Kentucky basketball comeback falls short in rivalry loss to Louisville
Louisville’s energy under coach Pat Kelsey overwhelmed Kentucky early Tuesday night at the KFC Yum Center. The Cardinals nearly ended the game in the first half before closing out a high-paced rivalry victory in the final minutes.
“Louisville finished the job down the stretch.”
The game marked one of the most anticipated matchups in years at the Yum Center. Louisville secured a 96–88 win over ninth-ranked Kentucky, surviving a late push from the Wildcats before sealing the victory.
- Attendance reached 22,586 fans, with only small sections of Kentucky blue scattered throughout the crowd.
- It was Louisville’s first time being ranked for a matchup against Kentucky in six seasons.
- Pat Kelsey is in his second year as head coach for Louisville.
- Mark Pope, also in his second season at Kentucky, led the Wildcats to a 93–85 win last year in Rupp Arena, but the rematch belonged to Louisville.
Louisville controlled most of the game, taking a seven-point lead by halftime and reigniting momentum soon after the break to steady their advantage to the end.
Author’s Summary
Louisville reclaimed momentum in its rivalry with Kentucky, defeating the Wildcats 96–88 in front of a raucous home crowd and signaling a power shift in the Bluegrass basketball battle.