You ever had one of those days when everything seems to go wrong? When the whole world seems out to get you?

Well, Saturday was one of those days for the ISU basketball program. That day, which I have taken the liberty to deem “Black Saturday,” marked the end of two spectacular basketball seasons by Iowa State.

The men’s team had to think there was some vast conspiracy against them. Heading into Saturday evening’s tilt in Auburn Hills, Mich., the Cyclones saw one team left standing in the NCAA Tournament that could have given them a run for their money.

That one team? Michigan State, their next opponent.

To add insult to possible injury, the game was played near Detroit, just 80 miles from Lansing. They turned the Palace into their own home court. Breslin West, if you will.

But for a long time, it appeared the Cyclones would overcome the odds and the adversity, which they’ve done countless times in this truly magical season. I kept a running list in my notebook that stated “Iowa State is in the Final Four in ___ minutes.”

Each time ISU had the lead when the game clock ticked off a minute, I would fill in the blank. The numbers went from 38 to 3, but no further.

My seat on press row was only five feet behind the Cyclones’ bench, which only added to the drama and emotion that was already present in spades.

Although I actually welled up with tears a couple of times when ISU appeared to be on its way to Indianapolis for a probable national title, I only lost control of my emotions once.

That would be when I began screaming “He called a block!” three or four times before I regained my bearings and calmed down. The controversy with under four minutes to play and the Cyclones still up a point had fans on both sides in an uproar, which luckily for me drowned out my objections.

As the clock ran down on the season, I simply went numb. So close, yet so far away.

For one of the first times in my life, I left a game early, leaving to write my story right after Larry Eustachy made his slightly more boisterous exit.

It was the 22nd time I’ve seen the men play this year. It was the first time they had gone down in defeat.

After a game like this, there are lots of reasons to be bitter. The seedings, for example. The two top teams in the tournament met up in a regional final. Not the way this is supposed to work.

But as Eustachy said following the defeat, you have to play the hand you are dealt.

Also, the Cyclones would’ve had to meet up with Michigan State eventually, and who’s to say the outcome would’ve been different? It’s difficult to say, but on this night, the Spartans were simply the better team.

Playing in Auburn Hills was a legitimate gripe. But as Michael Nurse pointed out, Iowa State had done the same to other teams, so who are we to complain?

Finally, there was the officiating. I don’t think anyone is going to say that was a well-officiated game. There were some highly questionable fouls called, and some did go against Iowa State. But we can’t blame this one on the refs, either.

The fact is, Iowa State had a one-point lead with four minutes to play, and Michigan State controlled the last portion of the game. For one of the few times this year, Iowa State didn’t dominate down the stretch. The only team in the country that is better than them did instead, and that’s why they will be national champions instead of the Cyclones.

Then, it was back to my hotel room to watch the women’s game. Emotionally drained, I promised myself I wouldn’t get too involved with the contest. Riiiiight.

Iowa State fell behind by 11, and I was sure the end of the free world was in plain view. However, as the Cyclones made a comeback, so did my spirits.

It appeared they would come all the way back and get one of the best wins in school history. Then Helen Darling’s shot hung on the rim for what seemed like an eternity before falling in.

I shook my head, disbelieving. Still time left.

Iowa State ran a good play, and got a great shot. Megan Taylor has made that 15-footer countless times, but as the ball hit the rim, the clock hit zero on a fairy tale season for Iowa State basketball.

59 wins. Two conference titles. Two Big 12 tournament crowns. The two best teams in Iowa State history. All ended in the span of about four hours.

But just because their seasons are over does not mean these teams will be forgotten. I will always remember the tremendous collection of athletes that came together to electrify Ames and Iowa for five months.

But I’ll also never forget Black Saturday.

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Josh Flickinger is a senior in journalism and mass communication from Rockford, Ill.