For the primary time since 2020, No. 9 Kentucky misplaced to in-state rival and No. 12 Louisville, 96-88, in a sport that was not as shut for a lot of its length as the ultimate rating would point out.
After Kentucky took a 22-19 lead on the 11:35 mark within the first half, Louisville went on a 13-0 run and led by as many as 18 earlier than the Wildcats trimmed the deficit to seven on the break.
It received even worse within the second half as Louisville stretched its benefit to twenty factors earlier than the Wildcats as soon as once more rallied and reduce the deficit to 4, solely to fall quick when the ultimate buzzer sounded.
It was a well-recognized web site for Kentucky because it skilled a variety of the identical points it did final season on its technique to its first Candy 16 look since 2019.
Kentucky’s protection should enhance going ahead
The Wildcats gave up 80 or extra factors 16 occasions final season and allowed not less than 100 factors twice. Tuesday’s 96 factors painted an identical image, with Kentucky permitting 13 made threes from Louisville, together with this triple from freshman Mikel Brown Jr., who had a team-high 29 factors (8-of-16 FG).
