DALLAS — Friday night's 67-58 loss to North Carolina State in Dallas brought an end to Marquette's season in the Sweet 16.
The second-seeded Golden Eagles fell to the 11th-seeded and hot Wolfpack.
After the game, there was the expected disappointment as Marquette ended their season with a 27-10 record.
"We have extremely high character guys that, to a man, care about one another,” said Marquette Head Coach Shaka Smart. “Special leadership from Oso and Tyler. That’s why it's so devastating for the season to end. We felt like this was a team that could keep playing beyond today."
"I mean, not many people make it to the Sweet 16,” said Marquette guard Tyler Kolek. “So, I wouldn't say that's early. I'm just happy to be out there every time with my guys. And, like coach said, I am just disappointed it's over."
"That's why it hurts so much,” added Marquette forward Oso Ighodaro. “I love these guys so much. They gave everything they had. That's why it hurts so much right now."
"I mean, this is everything to us,” said Marquette forward David Joplin. “And we're everything to each other. Like you said, we're a close knit group, and it's just it hurts, you know, it hurts my heart seeing everyone's face and knowing that the season is over, knowing that we can't play for each other anymore, probably never play with Oso and Tyler anymore ever, that just hurts."