Clemson vs McNeese Prediction 3/20/25 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article, we will formulate a Clemson vs McNeese prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, March 20th at Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island. Let’s take a look at the prediction for the 1st Round of the NCAA Tournament. 

Clemson Tigers Betting Preview

The Clemson Tigers are 27-6 (18-2) this year after they lost to Louisville by a score of 76-73 in their last game. Clemson trailed 33-28 at halftime, but they did score 45 points in the second half in the narrow loss. The Tigers shot 39.1% from the field, 31.3% on three-pointers, and 82.4% on free throws in the game. Chase Hunter led Clemson with 23 points and four rebounds, while Ian Schieffelin added 14 points and 12 rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, the Tigers defeated SMU by a score of 57-54 and Virginia Tech by a score of 65-47. Clemson has won nine of their last ten games and they finished tied for second in the ACC standings with an 18-2 record. Clemson has scored 76.3 points per game and they have allowed 65.7 points per game, while also averaging 35.3 rebounds and 14.4 assists per game this season. Chase Hunter is averaging 16.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, while Ian Schieffelin is averaging 12.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game this season. Clemson is shooting 46.5% from the field, 76.6% on free throws, and 37.2% on three-pointers this year. 

McNeese Cowboys Betting Preview

The McNeese Cowboys are 27-6 (19-1) this season after they defeated Lamar by a score of 63-54 in the Southland Conference Tournament Championship game. McNeese led 33-30 at halftime and they held Lamar to just 24 points in the second half for the win. The Cowboys shot 41.7% from the field, 17.6% on three-pointers, and 74.1% on free throws in the game. Quadir Copeland led McNeese with 18 points and four assists, while DJ Richards Jr. added 10 points and five rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Cowboys defeated Northwestern State by a score of 83-64 and SFA by a score of 95-64. McNeese has won 11 games in a row and they finished first in the Southland standings with a 19-1 record. McNeese did play Alabama in the non-conference and gave them a good game, losing by a score of 72-64, while also losing to Mississippi State by a score of 66-63. The Cowboys have scored 77.2 points per game and they have allowed 64.0 points per game, while also averaging 36.2 rebounds and 14.1 assists per game this season. Javohn Garcia is averaging 12.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, while Sincere Parker is averaging 12.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.8 steals per game this year. McNeese is shooting 47.9% from the field, 71% on free throws, and 35.9% on three-pointers this season. 

Why McNeese will beat Clemson

• McNeese State has won each of its last 11 games.
• McNeese State has won the first half in 11 of its last 12 day games.

Total Points Facts

• Seven of Clemson’s last eight day games against non-conference opponents have produced a total of 140+ points.
• Four of McNeese State’s last five games have produced a total of 134+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Clemson ranks 11th among Division 1 teams for opponent assist-to-turnover ratio this season (0.79).
• Clemson ranks T17th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throws made per game this season (10.5).
• McNeese State ranks 13th among Division 1 teams for point differential per game this season (+13.2).
• McNeese State ranks 13th among Division 1 teams for net rating this season (+20.0).

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Clemson vs McNeese Prediction 

Both of these teams come into this matchup playing very well over the last few weeks and this should be a very interesting matchup. McNeese is going to be a popular upset pick, but how will they match up against an ACC opponent after playing lesser teams for the past few months? Clemson really didn’t play very well in their last two games and we have seen some offensive struggles from them at times. McNeese is a very good defensive team and I think they can keep this game close. We saw the Cowboys hang with Alabama and Mississippi State early in the season, which should help them prepare for this game. Take the points with McNeese here.