The Latest: 'Nova pauses hoops, coach Wright tests positive

Villanova head coach Jay Wright reacts during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Saint Joseph's, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Villanova, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) (Matt Slocum, Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:

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Villanova coach Jay Wright has tested positive for COVID-19 and the No. 5 Wildcats have paused basketball activities.

Wright says in a statement issued Sunday by Villanova that he another staff member tested positive. Wright says he has been experiencing mild symptoms.

Villanova’s game against Xavier scheduled for Saturday has been postponed, but the school outside Philadelphia says no determination has been made for games beyond this week. The next game on the Wildcats' schedule is Jan. 5 at DePaul.

Earlier this month, Wright got St. John’s to agree to postpone a Big East matchup scheduled for Dec. 30 so the Villanova players could be off over the holidays, with Wright saying they “needed a break.”

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Buffalo Bills running back T.J. Yeldon has tested positive for COVID-19.

Yeldon was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list and will not travel and play in Monday night’s game at New England.

Yeldon has 10 carries for 70 yards in three games this season. He hasn’t played since Week 5 for the AFC East champion Bills.

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Syracuse has paused all women’s basketball-related activities and contact tracing is underway after a positive COVID-19 test was confirmed within the program.

The 22nd-ranked Orange women have canceled a game against Morgan State scheduled for Monday night. Their next scheduled game is Thursday at home against North Carolina.

The Syracuse men also have been on pause. They halted team activities after a home game a week ago against Buffalo. One of the Bulls players tested positive after the game.

Mississippi also has coronavirus issues within its women’s basketball program. The Rebels' game against No. 5 South Carolina on Thursday night has been postponed.

The Gamecocks last played Dec. 17 against Temple. Their next game is scheduled for Jan. 4 at Alabama. South Carolina said in a news release that that game could not be played due to a combination of positive COVID-19 tests, contact tracing and quarantining individuals according to SEC protocols. There has been no makeup date announced.

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