LEXINGTON, Ky. — So the next step will have to wait. You know the one. The one small leap for man, the giant leap for Cougarkind.

Perhaps you've read this before: BYU has a fine season, it gets an invitation to the NCAA tournament, hopes run high. But in the time it takes to change the channel — and by the way, aren't the Cougars due to change channels? — they're out: Xavier 79, BYU 77.

Maybe they should book themselves into Extended Stay America next time. You know, think positive.

The Cougars will have to wait again to prove they can win in the post-season. What's another year ... or two ... or 14? Last time BYU advanced past the first round of the NCAA tournament was 1993. That was followed by a 1995 first-day loss to Tulane. Then in 2001 came an opening loss to Cincinnati. And in 2003 a loss to Connecticut. In 2004, more of the same: Syracuse 80, BYU 75.

Don't these guys ever pack for more than one night?

In losing again in the first round — something the Cougars have done for most of their history — they let a great year slide into just a good one, a beautiful year into a nice one. But there's so much more out there.

As the seconds ticked away, Austin Ainge's shot bounced away, as did Trent Plaisted's. Did the Cougars shoot well enough to win? Probably. They made nine of 19 threes. They out-rebounded the Musketeers, shot a better field goal percentage and committed a moderate 10 turnovers.

But after taking the lead with 2:10 to go, they gave it up 12 seconds later and never got it back. Xavier's Drew Lavender made one basket, Josh Duncan another, and two more BYU shots went wrong. The last chance slipped away when Ainge was nearly tied up in traffic before finally getting the ball away to Keena Young for the final BYU score.

One bucket and a few seconds short.

"I don't think it takes away from that (the season), but it left something unfinished — the goal we set at the beginning of the year — and we didn't quite get it done," said Ainge. "That hurts."

The Cougars entered Thursday's game under considerable pressure, both from within and without. Sure, winning the regular season conference title this year was nice for them — their first outright championship since 1988. That was a big step. But then there has been the post-season. BYU's last tournament win was two coaches and a lot of migraines ago.

Consequently, questions regarding BYU's ability to advance in the tournament were abundant in the day prior to Thursday's game. How important, coach Dave Rose and team members were asked, is it to not only get in the tourney but win games?