Providence Player Suspended 3 Games for Flagrant Foul

Duncan Powell's hard foul led to a fight and multiple ejections during loss to St. John's.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Duncan Powell, the Providence player whose flagrant foul led to a fight and numerous ejections during Saturday's loss to St. John's, has been suspended three games by the Big East conference. No players from St. John's were suspended.

Why it matters

The incident underscored the tense rivalry between the two teams, especially with former Providence player Bryce Hopkins returning to face his former team. The fight prompted a 19-minute delay in the game, which St. John's went on to win for their 11th straight victory.

The details

Powell was assessed a flagrant 2 foul after he struck a driving Bryce Hopkins in the head. A fracas between players from both teams ensued, with Powell then getting tangled up with St. John's forward Dillon Mitchell. Powell and Jaylin Sellers of Providence were ejected, as were Mitchell, Ruben Prey, Sadiku Ibine Ayo and Kelvin Odih of St. John's. Providence's Jamier Jones was later ejected for shoving St. John's star Zuby Ejiofor to the ground.

  • The incident occurred with 14:25 remaining in the game on Saturday.
  • The Big East announced Powell's 3-game suspension on February 16, 2026.

The players

Duncan Powell

A senior forward for Providence who transferred from Georgia Tech last offseason. His flagrant foul led to the fight and his 3-game suspension.

Bryce Hopkins

A former Providence player who transferred to St. John's last offseason. He heard heavy boos from Friars fans during the game.

Zuby Ejiofor

A star player for St. John's who was involved in the fight.

Rick Pitino

The head coach of St. John's, who previously coached Providence from 1985-87.

Steve Napolillo

The Athletic Director of Providence, who supported the suspension of Duncan Powell.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We fully support the suspension that the Big East has issued to Duncan Powell. His actions were unacceptable and do not reflect the values, discipline, or sportsmanship expected of anyone representing Providence College.”

— Steve Napolillo, Providence Athletic Director (courant.com)

“The crowd, I think, lost objectivity on what they're here for. If they're just here to poke fun at Bryce Hopkins and not get a win for the Friars, that's not the Friars [fans] I remember.”

— Rick Pitino, St. John's Head Coach (courant.com)

“I feel like we responded in the best way possible.”

— Zuby Ejiofor (courant.com)

What’s next

Powell is set to miss games against DePaul, Xavier and Creighton. St. John's and Providence do not play again this regular season but could meet in next month's Big East Tournament.

The takeaway

The incident highlights the intensity of the rivalry between Providence and St. John's, as well as the challenges of maintaining sportsmanship and discipline in high-stakes college basketball games.