BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Feb. 18 (UPI) -- The University of South Carolina was fined $5,000 by the Southeastern Conference Friday for an excessive fan celebration after a win over No. 3 Kentucky.
South Carolina fans swarmed onto the court after the game ended Tuesday with the Gamecocks on top 73-61.
The SEC adopted a policy in December that limits access to competition areas to athletes, coaches, officials and other authorized personnel.
"The rule is the rule and we support the rule," Athletic Director Mike McGee said. "We have addressed the situation and we will do a better job of keeping the students and fans off the court from this point forwards."
Each of the 12 SEC schools has agreed to the policy. A second offense could lead to a fine of $25,000.
