How does playing any game make you better?! You gain experience and learn to perform against a variety of competition, defenses, in hostile environments. Every game you play makes you better. I think most players & coaches would agree that losing is worse than winning is good. The benefit of that is the lessons from a loss are kind of 'seared' into your learning & motivation going forward, specifically:
1. 1st road game in toughest road arena in country - obviously this pays dividends on BE road games coming, nothing will be as loud as Allen Field House. Win or lose this pays off over time.
2. Kansas' switch everything D: Helps team prepare for other athletic defensive units, prob will see none tougher than Kansas, yet it is a learning experience to see your offensive sets fail and know that you need to execute everything about it even more crisply, cut harder, passes sharper, picks stronger, spacing important etc.
3. Last shot execution: Teams practice this all the time, but nothing like a game on the line situation to see where the rubber meets the road. Team may have learned they collectively want/need/must get the ball to hot hand or I bet Cam steps into his shot more aggressively if he gets a game similar opportunity down the road. Experiences taking big shots make or miss help down players down the line to make it when given another opportunity.