McNeese will face Gonzaga in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament on Thursday, with the Cowboys as the 12th seed and Gonzaga as the 5th seed. The game will tip off at 6:25 p.m. CT at the Delta Center and will be broadcast live on TBS.

The Big Picture

This matchup marks McNeese's return to the national stage for the first time since 2002, showcasing their intense defense against Gonzaga's fast-paced offense.

By the Numbers
  • McNeese has a record of 30-3, ranking third in field goal defense, steals per game, and turnover margin in NCAA; they lead in scoring margin at 18.9 points.
  • Gonzaga, with a record of 25-7, features four players scoring in double figures, led by forward Graham Ike averaging 16.7 points per game.
State of Play
  • McNeese is on an 11-game winning streak heading into the matchup.
  • Gonzaga, coming off a loss in the West Coast Conference tournament, starts three players standing 6-8 or taller.
What's Next

The winner of the McNeese vs. Gonzaga game will advance to face the winner of the Kansas vs. Samford matchup in the second round.

Bottom Line

McNeese's strong defense will be put to the test against Gonzaga's high-scoring offense in a critical NCAA Tournament matchup, showcasing contrasting styles and setting the stage for an exhilarating showdown.