INDIANAPOLIS – The NCAA made a bold statement Wednesday afternoon by announcing it will limit crowds for its men’s and women’s Division 1 basketball tournaments.

The guise did not mention any other NCAA level tournaments, including the current NAIA and future NCCAA national tournaments. Grace College currently has its men’s team playing in South Dakota for the NAIA Division II tournament and will host the men’s and women’s NCCAA national tournaments next week.

In a prepared statement, which follows announcements of Indiana, Purdue and Ball State Universities all announcing levels of class cancellation, the NCAA followed up with this statement:

“The NCAA continues to assess the impact of COVID-19 in consultation with public health officials and our COVID-19 advisory panel. Based on their advice and my discussions with the NCAA Board of Governors, I have made the decision to conduct our upcoming championship events, including the Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, with only essential staff and limited family attendance. While I understand how disappointing this is for all fans of our sports, my decision is based on the current understanding of how COVID-19 is progressing in the United States.

“This decision is in the best interest of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student-athletes. We recognize the opportunity to compete in an NCAA national championship is an experience of a lifetime for the students and their families. Today, we will move forward and conduct championships consistent with the current information and will continue to monitor and make adjustments as needed.”