McNeese State Pulls March Madness Upset with Men’s NCAA Tournament Defeat of Clemson

March Madness is known for its unpredictability, where upsets and Cinderella stories are an essential part of the tournament’s charm. However, few upsets in recent history were as shocking as McNeese State’s stunning defeat of No. 5 seed Clemson in the 2025 Men’s NCAA Tournament. McNeese, a program with limited tournament experience and a modest reputation in the world of college basketball, found itself at the center of one of the tournament’s most unexpected and dramatic moments.

For Clemson, a team that had entered the tournament with high hopes and aspirations of advancing deep into the bracket, the loss was a crushing blow. The Tigers, boasting a talented roster with several key players ready for a tournament run, looked out of sync and outmatched against a McNeese team that was playing with a chip on its shoulder. As the game progressed, it became clear that McNeese wasn’t just happy to be there—they came to win, and they weren’t about to let a higher-seeded Clemson team stand in their way. What unfolded on the court that day in the opening round was one of the most shocking results in March Madness history.

This article will explore how McNeese State pulled off the monumental upset, analyze the factors that contributed to Clemson’s stunning defeat, and look ahead to what this result means for both programs going forward.

Setting the Stage: Clemson’s High Hopes and McNeese’s Underdog Status

Clemson entered the 2025 NCAA Tournament as the No. 5 seed, a position that came with considerable expectations. The Tigers had posted an impressive regular-season record, finishing near the top of the ACC standings and earning the respect of national pundits. With stars like guard Chase Hunter and forward PJ Hall, who had both been standout performers throughout the season, Clemson was widely expected to make a deep run in the tournament, perhaps even challenging for a spot in the Final Four. Head coach Brad Brownell had built a program that was finally ready to take the next step, and this was the year many thought the Tigers would break through.

On the other hand, McNeese State entered the tournament as a No. 12 seed, the kind of position that often results in the “David vs. Goliath” narrative. The Cowboys, representing a smaller school from the Southland Conference, had earned their spot in the tournament thanks to a strong finish in their conference tournament. However, their chances of advancing past a team like Clemson seemed slim, especially considering McNeese’s relatively modest history in the NCAA Tournament. Few outside of the McNeese fan base gave the Cowboys much of a chance to pull off an upset against a team of Clemson’s caliber.

Despite their underdog status, McNeese’s players were determined to prove their doubters wrong. They knew that March Madness is a time when anything can happen, and they were ready to make their mark on college basketball’s biggest stage.

The First Half: McNeese Seizes Control

From the opening tip, it was clear that McNeese wasn’t going to play like a typical 12-seed. The Cowboys came out aggressive on both ends of the floor, taking the fight to the Tigers in a way few had expected. On offense, McNeese showcased their ability to execute efficiently, with guard Jalen Coleman leading the charge. Coleman’s combination of scoring and playmaking kept the Clemson defense on its heels, as McNeese was able to break down the Tigers’ defensive schemes and find open shots.

McNeese’s defense, on the other hand, was stingy and disciplined, especially in the first half. They swarmed Clemson’s shooters, forcing the Tigers to take difficult, contested shots. Clemson’s normally high-powered offense struggled to find any rhythm. PJ Hall, who had been one of the best post players in the ACC, was neutralized by McNeese’s frontcourt, while Chase Hunter—Clemson’s primary playmaker—was repeatedly harassed by McNeese’s perimeter defense.

Clemson’s shooting woes were glaring. The Tigers shot just 32% from the field in the first half, with only 2-of-14 shooting from beyond the arc. The lack of offensive execution, combined with McNeese’s ability to capitalize on fast breaks and capitalize on Clemson’s mistakes, allowed the Cowboys to build an early lead.

By the end of the first half, McNeese had managed to build a commanding 41-28 lead. The Tigers, who had entered the game as favorites, found themselves on the brink of disaster. Clemson’s coaching staff tried to rally the team in the locker room, but the damage had already been done. The Tigers seemed lost on offense, while McNeese continued to execute with confidence. It was clear that Clemson had been rattled, and McNeese was feeding off the Tigers’ mistakes.

The Second Half: Clemson’s Failed Comeback Attempt

As the second half began, it was clear that Clemson needed to make a dramatic shift if they were going to have any chance of recovering from their 13-point deficit. However, the Tigers’ struggles continued. Although they began to show signs of life on offense—cutting the lead to single digits early in the second half—McNeese refused to back down. The Cowboys’ defense remained disciplined, and they continued to get timely contributions from players like forward Elijah Jenkins and guard Terrell Brown, who both hit crucial shots to keep Clemson at bay.

