SDSU finishes the season an amazing 34-3, but right after the game it was hard to see the good through the sting of the loss.
"I feel like we let the city down," said senior forward Billy White. "Not just our school, the whole city. We played our hearts out, it just wasn't good enough today."
But it was good enough for us.
Every one of the SDSU fans we saw leaving the Honda Center said the season, in their eyes, was a success.
San Diego State's basketball team reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament for the first time ever, galvanizing its long dormant but massive alumni fan base.
The run ended on a dreary evening in Anaheim with a 74-67 loss to Connecticut.
Husky All-American Kemba Walker scored 36 points and fellow guard Jeremy Lamb added 26. The dynamic duo went 8-11 from the 3-point line.
The Aztecs had four players in double figures, led by senior guard D.J. Gay's 16 (all in the 2nd half), but their balance was not enough for UConn's superstar.
This team, along with the football team that won the Poinsettia Bowl, has reignited the passion for Aztec sports. Plus, they laid the groundwork for another NCAA Tournament run next season.
"I believe so," said Gay. "The underclassmen learned a lot this season. They definitely played a role in our success. Next year is going to be their time, and I think they'll all be ready."
And we'll be ready to cheer them on again.
Congratulations on a wonderful season, gentlemen, and thanks for the ride.
