MBB: UC Davis (14-10, 7-5) at UC Santa Barbara (19-4, 10-2), Sat. Feb. 11 at 7:00 pm Was at the game and can share a perspective from a Gaucho fan.
One, the initial shove from Andre Kelly is absolutely what started it all and, in looking at just that possession, there did not seem to be anything that would have prompted it. I will say that it was completely out of character for AK, he had not been in any arguments, dust-ups, etc all year. The only other thing I recall was him coming to the aid of Ajay Mitchell after he had been intentionally fouled by a big on the other team. and I can't even remember the opponent now.
Two, Ty Johnson over-reacted and escalated the situation far more than it needed to be. I imagine there was a great deal of frustration on Davis's part at that stage of the game.
Three, with no punches thrown, I personally felt that the ejections for that game of both players was appropriate but no further suspensions were warranted. Obviously, the BWC felt different.
Four, Coach Metzger-Jones is the individual bearing the most guilt in this situation. Grabbing and shoving a players head to the floor when that player is defenseless due to being wrapped up by another player, is very far in the wrong. Plus, he is a coach and should be leading by example. Very disappointing as he is a former Gaucho coach and SB fans have generally been supportive of him. I expect he will receive a multi-game suspension and I wouldn't be shocked if it were for the rest of the season.
Five, you will get no argument or disagreement from Gaucho fans on the play calling from Jerry Pimm, the 80 yo play-by-play announcer for UCSB. Mixed feelings as he coached UCSB to its greatest moments back in the late 80s/early 90s but he is generally awful in this capacity. Sadly, and to reasons no one really knows, he replaced a fantastic announcer in former Laker (and Gaucho) Don Ford who was knowledgeable, unbiased, and quick on his feet in assessing the action. He is sorely missed.
Six, on a positive note, the rest of the game and the post-game handshake line were without incident and the players did a nice job of shaking hands & speaking to each other. I hope that nothing carries over to the rematch in Davis.
Edited to add: Several Gaucho fans who watched on TV have said that Johnson had been pretty grabby all game, including grabbing Kelly's jersey that play and it seems that is what got Kelly frustrated with him. Absolutely doesn't excuse his action and UCSB missing him before the 1st place showdown with UCI on Wednesday will really hurt the team.