The Maui News

The University of Hawaii men’s basketball team has been put on pause from all activities due to COVID-19 issues within the program, the school announced Monday.

As a result, the Rainbow Warriors’ Big West home opener against UC Davis scheduled for Thursday has been canceled. UH’s other game originally scheduled for this weekend, a Saturday matchup against UC Riverside, had previously been canceled due to COVID issues within the Highlanders’ program.

Both games have been deemed no contests, UH’s news release said, adding that the length of the Rainbow Warriors’ pause is yet to be determined.

The pause comes three days after UH, citing injuries and COVID issues, pulled out of the Diamond Head Classic seventh-place game against Northern Iowa that was to be played on Christmas Day at the Stan Sheriff Center. The Rainbow Warriors (4-5) went 0-2 in the tournament, losing to Vanderbilt on Wednesday and South Florida on Thursday.

COVID concerns also led to the cancellation of the tournament’s championship game between Stanford and Vandy.

The Rainbow Warriors’ next games scheduled are Jan. 6 at Cal State Fullerton and Jan. 8 at Long Beach State.