'We'll be back': Auburn's historic Final Four run

'We'll be back': Auburn's historic Final Four run'We'll be back': Auburn's historic Final Four run

MINNEAPOLIS – Walking back onto the court after the final media timeout with his team trailing 57-51, Bryce Brown sought assurance from his source of lifelong support. His family, seated in the first row.

"If I'm battling something, I always look at them," he said. "They always give me a little encouragement and let me know that I've got it and that I can do it."

Bryce Brown had it, and he did it.

After making eye contact with his parents, Brown hit a pair of 3-pointers to give Auburn the lead. He scored nine points in Auburn's 14-0 run, turning a 57-47 deficit into a 61-57 lead.

"At that point, I felt like I was able to get a couple shots to go down," he said. "I felt like we put ourselves in good position to win, just weren't able to finish the deal."

Auburn fans will long remember what happened next. The missed call, the made call. The devastation of a 63-62 last-second, season-ending defeat.

While they will remember the ending, they will never forget the aftermath.

The class and composure their team displayed in the face of such disappointment, best exemplified by Samir Doughty, who was called for the foul that sent Virginia's Kyle Guy to the line for three game-winning free throws with 0.6 seconds remaining.

"That's why they're refereeing the Final Four, because they're the best of the best," said Doughty, whose grace and poise earned nationwide admiration. "You've got to trust their decisions that they make on the floor.

"We came a long way. We definitely feel like we deserved to be in this position. We worked for it. We feel like we had an incredible season. We just wanted to keep continuing to make history, but we fell short to a great Virginia team."

Outside the locker room, Auburn coach Bruce Pearl applauded his players for their maturity and example.

"These kids can teach us so many lessons," Pearl said. "Look at the sacrifices they have to make. Look at how they make each other better. Look how they can forgive each other when they fail.

"If we, either as a country or as communities, would find ways to work together and learn lessons from these kids: about how to compete, how to make each other better. Stop with all the fighting. Let's love each other. Let's love our neighbor. Let's respect our opponent like Virginia, and congratulate them when they win. I'm really proud of my team."

Seniors Horace Spencer, Malik Dunbar, Cole Blackstock and Brown prepared to leave the locker room for the final time as Auburn players.

"I'm going to miss my brothers," said Spencer, provider of unquestioned toughness and leadership. "I won rings here. Not many people can say that. Proud of everybody in here. I wish the outcome was different."

"That's what hurts the most, that I won't be able to wear this jersey again," Brown said. "Hopefully I had a huge impact on this program. This program has definitely changed my life to the fullest, not only in basketball, but as a man, as an Auburn man. I'm just happy that Auburn gave me the opportunity to wear this jersey and be a great player."

Auburn's magical run ended two wins shy of the ultimate destination, but oh, what a journey. Unbeaten in March. SEC Tournament champs. First 30-win season. First Final Four trip. Do it for Chuma.  

One shining moment? More like, too many to count.

Along the way, the 2018-19 Tigers made an indelible imprint in Auburn athletics history, securing a place of honor in the hearts and memories of Auburn fans.

"In 2019, Auburn was a major story in this championship," Pearl said. "We'll be back."

Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer