Rupp Arena was alive with energy and excitement as Kentucky hosted Louisville in a thrilling chapter of their iconic rivalry. It wasn’t just the Wildcats’ impressive 93-85 victory that electrified the night—it was also the star-studded crowd that packed the house. With an official attendance of 21,093, the arena was brimming with VIPs, sports legends, and future Wildcats, all rallying behind Kentucky as they claimed their 14th win over Louisville in the last 16 meetings.
Malachi Moreno: The Future of Big Blue Nation
Among the most celebrated guests was Malachi Moreno, a four-star center and Kentucky signee from nearby Georgetown, Kentucky. Sitting courtside in the end zone, Moreno got a taste of what it means to be part of the Big Blue Nation. During a timeout just before halftime, Moreno was escorted to midcourt for a formal introduction, receiving a rousing ovation from the home crowd.
But the highlight came when Moreno couldn’t resist the moment. With the crowd’s cheers swelling, he raised his hands for the iconic “Ls down” gesture, much to the delight of Rupp Arena’s faithful. It was a small preview of what Kentucky fans can expect when he officially suits up for the Wildcats next season, likely in this very rivalry game.
Malachi Moreno introduced at Rupp Arena and throws a big L’s down — BBN roars pic.twitter.com/p0CJJjLtqI
— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) December 14, 2024
Olympic Glory in the Building
The Wildcats weren’t the only champions celebrated on Saturday night. Olympic medalists Masai Russell, Lee Kiefer, and Gerek Meinhardt were also introduced to the Rupp Arena crowd.
Masai Russell, a former UK track star who won gold in the 100-meter hurdles at the Paris Olympics, made her presence known by flashing a double “Ls down” of her own at midcourt. She wasn’t alone in representing Kentucky’s Olympic excellence. Lexington native Lee Kiefer, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in fencing, and her husband, Gerek Meinhardt, who also medaled in Paris, joined Russell for the ceremony. Kiefer, a Paul Laurence Dunbar High School graduate, reminded the crowd of the global talent cultivated in the Bluegrass State.
Who’s in the house tonight? Olympians @GerekMeinhardt, @leetothekiefer and @masai_russell!! pic.twitter.com/Y211LOC56y
— Kentucky Athletics (@UKAthletics) December 14, 2024
Antoine Walker: A Kentucky Legend Returns
Kentucky basketball royalty was also in the building, as former Wildcat great Antoine Walker returned to Rupp Arena to serve as the honorary “Y” for the Louisville game. Walker, a key member of Kentucky’s 1996 national championship team, brought his signature charisma to the event, drawing thunderous applause from the crowd.
https://twitter.com/UKAthletics/status/1868091263708488177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1868091263708488177%7Ctwgr%5E7f026b5e7aba75fdd860843b658c429e7f52004a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.on3.com%2Fteams%2Fkentucky-wildcats%2Fnews%2Fwhos-in-the-house-tonight-antoine-walker-malachi-moreno-olympic-medalists-and-more%2F
Walker, who famously dominated Louisville with a 20-point, 12-rebound performance in a 23-point blowout back in 1995, knows the rivalry well. A former teammate of Mark Pope, Walker scored 806 points in two seasons at Kentucky, earning All-SEC First Team honors before being selected sixth overall in the 1996 NBA Draft. His presence at Rupp reminded fans of the storied history of Wildcats basketball and its continued legacy of excellence.
Welcome home, Antoine Walker! pic.twitter.com/HuN0M3VgkL
— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) December 14, 2024
A Night of Celebration and Dominance
The presence of past, present, and future Kentucky stars made the Wildcats’ win over Louisville even more special. From Malachi Moreno’s enthusiastic “Ls down” to Antoine Walker’s honorary recognition, the game became a celebration of Kentucky basketball’s rich heritage and bright future.
As the Wildcats notched another rivalry victory, the atmosphere at Rupp Arena proved once again why Kentucky is the gold standard of college basketball. The mix of celebrity sightings, Olympic excellence, and fan fervor created a night to remember—one that only added to the lore of this historic rivalry.