The Louisville Cardinals delivered a resounding 118-77 victory over the NC State Wolfpack at the KFC Yum! Center, with Mikel Brown Jr. stealing the show with a dazzling 45-point performance. The Cardinals' high-powered offense was on full display, with Brown Jr. and Ryan Conwell combining for 76 points to lead the charge. Louisville's 56-point first half set the tone for the game, as they built a 20-point lead by halftime and never looked back.
Mikel Brown Jr. Scores 45 Points, Most by a Louisville Player This Season
Brown Jr.'s impressive outing was complemented by Conwell's 31 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, as the duo proved nearly unstoppable for the NC State defense. The Wolfpack's Ven-Allen Lubin did his best to keep his team in the game, scoring 20 points and grabbing 6 rebounds, but it was not enough to overcome the Cardinals' onslaught. Tre Holloman added 19 points for NC State, but their efforts were ultimately overshadowed by Louisville's dominant performance.
The game was a far cry from the predicted 79-78 score, with CHD Scout's prediction of a Louisville win by 1.5 points proving correct, albeit with a much larger margin than anticipated. The Cardinals' convincing win was a reflection of their strength and depth, as they improved to 18-6 on the season.
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The victory has real consequences for Louisville's tournament resume, as it marked a Quad 1 win over a strong opponent. The Cardinals' current net ranking of 17 will likely receive a boost, solidifying their position as a top contender in the NCAA tournament. For NC State, the loss drops them to 18-7, but as a Quad 1 game, it will not significantly harm their tournament chances. The Wolfpack's current net ranking of 27 must be bolstered by strong performances in their remaining games to ensure a favorable seeding.
Mikel Brown Jr.'s 45-point performance was a highlight-reel worthy display, as he led the Cardinals to their highest scoring output of the season. The win marked a statement victory for Louisville, demonstrating their ability to dominate top-tier opponents. As the season enters its final stretch, the Cardinals want to build on this momentum, while NC State will aim to regroup and refocus ahead of their next challenge.
The convincing nature of the win will undoubtedly boost Louisville's confidence, and with their tournament resume continuing to grow in strength, they are poised to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament. The Cardinals' ability to perform under pressure and deliver against tough opponents matters in the postseason, and their dominant win over NC State has set them up for success in the games to come.