Louisville's recent clash with SMU ended in a 95-85 defeat, leaving Cardinals fans frustrated with the defensive lapses. Allowing SMU to shoot 58% from the field and 47% from beyond the arc was a tough pill to swallow, and as Coach Kelsey pointed out, that's not the kind of performance Louisville can afford against a team like SMU.
This loss snapped a five-game winning streak for the Cardinals, and with only five games left in the regular season, the focus shifts to climbing the ACC standings and securing a favorable NCAA Tournament seed. But amidst the disappointment, there's a bright spot that fans can rally around: Mikel Brown Jr.
Mikel Brown Jr.: A Rising Star for Louisville
The true freshman guard is on a tear, proving nearly impossible to defend over the past three games. Brown, a former 5-star recruit, dropped a game-high 29 points against SMU, hitting 11 of his 18 shots and going 4-for-8 from three-point range.
Louisville supporters have long recognized Brown's scoring prowess, but he's elevating his game to new heights. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 195 pounds, Brown has thrust himself back into the Freshman of the Year conversation. Over the last three games, he's averaging an astounding 34.3 points, shooting 60% from the field and 62% from deep.
Brown was the silver lining in the loss, showcasing his ability to score at will. He's one of college basketball's most natural scorers, whether attacking the rim or launching from beyond the arc-he even nailed one from the SMU logo.
Confidence is key for Brown, and when he's feeling it, he can light up the scoreboard. His recent three-game explosion began with a 45-point outburst against North Carolina State, setting a new ACC freshman record.
Proving that was no fluke, Brown followed it up with consecutive 29-point performances. He's been consistently efficient, making eight or more field goals and four or more threes in each of these games, while maintaining shooting percentages above 55% from the field and 50% from downtown.
Before this hot streak, Brown was shooting 36.4% from the floor and 26.9% from three-point range. Now, he's averaging 18.6 points, with improved shooting percentages of 42.4% overall and 34.6% from three.
The loss to SMU was a setback, but Brown's emergence offers a promising outlook. As he finds his rhythm, the Cardinals' fate seems intertwined with his performance. If Brown continues to peak at the right time, Louisville's season could have a thrilling finish.