Clemson Tigers Secure No. 5 Seed, Set for March Madness Showdown with McNeese State

Chase Hunter and Viktor Lakhin moves up the court in Littlejohn Coliseum on February 8, 2025, as the Tigers defeated the Duke Blue Devils, 77-71. (Photo By Charles Mays/Tiger View Media)

The Clemson Tigers men's basketball team has secured the No. 5 seed in the Midwest Region for the upcoming NCAA Tournament and is slated to face the No. 12 seed, McNeese State, in the first round on Thursday in Providence, Rhode Island. This selection marks Clemson's 15th appearance in the NCAA Tournament, with their most recent coming last season, where they advanced to the Elite Eight for just the second time in school history.

Throughout the 2024-2025 season, the Tigers have demonstrated exceptional performances. A notable highlight was their 77-71 victory over No. 2-ranked Duke on February 8, 2025, at Littlejohn Coliseum, handing Duke their first and only conference loss of the season.

Key players have significantly contributed to Clemson's success. Senior guard Chase Hunter leads the team with an average of 16.4 points per game, showcasing his scoring prowess. Senior forward Ian Schieffelin has been dominant in the paint, averaging 9.4 rebounds and 12.8 points per game. Senior center Viktor Lakhin adds a strong presence with averages of 11.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. ​Jaeden Zackery, has been a pivotal contributor during the season, averaging 11.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. Defensively, Zackery has showcased his smothering trait by averaging 2.1 steals per game, ranking him among the top defenders nationally.

With a strong core of experienced players and an impressive track record this season, the No. 5 seed Clemson Tigers are poised to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Their resilience, talent, and ability to rise to the occasion, highlighted by their statement win over Duke, make them a formidable opponent in the Midwest Region. As they prepare to face McNeese State, the Tigers carry the momentum and determination needed to chase another historic tournament run. With their sights set on success, Clemson fans have every reason to be optimistic about what lies ahead in March Madness.

Quick View On McNeese State

McNeese State has been one of the top mid-major stories this season, rolling through the Southland Conference with an explosive offense and hard-nosed defense. Under Clemson alum, head coach Will Wade, the Cowboys have leaned on guards Javohn Garcia, who averages 12.9 points per game, and Sincere Parker, averaging 12.1 points per game. Christian Shumate anchors the inside with 10.5 points per game and 6.3 rebounds per game. Shumate also has plenty of defensive stats, with 42 blocks and 23 steals this season. With a deep roster and plenty of experience, McNeese has the pieces to be a dangerous matchup.