For many, March is a time where the weather starts to get slightly warmer. A time where it starts to snow less. A time where winter starts to make way for spring. But for many others, it is known for one of the most prestigious basketball tournaments of them all: March Madness. March Madness is a NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) tournament where colleges like UCLA, Duke, and LSU face off to find out who has the best basketball program.
To qualify for the tournament teams must do one of two things. First, there are 31 conference tournaments that if you win, you automatically qualify for the tournament. So, teams who don’t perform in the regular season must win their respective conference championships or it’s game over.
Next, the other 33 bids are called at-large bids, these are the teams who performed well in the regular season, even though they didn’t win their conference title. The big conferences like the SEC, BIG 10, and Big 12 have these in abundance with each of them having around 7 locks to make it.
Right now, Duke is looking very promising as they are ranked one in the AP top men’s college basketball poll, and have a current record of 19-1. They’ve got players like Cooper Flagg, who is averaging 19 points per game, while 49 percent on his field goals. He also leads the team in the five main statistical categories. Along with him, Duke has Kon Kneuppel, who is shooting an efficient 39% from the three-point line, and a very impressive 91% free throw percentage. Overall, the team has great scorers in their guards and a very well-rounded forward.
Another team to look out for is the Houston Cougars, who are currently ranked two with the same record as Duke, 19-1. Their team consists of a high-scoring guard in L.J Cryer, who is averaging 15 points per game on 42% efficiency from the field. They’ve also got Milos Uzan, who leads the team in assists with 4.4 per game. On top of this, he scores 10 points per game, providing a reliable source of offense for the team.
Defending champions UConn Huskies are also in contention for a deep tournament run. With a record of 18-2, they have continued their dominant play from last season. Donovan Clingan, their star center, is anchoring the team with his defensive prowess and rebounding ability. His presence in the paint makes scoring difficult for opponents, and his ability to finish around the rim, adds another layer to UConn’s offense. Additionally, their depth at the guard position makes them a dangerous team in close games.
One of the biggest surprises this season has been the rise of the Arizona Wildcats. They currently sit at 17-3 and have shown that they can compete with any team in the country. Led by Caleb Love, who transferred from North Carolina, the Wildcats have a dynamic offense that can light up the scoreboard. Their ability to shoot from beyond the arc and push the pace in transition makes them a tough matchup for any opponent. If they can maintain their form, they could be a dark horse in the tournament.
However, for our hometown team, The Ohio State Buckeyes, things aren’t as clear-cut as you might like. The Buckeyes are a bubble team for this year’s tournament. Their record is currently 17-15, and their loss to Iowa makes them probably out of the tournament at 34% to make it. They will likely need a strong showing in the Big Ten Tournament to secure a spot in March Madness. With talented players like Bruce Thornton and Roddy Gayle Jr., they have the potential to make a push, but consistency has been a concern all season.
In other news, the Duke women’s basketball team won the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) tournament, beating NC State for the title with a final score of 76-62. This automatically allows them a spot in the March Madness tournament and makes them look like a promising team to look out for. It’s been 12 years since they’ve won their last ACC championship, and since then, they’ve gained pieces like their guard duo, Ashlon Jackson and Oluchi Okananwa.
With the tournament quickly approaching, fans everywhere are eager to see which teams will rise to the challenge and which will fall short. The beauty of March Madness is its unpredictability that anything can happen. Cinderella teams, buzzer-beaters, and dramatic upsets make this one of the most exciting events in all of sports. As the bracket takes shape, all eyes will be on college basketball’s biggest stage to see which team will cut down the nets and claim the title.
