And this is how it ends. A dream season meekly goes out.
Maybe Houston’s best basketball team in years lost in the Sweet 16, getting bashed by an average Miami team, 89-75.
Rest assured, Miami is not as good as UH. But for one night, they were. In fact, they were better.
UH’s vaunted defense was invisible. They gave up 89 points, something they never did. They went home meekly.
That is the Tournament. Upsets abound. The Cougars were the last No. 1 standing, and they went home.
It does not feel right. But that’s the reality.
The beauty of the tournament is one loss and you’re done. Unless you are the team that is supposed to win. For Miami, this is a watershed moment.
For Houston? A hard, dark, depressing loss.
Let’s not forget the great moments this Cougar team brought us. There will be more in our future. But this? Tough. Heartbreaking. Unthinkable.
But that’s the end. It was not what we wanted or wished for. Let Miami celebrate. For UH? The big dogs fell short. That is the other end of the Madness so many celebrate.
As a lifelong Cougar fan, I’ve been there many times, starting in 1983. It does not get any easier.
And that, as they say, is that. Let’s not forget the thrills this team brought us. It has been a magical season. The heartbreak, though, is real. They will be back. But the Final Four in Houston will not be the same. One bad game.
Sadly, that is life.