Entering their final game ever at Erwin Center, the No. 21 Texas Longhorns wanted nothing more than to send the more than 16,000 in attendance home with burnt orange tinted memories of an emphatic victory over defending national champion and in-state Big XII rival Baylor.
Forty-five years at the place nicknamed "The Drum"; however, came to an unfavorable end as Texas's farewell party for the historic gym was spoiled by the Bears to the tune of a 68-61 loss on Feb. 28, according to the Austin American-Statesman.
“We wanted to win this game tonight for so many obvious reasons, but it was personal to us because of the Erwin Center and the fans," Texas head coach Chris Beard told the publication. "We’ve got to make sure we don’t wake up tomorrow with the loser’s lip. You know, we’ve got to wake up. Let’s go, man. Let’s chest up. Let’s just understand how lucky we are, and then get back to work."
The Longhorns struggled from behind the three-point arc the whole evening, going a miserable 4-for-23, the Austin American-Statesman reported.
Marcus Carr accounted for 75% of Texas's made threes.
Carr and Christian Bishop each had 13 points in the loss.
A few positives for Texas included decent ball protection and solid rebounding in the paint, the Austin American-Statesman reported.
While the Longhorns will receive an invitation to the Big Dance this month, they're projected to land the fifth seed in their region.
They close out the regular season on the road at Kansas.
Next season, the Longhorns will move into their new home, the Moody Center.
The venue is scheduled to open next month, Austin NBC affiliate KXAN reported.