I’m on the Tigers -7.5 in this opening round vs McNeese St. for these reasons:

- This Clemson defense is something that McNeese St has not seen before, having only played 1 top 20 team all season (Alabama, where they lost by 8 as +17.5 point underdogs). But even Alabama defense is suspect compared to Clemson who are a top 28 defense in the nation, allowing only 65 points per game.

- McNeese’s defensive numbers are skewed given their poor competition, and vs a Clemson team that shoots 37% from deep, and averages 76 points per game, it’s hard for me to see McNeese St hold the Tigers under 80 points.

- McNeese St is 25 hours from the Arena in Long Island where this game will be played, while Clemson is 15 hours away and it’s likely there will be more Tigers fans attending this matchup.

- McNeese is small. Nobody knows their team is bigger than 6’9. They won’t be able to out rebound the tigers and they will be at a great disadvantage if they don’t shoot 42% or better from the field.

Official Play: Clemson -7.5

Side Bet: Ian Scheffelin over 9.5 rebounds

Hail Mary: Under 133.50