The Kentucky-Louisville basketball rivalry is one of the fiercest in college sports. Dubbed the "Dream Game" when it resumed in 1983 after a 24-year hiatus, the matchup is more than just a battle for state bragging rights—it’s a clash of two basketball powerhouses with contrasting legacies.
From 1959 to 1983, the rivalry was put on ice, leaving fans on both sides to imagine what could have been. But since its renewal, the series has delivered unforgettable moments, often shaped by incredible individual performances. Here's a look at the ten best individual showings in the history of the rivalry:
1. Anthony Davis (2012)
The future NBA superstar tallied 18 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 blocks, leading Kentucky to a Final Four win over the Cardinals before delivering the Cats the first national title since 1998.
2. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (2011)
What a game for Kidd-Gilchrist, in his only appearance in the rivalry, he scored 24 points and grabbed a series leading 19 rebounds to help #3 Kentucky beat #4 Louisville by 7.
3. DeMarcus Cousins (2010)
Cousins dominated with 18 points and 18 rebounds in just 26 minutes, asserting his physicality in a Kentucky victory that showcased his NBA potential and started Cal's dominant run over Pitino.
4. Derrick Miller (1988)
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— Rob USAF Veteran-Ammo (@rob_deloach) July 12, 2020
Through no fault of his own, Miller would be higher on the list if his team had pulled out the win. He is the leading point scorer for Kentucky in the rivalry game, scoring 34 points and 4 rebounds in the loss.
5. Jamal Mashburn (1992)
Monster Mash dropped 28 points in Kentucky’s 102-81 blowout, cementing himself as one of the program’s greats.
6. Rex Chapman (1986)
Chapman lit up Louisville with 26 points and 4 assists, silencing the Cardinal crowd with his sharpshooting and flair.
7. Tyler Ulis (2015)
The diminutive point guard controlled the game with 21 points and 8 assists, dictating the tempo in a Wildcats win.
8. Derek Anderson (1996)
Anderson poured in 24 points in Kentucky’s decisive victory, showcasing his versatility and smooth scoring touch. Fans are convinced had he not gotten hurt the Cats would have completed a 3-peat in 96, 97, and 98.
9. Patrick Sparks (2004)
Sparks became a UK legend with his dramatic three-pointer that forced overtime against Michigan State, but earlier in the year he did something very similar against the Cards. Finishing with 25 points in a thrilling victory, Sparks drew a foul on a 3 point shot down 1 with .6 to go. He drained all 3 free throws giving the Cats the win.
10. Reed Sheppard
Reed put on a passing clinic securing the most assists by a Kentucky player against Louisville. He finished with 11 points, 11 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals.
While the rivalry remains heated, it’s these individual displays of excellence that keep fans coming back for more, cementing the Kentucky-Louisville showdown as a must-watch spectacle year after year.
The Cats take on the Cards this Saturday on ESPN.