women’s basketball teams from Texas Southern and Southern engaged in an all out brawl.
Southern was leading 51-49 at the time the brawl broke out — after Texas Southern’s Miracle Davis took a charge. Players, cheerleaders and fans were reportedly were involved, throwing heavy punches as security rushed to the court.
“I just saw two kids standing up looking at each other and someone else push and yell,” Pugh said. “My first reaction is to tell everyone to stay. But I look up and they have two kids running in. One of their kids throws the first punch and one of our kids was on the ground and someone was just pounding her. Next thing I know it was a melee.”
TSU’s Alexus Johnson and Diamonisha Sophus were the players that threw punches the report said, with security holding Johnson back minutes later from storming into the Southern locker room to resume the brawl.
Southern (18-10) entered the night a game behind Texas Southern (19-10). However, Texas Southern enters the SWAC tournament as the No. 1 seed.
I’m interested in seeing how conference and school officials handle this ugly incident. Both teams are likely to meet again at some point.
TSU on Sunday morning issued the following statement:
An altercation involving the women’s basketball teams from Texas Southern University and Southern University took place on Saturday, March 7 during the final regular season contest for both teams. TSU Athletics has released the following statement regarding the incident.
“At Texas Southern University we hold our student-athletes to high standards in regards to sportsmanship and personal conduct,” said TSU Director of Athletics Dr. Charles McClelland
“An unfortunate incident occurred during the second half of our women’s basketball with Southern University that undoubtedly does not reflect the core values and principles that we expect our student-athletes to exhibit at all times. Both institutions along with the conference office are in the process of reviewing the incident and gathering additional information.”