THE ALREADY VOLATILE Barbados-Jamaica relations just took another ill turn.
It was basket-brawl at the Barbados Community College as the anticipated UWI Games title clash between two-time champs Cave Hill and Mona came to a premature halt following an all-out fracas between opposing players and fans in what was one ugly Wednesday night brawl.
Police eventually brought an end to the proceedings at 11:40 p.m. after the melee interrupted the contest with 3:39 still remaining in the fourth and the hosts leading 60-47.
The situation came to a head when a Mona player punched Blackbird guard Daniel Lovell in the stomach, with Lovell’s ensuing reaction leading to both benches and fans storming the court in a brief melee.
It was the unfortunate end to a gripping contest that saw Mona leading by as many as 11 points (29-18) in the second quarter before Cave Hill stormed back on the heels of a 17-6 fourth-quarter rally.
Tensions were already brewing midway during the Blackbirds’ run when players had to be separated following a tussle for a loose ball towards the sideline.
But things truly got out of hand just two minutes later as Lovell got a shot to the midsection directly after team-mate Jamai Puckerin scored what proved to be the game’s last basket.
Lovell quickly responded by slapping the opposing player in his face before Cave Hill forward Jamai Puckerin received an elbow to the forehead that opened a bloody gash above his right eye.
Both supporting fan bases instantly stormed the floor throwing punches, before water and Powerade bottles were thrown from the standings. Cooler heads eventually prevailed and managed to separate the warring factions a couple of minutes later.
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