FGCU men’s basketball home opener postponed due to COVID-19

FGCU confirms Wednesday the Eagles men’s basketball’s home opener against North Alabama has been postponed due to a positive coronavirus test result and contact tracing within the program’s tier-1 group.

According to the university, the ASUN series between the Eagles and Lions was scheduled for Friday and Saturday Jan. 1 and 2.

There is now a 14-day quarantine period being implemented, so this will impact future scheduled Eagles men’s basketball games against Liberty University.

There was no specific information released by FGCU about who in the Eagles men’s basketball program tested positive for COVID-19.

“While we are disappointed not to be playing this week, this is an unfortunate scenario that has played out through all of college sports this year,” head coach Michael Fly said in the press release. “I appreciate all the work our athletics sports medicine unit, the university medical staff and the Florida Department of Health have done to keep our student-athletes and staff safe. We will undertake the appropriate measures so that we can return to play following the 14-day period.”

There are no rescheduled dates confirmed for games against North Alabama or Liberty.

Unless there are further changes, the official ASUN opener for the Eagles will be Jan. 15 and 16 Friday and Saturday against Bellarmine University at Alico Arena.

“Every missed opportunity to compete disappoints us. We want our student-athletes to play,” ASUN Commissioner Ted Gumbart said in the press release. “Postponing play is the safe and responsible step, but always disappointing. We have plans to adjust and will work throughout the season to maximize the playing options for all ASUN student-athletes.”