Indiana vs Kentucky Basketball Rivalry Revival Set for Saturday Showdown

A historic college basketball rivalry is finally back. The Indiana Hoosiers will face the Kentucky Wildcats this Saturday. The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Rupp Arena in Lexington.This matchup ends a nearly decade-long hiatus. The teams last met in the 2016 NCAA Tournament. Their return is the first of four scheduled games between the blue-blood programs.

Four-Game Series Rekindles Historic Feud

The revival was officially announced in 2023. It locks in games through the 2028-29 season. According to ESPN, the agreement ensures future meetings in Bloomington, Lexington, and at Indianapolis’s Lucas Oil Stadium.First-year Indiana coach Darian DeVries hopes the series continues forever. He called it great for both programs and for college basketball. Fan bases for both historic teams are highly excited for the return.The series dates back over a century. Kentucky holds a 32-25 all-time advantage. Indiana, however, has won two of the last three contests, including the iconic 2011 buzzer-beater.

Marquee Matchups Define New Scheduling Philosophy

For Coach DeVries, this game reflects a broader strategy. He wants high-quality non-conference opponents to prepare for Big Ten play. These games test teams in true road, home, and neutral-site environments.Neutral-site games offer a postseason tournament feel. They are a key part of modern scheduling. This philosophy aims to build resilient teams ready for March.Both teams seek momentum from this high-profile game. Indiana started 7-0 but has lost two straight. Kentucky has shown explosive offense but inconsistency, including a recent loss to Gonzaga.

Arkansas Football Lands Auburn Assistant T.J. Rushing as Cornerbacks Coach

The return of the Indiana vs Kentucky basketball rivalry delivers a must-watch December spectacle. It promises intense competition and a throwback to a premier college basketball feud. This series revival is a major win for fans of both historic programs.

A quick knowledge drop for you

When is the Indiana vs Kentucky game?

The game is on Saturday, December 14th. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time. It will be played at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.

How can I watch the Indiana-Kentucky game?

The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN. The announcing crew includes Dick Vitale and Charles Barkley. You can also stream it via the ESPN app.

When do they play next after this?

The next scheduled game is in December 2026 at Lucas Oil Stadium. The series then alternates venues annually through 2028. This Saturday’s game is the first of four.

Who won the last Indiana vs Kentucky game?

Indiana won the last meeting in 2016. The score was 73-67 in the NCAA Tournament’s Round of 32. Yogi Ferrell led the Hoosiers to victory that day.

Why did the rivalry stop for so long?

The series paused after the 2011-12 season due to scheduling conflicts. The programs could not agree on terms for continuing the annual home-and-home format. The new four-game deal resolves that stalemate.