GREENVILLE, S.C. — Late in the fourth quarter of the women's SEC Championship game, a fan jumped onto the court when players from LSU and South Carolina got into a scuffle.
The incident happened when Flau'jae Johnson fouled freshman Milaysia Fulwiley after she stole the ball from her. Johnson then pushed at Ashlyn Watkins after that, South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso pushed Johnson down.
A few seconds later, a fan jumped over the scorer's table while referees tried to break up the teams. ESPN identified the fan as Johnson's brother. Police escorted him off the court.
Both head coaches spoke about the altercation. South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley was seen talking to and hugging Johnson moments after the game ended.
"I just want to apologize for what took place out here today. Sometimes, when you play basketball, things get a little bit heated. I know it didn't come from an ugly place," Staley said before leaving the floor.
“No one wants to be a part of that,” Mulkey said after the game. “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.”
South Carolina's Kamilla Cardoso, Chloe Kitts, Tessa Johnson, and Sakima Walker, and LSU's Aalyah Del Rosario and Janae Kent were all ejected.
South Carolina went on to win the game 79-72.
Cardoso and Angel Reese tweeted about the dust-up.
Reese said, "As a person at my STATUS, sometimes you have to walk away from certain situations. Mind you the play before that I had rolled my ankle AGAIN and was already walking to the bench. I ALWAYS ride for mine. I’m super proud of this team & super excited for March. #geauxtigers"
Cardoso said, "I would like to extend my sincerest apologies for my actions during today’s game. My behavior was not representative of who I am as a person or the South Carolina program, and I deeply regret any discomfort or inconvenience it may have caused. I take full responsibility for my actions and assure you that I am committed to conducting myself with the utmost respect and sportsmanship in the future."
Here is a video of the incident:
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