Providence's Duncan Powell suspended for fight vs. St. John's

Powell suspended three games for "combative actions" after brawl during loss to No. 17 St. John's

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Providence forward Duncan Powell was suspended three games by the Big East Conference for his role in a fight that broke out during Saturday's loss to No. 17 St. John's. Powell's hard foul on St. John's guard Bryce Hopkins ignited the brawl, which resulted in six players being ejected from the game.

Why it matters

Suspensions for fighting are a serious matter in college basketball, as they can significantly impact a team's performance and standings. This incident raises questions about sportsmanship and player conduct, as well as the ability of officials to maintain control of games when tensions escalate.

The details

Powell was suspended two games by the Big East on top of an automatic one-game suspension mandated by NCAA rules for fighting. He will miss Saturday's game at DePaul as well as home games against Xavier and Creighton. The fight broke out after Powell's hard foul on Hopkins, which took him to the ground. Hopkins moved toward Powell but was held back by his former Providence teammate Oswin Erhunmwunse. The game was stopped for nearly 20 minutes as officials sorted out the punishments, with a total of six players ejected.

  • On February 15, 2026, Providence lost 79-69 to No. 17 St. John's.
  • On February 16, 2026, the Big East Conference announced Duncan Powell's three-game suspension.

The players

Duncan Powell

A forward for the Providence Friars men's basketball team who was suspended three games for his role in a fight during a game against St. John's.

Bryce Hopkins

A guard for the St. John's Red Storm men's basketball team whose hard foul by Powell ignited the brawl.

Oswin Erhunmwunse

A forward for the Providence Friars who held back his former teammate Bryce Hopkins after the fight broke out.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

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.