The Kentucky-Louisville basketball rivalry has been known to split households, marriages, and friendships down the middle with red on one side and blue on the other. Over the years, individual players have etched their names into history with spectacular showings, we talked about best single game performances earlier. Here’s a look at the Wildcats and Cardinal players who lead the way in single-game points, rebounds, assists, and more against their in-state rivals.
Louisville Hate Week! Kentucky defeats Louisville, 58-50 in the 2014-2015 season, where many remember the game when Tyler Ulis had a cut by his eye. #BBN pic.twitter.com/LBvS8RWjbv
— Chris Beasmore (@CBeasmoreSports) December 13, 2024
Points
Derrick Miller owns the top scoring performance for Kentucky in the rivalry, dropping 34 points on Louisville in a tough 97-75 loss on December 31st, 1988. Miller’s sharpshooting remains a standout moment. Louisville’s best? Russ Smith, who scored 30 points in a Wildcats win in 2011, as Kentucky triumphed 69-62.
Rebounds
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist delivered a beastly performance on December 31st, 2011, pulling down 19 rebounds in Kentucky’s 69-62 victory. His relentless energy helped the Wildcats dominate the boards that day. Louisville’s Bob Lochmueller held his own with 18 rebounds way back on March 20th, 1951, though Kentucky won that game too, 79-68.
Assists
Reed Sheppard leads the Wildcats in assists during the rivalry with 11 in the December 21st, 2023 matchup. Meanwhile, Louisville’s Cameron Murray dished out 10 on December 26th, 1998, helping the Cardinals secure a win that year.
Steals
Dicky Beal’s 6-steal effort on March 22nd, 1984, tops Kentucky’s list. Terrence Williams matched that energy for Louisville with 5 steals on January 4th, 2009.
Blocked Shots
Anthony Davis showed why he was a future NBA superstar on New Year's Eve in 2011, with 6 blocks to secure the Wildcats’ victory. However, Louisville’s Samaki Walker holds the rivalry record with an incredible 11 blocks on January 1, 1995. Don't forget how good Walker was for the Cards in the 90s.
Kentucky vs. Louisville:
— Mark Titus (@clubtrillion) December 28, 2019
-UK leads 37-16
-UL has zero 3+ game win streaks all-time (UK now has 9, including 5 different streaks of 4+ wins)
-UL has won 3 out of any 5 game stretch just twice
-UL has 5 wins in Lexington ever (UK has 3 wins in Yum Center alone)
Hell of a rivalry!
From iconic scoring displays to defensive dominance, these performances highlight the intensity and talent that define the Kentucky-Louisville rivalry. Each stat tells the story of unforgettable battles that fuel one of college basketball’s greatest traditions and rivals.
Mark Pope, Pat Kelsey and an all new cast for both sides will have their shot at writing their name down in history this Saturday.