Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Duke Blue Devils’ Jared McCain’s Reaction to Brutal 76-64 Elite Eight Loss Will Have Fans Tearing Up

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Rex Villas | Last updated 4/1/24

The No. 4 Duke Blue Devils failed to advance to the Final Four round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament after getting upset by the No. 11 NC State Wolfpack in the Elite Eight portion of March Madness Sunday night. Emotions flowed from both sides after the game, and over at Duke, its players and supporters are understandably disappointed over the outcome of the contest.

Duke freshman Jared McCain tried his best to give the Blue Devils the best chance to clinch a spot in the National Semifinals, but his effort was ultimately not enough to get his school to the desired result. After the game, McCain poured his heart out, as he broke down while reflecting on the season he just had with the Blue Devils.

Jared McCain Emotional After Duke Blue Devils Loss To NC State

McCain bounced back from a seven-point outing in the Sweet 16 round versus the Houston Cougars, as he finished the Wolfpack game with 32 points on 8/20 shooting from the field while also recording six rebounds, an assist, and a block in 40 minutes. McCain shone from the perimeter, sinking five of 11 3-point attempts and from the foul line, making all of his 11 tries from the charity stripe.

“It’s meant everything to me, to come here for a coach to believe in me, for my teammates to believe in me, especially in the beginning of the year when I felt like, you know, I couldn’t get things going as a freshman, they instilled confidence in me especially him right here,” McCain told reporters after the contest.

For what it’s worth, at least McCain and the Blue Devils lasted longer in the NCAA Tournament than bitter rivals North Carolina Tar Heels, who exited in the Sweet 16 round.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: