At the end of a long night, frustration got the better of Indiana and Illinois.
Late in Illinois’ 94-69 victory, Luke Goode put a hard block out on Tomislav Ivisic and was called for his fifth foul. Ivisic didn’t appreciate that play and got in Goode’s face.
Myles Rice came in to defend Goode with a shove and a few words as the action spilled onto the baseline. IU’s Oumar Ballo ran in from the top of the key and gave Ivisic a one-handed shove, sending him toppling over a photographer.
The referees conferred for a few minutes, compiled a list of penalties, then handed them out.
Ivisic, Rice and Illinois’ Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn were assessed flagrant fouls, and Ballo a technical foul. He was ejected.
“Until I go back and review it, and I’m sure the commissioner and everybody will take a look at what happened, and make a decision on what they plan on doing,” IU coach Mike Woodson said of Ballo. “I just hope Ballo’s with us when we travel over to Ohio.”
Indiana has had a rough few days, suffering 25-point losses in consecutive games.