Bulldogs basketball program shut down by positive coronavirus tests for a third time
The Fresno State men’s basketball team is back in a 14-day quarantine after positive coronavirus tests within the program, the third time the Bulldogs have had to suspend basketball activities since returning to campus.
The game scheduled Monday against UC Riverside at the Save Mart Center has been canceled and it, as well as games at Pepperdine on Dec. 5, against Northridge on Dec. 8 and against Cal Poly on Dec. 12 will be canceled or rescheduled.
“Though we have followed all proper COVID-19 protocols, unfortunately, we have confirmed multiple positive cases of COVID-19 within our men’s basketball program,” athletic director Terry Tumey said in a statement from the athletic department.
“Per our established protocols, the men’s basketball program will pause all athletic activity for a minimum of two weeks, as recommended by the CDC and the Fresno County Department of Public Health.”
The positive tests and quarantine are not related to the Bulldogs’ game at Pacific on Friday, which was delayed and then postponed while the Tigers waited for test results, according to an athletics department source. The positives in the program came following testing on Saturday, the day after they had returned from Stockton.
The Bulldogs’ players, coaches and staff members are tested two days prior to a game, following athletic department and Fresno County Department of Public Health protocols.
“I am disappointed for our student-athletes, staff and fans that our program cannot practice or compete for a couple of weeks,” coach Justin Hutson said in a statement.
“Our young men and staff have done a good job preparing for the season while following the recommended health and safety protocols, but as is the case nationally, navigating this pandemic has proven to be challenging. We will continue to do as much teaching and coaching as we can virtually during this time.
“We look forward to returning to basketball activities when our medical experts allow us to do so, but in the meantime, our student-athletes, staff and community are the absolute No. 1 priority.”
The Bulldogs’ next scheduled game after the quarantine is Dec. 19 against Fresno Pacific at the Save Mart Center, but there would be one week or less of practice time available. They are scheduled to open Mountain West Conference play with a two-game series at Colorado State on Dec. 28 and Dec. 30.
Fresno State has played one game, an 87-47 rout of NAIA William Jessup.
Next for Fresno State
Men’s basketball: Dec. 19 vs. Fresno Pacific
Football: Bulldogs’ past two games (San Jose State, San Diego State) canceled; scheduled to play Saturday, Dec. 5 at Nevada
This story was originally published November 29, 2020 at 1:42 PM.