Freshman Jared McCain delivers record-setting performance in propelling Duke to Sweet 16 of NCAA Tournament
The Duke Blue Devils delivered one of their best performances when they needed it the most on Sunday against a very talented JMU Dukes team in their Round of 32 matchup in the NCAA Tournament. Duke mercilessly annihilated James Madison to the tune of a 93-55 beatdown. They got a spectacular performance from freshman Jared McCain, who poured in 30 points, draining eight threes and making history in the process.
According to ESPN Stats & Info, McCain became the first freshman with 30 points and no turnovers in an NCAA Tournament game since the field expanded in 1985. His eight three-pointers are also tied for the second-most by a freshman in an NCAA Tournament game. The eight threes are also a Duke program record for any player in an NCAA Tournament game.
His 22 points in the first half were the most by any player in the 2024 NCAA Tournament so far. He also connected on 10 of his 15 shots, in a performance that won’t be soon forgotten. The explosion was nothing new for the uber-talented freshman, who figures to be a first-round pick in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft. Leading up to the NCAA Tournament, McCain was listed as the 12th best NBA prospect to watch in this year’s big dance.
Against Florida State earlier in the season, McCain erupted for 35 points, tying Zion Williamson for the most points scored by any freshman in program history.
Duke turned it on from the start and jumped out to a 47-25 advantage at the end of the first half. The Blue Devils kept their foot on the gas and left the Dukes in the dust for the 38-point thrashing.
They advanced to the Sweet 16. It marks the 29th Sweet 16 appearance for the Blue Devils. Duke has made it to the Sweet Sixteen in 19 of the past 25 NCAA Tournaments.
Up next, Duke will face the top-seeded Houston Cougars in a highly anticipated showdown. The game will be played in the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. The date is set for Friday, March 29th. Tip-off is set for 9:39 PM EST and it will be televised by CBS.
Houston is currently listed as a 4.5-point favorite for the matchup, according to FanDuel.