Louisville's Brown sets ACC freshman scoring record, ties Louisville legend

Mikel Brown Jr. hit a career-high 10 3-pointers and scored 45 points, breaking the ACC single-game scoring mark for freshmen and tying a Louisville Hall of Famer.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. had a record-setting performance, hitting 10 3-pointers and scoring 45 points to break the ACC single-game scoring record for freshmen. His total also tied the Louisville scoring record set by Hall of Famer Wes Unseld in 1967.

Why it matters

Brown's performance showcases his scoring prowess and potential as a rising star in the ACC. Matching a Louisville legend like Unseld further cements his place in the program's history and highlights the high expectations surrounding the talented freshman.

The details

Brown shot 14-of-23 from the field and 10-of-16 from 3-point range, also grabbing 9 rebounds with 3 steals and 2 assists. His record-tying 3-pointer came from just past Louisville's dunking Cardinals logo. Brown started the season strong but missed 8 games due to a lower back injury before returning to double-digit scoring in 3 of 5 games prior to his breakout performance.

  • On November 11, Brown scored 29 points against rival Kentucky.
  • From mid-December to early January, Brown missed 8 games due to a lower back injury.
  • Prior to his record-setting game, Brown had scored in double digits in 3 of 5 games since returning from injury.

The players

Mikel Brown Jr.

A heralded freshman guard for the Louisville Cardinals who set the ACC single-game scoring record for freshmen with 45 points, tying a Louisville scoring record held by Hall of Famer Wes Unseld.

Wes Unseld

A Hall of Famer and Louisville Cardinals legend who held the school's single-game scoring record of 45 points, which Brown tied.

Ryan Conwell

A Louisville teammate of Brown's who added 31 points on 10-of-14 shooting, benefiting from the attention Brown drew on the floor.

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What they’re saying

“To be honest, I was just so locked in with just staying with it and just not having it drop off. Just maintaining my aggressiveness and my will to create for myself and for others as well. I think the gravity that was being pulled toward me kind of opened up everybody else and we had walk-in layups and was getting open shots.”

— Mikel Brown Jr.

“His gravity on the floor, he makes it easy for me.”

— Ryan Conwell, Teammate

What’s next

The Louisville coaching staff will look to build on Brown's breakout performance and ensure he maintains his momentum as the Cardinals continue their ACC schedule.

The takeaway

Mikel Brown Jr.'s record-setting night not only cements his status as a rising star in the ACC, but also highlights the depth and talent of the Louisville program and its ability to develop elite players who can match the feats of program legends.