Brayden Shorter has been impressive this year for Washburn men’s basketball. Throughout the season, he has shown his ability to create shots and get to the rim. In the biggest game to date, Shorter erupted for a team-high 18 points in Washburn’s 90-78 win over Lenoir-Rhyne in the Sweet 16.
Shorter scored 9 points in the first three minutes of the game. He knocked down two triples and hit three free-throws after being fouled on a 3-point attempt.
It was the perfect start for Shorter, whose confidence continued to grow throughout the game. He ended the game hitting 5 of 10 from behind the 3-point line. He also added four rebounds and three assists in the win.
“Seeing the first free-throws go in definitely helped just to see a couple shots go in early,” Shorter said. “I am just trying to do what I can to help the team.”
Washburn basketball: Ichabods advance to Final 4 for 1st time since 2001
After his big performance, the sophomore from Springfield, Mo., holds the NCAA Division II lead for most 3-pointers this year.
Shorter has hit 118 3-point field goals, which is four more than anyone else in the country. The three remaining teams in the national tournament do not have a 3-point shooter near Shorter’s mark. When asked about his 3-point shooting after the Elite 8 victory, head coach Brett Ballard intervened.
“He wakes up ready to shoot,” Ballard said with a smile.
Barring an outrageous final two games from another player, Shorter will end the season with the most 3-pointers made in the nation. He has also attempted the most 3-pointers in the country this season, too.
Shorter is 118-for-314, which is good enough for 38% from behind the arc.
Liam Keating covers high school sports for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Washburn’s Brayden Shorter leads the country in this statistic
