Photo by: Erik Williams
Southland Basketball Tournament canceled due to COVID-19 threat
3/11/2020 6:48:00 PM | Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball
KATY - The Southland Conference announced on Thursday morning that the postseason basketball tournament played at the Merrell Center in Katy has been canceled, due to precautions related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
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On Wednesday, the Southland, along with numerous other leagues across the country, had announced to continue with the tournament with limited arena entry; however, the tournament was canceled in its entirity on Thursday morning just prior to the women's basketball tipoff between No. 5 New Orleans and No. 8 Southeastern Louisiana.
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"While this announcement creates considerable inconvenience for many fans, these measures are being taken with the health and well-being of the tournament's participants in mind, including student-athletes and coaches," Southland Commissioner Tom Burnett said on Wednesday. "This is of the utmost importance as we're seeing similar issues across the country with other sporting events, including the NCAA Men's and Women's Basketball Championships in the coming weeks.  The Southland will continue monitor and to take necessary precautions through the weeks ahead as other competition and championship events are scheduled."
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The Bearkat women were scheduled to play the winner of UNO/Southeastern on Friday morning at 11:00 a.m.
Meanwhile, the Bearkat men were scheudled to begin their tournament run on Thursday night against No. 5Â Northwestern State at 5 p.m.Â
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"We understand this was a difficult decision made by our league office and all conference universities," said SHSU Director of Athletics Bobby Williams on Wednesday after the initial decision to play the tournament with limited attendance. "We appreciate Tom Burnett and John Williams for quickly leading the conference to a decision following the announcement by the NCAA."
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NCAA President Mark Emmert announced Wednesday that the NCAA's upcoming championship events, including the Division I men's and women's basketball tournaments, will be played with only essential staff and limited family attendance.
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"The NCAA continues to assess the impact of COVID-19 in consultation with public health officials and our COVID-19 advisory panel," Emmert said in a statement on Wednesday. "While I understand how disappointing this is for all fans of our sports, my decision i based on the current understanding of how COVID-19 is progressing in the United States.
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"This decision is in the best interest of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student-athletes. We recognize the opportunity to compete in an NCAA national championship is an experience of a lifetime for the students and their families," Emmert said.Â
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Selection Sunday is scheduled for Sunday, March 15, with the First Four in Dayton set for March 17-18. The first round of the NCAA men's tournament is Thursday, March 19. The women's begins on Friday, March 20.
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On Wednesday, the Southland, along with numerous other leagues across the country, had announced to continue with the tournament with limited arena entry; however, the tournament was canceled in its entirity on Thursday morning just prior to the women's basketball tipoff between No. 5 New Orleans and No. 8 Southeastern Louisiana.
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"While this announcement creates considerable inconvenience for many fans, these measures are being taken with the health and well-being of the tournament's participants in mind, including student-athletes and coaches," Southland Commissioner Tom Burnett said on Wednesday. "This is of the utmost importance as we're seeing similar issues across the country with other sporting events, including the NCAA Men's and Women's Basketball Championships in the coming weeks.  The Southland will continue monitor and to take necessary precautions through the weeks ahead as other competition and championship events are scheduled."
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The Bearkat women were scheduled to play the winner of UNO/Southeastern on Friday morning at 11:00 a.m.
Meanwhile, the Bearkat men were scheudled to begin their tournament run on Thursday night against No. 5Â Northwestern State at 5 p.m.Â
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"We understand this was a difficult decision made by our league office and all conference universities," said SHSU Director of Athletics Bobby Williams on Wednesday after the initial decision to play the tournament with limited attendance. "We appreciate Tom Burnett and John Williams for quickly leading the conference to a decision following the announcement by the NCAA."
Â
NCAA President Mark Emmert announced Wednesday that the NCAA's upcoming championship events, including the Division I men's and women's basketball tournaments, will be played with only essential staff and limited family attendance.
Â
"The NCAA continues to assess the impact of COVID-19 in consultation with public health officials and our COVID-19 advisory panel," Emmert said in a statement on Wednesday. "While I understand how disappointing this is for all fans of our sports, my decision i based on the current understanding of how COVID-19 is progressing in the United States.
Â
"This decision is in the best interest of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student-athletes. We recognize the opportunity to compete in an NCAA national championship is an experience of a lifetime for the students and their families," Emmert said.Â
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Selection Sunday is scheduled for Sunday, March 15, with the First Four in Dayton set for March 17-18. The first round of the NCAA men's tournament is Thursday, March 19. The women's begins on Friday, March 20.
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Wednesday, March 11
Wednesday, March 11
Saturday, February 28
Saturday, February 28
