What a bad, bad game. What's funny is that the Lobos actually played pretty well, but they couldn't get a single freaking shot to fall.
I think we need to find a curse to describe New Mexico's lack of ability to get into the Sweet 16, honestly. This is probably the best, or second best team we've ever fielded, and I don't know that we've ever had a better opportunity to make it in (#3 seed, 2nd round, playing an upset winner), but it didn't happen.
Next year, we're going to have a better team, but I don't foresee a year like this. 30-5 is an amazing year (28-3 if you don't count post season). It was actually a better year than we deserved, seeing how we were the #9 RPI team in the nation. I think there was a lot of luck involved, and the luck just ran out in the 2nd round this year.
A dream season ends. Next year, with a more skilled and bigger team, we'll probably not even come close to 30 wins. We'll probably dance again, but we won't see another 3 seed for a long time. What a depressing day in Albuquerque.
The one good thing? Being picked to finish 5th in the MWC in the preseason, but turning it around and being the #8 ranked team nationwide in the AP poll is a pretty big turnaround.
So - Lobos Accomplishments:
1. MWC Champions
2. #8 Ranked Team
3. Tied for highest NCAA Tourney seed in history (#3)
4. Most wins in a season in UNM History (30)
5. 3rd youngest team in the country
6. Neglecting the NCAA tournament - 6-0 against top 25 teams
At least the Big Least is proving everyone west of the Mississippi right. They have been overrated for way too long, and its showing now.