Brooklyn, NY—In a thrilling match held at New York’s renowned Barclays Arena, Jared McCain of Duke made an electrifying start just sixteen seconds into the game. A swift pass from Kyle Filipowski set him up perfectly, and with finesse, McCain sunk a three-pointer from the wing. The crowd erupted, and McCain flashed a confident smile towards the jubilant section of James Madison supporters, seemingly indicating that more such moments were to follow.
Displaying remarkable prowess, McCain dominated the first half, amassing an impressive 30 points, including a Duke record of eight successful three-pointers in an NCAA Tournament game. This stellar performance propelled the Blue Devils to a resounding 93-55 victory over the twelfth-seeded James Madison team, effectively halting their dream season.
Reflecting on his outstanding contribution, McCain remarked, “I feel like every game, I’m always ready to see if I’m going to go off.”
With this triumph, the fourth-seeded Blue Devils (26-8) secured their spot in the Sweet 16, where they are slated to clash against top-seeded Houston in the South Region semifinals scheduled for Friday in Dallas.
Duke’s formidable display on the court brought an end to James Madison’s remarkable 14-game winning streak. The Blue Devils maintained a commanding lead throughout, with a 22-point advantage at halftime, never allowing their opponents to narrow the gap below 20 points in the second half. Not even James Madison’s renowned defensive tactics, which had stymied Wisconsin in the previous round, could deter Duke’s relentless offense.
Speaking about his shooting prowess, McCain explained, “As a shooter when you hit some early, obviously they want to press up on you. So, it definitely makes the game wide open for drives, for kicks.”
Despite the loss, James Madison (32-4) achieved a program milestone with a record number of victories, leaving a lasting legacy under the guidance of coach Mark Byington.
As the spotlight shifts to the future, attention mounts on whether Coach Byington will remain with the Sun Belt champions amidst potential offers. Despite uncertainties, players like Edwards expressed gratitude, acknowledging, “This was the best team and one of the best coaches I ever had in my life.”
McCain’s exceptional performance continued into the second half, culminating in his eighth successful three-pointer, solidifying Duke’s dominance on the court. The Blue Devils’ seamless teamwork, coupled with McCain’s record-breaking feat, propelled them to a remarkable victory.
In the aftermath of their triumph, Duke’s focus now turns to the upcoming challenge against Houston, as they strive to advance further in the tournament. With their eyes set on the ultimate prize, Duke aims to add another chapter to their storied legacy in college basketball.
