The Atlantic 10 Conference has delivered its verdict following a chaotic scene that marred the end of a high-stakes college basketball showdown. After a benches-clearing brawl erupted between Saint Louis and VCU on Friday night, the league has issued formal punishments to both programs, stopping short of suspending any players involved in the fracas.
Conference Hands Down Financial Penalties
In a statement released Saturday, the conference announced it had levied fines and issued public reprimands against Saint Louis University and Virginia Commonwealth University for violating the league's sportsmanship policies. The decision comes after a physical altercation spilled across the court in the final seconds of Saint Louis's 88-75 home victory.
"The Atlantic 10 has issued reprimands to both Saint Louis and VCU for violating sportsmanship policies in the A-10 Code of Conduct during the incident at the conclusion of the Friday night game," the league stated. "Additionally, both programs will be fined according to conference policy."
No Suspensions Following Officials' Ruling
Notably, the conference decided against imposing any suspensions on players from either roster. The league credited the game officials with handling the volatile situation effectively in real time, stating there would be "no conference-issued suspensions as the officials adjudicated the incident within the prescribed rules of the game in exemplary fashion."
The brawl unfolded as time expired in a game that saw the Billikens, now an impressive 25-2 overall and 13-1 in conference play, secure a decisive win. What began as a competitive battle between two of the nation's top teams escalated into a full-scale confrontation, resulting in the ejection of every member of VCU's bench and all but two players from Saint Louis's reserves.
Star Player Reflects on Heated Moment
Saint Louis center Robbie Avila, who tied for a team-high 13 points in the victory, addressed the incident postgame. The 6-foot-10 standout acknowledged the intensity of the matchup got the better of both squads.
"It was a real competitive game. Obviously, emotions run high throughout the game," Avila told reporters. "It got the best of us. It was a real close game. We've battled the last two games. There is no ill intentions between anybody. Just the emotions of the game. The competition. That's all that was."
His comments underscore the fierce rivalry and high stakes at play, with both teams jockeying for position ahead of the Atlantic 10 Championship in Pittsburgh this March.
League Consers Matter Closed
The conference emphasized its desire to move forward, calling the brawl "an unfortunate end to a great college basketball game." The statement concluded by noting, "The A-10 considers the matter closed and looks forward to the remainder of the regular season and the Atlantic 10 Championship."
This ruling provides clarity as both teams continue their push toward the postseason. While financial penalties and formal reprimands will be recorded, the absence of suspensions means both Saint Louis and VCU will remain at full strength as they navigate the final stretch of conference play, likely setting the stage for another tense encounter should they meet again.
