Colgate wasn't expected to be in the Patriot League championship game, but that didn't make losing any easier to digest.

Sure, the Raiders exceeded all preseason expectations and had a great season, but if they hadn't made so many mistakes in the league title game, they could have been playing in the NCAA Tournament.

While Colgate played its traditional strong defense against American, 15 turnovers killed any chance of winning. American turned it over only five times and ended up winning, 52-46.

Colgate will have to learn from its mistakes, because there's a good chance the Raiders could be back in the league championship race again next season. Several key players return, and the team is in good shape for another run in 2008-09.

Guard Kyle Roemer bounced back from missing all of last season (ankle injury) and was one of the best players in the league, and he'll be a senior next year. Alex Woodhouse also returns, making sure Colgate's frontcourt defense remains among the league's best.

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