History has taught us the do’s and don’ts of picking the right teams for your bracket. You’ll thank us later.
Which strategy do you employ when filling out your NCAA men’s basketball tournament bracket? Do you favor the eye test? Metrics? Or something more frivolous, like mascot ferocity?
There are 9.2 quintillion possible bracket outcomes. It’s a daunting task, but I have scoured the data so you don’t have to.
In doing so, I have created 10 tried-and-true guidelines based upon more than 40 years of precedent since seeding for the men’s tournament began (1979). I cannot promise you’ll win your bracket, but we can ensure that history is on your side.
The First Four began in 2011, and with the exception of 2019, exactly one team that played in the round advanced to the round of 32 (or later) in each year.
Complete your bracket by selecting the winner for each game of the 2023 men’s NCAA tournament. Play Tournament Challenge
First Four teams to reach the round of 32 or later:
2022: No. 11 Notre Dame (round of 32)
2021: No 11 UCLA (Final Four)
2018: No. 11 Syracuse (Sweet 16)
2017: No. 11 USC (round of 32)
2016: No. 11 Wichita State (round of 32)
2015: No. 11 Dayton (round of 32)
2014: No. 11 Tennessee (Sweet 16)
2013: No. 13 La Salle (Sweet 16)
2012: No. 12 South Florida (round of 32)
2011: No. 11 VCU (Final Four)
* NCAA tournament canceled in 2020 (COVID-19 pandemic)
Brackets are open! Head to Tournament Challenge and fill out your bracket now!
You probably already knew this one, but even so, the numbers are staggering: 1-seeds are 147-1 all time vs. 16-seeds, with the lone loss coming in 2018 (UMBC over Virginia).
