As Kentucky and Louisville prepare to renew their basketball rivalry on December 14, 2024, it’s worth revisiting the last decade of this fierce series. Kentucky has largely dominated, posting an impressive 8-2 record in the last 10 meetings. This season’s matchup brings additional intrigue, marking the first rivalry clash between new head coaches Mark Pope and Pat Kelsey.
Last season, the Wildcats overwhelmed the Cardinals in a decisive 95-76 victory at the Yum Center. Antonio Reeves led the charge with 30 points as Kentucky shot a scorching 51% from the field. The 2023 win followed another commanding performance in 2022, when Kentucky dismantled Louisville 86-63 at Rupp Arena.
#9 Kentucky Basketball Highlights vs Louisville (12/21/2023)
— Daniel Hager (@DanielHagerKSR) December 22, 2023
🔷 35/68 FG (51.5%)
🔷 12/25 3PT (48.0%)
🔷 13/16 FT (81.3%)
🔷 37 REB, 19 AST, 9 STL, 8 BLK
🔷 13 TO
🔷 Largest Lead: 26
🔷 95-76 W pic.twitter.com/dnL9AlHcPy
The rivalry has not been without close calls. In 2020, Louisville edged Kentucky 62-59 in a tightly contested game at the Yum Center, handing the Wildcats one of their rare losses in the series of late. Similarly, in 2016, Louisville squeaked out a 73-70 victory in a battle of top-10 teams.
Despite those setbacks, Kentucky has delivered several statement wins. In 2019, the Wildcats prevailed 78-70 in an overtime thriller at Rupp Arena. The 2017 game stands as one of the most lopsided in recent memory, with Kentucky crushing Louisville 90-61.
This is the most nervous I’ve been for a Louisville/Kentucky basketball game since we played them in the Final Four and idk why
— BB (#POPESZN) (@blue_berner) December 12, 2024
Memorable moments abound in this storied rivalry, including the 2014 NCAA Tournament matchup in which Kentucky eliminated the Cardinals 74-69 in the Sweet 16. That victory solidified Kentucky’s dominance over Louisville not only in the state, but on the national stage too.
Looking ahead, Saturday's game promises to bring a new chapter in the rivalry. Kentucky enters with a strong history of success but faces an intriguing challenge in Kelsey’s Louisville squad. With Mark Pope now at the helm for Kentucky, fans on both sides eagerly anticipate another intense showdown.
Will it be business as usual of recent, seeing the Cats run and hide, or will it be Kelsey's turn to pull a Brohm and get Louisville a much needed win?