Duke’s Jared McCain listed as one of USA TODAY Sports’ March Madness winners

Jared McCain was named one of March Madness’s big winners by USA TODAY Sports after his performance against James Madison.

After a record-breaking performance against James Madison, Jared McCain was named one of the winners of March Madness in a Monday column from USA TODAY Sports’ Jordan Mendoza.

The James Madison Dukes had a top-five perimeter defense, per KenPom, heading into their second-round matchup against the Duke Blue Devils, allowing opponents to connect on less than 30% of their 3-point attempts. That didn’t phase McCain, who lit up the Dukes for eight 3-pointers.

His eight triples were the most 3-point field goals made by a Duke player in an NCAA Tournament game. In fact, McCain broke the freshman record for threes in an NCAA Tournament game before the first half ended, making each of his first six attempts.

He finished the game with 30 points on 10-15 shooting overall and 8-11 from beyond the arc.

His performance powered Duke into the Sweet 16. They’ll take on the 1-seed Houston Cougars on Friday night.