Wild brawl breaks out after Texas A&M-Commerce vs Incarnate Word game… punches are thrown as postgame handshakes descend into chaos

A massive postgame brawl broke out after Texas A&M-Commerce defeated the University of the Incarnate Word, 76-72, on Monday. 

The brawl came during the postgame handshakes as multiple players began throwing punches at each other. Members from both teams joined the wild mosh pit near center court before the chaos spread across the floor. 

Several staff members tried to break the players apart and get them into the locker rooms. However, the players’ lack of control led to staffers and an spectator getting hurt, as mentioned by the broadcast team. 

An analyst calling the game said that a ‘young girl’ in the crowd was hurt during the brawl. They also mentioned that a team manager had ‘blood in his face’.

The Southland Conference addressed the incident in a statement shortly after. 

The brawl broke out during postgame handshakes after the Lions secured a close 76-72 victory

‘We will be working closely with both universities to review the footage and issue appropriate disciplinary action,’ the statement read. ‘Unsportsmanlike behavior is unacceptable in the Southland Conference and the safety of our student-athletes, spectators, and officials remains a top priority.’ 

The two teams involved are at the bottom of the conference, each entering Monday’s game with just three wins. The Lions also bested the Cardinals, 71-66, in their previous meeting. 

After their game in January, Texas A&M Commerce head coach Jaret von Rosenberg described the competition as a ‘dogfight’ in his postgame radio show. 

The scuffle came just days after another brawl broke out between Southern Mississippi and Arkansas State’s women’s basketball teams on Thursday. 

The brawl resulted in several players and staff members hitting the floor before five players were ejected. The game would resume as the Lady Eagles went on to win, 57-48.