Canes Warning
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Jim Larranaga offers advice for Loyola-Chicago in Final Four

By Alan Rubenstein

INDIANAPOLIS - MARCH 31: Head coach Jim Larranaga of the George Mason Patriots stands on the court during practice the day before the Final Four on March 31, 2006 at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS - MARCH 31: Head coach Jim Larranaga of the George Mason Patriots stands on the court during practice the day before the Final Four on March 31, 2006 at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Miami Hurricanes Head Coach Jim Larranaga knows all about taking a Cinderella team seeded tenth to a Final Four. He did so with Georga Mason in 2006.

Jim Larranaga’s Patriots and the Ramblers took slightly different paths to reach college basketball’s Valhalla. George Mason had to defeat College Basketball heavyweights Michigan State, North Carolina and UConn to reach the Final Four. They also had a victory over Wichita State who wasn’t yet the program they have become today.

Larranaga got to see the Ramblers up close when they knocked out the Miami Hurricanes in the first round. It took a miracle shot from Loyola’s Dante Ingram to eliminate Larranaga and the Canes.

Loyola needed another pressure shot in the second round against Tennessee and a late three-pointer to put the game away against Nevada. The Ramblers cruised in the Elite Eight over Kansas State.

None of the teams Loyola played can be deemed as College Basketball powerhouse. Loyola Coach Porter Moser did talk about the pressure of being the Cinderella team from the beginning of the NCAA Tournament when many experts picked them to upset Jim Larranaga’s Hurricanes.

Appearing on Sports Talk Live in Chicago Moser said it was more difficult than other mid-major teams who usually have a couple of rounds to fly under the radar. Jim Larranaga spoke to USA Today about the logistical problems that can occur at the Final Four and the adjustment to playing in a domed stadium.

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