The World's Least Consequential Upset

I don't often write about college basketball, and if I do, it's even less likely to be about the regular season. But here goes.

No. 1 Blue Devils Upset by Lumberjacks in Stunning Overtime Loss at Home

Duke, the Nation’s No. 1 Team, Loses to Unranked Stephen F. Austin

Duke's loss to Stephen F. Austin ranks as one of biggest upsets in college hoops history

So what happens now that #1 Duke has lost to an unranked team? What will be the fallout of this SHOCKING upset? I don't know, maybe they slip to 2nd in the polls next week.

More so than in even the NHL or NBA, the NCAA basketball regular season is a pointless exercise in jockeying for position. All games played prior to the tournament are just an exhibition, showcases to be played before the nation's pollsters in an effort to impress. Even then, wins and losses are only a small factor in determining the seeding of the brackets.

In fact, would anyone be surprised if the top seeds in each region are today's top four? Mix 'em up any way you like, but Duke, Louisville, Michigan State and Kansas will all be at the top of the regional brackets by March. Perhaps one of them might "drop" all the way to #2.

Once the tournament gets underway, all records really are thrown out the window. The stakes are one-and-done, win or go home. Call me if Stephen F. Austin knocks off Duke again.