Titans clash with host Riptide; local police called

SAINT JOHN, N.B. — Fans at the National Basketball League of Canada game here on Thursday night got more than they bargained for.

A late-game bench-clearing brawl, which resulted in a call to local police, broke out as the host Saint John Riptide defeated the Kitchener-Waterloo Titans, 121-99.

“It was bad,” said Titans general manager Stu Julius who was on the visitors’ bench. “It wasn’t good for the league at all.”

Julius said he needed to watch the game film to see exactly what happened. But from his vantage point, trouble broke out when a Titans player got his elbow up under the glass as he attempted to box out a member of the Riptide.

After that, the Saint John bench emptied as players charged the Titans. Punches appeared to be thrown and the Titans coaching staff had to break up the melee, Julius said.

Arena security and the police were later called to escort the Titans to their dressing room, the GM said.

“There will be (league) suspensions for sure,” Julius said afterwards. “But if I see something on the film that we did wrong, I will suspend my guys. I won’t wait for the league to do it.”

Earlier in the game, Ricky Tarrant led the Titans with 19 points. George Blakeney scored 15 points for the visitors in his Titans’ debut.

For the hosts, Gabe Freeman poured in 39 points.

The Titans, who drop to 8-11 (won-lost) on the season, are back in action on Sunday afternoon when they visit the Cape Breton Highlanders.

K-W returns to the Kitchener Aud on March 11 for a match against Orangeville.