Kentucky men's basketball pauses, game vs. No. 5 Texas canceled

Things continue to go from bad to worse for the Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team during the 2020-21 season, as the squad now knows it won't be facing the No. 5-ranked Texas Longhorns on Saturday. 

Kentucky confirmed on Friday that Saturday's showdown with Texas is canceled due to positive COVID-19 test results, contact tracing, and subsequent quarantines impacting the Wildcats.

While Kentucky has endured multiple postponements caused by coronavirus-related setbacks, this is the team's first cancellation of the campaign. 

The Wildcats added that they are currently pausing activities for only 48 hours, a shorter period than what most other teams have observed following positive COVID-19 tests. As of early Friday afternoon, Kentucky remains scheduled to play at the No. 12-ranked Missouri Tigers on Tuesday. 

The Wildcats dropped to 5-10 overall and 4-4 in SEC play via a 70-59 loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide this past Tuesday. As Jeff Borzello noted for ESPN, Kentucky is experiencing one of the worst starts to a season in program history. 

Texas, meanwhile, was without head coach Shaka Smart for Tuesday's loss to the Oklahoma Sooners after Smart announced on Monday that he tested positive for COVID-19. According to Borzello, Texas guard Courtney Ramey and also forwards Jericho Sims and Brock Cunningham were all unavailable to play against Oklahoma. 

The Longhorns will host the unbeaten Baylor Bears, No. 2 in the nation, this coming Tuesday.