Michigan

Loyola Ramblers Depart Chicago for Final Four Game

Loyola University is just days away from its first Final Four appearance in decades. 

The men's basketball team left Chicago Wednesday morning for San Antonio, where they'll take on the University of Michigan Wolverines in the national semifinal on Saturday. 

On Tuesday, the Ramblers went through their final workout before departing Chicago for the last leg of the NCAA Tournament. They'll be at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio, so getting there early gives them a chance to get a feel for the court and what it will be like to shoot in a football stadium atmosphere. 

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Players said it may take some time to adjust, but they're not concerned. 

"I don't think it changes much as long as the basketball court stays the same," guard Lucas Williamson said, adding, "We will come out and execute as well as we can."

"You can't simulate the hoopla," head coach Porter Moser said. "You can't simulate the dome, we haven't played in the dome. Dallas and Atlanta were huge backdrops. It's a bigger backdrop, but it's the same."

The Ramblers became just the fourth 11-seed to reach the Final Four since 1979 on Saturday after defeating Kansas State, 78-62. Prior to this year's NCAA Tournament, Loyola hadn't reached the Final Four since 1963.

Saturday's game begins at 5:09 p.m. CST, airing on TBS.

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