Brawl erupts after hard foul in Providence-St. John's game

Players and coaches from both teams engaged in a physical altercation following an incident on the court.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A fight broke out during the second half of Saturday's college basketball game between Providence and No. 17 St. John's. The incident started when St. John's forward Bryce Hopkins was fouled hard by Providence's Duncan Powell while going up for a shot. Hopkins, a former Providence player, took exception to the foul and confronted Powell, sparking a melee that involved players and coaches from both teams.

Why it matters

Brawls and physical altercations are rare but impactful events in college basketball, often resulting in suspensions and disciplinary actions that can significantly impact the remainder of a team's season. This incident raises questions about sportsmanship, player safety, and the ability of coaches to maintain control of their teams during heated moments.

The details

According to reports, the fight began after Powell fouled Hopkins hard as he was attempting a shot. Hopkins, who played three seasons for Providence before transferring to St. John's, took exception to the foul and immediately got up to confront Powell. The confrontation quickly escalated, with players and coaches from both teams joining the scuffle on the court.

  • The incident occurred during the second half of Saturday's game between Providence and St. John's.
  • The game was played on February 14, 2026.

The players

Bryce Hopkins

A forward for the St. John's basketball team who previously played three seasons at Providence.

Duncan Powell

A player for the Providence basketball team who committed the foul that sparked the brawl.

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What they’re saying

“We must maintain composure and sportsmanship, even in the heat of competition. This type of behavior is unacceptable and will be addressed.”

— Ed Cooley, Head Coach, Providence Basketball (on3.com)

What’s next

The conference and both schools are expected to review the incident and determine any disciplinary actions, such as suspensions, that may be warranted for the players and coaches involved.

The takeaway

This brawl highlights the need for better conflict resolution and sportsmanship training for college basketball players and coaches, as well as the importance of officials maintaining control of the game to prevent these types of volatile situations from escalating.