Mikel Brown Jr. had a rough introduction to Big Monday. Just a couple of weeks ago, the Louisville freshman point guard struggled mightily in a nationally televised matchup at Duke - finishing with seven points on 1-for-13 shooting in a 34-minute outing that ended in a 31-point loss. It was a night to forget, and Brown knew it.
After that game, he and head coach Pat Kelsey had a heart-to-heart. The message was simple: “Let the game come to you.”
On Monday night at the KFC Yum! Center, Brown didn’t just let the game come to him - he took it over.
From the opening tip against NC State, Brown looked like a different player. He set the tone early, dishing out an assist to Isaac McKneely for the Cardinals’ first bucket.
That was just the beginning. What followed was one of the most electric performances in Louisville basketball history.
Brown erupted for 45 points - tying the legendary Wes Unseld for the most in a single game by a Louisville player, a record that had stood untouched since 1967. And he did it with a barrage from deep, knocking down 10 three-pointers to match another program record, this one set by Reyne Smith just last season.
The final score? A resounding 118-77 win for No.
23 Louisville, now 18-6 overall and 8-4 in the ACC. It was a statement game, not just for Brown, but for a Cardinals team that’s finding its rhythm as the season heats up.
This wasn’t just a bounce-back. It was a breakout.
Brown's performance was a masterclass in confidence, poise, and shot-making. He played within the flow of the offense, picked his spots, and when the moment called for it, rose to the occasion - over and over again. Whether it was pulling up in transition, working off the dribble, or spotting up in the half-court, Brown had the hot hand and never let go.
It’s the kind of night that can change the trajectory of a season - and maybe even a career.
Louisville, meanwhile, continues to build momentum. With eight wins in ACC play and a top-25 ranking, the Cardinals are starting to look like a team that could make real noise down the stretch. Their offense was firing on all cylinders, and Brown’s historic night was just the headline of a complete team performance.
Next up, the Cards hit the road - or rather, the neutral court - for a nonconference matchup in Fort Worth, Texas. They’ll take on Baylor at Dickies Arena, with tipoff set for 4 p.m. on Saturday. After what we just witnessed, all eyes will be on Mikel Brown Jr. to see what he does for an encore.
But for now, he and Louisville can savor a night that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.