PROVIDENCE — After an afternoon and early evening filled with rumors linking Providence College’s vacant basketball coaching job to George Mason’s Jim Larranaga, fans of both schools went to bed without an answer last night.

Will Larranaga cut the cord with the program that he’s led for 11 seasons, including a Final Four berth in 2006? Today should be the day when that question is answered. Larranaga has spent the previous two days weighing a contract offer from PC and contacting several notable PC people, including high-ranking alumns on the board of trustees and his former coach, Dave Gavitt.

Several Web sites and fan boards were claiming knowledge yesterday of an agreement between PC and Larranaga but as of late last night, the situation remained unresolved. At this stage of the process, it’s normal for both sides to be talking money and length of contract but also for the coach to be asking for things that can help him win: money for staff, charter flights, scheduling control, etc.

All that’s left is for Larranaga to decide if he can agree to PC’s terms and whether he can leave George Mason where he’s set a school record for wins (230) and is the Colonial Athletic Association’s all-time leader in victories with 151. Larranaga, who is under contract through 20012, coached 11 seasons at Bowling Green before moving to George Mason.

kmcnamar@projo.com