ORONO — The University of Maine men’s basketball team paused team activities late Tuesday afternoon due to two presumptive positive COVID-19 tests among the team’s Tier-I personnel, according to a university press release. 

Members of the men’s basketball team deemed to be close contacts are in quarantine, the release noted, and contact tracing and additional testing are underway.

The men’s basketball program is following all state, University of Maine System, America East Conference, and NCAA guidelines.

Antigen testing for the men’s basketball program continues for all Tier 1 personnel, which includes student-athletes, coaches, and support staff.

Tier 1 personnel are required by America East to antigen test five days a week in preparation for competitions.

UMaine continues to follow all COVID-19-related health and safety guidance while monitoring the status of the pandemic in Maine and throughout the region.

The Black Bears currently sport a 2-7 record and are on a two game losing streak with both losses coming over the holiday weekend to the University of Vermont. 

The Black Bears are slated to host Binghamton University in Orono for a pair of 1 p.m. tips Saturday, Jan. 23 and Sunday, Jan. 24.