Loyola Ramblers: An Elite 8 Duel with the Wildcats Looms

Early this season, the Loyola Ramblers stunned the Florida Gators on the road. Several months later, here we are: right in the thick of the Madness.

This magical run by the upstart Loyola Ramblers has stolen all of our hearts. Sister Jean has become more than just a heartwarming symbol; she’s become an international one. This year’s Cinderella fought off a sluggish start against the Nevada Wolf Pack last night and came away with a gutsy 69-68 victory.

This year’s edition of March Madness has been one of the least predictable ones in recent memory. The Ramblers are just one of several parties responsible for the pandemonium.

At this point, they have nothing left to prove. Not many expected they’d win their first-round shocker with Miami, let alone make it to the Elite 8.

Tomorrow, they get a chance to advance to the Final 4: an opportunity to truly become legends.

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A date with destiny?

Kansas State had a very solid season. However, you would never know given how impressive the Big 12 was. They were given a 9 seed, but given how well they’ve fared the last two weeks, it’s abundantly clear they were underrated:

Last night, after Loyola’s emotional victory over Nevada, Kansas State held off Kentucky for the first time in program history, 61-58. The Wildcats were lifted by Xavier Sneed’s 22-point game and will likely be the focal point for Loyola’s defense.

For the Ramblers, they will need another team effort to push themselves into the Final 4. Marques Townes, Clayton Custer, and Aundre Jackson poured in a combined 48 points (19-30 FGM, 4-5 3PM) last night. Perhaps those three guys keep the train going. Perhaps someone else steps up to make sure the dance doesn’t end.

For what it’s worth, both teams shouldn’t be here. Yet, they scrapped and clawed their way through what was considered the nastiest quarter in the draw:

While my Illinois Fighting Illini had a dreadful rebuilding season, I can take solace in the fact a team from my state and my city has shown that even the littlest of guys can make their dreams come true.

To the Loyola Ramblers, ramble on.