March Madness is a term that reverberates through the world of college basketball, spewing excitement among sports enthusiasts and audiences nationwide. The annual basketball tournament organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) showcases the best of college basketball talent as underdog teams upset higher-ranked opponents, buzzer-beaters decide games and fans flip out at unpredictable outcomes.
At its core, the tournament is single-elimination, featuring 68 college basketball teams from Division I of the NCAA. The teams are chosen through a mix of automatic bids (teams that win their conference tournaments) and at-large bids (teams with strong performances throughout the season). This helps ensure a mix of deserving teams from different conferences get a chance to compete in the tournament. March Madness, hence its name, typically takes place in March and spans over several weeks, culminating in the crowning of the national champion.
“It’s a time of year that all basketball fans look forward to,” junior basketball player and fan Bailee Jamison said.
Not only is the tournament the largest of its kind in the NCAA, but it is also one of the most accessible to the general public, which contributes to its widespread appeal and fun. It is very easy to get involved. Here are some beginner steps:
Find a Bracket: You can find printable brackets online from various sports websites, or you can use online platforms that offer interactive bracket-building tools.
Study the Teams: Take note of their rankings, past performances, key players and any recent news or developments that may impact their performance.
Make Your Picks: Start filling out your bracket by predicting the winners of each matchup. Consider factors such as team statistics, match-ups and any potential upsets. Remember, March Madness is known for surprises, so don’t be afraid to pick a “longshot”.
Advance Teams: As you make your picks, advance the winning teams to the next round of the tournament on your bracket. Continue this process until you have selected a winner for each region and ultimately, the national champion.
Fill in Tiebreakers (if applicable): Some bracket challenges may require you to predict the final score of the championship game or other tiebreaker scenarios. Make sure to fill in these details if necessary.
Double-check and Submit: Review your bracket to ensure you haven’t made any mistakes or overlooked any matchups. Once you’re satisfied with your picks, submit your bracket according to the rules of the challenge you’re participating in.
Follow Along: Throughout the tournament, keep track of how your bracket is performing. Watch the games, root for your picks, and see how your predictions stack up against others in your bracket challenge.
By following these steps, you can create your own March Madness bracket and join in the excitement of one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year.
