Your guide to assembling the perfect March Madness bracket

Photo Courtesy of Brooke Cheifetz

People gear up to make their best bracket for March Madness.

Scoring a pot of gold from a March Madness bracket is nearly impossible, yet fans continue to push to be the lucky one amid the chaos of the tournament year after year. With the highly-anticipated college basketball tournament right around the corner, the NCAA gears up for the national spectacle their players will become.  Since the bracket remains unpredictable, teams must continue to push to secure their spot in the next rounds of the tournament while fans keep a close eye on the underdogs. 

This year, Auburn University is securing a top spot in the bracket. Head Coach Bruce Pearl has reshaped the team and turned the program around. He recruited top players, including Johni Broome, who has been the team’s top scorer this season. Auburn’s offensive versatility and accuracy around the perimeter of the court have helped make their season so successful. Following a successful season, they are predicted to make a far run in the tournament. 

The Duke Blue Devils are not far behind the Tigers for a top seed in the tournament. Even after the retirement of long-time head coach Mike Krzyzewski, fondly known as “Coach K,” the Blue Devils continue to dominate on the court with the help of multiple freshmen stars. Freshmen Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel have stood out from the team. Their creative playmaking and off-ball defense will ensure their team is a strong competitor in the tournament. 

Fans should also keep an eye out for St. John’s University, as the team is enjoying its best season since 1985. Junior guard RJ Luis Jr. leads the squad with an impressive average of 17.5 points per game. His contributions extend beyond scoring; Luis Jr. has also excelled in rebounding, free throw accuracy and achieving double-doubles. This marks the team’s second year under the guidance of Coach Rick Pitino, and despite being considered underdogs for the upcoming March Madness tournament, St. John’s is on the rise to establish themselves as a serious contender. 

As the College Basketball season concludes and the tournament begins to take shape, fans are excited to watch their favorite teams fiercely battle for the National Championship title. It’s crucial to pay attention to the underdogs, as they often find a way to advance through the bracket against the odds and bust fans’ predictions. The tournament will start on March 16 and feature some great competition. Make sure you fill out a bracket to be a part of the madness.