Agreed that we need to stop complaining about the refs. I think that goes for every team. There are some egregious exceptions when it's deserved. This game was definitely not one of them. In fact, I think most Loyola fans were hoping for a "loose whistle" in this tourney as we play physical too. They called the game really tight @SLU and we lost by 30. The refs let physical play go when we played SLU at home and at the A10 tourney and we won both. We can't have it both ways--wanting a loose whistle vs less physical teams like SLU and Dayton but a tight whistle against more or equally physical teams like VCU.

Fact is, we had a chance to win this one. Between missed layups, missed free throws and some defensive lapses in the last few minutes, we did it to ourselves. Not to mention, Des was absolutely on fire on his mid-range game vs SLU...those same shots were just rimming out vs VCU. Must have been painful for him to see that. So many wide open mid-range shots this game.

Think we proved that we are right there with the top of this conference. We are clearly in the "top pack". Need to get over the VCU hump though. They are the top dogs right now and, with their NIL budget, will continue to be. They are likely losing Odom this offseason, but they have been absolutely on point with their last few HC hires.

Will be interesting to see how this offseason plays out. Priority needs to be Rubin. With how he played on both ends of the floors in the final month or two, he is a 1st team All-A10 guy next year. Dawson would be great to keep, but rumors are hometown Creighton will be pushing hard for him. Get the feeling at least one of the foreign freshmen recruits transfers.