“A ton of love for BBN": Rupp brought the energy for Kentucky-Indiana

The return of Kentucky-Indiana brought out the best of Big Blue Nation on Saturday night. The official attendance was listed at 20,061, and though several Indiana fans contributed to that number, everyone was locked in from the opening tip.

“Go Big Blue” and “Blue-White” chants rolled through Rupp Arena early and often, bringing big-game energy that has been missing at times this season. It wasn’t always positive, though. There was a small sprinkling of boos when Kentucky went into halftime down seven.

But once the Wildcats made their second-half run, the building flipped. The crowd came to life again, the noise ramped up, and Rupp did what it does best when momentum starts to swing in Kentucky’s favor.

Indiana felt it. Head coach Darian DeVries pointed to the environment when explaining his team’s turnover issues after the game.

“The crowd got cranked up,” DeVries said. “That’s the time where you really have to dig into your screens more and play with discipline.”

Mark Pope also acknowledged the role Big Blue Nation played in the win.

“A ton of love for BBN for showing out tonight,” Pope said in his opening remarks. “They were just unbelievable in the gym, and we’re so grateful. We never take it for granted how undying, loyal, and faithful they are, and how they keep hanging in there with us. BBN is just the greatest fan base in the world. It’s fun to start this Kentucky-Indiana rivalry back up.”

One of the loudest moments of the night came when Brandon Garrison’s second-half dunk sent the crowd into a frenzy as Kentucky began to pull away from the Hoosiers. Garrison, who made a remarkable turnaround since his infamous benching last game, said afterward, “BBN’s always there for us. But it was amazing tonight, loud. They always show out for us.”

Some other crowd pops: when Aaron Harrison served as the honorary “Y” in the second half, and during the tribute video to the volleyball team’s Final Four run. The crowd also loved it when a fan drained a half-court shot for $10,000.

$10,000 half court shot ‼️ pic.twitter.com/A1AlRvGKlh

— Maggie Davis (@MaggieDavisTV) December 14, 2025

The only thing missing was the playing of “Dumas Walker” after the game, which did not go unnoticed.