When asked about his future, McNeese coach Will Wade could have replied with a word salad non-answer masked in coach-speak on Wednesday. Instead, he offered a straightforward acknowledgement of the fact that he's been in contact with NC State as the Wolfpack seek a new head coach.

McNeese State coach Will Wade knows his name is in the mix during the college basketball coaching carousel. And unlike some coaches during this time of year, he's not being coy talking about it. Asked Wednesday if he or his agent had been in contact with N.

Will Wade's McNeese State squad is dancing in March for the second year in a row as the veteran head coach led the Cowboys to a 27-6 record this season. Their reward? A 12-seed and a first-round matchup with the Clemson Tigers.

From Duke (18 miles) to Maryland (2,324), we also look at how far each team is traveling to its first NCAA Tournament game.

The No. 12 Clemson Tigers take on the McNeese Cowboys in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The teams play Thursday for the first time this season.

Explore our betting preview for the NCAA Tournament clash between No. 12 McNeese State and No. 5 Clemson, featuring key matchup insights, best bets, and score predictions.