Entering the Final Four for the First Time in 55 Years, How Did the Loyola Chicago Ramblers Write Their ‘Cinderella’ Destiny in 2018?

Who doesn’t like to enjoy a good Cinderella story in college basketball? Over the years, March Madness has produced some of the most shocking yet exciting moments in which an underdog team defies all odds and hands a huge upset on tournament favorites. The one that still remains fresh in our memories is Rambler’s magical campaign of 2018.

Their historic season featured knockout victories over higher-ranked teams like Miami, Tennessee, Nevada and Kansas State. Consequently, their tremendous run has a special place in the March Madness archives.

It all began in an NCAA Tournament South Region clash at Dallas. With just 0.3 seconds remaining, Loyola’s Donte Ingram buries a top-of-the-key shot from beyond the arc to hand Ramblers a breathtaking 64-62 victory over the No. 6 seed Miami. This result also marked their first tournament victory in 33 years. Following this, a formidable Tennessee awaited them in the second round of the competition. Volunteers were the co-SEC champs that season and were looking as clear favorites to advance into the next stage. But Junior Clayton Custer had other plans as his mind-boggling jumper sealed the deal for Loyola Chicago with just 3.6 seconds remaining.

Something similar happened when they locked horns with Nevada in their Sweet 16 thriller. With just a minute to go, the game was evenly poised with Nevada trailing by a single point at 64-63 despite their recent three-pointer. After this, a series of free throws and beyond-the-arc bombs engulfed the fans in a rollercoaster ride. Finally, Marques Townes’ clutch three made it 69-65 which became 69-68 after a counter three from Nevada’s Caleb Martin. Unfortunately, that was the final role in the dice for the Wolf Pack as the buzzer rang 1.8 seconds later.

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However, this was not the final trick that Ramblers pulled off that season.

Loyola Chicago’s Historic March into the Final Four

March 25, 2018, became a monumental day in the history of Division I men’s college basketball. Ramblers joined LSU (1986), George Mason (2006) and VCU (2011) to become the lowest-seeded team to make their entry into the Final Four. After three consecutive close shaves, Loyola Chicago sailed past Kansas State 78-62 on the back of a career-high from Ben Richardson. Seemingly, his 23 points were enough to take Loyola Chicago into the tournament’s semi-finals for the first time since 1963. Subsequently, they headed toward San Antonio where their dream run was ended by Michigan.

There is no denying that the awe-inspiring journey of the Loyola Chicago Ramblers still creates some chills among fans. Indeed, their successful road was worthy to be included as it resulted in countless memories. Hardly anyone would argue that these won’t be cherished in the years to come.

What was your favorite moment from their story? Tell us in the comment section.

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