**Summary: McNeese’s Upset Over Clemson in March Madness**
McNeese State’s historic upset over No. 5 Clemson in the NCAA tournament showcased a thrilling comeback, ending with a nail-biting 69-67 victory.
### Who, What, When, Where, Why
On Thursday, March 16, 2023, the 12th-seeded McNeese Cowboys faced off against the No. 5 Clemson Tigers in the NCAA tournament. McNeese dominated the game for most of the time, leading by as much as 24 points in the second half. However, Clemson mounted a fierce comeback, making the final moments of the game intensely competitive. Ultimately, McNeese secured their first-ever tournament win.
### McNeese’s Dominance
– McNeese led 31-13 at halftime, with Clemson struggling offensively.
– The Cowboys extended their lead to 40-16 early in the second half.
– Brandon Murray’s three-pointer at 8:07 gave McNeese a 51-29 advantage.
### Clemson’s Comeback Effort
– Clemson responded with a 38-18 run to close the game.
– Despite trailing by 12 points with less than a minute remaining, Clemson hit four consecutive three-pointers, narrowing the gap to three points with 12 seconds left.
– Javohn Garcis made one of two free throws, making it a four-point game.
### Historic Win for McNeese
– This victory marked McNeese’s first win in the NCAA tournament.
– The Cowboys will next face No. 4 Purdue, who defeated No. 13 High Point earlier in the day.
### Coach Will Wade’s Future
– Reports surfaced that McNeese head coach Will Wade, a Clemson alum, is set to become the next head coach at N.C. State after the season.
– Wade confirmed discussions with N.C. State officials but remains focused on leading McNeese for now.
**Conclusion:** Can McNeese continue their momentum against Purdue in the next round of the tournament?
### FAQs:
**Q: What was the final score of the McNeese vs. Clemson game?**
A: The final score was 69-67 in favor of McNeese.
**Alt Text:** McNeese Cowboys celebrate their historic upset victory over Clemson in the NCAA tournament.
**URL Slug:** mcneese-upset-clemson-ncaa-tournament-2023
