VCU was eliminated from the Men’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday due to problems with the coronavirus, the NCAA announced.
The game against Oregon was considered unchallenged and the Ducks advance to the next stage.
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“The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee declared the VCU-Oregon game scheduled for Saturday night at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum as unfettered due to the COVID-19 protocols. This decision was made in consultation with the County Department of Public Health de Marion, as a result, Oregon will advance to the next round of the tournament. The NCAA and the committee regret that VCU student-athletes and technical staff are unable to play in a tournament in which they have earned the right to participate. of privacy, we cannot provide more details, “said the NCAA.
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VCU arrived at the Atlantic 10 Championship last week, but fell to St. Bonaventure. Oregon made the tournament after a successful season, but did not win the Pac-12 Championship.
“With the biggest disappointment, our men’s basketball program will return home after the NCAA Tournament,” said athletics director Ed McLaughlin in a statement. “We are heartbroken for our student-athletes, coaches, campus community and fans. Our program members have done an excellent job following the COVID-19 protocols throughout the year, so ending our season in this way hurts even more. “
Rams coach Mike Rhoades said: “We have been tested every day for the past three weeks, but in the past 48 hours we have received several positive tests. We are devastated by our players and coaches. It has been a dream for all of us to playing the NCAA tournament. We appreciate the care of our doctors and management this year, and all of our efforts and attention will be put on our players right now. Life is not always fair, but it’s about how you deal with it and move on. ahead. “
The two teams were set to play at 9:57 pm ET.
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Oregon was seed # 7 entering the tournament and the Rams were seed # 10. Oregon now moves on to play the winner between No. 2 Iowa and No. 15 Grand Canyon.