The New Mexico State men’s basketball program has announced a pause of basketball activities after a positive COVID-19 test comes back from the Aggies’ Dec. 3 round of testing.

Because of this, NM State has cancelled their non-conference matchups against Santa Clara on Dec. 5 and Cal Poly on Dec. 7 — games that were already in question after Southern California’s ICU capacity dipped below 15% this week, triggering stay-at-home orders that would have made going forward with a basketball game difficult.

Per a release from the program, the Aggies were made aware of the positive test late Friday night. This positive test marks the first since well before the start of the season, and is only the third in the program since the testing period began on Aug. 23.

The Tier One positive test — Tier One meaning any student-athletes, coaches or staff following the team — has prompted a subsequent quarantine and contact tracing, with NM State already in Santa Clara for what was scheduled to be there third game of the season tonight. No Tier One tests came back positive from the prior round of testing (Nov. 30).

NM State will have to wait for their shot of breaking a program record with what could have been their 22nd straight win (dating back to last season) tonight in Santa Clara, with the Aggies next scheduled game coming a week from now in Tucson against Pac-12 foe Arizona.

With the situation, like any in the COVID-era of sports, staying fluid, it’s not unforeseen to see that matchup being altered as well. NM State has made it clear that they’re just a phone call away as far as taking on non-conference opponents, but beyond U of A, no non-conference games are currently scheduled, and likely will not be until a resumption of basketball activities takes place.

As of today, the Aggies next game on their schedule remains their WAC opener against conference-newcomer Dixie State on Jan. 8.