University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Tigers Beat Arkansas-Pine Bluff 78-54
Nov 25, 2002 | Men's Basketball
Nov 25, 2002
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Seven players were ejected in the first half of a game between the University of Memphis and Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Monday, including two Memphis players in street clothes who came off the bench for the brawl.
Memphis (2-1) won the game 78-54, with five players in double figures. Earl Barron scored 18 points, followed by Duane Erwin, Rodney Carney and John Grice each with 14 points, and Nathaniel Root with a career-high 11 points.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff (0-2) was led by Kory McKee's 12 points.
The fight began with 5:37 left in the first half on a scramble for a loose ball underneath the Golden Lions' basket. Antwan Emsweller ended up underneath a pile as a melee ensued with several punches thrown.
Almamy Thiero and Billy Richmond were cited for coming off the Tigers' bench. Memphis also lost starting guard Anthony Rice and reserve guard Clyde Wade.
The Golden Lions lost Emsweller, Lamarquis Blake and starting forward Don Fleming. Blake and Fleming were tossed for leaving the bench area.
Emsweller will serve a one-game NCAA suspension for fighting. No other players will miss additional time for their roles in the fight.
After the officials reviewed the fracas on a courtside TV monitor and ejected the players, the Tigers went on an 8-0 run to pull away, 30-15.
The Golden Lions cut the Tigers' lead to 38-29 early in the second half, but Memphis pulled away with strong rebounding, particularly on the offensive boards.
Three successive follow-up baskets - Erwin on a slam, Barron on a follow and Grice on a tip-in - gave the Tigers a 46-32 lead early in the second half. Memphis led by as much as 31 points late in the game.
