Vicious Brawl Taints End of Great New Mexico State-Utah Valley Game [VIDEO]

It wasn’t malice at the Palace, but an ugly brawl between players and fans still marred Thursday night’s Utah Valley-New Mexico State game in Orem, Utah.

As Utah Valley was closing out the final seconds of its 66-61 overtime win, NMSU guard K.C. Ross-Miller threw the bill at UV’s Holton Hunsaker, nailing him in the leg.

Fans quickly poured onto the court and got involved in a nasty donnybrook. After the game, NMSU coach Marvin Menzies was candid in his disappointment:

It was a very heated, emotional game, and if any of my guys did anything that was out of line, they will be punished to the 10th degree. That may affect wins and losses, but they need to learn some life lessons after something like that. That is not going to happen in my program, and it's just embarrassing."

Menzies put the blame squarely on Ross-Miller’s shoulders, saying, "I want to apologize for K.C.'s actions.”

The brawl may have serious consequences for both teams. With the win, Utah Valley moved one game ahead of New Mexico State for the WAC lead, but suspensions could be forthcoming, shortly before the conference tournament gets underway. With an NCAA Tournament a few weeks away, losing in the conference tourney could jeopardize a bid to the big dance.