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McNeese State Defies Expectations Against Clemson
In a breathtaking display of determination, McNeese State pulled off an upset against No. 5 Clemson, turning what appeared to be a guaranteed victory into a heart-stopping finish. The 12th-seeded Cowboys showcased their skills on Thursday, building a commanding 24-point lead before ultimately securing a 69-67 win.
Dominant First Half by McNeese
The game began with McNeese establishing its dominance early. With an impressive offense, the Cowboys secured 31 points in the first half while containing Clemson to just 13 points. The Tigers struggled to find their rhythm, shooting only 1-for-15 from beyond the arc. This stark contrast set the stage for an electrifying second half.
Clemson’s Fightback
As the second half commenced, McNeese surged to a 40-16 lead just five minutes in, driven by Brandon Murray’s three-pointer that extended their advantage to 51-29 with 8:07 remaining. However, Clemson refused to concede. The Tigers launched a furious comeback, fueled by their relentless spirit, that propelled them on a 38-18 run.
Building Tension as the Clock Ticked Down
Despite leading by 12 points with less than a minute on the clock, McNeese found itself under immense pressure as Clemson sank four consecutive three-pointers, narrowing the deficit to just three points with 12 seconds left on the clock. This remarkable stretch transformed the game from a comfortable win into a nail-biting thriller.
With the pressure mounting, McNeese’s Javohn Garcis stepped up to the free-throw line. He managed to connect with one of two attempts, making the score 69-65. As the Tiger’s final attempt fell short following a layup, the game concluded, marking McNeese’s significant triumph.
Historical Significance of the Victory
This matchup marked the first major upset of the tournament, with McNeese State securing its inaugural NCAA tournament win. Earlier in the day, No. 9 Creighton had also claimed victory over No. 8 Louisville, but upsets of this magnitude — a 12 beating a 5 — rarely occur in the March Madness milieu.
Next Steps for McNeese
Following their exhilarating victory, McNeese set its sights on the next challenge: facing No. 4 Purdue, which had defeated No. 13 High Point earlier in the day. While High Point made a valiant effort initially, Purdue maintained control to secure their advancement.
Coaching Changes Add Drama
Adding to the pre-game hype, McNeese’s head coach Will Wade revealed he had reached an agreement to become the next head coach at N.C. State following the season’s end. Wade is a former Clemson player, and he candidly discussed his conversations with N.C. State officials on the day of the tournament.
In his discussions with players, Wade emphasized transparency regarding his potential transition, reassuring them of his commitment during the tournament. For now, however, success with McNeese remains his top priority.
A Game to Remember
This electrifying encounter not only showcased McNeese’s ability to hold off a last-minute rally but also underscored the unpredictable nature of March Madness. Fans are left eagerly anticipating the next round, where the Cowboys strive to continue their surprising journey through the tournament.
As March Madness unfolds, the storied tradition of upsets and unexpected triumphs continues. McNeese State’s remarkable victory over Clemson will certainly be a highlight as fans look forward to further exciting developments in this annual basketball spectacle.
