2020 Big East Tournament canceled Thursday amid coronavirus pandemic concerns

The Big East was one of many conferences to bring a halt to its annual tournament on Thursday

The Big East was the only major college basketball conference to begin a game on Thursday shortly after leagues across the country canceled their tournaments amidst fears of coronavirus spread. The game did, as expected, not reach a conclusion. At halftime of the Creighton vs. St. John's quarterfinal game on Thursday, the conference followed suit with other major conferences and called off its tournament.

"Following a call with our Presidents and Athletic Directors and additional consultation with the City of New York, the BIG EAST Conference has canceled the remainder of our men's basketball tournament, effective immediately," said the Big East in an official statement. "We believe the decision is in the best interests of our participants and fans."

St. John's was leading top-seeded Creighton 34-29 at the half. It was the first of four previously-scheduled quarterfinal games at Madison Square Garden.

2020 Big East Tournament scores

First round -- Wednesday, March 11
Game 1: No. 9 St. John's 75, No. 8 Georgetown 62
Game 2: No. 10 DePaul 71 No. 7 Xavier 67                                                                     

Quarterfinals -- Thursday, March 12

Game 3: No. 1 Creighton 34, No. 9 St. John's 29 | Canceled at halftime
Game 4: No. 4 Providence vs. No. 5 Butler | Canceled
Game 5: No. 2 Villanova vs. No. 10 DePaul | Canceled
Game 6: No. 3 Seton Hall vs. No. 6 Marquette | Canceled

Semifinals -- Friday, March 13
Game 7: Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner | Canceled
Game 8: Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner | Canceled

Big East Tournament Championship Game -- Saturday, March 14
Game 9: Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner | Canceled