CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Students and fans gave the Miami Hurricanes men’s basketball team their final send-off Wednesday morning before the team headed to Houston for the Final Four.
Local 10 News was at the Coral Gables campus to capture all of the energy and how the team was preparing for Connecticut ahead of this weekend’s big game.
Excitement filled the air as hundreds of supporters were seen wearing orange and green while cheering their team on as players and coaches boarded the busses.
Canes head coach Jim Larranaga spoke with Local 10 News and said that he’s excited for his team to have this moment and play in their first Final Four.
“We’re excited to play UConn, a team that has won several national championships in basketball, but I think our Miami Hurricanes are ready to compete in the highest level of college basketball,” he said.
Before leaving, the Canes held an open practice at the Watsco Center where guard Isaiah Wong said that “playing together” will be the most important part in getting a victory.
“We have a great team and we have a talented team. We’re just talking about playing for one another,” he said.
Canes guard Bensley Joseph told Local 10 News that 30 of his friends and family members are travelling to Houston to watch the Final Four.
If the Canes defeat the Huskies and the Owls end up winning their game against the Aztecs on Saturday, both South Florida teams will compete in the national championship game for the first time in history.
Tip-off is set for 8:49 p.m.