:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68832134/usa_today_14028086.0.jpg)
We were all excited for the Syracuse Orange to play the Louisville Cardinals tonight, but because of the current pandemic, you can never be sure if games will be played until the ball is tipped (and there you are). Tonight’s game has been postponed due to a COVID-related issue within the Cardinals program.
Today’s game at Louisville has been postponed due to a COVID-related issue in the Cardinals program.
— Syracuse Basketball (@Cuse_MBB) February 17, 2021
We will return to Syracuse to host Notre Dame on Saturday (2PM, ACCN).https://t.co/jFMT7uae0L
This marks the second time this month that a Syracuse-Louisville game has been postponed. As James mentioned, this is the third straight game between the two teams that has been cancelled or postponed. The Orange were scheduled to play the Cardinals in the third round of the ACC tournament last year before the event was cancelled. Syracuse was set to play Louisville on February 3 this year before that game was postponed due to a COVID issue in the Cardinals program.
Louisville had gone on pause on February 3 because of that initial COVID issue and returned to practice last Friday. It seems as if this is a new issue in the program, which would indicate that the Cardinals could go close to a month without playing a basketball game. Louisville’s last game was on February 1, a 74-58 win over Georgia Tech.
There was some concern that Syracuse would have to go on pause earlier this week after Boston College went on pause due to continuing COVID issues in the Eagles program. The Orange had played the Eagles last Saturday, but it doesn’t seem like Syracuse will be affected by the BC pause. The Orange had to go on pause in December after a Buffalo COVID issue affected Syracuse.
Unfortunately for Syracuse, the postponement of the Louisville game means that the Orange lose another chance to add a Quadrant One win to their tournament resume. Syracuse is still winless in Q1 games, which is the most glaring knock against the Orange’s tournament hopes.
Syracuse had traveled to Louisville already, but will now go a week between games. The Orange’s next game is schedule to be at the Carrier Dome against Notre Dame on Saturday, February 20. Tip is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET and will be aired on the ACC Network.