Basketball Fan Jumps On Court During LSU-South Carolina Melee
Tensions quickly rose between the LSU Tigers and South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball teams during their SEC Championship matchup on Sunday.
In the fourth quarter, LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson shoved South Carolina forward Ashlyn Watkins, inciting a benches-clearing tussle between both teams. Johnson was shoved by Watkins previously, prompting the now-viral response that led to South Carolina forward Kamilla Cardoso pushing Johnson to the ground. At one point, a fan even hopped over the scorer’s table before being escorted by security — adding to an already hectic scene.
Six total players, including Cardoso, were ejected for the final 2:08 minutes remaining in the game. LSU, who proceeded to lose, 79-72, was left only with its starting five after two reserves were also thrown out. Meanwhile, ESPN’s live broadcast identified the court intruder as Johnson’s brother.
Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey wasn’t a fan of Cardoso — who’s 6-foot-7 — throwing down Johnson — who’s 5-foot-10 — calling the emotions/rage-filled move “uncalled for” when addressing the incident postgame.
“It’s ugly, it’s not good, no one wants to be a part of that,” Mulkey told reporters, per the Associated Press. “But I’ll tell you this, I wish (Cardoso) would’ve pushed Angel Reese. If you’re 6’8″ (6’7″), don’t push somebody that little. That was uncalled for in my opinion. Let those two girls who were jawing, let them go at it.”
The Gamecocks made it away with a championship victory, however, Cardoso is ineligible for their next game as a result of the incident as South Carolina next prepares for tournament play.