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Syracuse men’s basketball’s game against No. 17 North Carolina, originally scheduled for Jan. 2, was postponed Wednesday due to the Orange’s program pause.

Syracuse stopped all basketball activities Monday after members of Buffalo’s program tested positive for COVID-19 following the Orange’s overtime win on Saturday against the Bulls.

The UNC game is the third SU will miss during its two-week quarantine period. The Orange’s scheduled games against Notre Dame on Tuesday and Wake Forest on Dec. 30 were also postponed.

“The Syracuse Athletics Department continues to work closely with the Onondaga County Health Department, New York state public health officials and the ACC Medical Advisory Group,” a statement from the team reads. “The men’s basketball team is adhering to all public health guidelines.” 

There have not been any reported positives within the Syracuse team following the Buffalo game, but due to New York state rules, the Orange are not able to test out of the quarantine period of 14 days. Head coach Jim Boeheim has voiced his displeasure with this rule in the past. 

During their last two-week shutdown back in November, the Orange worked out individually in their off-campus apartments. Players are able to work out individually in the Carmelo K. Anthony Basketball Center, but there are no team activities. SU head trainer Brad Pike said the Orange provided exercise bikes in their apartments to help Syracuse players try to stay in-shape during the first two-week shutdown as well. 

Syracuse’s next scheduled game is against Florida State on Jan. 6 in the Carrier Dome.

Published on December 23, 2020 at 2:31 pm

Contact Anthony: amdabbun@syr.edu | @AnthonyDabbundo