Condon punched as refs spare Iowa villain Folgueiras

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Australian Alex Condon was punched in the chest during Florida’s second-round NCAA Men’s March Madness clash against Iowa, which the Hawkeyes went on to win 73-72 to eliminate the defending national champions.

At the 8:34 minute mark of the first half, Iowa’s Alvaro Folgueiras punched junior centre Condon after the pair crashed to the ground on a loose-ball tie-up and wasn’t ejected; instead, both players were given technical fouls. Iowa was leading the Gators 19-13.

Folgueiras went on to score 14 points in 18 minutes AND hit the game-winning corner three with 4.5 seconds left to put Iowa up one.

Condon had chased down an offensive rebound off his own miss, and as both players wrestled for the ball, Condon pulled Folgueiras the ball and Folgueiras to the floor.

“I didn't throw a punch,” Folgueiras claimed.

“It's March Madness. Everybody wants to win.”

The replay showed otherwise and the commentator added: "If you look up punch in the dictionary, that's what you'll see."

Florida head coach Todd Golden ran from the bench and was in the middle of both teams trying to separate players as tempers flared.

“I know I just … you know it was a jump ball and I just wanted to set the standard for the game with … you know I'm gonna make sure I get every loose ball and set the standard with our physicality,” Condon said.

“Ended up in a double technical and they got the ball back so I didn’t … I was full of adrenaline — I don’t really know if he hit me or what — but I’m sure we’ll see it and look back at it.”

While Golden said: “Yeah, I was told that they threw a punch, but it didn’t connect, so it didn’t go any higher than a flagrant one.

“I’m not exactly sure what that means, and I really still don’t understand why Condon got a technical… they’re both fighting for the ball equally… it was a confusing play.”

The rules state that making contact is IRRELEVANT.

Despite the fracas, Condon produced a strong all-around performance in defeat, finishing with 21 points (8-13 FG, 5-9 FT), five rebounds, seven assists, a steal and 2 turnovers in 35 minutes in his last game as a junior.

He sparked a run in the second half to drag the Gators back from nine down to take the lead before Folgueiras’ corner three to win it.

Attempted punch / fighting — what the rules say

It is usually ruled a flagrant foul / fighting foul.

• Swinging or attempting to strike an opponent is considered unsportsmanlike / violent conduct.
• Contact is NOT required.
• The attempt itself is enough for officials to penalise the player.

Likely in-game punishment

1. Immediate ejection (disqualification)

In most rule sets:

• The player is immediately ejected from the game.
• Must leave the court/bench area
• Cannot return

This applies under:

• NCAA: “Fighting” or attempting to fight = disqualification
• FIBA: Swinging an arm in a punching motion = disqualifying foul
• NBA: Attempting to strike an opponent = flagrant foul penalty 2 → ejection

2. Free throws + possession for the opponent

Typically:

• Opposing team receives free throws.
• Then gets possession of the ball.

The exact number of free throws depends on the rule set and game situation.

3. Possible additional penalties

After review, leagues can impose:

• Suspensions (often automatic if fighting is deemed to occur)
• Fines (pro leagues)
• Technical fouls are assessed to multiple players if a scuffle happens.
• Team bench warnings or penalties if players leave the bench area

Important nuance: intent matters

Officials look at:

• Was there a clear punching motion?
• Did the player escalate a confrontation?
• Was it retaliation or part of a larger altercation?

Sometimes players only receive:

• Technical foul(s)
  If officials judge it was more of a push, swing in frustration, or mutual tie-up rather than a true punch attempt.

Bottom line

Trying to punch someone — even missing — can get a player ejected and possibly suspended.Basketball rules prioritise preventing fights and maintaining control of the game, so referees penalise attempts, not just the result.