LIVE BLOG: Kentucky vs. Louisville
The Kentucky vs. Louisville basketball rivalry game takes place earlier than ever this year, but that’s doing little to temper the excitement. KSR’s LIVE BLOG will bring you all the sights and sounds from the KFC Yum Center for the No. 9 Cats vs. the No. 12 Cards (8 p.m. ET, ESPN).
Both teams are 2-0 so far this season. Louisville has one of the best freshmen in the country in point guard Mikel Brown Jr., who will go up against Jaland Lowe and Denzel Aberdeen, two guards with plenty of experience. While both teams play a similar style of offense, Kentucky’s defense is better thus far, ranked No. 4 in KenPom to Louisville’s 36. Tempers are always high in a rivalry matchup, but especially so after Louisville forward Kasean Pryor dropped an F-bomb about the Cats last week.
Refresh the feed below for updates and KSR’s takes on the game from the Yum Center and the couch. You can also join the conversation on the KSBoard Game Thread or by texting your observations to 859-710-3556 (standard messaging rates apply).
Special thanks to our live blog sponsor this season, Friends of Coal.
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FINAL: Louisville 96, Kentucky 88
11/11/2025 09:24:55 PMKentucky’s winning streak in the rivalry is over. Louisville got the best of the Cats tonight in the Yum Center, the Cards’ first win in the series since 2020.
Kentucky trailed by as many as 20 points in the second half, but cut that lead to six with 4:53 to go. Unfortunately, the Cats couldn’t get over the hump, failing to capitalize on some miscues by the Cards in the final minutes and making too many errors of their own. Kentucky finished the night with 14 turnovers to Louisville’s six.
Louisville freshman Mikel Brown Jr. was fantastic, scoring a game-high 29 points, followed by Ryan Conwell with 24. Denzel Aberdeen led Kentucky with 26 points, one of three Cats in double figures. Otega Oweh and Collin Chandler had 12 points each. Check out all of the stats below. More postgame coverage on the way.
Bad turnover by Jaland Lowe
11/11/2025 09:19:58 PMLouisville missed four straight free throws, giving Kentucky an opportunity to make things interesting in the final minute. Unfortunately, Jaland Lowe turned the ball over after driving the lane and stepping on the baseline. Not Lowe’s best night, nor the Cats’.
Louisville 85, Kentucky 88 – 30.0 2H
Free Throws…
11/11/2025 09:12:04 PMKentucky could have cut the lead to two, but Jaland Lowe missed the front end of a 1-and-1, just a few minutes after Denzel Aberdeen did the same. Louisville pounced on the mistake and pushed the lead to nine. It’s back to seven after a bucket by Denzel Aberdeen, who now has 26 points.
Louisville 95, Kentucky 88 – 1:24 2H
Collin Chandler cuts it to FOUR!
11/11/2025 09:05:12 PMCollin Chandler’s fourth three of the night just cut Louisville’s lead to four points. After a jump ball tie-up, the ball will be Kentucky’s with 3:35 to go.
Louisville 88, Kentucky 84 – 3:35
SIX-POINT GAME, FOLKS
11/11/2025 09:01:22 PMIt ain’t over yet! A dunk by Malachi Moreno off a pass from Denzel Aberdeen has pulled the Cats within six with 4:45 to go. It’s the closest the Cats have been to the Cards all half. Kentucky is also in the bonus, but only has one timeout to Louisville’s two.
“Go Big Blue” chants are ringing out in the Yum Center. Buckle up, folks.
Louisville 87, Kentucky 81 – 4:45 2H
Louisville 83, Kentucky 75 – 7:45 2H
11/11/2025 08:51:50 PMHERE WE GO, KAM WILLIAMS! The Tulane transfer just cut Louisville’s lead to eight points with a tip-in dunk, just a few minutes after hitting his first three of the season. Kentucky’s trying to make this a game. More defensive stops, fewer turnovers…
Back-to-back 3s by Kam Williams, Collin Chandler
11/11/2025 08:47:00 PMKam Williams hasn’t hit a three all season. He just hit his first to cut Louisville’s lead to 14. When Ryan Conwell responded with a three of his own, Collin Chandler hit a three to take the margin back to 14.
In other news, Jaland Lowe is one tough kid. He took a hard fall on his tailbone but stayed in the game and dished the assist to Williams for his three. We’re gonna need a lot more of those (threes and assists).
