By Tiffany Williams –
Everybody seems to be an expert when it comes to March Madness and the NCAA tournament, and with the excitement building each year, it’s no surprise that sports fans are laser-focused on the action.
Curious about how well the McNeese Cowboys will perform in the NCAA Tournament? The buzz is palpable. Wondering how far they’ll advance? That’s anyone’s guess until the final buzzer sounds.
One thrilling aspect of the NCAA tournament that keeps fans on the edge of their seats is the potential for first-round upsets.
This year, in Providence, Rhode Island, the No. 5 seed Clemson Tigers faced off against the No. 12 seed McNeese Cowboys in a highly anticipated first-round matchup of the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
The Tigers entered the game riding high, having won nine of their last ten contests and finishing the regular season with an impressive 27-6 record. On the flip side, the Cowboys were also on a roll, boasting an 11-game win streak that included a nail-biting 63-54 victory over Lamar in the Southland Conference Championship. Both teams ended the regular season with identical records of 27-6, but the general consensus was that McNeese would struggle as the underdog.
On paper, it seemed the Tigers were poised for victory. Despite substantial support for Clemson, including endorsements from analysts like DJ Harding, I sensed a potential upset brewing, particularly given the tumultuous path the Cowboys had traveled throughout the season.
The Cowboys took the court with warmth and grit, embodying the resilience and determination that characterize their spirit. This season, they faced a barrage of challenges, including tough early losses to South Dakota and Alabama. However, they rebounded impressively, showcasing their tenacity by dominating the College of Biblical Studies Ambassadors shortly thereafter. After a rocky start with two losses out of three, the Cowboys rallied, claiming victory in three consecutive games against formidable opponents: a hard-fought 72-64 win over North Texas, a solid 76-68 triumph against Illinois State University, and a decisive 84-69 victory over Longwood University.
Despite enduring setbacks, including a close 58-62 loss to Liberty University and a 67-74 defeat at the hands of Santa Clara, McNeese demonstrated unwavering resolve. Like seasoned cowboys, they picked themselves up and charged back, exemplifying traditional wisdom with their decisive 103-69 defeat of LeTourneau. Even after a narrow 63-66 loss to Mississippi State, the Cowboys leaned heavily on the wisdom and expertise of their coaching staff, including head coach Will Wade and assistants Brandon Chambers, Vernon Hamilton, and Shawn Forrest. More than anything, they needed the strong connections that team members develop over the season—bonds formed through shared struggles and triumphs, uniting them in their quest for victory.
There’s a classic cowboy adage: “A good fence should be pig-tight, horse-high, and bull-strong.” This metaphor emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation—a principle the McNeese Cowboys embraced. With the combined wisdom, wit, and camaraderie of their coaching staff and teammates, they constructed a metaphorical fence that proved resilient enough to withstand numerous adversities, culminating in a remarkable 11-game winning streak to conclude the regular season.
As the Cowboys entered the NCAA tournament as underdogs, they demonstrated their exceptional skills and tenacity, shocking the naysayers by securing an impressive 69-67 victory over the Clemson Tigers.
This victory marked a notable milestone for McNeese, extending their winning streak to 12 games and elevating their season record to 28-6.
In a standout performance, Brandon Murray led the charge with a season-high 21 points, 14 of which came in a dominant first half. Quadir Copeland added 16 points along with five assists, while Christian Shumate achieved his 40th career double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Sincere Parker also made a significant contribution with 12 points.
The Cowboys’ effectiveness in the paint was undeniable as they seized a 43-36 advantage in rebounding, including a remarkable 18-13 margin on the offensive glass. They also held a striking 44-24 lead in points scored in the paint.
From the opening tip, McNeese dominated, racing to a commanding 31-13 lead in the first half. This marked only the second time in NCAA Tournament history (since the shot clock era began in 1986) that a No. 5 seed or higher scored 13 points or fewer in the first half of a tournament game.
Clemson managed to briefly lead 6-4 after a layup from Jaeden Zackery with 15:59 left in the first half, but McNeese quickly responded. Murray initiated an 8-0 scoring spree for the Cowboys, accounting for six of those points to establish a 12-6 lead with 11:12 remaining.
After a Clemson basket reduced the deficit to 12-8, Murray struck again, asserting his influence with an offensive rebound tip-in. Shumate electrified the crowd with two emphatic dunks, and a three-pointer from Parker followed by a jumper from Copeland extended McNeese’s lead to 23-8 during an 11-0 run that captivated fans.
Murray then extended the Cowboys’ lead to 18 points, scoring a layup for a 29-11 advantage, and capped off the first half with a jumper just 36 seconds before the break, leaving McNeese with an 18-point lead at halftime.
This 13-point first-half performance marked Clemson’s lowest score in a half all season, and the 18-point deficit was their largest at the half.
McNeese surged forward in the second half, continuing their momentum with a 9-0 run that brought their lead to 40-16 with 16:14 remaining in the game.
The Cowboys not only showcased their impressive skills and cohesive teamwork but also embodied the spirit of resilient cowboys willing to fight for their dreams.