Suspensions, Fines Handed Out in ORU, North Dakota State Brawl

A fight at the end of ORU's basketball game against North Dakota State leads to suspensions and fines.

The Summit League has fined both head coaches $5,000 and two ORU players are each suspended for half a game. This all comes after a lot of shoving and yelling at the end of last night's game. During post-game hand-shakes, words were exchanged, and pushing and shoving soon followed. It all started as the clock ticked away with NDSU up 77 to 59.

As time expired, a player for the Bison steals the ball, and with no time left on the clock, dunks even though the game is over and well out of reach.

According to the game broadcast, both coaches argue with each other, and players get involved.

ORU's Elijah Lufile even came out with a bloody lip. On Friday, talk radio was full of opinions. News on 6's Dan Hawk who also hosts a show on the Blitz 1170 had several guests on today.

"It's unfortunate. It's unnecessary,” said Terry Ford, a guest from 107.5 The Game in South Carolina. “People will try to make more of it than it is."

ORU's head coach Paul Mills took to Twitter writing in part "I am very saddened about what transpired at the conclusion of our game tonight v NDSU. ORU nor NDSU want to be represented in a negative light. Dave Richman & I have spoken & I have the utmost respect for the Bison program..."

Both teams also released a statement.

“The events that unfolded at the end of our basketball game on Feb. 17 were failures by both programs to display the Summit League’s and our expected sportsmanship standards. We apologize and take responsibility for not upholding these values and expectations. Moving forward, we are committed to appropriate and respectful sportsmanlike behavior within competition.”

Elijah Lufile and Jamie Bergens will miss the first half of Saturday’s game because of their role in the fight.

Two players on NDSU were also suspended for half of a game.