McNeese State’s Historic NCAA Upset Leaves Mark on March Madness

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — McNeese State‘s 12th-seeded Cowboys pulled off a stunning upset against No. 5 seed Clemson, winning 69-67 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday. This victory marks the first NCAA Tournament win in the school’s history, creating a moment that will be cemented in the memories of fans from Lake Charles, Louisiana, to across the country.

The Cowboys, known largely for their football program, showcased a defensive prowess that stifled Clemson, holding the Tigers to just 13 points in the first half and building a lead as large as 24 points. McNeese’s head coach Will Wade acknowledged the urgency of this match, especially considering prior reports that he was in talks with North Carolina State regarding their coaching vacancy.

“We’ve been saving that zone all year,” Wade stated, reflecting on his team’s defensive strategy that limited Clemson to 10 turnovers in the first half alone, which the Cowboys converted into 15 crucial points.

Brandon Murray emerged as a key player in McNeese’s victory, scoring 14 of his team-high 21 points in a dominant first half. Christian Shumate contributed significantly with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Despite a late surge in the second half, during which Clemson decreased a 12-point deficit to just three points, the Cowboys maintained composure and secured their spot in the next round.

This win serves as a beacon of hope and pride for Lake Charles, a city still recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Laura in 2020. “It means the world to me,” said Amir Khan, the team’s manager who gained fame for his energetic presence and rapping on social media. “For Lake Charles to be on the map now and McNeese to be recognized, it means a lot for the attention it deserves.”

Bringing a dose of positivity to a city devastated years prior, the Cowboys now prepare for their next challenge against fourth-seeded Purdue, who defeated High Point earlier in the day. The upcoming matchup presents another opportunity for McNeese to continue making history in this year’s tournament.

Despite the excitement surrounding the tournament, Wade’s future remains uncertain, with speculations about his potential departure. However, for the moment, the focus remains on the game and the legacy this team seeks to leave.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” Shumate said, encapsulating the sentiments of the team and its supporters. “We’re just trying to keep on winning games.”