Extra Security to Be Used at UNLV-Utah State Game

The last time Utah State played Nevada Las Vegas, the game ended in a brawl and two players were suspended.

Utah State officials aren’t taking any chances in tonight’s rematch at the Spectrum in Logan, Utah. Officials have hired extra security for the school’s first sellout basketball game this season. A crowd of 10,270 is expected.

“Normally, there are six or seven security people in the building, but we have hired about 18 for this game to monitor the crowd throughout the student section,” said Craig Hislop, Utah State’s sports information director.

“A couple of security guards will be at Nevada’s bench to diffuse any possible hateful comments.”

Hislop said the school is not concerned about another altercation between the players, but is taking the precaution against overzealous fans who might try to get involved.

The incident occurred on Feb. 1 with seven seconds remaining in a game won by UNLV at Las Vegas. UNLV reserve center Chris Jeter delivered a football-style head butt to Utah State guard Gary Patterson’s head. The blow occurred away from the ball and left Patterson on the floor for several seconds.

The final seven seconds were played without incident, but immediately after the game, Jeter punched another Utah State player in the face, and that touched off a brawl. Utah State Coach Kohn Smith was hit at least twice when he tried to restore order.

Neither Jeter nor Moses Scurry, the player who hit Smith, will be at tonight’s game. Both were suspended by Big West Commissioner Jim Haney, who thought their presence on the floor might incite further trouble. Jeter was also suspended for two additional games.

Jeter and Scurry have written apologies to the Aggies, and those letters were posted on the team’s bulletin board.

As an added precaution, Utah State President Stanford Cazier bought a full-page ad in the Logan Herald Journal that appealed to Aggie fans to be a “class act” at tonight’s game.