Villanova University’s basketball teams have been weathering the rise in COVID cases pretty well, thanks in large part to team physician Michael P. Duncan, writes Tyler Small for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

“He’s been going through this with us since the start back in 2020,” said Assistant Coach George Halcovage. “With his leadership and guidance through the whole process, we’ve been able to manage it all.”

Villanova’s men’s team (13-5, 6-2) has won six games over the last seven and mostly stayed healthy. Only one player, Caleb Daniel, missed time on the court because of COVID protocols.

Their record this season has them climbing in Big East standings.

Likewise, the women’s team has won six of seven games, though they hit more COVID obstacles. Two January games were postponed when the team went into COVID lockdown.

Forward Brianna Herlihy voiced the team’s frustration. She was quarantined after testing positive for COVID.

“The initial reaction was just a bit of anger honestly, like why is this happening again after all the ups and downs of last season,” said Herlihy.

Still, she’s proud of her team’s victories, despite more limited playing time.

Read more at The Philadelphia Inquirer about the Villanova basketball teams and how they’re coping with COVID-19.

Villanova coach Jay Wright talks about the impact of COVID on his team in an interview from January 2021.