Loyola’s 2017-18 men’s basketball season was something that Loyola’s small but die-hard fan base will never forget. Ramblermaniacs knew that the Ramblers would be very good. But following the team through so many bad years, false starts, and plunging hopes had buffered fans to resist bubbly optimism. It wasn’t too much of a surprise to win the MVC somewhat convincingly, but the run deep into a tournament Loyola hadn’t seen in 33 years was a stunner. At least it was for me.
How do the Ramblers follow an unbelievable storybook season? Loyola has had the benefit of being in the same conference to watch what happens to two different Final Four teams the year after they made an amazing run in the NCAA Tournament. Continue reading