Antoine Davis was missing a triple to the horn to tie “Pistol” Pete Maravich for the NCAA all-time points record.
In their quarterfinal matchup against Youngstown State, Detroit-Mercy’s star guard Antoine Davis saw double-teams for virtually the entire game. He battled through the night as it was apparent Youngstown State was willing to let someone else send them home.
As underdogs in the game, the Titans held the lead for much of the game, even leading by seven with ten minutes to go. Scoring just 7 points in the first half, Davis would eventually see some shots drop in the second half, finishing the game with 22 points on 7-25 shooting.
Throughout the season, Davis has been very grateful for his position in college basketball history. He echoed similar sentiments tonight. “It’s just a special feeling. I don’t take any of this for granted at all. I am thankful for this. Blessed. I still feel like I’m the best scorer of my generation. No one can take that away from me.”
Also, notably, Davis fell three three-point field goals short of Steph Curry’s single-season record. (Liberty’s Darius McGhee remains a threat to break this record, with 148, 14 behind Curry’s record.)
Can Antoine Davis still break this long-standing record?
Davis’s hopes aren’t quite dead yet. The College Basketball Invitational, or CBI, could extend an invite to Detroit-Mercy. “I would love to play CBI, NIT, something,” Davis said. “Not even for the record, just to come out with a better grade.” His coach and father, Mike Davis, said: “If they want to play, we’ll play. If they don’t want to play and it’s time to move on, we won’t play.”
Although he fell short of tonight’s record, Antoine Davis’ incredible run should be celebrated. Detroit-Mercy retired his number after their final game of the regular season. He will likely be enshrined as a member of the College Basketball Hall of Fame. When asked about his basketball career at Detroit-Mercy, Davis commented on how special he was. “I had the opportunity to play for my dad. He was a couple of points off the record. God knows what he is doing.
The discourse surrounding Davis’ march towards the all-time scoring record has detractors. Some are quick to point out that the additional year of COVID Davis received gave him an advantage. Plus, Maravich pegged his career total at a ridiculous three seasons. However, Maravich averaged nearly eighteen more shots per game in his career than Davis.
Davis has his eyes on the NBA. Asked what he can provide at the next level, Davis said: “They’re going to get a great shooter and, in my opinion, a scorer, and just someone who listens and knows the game. Most importantly, I am someone with a chip on my shoulder.”
Regardless of where Davis ends up next, he has made his mark on the sport as one of the greatest scorers in history.
The rest of the Horizon League Championship can be bet on at BetOnline.ag!
