I think it's pretty safe to say this is the best season in Xavier history. A school record in wins (30), advancing as far as any Musketeer team (Elite 8) and playing the most difficult schedule Xavier has ever cooked up speaks for itself.
The locker room was as you would expect. Quiet, blank stares and some tears, but the Muskies were very respectful to UCLA. A few themes from the players' answers:
1. UCLA just flat out beat us
2. The seniors will be missed greatly
3. One loss will not ruin a great season
I've watched UCLA play several times this year and this was one of their best offensive performances of the season. They've struggled to hit shots all year long, but stepped up in the biggest game, so far, this season.
The loss is especially tough for X because they just didn't play well. Xavier had to shoot well to win. Instead, they shot very poorly, rebounded poorly, gave up too many open shots and overall looked a little overwhelmed.
Xavier is losing a special senior class. Burrell, Duncan and Lavender will be hard to replace. But, the cupboard is far from empty. A good group of returning players and a great recruiting class means X should get back to the tournament next year. If Sean Miller stays for a while, he will get Xavier to the final four.
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