Thanks to the University of Louisville backing out of its game with the University of Kentucky Wednesday—citing COVID 19 problems, UK has upgraded its schedule this week. The Cats will now play host to the WKU Hilltoppers, who beat struggling U of L handily Saturday at Diddle Arena.
The game will begin at 5 p.m. CST on ESPN.
The game will tip off at 6 PM ET on ESPN.
Coached by sixth-year head coach Rick Stansbury, the Hilltoppers (8-4) are fresh off an 82-72 win over the Cardinals in Bowling Green. A few days earlier, WKU romped past UK’s fellow SEC team, Ole Miss.
“We were all disappointed to learn we won’t be able to play Louisville on Wednesday, but I am thrilled we were able to come together quickly and put this game together for everyone in this state,” UK head coach John Calipari said. “I want to thank Western Kentucky for working with us on short notice. Not only will this be a great test for our team, but we will be able to provide aid to the Western Kentucky region and lift the spirits of some special people who really need it.”
UK Athletics is working on a charitable component from the game that will provide support for those who were affected by the tornadoes. Calipari has already done massive fund raising for the area which includes Logan County.
The Kentucky United Toy Drive, which was originally scheduled for the Louisville game, is still scheduled for Wednesday’s game vs. WKU. New, unwrapped toys in original packaging or $25 VISA or Mastercard gift cards will be collected and donated to families in Western Kentucky in need following the tragic tornadoes last week. The UK Police Department is working with UK Athletics on collection and distribution of the donated items.
“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.”
Kentucky leads the all-time series 4-2, last defeating WKU 81-66 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in 2012, Kentucky’s lone national championship team under Calipari. The Hilltoppers won in their last trip to Rupp Arena, 64-52 over the No. 4 Wildcats in 2001. They haven’t played in the regular season since then.
After a 66-62 loss at Notre Dame snapped its 8-game win streak, UK bounced back with an impressive 98-69 win over North Carolina in the CBS Sports Classic in Las Vegas Saturday, the Cats' biggest win over the Tar Heels since 1950. Kentucky was originally scheduled to play Ohio State in the event but the Buckeyes were forced to cancel due to COVID issues within the program.
UK has announced that mobile ticket management features, including the ability to post tickets for resale, will be available to ticket holders through their My UK Account, the UK Athletics app, and Ticketmaster. Students may access their mobile tickets through their My UK Athletics Student Account.
WKU’s previously scheduled Wednesday game was against Austin Peay. The schools have agreed to postpone the meeting until next season.
“We really appreciate the cooperation from Mitch Barnhart and Coach Calipari in working with us so quickly in scheduling this game,” said WKU Director of Athletics Todd Stewart. “I know our fans will be excited about playing Kentucky, and our program always looks for challenging opportunities on a national stage. Most importantly, playing this game will result in providing relief to those who have been impacted the most from the devastating tornadoes in our region.”
“We want to extend our appreciation to Coach Calipari and Kentucky for their willingness to play this game,” Stansbury said. “This is a great opportunity to raise awareness about what our state is going through right now and continue to build support for those in western Kentucky affected by the recent tornadoes, including the people of Bowling Green. I know Cal and Kentucky didn’t have to do this, but it speaks volumes about their willingness to help the state of Kentucky.”
WKU is 11-8 against Power Five opponents over the last five years, including two such victories in the last nine days.
The Hilltoppers routed Ole Miss 71-48 in Atlanta at the Holiday Hoopsgiving on Dec. 11, then beat Louisville 82-72 in Diddle Arena on Saturday.
WKU is also 4-1 against the SEC in the last four years, with a victory over a SEC foe each of the last four seasons.
Stansbury – a longtime former head coach at Mississippi State – is 144-117 in his career against the SEC, including a 4-13 record against Kentucky.