Utah State HC: Team Is ‘Somewhat Disappointed’ That NCAA Tourney Will Be Closed To Fans
Mar 11, 2020, 9:01 PM | Updated: 9:02 pm
Head coach Craig Smith of the Utah State Aggies celebrates with his team after defeating the San Diego State Aztecs to win the championship game of the Mountain West Conference basketball tournament at the Thomas & Mack Center on March 7, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Aggies defeated the Aztecs 59-56. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)
(Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)
LOGAN, Utah – Utah State men’s basketball head coach Craig Smith said that his team is “somewhat disappointed” that they won’t play in front of fans at the NCAA Tournament due to coronavirus concerns.
Smith along with Utah State athletic director John Hartwell released statements regarding coronavirus concerns and their team’s NCAA tourney berth on Wednesday, March 11.
“Our guys are somewhat disappointed that the NCAA Tournament games will be closed to the public,” Smith wrote. “The pomp and circumstances and pageantry are a big part of the best sporting event in the world – the NCAA Tournament. The spirit and atmosphere in the NCAA Tournament is like no other. We just experienced March Madness to its fullest in winning the Mountain West Tournament Championship.”
Craig Smith, head basketball coach at @USUBasketball had this statement regarding COVID-19 and the #NCAATournament.#AggiesAllTheWay @kslsports pic.twitter.com/qCq71TMMQu
— Sam Farnsworth (@SFarnsworthKSL) March 12, 2020
Smith went on to say that his team is still excited about the opportunity to play in the Big Dance.
“That being said, our guys are pumped to compete in the NCAA Tournament.”
Hartwell released an additional comment stating that Utah State is monitoring the coronavirus outbreak and currently has no plans to restrict athletic events.
“Utah State University and USU Athletics are closely monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak,” Hartwell wrote. “We are continually getting updates as it relates to our spring sports competition, out-of-season practices, and upcoming home and away athletic events. As of today, we have not placed any restrictions on athletic competitions.”
#UtahState has no plans to suspend athletics as of now. #AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/52Z4jxhIUx
— Sam Farnsworth (@SFarnsworthKSL) March 12, 2020
Utah State will discover its first-round matchup and seeding during the NCAA selection show on Sunday, March 15 at 4 p.m. (MDT).
