SPRINGFIELD - The men's basketball team's Cinderella run through the NCAA Tournament ended Wednesday night, as they suffered their ninth loss of the season in a 96-89 decision against the BYU-Hawaii Seasiders in the Elite Eight.  The Deacons finish the 2010-2011 campaign with a mark of 24-9, winning nine out of their final 10 games to close the historic season of Bloomfield basketball. 

"Unfortunately, we didn't play our best basketball tonight," Bloomfield head coach Gerald Holmes said. "We didn't play defense, and we allowed them to shoot the three.  We've had a great season, one that has been extremely important for our league, our institution, and our basketball program.  These players understand now what it takes to get here, and that an even bigger target will be on our backs then ever before.  I hope they'll work very hard this offseason to get back here."

Division II basketball's biggest stage saw the Deacons offense sputter in the early going, the Seasiders mounting a double-digit advantage midway through the opening half.  BYU was able to connect on eight of their 14 three-point attempts and shooting 53% from the floor in the first 20 minutes of action, but Bloomfield weathered the storm, riding Gage Daye's 11 first-half points to keep themselves within striking distance.  The Seasiders took a 44-37 advantage into the break, with Bloomfield seemingly on the cusp of a run to get back into the ballgame.

But the frustration mounted in the second half, as the Seasiders had an answer for every Bloomfield spurt.  The Deacons would cut the lead to as little as four points on several occasions as the minutes dwindled.  But each time BYU could feel the momentum shifting, a different veteran player would hit come up with a big bucket to knock the East Regional champions back.  Bloomfield would never erase the lead, the Seasiders pulling away late to push the cushion to double-digits.  Each side scored exactly 52 points in the final frame, but in the end it was the West Regional champion Seasiders who moved on to the Final Four Thursday afternoon. 

Daye finished the evening with a game-high 34 points, saving one of his best performances of his brilliant senior campaign for the game's brightest lights.  Ahmad Harris contributed a signature effort, notching 13 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.  Art Ellis came off the bench to tally 15 points in reserve, connecting on three of his six long-range attempts.

"I can't really put into words what this season has meant to me," Daye said.  "The ride has been amazing.  The dinners, the jokes, the experiences with my teammates.  It's something I'll never forget."

"This was a great season for us, but we didn't meet our ultimate goal," Harris said.  "I hope you all will look out for us next year."