New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
MAAC announces scheduling model
The MAAC released its schedule model for the upcoming basketball season.
With the NCAA approving Nov. 25 as a starting date for basketball games, the MAAC has slotted out Nov. 25-29 and Nov. 30-Dec. 6 as slots where non-conference games can be scheduled.
Conference play will begin on Dec. 8 for the men and Dec. 9 for the women and with the exception of a non-conference slot on Dec. 22-23, the remainder of the schedule will be for conference games with the men’s basketball contests set for Tuesdays and Fridays and women’s basketball to be played on Wednesday and Saturday.
The conference, which includes Fairfield and Quinnipiac, announced that no fans will be allowed at games through Dec. 23. The policy regarding fans will be reviewed to determine if a change can be made in the policy.
The MAAC tournament is scheduled for Mar. 9-13 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.
“The creation of this schedule model involved many moving pieces from multiple groups who are dedicated to seeing MAAC student-athletes return to action this season,” MAAC Commissioner Rich Ensor said in a release. “I commend everybody involved in the creation process, including the MAAC Council of Presidents, MAAC Committee on Athletic Administration (COAA), MAAC staff and the MAAC Basketball Working Group. Their hard work made this possible. We are ready and committed to providing a safe playing environment for our student-athletes as we navigate the evolving landscape and possible disruptions to the schedule caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Hearst Connecticut Media reached out to the Northeast Conference, which includes Central Connecticut State and Sacred Heart, about the NEC announcing a similar plan and received an email stating, “NEC administrators are still discussing basketball plans. We will put out an announcement when the plans are finalized over the next two weeks.”