The Big East Conference announced that Providence forward Duncan Powell will be suspended for his next three games for his actions in the fight that broke out during Saturday’s game between St. John’s and Providence.
Powell’s punishment includes an automatic one-game suspension mandated by NCAA rules for fighting. Besides Powell, no other players involved in Saturday’s scuffle are expected to be disciplined in upcoming games.
At the 14:25 mark in the second half, Powell committed a flagrant-two technical foul by grabbing Bryce Hopkins’s head with his hands and making no effort to contest the ball while Hopkins attempted a layup at the basket, sparking the melee. Hopkins was playing in his first game at Providence’s Amica Mutual Pavilion since transferring from the program last spring.
Including Powell, six players were ejected for their involvement in the brawl. Dillon Mitchell and Jaylin Sellers were thrown out with dead-ball technical fouls. At the same time, Red Storm players Sadiku Ibine Ayo, Kelvin Odih, and Ruben Prey were disqualified for exiting the bench area.
Following a 19-minute delay, St. John’s went on an 8-0 run and eventually won Saturday’s game by a score of 79-69.
There was no dissent from Providence’s athletic department regarding the decision. Athletic director Steve Napolillo favored the decision to suspend Powell in a statement released Sunday evening.
“Providence College holds its student-athletes and coaches to the highest standards,” Napolillo said. “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.”
Powell will miss Providence’s next three games against DePaul on February 21, Xavier on February 24, and Creighton on February 28. He will return for the Friars’ Senior Day home game against Marquette on Wednesday, March 4.