UTEP Investigating Fan Incident After Buzzer-Beater Loss

Conference USA says no league discipline, but UTEP reviewing security protocols after chair-throwing incident

Mar. 10, 2026 at 2:05pm

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Conference USA officials say the league will not take action following an incident involving a fan and players after the University of Texas at El Paso men's basketball game Saturday against Jacksonville State. Video shows a fan grabbing a chair and shaking it toward Jacksonville State players and staff during the postgame handshake line, leading to a confrontation. UTEP says it is interviewing those involved and observers to determine disciplinary action and review security procedures to ensure safety for future games.

Why it matters

Incidents of fan misconduct at sporting events have become an increasing concern, with the potential to escalate tensions, lead to injuries, and damage the game-day experience for players, coaches, and other fans. UTEP's response will set an example for how universities handle such situations and work to maintain a safe and respectful environment.

The details

After Jacksonville State defeated UTEP 64-61 on a buzzer-beater, video shows a fan in the stands grabbing a chair and shaking it toward the Jacksonville State players and staff during the postgame handshake line. This led to Jacksonville State players being restrained by staff members, and both teams being directed to their locker rooms. Witnesses reported several instances of inappropriate gestures and shouting between fans and players throughout the game.

  • The incident occurred after the UTEP vs. Jacksonville State men's basketball game on Saturday, March 9, 2026.
  • UTEP announced it is conducting interviews with those involved and observers on Monday, March 11, 2026.

The players

UTEP

The University of Texas at El Paso men's basketball team, who lost to Jacksonville State in the regular-season finale.

Jacksonville State

The Jacksonville State men's basketball team, who defeated UTEP on a buzzer-beater.

Jim Senter

The athletic director of UTEP, who stated the university is reviewing the incident and security protocols.

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What they’re saying

“Following Saturday's postgame incident, we have been conducting interviews with the individuals who were involved, plus observers and our security team. It is important that we get the full scope of what happened before drawing any conclusions. Based on our findings, we will take any disciplinary action internally, and we'll also work to implement any policies and procedures that will ensure the safest environment possible for participating teams and spectators in the future.”

— Jim Senter, UTEP Athletic Director

What’s next

UTEP says it will determine any disciplinary action based on the findings of its interviews with those involved and observers, and will work to implement new policies and procedures to ensure safety at future games.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenge universities face in maintaining a safe and respectful environment at sporting events, as fan misconduct can quickly escalate and disrupt the game. UTEP's response in reviewing security protocols and potential disciplinary action will be closely watched as an example for how schools should handle such situations.