December 4, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

UCI Coach Russell Turner reacts to Big West’s decision to play tournament without fans

UCI men’s basketball coach Russell Turner issued a statement Wednesday in reaction to the Big West Conference decision on Tuesday to play the conference tournament at the Honda Center without fans over concerns about the coronavirus.

“My student-athletes and I are grateful for the opportunity to compete in the Big West Tournament,” Turner said in a statement. “We have respect for the decision-makers and the choices that were made.”

UCI is the top seeded team in the tournament and will face No. 8 Long Beach State Thursday at 6 p.m. at Honda Center. No fans will be allowed to attend and fans will be offered refunds. A limited number of personnel, including essential game management personnel and media, will be allowed.