Miami not surprised at Florida Gulf Coast’s win
by David Jones, USA TODAY Sports
AUSTIN, Tex. — No one had to tell the Miami Hurricanes, the No. 2 seed in the East Region, that Georgetown better be careful before the NCAA tournament started.
The ‘Canes had a first hand look at FGCU, losing 63-51 back on Nov. 13. Florida Gulf Coast pulled off another stunner by knocking off another No. 2 seed, the Hoyas, on Friday.
“We knew about that team. Everybody was saying that was Miami’s bad loss,” chuckled ‘Canes big man Reggie Johnson on Saturday, as UM prepared for its second Big Dance game on Sunday vs. Illinois. “Now everybody is saying they’re a pretty good team. It’s ‘I told you so,’ I knew that they were pretty good.
“We didn’t want to lose to them but they’re still a pretty doggone good team. …I didn’t know too much about Florida Gulf Coast but I do now.”
There’s a chance to two could meet again – and you can bet the Hurricanes don’t chuckle at the thought – if UM wins the East Region and FGCU wins the South. The two regions are paired in the Final Four.
“They work hard,” Johnson said. “You can hear those guys talking, they’re close and they want to win.”
He added it might be a good idea for higher seeds to sit up and take notice. If they don’t, it could happen again.
“Anything can happen,” Johnson said. “Anybody can beat anybody.”
Miami coach Jim Larranaga agrees others better not sleep on the Fort Myers school.
“After the game (in November) everybody was appauled that an Atlantic Coast team could lose to Florida Gulf Coast,” Larranaga said.
But he said this wasn’t just another non-BCS conference school. And he realized it.
“Watching them play (Friday vs. Georgetown) was not a surprise to us, we know they are very, very capable,” Larranaga said. “They are a team that flies under the radar screen because they … [For more on Miami not surprised at Florida Gulf Coast's big win, click here.]
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