We Still Love You, Auburn.

BY: Morgan Thayer

As the basketball went through the hoop from the free throw line, Auburn’s dream of making it to the championship came to an end. After a historic season for Auburn’s Men’s Basketball team, a penalty in the last 0.6 seconds of the game gave Virginia the chance they needed to secure a spot in the championship game.

Recovering from a 10 point deficit after half time, Auburn thought they had it in the bag. Virginia Junior Kyle Guy missed a free throw shot and the game looked to be over, but before the seconds could run out on the clock a foul was called. Auburn Junior Samir Doughty fouled, sending Guy to the line to shoot. Guy, who is an 81.8 percent free-throw shooter, now had every opportunity in the world to win the game for his team. Guy made the first two shots, Auburn called a timeout, and after returning to the court Guy made the third shot securing a win for Virgina.

Auburn fans everywhere were instantly heartbroken. It was unbelievable that Auburn could lose this way. You could feel the sadness from Minneapolis all the way to Auburn. A missed double dribble call is what many Auburn fans attribute to the defeat- but was that really the reason?

Head Coach Bruce Pearl did not believe so. In post-game interviews, fans and reporters wanted to hear Pearls thoughts on the missed call, but instead, Pearl said, “We didn’t focus on that,we focused on how we were going to handle the defeat at Auburn, with class and dignity. There are lots of calls during the game, and you’re going to get some, and some you’re not going to get.” Pearl continued on to say, “But it won’t — it can’t define — don’t let it define the game because then you’re taking away from Ty Jerome or you’re taking away from Anfernee McLemore with 12 rebounds, or Bryce Brown almost leading Auburn back to an incredible come-from-behind victory. I’d love that to be the story.”

Auburn truly gave fans the season of a lifetime The way they represented themselves all season, especially at the end, is inspiring to many. We still love you boys, and will forever remember the unforgettable final four season!