Watch CBS News

Game Suspended After Physical Altercation

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- A physical altercation between Bethune-Cookman and Maryland-Eastern Shore led officials to suspend the women's basketball game with 16:22 left in the second half.

Game officials, security and both coaching staffs eventually broke up the melee on the court, sending the teams to their locker rooms.

Officially the game was stopped because of unsportsmenlike behavior on both teams.

Bethune-Cookman (12-11, 5-6 MEAC) was leading 32-21 when play was halted.

"I wasn't present when the incident happened," said Bethune-Cookman athletic director Lynn Thompson, "but I have reviewed the tapes and believe I understand the situation."

He said the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference office was now in charge of the matter.

It wasn't long after officials cleared the court that security guards ushered the Maryland-Eastern Shore team to its bus outside Moore Gymnasium.

"It's unfortunate that something like this occurred," said Bethune-Cookman coach Vanessa Blair in a statement. "The most important thing now is the safety and welfare of the student-athletes involved."

None of the Maryland-Eastern Shore (8-16, 5-6) coaches or players was available for comment.

The two teams played on Jan. 17 and Maryland-Eastern Shore won that meeting 69-52.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.