UTEP Fan Confronts Jacksonville State Players After Buzzer-Beater Loss

Incident under review by Conference USA and both schools involved

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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A UTEP fan was caught on video picking up a chair and yelling at Jacksonville State players after the Gamecocks' buzzer-beater victory over the Miners on Saturday. The confrontation occurred during the traditional postgame handshake line, with JSU players having to be restrained from reaching the fan. Both schools and Conference USA are investigating the incident.

Why it matters

Confrontations between fans and players are concerning and can escalate quickly, raising safety issues. This incident follows a previous handshake line altercation involving the UTEP team, indicating potential ongoing tensions between the programs.

The details

Moments after Jacksonville State guard Mostapha El Moutaouakkil hit a buzzer-beater to lift the Gamecocks to a 64-61 victory over UTEP, a courtside fan behind the scorer's table began waving a chair and yelling at the Jacksonville State players during the postgame handshake line. JSU players had to be held back by staffers and security from reaching the fan, who was also verbally confronted by other UTEP fans.

  • The incident occurred immediately after the final buzzer of the March 7, 2026 game between UTEP and Jacksonville State.
  • UTEP had a previous handshake line incident following a road loss at New Mexico on February 21, 2026.

The players

Mostapha El Moutaouakkil

Jacksonville State guard who hit the game-winning buzzer-beater.

Joe Golding

UTEP men's basketball head coach.

Jason Hooten

New Mexico State men's basketball head coach.

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What they’re saying

“We are reviewing the incident in conjunction with both [athletic directors], but we do not have a statement at this time.”

— Josh Yonis, Conference USA spokesperson

“We are going to review the video when we [obtain] it. We will take appropriate action as needed.”

— Jim Senter, UTEP Athletic Director

“We will defer to the conference before commenting.”

— Jacksonville State officials (ESPN)

What’s next

Conference USA and the two schools involved will review video footage of the incident and determine any appropriate disciplinary actions.

The takeaway

This confrontation between a fan and players highlights the need for better security and fan behavior protocols at college basketball games, to ensure the safety of all participants and maintain the integrity of the sport.