Butler Shines in Comeback, Leads CATS Over CARDS

Kentucky 93 – Louisville 85 in Battle of Bluegrass

LEXINGTON – December 14, 2024 – Michael Willis

The greatest rivalry in all of college basketball took place tonight in Rupp Arena when the Louisville Cardinals traveled down I64 to take on the Wildcats. Kentucky had the upper hand in the series and added another win tonight after the 93-85 victory. The Wildcats have now won 14 of the last 17 games against the Cardinals.

The Cats led the entire game, and pushed the lead to double-digits several times in the second half, but couldn’t keep the Cardinals from making runs to pull back within striking distance. For a rivalry game it was a pretty civilized game except for a scuffle that happened near the Card’s bench that had both coaches separating the players. No technicals were issued, however it seemed to motivate the Cats who eventually won the game.

Before the game the fans were not sure if Lamont Butler would be able to play, but not only did he play, he led the team in scoring with 15 at the half and played the majority of the game. Butler finished the game with a new career high with 33 points and played 32 minutes. Butler put on an unbelievable performance making all 10 of his field goals, which included 6 three-pointers. Butler also led the team in assists with 6.

Otega Oweh ended the night with 17 points and 3 assists. Oweh sealed the victory for the Wildcats making 9 of his points in the last two minutes of the game and made 2 steals in the closing minutes.

Mark Pope gained his first victory over the Cardinals as Kentucky’s head coach and is not 10-1 on the season. Kentucky’s next game will take place in Madison Square Garden when the 5^th ranked Wildcats face Ohio State on Dec. 21.