Clemson vs. McNeese State: Breaking Down the First-Round Matchup

Jaeden Zackery plays intense defense against Pitt's Jaland Lowe, during Clemson's 78-75 win on January 18, 2025, at the Petersen Events Center, Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo By Charles Mays/Tiger View Media)

Clemson opens NCAA Tournament play against McNeese State on Thursday at 3:15 p.m. ET. The Cowboys have been one of the best mid-major teams this season, rolling through the Southland Conference under head coach Will Wade, the 2025 Southland Men's Basketball Coach of the Year and a Clemson alum. With an explosive offense and aggressive defense, McNeese will look to make a statement against the Tigers.

McNeese State at a Glance

• Conference: Southland (Champions)

• Record: 25-6

• NET Ranking: 58

• Neutral Site Record: 4-3

• Quad 1 Record: 0-2

Key Players to Watch

McNeese is led by Javohn Garcia (12.9 PPG), a Lou Henson Award finalist recognizing the nation’s top mid-major player. Sincere Parker (12.1 PPG) adds scoring depth, while Christian Shumate (10.5 PPG, 6.3 RPG) provides size and defensive presence, racking up 42 blocks and 22 steals this season. The Cowboys are experienced and deep, making them a tough out in March.

McNeese’s Defensive Identity

McNeese hangs its hat on defense, ranking 16th nationally in scoring defense (64.0 PPG allowed). They’re aggressive, forcing 14 turnovers per game (31st in the country) and averaging 9 steals per contest (23rd nationally). They create chaos without fouling, making them a disruptive defensive unit.

Clemson’s Edge: Battle-Tested and Balanced

Clemson enters the tournament after a grueling ACC slate, finishing 27-6 overall and 18-2 in ACC play, proving they can compete at a high level.

Offensive Efficiency

The Tigers score 76.3 PPG, shooting 46.5% from the field, both better marks than McNeese. They also connect on 37.2% from three, making them dangerous from deep.

Defensive Prowess

Clemson doesn’t just score, they defend. They hold opponents to 65.7 PPG and a 42.7% field goal percentage, showing they can clamp down when needed.

Rebounding and Ball Control

With a +3 rebounding margin, the Tigers control the glass, limiting second-chance points. They also protect the ball, averaging just 10.5 turnovers per game, which will be key against McNeese’s pressure defense.

Why Clemson Will Take Care of Business

McNeese has dominated the Southland, but Clemson is a different level of competition. The Cowboys are 0-2 in Quad 1 matchups, showing their struggles against top-tier teams. Meanwhile, Clemson’s depth and experience should overcome McNeese's efforts.

Even without Dillon Hunter, the Tigers have plenty of firepower. Chase Hunter, Jaeden Zackery, and Victor Lakhin provide balanced scoring and defensive intensity. Ian Schieffelin, despite battling a back injury all season, remains a key inside presence. This team knows what’s at stake and won’t go down easily.

McNeese looks solid on paper, but numbers don’t win tournament games, execution does. Expect Brad Brownell’s squad to be locked in and ready to advance.