UL men's basketball coach Bob Marlin, South Alabama men's basketball coach Matthew Graves, and Sun Belt Conference Commissioner Karl Benson have released the following statements regarding Thursday's game between the two schools. ...
Nine technical fouls were called during the course of the game. 54 total fouls were called and there were 69 free throw attempts.
Sun Belt Commissioner Karl Benson
"The Sun Belt Conference and its member universities have a high standard for conduct. We cannot and will not ignore when these standards are not met. I thank (UL Athletic Director) Scott Farmer and (South Alabama Athletic Director) Joel Erdmann for recognizing the type of behavior that is expected and that this behavior was not suitable for their universities. I also applaud Coach Graves and Coach Marlin for coming forward and recognizing that the behavior of their teams last night was unacceptable. Nevertheless, it is the responsibility of the head coach to have their teams composed and to ensure good sportsmanship. There was a failure to do so last night. Both coaches understand this and both coaches understand their teams are expected to meet our standards of conduct."
UL Head Coach Bob Marlin
"The technical fouls and resulting behavior that occurred last night took away from what was a competitive game between our two institutions. The lack of sportsmanship that was displayed is not conducive to our sport, and was not a good representation of our athletic program and our university. I have the utmost respect for Coach Graves and his staff, and we will both work together to prevent this from occurring again in the future."
South Alabama Head Coach Matthew Graves
"Last night was a highly emotional game for both teams and we are certainly disappointed with the actions of everyone involved. We have addressed the issues within our team and will continue to be diligent on educating our student-athletes on how to appropriately conduct themselves in such an environment moving forward. We strive to represent South Alabama in a first-class manner and we will utilize this as a teachable moment for both our student-athletes and coaching staff. I have the utmost respect for Coach Marlin and his program, and am looking forward to continuing the rivalry between the two schools."