It’s that time of the year again. The NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament, also known as March Madness, is just around the corner. The tournament, which is one of the biggest events in college sports, is scheduled to take place from March 15 to April 4, 2023. This year’s tournament promises to be as exciting as ever, with plenty of upsets, surprises, and memorable moments. To make the most of the atmosphere of the tournament, you should check out free college basketball picks.
Here’s what you can expect from the tournament this year.
Selection Sunday: Who’s in and who’s out?
The tournament officially begins on Selection Sunday, which falls on March 12, 2023. This is when the NCAA Selection Committee announces the 68 teams that will participate in the tournament. The committee uses a variety of metrics, including team records, strength of schedule, and conference championships, to determine which teams will make the cut.
Once the teams are announced, the bracket is set, and the tournament officially begins. The first four games, also known as the First Four, are played on March 15 and 16 in Dayton, Ohio. The winners of those games advance to the first round of the tournament, which begins on March 17.
Upsets and surprises
One of the things that makes March Madness so exciting is the potential for upsets. Every year, there are teams that come out of nowhere to knock off higher-seeded opponents. In fact, a team seeded 12th or lower has defeated a team seeded fifth or higher in the first round of the tournament in each of the past 10 years.
This year should be no different. While the top-ranked teams like Gonzaga, Baylor, and Michigan will be heavily favored in their early-round matchups, there are always a few teams that defy the odds and make a deep run in the tournament.
Memorable moments
March Madness is also known for its memorable moments. Whether it’s a buzzer-beater to win a game or a Cinderella team making a surprising run, the tournament always provides plenty of drama and excitement.
Last year’s tournament was particularly memorable because it was the first time in two years that the tournament was played (the 2020 tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic). The tournament was played in a bubble in Indianapolis, and the Final Four featured a matchup between two unlikely teams: Baylor and Houston. Baylor ultimately emerged as the champion, winning its first-ever national title.
This year’s tournament promises to provide its own share of memorable moments. With fans back in the stands and a full slate of games scheduled, the tournament should feel more like the March Madness we all know and love. So, get ready and look forward to a basketball experience in a class of its own. Finally, it’s that time again!
Conclusion
In conclusion, March Madness is just around the corner, and fans can expect another exciting and unpredictable tournament. With the potential for upsets, memorable moments, and the return of a more traditional format, this year’s tournament promises to be one for the books.
As always, it’s anyone’s guess as to which team will emerge as the champion, but one thing is for sure: fans are in for a wild ride.
