The only thing keeping Jared McCain from breaking the NCAA record on Sunday was the fact that he was in the middle of a blowout.
The true freshman at Duke made eight 3-pointers, a March Madness school record, but the Blue Devils still won by 28 points with 9 minutes, 29 seconds left. In the end, they defeated James Madison by 38 points.
Only five players in tournament history have made 10 3-pointers (Oakland’s Jack Gaelke became the fifth on Thursday). The record is 11.
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Duke Blue Devils #0 Jared McCain reacts during the second half of the game against the James Madison Dukes in the second round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Barclays Center on March 24, 2024 in New York City. (Sarah Steer/Getty Images)
McCain knocked out each of his first six games and tied a season high with eight hits for 11 at bats. But ultimately, head coach John Scheyer couldn’t take the risk.
“He’s probably mad that he sent me out. He wanted to be there more,” Scheyer said after Sunday’s 93-55 win.
“He’s just trying to protect my body — I understand,” added a perhaps a little jealous McCain.
But nevertheless, Barclays Center knew McCain had the green light.
“I feel like every game I’m always ready to see if I’m going to quit. I work so hard that I just prepare for every game…” he said. Ta.
Jared McCain of the Duke Blue Devils makes a 3-point shot in the first half against the James Madison Dukes in the second round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Barclays Center in New York City on March 24, 2024. reacts. (Sarah Steer/Getty Images)
Dukes’ Jared McCain hits a masterful 3-pointer to send the Blue Devils to the Sweet 16
“Especially in a big game like this, it’s the best feeling in the world when you see your hard work showing up on the court.”
It’s not uncommon to see someone who’s been into it since age 3 start chucking from anywhere on the floor (i.e. Stephen Curry). And McCain admitted he “definitely” had to tone down his triggers a little.
“Sometimes you have to listen to the coach here. When you get that hot, you want to pull out of the half and do whatever you can,” he said.
“But in these types of games, obviously it’s a run game and we can obviously come back, so we know we’ve got to play smart. But we definitely want to get shots from everywhere.”
Duke Blue Devils #0 Jared McCain reacts during the first half against the James Madison Dukes in the second round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Barclays Center on March 24, 2024 in New York City. (Sarah Steer/Getty Images)
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The Blue Devils await their opponent in their 33rd Sweet Sixteen appearance. It will be either No. 1 Houston or No. 9 Texas A&M.
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