Clemson vs McNeese: NCAA 2025 Basketball Upset
The McNeese Cowboys shocked everyone by beating the Clemson Tigers in the NCAA 2025 basketball tournament. They won 69-67 in the round of 64. This win will be remembered for a long time.
The Cowboys’ amazing play in the first half was key. They built a 24-point lead early on. This win shows how determined and skilled the Cowboys are.
Fans are excited to see what’s next for the Cowboys. They can’t wait to see more of their talent.
Key Takeaways
- The McNeese Cowboys defeated the Clemson Tigers with a final score of 69-67 in the NCAA 2025 basketball tournament round of 64.
- The Cowboys built a 24-point lead during the game, with Clemson trailing by as many as 24 points.
- McNeese State’s Brandon Murray scored 14 of his 21 points in the first half, helping his team secure a 31-13 lead at halftime.
- The victory marked McNeese State’s first NCAA Division I tournament win in program history.
- The school’s president noted a 10% increase in applications for the fall semester following the victory, highlighting the significant impact of this win on the school’s profile.
- The McNeese Upset Win NCAA 2025 Basketball Round 64 has inspired fans and demonstrated the team’s future success.
Overview of the McNeese Upset Win Against Clemson
The McNeese basketball team won against Clemson in a thrilling game. They used strong defense to get the win. This NCAA basketball upset was the Cowboys’ first NCAA tournament victory. It was a big win because of the team’s great performance.
The Cowboys held the Tigers to just 13 points in the first half. This showed their strong defense. The game showed the team’s determination and skill.
Brandon Murray scored 21 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. The Cowboys’ defense was tight, and their offense was good. They scored 44 out of 69 points in the paint.
The McNeese basketball victory was a result of hard work and dedication. It inspired their fans. The win showed that anything can happen in the NCAA tournament.
The Cowboys’ victory was a big moment in the tournament. It will be remembered for years to come.
Pre-Game Expectations for Clemson
As the Clemson vs McNeese game started, everyone thought Clemson would win. Clemson had a great season record of 27-7. But McNeese Cowboys had a surprise plan.
The Cowboys’ defense was very good, allowing only 64 points on average. This made them the 16th best defense in the country.
The Tigers had players like Chase Hunter, who scored 16.4 points per game. But the Cowboys’ defense was too strong. They kept the Tigers to just 13 points in the first half.
This March Madness 2025 upset was a big change in the game. The Cowboys’ win was a huge upset in the tournament.
Here are some key stats about the Cowboys’ game:
- McNeese finished the season with a record of 27-6
- McNeese had a 22-1 record in their last 23 games
- McNeese’s defense allows an average of 64 points per game, ranking 16th nationally
McNeese Basketball Season Insights
The McNeese Cowboys had a great season. They won against Clemson, their first March Madness win in four tries. This underdog McNeese win showed the team’s hard work and talent, led by Brandon Murray.
The Cowboys had a 28-6 record. They showed they could face and beat challenges. Their coach, Will Wade, used a strong defense to hold opponents to just 13 points in the first half.
The team is ready for new challenges, like facing 4th-seeded Purdue in the NCAA Tournament. Their underdog McNeese win is fresh in their minds. They’re inspired to make a big impact in the tournament.
For more NCAA Tournament news, visit NCAA Tournament updates. Stay updated on the latest news and scores.
Game Day: Setting the Scene
The day of the NCAA tournament upset had arrived. McNeese was set to face Clemson in the first round of March Madness 2025. The venue buzzed with fans from both teams, all excited to see the game.
As the teams warmed up, the air was filled with excitement. Everyone could feel the anticipation. Pre-game interviews gave a peek into the teams’ plans and hopes.
McNeese’s coach, Will Wade, was confident in his team. Clemson’s coach, Brad Brownell, was worried about the Cowboys’ defense. The stage was set for a thrilling game, with the winner moving on.
When the game started, fans cheered loudly. The McNeese Cowboys aimed to upset Clemson. Could they do it? The answer would soon be clear in an epic battle.

The Game’s Turning Points
The game between Clemson and McNeese had key moments. A 19-2 run by the Cowboys in the first half gave them a big lead. This was a big change in the NCAA 2025 basketball tournament.
Key Plays That Defined the Match
Brandon Murray scored 21 points for the Cowboys. They scored 44 points from the paint. Both teams made important plays as the game went on.
Momentum Shifts During the Game
McNeese’s lead grew to 20 points in the second half. But Clemson came back, making the game close. The Cowboys forced 10 turnovers in the first half.
Clutch Performances Under Pressure
The game showed how teams can do well under pressure. McNeese won 69-67, thanks to their clutch plays. This was McNeese’s first win in the Division I men’s NCAA Tournament.
