The Kentuky-Louisville rivalry has been in place for a long time and Kentucky men’s basketball coach Mark Pope doesn’t want it going anywhere.
The two schools are set to meet again this Saturday in Lexington when Kentucky hosts Louisville. It’s been one of the best rivalries in college basketball for the last several decades and Pope is well aware of that.
“I’m well aware of the beauty of this rivalry,” Pope said, via On3.
Kentucky has won the last two along with five of the last six in the rivalry. In fact, Kentucky has won nine of the last 11 matchups between these two schools.
OMAHA, NEBRASKA – MARCH 21: Head coach Mark Pope of the Brigham Young Cougars walks off the court after being defeated by the Duquesne Dukes during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at CHI Health Center on March 21, 2024 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The last two games between these two teams have been blowouts, with Kentucky winning by 19 and 23. Neutral fans are hoping for a closer game this year but they may not get their wish since Kentucky is No. 5 in the AP Poll with an 8-1 record.
Louisville is 6-4 this year but is still rebuilding its program.
This will be the first time that Pope and Louisville head coach Pat Kelsey coach against one another in this rivalry. Pope took over the Kentucky program after John Calipari left for Arkansas while Kelsey got hired after Louisville fired Kenny Payne.
Payne went 12-52 throughout two seasons as head coach at Louisville, which was awful.
Pope has the Wildcats playing inspiring basketball, with their only loss being against the Clemson Tigers on December 3, 70-66. There’s no shame in losing that game since the Tigers are one of the best teams in the country.
The Wildcats lead the all-time series against the Cardinals with a 39-17 record. Tip-off for Saturday’s game will be at 5:15 p.m. ET.
