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

The McNeese State Cowboys are facing the Clemson Tigers on Thursday, March 20th at the Amica Mutual Pavilion, in this NCAA Tournament first-round matchup. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a McNeese State Cowboys vs Clemson Tigers Prediction. We will examine:

The Clemson Tigers’ recent form and player performance

The McNeese State Cowboys’ recent form and player performance

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Clemson Tigers

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the McNeese State Cowboys

Recent betting trends in games played between the McNeese State Cowboys vs Clemson Tigers

A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for the McNeese State Cowboys vs Clemson Tigers game

Clemson Tigers Preview

The Clemson Tigers have a 27-6 record this season and were placed 3rd place in the Atlantic Coast. The Tigers are coming off a 73-76 loss to Louisville in the ACC Finals. The Tigers are 20-13 against the spread and 17-16 in over/under.

Offensively, Clemson is averaging 76.3 points per game, which ranks 97th in the nation. Defensively, they are allowing 65.7 points per game (28th). The Tigers shoot 46.5% from the field (65th) and 37.2% from beyond the arc, which is the 23rd-best nationally. The Tigers shoot 76.6% from the free throw line (39th) and are grabbing 32.4 rebounds per game (152nd).

Chase Hunter leads Clemson in scoring this season, with an average of 22 points and 4 rebounds, while Ian Schieffelin adds 11.5 points and a team-high 12 rebounds per game.

McNeese State Cowboys Preview

The McNeese State Cowboys have a 27-6 record this season and were placed first in the Southland. The Cowboys are coming off a 63-54 win over Lamar. The Cowboys are 15-16 against the spread and 14-15-2 in over/under.

Offensively, McNeese State is averaging 77.2 points per game, which ranks 86th in the nation. Defensively, they allow 64 points per game (16th). The Cowboys shoot 47.9% from the field (37th) and 35.9% from beyond the arc (86th). The Cowboys shoot 71% from the free-throw line (250th) and are grabbing 33.1 rebounds per game (95th).

Javohn Garcia leads McNeese State in scoring in the playoffs, with 17 points and 2.5 rebounds, while Quadir Copeland adds 12.5 points and a team-high 4.5 assists per game.

Why the Clemson Tigers will win

• Clemson has won each of its last nine day games.
• McNeese State has lost 27 of its last 33 day games against non-conference opponents.
• Clemson has won the first half in 14 of its last 15 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the McNeese State Cowboys will win

• 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 day games have produced a total of 134 or fewer 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 Cowboys vs Clemson Tigers Prediction

In this McNeese State Cowboys vs Clemson Tigers Prediction, Clemson is coming as -7.5-point favorites. This line makes no sense, as both teams have the same record this season, and McNeese has more wins away from home. Both teams are coming into this matchup in very good form, as Clemson is 9-1 in their last 10 games, but are just 1-3 against the spread in their last 4. McNeese has been scorching-hot lately, with 22 wins in their last 23 games, and are 4-2 against the spread in their last 6.

I cannot make a case for Clemson as a big favorite given their current form. They failed to cover the spread in both of their playoff games, as they shot terribly and below 40% in both. The value here lies with the underdog, as they are perfectly capable of keeping this one close. 7.5 points are too many in this matchup, so take the plus points with the McNeese State Cowboys in this one.

Nikos Lagouretos's Pick: McNeese State Cowboys +7.5