The American Athletic Conference men's postseason basketball tournament was slated to begin at noon on Thursday, but with less than two hours remaining before tipoff of the first game, the conference decided to cancel the event.

The cancellation was made amidst recent similar decisions from other sports leagues due to the COVID-19 virus.

Tulsa finished in a three-way tie for the AAC regular season championship. At 21-10 overall and 13-5 in AAC play, TU was on the bubble for an NCAA bid, and likely had some work to do.

Tulsa seniors Martins Igbanu and Lawson Korita were looking for the first post-season tournament appearance of their college careers, but those hopes ended on Thursday afternoon when the NCAA made the historic decision to cancel all remaining winter and spring championship events.

"While we are all disappointed to not be continuing our season, especially for our seniors Martins Igbanu and Lawson Korita, we recognize that this issue is not about sports," said Tulsa head coach Frank Haith. "This is about doing everything we can as responsible citizens to protect our student-athletes, our campuses and our communities.

"These are very difficult decisions being made across the country and I have a great deal of respect for those making these calls. Their decision to cancel the NCAA Tournament hurts all of us, and I know it hurt those decision-makers greatly as well. But, it was the right call."

Some head coaches, such as Mark Few of Gonzaga, were hoping the tournament could be postponed rather than cancelled.

The NCAA was originally going to play the games in front of very limited attendance, allowing only essential staff and limited family members, but later decided on full cancellation.

The decision comes a day after the NBA suspended its season. Other professional sports leagues around the globe have followed suit.