LEXINGTON, Ky. (WDRB) — All the indicators always said Kentucky was easy. Really easy.

It was that easy for Kentucky year after year against Louisville.

The Wildcats didn’t just make shots against the University of Louisville on Saturday at Rupp Arena, they made shot after shot. Three. drives. Fadeaways. Reverse layups.

The Wildcats made their first five shots and 12 of their first 15. Deep into the second half, they made more than 60% of their attempts, including 9 of their first 15 shots from long range.

Which away team survives such a punishing offensive performance? That’s not usually the case in Louisville, at least not in this building.

But Pat Kelsey’s team didn’t agree to be knocked out of the race. They fell behind by 12 and then cut the lead to four. They fell behind by 10 and then got back to within three. Big distance. Tiny gap.

The final score was Kentucky 93, Louisville 85 — on a day when U of L led by just 10 seconds but never trailed by more than a dozen seconds despite the Wildcats’ outstanding offensive performance.

The Wildcats needed a career performance from guard Lamont Butler, who returned from an ankle injury in his first game. Before Saturday, Butler had made 7 of 21 long-range shots this season. Against Louisville, Butler shot like Steph Curry, making all six of his three-point attempts and all four of his 2-point field goals. This gives you 33 points.

As usual, the cards were led by Chucky Hepburn (26) and Terrance Edwards (23).

Count it as the Wildcats’ third straight win in the rivalry and their 14th in the last 17 meetings. But make sure this was a different Kentucky-Louisville game than we expected.

If your opponent fires 12 of their first 15 shots, including all four shots from distance, you should be in trouble. Big problem. Come up with plan B for trouble.

Louisville had no problems at halftime, only trailing 6,46-40.

Why?

The Cards allowed the Wildcats just one offensive rebound and no second-chance points. They kept trying threesomes. Although they didn’t reach the same rate as the Wildcats, they outscored Great Britain from distance 21:15.

Next?

Both teams have the week off until Saturday. Louisville will travel to Florida State for its second Atlantic Coast Conference game. Kentucky travels to Madison Square Garden to play Ohio State, which was dominated by Auburn 91-53.

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