Analysis of McNeese’s Strategy
The McNeese Cowboys’ strategy was key in their McNeese Upset Win NCAA 2025 Basketball Round 64 against Clemson. They used a strong defense to hold the Tigers to just 13 points in the first half. This gave them a 24-point lead.
This defense, led by Coach Will Wade, aimed to stop the Tigers’ offense. It also helped the Cowboys score more.
Offensive Tactics Used
The Cowboys’ offense was also strong. Players like Chris Shumate made big plays. Shumate scored 13 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.
The team scored 44 points in the paint and got 18 offensive rebounds. These were key to their win.
Defensive Adjustments Made
The Cowboys’ defense was the best part of their plan. They held Clemson to just 13 points in the first half. This was a season low for Clemson.
This defense showed the team’s hard work and skill. It led to the NCAA basketball upset of the tournament.
Reactions from Players and Coaches
The NCAA tournament upset McNeese victory over Clemson shocked everyone. Players and coaches from both teams had strong reactions. The March Madness 2025 upset will be remembered for years, showing the game’s emotional depth.
Post-Game Reflections
Clemson’s players were sad but said McNeese State played better. McNeese State’s players were thrilled, celebrating their big win. Coach Will Wade said his team did amazingly well, setting records.
Celebration and Response
McNeese State’s victory excited their fans. The team’s success brought in $25 million in ads. The school’s website crashed at the final buzzer, showing how popular they were.
Comments from Coaches
Coach Brad Brownell of Clemson praised McNeese State’s skill. Coach Will Wade of McNeese State was proud of his team’s hard work. The March Madness 2025 upset will affect both teams, with McNeese State facing No. 4 Purdue next.
Implications for NCAA Tournament
The McNeese Cowboys beat the Clemson Tigers, which changes the NCAA 2025 basketball tournament. The Cowboys will now play the Purdue Boilermakers. The Tigers had big hopes for the tournament but lost.
This win affects other teams too. They must change their plans because of the Cowboys. Some important stats and trends to watch are:
- The Big Ten has won all 8 first-round games, with 8 teams in the tournament.
- The SEC got 14 bids and has a 8-6 record so far.
- The ACC has 4 bids and a 2-3 record.
The Cowboys’ next games will be tough. But beating the Clemson Tigers gave them confidence. The NCAA 2025 basketball tournament is getting more exciting. The March Madness 2025 will keep surprising us, making it fun for everyone.
Statistical Summary of the Game
The Clemson vs McNeese game was exciting. The McNeese Cowboys won 69-67. This game had many key stats and standout player performances.
Some important stats from the game include:
- Brandon Murray led with 21 points for McNeese.
- Quadir Copeland had 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists.
- Christian Shumate got a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
The Cowboys got more rebounds, 41-34. They also had fewer turnovers, 12 to Clemson’s 18.
The Clemson vs McNeese game was a big upset. It will be remembered for its thrilling end and great player performances.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The NCAA tournament upset McNeese has made a big splash on social media. Fans and experts are talking about the game’s outcome. When the news of the March Madness 2025 upset came out, fans went to Twitter to share their shock and joy.
The game was all over Twitter, with many hashtags used to talk about it. Fans and experts were amazed by McNeese’s game. They praised their defense and how determined they were. The upset win has started a lot of conversations on social media. Some of the top reactions include:
- Surprise and shock at the unexpected upset
- Praise for McNeese’s defense and determination
- Disappointment and frustration from Clemson fans
The March Madness 2025 tournament has been full of surprises. The NCAA tournament upset McNeese is just one of the many exciting moments. As the tournament goes on, fans can look forward to more thrilling games and unexpected upsets. The buzz on social media is expected to keep going, with fans and experts sharing their thoughts and reactions on the games.
Historical Context: Upsets in NCAA History
The McNeese Upset Win NCAA 2025 Basketball Round 64 is not alone in NCAA history. Many underdog teams have won big against top teams. This shows the NCAA tournament is full of surprises.
There are many NCAA basketball upsets in history. These show that even the smallest teams can win big. It’s a true David vs. Goliath story, where hard work can lead to victory.
Previous Major Upsets in NCAA Tournament
The UMBC Retrievers beat the Virginia Cavaliers in 2018. This was the first time a No. 16 seed beat a No. 1 seed. The McNeese Upset Win NCAA 2025 Basketball Round 64 also made history, with McNeese Cowboys beating Clemson Tigers 69-67.
Comparison to Other Shocking Wins
In 2023, only five double-digit seeds won in the round of 64. This is the fewest wins by double-digit seeds in 16 years. The McNeese Upset Win NCAA 2025 Basketball Round 64 shows underdogs can win big.
