How to Fill Out College Basketball Brackets
The NCAA college basketball tournament is one of the most popular events on the sporting calendar. It attracts the attention of sports bettors throughout the country. Even non-college basketball fans will often take part in "March Madness" by filling out brackets and predicting the outcome of each game and the eventual champion. Although even college basketball experts depend on a bit of luck when filling out brackets, there are a few relevant tips to keep in mind.
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Instructions
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Look for the teams that are the hottest going into the tournament. For example, suppose Ohio State is entering the tournament with a 22-8 record, but the Buckeyes lost five of their last eight games. On the other hand, say Boston College is 17-13 but the Eagles have won six of their last seven. Take the hot team to win its opening round games, not the team with the better record.
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Select the teams that play their early-round games closest to their home arena. For example, the University of North Carolina is one of college basketball's traditional powers. The team often gets to play NCAA tournament games in its home state, although not necessarily in its home arena in Chapel Hill. This is a significant advantage over an opponent from Texas, Illinois or California, for instance, which has to travel a long distance and will almost certainly play in front of a hostile crowd.
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Find teams with the most experienced coaches. The NCAA tournament is the most pressure-filled time in college basketball. Coaches who have been in the tournament many times know exactly what to expect and can expertly prepare their teams. Newer coaches who have not led a team into the tournament or who have coached in it once or twice may not have the preparation down pat. That can lead to erratic performances by their teams.
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Look for teams with the most senior leadership, which has played an important part in college basketball for decades. Senior players have experience that serves them well in the tournament. Another factor: Many players want to end their college careers on a high note and are motivated to play the best basketball of their careers.
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