UK now set to play WKU following postponement of UofL matchup
Kentucky basketball(Source: UK Athletics)
Published: Dec. 20, 2021 at 10:16 AM EST|Updated: Dec. 20, 2021 at 6:22 PM EST
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - The Kentucky men's basketball team will now host Western Kentucky on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Rupp Arena in place of the originally scheduled rivalry game vs. Louisville.
UK officials said the postponement is due to positive COVID-19 results within the UofL program.
Kentucky and Western Kentucky will meet for the first time since the 2012 NCAA Tournament. UK Athletics is working on a charitable component from the game that will provide support for those who were affected by the tornadoes.
"We have now dealt with COVID-related issues the last two scheduled games. I am very appreciative of the University of North Carolina and Western Kentucky University for working with us quickly to complete our schedule," said Mitch Barnhart, UK Director of Athletics. "I know our fans were looking forward to the game with our intrastate rival. In lieu of that game, Western Kentucky and the University of Kentucky will come together to provide some relief for our state as we work through the tragedy of the last couple of weeks in Western Kentucky."
Tickets and parking permits for the original Wednesday game vs. Louisville will now be valid for the replacement game vs. Western Kentucky. Ticket holders do not need to take further action.
Western Kentucky is 8-4 this season and has won three straight games after defeating the Cardinals on Saturday in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Wednesday's matchup will mark just the seventh all-time meeting between the two schools.
— Kentucky Men's Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) December 20, 2021