Jim Larrañaga astonishingly led Miami to the Final Four 17 years to the day since his George Mason run
Jim Larrañaga is a national treasure.
On Sunday, Larrañaga led Miami to its first-ever Final Four appearance after pulling off an incredible comeback over Texas. The Hurricanes rallied from a 13-point deficit in the second half to stun the No. 2 seeded Longhorns 88-81. Miami posted 51 points in the second half to completely overwhelm Texas in the final 20 minutes.
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Thankfully for Miami, this isn’t Larrañaga’s first Final Four rodeo. In fact, 17 years to the day in 2006, Larrañaga helped George Mason advance to the Final Four. Even better, George Mason also erased a double digit deficit, much like Miami did to best Texas.
March 26, 2006: Jim Larrañaga's George Mason Patriots erase double digit-deficit to advance to the Final Four
March 26, 2023: Jim Larrañaga's Miami Hurricanes erase double digit-deficit to advance to the Final Four pic.twitter.com/ZrNaCJMuJK
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 26, 2023
Here’s how things looked back in 2006 when Larrañaga led George Mason to the Final Four.
On this day in 2006, Jim Larrañaga led @MasonMBB to the @MFinalFour!
Will he do the same with Miami tonight? #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/PvJ3YRBrdO
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 26, 2023
What a tournament it’s been so far for the Hurricanes. Earlier in the week, Miami upset No. 1 seed Houston to make it to the Elite Eight and Larrañaga stole the show afterwards with his hilarious dance moves.
And now, Larrañaga is once again leading his team to a Final Four appearance in late March.
"All the guys just kept talking 'We've got to go past the Elite 8 and get to the Final Four'"
Jim Larrañaga celebrates with his team as the Canes are set to make their first Final Four appearance ever! #MarchMadness @CanesHoops pic.twitter.com/BEzGSRRPJz
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 26, 2023
Basketball fans were overjoyed for Larrañaga on such an awesome milestone.