Going 21-12, 9-7 in the Big 12, getting a 6 seed, and getting run out of the gym in the NCAA Tournament is an average year AT OU. It just is. Its nothing special. Nobody is going to remember the great year of 2008, because it was average.
It was good because they got to the NCAA Tournament and finished 4th in conference (at 9-7), but it wasnt good because they got beat by 30 3-4 times and got blown out 7 or 8 times. Therefore, it is average, in my opinion.
In general, I'm of the opinion a loss is a loss....I could care less if it was 4 points or 14 points or 24 points. Moral victories over close losses are for programs like your CU program.
Getting to the tournament is the #1 goal and then winning games in the tournament. I know others care more about the regular season and the Big 12 tournament, but those are just means to get the tournament.