sentences:  Like the 2008–09 squad, the Rebels collapsed down the stretch, though the team rallied somewhat towards the very end of the season, losing to a top 10 San Diego State team in a very tight game and defeating two "bubble" teams on the road.After losing to the Aztecs in the conference tournament, the Runnin' Rebels earned their 18th overall NCAA Tournament bid and fourth in five seasons, being picked as an 8 seed in the Southwest Regional.After falling to the 9th seeded Illinois Fighting Illini 62–73, their season ended with a record 24–9.