| Hawk Central
IOWA CITY, Ia. – After a few hours of COVID-19-related delay, the Iowa women’s basketball game scheduled for Thursday against Michigan will begin at about 8:30 p.m. in the Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
The game would initially start at 3:30 p.m., and was delayed along with the COVID-19 protocols.
The Michigan and Iowa staff initially returned to the floor around 7:15 p.m., and Hawkeyes players Lauren Jensen, Tomi Taiwo, Alexis Sevillian, and Zion Sanders did the same about five minutes later. Eventually, the entire Iowa series returned for a shootout – minus second guard Gabbie Marshall and junior forward Logan Cook. Players from Michigan also returned to the floor.
“(The players) have built up a bit of momentum to get up for the game, so they’ll have to come down a bit and then be willing to get up again when tipoff is going to be,” Iowa assistant coach Raina said. Harmon, about 15:30 (CT) on the prediction program said shortly after the game was officially delayed. “Again, we are not going to be happy with anything because the dynamics have changed around this game. We expect focus and 100 percent effort from our team.”
It was clear that something was not right before the originally scheduled tip time. Iowa initially came out for warm-ups before strolling near the bank and eventually leaving court. Michigan never came out for warm-ups.
The Wolverines were recently in a COVID-19 break and six games were postponed (including five in a row) between January 18 and February 7. Michigan has played four games since the break ended. Iowa did not have to stand still this season, but two games were postponed by COVID-19.
“Both institutions have decided to delay the game in conjunction with COVID-19 protocols and will play later today if possible,” said an Iowa release, which dropped to about 3:15 p.m. ‘If the game is not played today, the teams will work with the Big Ten Conference to reschedule the game.
“The decision to suspend and postpone was made jointly by the Department of Athletics in Michigan and Iowa and the sports medicine staff in consultation with the Big Ten Conference.”
Men’s Basketball: Iowa vs. Michigan:
Dargan Southard covers Iowa and UNI athletics, recruitment and preparation for the Des Moines Register, HawkCentral.com and the Iowa City Press Citizen. Email [email protected] or follow him on Twitter at @Dargan_Southard.