2020 Big Ten Tournament canceled Thursday amid coronavirus pandemic concerns

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

The Big Ten Tournament was over before it ever really began. After a two-game teaser on Wednesday, the league, following suit with every other major college basketball conference, canceled its postseason play over fears of coronavirus spread.

"The Big Ten Conference will use this time to work with the appropriate medical experts and institutional leadership to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the COVID-19 pandemic," said the conference. "The main priority of the Big Ten Conference continues to be the health, safety and wellness of our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, fans and media as we continue to monitor all developing and relevant information on the COVID-19 virus."

The cancellation came just minutes before Michigan and Rutgers were set to face off in Thursday's second-round opener. There were four games in total on the league's tournament schedule for the remainder of the day.

2020 Big Ten Tournament scores

First round -- Wednesday, March 11
Game 1: No. 12 Minnesota 74, No. 13 Northwestern 57
Game 2: No. 11 Indiana 89, No. 14 Nebraska 64

Second round -- Thursday, March 12
Game 3: No. 8 Rutgers vs. No. 9 Michigan | Canceled
Game 4: No. 5 Iowa vs. No. 12 Minnesota | Canceled
Game 5: No. 7 Ohio State vs. No. 10 Purdue | Canceled
Game 6: No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 11 Indiana | Canceled

Quarterfinals -- Friday, March 13
Game 7: No. 1 Wisconsin vs. Game 3 winner | Canceled
Game 8: No. 4 Illinois vs. Game 4 winner | Canceled
Game 9: No. 2 Michigan State vs. Game 5 winner | Canceled
Game 10: No. 3 Maryland vs. Game 6 winner | Canceled

Semifinals -- Saturday, March 14
Game 11: Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner | Canceled
Game 12: Game 9 winner vs. Game 10 winner | Canceled

Big Ten Tournament Championship Game -- Sunday, March 15
Game 13: Game 11 winner vs. Game 12 winner | Canceled