In a heated match at the Amica Mutual Pavilion, No. 17 St. John's secured a 79-69 victory against Providence, marking their 11th consecutive win. However, the game was marred by a significant confrontation when Providence forward Duncan Powell committed a hard foul on St. John's Bryce Hopkins. This act ignited a brawl as Hopkins retaliated by charging at Powell, leading to a chaotic scene where players from both teams engaged in pushing and shoving while coaches and referees struggled to restore order.

The altercation resulted in the ejections of six players—four from St. John's and two from Providence. Specifically, St. John's Dillon Mitchell, Ruben Prey, Sadiku Ibine Ayo, and Kelvin Odih were among those ejected, while Providence's Jaylin Sellers and Duncan Powell also faced expulsion from the game. The game was delayed for nearly 20 minutes due to the ruckus, indicating the intensity of the conflict and the challenges of managing such situations in collegiate sports.

This incident raises questions about sportsmanship and the handling of aggressive play in college basketball. The response from referees and security highlights the need for effective measures to prevent similar occurrences in high-stakes games. Such on-court violence not only impacts player safety but also the integrity of the sport, suggesting a possible need for stricter rules regarding physical play in future matches.