‘Injury-riddled’ Davidson cancels remainder of season

Field Level Media|published: Fri 1st March, 17:53 2024

Feb 16, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; General view of NCAA Pac 12 basketballs on the court at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. credits: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Davidson canceled the remainder of its season on Friday due to what it called "a significant number of injuries" on the women's basketball team.

Davidson previously forfeited games at Dayton (Feb. 21) and at home against Fordham (Feb. 24) for the same reason. The Wildcats had just seven players appear in Wednesday's 45-40 home loss to George Washington.

Now, Davidson is forfeiting its regular-season finale Saturday at Saint Louis, and it will not participate in the Atlantic 10 tournament. The conference's website was updated Friday to show a new bracket accommodating just 14 teams instead of all 15.

"The physical, mental and emotional toll of this unfortunate and injury-riddled season has brought us to this point," Davidson athletic director Chris Clunie said in a statement. "We are incredibly saddened that we cannot finish out the season strong but feel this is the best decision for our scholar-athletes."

Davidson coach Gayle Fulks said the team has been a joy to coach and her players "never wavered" throughout the adversity.

"The injuries we have sustained this season have weighed heavily on our entire program," Fulks said in a statement. "This decision is not one that we are taking lightly, as no one wanted it to end this way. Our team of young women is the strongest, most caring and most competitive team I have ever been a part of. ... I am so proud of them."

Davidson finishes the season 18-8 (8-7 A-10). The Wildcats had a 12-1 start to the season, highlighted by a 69-62 win at then-No. 22 Duke on Nov. 16.

—Field Level Media