Cincinnati, OH

Cincinnati and Xavier both suspended four players Sunday for their roles in an ugly brawl that ended Saturday's game between the city rivals.

Cincinnati suspended Yancy Gages, Octavius Ellis and Cheikh Mbodj six-games each while issuing Ge'Lawn Guyn a one-game ban.

The punishments include the NCAA's automatic one-game suspensions that result for ejections from fighting.

Xavier suspended Landen Amos and Dez Wells four games, Mark Lyons two and Tu Holloway one game.

"After reviewing all available video and giving due deliberation to the seriousness of this behavior, we have decided to take these actions," Cincinnati athletic director Whit Babcock said. "We want to deal with this in a prompt and direct manner and send the message that we will not tolerate this from those who have the privilege of representing the University of Cincinnati."

No. 8 Xavier remained unbeaten with a 76-53 victory over its crosstown rival Saturday in a game stopped with 9.4 seconds left after a bench-clearing brawl.

Holloway and Guyn exchanged words in front of the Cincinnati bench, sparking the altercation and both teams spilled onto the floor. Several punches were thrown by players on both teams. Xavier's Kenny Frease walked off the court with a bloody face.

"It's a complete embarrassment," Cincinnati coach Mark Cronin said. "Toughness is doing the right thing. You take your ass-whipping and go home. If my players don't act the right way, they will never play another game at Cincinnati."

Copyright © 2011 AHN. All rights reserved