Las Vegas – Normally mind-mannered and affable Colorado State point guard Cory Lewis is no Todd Bertuzzi.
That’s fortunate for UNLV’s Dustin Villepigue, who was no worse for wear after Lewis caught him from behind, led with an elbow and punched him during the second half of CSU’s 68-57 loss to the Rebels on Wednesday night.
The two players were still on CSU’s end of the court while the other eight were at the UNLV end after Lewis scored.
Lewis was ejected and under NCAA rules must sit out CSU’s next game, at TCU on Saturday, for throwing a punch.
Villepigue didn’t retaliate and earned the praise of his coach, Lon Kruger, and teammates for his poise.
“I thought our guys handled it great,” Kruger said.
Villepigue said: “I wasn’t doing anything to him. I kind of felt he had the idea of doing something to me. He swung. Seniors aren’t supposed to do that, so I just took the blow.”
Bertuzzi, of course, is the Vancouver Canucks player who sucker-punched former Av Steve Moore, ending his season.
Lewis didn’t start the second half because of a sore back from an earlier collision. He declined to talk after the game.
Their conference road losing streak now at 18, the Rams were scheduled to travel to Fort Worth today.
Reserve Andrew Patterson, who started last weekend at shooting guard, played most of the second half in Lewis’ place. Freshman point guard Chris Harris finished with two points, two assists, two turnovers and a steal in 20 minutes.
Rams’ coach Dale Layer would not discuss the fighting incident, saying he didn’t get a good look, although it happened in front of the CSU bench.
TCU (4-14, 0-4) is coming off a 76-57 home loss to league leading San Diego State.
Natalie Meisler can be reached at 303-820-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com.
