Fan Interrupts Postgame Handshake After Jacksonville State's Buzzer-Beater Win Over UTEP

The heated incident occurred after Jacksonville State's narrow 64-61 victory over UTEP in El Paso.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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A fan interrupted the postgame handshake between the Jacksonville State and UTEP basketball teams after Jacksonville State banked a buzzer-beater to win 64-61. The fan grabbed a bench chair and appeared ready to swing it at someone before members of both teams stepped in to diffuse the situation.

Why it matters

The incident overshadowed Jacksonville State's narrow victory, which kept their slim March Madness hopes alive. Both teams are jockeying for position in the Conference USA tournament, with Liberty currently leading the conference.

The details

After Jacksonville State's Mostapha El Moutauakkil hit the game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer to beat UTEP 64-61, a fan interrupted the postgame handshake line. The fan grabbed a bench chair and began berating the officials, looking ready to swing the chair at someone, before players and staff from both teams stepped in to calm the situation.

  • The incident occurred immediately following the conclusion of the UTEP vs. Jacksonville State game on March 7, 2026.

The players

Mostapha El Moutauakkil

The Jacksonville State player who hit the game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer to defeat UTEP 64-61.

Ray Harper

The longtime head coach of the Jacksonville State Gamecocks, who is the program's winningest coach with 184 career wins.

Liberty

The Conference USA leader with a 25-6 overall record and 17-3 mark in conference play, projected to face Gonzaga as the 13th seed and lone CUSA representative in the NCAA Tournament.

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What’s next

The Conference USA Tournament will determine which teams make the NCAA Tournament, with Liberty currently in the strongest position and Jacksonville State needing to win out to earn a bid.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the heightened emotions and tensions that can arise in the aftermath of close, high-stakes college basketball games. While the on-court action was thrilling, the postgame fracas overshadowed Jacksonville State's narrow victory and their slim hopes of making the NCAA Tournament field.