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By Casey Roberts

Contributing writer

The fierce rivalry between former University of Kentucky and University of Louisville basketball players was reignited Monday night at Freedom Hall, where La Familia secured a 70-61 victory over The Ville in the quarterfinals of The Basketball Tournament (TBT). This $1 million summer event saw the former Wildcats overcoming their old rivals in front of a record-breaking crowd.

Leading La Familia was Nate Sestina, who scored 22 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Willie Cauley-Stein contributed 20 points, nine rebounds, and four steals, while Andrew Harrison delivered clutch shots in the final moments. For The Ville, Russ Smith led with 22 points, and Chinanu Onuaku added 14 points and 22 rebounds.

The matchup, labeled by FS1 announcer John Fanta as “the biggest game in the history” of TBT, attracted an audience of 13,506 fans, shattering the previous TBT attendance record. Among the spectators was TBT co-owner and NBA legend Chris Paul, who praised the electric atmosphere and the competition’s growth.

Early struggles in shooting from both teams set the stage for La Familia to take a second-quarter lead, with Cauley-Stein’s three 3-pointers playing a significant role. They led 30-27 at halftime. Sestina’s exceptional performance in the third quarter, where he made five 3-pointers, extended La Familia’s lead to 53-34.

Despite a fourth-quarter rally by The Ville, Andrew Harrison’s crucial shots helped La Familia maintain their lead. The Elam Ending, a unique TBT scoring rule that ensures games end on a made basket, was activated after Harrison’s three-pointer, securing the victory for La Familia.

The intense rivalry saw emotions run high, with players from both teams involved in heated exchanges. Sestina alleged that Onuaku spit on him after a disagreement over La Familia’s celebratory gestures, leading to further tensions. The altercation underscored the passionate rivalry, but ultimately, La Familia emerged victorious.

The game featured notable moments of physical play and verbal jabs, reflecting the deep-rooted competition between the former college players. Among the La Familia roster, only one player had experienced a loss to Louisville during their college career, highlighting Kentucky’s historical dominance in the rivalry.

John Calipari, who coached all nine La Familia players during their time at Kentucky, expressed his support for the team on social media. “Watched the game and it brought back great memories! I wish them well this weekend!! Go win it, men!!!” Calipari posted.

Tyler Ulis, a former Kentucky point guard and now coach of La Familia, continued his dominance over Louisville, improving his record against them to 4-0, maintaining his perfect streak from his playing days.

The exhilarating showdown at Freedom Hall rekindled old rivalries and showcased the enduring competitive spirit and talent of these former collegiate stars. The event also highlighted why Kentucky is home to some of the most passionate basketball fans in the country.