No. 1 Gonzaga, No. 2 Baylor Agree to Cancel Game Because of COVID-19 Issues

Gonzaga and Baylor canceled Saturday's game because of positive COVID-19 tests.

The men's basketball programs said in a joint statement they had agreed to scrap the highly anticipated contest pitting the top two teams in the country against one another. One member of the Gonzaga team and a Zags staffer tested positive for COVID-19.

The game was scheduled to tip off at 1 p.m. ET at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Gonzaga and Baylor stated they consulted with local health officials and team physicians before deciding to put the game on hold.

They ended the statement by saying they'd explore the possibility of rescheduling the matchup.

Bulldogs head coach Mark Few and Bears head coach Scott Drew provided a joint statement as well:

"We're disappointed to not be able to play one of the most-anticipated games of the season, but we are following the advice of public health officials. When we decided to play during a pandemic, our priorities were protecting the health and safety of student-athletes and following public health guidelines, and we're proud of how both programs have held true to those promises. There are much greater issues in this world than not being able to play a basketball game, so we're going to continue praying for everyone who has been affected by this pandemic."

Gonzaga last played Wednesday, beating No. 11 West Virginia 87-82. On Nov. 27, the Zags went ahead with their game against Auburn after one player and one staff member tested positive for COVID-19. Another player was held out because of contact tracing.

Gonzaga (3-0) and Baylor (3-0) are scheduled to be back in action Tuesday. The Bulldogs host Tarleton State, while the Bears welcome Nicholls State in the first home game for each team.