PROVIDENCE, R.I. – History will be made today, just how much depends on whom you listen to.

For the first time in their little more than half century of playing college basketball on the Division I level, the Cowboys will play in their second straight NCAA Tournament.

However, they and their fans who have gathered here for what they hope is a long weekend, are dreaming of much more. They want McNeese State to win its first tournament game ever.

The Cowboys are 0-3 in tourney tries entering today’s first-round Midwest Regional battle with Clemson inside Amica Mutual Pavilion. The opening tip is set for 2:15 p.m. in Lake Charles and will be televised on truTV.

As the team pl ane landed in Providence Tuesday, McNeese was greeted with a resounding “Go Cowboys” from the crew. Once again, their fans have followed. Last year it was a trip to Salt Lake City, which ended with a disappointing loss to national power Gonzaga.

This time, everybody connected with the program believes things will go better.

“Everybody deserves a second chance,” McNeese forward Christian Shumate said. “We have earned this one. Now, we want to make the most of it.”

Some came with the team on its charter, but most found their own way through long layovers and early takeoffs. None were willing to miss this historic moment and all hope for more.

“This university has only been to the NCAA Tournament four times; you can’t miss special opportunities like this in life,” said Chad Pousson, whose restaurant, Mr. Bill’s, hosts a watch party for fans who can’t make the trip.

“The team is so connected with the community. It’s great for the community to come out and support them.”

For the second straight season, McNeese easily led the Southland Conference in home attendance. The Legacy Center had more than double the average number of fans of second-place Stephen F. Austin.

The players appreciate all they get from their fans.

“We have the best fans,” said guard Javohn Garcia. “I have never been at a place and seen the support we get from our fans and the community. You want to win for them as well as yourself.”

It won’t be easy against the fifth-seeded Tigers, who have won 18 of their last 21, but nobody expected McNeese to be in this situation two years ago, either.

For Cowboy fans, it is more than just winning, though.

“There are only 68 teams that get an opportunity to do this, and when a team that you support gets to do this, it means a lot,” said Allen Abshire, president of the Cowboy Club. “These guys chose McNeese and have given a lot to the community, so it means a lot to go out and support them.”

And if they witness the historic win, the trip will be worth it.