Jared McCain, playing for Duke, broke the record for most 3-pointers made by a freshman with a total of eight and also tied the school’s freshman record with a score of 35 points in their win against Florida State on Saturday.

In the first half, McCain made seven 3-point shots and had an overall shooting percentage of 60% (12 out of 20). He also made 8 out of 11 shots from long range, achieving his seventh game with 20 or more points. His 3-point performance surpassed JJ Reddick’s record, and his total points matched Zion Williamson’s 35-point game against Syracuse in 2019.

McCain exclaimed, “That’s unbelievable! It’s insane. I am grateful to God… It’s amazing to be in such great company.”

McCain’s 3-point shooting accuracy was unexpected. The 6-foot-3 guard had only scored seven 3-pointers in his four previous games.

“Duke coach Jon Scheyer praised the exceptional performance, comparing it to some of the best. He even joked that JJ Redick should be worried. It was a display of grit, willpower, and a strong desire to win that made it truly remarkable.”

Jeremy Roach led the way with 15 points as Duke (20-5, 11-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) secured its fourth consecutive victory. This marks the 27th season in a row that the Blue Devils have reached 20 or more wins. Kyle Filipowski also contributed with eight points and eight rebounds, contributing to Duke’s 35-22 advantage in rebounds. The Blue Devils have dominated their series with Florida State, winning 12 of the last 14 matchups.

Jamir Watkins recorded 15 points in Florida State’s (13-12, 7-7) recent game, marking his eleventh consecutive game with over ten points. Despite this achievement, the team has faced a decline, losing three consecutive games and five of the last six. Cameron Corhen also contributed to the team’s efforts with 14 points and nine rebounds, making seven out of ten shots.

McCain was unstoppable for Florida State, scoring 25 points in the first half and shooting 9-for-10. This helped Duke take a 44-34 lead at halftime.

“I believe that each of us who participated in basketball has experienced one of those exceptional nights where no matter how we are defended, we just can’t seem to miss,” remarked FSU coach Leonard Hamilton. “McCain definitely had one of those nights. However, it seems to be a recurring theme for our team this season – there is always one player who gives us trouble.”

SHORT-HANDED

Unfortunately, Tyrese Proctor is currently in the concussion protocol, so he was unable to play for Duke. However, Scheyer commended the efforts of junior guard Jaylen Blakes and freshman forward Sean Stewart, who stepped up and played well in his absence. It is uncertain when Proctor will be cleared to return to the team.

Blakes was on the court for a total of 10 minutes and was able to score five points. In comparison, Stewart only played for four minutes but managed to grab four rebounds.

BIG PICTURE

Duke University’s basketball team, known as the Blue Devils, maintained a lead of 19-16 in the first half with a 3-pointer from McCain, even without the presence of player Tyrese Proctor. This lead was held for the remainder of the game, resulting in their eighth win out of nine games in Tallahassee.

In their past three games, all of which they lost, the Florida State team has allowed their opponents to score 10 or more 3-pointers.

UP NEXT

Duke is scheduled to play against Miami on Wednesday.

Florida State will be hosting Boston College on Tuesday.

Source: wralsportsfan.com