Louisville-Kentucky postponed as Cardinals pause due to COVID

The men's basketball programs of the Louisville Cardinals and No. 20-ranked Kentucky Wildcats won't play at Rupp Arena on Wednesday after all.

"The University of Louisville men's basketball team has paused all team-related activities indefinitely due to multiple positive COVID-19 tests among individuals within the program," the Cardinals explained in a brief statement Monday. "Officials from Kentucky and Louisville will monitor opportunities in which the teams can reschedule the annual rivalry game."

ESPN's Jeff Borzello notes that Louisville starting center Malik Williams was unable to play in Saturday's 82-72 loss to the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers because of COVID-19 protocols. All other Cardinals players were eligible for that contest. 

Kentucky added: 

"UK Athletics is working to find a replacement game for either Wednesday or Thursday in Rupp Arena. Officials from Kentucky and Louisville will monitor opportunities in which the teams can reschedule the annual rivalry game.

"The Kentucky-Louisville rivalry has been played every year since the 1982-83 season. UK leads the series 37-17."

Kentucky was originally set to face the Ohio State Buckeyes in the CBS Sports Classic held in Las Vegas on Saturday but had that game canceled because of coronavirus setbacks impacting the Buckeyes. Instead, the Wildcats beat the North Carolina Tar Heels 98-69. 

North Carolina had its schedule shifted because of COVID-19 issues affecting the UCLA Bruins.