Louisville 81, Kentucky 67 – 9:52 2H
Louisville 78, Kentucky 60 – 11:32 2H
11/11/2025 08:39:52 PMBrandon Garrison just got an and-one, so that’s something. It’s about all that’s going well for the Cats right now. The lead got to 20 points before Garrison scored. He could take it to 17 at the free-throw line after this timeout.
Story of the game, at least in part: turnovers and threes. The Cats have 12 turnovers to the Cards’ three. Louisville has 12 threes to Kentucky’s 7. That’s not a winning formula.
Louisville’s lead is back to 18
11/11/2025 08:34:34 PMThings are just getting worse at the Yum Center. Louisville has matched its first-half lead of 18 points. Pat Kelsey challenged an out-of-bounds call that was in Kentucky’s favor and won, meaning the Cards get the ball and get to keep the timeout they would have lost. Mikel Brown Jr. is back in the game, so it looks like it was indeed cramps.
Everything is going Louisville’s way.
Louisville 76, Kentucky 58 – 12:36 2H
Mikel Brown Jr. goes down
11/11/2025 08:29:21 PMMikel Brown Jr. has been sensational tonight. The Louisville freshman just went to the floor holding his leg and had to be helped off the floor. For his sake, hopefully, it’s just cramps. He has 20 points so far.
Louisville 69, Kentucky 54 – 14:02 2H
Louisville 66, Kentucky 54 – 16:01 2H
11/11/2025 08:18:24 PMThe score’s the same, but we’re in a timeout as officials review an out-of-bounds call. Louisville has outscored Kentucky 13-8 so far this half. Blah.
UPDATE: Mark Pope lost the challenge, as officials confirmed the ball went off Jaland Lowe. That means Kentucky loses a timeout.
Louisville’s lead is back to double digits
11/11/2025 08:15:38 PMKentucky cut Louisville’s lead to seven at half. The Cards have pushed it back to 12 with 16:30 to go in the second half. Fouls are starting to pile up, with Kentucky picking up three since halftime. Andrija Jelavic, Malachi Moreno, and Jasper Johnson just checked in. Maybe they can make something happen.
Louisville 66, Kentucky 54 – 16:30 2H
HALFTIME: Louisville 53, Kentucky 46
11/11/2025 07:53:05 PMThe comeback has given Kentucky life, the Wildcats cutting it down to seven at halftime — but still has a lot of work to do to feel good about leaving this building with a win.
Mikel Brown is up to 20 points on 7-12 shooting and 3-8 from three with three assists and two rebounds in 16 minutes while Ryan Conwell has hadded 13 points on 3-7 overall and 2-4 from three.
Denzel Aberdeen has 13 points to lead the way with a trio of triples while adding four rebounds. Otega Oweh finally got up to seven points on 3-6 shooting after a horrific start that included four total turnovers in 16 minutes. Malachi Moreno, Jaland Lowe and Andrija Jelavic have six apiece, followed by Mo Dioubate with five and Collin Chandler with three.
As a team, UK is shooting 48.6 percent from the field, 37.5 percent from three and 85.7 percent at the line compared to UofL shooting 51.4 percent overall, 35 percent from deep (on 20 attempts) and 80 percent at the line.
KENTUCKY CUTS IT TO SINGLE DIGITS
11/11/2025 07:50:06 PMHow about that for flipping the momentum? Down as many as 18 in the first half, Kentucky now has it at six points near the end of the first half, trailing 49-43 with 1:58 to go.
Don’t count these Cats out just yet…
Malachi Moreno stops the bleeding
11/11/2025 07:41:05 PMKentucky was desperate for a make and finally got one from Malachi Moreno to cut the Louisville lead to 14 points. The Cards have made six of their last seven shots as Mikel Brown Jr. is up to 15 points — and feeling it.
On the plus side, Andrija Jelavic has been very good for the Cats, scoring six points on 3-3 shooting, albeit in just eight minutes.
Something else to keep an eye on: Kam Williams and Trent Noah have not played a second in the first 16 minutes.
This is not going well
11/11/2025 07:38:14 PMIt’s only getting worse, folks. Louisville has made its last four field goals while Kentucky is 1 of its last 10.
