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.
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
Geno Auriemma is in support of offering the seniors of spring sports an extra year of eligibility.
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 12, 2020
“My feeling is this: It’s an unprecedented event so you have to take unprecedented measures." pic.twitter.com/FBNeHaOubw
It’s just crazy how you can go through so much stuff overcome so many obstacles just to have it end in the blink of an eye💔💔FRIARTOWN thank you for giving me a place to call home... As for the dunk sheesh😭💔🙇🏽♂️ I wouldn’t want to play in no other gym💯 #12out✌🏽
— ✨ (@lpip_chefteam) March 12, 2020
Had a lot of tough bus rides home after losses throughout the years. This one is by far the worst, and we have won 6 straight.
— Tommy Dempsey (@T22Dempsey) March 12, 2020
@PCFriarsmbb thank you Friar Seniors Diallo,Young, White, Holt and Pipkins for showing great “Character” this year. You guys should be very proud of yourselves for your never say die attitudes and Ed Cooley and staff for making our winter special. #ncaa
— Joe Hassett (@sonarhassett) March 13, 2020
Man...words can’t even begin to express how proud I am of our team, the way they battled and came together these past five weeks was special and something I’ll never forget. Thx guys! #GoFriars
— Jeff Battle (@coachbattle21) March 13, 2020
If there’s one thing this year has taught us, it is how to handle adversity. From being arguably “the worst high major team in the country” to being the most talked about team in the… https://t.co/ctBBwm8e5n
— Drew Fonts (@drewfonts_) March 12, 2020
— Joe Lunardi (@ESPNLunardi) March 12, 2020
I keep waking up from naps on this bus ride home hoping all of this was just a bad dream.. 😣
— Duke (@Duuukkeee) March 12, 2020
Regardless of how this season had to end, don’t forgot the the joy our graduating seniors brought us @PCFriarsmbb. Remember, don’t be sad that it’s over, be happy it happened. Love and respect you, Alpha, Kalif, Emmitt, Maliek and Pip. Be proud. #gofriars pic.twitter.com/YGAT3L6kj9
— Bob Driscoll (@PCBobDriscoll) March 12, 2020
An unfortunate way to end my college career, but it’s been a hell of a ride. Thank you to my family, teammates, coaches, and to the amazing fans! #Foreverafriar https://t.co/ZvMAmD8JL3
— Vimal Sukumaran (@Vimal_Sukumaran) March 12, 2020
If only... pic.twitter.com/ulr4frChjI
— Joe Lunardi (@ESPNLunardi) March 12, 2020
Regardless of how this season had to end, don’t forgot the the joy our graduating seniors brought us @PCFriarsmbb. Remember, don’t be sad that it’s over, be happy it happened. Love and respect you, Alpha, Kalif, Emmitt, Maliek and Pip. Be proud. #gofriars pic.twitter.com/YGAT3L6kj9
— Bob Driscoll (@PCBobDriscoll) March 12, 2020
This is how #PCBB fans should remember the 2019-20 season:https://t.co/MCOzjpZmX6
— Brendan McGair (@BWMcGair03) March 12, 2020
Thank you my Friar teammates @PCPepBand for all the amazing energy and passion your brought to the Dunk, Alumni Hall and Schneider all year. Best band in the nation @PCAthletics. #gofriars https://t.co/s6cONpmz9v
— Bob Driscoll (@PCBobDriscoll) March 12, 2020
Well said my fiend @PCAthletics https://t.co/2tncQe58dn
— Bob Driscoll (@PCBobDriscoll) March 12, 2020
The last bucket of the men's 2019-2020 season belongs to @StJohnsBBall's @CaraherDavid30 pic.twitter.com/qHWPFbJDYY
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) March 12, 2020
So sad that we can’t enjoy March Madness with the Nova Nation . Thank you for your passion , loyalty and support . Let’s all pray for those affected by the virus and for the health services personnel treating patients .
— Jay Wright (@VUCoachJWright) March 12, 2020
We accomplished a lot this season. We will miss our five seniors and the great leaders they have become. All the best to Alpha, Kalif, Maliek, Emmitt and Luwane. Make us proud as you will forever be a Friar! pic.twitter.com/8bWvpmn5uN
— Ed Cooley (@CoachCooleyPC) March 12, 2020
— PC Men's Basketball (@PCFriarsmbb) March 12, 2020
Thank you to all of our players, especially our #mubb seniors, who have now played their respective last game at @MarquetteU. It's been an honor having each of you represent our program and University. @Sacar_Anim15 @markushoward11 pic.twitter.com/KFCjYuiA8N
— Marquette Basketball (@MarquetteMBB) March 12, 2020
NCAA cancels remaining winter and spring championships: https://t.co/qzKAS4McEI pic.twitter.com/G6XreZx35E
— NCAA (@NCAA) March 12, 2020
Friartown, thank you for all of your support this season. We had some incredible times and unforgettable moments. We will never forget all the love! 🖤🤍
— PC Men's Basketball (@PCFriarsmbb) March 12, 2020
NCAA cancels remaining winter and spring championships: https://t.co/qzKAS4McEI pic.twitter.com/G6XreZx35E
— NCAA (@NCAA) March 12, 2020
Creighton coach Greg McDermott met the media to discuss the cancellation of the BIG EAST Tournament.
— Creighton Men’s Basketball (@BluejayMBB) March 12, 2020
VIDEO: https://t.co/p3xMFORSsn
Creighton Athletics has made the decision to cancel Sunday's NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Selection Show viewing party.
— Creighton Men’s Basketball (@BluejayMBB) March 12, 2020
Or not. https://t.co/0cEO2k0Gb4
— DePaul Basketball (@DePaulHoops) March 12, 2020
A statement from the BIG EAST:
— Creighton Men’s Basketball (@BluejayMBB) March 12, 2020
Following a call with our Presidents and Athletics Directors and additional consultation with the City of New York, the BIG EAST Conference has cancelled the remainder of our men's basketball tournament, effective immediately. pic.twitter.com/dq6nzFJLJA
A statement from the BIG EAST:
— Creighton Men’s Basketball (@BluejayMBB) March 12, 2020
Following a call with our Presidents and Athletics Directors and additional consultation with the City of New York, the BIG EAST Conference has cancelled the remainder of our men's basketball tournament, effective immediately. pic.twitter.com/94iykZi7pG
#BIGEAST statement on the #BEtourney pic.twitter.com/7hIREjh4DV
— BIG EAST Conference (@BIGEAST) March 12, 2020
BIG EAST Announces Cancellation of BIG EAST Tournament https://t.co/B0k8INOpww
— PC Men's Basketball (@PCFriarsmbb) March 12, 2020
