The 2020 NCAA Tournament has been canceled, the NCAA has announced, amid the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. This cancelation by the NCAA includes all other remaining winter and spring championships.

“Today, NCAA President Mark Emmert and the Board of Governors canceled the Division I men’s and women’s 2020 basketball tournaments, as well as all remaining winter and spring NCAA championships,” the NCAA said in a release. “This decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities.”

Liberty, who won the 2020 ASUN Tournament Championship, earned an automatic bid to the program’s 5th NCAA Tournament and second consecutive. Fortunately, the Flames were able to compete in and win the ASUN Tournament last week as all conference tournaments being played this week have been canceled.

The Flames finish the season 30-4 overall, setting a program record for wins in a season.

The stellar careers of seniors Georgie Pacheco-Ortiz, Myo Baxter-Bell, Caleb Homesley, and Scottie James have come to an abrupt end.

Liberty head coach Ritchie McKay has issued the following statement:

“While your initial reaction is to be frustrated and disappointed…there is necessary perspective that needs to quite our emotion. We have a responsibility to honor what is best in terms of managing this crisis and being globally considerate of those that have contracted or are at risk. This is one of those times when our faith and our prayers can ignite hope. Our four seniors earned and deserved an opportunity to continue to play. However, the impact they have had on the lives they’ve touched, including mine, is much greater than any game.”

The Liberty women’s basketball team advanced to the championship game of the ASUN Tournament on Wednesday night with a win over North Florida. The Lady Flames are expected to face FGCU for the conference championship this Sunday, March 15th. This game has been canceled.

We will update this story as we learn more.