January 4, 2022 |
Trusting Big Pharma’s so-called science isn’t working out for college basketball. Despite universal vaccinations among players and staff across the NCAA, the Omicron variant forced the cancellation of big non-conference games Christmas week. Those games won’t be rescheduled. The same could happen with a slew of Mountain West games that were scrubbed last week and this week.
Wyoming Head Coach Jeff Linder, who’s had two conference matchups scratched in four days — including tonight’s game in Nevada — said the situation is frustrating.
On Saturday, when the Wyoming conference opener was postponed, the official announcement stated that the Boise State team was experiencing Covid-related issues.
On Monday, Coach Linder acknowledged that some Cowboys have tested positive for the virus since then, forcing tonight’s game at Nevada to be called off. Linder did not mention any players by name or say how many players are affected. The coach said even for young guys either side of 20 years old, the virus carries a fear factor.
Linder said the decision to scrub Saturday’s conference opener was a last minute decision. He said he felt sorry for fans.
Some of the players hung around and signed autographs for fans who did show up at the Double A on Saturday. Bench players even played a little two on two pick up to provide some entertainment in what was disappointing situation for all.
Wyoming is not alone. Omicron is wreaking havoc on the start of the conference. Last week, two Mountain West men’s basketball games were postponed—Tuesday’s matchup between CSU and New Mexico, as well as Wednesday’s scheduled game between Nevada and San Jose State.
On Saturday, in addition to the Wyoming – Boise State game, two other matchups were crossed off the board: Air Force at Fresno State and San Jose State at Utah State. Although the league is officially listing the games as postponed, Coach Linder said they might never be rescheduled.
The Cowboys have not played since Christmas Day, when they defeated the University of South Florida 77-57 to wrap up the Diamond Head Classic. Wyoming was one of two teams that finished the tourney bracket with two wins. Their only loss was to Stanford in a game that Linder said Wyoming defeated itself.
The Pokes finished the non-conference schedule with 11-2 record. So to stall out because of Covid is especially frustrating for a team that prepped to take test their skills at the conference level.
Next up on the schedule for Wyoming is a road game at Fresno State on Saturday. At this point in the week, it’s anybody’s guess if it will be played.
