Kentucky vs. Louisville: Best games from the last decade of the rivalry

By Joey Loose | Dec 27, 2018

NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 31: Anthony Davis #23 of the Kentucky Wildcats and Gorgui Dieng #10 of the Louisville Cardinals go after the opening tip to start the National Semifinal game of the 2012 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on March 31, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

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LOUISVILLE, KY – DECEMBER 27: Tyler Ulis #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats shoots the ball during the game against the Louisville Cardinals at KFC YUM! Center on December 27, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

4. #1 Kentucky 58, at #4 Louisville 50 (December 27, 2014)

This was one of those games that everybody had their eye on, as both Kentucky and Louisville were off to unbeaten starts before their match-up right after Christmas. The #1 Wildcats already boasted three ranked wins, including a 32-point annihilation of then-#5 Kansas. Louisville was also off to an impressive start, though their lone impressive win was a home date over #14 Ohio State. A combination of these two incredible programs’ success over the past few years made for an enticing game.

As was initially expected, this was a back-and-forth affair early on, but it was also a defensive struggle, with Kentucky clinging to a low-scoring 22-18 lead at the half. Despite playing at home, Louisville really struggled, shooting just 25.9% from the field. Kentucky took off late in the second half and pulled away, securing the game down the stretch with free throws. The Wildcats won despite 18 turnovers as the Cardinals just couldn’t take advantage or contain Tyler Ulis (14 points) and Karl-Anthony Towns (10 points, 9 rebounds). Terry Rozier lead Louisville with 15 points and 8 rebounds but shot just 5-18 from the field. There just wasn’t enough offense.

As many of you will remember, this Kentucky team was a steamrolling machine. The win at Louisville brought them to an impressive 13-0, but their winless streak wouldn’t end until a Final Four loss to Wisconsin three months later. Devin Booker, Karl-Anthony Towns, and the rest of the Wildcats were impressive all year long, but just couldn’t get over the hump at the very end. Louisville nabbed a 4-seed after a solid 12-6 mark in ACC play, but fell in the Elite Eight to Michigan State in overtime. They haven’t returned to the second weekend of the Tournament since this season.

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