Court Storm Nets Providence $5K Fine

In Providence College’s upset win over then-No. 10 Seton Hall on Saturday, fans stormed the court — twice — and earned their school a $5,000 fine. 

The Providence Journal reports that fans first rushed the court with 0.2 seconds left on the clock. The game appeared to end when Providence's Luwane Pipkins missed a free throw with four seconds left and the Friars ahead by 6. However, Seton Hall’s Quincy McKnight was fouled on a meaningless three-point attempt with less than a second remaining, and fans rushed the court. 

Officials ruled quickly that there was time remaining on the clock, so fans were ushered back into their seats to allow McKnight his free throw attempts. Providence head coach Ed Cooley even grabbed a microphone from the scorer’s table and instructed everyone to find their seats.

From AB: Schools Strategize Against Dangers of Court-Storming

McKnight made his free throws, but the Friars were able to inbound the ball and end the game, 74-71. And once again, fans poured onto the court to celebrate.

“It’s hard to get mad at them, they’re kids,” Cooley said after the game. “It’s just something we have to deal with.”

Cooley said that he would pick up the fine, which was handed down by the Big East Conference on Monday. “It’s worth it if I’m winning,” he said. 

“Our crowd helped us win this game, no question,” Cooley said after the game. “I don’t know what they fed them in here today but I can’t wait to get back home next Saturday (vs. Marquette). Whether it was the Bud Lights, the Natty Lights, Pabst Blue Ribbon, I don’t know what they gave them today. It was awesome here tonight.”