In an unexpected turn of events, McNeese State pulled off a historic upset against Clemson in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament on Thursday, March 20. The game ended in a dramatic 69-67 victory for the 14th-seeded McNeese State Cowboys, marking their first-ever win in the NCAA Tournament and sending shockwaves through the basketball world.
Clemson entered the matchup as the 3rd seed in their region, with high expectations to advance deep into the tournament. However, McNeese State, the underdog, came out strong from the tip-off, defying predictions and taking the fight to the higher-seeded Tigers. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times throughout the contest. McNeese’s defense was stifling, and their offense executed with poise, especially in the final minutes.
With less than two minutes remaining in the game, Clemson led by two points, seemingly poised to secure the victory. However, McNeese remained calm under pressure, capitalizing on a critical turnover from the Tigers and a clutch three-pointer from sophomore guard Michael Dunlap, which gave McNeese the lead with just 30 seconds left. Clemson had one final possession to reclaim the game, but their attempt fell short, as McNeese secured the rebound and ran out the clock.
The victory was a testament to McNeese State’s grit and determination. This was the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance, and they proved they belonged among the elite, handling the pressure with remarkable poise. For Clemson, the loss was a heartbreaking blow, as they were heavily favored to advance. However, the Tigers’ inability to execute in the closing moments was their downfall.
If you missed the live broadcast of this thrilling matchup, you can catch up on the highlights through various platforms. Witness the intense final moments and McNeese’s historic victory over Clemson in what many are already calling one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
