Clemson vs New Mexico in NCAA first round: How to watch, TV channel

Chapel Fowler
·4 min read

The Clemson men’s basketball team is back in the NCAA Tournament field for the first time since 2021 and will play its opening game Friday.

The Tigers are a No. 6 seed in the West Region of the bracket and are set for a 3:10 p.m. tip-off against No. 11 New Mexico at FedExForum in Memphis.

Here’s what you need to know, including how to watch the game on TV.

Clemson MBB vs. New Mexico game info

Who: No. 6 Clemson (21-11) vs. No. 11 New Mexico (26-9)

Where: FedExForum, Memphis

When: 3:10 p.m. Friday

TV: truTV

Radio: 105.5 FM locally (see full list of affiliates here)

Stream: Via truTV.com

Next up: The winner of Clemson-New Mexico will play either No. 3 Baylor or No. 14 Colgate in a second-round game Sunday in Memphis (time and channel to be announced).

What channel is truTV?

For its first NCAA Tournament game of 2024, Clemson got placed on the least-known channel among the CBS family of networks broadcasting March Madness: truTV.

truTV is better known for its comedy programming — notably “Impractical Jokers” — but it’s been broadcasting NCAA Tournament games since 2011 under a partnership with CBS and is available to a majority of households in the United States.

Here’s the truTV channel on various cable platforms, per USA TODAY:

You can also stream games on the channel via truTV.com. The website gives you a 10-minute preview before prompting you to log in, which you can do with your cable provider information or streaming platforms such as YouTube TV or Hulu Live TV.

Without a cable or streaming subscription, you can’t stream truTV games. According to its website: “We unfortunately do not offer a stand-alone digital subscription for purchase or free trial and do not charge users directly.” Another option: The NCAA March Madness Live website and app offer extended free previews for games.

Clemson’s head coach Brad Brownell smiles during open practices for 2024 NCAA Tournament teams at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
Clemson’s head coach Brad Brownell smiles during open practices for 2024 NCAA Tournament teams at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on Thursday, March 21, 2024.

Why is Clemson a betting underdog?

Clemson was the No. 22 overall seed in the bracket, according to the NCAA selection committee — in other words, the top No. 6 seed in the field — and has two All-ACC performers and been ranked as high as No. 13 in the AP Top 25 this season.

But it’s New Mexico, which had to win four games in four days at the Mountain West conference championship to secure an automatic bid, that’s favored in this 6/11 seed matchup. The Lobos were a consensus 1.5-point favorite as of late Thursday, per VegasInsider.com.

“It’s pretty hard not to see that kind of stuff, just with the social media,” Clemson center PJ Hall said Thursday. “But at the same time, also after our last loss, can’t blame all the people for thinking that.”

While the Lobos are riding a March high, Clemson enters the game having lost three of its last four games. Most recently, the Tigers laid an egg in their opening ACC Tournament game, losing 76-55 to Boston College in a game where they trailed the entire second half.

Amid those struggles, though, are quality wins down the stretch against Pittsburgh and Syracuse (both of whom won 20-plus games this season). And, according to coach Brad Brownell, there’s a belief among the players that they still have a final run in them.

“I don’t know if we have played as poorly as it’s been made out by some of the media,” Brownell said, adding: “I think we’re ready. I hope we’re re-centered. But this is about players making plays and we’re going to find out where our guys are here come game time.”

Feb 6, 2024; Laramie, Wyoming, USA; New Mexico Lobos guard Jaelen House (10) shoots against Wyoming Cowboys guard Sam Griffin (3) during the second half at Arena-Auditorium.
Feb 6, 2024; Laramie, Wyoming, USA; New Mexico Lobos guard Jaelen House (10) shoots against Wyoming Cowboys guard Sam Griffin (3) during the second half at Arena-Auditorium.

Clemson vs. New Mexico game notes

  • This is the first-ever meeting between Clemson and New Mexico.

  • For only the second time in 69 years, Clemson has a 600-point scorer and a 500-point scorer in the same season. Center PJ Hall (603) and Syracuse transfer guard Joe Girard III (501) are the first Tigers duo to accomplish that since 1954-55.

  • Clemson coach Brad Brownell is 3-6 all-time in his NCAA Tournament career and 3-3 at Clemson, with his most recent win coming in the 2018 second round.

  • This is Clemson’s 14 all-time NCAA Tournament appearance.

  • New Mexico is making its 16th NCAA Tournament appearance and first since 2014.

  • The Lobos have only won one NCAA Tournament game as a lower seed (1999).

  • New Mexico coach Richard Pitino is the son of legendary coach Rick Pitino, who’s currently at St. John’s and won national championships with Kentucky and Louisville (since vacated).

  • New Mexico’s Jaelen House was the Mountain West Tournament MVP after scoring 92 points across four games in the conference tournament, second only to Jimmer Fredette’s 106 in 2011. He is also the NCAA’s active steals leader (296).

  • The Lobos have two NBA legacies on their team. House is the son of Eddie House and Jamal Mashburn Jr.’s father also played in the pros.