GD, this effing hurts

[SoCal_Pony]

We have the future but we lost to a less talented team. It hurts

We had better bigs and they had better guards. How were they a less talented team.

LB is always overly complimentary of our opponents, to an extreme.

He said in his post-game interview that he thought we were the better team. Now you know the man is so humble that he's not saying we are the better coached team. That leaves only one other possibility, better players. I agree.

[StallionsModelT]

Tough loss and the better team lost. Ryan Manuel had no business being on the floor in the final five minutes of the game. His inability to execute against the press was the turning point when we had a nice 7 point cushion. Really odd that Sterling was on the bench for so long.

Big picture-wise this NIT experience will be a huge benefit for the team moving forward. Our veteran guys that return next year got an additional 3 weeks of practice and games against quality competition. Adding Mudiay, Tolbert, and maybe another piece to the puzzle makes this a team that has legit title aspirations next year. If we can play consistently away from Moody then this is a Top 15 caliber team next season.

As disappointing as the 3 game collapse to the end the season was the team showed great character in how they bounced back in the NIT. We have some tough kids and a great coach. That will give us a chance against anyone we play.

[SMU 86]

We have the future but we lost to a less talented team. It hurts

We had better bigs and they had better guards. How were they a less talented team.

LB is always overly complimentary of our opponents, to an extreme.

He said in his post-game interview that he thought we were the better team. Now you know the man is so humble that he's not saying we are the better coached team. That leaves only one other possibility, better players. I agree.

They had better shooting guards.

[Rebel10]

From what I saw it was that big of a difference in talent. The issue was execution.

[Rebel10]

I disagree. Winning this tournament would have been big. Winning is always better.

I am more disappointed in the fact that we just didn't play very well. We had more talent, and Little Ricky is nowhere near LB as a coach. We had the pieces in place and still lost.

This sucks, but man, what a great ride this year.

Well Little Ricky as you call him was pretty good. Stick yo asking irritating questions Corso.

[B1GPonyFan]

I'm more upset about the way they finished the regular season than the NIT title game.

[ALEX LIFESON]

Also this was probably discussed but I was at the game so haven't read through the threads yet, did the Minny player step out of bounds before he made the pass for the 3 with like 40 seconds left? Even the gopher fans around me were like 'we got away with one'.[/quote]

Had a friend say, the announcers even made comments that he was out of bounds.

[smusportspage]

Thought we had it up 7 with 5 to go. Stuff happens. Guess we just needed to be knocked down a peg in the climb to a national championship. Always better to win, but it can be an experience on which to draw in the future. The gut pain will subside with the first lobster sighting of the 2014-2015 season.

Manuel was clearly rattled during their run to tie it, I don't know why he wasn't removed.

Also this was probably discussed but I was at the game so haven't read through the threads yet, did the Minny player step out of bounds before he made the pass for the 3 with like 40 seconds left? Even the gopher fans around me were like 'we got away with one'.

At the time it happened it sure did look like the player stepped on the base line before he passed the ball for the made 3 point shot. Even one of the announcers mentioned it. You are correct the ref was right there. It all happened to quickly and when the 3 point shot was made it was never ever addressed again.

[Alaric]

SMU played well-they played with intensity. SMU just didn't finish. Both team played hard and played well. Its disappointing because we failed to execute down the stretch

True. We played really well, just had a 2 minute lapse with unforced errors. Sucks but doesn't put much tarnish on what was an incredible season.

[EastStang]

Next year no one will be able to even think of pressing us with Moore and Mudiay on the floor in the last five minutes.

[ponyte]

It hurts but in a good way. The team really improved from last year and then grows during this season. We have the basis for one Hades of a year next season. Great players with post season experience returning, great new players coming in, a stable excellent coaching staff and one Hades of a home court advantage.

And none of this was expected or anticipated.

Yes, the NIT championship was a pain but the fabulous year was much more satisfying than the one loss.

Now on to Football!

[PonySnob]

What should our expectations be for the team next year? Elite 8 or Final Four or the season is a disappointment?

[StallionsModelT]

Goal should be Sweet 16.

[Glenn Sosbee]

I quite honestly would have preferred to end this season with an NCAA sweet 16 exit over NIT runner-up. I am convinced this team could have advanced at least that far, we just simply were not afforded that opportunity as a ranked team. I will never understand that...NEVER.

Although I am SO proud of this team, this season can best be described as bittersweet. Next season cannot get here fast enough. Thank you Larry Brown and Go Ponies.

[Pony ^]

Midnight Madness/Moody Magic next year??