ACC Commissioner Gives Credit to Refs

Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner John Swofford called it “unfortunate” that fans stormed the court near the end of the Duke-Florida State game, but credited referees for handling the situation.

With 1.7 seconds left in the 79-74 upset of top-ranked Duke on Wednesday night, Seminole fans stormed the court and interrupted play. A technical foul was assessed to the home team, but it didn’t prevent Florida State’s second victory in three seasons over Duke.

Unlike the Southeastern Conference, the ACC doesn’t have the authority to penalize its members for fan behavior, so Swofford only issued a statement Thursday.

“Crowd control in all of our sports is an issue that our schools take seriously and is discussed on an ongoing basis,” Swofford said. “The safety of players, coaches and fans must always be the primary concern of any sporting event.”

Tennessee was fined $5,000 by the SEC in January after fans rushed the court following the Volunteers’ victory over then-No. 2 Florida. Arkansas received the same punishment last week after a victory over the Gators, even though only 20 to 25 fans left the stands.

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Oregon sophomore guard Malik Hairston told the Oregonian that he plans to return to the Ducks next season rather than make himself eligible for the NBA draft.