Clemson Tigers Nearly Make Unwanted History with First-Half Scoring Slump

In what was almost a record-setting evening, the Clemson Tigers narrowly missed a dubious distinction during their first-round matchup against McNeese State in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. On Thursday, the No. 5 seeded Tigers found themselves on the verge of tying the infamous NCAA tournament record for the fewest points scored in a half. They trailed the No. 12 seed McNeese 31-13 at the intermission, just one shy of the record-low 12 points set by Wisconsin in 1999.

The Rally That Came Up Short

Clemson’s offensive woes were evident from the onset. The team shot a paltry 5-of-24 from the field and a dismal 1-of-15 from beyond the arc. Jaeden Zackery was the lone bright spot, being the only player to sink more than one basket in the half.

Meanwhile, three of his teammates couldn’t find the net despite multiple attempts, highlighting a first half filled with missed opportunities and misfired shots. Despite these struggles, Clemson managed to make both of their free throw attempts, a small consolation in a half dominated by their opponents.

Historical Context and Looking Forward

The second half saw a rejuvenated Clemson squad that put up 54 points, a stark contrast to their first-half performance. Their late surge brought them within a single possession of McNeese in the dying seconds. However, McNeese secured their victory at the free throw line, extinguishing any hopes of a miraculous comeback from Clemson. The Tigers’ first-half performance was marred by ten turnovers, as McNeese’s aggressive playstyle seemed to disrupt Clemson’s rhythm, leading to missed even straightforward shots near the basket.

While Clemson’s scoring futility was notable, it did not surpass the all-time tournament low set in the pre-shot clock era when Pitt defeated North Carolina 26-20 in the 1941 tournament. That record appears safe for now, but Clemson’s near-miss serves as a reminder of the pressures and unpredictability of March Madness.

Clemson’s dramatic second-half turnaround, though insufficient this time, suggests potential for future tournaments. As they regroup and refocus, the lessons learned from this game will undoubtedly influence their approach in upcoming seasons. Meanwhile, fans and analysts will continue to scrutinize the factors contributing to such contrasting performances across different halves, as the spectacle of the NCAA tournament continues to deliver both heartbreak and exhilaration.