VCU's opening two games canceled due to Tenn. coronavirus tests originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
The college basketball season is off to a rough start as positive coronavirus tests have caused the cancellation of a three-team event in Tennessee that included the Virginia Commonwealth University's men's team.
VCU was slated to square off against No. 12 Tennessee and Charlotte in the Volunteer Classic, but positive COVID-19 tests -- including Tennessee coach Rick Barnes -- resulted in the event's cancelation. The Rams were supposed to open their season Thursday against Charlotte before playing Friday against Tennessee. VCU and Charlotte then mutually agreed to cancel their game as both programs explore further scheduling options.
This news comes after No. 4 Virginia's season opener slated for Friday was canceled on Sunday due to positive cases on the side of their opponents, Florida.
These weren't the only college basketball games to get canceled before the season even got underway. Duke announced earlier Monday that its season opener against Gardner-Webb on Wednesday night was postponed due to positive tests in the Gardner-Webb program.
Additionally, Ole Miss was forced to cancel its first three games of the season and pause all team activities until at least Dec. 7 due to multiple positive tests, including head coach Kermit Davis. Now just two days removed from opening night for NCAA basketball, 22 contests of note have been either postponed or canceled due to COVID-19, with over 40 programs halting their team activities.
