In one of the more underrated matchups in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, the No. 5 seed Clemson Tigers will face off against the No. 12 seed McNeese State Cowboys.
It is time to predict which team will be moving on to the second round of the tournament.
Clemson vs. McNeese Important Stats
In this matchup, there are all kinds of important statistical notes that fans need to pay attention to. Starting with the Tigers, they were one of the best teams in the ACC this season.
They finished second in the conference and even upset Duke, who was the No. 1 team in the country at the time, back in early February. Guard Chase Hunter is one of the better playmakers in the country, as he is averaging 16.4 points per game and shooting 41.2% from three-point range.
While the Tigers are averaging 76.3 points per game, they are also allowing just 65.7 points per game. That strong defense could be the key for them in this matchup. For Will Wade’s McNeese State team, they are one of the sleepers in this tournament.
The Cowboys have four different players averaging double-figures in points and can hang with anybody on the offensive side of the court. There is a reason why they went 27-6 overall and lost just one game in the conference before becoming the champions of the Southland Conference.
At 77.6 points per game, the Cowboys have an even better offense thanks to the play of players such as guard Javohn Garcia (12.9 points per game). Something is going to have to give in this matchup, which is why the advantage could go to McNeese State, considering they are the underdogs and could be playing with house money.
Clemson vs. McNeese Prediction
At the end of the day, this matchup could be close late in the second half due to the experience and explosiveness of both teams on both ends of the court.
While McNeese can pose a threat on the boards and in the paint, Clemson has played tougher competition in a tougher conference throughout the season.
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Brad Brownell’s team should take this one in the end if they can stay out of their own way.
Score Prediction: Clemson 76, McNeese State 70
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