DURHAM, N.C. — Duke’s final nonconference game Saturday against Cleveland State has been canceled due to COVID-19 issues within the Vikings program.
The game has been canceled but No. 2 Duke (8-1) will look to find a replacement opponent over the coming days. The Blue Devils defeated South Carolina State 103-62 on Tuesday night and will still host Appalachian State on Thursday night.
If they cannot find a replacement, Duke’s next scheduled game will be its Dec. 22 ACC opener at 9 p.m. against Virginia Tech at home.
This is the first time the continued pandemic has affected Duke’s basketball season this year after it forced multiple cancellations last year, including a home game with Pittsburgh and a road game at Florida State.
South Carolina State Bulldogs guard Rahsaan Edwards (10) dribbles up court as Duke Blue Devils guard Jeremy Roach (3) defends during the first half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. (ob Kinnan, USA TODAY Sports)
No fans were allowed in attendance at Cameron Indoor Stadium last year.
The Vikings, which, unlike Duke, made the NCAA tournament team last season after winning the Horizon League championship, are 6-3 this season, but had their six-game winning streak snapped Monday night with a 98-93 overtime loss at Oklahoma State.
This season Duke has played before capacity crowds at all its home games after implementing mask mandates and vaccine requirements – or proof of a negative COVID-19 test – for anyone entering Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Follow David Thompson on Twitter at @daveth89.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Duke’s game against Cleveland State canceled due to COVID-19
