The fierce rivalry between Kentucky and Louisville has given basketball fans countless memorable moments through the years. The game always seems to fall around Christmas. but a matchup on Christmas Day has never been part of the festive tradition., yet While the holiday clash remains a dream for fans, there have been plenty of games played close to December 25th that carried the intensity of a present under the tree.
Here’s a look at some of the most notable Kentucky-Louisville games near Christmas:
1. December 26, 2020 – Kentucky 59, Louisville 62
Just one day after Christmas, the two teams squared off in a defensive slugfest. Kentucky fell short in a tight game, leaving Big Blue Nation with a bitter Boxing Day memory.
2. December 28, 2019 – Kentucky 78, Louisville 70 (OT)
Two top-20 teams battled in an overtime thriller at Rupp Arena. Kentucky’s resilience brought them a hard-fought win, a belated holiday treat for the Wildcats faithful.
3. December 27, 2014 – Kentucky 58, Louisville 50
A top-five showdown in Louisville added more heat to the rivalry during the holiday season. The Wildcats’ suffocating defense delivered a Christmas weekend victory.
4. December 26, 1998 – Kentucky 74, Louisville 83
In another Boxing Day battle, Louisville stunned Kentucky in Freedom Hall. The loss was a lump of coal for Big Blue Nation.
5. December 31, 1988 – Louisville 97, Kentucky 75
Ending the year with a New Year’s Eve blowout, the Cardinals handed Kentucky a tough loss on the eve of 1989.
While fans have never unwrapped a Christmas Day showdown between the two powerhouses, these late-December battles have provided plenty of holiday cheer—or heartbreak. With the rivalry steeped in tradition, perhaps a Christmas Day game could one day find its way onto the schedule, giving basketball fans the ultimate gift on Christmas morning. Until then, Kentucky-Louisville clashes near the holidays will have to suffice as some of the season’s most thrilling matchups.
Oh yeah, Kentucky won this year too.