March Madness Upset: No. 12 McNeese Shocks No. 5 Clemson in Thrilling First Half as ACC Struggles in Opening Round

The NCAA tournament has kicked off, and we have our first true underdog story. No. 12 seed McNeese upset No. 5 Clemson with a nail-biting 69-67 victory. This win marks a significant moment for McNeese, as they advance to the second round for the first time in their tournament history.

Early in the game, McNeese took control with a stunning 19-2 run, putting them ahead 23-8. By halftime, they led 31-13, while Clemson struggled with just 20.8% shooting from the field. They only managed one assist in the first half, which was painfully low for a team hoping to advance.

Brandon Murray shone brightly for McNeese, scoring 14 points in the first half alone. He ended the game with a career-high of 21 points, along with four rebounds and four assists. Murray, who joined McNeese this season after transferring from Ole Miss, played a crucial role in this pivotal victory.

Clemson tried to bounce back in the second half, outscoring McNeese 54-38. Chauncey Wiggins hit a three-pointer in the final seconds to bring the Tigers within three. But McNeese held on as Javohn Garcia hit a free throw, ensuring the win.

This victory not only boosts McNeese’s confidence but also puts coach Will Wade in the spotlight. He has been reported to be taking over as head coach at NC State next season, but for now, he is focused on leading the Cowboys against No. 4 seed Purdue in the next round.

Interestingly, Clemson’s loss adds to the rough start for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in this tournament. After losing to Creighton earlier, the ACC is left with only Duke and North Carolina as hopefuls, following UNC’s win in their play-in game.

McNeese’s triumph is a reminder of how unpredictable the NCAA tournament can be. Historical data shows that double-digit seeds often surprise during March Madness. In fact, in the past decade, seeds ranked 11 to 13 have accounted for more than 30% of all tournament upsets.

As this tournament unfolds, fans and players alike are buzzing about potential Cinderella stories. Social media is filled with excitement, with users sharing predictions and cheer for underdogs. This shows the thrill of college basketball, where anything can happen, and that potential victory can belong to anyone on any given day.

For more on NCAA tournament history and statistics, check out reputable sources like the NCAA’s official site.

Check out this related article: Unforgettable Upsets at the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships: Highlights and Recaps – FloWrestling

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