Wednesday afternoon the NCAA issued a statement on the impact of COVID-19 (the coronavirus), limiting attendance to the Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournaments to only essential staff and limited family attendance.

“The NCAA continues to assess the impact of COVID-19 in consultation with public health officials and our COVID-19 advisory panel. Based on their advice and my discussions with the NCAA Board of Governors, I have made the decision to conduct our upcoming championship events, including the Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, with only essential staff and limited family attendance.”

The rapid spread of the coronavirus is causing cancellations and postponements of sporting events around the globe. Just this week, the Ivy League canceled its conference tournament and all spring sports. The College Basketball Invitational Tournament (CBI) has been canceled.

Liberty advanced to the program’s 5th ever NCAA Tournament by winning the 2020 ASUN Tournament Championship this past Sunday with a win over Lipscomb.

For now, the NCAA Tournament will go on, but without fans in attendance.

ASUN Player of the Year and Tournament MVP Caleb Homesley voiced his comments on the matter shortly after the announcement: