All articles tagged with #three point shooting
Kentucky's new sharpshooter Milan Momcilovic, a Serbian-American guard who led the nation in three-point percentage last season at Iowa State, brings deep ties to the Herro family, a quirky jellybean pre-shot ritual that allegedly helps him focus, and a NIL package rumored north of $6 million as he helps energize the Wildcats after his high-profile transfer.
Kentucky announced the arrival of Milan Momcilovic, a 6-foot-8 forward from Iowa State, who signed with UK after withdrawing from the NBA Draft and will arrive Saturday. He is a premier 3-point shooter, hitting 48.7% from deep on 7.5 attempts per game last season, and chose Kentucky over Louisville and Arizona. Momcilovic has one year of college eligibility left (potentially two more if the 5-in-5 rule passes), and his addition should boost UK as a top SEC contender for 2026-27; his high school coach called the move a great fit for Kentucky’s system and the NIL era.
Stephon Castle delivered a playoff breakout game (32 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists) to seal San Antonio’s series win over Minnesota, proving he’s evolved into a top‑tier guard who can score, pass and defend. His lethal shooting (71% from three in that game; over 39% in the playoffs) and fearless off‑the‑dribble approach vault the Spurs toward a Western Conference Finals date with Oklahoma City, where his physicality and growth will be tested—while he must curb some aggressive offensive fouls as the grind tightens.
In Game 1, the Sixers were overwhelmed by Boston as depth issues at center surfaced (Drummond a minus in 21 minutes; Adem Bona looking out of place) and Embiid’s absence highlighted a long-standing frontcourt weakness. Philadelphia’s poor 3-point shooting (4-of-23) and Oubre’s 0-for-5 contributed to the letdown, while the Celtics’ defense and a tense “We want Boston” exchange underscored the uphill path ahead for a team hoping for a quick turnaround.
The Indiana Fever announced Sophie Cunningham will return for the 2026 season, following a strong 2025 showing that helped the team during Caitlin Clark’s absence, despite a late-season MCL tear. Cunningham shot 47% overall and 43% from three, underscoring her value as a sharpshooter and veteran presence as Indiana pursues another title.
Despite a high-powered offense, the Lakers are hamstrung by a weak defense—slow rotations and no rim protection—allowing the Suns to punish with a high-volume 3-point attack and a late run. The Big Three aren’t elevating the team into consistent winners, and with playoff positioning at stake, the season risks ending without the Hollywood ending the franchise hopes for.
UNC defeated Syracuse 87-77 in a game built on balanced scoring and solid defense, with Caleb Wilson leading the way at 22 points and a quartet of Tar Heels reaching double figures (including strong bench contributions from Veesaar, Powell, and Bogavac). The Heels shot well from three (8-for-18) and limited turnovers for most of the game, while forcing nine Syracuse turnovers in the first half and dominating points off turnovers. A late Syracuse surge trimmed the final margin after UNC had built a 32-point lead, and Carolina now faces a tougher slate, including a home meeting with Duke as ESPN’s College GameDay rolls into Chapel Hill.
Indiana snapped a four-game skid with an 82-59 win at Rutgers, riding a season-high 15-for-35 from three as it built a 47-32 halftime lead and cruised in the second half. Nick Dorn started in place of an injured Tayton Conway and dropped 23 points, going 6-for-10 from deep; Tucker DeVries added 22 with four 3-pointers; and Lamar Wilkerson scored 27 on efficient shooting. IU also limited turnovers to five and smothered Rutgers on the boards and at the free-throw line, using strong defense and perimeter shooting to pull away on the road.
UNC rode a perimeter eruption to a 91-69 victory over Notre Dame at the Smith Center, led by Caleb Wilson’s 22 points and 7 rebounds as eight Tar Heels hit 3-pointers. Wilson emphasized his work on the outside, while Hubert Davis praised getting the ball inside to generate good looks from beyond the arc. The balanced shooting and post-driven approach helped UNC post one of its best offensive efficiencies this season against a top-100 opponent, signaling potential for a more potent three-point attack.
The article ranks the top men's college basketball shooters for the 2025-26 season, highlighting players like Abdi Bashir Jr., Emanuel Sharp, and Braden Smith, emphasizing the importance of three-point shooting in modern college hoops and noting key transfers and emerging talents.
Louisville suffered an 86-63 loss to Ole Miss, struggling without key players like Kasean Pryor, Koren Johnson, and Aboubacar Traore. Despite the defeat, coach Pat Kelsey urges not to panic, citing the team's fatigue from recent games and the need to adjust to roster changes. Louisville's poor three-point shooting, ranking third-worst in the Power 4, remains a concern, though their two-point shooting is strong. The game highlighted defensive issues and opportunities for young players like James Scott and Khani Rooths to step up. Kelsey may need to consider strategic adjustments moving forward.
Florida guard Alijah Martin delivered a standout performance, scoring 32 points and hitting eight 3-pointers, as the 21st-ranked Gators defeated Southern Illinois 93-68. Martin's shooting prowess helped Florida achieve a season-best 41% from beyond the arc, tying a home-floor record with 39 attempts. The Gators, now 6-0, matched their best season start in over a decade, despite some defensive lapses. Martin's performance was supported by sophomore forward Thomas Haugh, who added 19 points and nine rebounds.
Koby Brea shone in Kentucky's 108-59 victory over Jackson State, scoring a career-high 22 points and hitting five of eight three-pointers, boosting his season three-point percentage to 74.1%. Brea, who was previously a star at Dayton, has quickly adapted to playing at Rupp Arena, a venue he admired during a Drake concert visit. His performance is part of Kentucky's record-breaking streak of making at least 10 three-pointers in five consecutive games. Coach Mark Pope praised the unique appeal of Kentucky basketball and the players' collective dream of success.
The Boston Celtics defeated the previously undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers 120-117, showcasing their dominant start to the NBA season with a focus on analytics-driven play and three-point shooting. Despite criticism for their perceived monotonous style, the Celtics' approach has proven effective, leading to a 12-3 record. Jayson Tatum led the team with 33 points, while Al Horford and Derrick White contributed significantly. The Celtics' victory ended the Cavs' 15-0 streak, emphasizing their business-minded strategy and defensive prowess.
The Virginia Cavaliers basketball team is off to a strong start with a 3-0 record, including a win over Villanova, which is more notable for Villanova's struggles than UVA's performance. The Cavaliers are focusing on a perimeter-based offense, with a significant increase in three-point attempts. Concerns exist about TJ Power's defensive capabilities, while Cofie shows potential but isn't yet NBA-ready. The team is experimenting with lineups, and the return of Christian Bliss remains uncertain due to injuries.