Arizona's game with UTEP on Sunday has been canceled because of a positive test within the Miners' program, the second time within a week the Wildcats have lost a potential opponent.
UA said in a statement issued Friday evening that it is "exploring opportunities to replace the game."
The Wildcats, who beat Grambling 74-55 on Friday, already lost their scheduled season opener against NAU because of a positive test within the Lumberjacks' program.
The Arizona Wildcats played a meaningful basketball game for the first time since the Pac-12 Tournament in March, as the UA cruised by Grambling State. The McKale Center atmosphere? Eerie. The play on the court? Mild. Jordan Brown and James Akinjo combined for 38 points in Arizona's season opener. With Arizona's game against UTEP canceled due to a positive COVID-19 test in the Miners' program, what's next for the Wildcats? The Star's Justin Spears and Alec White discuss.
If Arizona cannot replace the UTEP game, the Wildcats are scheduled next to host Colorado on Dec. 2, but the Buffaloes have also run into COVID issues. They will be without starting forward D'Shawn Schwartz, who tested positive, and two reserve players, according to what CU coach Tad Boyle told KOA radio.
On KOA, Tad Boyle confirms COVID positive test for #CUBuffs D'Shawn Schwartz, with Keeshawn Barthelemy & Tristan da Silva out via contact tracing. Per protocols, they will be out/quarantined at least 14 days
— Pat Rooney (@prooney07) November 28, 2020
The Wildcats always have a potential backup opponent in New Mexico State, which has relocated to the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa in Phoenix while it looks for games. But the Aggies are scheduled to face Arizona Christian on Sunday after pushing that game back from Friday because adequate testing could not be completed in time.
