Indiana Basketball: The 5 most hated rivals in IU history

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DES MOINES, IOWA – MARCH 21: Head coach Chris Mack of the Louisville Cardinals looks on during their game in the First Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Wells Fargo Arena on March 21, 2019 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

5. Louisville Cardinals

This is a rivalry that stems from the proximity of the schools. With parts of Indiana being a stones throw across the Ohio River from Louisville, it is crazy to think that people in the state of Indiana would actually cheer for the Cardinals.

It was emphasized even more during Romeo Langford’s recruitment. Being from New Albany, IN, just 10 minutes away from Louisville, the two schools fought it out for the prized recruit until the FBI investigation seemed to put the Langford to Louisville thoughts to bed.

In recent years, Indiana has come out victorious once in four games in the past five years when facing Lousiville. In doing so, Indiana leads Louisville in the series all time at 11-9.

This past season’s one point victory over the Cardinals ended Indiana’s five game losing streak to their border rival.

While the 2019-20 Indiana Basketball Schedule will not include Louisville, the two schools should continue to play periodically and provide great matchups in the future.

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