The Latest Breaking News from Miami

HOUSTON — Among the thousand-odd texts filling Miami coach Jim Larrañaga’s phone in the moments after making the Final Four last Sunday, one stood out for its uniqueness.

HOUSTON — The band blared and the fans filled the lower bowl at NRG Stadium as the UConn men put on a show during their open practice Friday; there were smiles and laughter. Dan Hurley, hands behind his back, just watched and smiled like an artist admiring his finished painting.

For UConn players Adama Sanogo, Samson Johnson and Hassan Diarra a traditional pregame meal before Saturday night’s national semifinal against Miami won’t be possible

HOUSTON — Before the NCAA Tournament, Dusty May said a new contract with Florida Atlantic probably would have been completed and signed if he hadn’t been “too busy” coaching the team.

About eight minutes before Connecticut’s encounter with Miami in the Final Four on Saturday, Huskies big man Adama Sanogo will down some coconut water and oranges.

Tickets are so not in demand, it’s kind of a disaster. Aren’t we all supposed to love underdogs this time of year?

Higuain retired last October after two-and-a-half seasons playing in MLS

HOUSTON — In the 17 years that passed between Final Four appearances for Jim Larranaga, he changed schools (from George Mason to Miami), became a worse dancer (according to his players and his own self-appraisal), and lost none of the love for coaching he absorbed from Terry Holland.

Dolphins fans should know a bit about him.

As the highest-ranked team left standing, it's up to No. 4 seed UConn to restore order in a tournament that's been marked by wild upsets. But it's not the only team with a strong resume.

He didn't work out at his team's pro day.