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Update 1:20 p.m.: Head coach Mark Few confirms the Zags had one player test positive for Covid-19.
Mark Few confirmed there was one positive COVID test to a player.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) November 27, 2020
Two members of the No. 1 Gonzaga Bulldogs will be unavailable for their tilt with the Auburn Tigers today because of Covid-19 contact tracing and tournament protocol issues.
Despite original reports, the players did not test positive and were either in violation of protocols, or subject to contact tracing restrictions.
CLARIFICATION: Two Gonzaga players are out due to COVID-19 protocols. (not necessarily a positive test). Won't play in today's game. Jeff Goodman reports it's two younger, role players.
— Jim Meehan (@SRJimm) November 27, 2020
Here’s the deal with the 2 Gonzaga players. Freshman Dominick Harris’ father tweeted his son is quarantining due to being in close proximity with a player who tested positive. Source said it’s another frosh, and NOT Jalen Suggs. Source said Julian Strawther will not play today.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) November 27, 2020
Both players were available for the Zags 102-90 win over the Kansas Jayhawks on Thursday. Dominick Harris and Julian Strawther combined for five minutes in garbage time and no stats in yesterday’s win over Kansas.
A breach of protocol being the cause gives teams an extra incentive to be careful, as Gonzaga did have one non-player test positive upon arriving in Fort Myers, and they are quarantining as well. The tournament is taking additional precautions with no fans allowed in the lower deck of the Suncoast Credit Union Arena and tickets only sold in pairs to socially-distanced fans.
Gonzaga remains an 18-point favorite over Auburn for Friday’s game at DraftKings Sportsbook.