Massive fight erupts in Southern Miss vs. Arkansas State WBB game

Things got out of control and in a big way on Thursday night in a women’s basketball game between Southern Miss and Arkansas State. In the first half, there was a fight for a rebound that spilled over into the Southern Miss bench. The Golden Eagles shot a three-pointer, and Southern Miss’ Dominique Davis and Arkansas State forward Emma Imevbore were tied up battling for the rebound.

There was a brief struggle between both players after the rebound and things escalated in a hurry into the Southern Miss bench. Imevbore threw a punch, which led to USM’s bench to react.

Brawl in Southern Miss vs Arkansas State WBB. Pushing, Punches throws, a Crushed Coach, and a fan getting in on the action. pic.twitter.com/JReEykWNii

— NCAA Buzzer Beaters & Game Winners (@NCAABuzzerBters) February 15, 2024

There were several people involved in the melee and it took a few minutes to calm everybody down and get things sorted out. There were five total ejections, four from Southern Miss and one from Arkansas State. Davis and Imevbore were both ejected along with three other USM players: Brikayla Gray, Lani Cornfield, and Ashjha Leake. The three fans who ran onto the court were also ejected. Apparently, over 15 minutes passed before play finally resumed. Per the NCAA women’s basketball rulebook, players that participate in a fight for the first time will receive a one-game suspension.

There were 2:32 left in the first half at the time of the incident. USM led Arkansas State 30-26 at the time and they only had just seven players for the rest of Thursday night’s game.

Southern Miss assistant Jessica Barber was caught in the bottom of the pile in the middle of the brawl and needed to be helped to the locker room, but returned to the bench after halftime in crutches, according to Sam Sklar of The Hattiesburg American.

The Southern Miss Lady Eagles pulled out the win, 57-48. Wynter Rogers was tied for the team lead the Red Wolves in scoring with 11 points. She was joined by Izzy Higginbottom, who stuffed the stat sheet with 11 points and two rebounds. Arkansas State only shot 29.4% from the field, whereas Southern Miss shot 33.9% from the field. Both teams shot less than 20 percent from beyond-the-arc.

USM had two players in double figures in the win (Melyia Grayson and Jacorriah Bracey). Arkansas State turned the ball over 24 times, compared to 15 for Southern Miss. Grayson posted a double-double with 11 points and 16 rebounds. It was the fifth conference win in a row for Southern Miss.