After a week of school spirit and friendly competition among student organizations, the St. Edward’s University Homecoming weekend had some pretty special moments. Classes of alumni reunited and honored, parents visited their children and student groups put forth one last effort to claim the Topper Cup at the Homecoming Tailgate.

But the most special moment of the weekend came Saturday. No, it was not the announcement of Mr. and Mrs. SEU, the iPad raffle or the tailgate barbeque – but you do have to love free food. Nor was it the $500 Pluckers gift card won by a student in a game of knock-out. It was not even the shocking result of the basketball game when the Hilltoppers lost to UT-Permian Basin after a buzzer-beating in double overtime, although that played an important part.

The best moment came when former, current, and future Hilltoppers united to support their basketball team.

Alumni, faculty, staff, students and families packed into the Recreation and Convocation Center for the game. The fans came hoping that their Hilltoppers could overcome the struggles of a losing season to defeat University of Texas Permian Basin.

The Hilltoppers maintained a lead throughout the game until UTPB tied the score with less than two minutes remaining in regulation. After two more shots from both teams, the second half ended in a 68-68 tie. During overtime, both teams battled back-and-forth, and after five minutes, the two squads were again fit to be tied. During the second overtime, the Hilltoppers remained in the lead until a three-pointer put the Falcons up 91-90 with 55 seconds left.

With 23 seconds left in the second overtime, UTPB was still up by one point, but St. Edward’s had the ball. After stalling a bit, senior Jeff Miner went for a shot with 5 seconds left. The shot missed but was rebounded by junior Remy Boswell, who immediately jumped back up and made the shot while getting fouled. Boswell then made his free throw, giving the Hilltoppers a two-point lead and seemingly providing fans with some assurance that the game belonged to the Hilltoppers. After all, how could UTPB come back with only two seconds left on the clock? Fans got ready to rush the floor to celebrate the imminent victory.

Then, the impossible happened – the heartbreak that every sports fan fears deep down. The Falcons threw the ball into play and right before the buzzer rang, UTPB’s Elijah Jordan chucked the ball at the goal from the half court. Fans watched helplessly as the ball sailed into the basket. The game was over. UTPB had won.

Hilltopper fans froze. Jaws dropped. The Falcons stole the Hilltoppers’ moment, rushing the floor and dogpiling right in front of them.

But the St. Edward’s fans didn’t leave in disgust. They stayed. A few seconds later, Hilltopper fans continued to cheer for the home team that had just played one of its best games of the season, even though it was a losing effort.

The fans stood with their team, letting them know that they continue to stand up with them even when they are knocked down. At that moment, the fans showed that win or lose, they are all still Hilltoppers, and they always will be.