A big scare on the floor got everyone’s attention on the night Binghamton clinched the second seed in the America East.

Junior forward Duane James slid over to draw a charge on UMBC’s Brian Hodges with 1:05 remaining in last night’s game but instead suffered a knee to the head. James crashed to the floor and remained nearly motionless for several minutes, bringing the 3,803 fans in attendance to silence.

James sustained a neck injury and was taken to Wilson Hospital, accompanied by the athletic training staff. While information has been slow to come in, all signs point to James being fine. Early indications have said that he did sustain a concussion.

Reports are that James was conscious when he was taken from the Events Center on a backboard, while the crowd gave him a rousing ovation as he was wheeled off. Emergency medical responders on the court said they were being extra careful as the severity of his injury was unknown, and James was asked not to attempt to speak after the accident.

While still lying on the court James was able to move his hands and feet a bit, and had some tingling in his arms and fingers.

The mood after the game was clearly focused on James’ health, as seniors Andre Heard and Sebastian Hermenier, and junior Mike Gordon spent much of their postgame news conference with blank stares, presumably thinking about their teammate.

“We’re really a close group,” said head coach Al Walker. “You see your buddy down there, and the stretcher board comes out and it’s not a very comfortable feeling. I know the boys are real close to each other. And whenever you see somebody have to be carried off like that, it’s very discomforting. You read about these kinds of injuries and you just hold your breath. And I’m sure he’s OK, and we want him back.”

There was a deafening silence during the 10-minute delay. The incident reminded everyone, fans and players alike, that there’s more to sports than wins and losses.

While the incident certainly gave a scare to everyone who saw James lying motionless, reports are that he is doing fine, and will be released from the hospital after undergoing tests.

At the Senior Day reception following the game, an announcement was made that James was doing fine, sending another round of applause through the room.

Though he is not expected to play on Sunday against Vermont, it is possible he will be back for the America East tournament.

Players and coaches were noticeably more upbeat after the news about James started to come in, and at the end of the night, the focus was back on being the second seed in the upcoming tournament.