A scuffle broke out during the SEC Women’s Tournament championship game between South Carolina and LSU, marring the game itself while impacting the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
The Gamecocks were up 73-66 with 2:08 remaining in the game right before the brawl broke out. South Carolina freshman MiLaysia Fulwiley stole the ball from LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson, and with tensions high amid the physical game, Johnson grabbed Fulwiley, who walked away.
South Carolina’s Ashlyn Watkins approached the scene and Johnson pushed her away. At this point, players started to gather and share their displeasure, and the benches cleared once South Carolina star Kamilla Cardoso arrived and shoved Johnson to the ground.
A fan jumped over the scorer’s table and onto the court while this was happening, and the ESPN broadcast soon identified him as Johnson’s brother.
The game was delayed for 20 minutes while officials figured out everyone’s role and what their punishment would be. Since NCAA rules do not allow players to leave the bench, everyone who did so was automatically ejected. The game eventually continued as normally as possible, and once the final buzzer went off, the South Carolina players who…
