College Basketball Game Halted After Two Brawls in First Half

The basketball game between Morgan State and North Carolina A&T; was suspended late in the first half Monday night after two fights involving about 20 players.

Morgan State led, 35-31, when the game was suspended. No one was injured, and the crowd of about 1,500 remained orderly.

Three years ago this month, a fight between A&T; and N.C. Central players spread to band members and fans, then to students who spilled out of A&T; dorms. Seven fans were injured.

Tempers first flared with 2:43 remaining in the half Monday night when A&T;’s Kevin Chamberlain was ejected for a flagrant foul.

A bench-clearing brawl erupted 48 seconds later after A&T;’s Thomas Garner and Morgan State’s Michael Brewer collided.

Game officials reviewed videotapes and ejected several players from each team, leaving only three players from each side, and officials decided not to continue. No decision was made on whether to reschedule the game.

At courtside were were John Russell, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference director of officials, and Hank Nichols, supervisor of officials and secretary-rules editor for the NCAA’s men’s basketball rules committee.