McNeese vs Clemson Odds, Prediction and March Madness Picks March 20

A potential Cinderella story meets ACC firepower as the McNeese State Cowboys take on the Clemson Tigers in the first round of March Madness betting. Clemson, a No. 5 seed, had won nine straight before being upset in the ACC Tournament, while McNeese enters on an 11-game winning streak after dominating the Southland Conference. The Cowboys have thrived against weaker competition, but can they handle a step up in class and beat the odds for March Madness?

McNeese vs Clemson Prediction Today (March 20)

My prediction

McNeese isn’t a pushover. The Cowboys boast the 15th-best scoring defense in the country (64.0 PPG allowed) and outscore opponents by over 13 points per game. Clemson, on the other hand, thrives on physicality and has a top-30 defense itself (65.7 PPG allowed).

The Tigers should control this game inside, especially with Ian Schieffelin (9.4 RPG) cleaning up the boards, but McNeese’s ability to hit timely shots from deep makes them dangerous. Clemson has failed to cover the spread in three of its last four games, and McNeese has covered as an underdog of 7.5 points or more in both tries this season. Clemson wins, but McNeese beats the college basketball odds to cover +7.5.

Top 3 McNeese vs Clemson Betting Picks

My top picks
1. McNeese ATS +7.5
2. McNeese vs Clemson Over 134
3. McNeese vs Clemson best point-scorer bet: Chase Hunter Over 15.5 points (-122)

My Analysis

McNeese’s defense is good enough to keep things respectable, and their ability to slow the pace could prevent Clemson from pulling away. However, Clemson’s size advantage should eventually wear them down.

Both teams combine to average 153.5 PPG, well above the 134 total set for this game. McNeese’s defense is strong, but they also push the pace, and Clemson has averaged over 76 PPG this season.

Chase Hunter Over 15.5 points stands out. Hunter leads Clemson at 16.4 PPG and is facing a McNeese defense that struggles to defend the three (351st in opponent 3PT attempt rate).

McNeese vs Clemson March Madness Best Prop Bet

• Jaeden Zackery Over 1.5 Made Threes (+167)

Zackery isn’t Clemson’s primary scorer, but McNeese allows one of the highest three-point attempt rates in the country (46.6%), making this a great spot for him to cash in from deep with our college basketball picks.

He’s hit multiple threes in 44.4% of games against teams ranking outside the top 200 in opponent three-point attempt rate, giving this bet solid value at plus money to my best March Madness picks.

McNeese vs Clemson How to Watch

• Game: McNeese (27-6) vs Clemson (27-6)
• Location: Amica Mutual Pavilion, Providence, RI
• Date/Time: Thursday, March 20, 3:15 p.m. ET
• McNeese vs Clemson Live Stream: TBS.com

Get the latest McNeese vs Clemson betting trends here.

Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.