The #23 Colorado State Rams were looking forward to two big non-conference match-ups to try to remain undefeated.
Instead, the Rams will be staying in Fort Collins, unable to travel due to COVID-19 issues.
CSU's game against Tulsa in the Hoop Hype XL Collegiate Basketball Showcase in Fort Worth, Texas, originally schedule for Saturday, December 18, has been cancelled, as has a marquee match-up against #6 Alabama on Tuesday, December 21. The teams were scheduled to meet in the C.M. Newton Classic in Birmingham.
The two games were to be the final non-conference contests before CSU is scheduled to open Mountain West Conference play at New Mexico on Tuesday, December 28.
The Rams are 10-0 and last played on Saturday, December 11 when they beat Mississippi State, 66-63.
From Colorado State University athletics:
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – After continued evaluation of the Colorado State men's basketball program and based on various public health professional recommendations regarding COVID, the Rams will no longer participate in the C.M. Newton Classic against No. 6 Alabama next Tuesday night. The games with both Tulsa and Alabama will not be made up.
"We are disappointed that the current health status of our team does not allow us to play the upcoming game against Alabama," athletic director Joe Parker said. "The health of everyone involved in the event, including both sets of student-athletes, coaches staff and fans, is of the utmost importance to us. By making the decision now, it affords Alabama an opportunity to find another opponent for next week."
The status of future games will be determined at a later date following further evaluation.