The University of Maine men’s basketball team has ended the remainder of the 2020-21 season due to challenges related to COVID-19 according to a press release issued recently.

The team reached a final decision on February 12th.  President Joan Ferrini-Mundy and Director of Athletics Ken Ralph were informed and are in support of the decision.  A team meeting with the athletic administrator followed to outline the support available to team members as they navigate the rest of the year.

The men’s basketball program has not been cleared for practice or competition since January 17, 2021.

The Black Bears participated in nine games this season.  During the campaign, Maine scored victories against New Hampshire and at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

The players deliberated over several days on the right course of action,” said head coach Richard Barron, and he fully supports their decision.

“I am so proud of all of our Black Bears and absolutely support the decision made by the members of the men’s basketball program to conclude their season,” said President Ferrini-Mundy.  “Athletics at U Maine will always be about more than just wins and losses.  Our Black Bears have inspired us all with how hard they have practiced and prepared for competition at the highest level while maturely contending with pandemic-related protocols and uncertainty.”