Twenty-five years ago this month, Bill Herrion quipped that “people don’t know who Drexel is."

Years from now, no one will remember three of the four 2021 CAA Tournament quarterfinal games turned out as projected as fourth-seeded Hofstra and second-seeded Northeastern beat Delaware and William & Mary while sixth-seeded Drexel, favored by the computer models, beat third-seeded Charleston.

March basketball’s thrills and excitement would not be as meaningful without the inherent heartache of single-elimination competition. 

Union vs. Lee

Valdosta State vs. Alabama Huntsville

Several conference tournaments turned into chaotic free-for-alls Saturday — the equivalent of a road race being overtaken by the casual runners who sprint at the sound of the shooter’s gun and run as hard as they can for as long as they can.