LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Both Wildcats and Cardinals fans celebrated the renewed rivalry Saturday, and it was on display at Hoops Grill & Sports Bar in Louisville's south end.
The bar was at maximum capacity Saturday evening as a sea of red and blue cheered on their respective teams.
"This is the most important game of the year for both schools," said Wildcats fan Paul Sharp.
It's the rivalry game of the year, and Saturday, the University of Kentucky defeated the University of Louisville at Rupp arena 93-85.
"It's actually really hard to sit next to him," said Cardinal fan Will Jolly. "Because I bleed red, and I feel like bringing him up here was really bad luck."
Kentucky fan Jay Churchman said he and Jolly grew up together -- friends, but foes for the night.
"He's looking for his first win in about five or six years," Churchman said. "He doesn't know what it's like to beat his rival, so go Cats."
UK held off UL in a tight game, with Lamont Butler scoring a career-high 33 points.
"It's in-state rivalry and it gives you bragging rights for a year," Sharp said.
Sharp was rooting for the Cats, but at a divided table.
"We love it," he said, referencing the group of five fans, some rooting for Kentucky and some for Louisville. "We're all fans, we're all friends."
It was the third straight win for UK in the series, but the margin was much closer than the past two years.
"At least we're on a little bit more of an even setting with new coaches," said Robin Sample, a Louisville fan.
Both schools are showing off new coaches this year, with Pat Kelsey taking over at UofL and Mark Pope returning to his alma mater at Kentucky.
"Two new coaches, I think it's going to be a great game," Churchman said.
Wildcats ruffled some Cardinal feathers, but fans across the metro are united in division.