Big Ten Basketball Tournament Canceled

COLUMBUS, OH — The Big Ten has canceled the remainder of its conference basketball tournament. The decision to halt play was made on Thursday morning, before the Ohio State Buckeyes took the court.

"The Big Ten Conference will use this time to work with the appropriate medical experts and institutional leadership to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the COVID-19 pandemic," conference officials said in a statement. "The main priority of the Big Ten Conference continues to be the health, safety and wellness of our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, fans and media as we continue to monitor all developing and relevant information on the COVID-19 virus."

The 23rd Big Ten men's basketball tournament was being played in Indianapolis this week. Play was to continue through March 15. The Ohio State University was set to play its first postseason game on Thursday night against Purdue. That game will no longer happen.

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On Wednesday, the NCAA announced the annual March Madness tournaments, for men and women, would be played behind closed doors, with spectators limited to essential staff and family of players.

"While I understand how disappointing this is for all fans of our sports, my decision is based on the current understanding of how COVID-19 is progressing in the United States," NCAA President Mark Emmert said in a statement. "This decision is in the best interest of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, more importantly, our student athletes."

There are currently four confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio. Three of the infected persons live in Cuyahoga County and the fourth infected person lives in Stark County, Gov. Mike DeWine announced on Wednesday afternoon. The infected Stark County resident is the first example of community spread in Ohio (meaning they had not traveled abroad or been in contact with someone who was known to carry COVID-19).