Probably goes back to Iowa with the intimidating-like letter ads looking like a ‘fine’ for not voting plus the Ben Carson thing. Trump just comes across better too. Cruz should not be taking it so personally just stay on message for goodwill toward the future.
I think Cruz thought he had it in the bag. He was going to draft Trump to Iowa then break out which he did (one way or the other). After that he was convinced Trump would implode and he had Rush, Levin, and some deep pockets in his corner.
It’s hard when you thing you’ve got it then fall short.