UPDATED WITH IUP ATHLETICS STATEMENT
The NCAA has cancelled its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, including the Division II Atlantic Regional at the KCAC, as part of a complete cancellation of all remaining spring and winter championships.
“This decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities,” the NCAA said in a statement.
The NCAA announced on Wednesday that the Division I games that were scheduled to start next week would go on but would be played in mostly empty arenas. That plan changed as major American sports leagues, including the NBA, NHL and MLB, suspended or delayed their seasons due to concerns about the Coronavirus.
The following is a statement issued by IUP athletics:
The Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) Athletic Department announced Thursday that this weekend’s NCAA Division II Men’s and Women’s Basketball Atlantic Region Championships have been canceled.
This decision was made following NCAA President Mark Emmert’s and Board of Governors decision to cancel all remaining winter and spring championships due to COVID-19 (coronavirus) concerns.
“My heart goes out to all the players, coaches and staff who prepared for the NCAA regional tournament and to see the season end in this way is very disappointing,” said Director of Athletics Todd Garzarelli. “This situation is fluid and conversations are continuous regarding how the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) and the university will manage spring sports moving forward.”
IUP Athletics recognizes the disappointment that will be felt by many student-athletes, parents, fans and coaches, but the ongoing spread and uncertainty of COVID-19 had made the continuation of activity unclear.
All presold tickets for the NCAA Atlantic Region Championships at the Kovalchick Complex will be refunded in full. Ticket holders can return those tickets to the Kovalchick Complex Box Office.
