Boise, Idaho (March 12, 2020) - The Big Sky Conference will cancel the remainder of its 2020 Basketball Championships, beginning with the men's quarterfinals scheduled for Thursday (March 12), the conference office announced today.

The Big Sky Presidents' Council convened Thursday morning and voted to move forward in this manner.

"This decision was not made lightly, as we know how meaningful our basketball championships is to our student-athletes, coaches, alumni, and fans," Commissioner Tom Wistrcill said. "After consulting with medical experts, local authorities, and the leadership of our institutions, we feel that this decision is prudent given the health and well-being of all involved.

"It's an extremely heartbreaking decision for our players, staff and everyone else involved," said Idaho head women's coach, Jon Newlee. "I'm just heartbroken for all the work and everything that we've done to get right to where we wanted to be, playing in the championship game against a team we split against, and to not be able to see the season finish. I understand the decision, following in line with all the conferences. I get it but that doesn't mean that we like it, but we move forward now whatever that means and whatever it will be. We will figure it out from here. I'm really proud of this team, as proud of any team that I have coached, the way they have come together through a lot of adversity and everything else this year. It was a great season, but unfortunately  it looks like it has come to an end. We will be back and going forward from here."

"We would be remiss not to acknowledge all of our local partners who helped us increase the interest in and attendance at our tournament this year, and we look forward to welcoming those fans back when we return to Boise in March 2021."

The Big Sky and CenturyLink Arena will announce a refund policy soon and will contact fans who purchased tickets for the games that have been canceled.

Saturday's Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony has been postponed.