Kentucky vs. Louisville: In-State Rivalry Will Make Final Four Matchup Amazing

It's not often that two schools from the same state meet in the Final Four of the men's NCAA Tournament, but when it does happen, the matchup takes on a new level of emotion that makes for a fantastic game.

On Saturday, No. 4 seed Louisville will attempt to slow down the juggernaut that is No. 1 seed Kentucky. It will certainly be a challenge for the Cardinals, but it's one they are capable of succeeding in.

The Cardinals' press and strong defense in the paint will be difficult for Kentucky to grasp at the start of the game, and it is important for Louisville to frustrate the Wildcats early on. If any doubt starts to creep into the heads of the Kentucky players, then Louisville will have gained a huge advantage.

Not only will neither team dominate the other, the intensity of the rivalry should allow the game to be decided in the final minutes, setting up the possibility for a classic finish.

The high stakes combined with the pressure of the rivalry could force players to be less aggressive than normal due to the fear of making a costly mistake. While this could cause the score to be lower than normal, there won't be a lack of excitement throughout the contest.

These players will dive on the floor for loose balls, commit hard fouls and scream with passion after making a huge play. 

All week, the Cardinals players have heard all week is how good the Wildcats are and how they have so many players who will be lottery picks in the NBA Draft this June.

By game time, Louisville is going to be sick of this talk and will be extremely motivated to prove they are the state's best team, and worthy of a place in the championship game.

These two schools hate each other, whether they are battling on the hardwood or the football field. The loyalty that fans have for these teams is so intense that even senior citizens are getting into altercations at dialysis clinics.

It isn't hard to get up emotionally for a Final Four battle, but when you're in-state rival is the opponent, the intensity builds throughout the week, and by the time the ball is tipped the emotion spills onto the court.

Kentucky and Louisville will take their fiery rivalry to another level on Saturday and will treat basketball fans to a spirited Final Four game we will remember for a long time.

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