There have been a number of unpredictable happenings in the college basketball world recently.

That's the beauty of the game -- the unpredictability makes it so unique, so special. I know it is a cliché, but it is true: On any given night ...

	UNC guard Joseph Forte picked the Tar Heels up in an unpredictable game with Florida State.

The shocks and surprises have been coming at a fast and furious pace, baby! Think about Missouri, coming off a four-overtime thriller against Iowa State. Quin Snyder's team gets 75 points from the top-scoring combo in America, Kareem Rush and Clarence Gilbert.

Two days later, the Tigers go into Kansas State and get blown out. Give the Wildcats credit as they also beat Iowa in Manhattan earlier this season. Missouri goes out and shoots 29 percent against Kansas State. Hard to figure out what happened there.

The one thing that is so important for the good teams is the ability to sustain momentum. If you can stay focused and remain consistent, that is so important. Remember that after a big victory, you become bulletin board data for your opponent.

Why are teams like Duke, Stanford, Michigan State, the ones on top, so special? They take the best shot of the opposition; every foe plays at another level. Even coaches prepare at a different level for the best teams. Those coaches work so hard, going around the clock to develop strategic maneuvers, trying to offset the clubs. Opponents play with such fever, such passion, in an effort to score that big upset to make headlines.

The best squads respond and meet the challenge. That's how you learn to get to the next level.

Think about some of these recent results. Look at Georgetown, which was blowing people away. They went home to face an up-and-down Pittsburgh team -- though the Panthers had potential as a dangerous opponent. Ben Howland's team came up big and handed the Hoyas their first L. Unpredictability, baby! Julius Page and Ricardo Greer came through.

Think about North Carolina in its game against Florida State. The Tar Heels were cruising, up 19 at the half. Matt Doherty's team was playing great basketball, but then the team showed a less-inspired effort. Doherty went to the bench, and before you knew it, the lead was sliced to three points. Then it became the Joseph Forte show as he scored 12 consecutive points.

The bottom line is focus, emotion, intensity and concentration. Those are all vital for success.

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The message in college basketball is simple. No matter the opponent, you'd better lace them up and come to play. ”

Look at what Miami did in pulling off two big upsets over Providence and Connecticut.

The Hurricanes were struggling big-time in Big East play, but it is so unpredictable in that competitive league. Perry Clark's youngsters got the job done.

Kentucky looked so good in beating Tennessee. Then the Wildcats went on the road and fell to Rod Barnes' hard-working Mississippi club. You don't want to face the Rebels in their building.

Arkansas was struggling big-time. Then came a boost of confidence with a win over Auburn. Next, the Razorbacks put the hurt on a very athletic, very talented Alabama squad. That was an "NC" -- no contest.

Iowa goes home and falls flat against a Michigan team that got a super performance from LaVell Blanchard. He scored 30 big ones as the Hawkeyes suffered from Shock City.

The message in college basketball is simple. No matter the opponent, you'd better lace them up and come to play. You have to execute and play solid defense to make up for any mistakes on the offensive end. To join the elite teams, you have to be prepared mentally, physically and emotionally. Every opponent is ready to score the Shock City. The best clubs find a way to get the W.