Despite the best efforts of Chase Hunter and PJ Hall, who tried to carry the load offensively, Clemson’s shooting continued to be erratic. The Tigers missed several critical three-pointers that could have brought them within striking distance, and McNeese’s ability to control the pace of the game kept the Tigers from ever fully gaining momentum. With each missed shot and turnover, Clemson’s chances of mounting a full comeback grew slimmer.

The pivotal moment of the game came with just under five minutes remaining. Clemson had finally managed to trim McNeese’s lead to just five points, and the Tigers appeared to be on the verge of a potential comeback. However, McNeese responded with a critical 6-0 run, including a deep three-pointer from Coleman that silenced the Clemson crowd. The Cowboys’ defense, which had been unyielding throughout the game, also made several key stops down the stretch, forcing Clemson into difficult shots and stifling their attempts at creating easy scoring opportunities.

When the final buzzer sounded, McNeese had secured a 72-64 victory over Clemson, completing one of the most shocking upsets in recent NCAA Tournament history. The Tigers’ season came to an abrupt and disappointing end, while McNeese celebrated a historic victory that would go down as one of the biggest upsets of the 2025 tournament.

How McNeese Pulled Off the Upset

McNeese’s victory over Clemson wasn’t just the result of a fluky performance; it was the culmination of a well-executed game plan and the Cowboys’ unwavering belief in their ability to compete at the highest level. Several key factors contributed to McNeese’s stunning victory:

1. Defensive Discipline and Defensive Schemes

McNeese’s defense was the standout aspect of their performance. The Cowboys were able to stifle Clemson’s offensive flow, particularly in the first half. They forced the Tigers into tough shots and limited the effectiveness of Clemson’s key players. McNeese’s ability to defend without fouling—allowing only 12 free-throw attempts for Clemson—was a testament to their discipline. The Cowboys also did an excellent job of closing out on shooters and disrupting passing lanes, making it difficult for the Tigers to run their offense.

2. Strong Guard Play

Jalen Coleman’s performance was crucial to McNeese’s success. Coleman finished the game with 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, providing steady playmaking and scoring when his team needed it most. His ability to create his own shot and distribute the ball was vital in keeping Clemson’s defense on edge. Additionally, Terrell Brown added 15 points and made several key plays down the stretch, further solidifying McNeese’s offensive attack.

3. Taking Advantage of Clemson’s Mistakes

McNeese’s ability to capitalize on Clemson’s mistakes was another key factor. The Tigers committed 16 turnovers in the game, many of which came at crucial moments when the game was still in the balance. McNeese’s fast-break offense was efficient, and they scored 18 points off turnovers, which played a significant role in their ability to maintain their lead throughout the game.

4. Mental Toughness

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of McNeese’s performance was their mental toughness. Despite being a double-digit underdog, the Cowboys played with confidence and poise throughout the game. They never seemed rattled by the pressure of playing in the NCAA Tournament, and they didn’t allow Clemson’s occasional runs to faze them. McNeese remained focused, executing their game plan, and answering every challenge Clemson threw their way.

What Went Wrong for Clemson?

For Clemson, the loss was a massive disappointment. The Tigers were heavy favorites and had the talent to make a deep run in the tournament. However, several factors led to their downfall:

1. Offensive Struggles

Clemson’s inability to execute on offense was a major issue. The Tigers’ shooting was poor, particularly from beyond the arc, where they connected on just 5-of-24 attempts. Their lack of offensive cohesion, combined with McNeese’s aggressive defense, kept them from ever finding a rhythm.

2. Turnovers and Poor Decision Making

Clemson’s 16 turnovers were a crippling factor. The Tigers’ inability to take care of the basketball and make smart decisions on offense played directly into McNeese’s hands. These mistakes led to easy points for the Cowboys and disrupted Clemson’s ability to sustain any offensive flow.

3. Lack of Leadership Down the Stretch

Despite the presence of experienced players like Chase Hunter and PJ Hall, Clemson struggled to maintain composure in crucial moments. When the Tigers had a chance to make a late run, they were unable to execute, and McNeese’s defense continued to stifle their efforts.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for McNeese and Clemson?

For McNeese, the victory marks a historic moment for the program. The Cowboys now have the chance to make a deep run in the tournament and prove that their win wasn’t a fluke. They’ll have to continue playing with confidence and discipline if they want to continue their Cinderella story.

As for Clemson, the loss is a painful one, but it offers a valuable lesson. The Tigers will need to regroup, reassess their offensive execution, and focus on limiting turnovers in future tournaments. While their 2025 March Madness journey ended prematurely, the experience will be a motivator for next season as they work toward returning stronger and more prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.