The Kentucky Wildcats squared off today in the Battle of the Bluegrass as they welcomed the Louisville Cardinals to Rupp Arena. The Cats ended up coming out on top 93-85.

In a packed Rupp Arena, the BBN showed out, and so did the Cats. With the ball movement and transition game rolling early, Kentucky was able to create a lead and hold it throughout the first half.

Despite some good offense and ball movement, Louisville had some solid individual efforts that kept it in the game as UK only took a 46-40 lead into the half.

The second half continued the trend for both the Cats and the Cards. Kentucky continued to hold its lead, and Louisville would not go away. And what would this rivalry be without a little scuffle? Nevertheless, the Cats continued their impressive performance on both ends of the court in the second half, helping Mark Pope pick up his first win in this rivalry matchup.

Now, the Cats’ attention will turn to a matchup with Ohio State next Saturday as non-conference will soon come to a close.

As always, it is a good day to beat Louisville.

Now, let’s take a look at four things to know from today’s win over Louisville.

Lamont Butler returns and shines

The Cats have been playing without their point guard the last few games after he rolled his ankle in the second half at Clemson. The main question heading into today’s game hinged on the availability of UK’s starting PG, and to everyone’s delight, Butler was able to play.

His return was also greatly welcomed as Chucky Hepburn is one of the more dynamic two-way point guards this team has faced. Not only was he able to handle the defensive pressure Hepburn applied, but he was able to slow down the dynamic guard on offense as well.

Good thing he did return as well, as Butler helped lead the charge for the Cats on offense. He ended up having one of the best games of his basketball career, scoring a game-high 33 points on a perfect 10/10 shooting. He chipped in a game-high six assists for good measure.

With some absurd shooting numbers, there was no better way for the veteran guard to make his stamp on this rivalry game.

Jaxson Robinson continues solid play

With Kerr Kriisa out, a lot of weight has been put on the shoulders of Robinson when it comes to offensive creation. Well, he rose to the occasion once again tonight.

Despite Butler leading the team in scoring, Robinson still helped draw the defense and knocked down the open looks at a high rate. He finished with 12 points, eight boards, and two assists.

We said before the season that the Cats need Robinson to be that go-to scorer when the team needs a basket. He might not get the shot every time, but his presence on the court definitely adds another wrinkle for the defense to monitor.

3-point shooting comes alive

After several games of incredibly poor shooting from deep, the Cats finally found their shooting stroke tonight. Primarily thanks to Lamont Butler, Kentucky was able to put an end to that shooting slump.

Shout-out Otega Oweh as well, hitting a huge 3 at the end of the game and getting a big and-1 to really put the dagger in the game. Oweh continues to be Kentucky’s most consistent player and someone who could blossom into an all-conference performer as the season wears on.

Cats continue to give up offensive rebounds

If there is any complaint from this fanbase or national media surrounding this team, it is in regard to the offensive rebounds they give up. Especially in the first half tonight, it was the offensive rebounds that Louisville gathered that helped keep it in the game.

Look back at the Gonzaga and Duke games in the first halves, and it seems to be a trend.

Granted, they continue to make the adjustments needed, but these offensive rebounds could cost them some games in SEC play. This will be a big emphasis in practice if it hasn’t been already.

Now, let’s celebrate a big rivalry win!

Go Cats!!