The Miami Hurricanes had made it to almost every Tournament until they’re eliminated in the Round of 4 which they had an amazing round for the first time in School History for the Hurricanes. Coach Jim Larrañaga and his teammates had an incredible season for their hard work on the court and couldn’t believe that the team was lucky enough to make it this far.
The team finished the 2022-2023 season with a record of 29-8 and 15-5 in ACC play, earning a share of their second ACC regular season title. In the ACC tournament, they reached the semifinals before losing to Duke. They then made it to their program’s first Final Four in the NCAA tournament by defeating Drake, Indiana, and Houston. However, they were eliminated by UConn, who eventually won the championship.
The Miami Hurricanes, known primarily for their success in football, are set to make a new mark in basketball as they compete in Houston this weekend. Eager to avenge their Elite Eight loss from last season, the Hurricanes have advanced through the NCAA Tournament and secured the Midwest Region title, putting them in position to compete for the national championship.
In the NCAA Tournament first round, the Miami Hurricanes rallied from behind to defeat No. 12 Drake by a score of 69-62, with Nijel Pack scoring 21 points and making key shots and free throws down the stretch. In the second round, they dominated No. 4 Indiana 85-69, with Isaiah Wong, Jordan Miller, and Pack combining for 58 points in the victory while outrebounding the Hoosiers 48-to-31.
In the Sweet Sixteen, the Miami Hurricanes took down No. 1 seed Houston by a score of 89-75. All five Hurricanes starters scored in double figures while Houston struggled to convert shots from beyond the arc, shooting just 29 percent. Miami’s strong offensive showing helped send the Cougars packing from the tournament.
In the Elite Eight, the Miami Hurricanes overcame a 13-point deficit in the second half to defeat No. 2 seed Texas 88-81 and advance to their first Final Four in program history. Jordan Miller led the way with a perfect shooting performance, scoring 27 points on 7-for-7 shooting and 13-for-13 from the free-throw line. Despite not making a single three-pointer during their comeback, the Hurricanes were able to pull off the win. The Miami Hurricanes were the Midwest Regionals Champions which it was the first time in History that they won the Regionals Championship. There was dancing and laughter while the whole team had fun and get to lift the trophy.
The Miami Hurricanes men’s basketball team made history by reaching their first Final Four, but their run came to an end with a 72-59 loss to the UConn Huskies. Miami struggled throughout the game, shooting under 33 percent from the field and committing nine turnovers while forcing 14 turnovers by UConn, who shot 49 percent. Isaiah Wong led the Hurricanes with 15 points, while Jordan Miller added 11 points, but they were the only two Miami players to reach double figures.
Nijel Pack, a third-year sophomore guard who was named the Midwest Regional’s Most Outstanding Player during Miami’s run, expressed that the sky’s the limit for the program and expects it to get better each year. He also mentioned that there is a certain expectation for the group now and he is proud to be a part of Miami history, despite not being able to finish the recent achievement. He hopes that the program will continue to achieve great things and improve with each passing year. Coach Larrañaga believes that March Madness is about having fun and dancing, as everyone loves to dance. Here’s a glimpse at Coach Larrañaga’s notable dance moves during March Madness.
On the other hand of their next door neighbor, Florida Atlantic Owls did the same that it was the first time in School History that they completed every tournament until the Final Four. The FAU Owls we’re about to go to the Finals but got eliminated by San Diego The Two South Florida basketball programs’ impressive runs came to an end, as the University of Miami Men’s Basketball Team lost to UConn, receiving a standing ovation and hugs inside the Watsco Center in Coral Gables. The University of Miami Men’s Basketball Team made school history by making it to the Final Four for the first time. Fans in attendance were proud of the Hurricanes’ achievement.
