In a thrilling display of determination and skill, Will Wade has once again proven his coaching prowess, leading the McNeese State Cowboys to an unexpected victory over fifth-seeded Clemson in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. This remarkable 69-67 upset marks a significant achievement for Wade, who is in his final days as McNeese head coach.
The 12-seed Cowboys showcased an impressive performance, at one point commanding a lead of 24 points. However, the match was not without its nail-biting moments. As the second half unfolded, Clemson managed to chip away at the Cowboy's substantial lead, but McNeese held firm, igniting celebrations that echoed from Providence to Lake Charles, Louisiana.
This thrilling victory came just a day after the announcement that Wade has agreed to become the head coach at NC State. Despite the looming transition, Wade emphasized his unwavering focus on the game. “I’ve been focused on the game. I’ve been on one about the game. Whatever else is happening, that’s of no distraction to us,” he stated. “It’s been absolute narrow focus on winning our first NCAA Tournament game at McNeese State. This is just huge for our school.”
Wade went on to highlight the positive momentum for McNeese State, noting a 3 percent increase in enrollment and a 10 percent rise in applications. “Our stuff is going to go through the roof,” he added, expressing his desire to keep the winning streak alive.
The synergy among Wade's players was evident as they took the court at Amica Mutual Pavilion. An impressive alley-oop from senior Christian Shumate set the tone for the game, with McNeese quickly establishing dominance over Clemson, a team that boasted an 18-2 record in the ACC. Shumate contributed significantly, finishing with 13 points and 11 rebounds, while senior Brandon Murray added 21 points, showcasing his talent after transferring through four different schools.
Wade's strategic approach to the game was crucial, particularly considering his concern about lacking a true center to match Clemson's size. In a surprising twist, McNeese outperformed the Tigers on the boards, securing 43 rebounds to Clemson's 36 and scoring 16 second-chance points. The Cowboys also outscored the Tigers in the paint, tallying 44 points compared to Clemson's 24.
The foundation of McNeese's success lay in its defensive strategy. Although the Cowboys typically employ a man-to-man defense, Wade opted to mix things up against Clemson, utilizing various zone defenses and a switch-everything man-to-man approach. This tactic left Clemson's players, including Chauncey Wiggins, struggling to find their rhythm, as they shot only 36.8 percent from the field.
The Tigers did manage to make a late-game surge, employing full-court pressure to narrow the gap, but McNeese held on tight, making crucial free throws to secure their victory. Clemson star Chase Hunter acknowledged the team's slow start, stating, “They probably just played a little bit harder in the beginning. We weren’t really ready for a fight.”
As McNeese celebrates this landmark victory, the team prepares for their next challenge: a matchup against fourth-seeded Purdue. Wade, who has revitalized a program that hadn't seen a winning season in 13 years and had not reached the NCAA Tournament in over two decades, is determined to keep the momentum going. Under his leadership, the Cowboys have compiled an impressive 58-10 record in the past two seasons.
“It still feels like a dream,” Shumate reflected on the victory. “I’m sure in a couple of days or when this is all over, I’ll look back at it like, OK, that really did happen. But right now, we stay focused; we’re trying to keep on winning games.”
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Will Wade and his McNeese State Cowboys, hoping to continue their Cinderella story in the NCAA Tournament.
