By JACOB POLACHECK
For the third time this season, Iona has been put on pause due to COVID-19.
Iona received a positive COVID-19 test from a Tier 1 member of the program and will miss the remainder of the regular season, the program announced Monday.
Iona has cancelled its remaining regular season games with Marist (Feb. 24), Siena (Feb. 27 and 28) and Saint Peter’s (March 3 and 4).
“This is extremely unfortunate news to learn at a time so late in the season,” Iona head coach Rick Pitino said in a statement Monday. “I feel awful for our student-athletes who worked so hard to get back following our pause that lasted nearly two months.
“The pandemic is still very real, and ultimately the health and safety of those around the program is most important. We look forward to returning and competing in the MAAC Championship in March.”
Iona has only played 13 games this season due to multiple COVID shutdowns. Iona is currently second in the MAAC at 6-3 with an 8-5 record overall.
The Gaels started the season on pause, missing its first four games, due to a positive Covid test from a member of the support staff.
Iona played its first game on Nov. 30 at Seton Hall.
The Gaels were shut down for two weeks again, starting on Dec. 29 after another positive test from a Tier-1 individual associated with the men’s basketball team.
The MAAC Tournament is set to take place March 8-13 at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
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