After all, it's March Madness.
In a tense moment during Thursday's Big Ten tournament, the USC men's basketball player was involved in an argument with Purdue fans following a match with a boiler maker at Gainbridge Field House in Indianapolis.
The incident occurred when the player left court after losing to Purdue.
According to multiple reportsPurdue fans directed a lighthearted statement to the Trojan players, leading to a fierce exchange.
Security officers immediately stepped in to eliminate the situation and prevent it from escalating further.
The tournament organizer has issued a statement following the ordeal.
“There was an oral exchange near the entrance to the tunnel between members of the Trojan staff and a few fans who had tickets in courtside club seats that also have access to the area,” the statement reads.
“The exchange was resolved quickly without escalation, and we coordinated security procedures surrounding that area for the remaining three days of the tournament to eliminate duplication between participants and fans of the game.”
Purdue won the game 76-71, progressing to the next round of the Big Ten tournament, playing Michigan State on Friday.
Trey Kaufman-Renn led the game with 30 points.
With the loss, USC's record is 16-17.
It was an eventful tournament for the Big Ten off the court.
Northwestern coach Chris Collins suggested that the meeting was “trying to get” his Wildcats after the team stayed at the hotel without the air conditioner working.
