For those in red, Christmas now begins on December 26. For those in blue, Christmas is over.

The Louisville Cardinals (6-1) defeated the Kentucky Wildcats (1-6) in a seesaw matchup. Louisville led by 7 with less than six minutes remaining but Kentucky clawed back to tie it in the last minute.

Kentucky 7-footer Olivier Sarr had a late shot to take the lead but the rim was unforgiving. Louisville’s Carlik Jones was fouled as he scooped the rebound. Jones made both free throws to create the final margin, 62-59.  A pandemic-spaced 3,000 fans witnessed the rivalry game at Louisville’s KFC Yum Center.

Is 2020 a bad year? Depends on whom you ask.

Louisville coach Chris Mack was happy with the win but is still very frustrated with his team’s learning curve. Nonetheless, beating Kentucky is a prime feather in his cap for the Louisville fan base.

“Not many times that you can not play very well and beat Kentucky,” Mack said. “But I thought that’s what happened today.”

(press conference begins at 9:48 on the twitter video)

🎥: @CoachChrisMack Press Conference https://t.co/0UrmyvZ21H

— Louisville Basketball (@LouisvilleMBB) December 26, 2020

Kentucky coach John Calipari said Olivier Sarr’s final shot rimming out was “buzzard’s luck.” He added that “losing stinks…we’ve gotta right the ship.” Calipari still saw plenty of growth out of his team that has been crawling through a long losing streak.

Live Now: @UKCoachCalipari and Players – Louisville Postgame https://t.co/AQhBkmAign

— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) December 26, 2020