PHOENIX -- Connecticut won the game, but Tom Davis took the night -- his last night, and his last game, as coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Forced to resign by athletic director Bob Bowlsby, Davis walked out of America West Arena last night after a 78-68 Sweet 16 defeat and into Hawkeyes history. He departs with 269 wins in 13 years at Iowa. He never reached the Final Four and made the Elite Eight once.

He won, but not enough, and because of it endured a season unlike any other.

"I'm just sorting things out," Davis said after the West Regional semifinal loss. "You could imagine how draining it is. I don't know that I've ever put more into a team. Emotionally as well as physically, I'm drained. I've got to step away for a bit and see what's what."

Asked if he has coached his final game anywhere, Davis hedged.

"I have no idea," he said. "Honestly, I've tried to put thoughts of that out of my mind. Before I make an intelligent decision, I've got to get away for a bit."

Davis coached to the end, directing his substitutes with 1.9 seconds and a 10-point deficit. Afterward, he hugged his players, embraced Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun, then appeared to brush back tears when Huskies All-American Richard Hamilton tracked him down from behind to offer congratulations.

"I said, 'I hope I have a chance to try to beat you again,' " Calhoun said.

"He's a credit to the game."

Pub Date: 3/19/99