:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68467905/usa_today_15260014.0.jpg)
The Gonzaga Bulldogs men’s basketball team has paused competition through Dec. 14, the team announced on Sunday.
Out of an abundance of caution and the well-being of student-athletes, in accordance with COVID-19 protocols Gonzaga has made the decision to pause men’s basketball competitions through December 14.
The highly anticipated matchup between the No. 1 Zags and No. 2 Baylor Bears was the first casualty of the Zags’ season. That game was cancelled after more members of the Gonzaga Bulldogs, on both the players and non-players sides, tested positive for COVID-19.
Gonzaga is flying home and had four easier opponents on the schedule, playing Tarleton State, Southern, Northern Arizona, and Idaho. With the next high-profile opponent being Iowa, on Dec. 19, it isn’t much of a surprise that the Zags decided to lock things down in an effort to cease the spread of the virus through the program.
Unfortunate news of course, but unsurprising as well. With nearly 50 (maybe more) games already cancelled due to COVID this season and the virus lingering in the Gonzaga clubhouse, the announcement seemed more a matter of when, not if. Hopefully, everyone stays safe and the team is able to pick up play against Iowa.