Seth Udinski, FISM News
The 2021-2022 NCAA men’s basketball season began on Tuesday with several notable matchups and finishes.
The Naval Academy upset the #25 ranked Virginia Cavaliers 66-58, marking the first time in 35 years that the Midshipmen have defeated a nationally-ranked opponent. Meanwhile, the #3 ranked Kansas Jayhawks lit up the scoreboard against the Michigan State Spartans for an 87-74 win.
The University of California suffered an embarrassing 80-67 loss to UC San Diego, a school that is only in its second season in the NCAA Division I. Still on the West Coast, the Washington Huskies were 19-point favorites at home against Northern Illinois but lost in a shocker, 71-64.
Another upset came at the hands of the Western Illinois Leathernecks, who shocked Nebraska on a last second three-pointer to win the game, 75-74.
ICYMI😏#TRADITIONofTOUGH pic.twitter.com/oFHWM52hHC
— Western Illinois Men's Basketball (@WIU_MensHoops) November 10, 2021
College basketball will likely keep a close eye on Duke University. Always a powerhouse in college hoops, the Blue Devils have a special year ahead of them, as this season will be the last in the brilliant career of longtime head coach Mike Krzyzewski. Coach K opened his final season the right way, leading the Blue Devils to a 79-71 victory at home over their perennial rival Kentucky Wildcats.
Krzyzewski’s opening night victory added to his growing all-time record for career wins in college basketball. He currently sits at 1,171 wins, almost 200 ahead of second place holder Jim Boeheim at 982.