The Texas men’s basketball season came to a close last night in a tough Sweet 16 loss to Purdue, and while the scoreboard didn’t go in favor of the Longhorns, it’s hard not to feel that this team deserves a little more respect than the scoreboard reflects. It’s always tough to lose in a setting that large, especially when it feels like the Longhorns finally found their rhythm at just the right time. However, if you take a step back from the frustration that comes with a loss, there’s a larger picture that needs to be considered.

Texas didn’t go quietly into the night, however. They fought through a season full of inconsistencies, injuries, and pressure that never really seemed to ease up. Making it to the Sweet 16 wasn’t luck; it was the result of a team that refused to quit, even when it would have been easy to give up. Purdue might have been the better team last night, but it doesn’t change the fact that Texas has improved throughout the season.

However, what stands out most is how these Longhorns carried themselves. They played with a sense of urgency, confidence, and toughness that wasn’t necessarily evident throughout most of this season. There were times in this game that even though they lost, it felt like Texas was one run away from completely changing the entire complexion of this contest. That’s a level of fight that should be recognized, even though it wasn’t rewarded.

The fans are going to be disappointed today. That’s okay. There is a reason that disappointment exists, and that’s because these Longhorns had high expectations placed upon them. Those expectations were well-deserved. They brought excitement to Texas basketball that shouldn’t be forgotten just because this season ended one round early.

It hurts to lose, but the progress is undeniable. If anything, this run should serve as a reminder that Texas basketball can compete with the best. The season may be over, but the momentum doesn’t have to be.