No. 13 Chattanooga lost a heartbreaker to No. 4 Illinois and everyone made the same joke about Terrell Owens

Yes, T.O. We know Chattanooga is your school.

The cruelest defeat in March has to be the almost-upset.

If you get blown out, that’s fine. You probably didn’t belong in the tournament, to begin with. You live, you learn and you appreciate the experience of postseason basketball. If you’re the team on the receiving end of an upset, yeah it stings, but life goes on. If you come within inches, fouls or one shot of glory, I don’t know how you even fathom getting out of bed the next morning.

It’s a reality that No. 13 Chattanooga (+8) has to stomach after just barely falling short to No. 4 Illinois, 54-53, in a Men’s NCAA tournament matchup on Friday.

One of Chattanooga’s more famous alums is Pro Football Hall of Famer Terrell Owens. Since long retired, Owens decided to make an appearance to cheer his alma mater on in the only way he knows how.

Of course, with the Mocs suffering a heartbreaking defeat within earshot of Owens, every college hoops fan couldn’t help but make the same joke.

Come on. He’s a passionate guy. Stop kicking Owens while he’s down. It’s not nice.

He’s clearly invested in these young men’s basketball journeys. That’s very kind coming from someone of his stature. Give him some credit and, again, be nice.

Okay, what the heck: (Voice breaking) That’s my alma mater!

Sorry, T.O. And sorry, Chattanooga. Better luck next year. Maybe we’ll all have more original jokes by then.

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