Louisville delivered a historic performance Monday night, with Mikel Brown Jr. exploding for 45 points and leading the Cardinals to a 118-77 rout of NC State. The win came in front of a packed White Out crowd at the KFC Yum Center.
According to Daljoog News analysis, Brown’s performance, combined with season-high contributions from Ryan Conwell, demonstrated that Louisville is capable of regaining the form fans expected earlier in the season. The victory also showcased the team’s offensive firepower and record-setting potential.
The game marked a statement for the Cardinals, proving they can compete at the highest level in the ACC despite previous struggles.
What Happened?
Brown tied the Louisville single-game school record for both points (45) and made three-pointers (10), while also grabbing 9 rebounds and recording 3 steals. His efforts set a new ACC freshman scoring record.
Conwell added 31 points on 10-of-14 shooting, including 5-of-6 from three-point range, along with 7 rebounds and 6 assists. This marked the first time in Louisville basketball history that multiple players scored 30 or more points in the same game.
As a team, the Cardinals were exceptional from beyond the arc, hitting 18 of 30 three-point attempts (60 percent) and recording 21 assists on 39 made baskets.
Why This Matters
NC State entered the game as the hottest team in the ACC, with a perfect 6-0 road record in conference play and ranked first in three-point shooting. However, they struggled inside the Yum Center, connecting on just 4 of 22 attempts from beyond the arc.
Quadir Copeland, the ACC’s assist leader, finished with only 3 assists and 4 turnovers, far below his recent streak of 9+ assists and a historic 16-assist, zero-turnover performance against SMU. Louisville’s dominance disrupted NC State’s rhythm and exposed vulnerabilities in the Pack’s game plan.
Daljoog News Analysis
This victory was about more than a single game—it signaled that Louisville can be the team fans hoped for at the start of the season. Brown’s scoring explosion and Conwell’s breakout night showed that the Cardinals have multiple weapons capable of high-level performance.
The efficiency from three-point range and unselfish ball movement reflects a team regaining confidence and cohesion. If Louisville can maintain this level of execution, it could be a serious contender in the ACC tournament.
What Happens Next
The Cardinals now have momentum heading deeper into conference play. Maintaining this level of shooting, ball movement, and defensive pressure will be critical for sustaining a winning streak and boosting tournament prospects. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if Louisville can turn this historic performance into consistent success.