BREAKING: McNeese earns first March Madness victory
Published 5:03 pm Thursday, March 20, 2025
- McNeese State forward Christian Shumate (24) drives to the basket past Clemson center Viktor Lakhin (0) during the first half in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Thursday in Providence, R.I. (Associated Press)
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – For the first time in McNeese history, the Cowboys have won an NCAA game.
McNeese pulled off a shocking 69-67 victory over fifth-seeded Clemson here Thursday inside Amica Mutual Pavilion in the first round of the Midwest Regional.
The Cowboys will now play Purdue on Saturday with a chance to go to the Sweet 16 in Indianapolis.
“It’s amazing,” shouted McNeese head coach Will Wade. “Just amazing.”
Brandon Murray led McNeese with 21 points off the bench, 14 in the first half, as the Cowboys built an 18-point lead at the break, 31-13.
Then, after taking a 24-point lead in the second half, McNeese held off a wild flurry at the end to hold off the Tigers.
McNeese improved to 28-6 while Clemson fell to 27-7 despite 24 points from Jaeden Zachery.
Christian Shumate had his 40th career double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds in the thriller.
