March Madness Bracketology 101

What is March Madness?

March Madness refers to the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, a single-elimination college basketball tournament held every spring in the United States. It's known for its unpredictability, intense matchups, and the excitement it generates among fans.

What is Bracketology?

Bracketology is the practice of predicting the field for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Analysts and experts often create brackets before its announcement to project the selection committee’s choices.

When is March Madness?

March Madness will begin in Dayton with the First Four on March 19, while the National Championship will conclude the tournament on April 8 in Phoenix.

What is the format for March Madness?

March Madness follows a single-elimination format, where 68 teams compete in a bracket-style tournament. In each round, teams are eliminated until a champion is crowned.

How are teams selected for the NCAA Tournament?

Teams are selected for the NCAA Tournament based on their performance throughout the regular season and conference tournaments. A selection committee evaluates teams' records, strength of schedule, quality wins, and other factors to determine the tournament field.

What is the NCAA Tournament “bubble?”

The NCAA Tournament bubble refers to teams on the borderline of being selected for the tournament. These teams may or may not ultimately make the cut depending on their performance and the selection committee's decisions.

What teams are Cinderellas?

Cinderella teams are lower-seeded teams that unexpectedly advance far in the tournament by defeating higher-seeded opponents. These teams capture the imagination of fans with their underdog stories.

What’s the First Four?

The First Four is a play-in round of games before the official start of the NCAA Tournament. It involves eight teams competing for the final four spots in the tournament field.

Where is the First Four?

The First Four will be held in UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio.

When is the Final Four?

The Final Four typically takes place in early April, with the semifinal games occurring on a Saturday and the championship game on the following Monday.