The post-game brawl in D.C. ruined an otherwise good HBCU basketball game.
Howard University was beating Norfolk State by as many as 22 points at home, and things looked to be all good for the Bison at home.
But then the Spartans put a rally together, cutting the gap to 9 and then 2 after running off seven straight points. With :36 seconds left, Norfolk tied the game up and then completed their comeback by hitting two free throws with 2.1 left on the clock, sealing the victory with a final score of 80-78.
While the defeat was crushing for the Bison, what followed was even worse for the school, their fans and HBCUs in general.
For reasons still unknown, an altercation between the teams after the buzzer led to a court clearing brawl. Security rushed in, team managers were thrown to the floor and all control was lost in an embarrassing site for both teams.
A Fight broke out between #NorfolkState & #Howard a the end of their game this afternoon. Never like seeing a situation like this anywhere, especially at an HBCU! #MEAC (Video Courtesy: BISON Live) @HBCUGameday @BlackCollegeExp @InsideHBCUFball pic.twitter.com/3pcsmI0LZb
— Mo Carter (@MoCarterFOX54) February 3, 2019
Players from both teams were shoving each other and throwing punches, some trying to play peacemaker while others were caught up in the melee.
After Howard let a 22 pts lead slip away, coaches and players from Howard and Norfolk State engage in a heated brawl pic.twitter.com/RDSpfYNufT
— Tramel Raggs (@Raggs_No_Riches) February 2, 2019
It was a humiliating moment for both teams, and a scary one for fans who came to simply watch a good basketball game.
Our friends at HBCU Gameday posted the statement issued by Howard following the brawl:
“The altercation at the end of the game was unfortunate. Physical altercations or any form of unsportsmanlike conduct is not reflective of our values at Howard. We will review the tape, as well as forward a copy to the conference office, to determine what disciplinary actions need to be taken.”
We’re sure suspensions and other punishments will be coming soon. We’ll continue to follow the situation as it unfolds.
