DALLAS — Jazz rookie guard Kirk Snyder and veteran guard Jerry Stackhouse of the Dallas Mavericks engaged in a postgame fistfight following Utah's 88-81 loss to the Mavs on Saturday night here.

Snyder reportedly was seen bleeding after the fight, which took place in an area of American Airlines Center near where the Jazz's team bus was parked.

The Jazz left the arena shortly after the fight, which occurred roughly 20-to-30 minutes after the game's conclusion — and after Snyder had showered and exited the visitor's lockerroom assigned to the Jazz.

The Mavs considered issuing a statement following the game, but owner Mark Cuban later told reporters that the incident was still being investigated.

According to a Dallas Morning News report, "there were reports that the fight lasted up to 40 seconds. Security officials from all over American Airlines Center Center rushed to break up the confrontation. Stackhouse was escorted back to the locker room by teammates Josh Howard and Michael Finley."

Jazz coach Jerry Sloan did not witness the brawl, but was said to have hurried to the bus afterward so he could speak with the bleeding Snyder.

Both players apparently claimed later that they were not responsible for starting the fight, which evidently followed an exchange of words that began during the game.

"Stack said he was defending himself," Cuban told the Associated Press. "It started in the game. Right now we're hearing a lot of bits and pieces and we're investigating."

This is not the first time Snyder has been involved in a controversial matter this season.

In a March 28 game at the Delta Center against Houston, he ran toward the Rockets bench after making layup — and was seen gesturing with a waggle of his tongue as he stood immediately in front of members of the Houston coaching staff.

Sloan disciplined Snyder for the incident by not playing him in the Jazz's next game.

Drafted No. 16 overall out of the University of Nevada in last June's NBA Draft, the 21-year-old Snyder had 12 points in 24 minutes Saturday — but is averaging fewer than five points and 13 minutes per game in his rookie season.

Stackhouse played 21 minutes Saturday, scoring six.

NO BORCHARDT: Utah played Saturday without center Curtis Borchardt, who was bothered by tendinitis in his right knee.

It was the 10th game he has not played in this season.

Borchardt is "day-to-day," Jazz trainer Gary Briggs said, and his status for Tuesday visit with the Los Angeles Clippers is uncertain.

MISC.: With Saturday win, Dallas won its three-game series with Utah 3-0 — and swept a season series with the Jazz for the first time ever. . . . The Mavericks, who also clinched homecourt advantage for the first round of the NBA's playoffs with Saturday's win, have won 10 in a row at American Airlines Center. . . . The Jazz, who have used 29 different starting lineups this season, opened with the same five for a second straight game. . . . Former University of Utah star Keith Van Horn had 10 points in 13 minutes; BYU product Shawn Bradley had one in 10. Both came off the bench for Dallas. . . . Jazz point guard Howard Eisley will throw out the first pitch at this afternoon's Stingers game vs. Tucson.

E-mail: tbuckley@desnews.com