Busting Brackets
Fansided

NCAA Basketball: The last decade’s most random 40-point scorers

By Nathan Dillon

SYRACUSE, NY - FEBRUARY 23: General view of the seat reserved for head coach Jim Boeheim of the Syracuse Orange prior to the game against the Duke Blue Devils at the Carrier Dome on February 23, 2019 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images)
SYRACUSE, NY - FEBRUARY 23: General view of the seat reserved for head coach Jim Boeheim of the Syracuse Orange prior to the game against the Duke Blue Devils at the Carrier Dome on February 23, 2019 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
NCAA Basketball
Mike James NCAA Basketball Lamar Cardinals (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Mike James (Lamar): 52 Points

Some hardcore basketball fans might recognize Mike James’ name. The point guard had a productive 2-year career at Lamar, followed by a pit stop in the NBA. At face value, it’s not surprising that a future NBA player broke 40 points for a mid-major college team – but looking a bit deeper, James had one of the most random scoring outbursts in recent memory.

In his eighth game at Lamar, during a season (2010-11) in which he averaged a modest 12 points per game, James put up 52 points.

Off the bench.

In just 28 minutes.

James wasted no time or opportunities during this game.  In 28 minutes of game time, he launched 35 shots, 21 of which were threes.  If you tried to do this in a video game, the A.I. coach would bench you after a few possessions!  Somehow, James also had 3 assists, but from looking at the box score, there’s no way he passed the ball 3 times.

Lamar outscored Louisiana College 70-26 in the second half. It’s no secret that James was the reason for this blowout.

The following year, James averaged 17 points per game and led Lamar to the NCAA Tournament.  Since then, James has enjoyed an 8-year professional career that includes a brief stint with the Phoenix Suns.

It’s time to give Mike James his due recognition: dropping a 50-burger off the bench makes for one of the greatest “heat check” games in college basketball history.

Home/NCAA Basketball News