Malice at the Mary: Newfoundland Rogues playoff hopes dashed after Friday night brawl

As Friday night's game between the Newfoundland Rogues and the Windsor Express wrapped up, things were looking good for the home team at the Mary Brown's Centre.

To clinch a spot in the playoffs, the Rogues needed to win two games against the top ranking team in the league.

After a hard fought game, the Rogues came out victorious with a score of 115-109. 

But that's when the trouble started.

Three Windsor Express team members surrounded a Rogues player and the two teams began a brawl that spilled over into the courtside seats, wiping out a row of chairs. After a few tough moments with players all over the floor, the teams returned to their locker rooms.

"I missed how it began," said Rogues coach Reece Gaines while talking with CBC News on Sunday. "I just saw one of my players down and it looked dangerous, to be honest. And I just wanted to get up there and get everybody off of them. There was three or four guys on one of our guys."

Gaines said he's never seen anything like this in his entire basketball career. He believes the fight was sparked by the Windsor players being disappointed in their loss. 

"The team that's favoured takes it a little bit more personal," Gaines said. 

Saturday night's game gave the Windsor team something to feel better about. After another close game, Windsor won 105-100, knocking the Rogues out of playoff contention. 

Gaines said Saturday's loss was due to suspensions that left his team without a centre and a power forward. 

"We knew we had an uphill battle," Gaines said, reflecting on the final game. 

"Not having the full squad for the last game kind of hurt. But I think the guys fought really hard and for me personally, it was a tremendous learning experience, facing a lot of unexpected adversity, being put in situations I haven't been put in before and seeing how I handle it."

Gaines also sung the praises of his player's efforts across the entire season. 

"They did a great job of being consistent and persevering and staying with it and always playing a lot of heart and a lot of fight. And that's what I'm proud of."

Gaines said the passionate support of the fans attending the games made a big difference, 

"It really meant a lot to the guys," Gaines said. 

As for what's next, Gaines said the future of the league is bright with team owner Tony Kenny. 

"I think he has a great vision and hopefully we sit together and find the right guys and right pieces to fit."

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