LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The uneasy truce between Kentucky and Louisville fans gets its ultimate test when the blood rivals meet at the Final Four.
In bars, restaurants and living rooms across the state, die-hard fans are gearing up to gather Saturday evening for what could be called a state holiday. It’s the most ramped-up rendition of a rivalry played each regular season. But the stakes have never been higher — a berth in the national championship game Monday night in New Orleans.
In the land of bourbon, bluegrass and basketball, it’s hoops that reign supreme in Kentucky.
Both schools exhorted their students to cheer on their teams but to show restraint. Police in Louisville and Lexington, home of the University of Kentucky, plan to beef up patrols Saturday night to quell any problems sparked by the bitter rivalry.
