TSU bans women's team from SWAC tourney over brawl

Mar 10, 2015 - 12:55 AM Houston, TX (SportsNetwork.com) - Texas Southern said Monday it will keep its women's basketball team out of the upcoming conference tournament over a brawl that forced officials to end Saturday's game against Southern in the second half.

TSU athletic director Charles McClelland said in a statement that suspensions handed down by the Southwestern Athletic Conference and additional penalties imposed by the school mean the Lady Tigers "would not be able to successfully field a competitive team."

Officials stopped Saturday's game with 12:36 remaining because of a fight under Southern's basket, during which punches were reportedly thrown. The brawl involved players, cheerleaders and fans, according to The Advocate.

Both teams were given a loss, giving Texas Southern sole possession of the regular season title over Southern.

Eight players from Texas Southern and seven from Southern were given at least a one-game suspension by the SWAC.

Southern's Keonia Parrish was given a two-game suspension and was dismissed from the program over her role in the brawl, the school announced.

Kiana Vines from Texas Southern was also given a two-game suspension.