WATCH: Six Ejected, Fan Put in Cuffs in Explosive Fight During LSU-South Carolina Women’s Basketball Game

Sunday’s SEC women’s basketball championship game between Louisiana State and South Carolina was stopped for nearly 20 minutes when benches cleared during a fight.

After committing a foul with around two minutes left in the game, LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson shoved South Carolina forward Ashlyn Watkins. In response, South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso charged Johnson and pushed her to the ground. That move got the attention of both benches and a number of players swarmed the scene.

A man even jumped over the scorers table to get in Cardoso’s face. It was revealed shortly after that man was Johnson’s brother, and he was escorted off the court in handcuffs by police.

Referees spent almost 20 minutes restoring order and watching replays to hand out punishments. Four South Carolina players, including Cardoso, were ejected. Officials also ejected two LSU players.

While the other five players were ejected for leaving the bench, Cardoso’s ejection was specifically for fighting. According to NCAA rules, being ejected for fighting comes with an automatic suspension — meaning Cardoso will likely miss the Gamecocks’ first-round game in the NCAA tournament.

After the game, which South Carolina won 79-72, Cardoso apologized for her role in the fight.

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…

— Kamilla_Cardoso (@Kamillascsilva) March 10, 2024

South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley also apologized to the basketball community. She then revealed that Johnson approached her after the game to apologize for initiating the altercation with her shove of Watkins.

Full answer from Dawn Staley when asked about the final minutes of the game. Says she doesn’t want the people tuning into women’s basketball to think that’s “our game.”

Includes Flau’jae Johnson’s apology to Staley after the game: “She’s a really good person.” pic.twitter.com/FAwLAT54T7

— Julia Westerman (@JuliaWesterman) March 10, 2024

Watch above via ESPN