Clemson Stunned by McNeese State in NCAA Tournament First-Round Upset

By James Seidel | CC News Network Sports

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Fifth-seeded Clemson University suffered a stunning early exit from the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament on Thursday, falling 69-67 to No. 12 seed McNeese State at Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence.

The Cowboys (28-6) advance to face No. 4 Purdue in the second round on Saturday. Meanwhile, Clemson’s season ends at 27-7, after entering the tournament with high expectations.

Clemson endured a disastrous first half, managing just 13 points—its lowest scoring half of the season. The Tigers shot 5-for-24 from the field, including 1-for-15 from three-point range, and committed 10 turnovers, leading to a 31-13 halftime deficit.

Despite a spirited second-half comeback that cut the lead to three in the final minutes, Clemson couldn’t overcome the early collapse. McNeese State, led by Brandon Murray’s 21 points, dominated the paint and controlled the tempo throughout.

Clemson struggled with McNeese’s physicality and athleticism, losing the rebound battle by seven and giving up 20 more points in the paint. The Tigers shot 9-for-30 from beyond the arc, continuing their recent struggles from long range.

Jaeden Zackery led all scorers with 24 points for Clemson, while Chase Hunter added 21. Forward Ian Schieffelin was held to just one point, and center Viktor Lakhin had limited impact as well.

With Thursday’s loss, Clemson now faces a pivotal offseason. The program is expected to lose several key contributors, including Hunter, Schieffelin, Lakhin, and potentially Zackery, to graduation or the transfer portal.

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James Seidel – Publisher, Journalist, Author. Investigator, Podcaster, Radio Talk Show Host, and Music Producer.