Robert Morris coach Andy Toole knows 3 fans who won't miss NCAA tourney game

Now that Robert Morris is champion of the Northeast Conference and headed to the NCAA Tournament next week, there’s a chance the Colonials will get sent to Dayton, Ohio, for one of the First Four games Tuesday or Wednesday.

Amidst concerns for the coronavirus, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is urging officials to hold indoor athletic events in empty venues.

After winning NEC championship to clinch likely NCAA First Four trip to Dayton, Robert Morris coach Andy Toole responds to Ohio governor Mike DeWine’s request that sporting events in the state be closed to spectators because of coronavirus concerns. pic.twitter.com/VsiJXImXwS

— Kevin Gorman (@KGorman_Trib) March 11, 2020

Colonials coach Andy Toole isn’t sure the governor will be successful keeping at least three Robert Morris fans out of the UD Arena.

“I would wish the governor luck in keeping my wife out of that game, if he decides they’re not going to have fans,” Toole said. “He’s going to call my 7-year-old and my 5-year-old and tell them they can’t come to the NCAA Tournament. Good luck.”

All kidding aside, Toole said he is pleased to be conducting practice for a few more days after the 77-67 victory against St. Francis (Pa.).

“We’re just happy to be playing,” he said. “Whatever goes on outside of that, we can’t worry about it. We’re going to be ready to play, whoever our opponent is, wherever they send us. We’re just happy to put the jersey on one more day.

“We’re all figuring it out as we go,” he said of virus concerns. “We don’t necessarily know what’s right, what’s wrong, and everybody’s trying to make the best decisions possible. Everybody associated with the NCAA Tournament will do the same.”