The No. 5 seed in the Midwest Region Clemson Tigers(27-6) are gearing up to face the No. 12 seed McNeese Cowboys(27-6) in the 1st Round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. These teams are set to face off in Providence, Rhode Island Thursday afternoon. Clemson is looking to build upon a trip to the Elite 8 in last year’s tournament.
McNeese State has qualified for the NCAA Tournament two consecutive seasons for the first time in program history under Head Coach Will Wade. Following an unceremonious firing from LSU, Wade has revitalized his career with the team. Will the Cowboys pull off another 12/5 upset in the opening round?
Clemson Season Summary
The Tigers finished second in the ACC during the regular season. They lost in the semifinal of the conference tournament to Louisville. Clemson’s offense has been strong. They are 107th in points per game, 82nd in field goal percentage, and 37th in three-point percentage.
The team has been paced by its defense this season. They are 26th in points allowed, 113th in opposing field goal percentage, and 95th in opposing three-point percentage. Clemson’s leading scorer is Guard Chase Hunter. Forward Ian Schieffelin is 18th in the league in rebounding.
McNeese Season Summary
The team was dominant this season in the Southland Conference. They are also as hot as any team in the country with 11 straight wins. The Cowboys have a good offense. They are 89th in points per game, 35th in field goal percentage, and 74th in three-point percentage.
McNeese has also had a great defense. They are 16th in points allowed, 23rd in opposing field goal percentage, and 89th in opposing three-point percentage. Guard Javohn Garcia is the team’s leading scorer. The team is well balanced on offense with five players averaging 10+ points.
Final Thoughts
McNeese is the better team on paper, but that is not where this contest will be played. Clemson will have to rely on their experience against top-flight teams. They are 5-3 in Quad 1. McNeese is 0-2 in that scenario. The Cowboys will need their offense and defense to play up to their potential to pull off this slight upset. College basketball fans will settle in for a great game between Clemson and McNeese State on Thursday.
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