Brawl Ejects 8 Players, Injures Ref in Sun Belt Game

In Pensacola, Florida, a women's college basketball game between South Alabama and Coastal Carolina erupted into a brawl during the second round of the Sun Belt Conference tournament on Wednesday, leaving a referee injured on the court and eight players ejected. The incident occurred with just over five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, as South Alabama held a 64-55 lead en route to an 80-70 victory.

The altercation began under the basket when South Alabama's Cordasia Harris made slight contact with Coastal Carolina's Tracey Hueston from behind. Hueston turned and began pushing and swinging at Harris, who pushed back in response. Teammates and officials rushed to intervene, but in the chaos, Hueston struck a referee who was attempting to separate the players. The official, who appeared to be hit in the head or neck area, collapsed to the floor and remained motionless for a moment. Staff members and medical personnel quickly attended to her, with a sheriff's deputy also entering the court once order was restored. No immediate update on the referee's condition was available following the game.

Officials issued double technical fouls to Harris and Hueston, ejecting both...