NAU coach suspended for postgame conduct

OGDEN, Utah – The Big Sky Conference has suspended Northern Arizona basketball coach Jack Murphy for one postseason game because of his conduct following the league’s tournament semifinal between Montana and Northern Arizona.

Commissioner Doug Fullerton announced the suspension Sunday, saying Murphy instigated a scuffle after Montana beat Northern Arizona 61-59 on Friday night.

After the game, there was pushing and shoving as the team’s head coaches met to shake hands. No punches were thrown, and Fullerton says players on both teams and Montana coach Travis DeCuire acted appropriately.

Murphy will serve his suspension this season if Northern Arizona accepts an invitation to a national postseason tournament. If not, it will be served when during the team’s next appearance in the Big Sky tournament.

Montana lost to Eastern Washington in Saturday’s championship game.