They'll be back.

American ended its season with a first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Tennessee in Birmingham, but the 21-12 campaign ended with the Eagles showing they'll have to be reckoned with again next year.

They didn't come as close as Belmont -- 71-70 losers to Duke -- the night before, but the Eagles played well enough for people to notice. And this was a junior-laden team that will be a handful in the Patriot League next season.

"I think it's been a great time," American coach Jeff Jones said when it was over. "As I reflect back, it's not just the last couple of weeks, though. I'm disappointed we lost the game but I'm more disappointed that the journey for this particular team is ending.

"They have been a joy to coach and have worked so hard. And to see them as well as American University kind of get a moment in the sun, it's been a great time and a special time."

Garrison Carr, a junior, is a special player. He had 26 points and drove the Vols crazy Friday. But it wasn't enough.

TENNESSEE 72, AMERICAN 57: The Eagles watched what Belmont almost did to Duke Thursday night.

"We watched the game and basically just reinforced what can happen when the ball's thrown in the air," American guard Garrison Carr said after his 26 points allowed his 15th-seeded team play with No. 2 Tennessee Friday. "Because the seedings are just numbers next to a name, Belmont put it all on the line. It's just another example of many of the past 15s playing 2s, though."

Said Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl: "I think they came in confident. I thought they came in knowing that they could play with us. I think watching Belmont last night had to be encouraging for them."

The Eagles were down just 53-51 with 5:45 left in the game, scoring just six points the rest of the way.

Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.