Will Wade Leads McNeese State to Stunning Upset Victory in NCAA Tournament, Expected to Take NC State Job
Providence, Rhode Island – In a moment that will resonate throughout college basketball lore, Will Wade orchestrated a monumental upset, leading his McNeese State Cowboys to a 69-67 victory over the higher-seeded Clemson Tigers in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. The Amica Mutual Pavilion served as the stage for this captivating contest, where Wade, on the cusp of reportedly accepting the head coaching position at NC State, etched his name into March Madness history.
The victory marked the 55th time a No. 12 seed has toppled a No. 5 seed in the tournament, a testament to the unpredictable nature and inherent drama of March Madness. For McNeese State, it represented an unprecedented achievement, their first-ever NCAA Tournament win. The significance of the moment was not lost on Wade, who spoke passionately about the transformative impact of the victory.
"We’ve made school history. We’ve never won a game. Didn’t have much history when we got there. We’ve broken almost every record," Wade exclaimed in a post-game interview with CBS Sports’ Evan Washburn. His voice resonated with pride and emotion. "So proud for our guys, our university, our president, our athletic director. It’s incredible. This changes our university. This changes our university."
Wade’s emotional reaction as the final buzzer sounded encapsulated the essence of March Madness – the raw, unbridled joy of victory and the realization of a collective dream. The 42-year-old coach immediately sought out fans in the stands, sharing the exhilaration of the moment with those who had supported the program.
The game itself was a display of McNeese State’s grit, determination, and strategic execution. The Cowboys established their dominance early, stifling Clemson’s offense and limiting them to a mere 13 points in the first half. McNeese State built a commanding 18-point lead by halftime, showcasing their ability to control the tempo and dictate the terms of the game.
While Clemson mounted a late surge, McNeese State held firm, displaying the composure and resilience necessary to withstand the pressure. The Cowboys outperformed Clemson in nearly every statistical category, a testament to their comprehensive approach. They shot a higher percentage from the field (44% to 36%), dominated the boards (43 to 36), outscored Clemson in the paint (44 to 24), and received significant contributions from their bench (35 to 5).
This season marks McNeese State’s second consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament under Wade’s leadership, underscoring the program’s sustained growth and development. However, the victory may also be the crowning achievement of Wade’s tenure in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Reports have surfaced indicating that Wade is poised to accept the head coaching position at NC State after the conclusion of the NCAA Tournament.
During a pregame news conference, Wade acknowledged contact from NC State regarding the coaching vacancy created by the dismissal of Kevin Keatts. The allure of coaching in a major conference and the opportunity to lead a program with a rich basketball tradition may prove too enticing for Wade to resist.
The rumors surrounding Wade’s impending departure add another layer of intrigue to McNeese State’s tournament run. As they prepare to face No. 4 seed Purdue in the second round, the Cowboys are playing not only for a chance to advance to the Sweet 16 but also for their coach, who has guided them to unprecedented heights.
The game against Purdue will present a formidable challenge, but McNeese State has demonstrated the ability to compete against top-tier opponents. Wade’s coaching acumen and the team’s unwavering belief in themselves make them a dangerous opponent, capable of pulling off another upset.
The McNeese State story is one of perseverance, growth, and the transformative power of a dedicated leader. Will Wade has not only elevated the basketball program but has also instilled a sense of pride and belief within the university and the surrounding community. Regardless of what the future holds for Wade and McNeese State, their historic victory over Clemson will forever be etched in the annals of March Madness. The improbable journey, the unexpected triumph, and the impending change at the helm all contribute to a compelling narrative that has captivated the nation.
As McNeese State prepares for their second-round matchup, they carry with them the momentum of their upset victory and the weight of expectation. The spotlight is on Wade, who is managing the pressure of coaching in the tournament while navigating the complexities of a potential career move. How he and his team respond will determine their fate and add another chapter to this remarkable story.
