Court storm gets a bit ugly
GETTY MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia’s athletic department said Sunday it is reviewing an incident in which a player is seen striking a Texas Tech fan who had joined thousands of others in a postgame celebration.
Videos posted on social media by fans at the game in Lubbock, Tex., show forward Wes Harris and other West Virginia players trying to reach the sideline as fans swarmed the court Saturday in celebration of No. 8 Texas Tech’s 72-71 win over No. 2 West Virginia. The videos appear to show Harris striking a fan who had run into him before Harris is pulled away. Other players were involved in a separate skirmish trying to protect a teammate in the swarm. “We have been in contact with the Big 12 Conference and Texas Tech and are gathering information regarding yesterday’s court storming in Lubbock,” West Virginia’s athletic department said in a statement.
The incident highlights the potential dangers of fans storming the court. In 2015, the Big 12 passed a measure giving commissioner Bob Bowlsby broad authority to fine schools that fail to keep fans off the court following games.
OHIO STATE 68, RUTGERS 46: Keita Bates-Diop scored 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead visiting Ohio State (15-4, 6-0 Big Ten). The Scarlet Knights have lost five of six after starting the season 11-3.
VIRGINIA 68, N.C. STATE 51: Devon Hall scored a careerbest 25 points and host No. 3 Virginia (16-1) pushed its winning streak to eight. N.C. State (12-6) came in with a 3-0 record against ranked teams.
CANISIUS 94, MONMOUTH 79: In Buffalo, Jermaine Crumpton scored 23 points to lead the Golden Griffins, who remained tied for first in the MAAC with Iona.
IONA 91, RIDER 64: Schadrac Casimir scored 15 points and Deyshonee Much 14 as host Iona shot 57% from the floor. The Gaels (11-7, 5-1 MAAC) made 16 of 28 3-point tries.
DAVIDSON 75, FORDHAM 45: Perris Hicks tied a career-high with 15 points, on five 3-pointers, to lead host Fordham (6-11).
NIAGARA 73, SAINT PETER’S 70: Matt Scott scored 23 points, Kahlil Dukes added 21 and the two were the difference down the stretch for host Niagara.
ARMY 64, NAVY 62: Alex King scored 15 of his 17 points in the first half for visiting Army (11-6).