Game Details:
- Date & Time: Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 3:15 p.m. ET
- Location: Amica Mutual Pavilion, Providence, Rhode Island
- Broadcast: truTV
- Betting Odds:
- Point Spread: Clemson -12.5
- Moneyline: Clemson -800 | McNeese +550
- Over/Under: 138.5 points
Clemson Tigers Overview (27-6, 18-2 ACC)
Under head coach Brad Brownell, the Clemson Tigers finished with an impressive 18-2 ACC record, combining balanced offense and tough defense to earn a high seed.
Team Stats:
- Offense: 76.3 points per game
- Defense: 65.7 points per game
Key Players:
- Chase Hunter (16.4 PPG): Clemson’s dynamic guard, capable of scoring at all three levels.
- Ian Schieffelin (9.4 RPG): Dominant rebounder and defensive anchor.
- Jaeden Zackery (3.2 APG): Steady playmaker who controls the tempo.
Clemson Betting Trends:
- ATS Record: 20-13-0 (60.6%)
- Frequently covers spreads, especially when their defense holds strong.
McNeese Cowboys Overview (27-6, 19-1 Southland)
Led by Will Wade, McNeese controlled the Southland Conference with a 19-1 record, excelling on both ends of the floor.
Team Stats:
- Offense: 77.2 points per game
- Defense: 64.0 points per game
Key Players:
- Javohn Garcia (12.9 PPG): Versatile scorer and shot creator.
- Joe Charles (7.1 RPG): Physical rebounder who provides extra possessions.
- Quadir Copeland (4.5 APG): Floor general responsible for facilitating offense.
McNeese Betting Trends:
- ATS Record: 15-16-0 (48.4%)
- Inconsistent against the spread, but capable of hanging tough.
Key Matchups to Watch:
- Perimeter Play:
Clemson’s Chase Hunter will test McNeese’s perimeter defense. Meanwhile, McNeese’s Javohn Garcia will look to penetrate Clemson’s schemes. - Rebounding Battle:
Ian Schieffelin vs. Joe Charles — dominance on the boards could determine the pace and extra scoring chances.
Betting Angles & Trends:
- Against the Spread (ATS):
- Clemson: 20-13-0 ATS (60.6%)
- McNeese: 15-16-0 ATS (48.4%)
- Over/Under Trends:
- Clemson: Over in 16 of 33 games (48.5%)
- McNeese: Under in 14 of 33 games (42.4%)
The 138.5 total leaves room for offensive fireworks from both sides.
Expert Predictions & Best Bets:
🔥 Best Bet: Over 138.5 (-110)
💰 Lean: Clemson -12.5 (-110)
🎯 Prop Bet: Chase Hunter Over 17.5 points
Final Thoughts: Clemson Tigers vs. McNeese Cowboys Preview
This matchup pits Clemson’s well-rounded offense against McNeese’s gritty defense. Clemson’s experience and depth give them the edge, but McNeese’s momentum and Garcia’s scoring ability could keep things interesting. Bettors should focus on the total points and Clemson covering the spread.
