Duke’s true freshman Jared McCain put on a three-point shooting showcase during a blowout victory against James Madison, knocking down eight three-pointers to set a school record for March Madness. McCain finished 8-for-11 from beyond the arc, tying a season-high and coming close to the NCAA tournament record of 11 three-pointers in a game. Despite his hot shooting, head coach Jon Scheyer decided to pull McCain from the game with over nine minutes remaining to protect him from injury, a decision that McCain accepted with understanding but also a little disappointment as he wished to continue playing. McCain expressed that he is always ready to perform at his best in every game and highlighted the satisfaction of seeing the results of his hard work pay off on the court.
Barclays Center was well aware of McCain’s shooting prowess as he acknowledged that he had the green light to shoot from anywhere on the court. McCain admitted that when he gets hot, he sometimes has to restrain himself from taking bad shots and instead focus on making smart plays to help his team maintain their lead. The freshman phenom recognized the importance of playing within the team’s strategy, especially in crucial games like they were in. McCain’s ability to execute his role efficiently while also showcasing his individual talent was a significant factor in Duke’s dominant performance and advancement to the Sweet Sixteen. McCain emphasized the importance of balancing personal success with team success and expressed his eagerness to contribute in every game.
Duke’s victory over James Madison propelled them to their 33rd appearance in the Sweet Sixteen, where they will face either No. 1 Houston or No. 9 Texas A&M. The Blue Devils are no strangers to deep tournament runs and will be looking to continue their success as they aim for a spot in the Elite Eight and beyond. McCain’s standout performance showcased his potential as a future star for Duke and a player to watch in the remainder of the NCAA tournament. The team’s collective effort and cohesive play, combined with McCain’s individual brilliance, have positioned them as strong contenders in the tournament, with the potential to make a deep run. Duke fans and college basketball enthusiasts alike will be eagerly anticipating the team’s next game as they look to build upon their recent success and advance further in the tournament.
McCain’s electrifying display of shooting prowess not only set a new standard for Duke but also garnered attention and recognition from fans and analysts across the college basketball landscape. His performance serves as a reminder of the impact that individual brilliance can have within the team context and the importance of players stepping up in crucial moments. Duke’s success hinges on the contributions of all their players, and McCain’s standout performance against James Madison exemplified the team’s depth and talent. As the Blue Devils prepare for their Sweet Sixteen matchup, they will draw confidence from McCain’s stellar showing and look to build upon their momentum as they pursue a deep tournament run. With McCain leading the charge from beyond the arc and the team firing on all cylinders, Duke remains a formidable force in the NCAA tournament, capable of competing with the best teams in the country and making a significant impact on the national stage.
