Ivy League cancels basketball tournament after Penn fought to get in

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The Ivy League has cancelled its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments “in accordance with the guidance of public health and medical professionals to discourage and limit large gatherings on campuses in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation,” the league announced Tuesday.

The Yale men and Princeton women’s teams — regular-season champions in the Ivy League — will automatically qualify for the NCAA Tournament.

The Penn men’s team was slated to be the fourth seed in the four-team tournament, having clinched a spot with three straight wins. Senior AJ Brodeur broke the school’s all-time scoring record and recorded the first triple-double in program history Saturday in Penn’s win over Columbia.

The Quaker women had a 20-7 regular-season mark, 10-4 in conference, and would have been the No. 2 seed in the Ivy League Tournament. The Princeton women’s team is 26-1 and was ranked No. 22 in the latest AP poll. 

“We understand and share the disappointment with student-athletes, coaches and fans who will not be able to participate in these tournaments,” Ivy League Executive Director Robin Harris said in a press release. “Regrettably, the information and recommendations presented to us from public health authorities and medical professionals have convinced us that this is the most prudent decision.”

Additionally, according to the release, “the League is also implementing highly-restrictive, in-venue spectator limitations for all other upcoming campus athletics events. The League is also canceling all out-of-season practices and competitions.”

Harvard, which was set to host the tournament, will move all courses online after March 23 because of the coronavirus outbreak and is asking students not to return after Spring Break, the University announced on Tuesday morning.

All tickets for the tournament will be refunded. 

“Following a number of league-wide discussions throughout the last several weeks, we have decided to exercise caution in the interest of student-athletes, fans and the general community,” Harris said. 

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