Mikel Brown Jr. Ties Two Major Louisville Single-Game Records

The point guard for the Cardinals put together one of the best performances in program history against NC State.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 9:55pm

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Louisville point guard Mikel Brown Jr. had a historic performance against NC State, tying the school's single-game scoring record with 45 points and also matching the record for most 3-pointers made in a game with 10. Brown's effort helped the Cardinals secure a 118-77 victory over the Wolfpack.

Why it matters

Brown's record-tying performance is a significant milestone for the Louisville basketball program, showcasing the talent and potential of the young star. His ability to take over a game and lead his team to a dominant win against a conference opponent highlights his growth and development as a player in his freshman season.

The details

Mikel Brown Jr. finished the game against NC State with 45 points, 14-of-23 shooting, 7-of-7 from the free throw line, and a blistering 10-of-16 from 3-point range. His 10 made 3-pointers tied the single-game record at Louisville, which was previously set by Reyne Smith last season. Brown's scoring output also set the program and ACC record for most points by a freshman in a single game, surpassing the previous mark set by Wes Unseld in 1967.

  • Mikel Brown Jr.'s record-tying performance came on Monday, February 10, 2026.
  • The previous Louisville single-game scoring record of 45 points was set by Wes Unseld on December 1, 1967.

The players

Mikel Brown Jr.

A star true freshman point guard for the Louisville Cardinals men's basketball team who put together one of the best individual performances in program history.

Wes Unseld

One of the six players to have his jersey retired at the University of Louisville, who previously held the school's single-game scoring record with 45 points set on December 1, 1967.

Ryan Conwell

A starting guard for the Louisville Cardinals who also had a fantastic outing against NC State, finishing with 31 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists.

Pat Kelsey

The head coach of the Louisville Cardinals men's basketball team, who praised Brown's historic performance.

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What they’re saying

“That's unbelievable. It's like storybook. He's a special player, special kid. It doesn't surprise me in the least. He just stayed consistent, didn't panic.”

— Pat Kelsey, Head Coach (si.com)

“These guys keep encouraging me to be myself every single day, and every single game. I say all the time, man, I just got to get my rhythm back. I feel like it's starting to click for me, and it's starting to click for this team as well.”

— Mikel Brown Jr. (si.com)

“He puts that battery in my back. He says, 'Hey, if you're a killer, kill. Killers kill. If you're elite, killers kill.' The whole game. He just kept saying it, and I kept saying it right back to him. 'If you're a killer, kill.' He instills that confidence in me to be myself every single game, and I insert that confidence in him.”

— Mikel Brown Jr. (si.com)

What’s next

The Cardinals have a few days off before heading down to Fort Worth, Texas for a neutral-site matchup with Baylor this Saturday, where Brown will look to continue his hot streak.

The takeaway

Mikel Brown Jr.'s record-breaking performance showcases his immense talent and potential as a young star in the Louisville basketball program. His ability to take over a game and lead his team to a dominant victory highlights the bright future ahead for the Cardinals with Brown at the helm.