INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The big college basketball matchup between No. 1 Gonzaga and No. 2 Baylor was called off hours before tip-off Saturday because of two positive COVID-19 tests in the Bulldogs program.
A joint statement from the schools said one player and one nonplayer in the Gonzaga travel party tested positive. The unidentified player did not play in Wednesday’s game against West Virginia.
Both teams decided mutually to abandon the game after consultation with the Indiana State Health Commissioner, the Marion County Public Health Director and both team physicians. The teams will attempt to reschedule the game.
Gonzaga coach Mark Few and Baylor coach Scott Drew said they were disappointed to not play one of the most anticipated games of the season, but stressed they were following the advice of public health officials.
“When we decided to play during a pandemic, our priorities were protecting the health and safety of student-athletes and following public health guidelines, and we’re proud of how both programs have held true to those promises,” the coaches said in a statement. “There are much greater issues in this world than not being able to play a basketball game, so we’re going to continue praying for everyone who has been affected by this pandemic.”