Cards lead 41-28 with 5:24 to go as Mark Pope (finally) calls timeout. Cats shooting an abysmal 23.1 percent from three, but continue to fire away.
Story of the start: turnovers
11/11/2025 07:32:37 PMLouisville was known for forcing turnovers coming into the game while Kentucky was not known for forcing them. That has been the theme to start this one, the Wildcats turning it over six times in the first 13 minutes compared to zero for the Cardinals.
Have to clean it up.
Louisville is on an 11-0 run
11/11/2025 07:28:02 PMAfter Kentucky took its biggest lead, Louisville responded with an 11-0 run over three minutes with the Wildcats missing their last five shots with a scoring drought of 3:42.
Otega Oweh just doesn’t look like himself, racking up three turnovers to match his three shot attempts with just one make, two fouls. Elsewhere, Denzel Aberdeen has a pair of big misses from three.
Not going great in this segment.
All-Star Donovan Mitchell is in the house for the Cards
11/11/2025 07:22:02 PMThe list of NBA players of substance representing Louisville is not long, but the Cards managed to bring one of their few back to celebrate the big night.
Cavs fan Zack Geoghegan is conflicted, not sure whether to boo or cheer.
ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?
11/11/2025 07:18:10 PMWhat a start this has been for both teams, Kentucky retaking the lead at 21-19 thanks to a 64.3 percent shooting clip overall and 42.9 percent from three with seven different Wildcats scoring in the first eight-plus minutes. How about Andrija Jelavic? He’s earned a couple of buckets while Jaland Lowe immediately racked up a trio of assists — plus an and-one 3-pointer from the top of the key.
Louisville has cooled off slightly, now shooting 43.8 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from three.
I’m having fun, are you having fun?
FIRST TV TIMEOUT: Louisville 12, Kentucky 8
11/11/2025 07:08:26 PMJaland Lowe and Malachi Moreno are your first subs off the bench for Kentucky with the Wildcats down 12-8 at the first media timeout.
UK is shooting 42.9 percent from the field and 40 percent from three while UL is knocking down 66.7 percent of its attempts and 60 percent from deep.
Collin Chandler and Denzel Aberdeen have three apiece while Otega Oweh has added two for the Cats. Ryan Conwell has seven and Mikel Brown Jr. has five for the Cards.
It’s a game of runs to start
11/11/2025 07:05:16 PMLouisville jumped out to a 4-0 lead, followed immediately by a 5-0 run for Kentucky thanks to a layup for Otega Oweh and a corner three for Collin Chandler.
Mikel Brown Jr. immediately responded with a three the other way, then another for Ryan Conwell to make it 10-5 Cards.
John Robic is in the house
11/11/2025 07:00:58 PMNow an NBA scout, John Robic is soaking in the Cats and Cards from the media seating. I wonder who he’s pulling for?
The atmosphere is back how it’s supposed to be
11/11/2025 06:57:09 PMThis rivalry has been sad in recent years, especially the last time we were in this building in 2023 with Louisville coached by Kenny Payne. No juice and more blue than red, just now how it’s supposed to be for a matchup of this magnitude.
As we approach tip-off, this feels right. It’s full, and though blue got in, we’re in a sea of red and it’s gonna be hostile. Time to really test these guys.
Blue got in
11/11/2025 06:39:56 PMAs expected, blue got into the Yum Center. There are plenty of Kentucky fans in the lower and upper bowls. Check out some early pictures from Mont Dawson:
Starting Lineups
11/11/2025 06:37:25 PMKentucky will roll with the same starting lineup as the Valparaiso game, with Denzel Aberdeen starting at point. I assume that means Pope wants Aberdeen’s defense on Mikel Bron Jr. from the start.
Kentucky Starting Lineup
- 00 Otega Oweh
- 1 Denzel Aberdeen
- 5 Collin Chandler
- 10 Brandon Garrison
- 23 Mo Dioubate
Louisville Starting Lineup
- 0 Mikel Brown Jr.
- 3 Ryan Conwell
- 10 Isaac McKneely
- 9 Khani Rooths
- 13 Sananda Fru
Mark Pope says Trent Noah is good to go
11/11/2025 06:28:21 PMIf Trent Noah warming up wasn’t an indication enough, he will play tonight, Mark Pope confirmed. Pope said that Noah went through a full practice on Monday and is good to go tonight. Kentucky boys have shone in the rivalry game in the past; here’s hoping Mountain Mamba joins that group tonight.
