Ohio State withdraws from Dayton’s season-opening tournament

The Ohio State Buckeyes became the second team to withdraw from the Crossover Classic, the season-opening tournament that also includes the Dayton Flyers.

Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann made the announcement Thursday on Twitter, while also saying Ohio State has been in talks about “some exciting scheduling opportunities” in replace of the Crossover Classic. He expects to release a non-conference schedule in the next 7-10 days.

According to multiple reports, Ohio State withdrew from the event in Sioux Falls because of the COVID-19 situation in South Dakota and the Ohio requirement of a 14-day quarantine upon return from the state.

Saint Mary’s will replace Ohio State in the eight-team field, according to a report by Adam Zagoria.

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Dayton did not have an immediate comment on whether it will remain in the tournament, though coach Anthony Grant is scheduled to speak to local media at 3:10 p.m. Thursday and may have a comment then. The Flyers are scheduled to play Wichita State in the opening round on Nov. 25, the first day of the 2020-21 college basketball season.

Last week, Utah became the first team to withdraw from the Crossover Classic. South Dakota State replaced it in the field.