It’s the kind of cold, wet, rainy March in Cleveland that plain sucks. Way too much symbolism on the day after a loss.

For only one team does basketball season end as a complete good thing. For everyone else, pain. Or frustration. Or anger. That time is now for Pitt.

If you want to think Pitt choked. If you want to think that Pitt had no business losing that game, I doubt anything will convince you otherwise. Not the stats. Not the Vegas line. Not all things going into this game that screamed toss-up.

The Curse of Kelvin Sampson continues for another year (in my mind). Former Indiana recruit, Jordan Crawford, and Indiana transfer, Terrell Holloway, combined for 40 points (13-22), 9 rebounds and 4 assists. I am so sick of seeing his former assemblage of talents get dispersed then come back to bit Pitt on the ass. (And on that note, please let Devin Ebanks turn pro early.)

A 71-68 loss. Coming back more than once from double-digit deficits. It wasn’t enough. That one stretch in the first half when things went all Xavier’s way. Every ball for them found the bottom of the net, every drive and shot by Pitt wouldn’t fall, or a turnover to make it another empty possession.

This Pitt team didn’t quit. They played hard, aggressive and well throughout the second half. Strong surges and the kind of play that we have enjoyed all season. Frustratingly, like in the second loss to Notre Dame or that loss at Seton Hall, things never quite all the way there. Xavier had just enough to answer and survive.

Pitt got chances at the end. As Gil Brown spent the first half and most of the second half being fitted for goat horns for yet another on-and-off game performances. He suddenly found his stroke in the waning minutes to help Pitt comeback (5-5 including 3-3 on 3s). Xavier missed some key free throws. But this time the game-tying three would not fall from Wanamaker or Gibbs. Not like it did against WVU. Not like it did versus Louisville. No game-winning shot like Providence.

Instead we find ourselves pondering the missed chances. If Jermaine Dixon had not had a horrible night. If three more free throws would have gone down. If Gary McGhee wasn’t as ineffective, as he was assertive the previous game. If Ashton Gibbs could have made a couple shots in the second half. If Gilbert Brown could have gotten on track sooner. If some of Wanamaker’s drives to the hoop had gone in, instead of rimming out. If a couple calls had been made that went Pitt’s way. If anyone other than Wanamaker and Gibbs could have shown any offense in the first half. If the defense could have gotten a couple stops. (If someone could have taken a crowbar to Jordan Crawford’s shin.)

Nope. A tight tough loss to a team that had a strong troika in Love, Holloway and Crawford that combined to get 54 of the 71 points and 17 of the 31 rebounds to drive the Musketeers. You have to tip your cap to the way each controlled their aspect of the game and dominated their spot. Love inside, was strong and unyielding. Holloway — especially in the second half — controlled things for Xavier and directed the team to explot its one-on-one strengths.

Then there was Crawford who is making the opening weekend of the NCAA a declaration of his presence as a big time player. Not Joe Crawford’s little brother. Not the guy who got a dunk on LeBron James. A star talent that Xavier hopes to have for one more year.

The ride ended too soon — again. More was wanted. It felt like there should have been more. There’s no satisfying ending.

Then again, it never ends. Only two players leave this team. The group will work to get better. We know that they are upset and frustrated. That they want to put this behind them and not let this happen again.

The expectations return quickly. The optimism is already there. Improvement from the players throughout the season. New blood and talent on the bench and coming soon. A coach that demands strong, unselfish play — and knows how to coax it out of a team.

Next season can’t get here soon enough.