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NBA enthusiast Jaren Barajas clinches the MrBeast $100,000 Challenge at the last moment, making a 3-pointer just before Damian Lillard could score his three.

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SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Jaren Barajas, now a busy 18-year-old college student, only shoots hoops in his backyard once a month. His academic commitments have taken precedence over his basketball passion.

On Sunday night, with millions watching, Barajas pulled off a stunning victory over Milwaukee Bucks superstar Damian Lillard in a thrilling 3-point shootout during the All-Star Game, earning himself $100,000.

“This is incredibly meaningful for me; it will significantly assist my family and my future,” he remarked. “I hope it helps cover my education expenses, and it definitely will.”

While Lillard aimed to land three long-distance shots, Barajas only needed one. As the clock ran down and Lillard missed his final chance, Barajas seized the moment and confidently made his shot.

Using the backboard, just as his father had taught him: aim for the glass. It was either his sixth or seventh attempt; neither Jaren nor his dad could remember exactly.

“With only 30 seconds on the clock, I recalled my dad’s advice about using the backboard,” Jaren noted. “That’s precisely what I needed to do to make it go in.”

Surprisingly, he wasn’t originally slated to attend the game, even though Jaren had been dreaming of it since Chase Center was chosen as the 2025 venue for the NBA midpoint spectacle.

“I was completely taken aback when I received the tickets yesterday; I had no idea I was going to the game. This experience is surreal for me,” Jaren expressed. “I’m extremely thankful.”

His father, Michael Barajas, kept an eye on ticket prices and finally found an affordable option on Saturday. He surprised Jaren with the great news.

They arrived early at the arena from their East Bay home in Oakley, and by a stroke of luck, Jaren was asked if he wanted to participate in the competition. The father-son duo couldn’t believe their luck, and Michael fought back emotions afterward.

“He was eager to attend the game, but ticket prices were high. I monitored prices until I found one I could afford, and once I did, I bought them and surprised him yesterday,” Michael Barajas shared. “I still can’t believe we’re here, but I’m glad I did it. He deserves this, and I’m proud of him.”

Former Warriors player Baron Davis stopped by to congratulate Jaren, while numerous fans cheered and requested photos with him.

“That was incredible—an amazing, clutch performance at the buzzer, just like Steph Curry,” Davis said with a big smile. “Right here in the Bay Area. This guy deserves his winnings.”

The NBA announced a $50,000 donation to Lillard’s newly launched scholarship fund, which supports nine high schools in the East Bay, along with another $50,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland and San Francisco.

Michael Barajas, who describes himself as “semi-retired,” is aware that the prize money will not only aid in his son’s college expenses but also provide Jaren an opportunity to give back.

The teenager is a freshman studying business at Los Medanos College, a two-year institution in Pittsburg.

“It feels like pure luck, meant to be; I can hardly believe it,” Michael reflected.

As for Jaren, he was still trying to grasp the extraordinary experience he had just lived.

“I just defeated Damian Lillard.”

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