Officials determine Saturday’s scuffle contained ‘fighting act’
Freshman Xavier Silas, a member of the CU men’s basketball team, was suspended for one game after being ejected in the first half of Saturday night’s game against Nebraska.
Silas will miss the Buffs match-up against Texas Tech on Thursday in the first round of the Big 12 Championship. It’s a big blow to the team’s offensive firepower as Silas is the Buffs second leading scorer, averaging 12 points per game. Silas and Nebraska’s Ryan Anderson were both ejected in the first half after a scuffle occurred between the two players.
According to a statement that was released to both schools by Dan Beebe, Senior Associate Commissioner of the Big 12 Conference, the official determined that each player committed a fighting act, and league rules require a player ejected for fighting to be suspended for the next game, including tournament play.
Head coach Ricardo Patton said that Silas’ suspension was an opportunity for other players to fill the void in the line-up.
“At the guard position, it will be the opportunity for the rest of team to step-up and get more minutes,” Patton said.
If the Buffs win on Thursday, Silas will be allowed to play in the second round of the tournament.
