Miami's season could be more special than coach expected; Pacific playing for retiring coach

AUSTIN, Texas – Miami coach Jim Larranaga was saying last fall that this could be a very special season for the Hurricanes. Maybe even the best in school history.

They might just be on track to be the best team in the country.

The ACC regular-season and tournament champions already have a school-record 27 wins headed into their first NCAA tournament game in five years Friday.

Miami is the No. 2 seed in the East Regional against Pacific (22-12), the Big West Conference tourney champion trying to extend another game the career of retiring long-time coach Bob Thomason.

Pacific is making its fifth NCAA appearance under Thomason, who is wrapping up his 25th and final season at his alma mater.