Jared McCain sets Duke freshman NCAA Tournament record…in one half

The star freshman set a Duke freshman NCAA Tournament record against James Madison on Sunday, and he did so in the first 20 minutes.

Jared McCain set a single-game program record in a single half against James Madison on Sunday.

Before the second round of this year’s edition of March Madness, no Blue Devils freshman had ever made more than five 3-pointers in a single NCAA Tournament game. McCain made his first six attempts against the Dukes, including five in the first 13 minutes.

McCain turned heads from the opening tip on Sunday afternoon, burying a three on the opening possession that was so smooth, the net barely moved.

He set the record in impressive fashion, too, pulling up from nearly 30 feet for a heat-check jumper that, of course, found the net.

He ended the opening frame with 22 points on 7/11 shooting, and he went 6/8 from three as Duke shot out to a 47-25 lead in the first 20 minutes.

This is McCain’s second 20-point half of the season after he scorched Florida State for 25 first-half points in February.