The tradition continues—Kentucky beat Louisville, and all feels right in the Big Blue Nation. It doesn’t matter which coaches are on the sidelines or what era of this storied rivalry we’re in; the Cats find a way to prevail. Kentucky has now taken 14 of the last 17 meetings in this fierce series, extending their all-time lead to 40-17. Mark Pope, already familiar with this rivalry as a former Wildcat player, has now claimed his first victory against the Cardinals as Kentucky’s head coach, solidifying his place in this historic matchup.
Lamont Butler Steals the Show
The star of the night? None other than Lamont Butler, who made his triumphant return after being listed as a game-time decision due to an ankle injury. Not only did he suit up—he delivered an unforgettable, MVP-caliber performance. Butler went an astounding 10-for-10 from the field, including a flawless 6-for-6 from three-point range. Add in his 10 free throws, six assists, and three rebounds, and you’ve got one of the most electrifying performances in recent rivalry memory. Butler poured in a career-high 33 points, showing no signs of rust and cementing himself as a fan favorite in Rupp Arena lore.
Big Plays Define the Game
From Butler’s lights-out shooting to a fast-paced offense that racked up highlight-worthy moments, Kentucky gave fans plenty to cheer about in this 93-85 win over the Cardinals. Whether it was Butler’s dagger threes, Otega Oweh’s clutch corner shot to stretch the lead late, or Jaxson Robinson’s relentless rebounding and defensive hustle, the Wildcats demonstrated their dominance in this first Mark Pope vs. Pat Kelsey coaching clash.
Kentucky Holds the Rivalry’s First Win in the New Era
The win wasn’t without challenges. Louisville fought hard, hitting a season-high 14 three-pointers to keep things close. But Kentucky’s efficient offense, shooting 58% from the field and over 52% from deep, proved too much for the Cardinals to handle. The Wildcats also controlled the game’s tempo and flexed their versatility, delivering fast-break baskets and making the most of their offensive possessions.
As the dust settles on yet another Kentucky victory, fans can relive all the best moments with this thrilling highlight reel, courtesy of the UK Sports Video team. From buzzer-beating plays to crowd-roaring threes, the package captures the essence of one of college basketball’s most iconic rivalries.
Celebrate the Win with BBN!
Postgame celebrations spilled out onto High Street, where fans and analysts alike praised the Wildcats’ effort and Butler’s unforgettable night. The KSR crew went live to capture the atmosphere, offering rapid reactions, fan interviews, and exclusive postgame breakdowns of what this win means for Kentucky’s season. If you couldn’t make it to Rupp, the party continues online—don’t miss out on the excitement.
Up Next for the Wildcats
With the Cards out of the way, Kentucky turns its attention to the next challenge. The Wildcats head to New York City next week to face Ohio State on December 21. With momentum on their side and Butler leading the charge, this team looks ready to keep the wins rolling.
For now, though, enjoy the highlights—and savor another Kentucky triumph over their biggest rival. Go Cats!
