#12 McNeese State vs #5 Clemson NCAAB Pick: A 12-5 Clash With Upset Potential (Mar 20)

• McNeese State clinched a 75-68 victory over Southeastern Louisiana.
• Clemson suffered a narrow 72-70 defeat to Louisville in the ACC Tourney semifinals.
• This will be the first meeting in school history between these two programs.

The McNeese State Cowboys and the Clemson Tigers are set to face off in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Mar. 20, at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island. This 5-vs-12 matchup is often ripe for upsets, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this contest. Both teams have had impressive seasons, and this game promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Cowboys Earned Their Bid

The Cowboys enter the tournament with a 27-6 record, having secured the Southland Conference title. Their offense averages 74.5 points per game, while their defense allows 68.2 points per game.

The Cowboys are battle tested facing ranked opponents such as Alabama and Mississippi State, falling to both within single digits but remaining resilient.

Key players include senior guard Marcus Jones, who leads the team in scoring with 18.3 points per game, and junior forward Alex Thompson, averaging 8.5 rebounds per game.

To pull off an upset, McNeese State will need to maintain their defensive intensity and capitalize on fast-break opportunities. This is their first matchup with Clemson in school history.

Tigers Roar Into the Tourney

Clemson boasts a 27-6 record, finishing second in the ACC. The Tigers average 76.8 points per game and allow 65.9 points per game. Coming in second after losing to Louisville on a controversial no call finish.

Standout players include senior guard Chase Hunter, averaging 16.2 points per game, and sophomore forward PJ Hall, contributing 7.8 rebounds per game. Clemson’s strategy will focus on leveraging their offensive strengths and maintaining defensive pressure to disrupt McNeese State’s rhythm.

McNeese State Cowboys vs Clemson Tigers Pick

Clemson enters the game as a 7.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 134.5 points. While the Tigers have the edge on paper, the Cowboys have shown resilience and the ability to compete at a high level. Given the potential for upsets in 5-vs-12 matchups, McNeese State covering the spread is a plausible outcome. However, Clemson’s experience and depth may ultimately secure them the victory. Clemson may be too big of a mountain for McNeese State to climb.