The attempts to shut down the spread of the virus also cut short the best women’s basketball regular season in program history. The MVC canceled its women’s tournament after the first day, before third-seeded Bradley, which finished with school records for victories overall and in conference (22-7 and 13-5 in the conference), played on the second.

And spring sports never got a solid start. The NCAA curtailed all sports and championships, wiping out the remainder of the seasons for baseball, softball, men’s and women’s golf, outdoor track for men and women and tennis. A pair of sports, soccer and volleyball, have limited spring exhibition seasons, which also are affected.

“Y’all know it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, so make the most of it. Be remembered forever. Team first. Self last.”

In basketball, it’s the first time the men’s basketball team had repeat NCAA appearances since 1954–55. The Braves also won MVC titles in 1980 and 1988 and are the ninth team to successfully defend the crown. It’s the 10th trip to the NCAA Tournament in school history, with Final Four appearances in 1950 and 1954 and a Sweet Sixteen spot in 2006.

On the women’s side, the team’s 16-2 start was the best through that point in the season and the 7-0 start in the conference was the best in team history. The record of success helped put three players on the All-MVC First team.

Chelsea Brackmann ’20 and Gabi Haack ’21 repeated their spots on the team, joined by Lasha Petree ’22.

For the first time in 16 seasons, three member of the men’s team gained All-MVC honors, led by three-time selection Darrell Brown ’20 on the second team. He was MVP of the conference tournament. Elijah Childs ’21 joined him on the second team, Nate Kennell ’20 made the third team.

The three selections were the most among conference schools.