Lessons Learned from These Games
These upsets teach us a lot. They show that anything can happen in the NCAA tournament. Even the biggest underdogs can win with skill, strategy, and determination. Looking back, NCAA basketball upsets are a big part of the tournament’s excitement.
Looking Ahead: Future Matchups
The NCAA 2025 basketball tournament has been exciting. The March Madness 2025 upset of Clemson by McNeese has fans excited for more. Teams will need to come together and focus for their next games.
McNeese faces the Purdue Boilermakers next. This game will be very intense. McNeese’s strong defense and rebounding will face Purdue’s powerful offense.
Clemson will have to get ready for next season. They have many players coming back. This experience will help them for the future. The NCAA 2025 basketball tournament is full of surprises, like the March Madness 2025 upset.
Fans can look forward to more exciting games and surprises. The path to the championship is tough. But teams like McNeese and Purdue are ready for the challenge. Each game brings higher stakes and more determination.
Conclusion: The Legacy of This Game
The McNeese Cowboys’ win over Clemson Tigers will be remembered for a long time. This Clemson vs McNeese game showed that even the smallest teams can win big. The Cowboys are now ready for more challenges in the tournament.
This win will change the season for many teams. Teams like McNeese and Drake, who beat Missouri, show that surprises can happen. Fans will see more exciting games and surprises, thanks to this NCAA basketball upset.
As the tournament goes on, this game will inspire teams to do their best. It shows that every game is a chance to make history. The Clemson vs McNeese game will be seen as a symbol of determination and the surprise of the NCAA basketball upset.
FAQ
What was the final score of the McNeese Cowboys vs Clemson Tigers game in the NCAA 2025 basketball tournament?
The McNeese Cowboys won with a score of 69-67.
What was the key factor that contributed to the McNeese Cowboys’ upset win over the Clemson Tigers?
The Cowboys’ strong defense was key. They kept the Tigers to just 13 points in the first half.
How did the Clemson Tigers perform in the second half of the game?
The Tigers fought back in the second half. But the Cowboys won 69-67.
What was the significance of the McNeese Cowboys’ win over the Clemson Tigers?
It was the Cowboys’ first NCAA tournament win. It was a big upset in the 2025 tournament.
Who was the coach of the McNeese Cowboys during their upset win over the Clemson Tigers?
Coach Will Wade led the Cowboys to victory.
What were the pre-game expectations for the Clemson Tigers?
Everyone thought the Tigers would easily beat the Cowboys. They had a strong season with a 27-7 record.
How did the McNeese Cowboys’ coaching staff employ their defensive strategy?
Coach Wade and his team used a defense plan. They made key substitutions to stop the Tigers’ offense.
What was the reaction of the players and coaches from both teams to the game’s outcome?
The Tigers were sad about losing. The Cowboys were thrilled, with Coach Wade saying they broke all records.
What are the implications of the McNeese Cowboys’ upset win for the NCAA tournament?
The Cowboys move on to face the Purdue Boilermakers. The Tigers face a setback, having high hopes for the tournament.
How did the McNeese Cowboys’ upset win generate buzz on social media?
The game was all over Twitter. Fans and analysts were talking about the Cowboys’ amazing win.
Where does the McNeese Cowboys’ upset win rank in the history of NCAA tournament upsets?
It’s one of the biggest upsets in NCAA history. It joins the UMBC Retrievers’ win over the Virginia Cavaliers in 2018.
What’s next for the McNeese Cowboys and the Clemson Tigers?
The Cowboys will play the Purdue Boilermakers next. The Tigers will regroup and look forward to next season.
Source Links
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- Teams on Upset Alert on Day 3 of 2025 Men’s March Madness – https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25174153-teams-upset-alert-day-3-2025-mens-march-madness
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- McNeese State stuns Clemson for first upset of March Madness 2025 – https://www.nbcsports.com/mens-college-basketball/news/mcneese-state-stuns-clemson-for-first-upset-of-march-madness-2025
- 3 things you need to know about Clemson basketball’s first-round opponent, McNeese – https://rubbingtherock.com/3-things-you-need-to-know-about-clemson-basketball-s-first-round-opponent-mcneese-01jpnbepmdg6
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- Will Wade’s impending departure a price McNeese is happy to pay for revived basketball program – https://www.thescore.com/ncaab/news/3247004
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- Where’s the March Madness? Making sense of the NCAA Tournament’s Cinderella shortage – https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6222948/2025/03/22/march-madness-upsets-ncaa-tournament-history/
- 12 seeds to beat a 5: McNeese State joins exclusive list with wire-to-wire win vs. Clemson | Sporting News – https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/12-seeds-upset-5-mcneese-state-clemson-march-madness/34c66136f5970ed8beeb2d00
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- McNeese State – https://www.kplctv.com/sports/ncaa/mcneese-state/
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