NEW Orleans — The NBA postponed Wednesday night’s game in New Orleans between the Milwaukee Bucks and the New Orleans Pelicans due to a historic winter storm that left nearly a foot of snow in the city.
Travel conditions became perilous after Tuesday’s storm, hitting a subtropical region that lacks adequate resources to clear snow.
The Bucks managed to arrive in the city a day earlier than expected by flying in on Monday, hoping road conditions would improve for the game at the 18,000-capacity Smoothie King Center located downtown from New Orleans.
However, temperatures were in the low 30s on Wednesday and several major highways were closed as authorities worked to ensure safety. Additionally, many local roads were icy and difficult to navigate.
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In addition, schools and businesses in the region remained closed on Wednesday. The Bucks are scheduled to face the Miami Heat on Thursday, but it remains unclear whether they will leave New Orleans on game day.
Louis Armstrong International Airport has canceled all commercial flights for Wednesday.
The Pelicans are scheduled to travel to Memphis for a scheduled game Friday night.
Regarding college basketball, the Southeastern Conference announced the postponement of Thursday night’s women’s basketball clash between fifth-ranked LSU and second-ranked South Carolina, which will now take place on Friday. This decision was taken due to unfavorable weather conditions.
-The SEC has confirmed that Friday’s game will begin at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. LSU is also scheduled to host Texas A&M on Sunday, a game that is still on.
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Michael Bonnette, an LSU spokesman, reported that highways around Baton Rouge were closed Wednesday, leading to the cancellation of classes through Thursday. Still, sports officials expressed optimism that the women’s basketball team will be able to leave Baton Rouge on Thursday.
After bringing record snowfall to Texas and Louisiana earlier in the week, the storm continued on its way, bringing heavy snow, freezing rain, and icy rain to parts of the Florida Panhandle , Georgia and the coastal Carolinas on Wednesday.
South Carolina, with an 18-1 record, is in fine form after a dominant 101-60 victory over Oklahoma on Sunday.
For its part, LSU remains undefeated with 20 wins, having earned an impressive 80-63 victory over Florida on Sunday. The defending national champions hold the record for the best start in program history with 23 wins, with their only loss last season coming against South Carolina.
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Winter storm: NBA and college basketball games postponed in the South
