In a video posted to ESPN on Monday, Lunardi said that “Miami’s prospects are grim without Brown” That’s a slight that seems unfair and inaccurate.
He mentions that the Hurricanes have won just seven of their last 12 games. He also cited that the inexperienced Hurricanes are playing against a talented and experienced Loyola team. Lunardi also said that “Loyola can win and should win”
Lonnie Walker, Chris Lykes and Sam Waardenburg will be making their first NCAA Tournament appearance. The remainder of the Hurricanes roster has at least one NCAA Tournament appearance under their belt. Ja’Quan Newton, Ebuka Izundu and Anthony Lawrence were all on the team that advanced to the Regional Semifinals in 2016.
Greer’s reasoning for picking Loyola over the Hurricanes was UM’s inability to score at times.
"4. Cinderella: Loyola-Chicago A great matchup for the Ramblers gives Porter Moser’s team a real shot at making the second round. Miami has had trouble scoring all season, and the Hurricanes just never seemed to consistently play together despite their talent. Loyola is good enough to win two games."
The Hurricanes did lose potentially their best talent in Brown but played well at times with him out. Three players not counting Brown averaged in double figures in ACC Games and six averaged at least 7.4 points per game or more in ACC play.
Miami Head Coach Jim Larranaga has complained about the team’s lack of assists this season at times, otherwise, Miami has rallied as a team after the loss of Brown.