The applause at Pauley Pavilion has been replaced by resigned smiles as UCLA’s March Madness run came to an end. People have been depopulating the stands since halftime but a few devoted dozens stuck it out until the end.

“This has been the best season we’ve ever had,” said Maxwell Iacono, a second-year Business Economy major. “Unfortunately, it hasn’t clicked this game. It’s upsetting, because I know we’re better than this.”