Kentucky’s 93-85 triumph over Louisville on Saturday wasn’t just a victory—it was a spectacle. From individual heroics to iconic rivalry moments, the Wildcats gave fans plenty to cheer about as they improved to 10-1 on the season. Here are ten standout highlights from the electric night at Rupp Arena.
1. Lamont Butler: The New Cardinal Killer
Lamont Butler’s performance was nothing short of legendary. Despite coming off an ankle injury and missing practice all week, he delivered a career-best 33 points on perfect shooting—10-for-10 from the field and 6-for-6 from three-point range. This historic night made Butler just the second SEC player in 20 years to score 30+ points on 100% shooting.
Fans instantly embraced Butler as a rivalry hero, with comparisons to Kentucky legends like Tyler Ulis and DeMarcus Cousins. His six threes tied Jeff Brassow’s record for the most made in the UK-Louisville series, and his 33 points were just one shy of Derrick Miller’s 34-point record from 1989. As Mark Pope put it, “Lamont Butler just gave us one of the all-time performances in the history of this super special game.”
2. Otega Oweh’s Late-Game Heroics
Oweh had his own shining moments, especially in the closing stretch. He poured in nine of Kentucky’s last 14 points, including a clutch corner three and an emphatic and-one to extinguish any hopes of a Louisville comeback. Oweh finished with 17 points, three assists, two steals, and a ton of energy.
Head coach Mark Pope praised Oweh’s ability to stay focused: “He’s got this incredible ability to stay in the moment and block out everything else. That’s what makes him so special.”
3. Kentucky’s Shooting Finds Its Groove
The Wildcats’ shooting slump seems to be behind them. After struggling from beyond the arc for several games, Kentucky hit 11 of 21 three-point attempts for a scorching 52.4% efficiency. Butler’s six threes led the charge, but the rest of the team followed suit, showcasing the offensive firepower fans have been waiting to see.
That said, free throws remain a weak point. Kentucky’s 18-for-28 performance from the line left plenty of room for improvement, and it nearly let Louisville claw back late.
4. Balanced Scoring Attack
Depth played a critical role in the victory. Five Wildcats scored in double figures, with Jaxson Robinson (12 points, 8 rebounds), Andrew Carr (10 points, 9 rebounds), and Koby Brea (10 points) supporting the star-studded backcourt. Louisville’s seven-man rotation simply couldn’t keep up with Kentucky’s balanced and deep lineup.
5. Halftime Antics: Louisville Throws the Bird
As the teams headed into the locker room at halftime, Louisville forward Khani Rooths decided to remind everyone of the rivalry’s intensity. After some verbal sparring with a Kentucky fan, Rooths flipped a middle finger—a gesture reminiscent of Rick Pitino’s infamous departure from Rupp Arena back in 2015. It’s safe to say the rivalry’s fiery spirit is alive and well.
6. Rivalry Scuffle Brings the Heat
This wouldn’t be a true Kentucky-Louisville game without some physicality. A second-half altercation involving Brandon Garrison brought both teams together, with Mark Pope rushing over to defuse the situation. No technical fouls or punches were exchanged, but the dust-up embodied the fiery energy that defines this rivalry.
Whoo boy! Louisville-Kentucky getting feisty! pic.twitter.com/bro7PrfvWL
— Kyle Boone (@kyletheboone) December 15, 2024
7. Pat Adams in the Spotlight (Again)
Veteran referee Pat Adams found a way to make himself a talking point, as usual. From a blatantly incorrect out-of-bounds call to his theatrical “possession dance,” Adams earned himself a round of “Ref, you suck!” chants from the Big Blue Nation. While his calls didn’t ultimately impact the game’s outcome, fans were more than happy to let him know how they felt.
8. Malachi Moreno: L’s Down and Ready to Suit Up
Future Wildcat Malachi Moreno gave fans a preview of his rivalry spirit. Before the game, the Kentucky signee enthusiastically flashed the “L’s Down” gesture from his courtside seat, then repeated it during his midcourt introduction at halftime. The crowd roared with approval, already envisioning him playing a key role in future wins over Louisville.
Malachi Moreno is ready for the show. pic.twitter.com/Qe3gJ3VZbt
— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) December 14, 2024
9. Welcome Back, Antoine Walker
Kentucky legend Antoine Walker made a special appearance, serving as the honorary ‘Y’ during the game. A 1996 NCAA Champion and three-time NBA All-Star, Walker’s presence was a reminder of the program’s rich history. Watching his former teammate Mark Pope coach the Wildcats to victory must have been a special moment for the Kentucky great.
10. Mark Pope’s Postgame Dedication
For Mark Pope, this wasn’t just another win. Coaching in his first Kentucky-Louisville game, Pope took the time after the buzzer to connect with the fans. Long after the arena had mostly cleared out, Pope stayed to sign autographs and take pictures with every fan who wanted one. The first-year coach’s gesture demonstrated his understanding of what this rivalry means to Big Blue Nation.
Look how many people are left inside Rupp Arena.
Now see who is left, signing every last autograph for every last fan waiting to get one. pic.twitter.com/nVBRkCafIo
— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) December 15, 2024
And Pope ends it with a picture and autograph for a security guard. Got everyone, didn’t miss a single one. https://t.co/lZN1dvxB2d pic.twitter.com/avpwHLQU7Q
— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) December 15, 2024
Final Thoughts
This year’s Battle of the Bluegrass was a game to remember. From Lamont Butler’s historic night to the spirited rivalry moments, Kentucky gave its fans plenty of reasons to celebrate. The Wildcats now sit at 10-1, with the win solidifying their status as one of the most exciting teams in the country. As the banners hanging from Rupp Arena remind us, history is written in moments like these—and this team might just be carving out its place among the greats.