Bryce Hopkins expects 'high emotions' if St. John's meets Providence in Big East tourney

The St. John's forward is ready for a potential rematch with his former team after a brawl in their last meeting.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Bryce Hopkins, a forward for the St. John's Red Storm, is expecting 'high emotions' if his current team faces his former team, the Providence Friars, in the Big East Tournament. The two teams have already met once this season, with a brawl breaking out after a hard foul by Providence's Duncan Powell on Hopkins. Hopkins says he respects his former teammates, including Oswin Erhunmwunse who helped calm the situation, and is focused on leading St. John's to success in the tournament.

Why it matters

The potential rematch between St. John's and Providence would add extra drama and intensity to the Big East Tournament opener, as the teams have already shown they are willing to get physical with each other on the court. Hopkins' transfer from Providence to St. John's also adds personal stakes to the matchup.

The details

In the previous meeting between the teams on Feb. 14, a hard foul by Providence's Duncan Powell on Hopkins sparked a brawl that led to six players being ejected. Powell was suspended for three games as a result. Despite the incident, Hopkins says he respects his former Providence teammates and appreciates Oswin Erhunmwunse for helping to calm the situation. St. John's went on to win that game, and the Red Storm have had a successful season, winning the Big East regular season title, while Providence has struggled and may be facing a coaching change.

  • On Jan. 3, Providence defeated St. John's.
  • On Feb. 14, the teams met again and a brawl broke out.
  • The Big East Tournament begins on Wednesday, March 12.

The players

Bryce Hopkins

A 6-foot-7 forward for the St. John's Red Storm who previously played for the Providence Friars.

Duncan Powell

A Providence forward who was suspended for three games after his hard foul on Hopkins sparked a brawl in the previous meeting between the teams.

Oswin Erhunmwunse

A Providence player who helped calm the situation by pulling Hopkins away from the scuffle during the brawl.

Jamier Jones

A Providence wing player who said he would have played over Hopkins if the latter had stayed at Providence.

Kim English

The Providence head coach who is reportedly on his way out.

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What they’re saying

“It's going to be the same thing I feel like. It's going to be very aggressive, high emotions all over the place. They're going to come with their best shot again. I'm sure it's going to be a tough, physical game again. That's what the coach likes over there. Whatever the case may be, we'll be ready for that.”

— Bryce Hopkins, St. John's forward (New York Post)

“It would be theater. I think that would be good TV.”

— Dylan Darling (New York Post)

“I know the guys I played with are all good guys on the team. I texted Oswin after the game. [I told him], 'I appreciate you doing that,' just to settle the situation down. It means a lot for me for him to do that, to have my back in that situation. Just showing the love that we have for each other.”

— Bryce Hopkins, St. John's forward (New York Post)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.