LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Kentucky men’s basketball game vs. Detroit Mercy on Dec. 15 in Rupp Arena has been postponed.
The game, originally scheduled for Nov. 27 in the Bluegrass Showcase and then rescheduled to Dec. 15 because of COVID-19 safety protocols, has been postponed a second time due to concerns with COVID-19 protocols and calendar logistics, the Gazelle Group announced Tuesday.
The postponement is due strictly to testing and safety logistics. Both UK and Detroit Mercy will continue with their current practice and playing schedule. The health and safety of Wildcat student-athletes, coaches and staff remains UK Athletics’ No. 1 priority.
The status of the game – in addition to Detroit Mercy’s games vs. Morehead State and Richmond that were also a part of the Bluegrass Showcase –will be determined at a later date once COVID-19 protocols and calendar logistics provide the opportunity for a comprehensive and safe resolution.
UK ticket holders will receive communication via email if additional changes are made to Kentucky’s schedule throughout the season. Given the unusual nature of this season – specifically, the current unknowns related to postponed games getting rescheduled or canceled games getting replaced – UK Athletics appreciates the continued support, flexibility and understanding of its ticket holders. If circumstances change during the season and games are canceled and not rescheduled, UK Athletics will evaluate credit and refund options for the ticket portion of payment at the conclusion of the season.
Kentucky went 1-1 in its first two Bluegrass Showcase games, winning the season opener vs. Morehead State 81-45, but lost to Richmond, now ranked in the Associated Press Top 25, 76-64.
With hopes of rescheduling Detroit Mercy for later in the season, UK does not plan on rescheduling an opponent for Dec. 15. Per the NCAA Division I Council’s framework for scheduling this season, teams can play a maximum of 27 games (24 regular-season games with one three-game multi-team event).
UK will return to action Saturday in Rupp Arena vs. Notre Dame. That game is scheduled for a noon tip on CBS. It is the first of a three-year series with the Fighting Irish.
With Detroit Mercy currently off the schedule, Kentucky’s next game after Notre Dame is slated for Dec. 19 vs. UCLA in the CBS Sports Classic in Cleveland.
The Wildcats’ full 2020-21 slate can be found here [nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com]. Earlier Tuesday, the Southeastern Conference unveiled times and TV designations for all of Kentucky’s 18-game league schedule. UK will be featured on national television in every game in 2020-21.