Otega Oweh looks just fine
11/11/2025 06:06:06 PMEarlier today, there was some mild panic in BBN that Otega Oweh may not play after pictures from UK’s trip to the Yum Center last night made the rounds, in which Oweh was wearing street clothes, which some speculated was the reason why the line shifted so much. We shot down those rumors earlier today, but if you need further confirmation, here he is going through warmups.
J’Vonne Hadley is active for Louisville
11/11/2025 06:03:10 PMLouisville’s J’Vonne Hadley WILL play tonight, according to Jeff Goodman. The senior forward missed the game vs. Jackson State last week due to concussion protocol. He started all 35 games for Louisville last season and had 13 points and nine rebounds in the Cards’ season opener vs. SC State on Nov. 3.
UofL students chanting “**** UK”
11/11/2025 05:56:46 PMThings are already chippy at the Yum Center. Cards fans are trying to take over the KSR Pregame Walk and Talk outside the arena and inside, the student section is following Kasean Pryor’s lead and chanting “**** UK.” Stay classy, Cards.
Doors are open and Trent Noah’s warming up
11/11/2025 05:46:48 PMThe doors just opened at the KFC Yum Center, and both teams are on the floor for warmups. Keith Farmer captured this video, which shows Trent Noah with his teammates getting up shots. Looks like he’ll be active tonight.
Time for the KSR Walk and Talk!
11/11/2025 05:31:36 PMKSR is about to go live outside the KFC Yum! Center, breaking down the Cats and Cards in a sea of red.
Come for the poor analysis, stay for the threats from Louisville fans.
The media meal clears Rupp Arena by a mile
11/11/2025 05:27:00 PMWe’re appreciative for anything extra we receive as media members here at KSR, but I have to give credit where it’s due: Louisville treats its media extremely well and the setup is very nice.
The media meal is buffet style with BBQ chicken sandwiches, salad, French fries, mixed vegetable medley and more. That compares to a meal voucher for the concession stand at Rupp Arena — again, appreciate anything and everything, but it’s the thought that counts.
Nicely done, Yum! Center.
It’s the calm before the storm at the Yum! Center
11/11/2025 05:23:20 PMWe’re inching closer to the opening tip, and KSR has arrived. I’m personally wearing a Kentucky jacket and a Rick Pitino t-shirt, so we’re putting the odds of getting punched in the face at -150 — and probably -1000 if the Cats pull it out tonight. It’s all quiet before fans start pouring in.
Odds Update
11/11/2025 05:09:30 PMThe spread has been all over the place. Louisville opened as a 2.5-point favorite on BetMGM yesterday, but as throughout the day today, it rose as high as 6.5. That’s where it stands right now on BetMGM, with the total set at 173.5 points. Kentucky’s team total is 81.5 points, and Louisville’s is 88.5 points.
We’ve confirmed that Otega Oweh is playing after some fans freaked out that he was wearing street clothes during the team’s visit to the Yum Center last night. Both he and Trent Noah, who missed the Valparaiso game with an ankle injury, participated in Kentucky’s shootaround today, so that can’t be the reason for the drastic line move.
Vegas usually knows something. Hopefully, it’s that BBN can capitalize on a wonky line tonight.
How to Watch, Listen
11/11/2025 10:04:10 AMTonight’s game is Kentucky’s first on ESPN this season and will air after the College Football Playoff rankings reveal, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. If you’re a YouTubeTV subscriber, you will need to make alternate viewing plans, as Google’s dispute with Disney drags on. If you don’t want to subscribe to ESPN Unlimited, there are some options. You can get a five-day trial to FuboTV or DirecTV Stream, or a day pass from Sling. Or, you can hope someone streams it for free on YouTube (just don’t feel obligated to tip them).
- Tipoff: 8:00 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN (Dan Shulman, Jay Bilas)
- Local Radio: UK Sports Network (Tom Leach, Goose Givens)
- AM: 840 WHAS, 630 WLAP
- FM: 98.1 WBUL
- Online: iHeart Radio
- Sirius XM: 117 or 190
- Live Stats: StatBroadcast
We’ll bring you all the updates you need on the LIVE BLOG, but if you’d like to join the conversation, hop on the KSBoard game thread.
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