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McNeese State Basketball's Historic Upset: A Cinderella Story for the Ages
The 2025 NCAA Tournament witnessed an unforgettable upset: the No. 12 seed McNeese State Cowboys, a team largely overlooked, absolutely demolished the No. 5 Clemson Tigers. This wasn't just a win; it was a statement, a complete dismantling of a highly-ranked opponent that left fans, analysts, and even the players themselves in disbelief.
A Dominant Display
McNeese, riding an 11-game win streak and boasting a 27-6 record, dominated from the opening tip. Brandon Murray's explosive performance off the bench (a season-high 21 points), coupled with Christian Shumate's double-double (13 points, 11 rebounds), exposed Clemson's weaknesses. The Cowboys’ relentless hustle and superior shooting left Clemson reeling, trailing 31-13 at halftime – a historically low score for a No. 5 seed in the first half. Clemson's usually potent offense, led by ACC standouts Chase Hunter and Ian Schieffelin, sputtered, scoring a paltry 13 first-half points.
Clemson's Collapse and McNeese's Fearlessness
While Clemson mounted a furious second-half comeback, fueled by Jaeden Zackery's 24 points, it was too little, too late. Their struggles, highlighted by poor shooting and turnovers, underscored McNeese's dominance. McNeese’s fearless approach, as articulated by Murray’s post-game comments, was key to their success. The Cowboys’ first-ever March Madness win capped off a remarkable season and cemented Coach Will Wade's transformation of the program.
The Aftermath and Looking Ahead
McNeese's victory sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, leaving many questioning Clemson's collapse. However, the win was no fluke. McNeese had quietly built a formidable team throughout the season. Their impressive win streak, strong regular season record, and unexpected victories against Power 5 opponents highlighted their potential. Now, McNeese faces Purdue in the second round, aiming to continue their improbable Cinderella run. Will they pull off another upset? Only time will tell.
