Strategies for Winning Money with NCAA Brackets


Intro
Navigating the NCAA bracket can feel like walking through a minefield, especially if you're eyeing those potential financial rewards. With teams known to pull off stunning upsets and unpredictable tournament dynamics, understanding the game is crucial. Many factors come into play, from team performance to historical trends, and having the know-how can make a world of difference.
This guide will arm you with a robust framework for tackling the NCAA brackets, revealing strategies that blend analytical rigor with practical insight. In doing so, we hope to elevate your chances of reaping financial benefits amid the excitement of the tournament.
Game Strategies
Fundamental Concepts of Game Mechanics
Before diving into complex methodologies, it's essential to lay a solid foundation of the game mechanics involved in NCAA brackets. At its core, a bracket system consists of a series of matches where participants predict outcomes. Points are typically awarded based on accuracy, with correct guesses on more challenging matchups often yielding higher points.
One way to start is by analyzing seed placements. Higher-seeded teams generally have better chances of advancing, but history shows there are always surprises. For example, who can forget the 16-over-1 upset of Virginia in 2018? Therefore, while team seedings provide a guiding light, underdog stories can often light the path to success. As you build your bracket, consider:
- Seed Analysis: Familiarize yourself with each team's seed and their previous tournament performances.
- Injury Reports & Player Stats: Stay updated on player conditions and individual statistics.
- Coaching Experience: Evaluate the coaches' track records and their abilities to navigate high-pressure situations.
Advanced Tactics for Experienced Players
Once you've got the basics under your belt, you can start using advanced tactics to fine-tune your predictions. This is where digging deep into the data pays off. One effective method is to focus on matchup history. Certain teams struggle against specific opponents, which can alter probabilities, regardless of their overall strength.
A few tactics to consider:
- KenPom Ratings: Use these ratings to assess offensive and defensive efficiencies. This statistic can provide invaluable insight into how teams might perform in particular matchups.
- Betting Lines: Keep an eye on betting lines trends. If public perception shifts, it can sometimes create opportunities for savvy bettors to take advantage.
- Bracket Pool Dynamics: If you're joining a pool, analyze how others are filling out their brackets. Sometimes, it’s wise to zig while the crowd zags.
Trends and Innovations
Emerging Technologies in Gambling
As the tournament landscape evolves, so do the tools available to assess it. Emerging tech in gambling has made way for sophisticated analytics and apps that track real-time data. These technologies offer insights that were once the domain of professionals only. For example, data visualization tools allow eager bettors to see correlations across teams and historical performance at a glance.
Some useful platforms include:
- DraftKings: Offers user-friendly interfaces for tracking matchups and player news.
- FanDuel: Provides advanced analytics and prediction metrics to help make informed bets.
Analysis of Recent Market Developments
Understanding recent developments in the betting market is equally critical. One recent trend is the rise of in-game betting, allowing enthusiasts to place wagers during the game. This can present opportunities as momentum swings. Grab stats as they come and make quick decisions based on real-time performance.
By keeping a finger on the pulse of both emerging technologies and market dynamics, you can gain a significant advantage in NCAA bracket competitions.
Preface to NCAA Bracket Competitions
Engaging in NCAA bracket competitions is more than just a game of chance; it’s a strategic endeavor that draws interest from sports fans and bettors alike. The blend of unpredictability and excitement surrounding March Madness creates an environment ripe for participants to capitalize on their knowledge and instincts. The financial stakes can be significant, making it crucial to grasp the fundamentals of this popular pastime. In this exploration, we will delve into the tapestry of bracket competitions, elucidating its structure and various formats used by enthusiasts to maximize their chances of success.
Understanding the NCAA Tournament Structure
The NCAA tournament, commonly known as March Madness, is a single-elimination contest that features 68 college basketball teams. Understanding its structure is paramount to entering the fray with an informed perspective. The tournament starts with the First Four, where the lowest-seeded teams vie for the chance to join the main draw, which consists of 64 teams. Each team is placed in one of four regions, and matches unfold in rounds, culminating in the championship game.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how it works:
- First Four: An initial play-in round featuring four games. The winners advance to the main bracket.
- Main Tournament: The teams compete in rounds of 64, 32, 16, 8, 4, and finally the two teams that reach the championship.
- Single Elimination: Every game is critical. A loss means elimination, adding pressure and excitement.
This structure ensures that every team has a fair shot, but also gives rise to surprises, making prior research and informed selections essential. The unpredictability often leads to unexpected upsets, which, while thrilling, can also be a source of great disappointment for those who lean too heavily on favorites.
Different Types of Bracket Pools
Participating in bracket pools can enhance the thrill of the tournament significantly. Different types of pools cater to various preferences and styles of play:
- Standard Bracket Pools: Participants select a team to win each match, and points are awarded based on correct predictions. The winner is determined by the total points accumulated throughout the tournament.
- Confidence Pools: This format allows players to rank their picks based on confidence levels. Higher-ranked picks earn more points, compelling participants to think critically about their selections.
- Reverse Bracket Pools: A unique twist where the objective is to choose losing teams. As counterintuitive as it seems, it brings a fresh angle to evaluating matchups.
- Survivor Pools: In this setup, participants choose one team each week to advance. However, teams cannot be picked more than once, putting a premium on strategy as the tournament wears on.
Each of these pool types not only influences how participants engage with their selections but also impacts strategy development leading into the tournament. Being aware of the different types of bracket pools can give players an edge as they navigate through the chaos of March Madness.
The Financial Implications of NCAA Brackets
Understanding the financial stakes involved in NCAA bracket competitions is pivotal for anyone looking to capitalize on their predictions and statistical analysis. Brackets aren't just about bragging rights; they embody a mix of competition and opportunity that, when navigated skillfully, can lead to significant financial rewards. Knowing how to balance your risks and potential gains can mean the difference between a fruitful march to the Final Four and an empty wallet come April.
Analyzing Potential Winnings


Evaluating potential winnings involves assessing the prize structure of various bracket pools. Each pool may have different payoffs based on the number of entries, the entry fee, and the overall competition's rules. Generally, a larger pool with a wider variety of entries can lead to a more substantial jackpot.
Here are key points to consider when analyzing potential winnings:
- Entry Fees: Different pools have varying entry fees, often linked to the total pot. Higher fees might mean more competition, but they can also translate into a bigger payout for the winner.
- Payout Distribution: Some pools might give a hefty reward to only the top spot, while others might distribute winnings across several places. Understanding this can help you decide how much risk you're willing to take.
- Total Entries: Remember that prize pools decrease proportionally to the number of entries. Thus, predicting your potential winnings accurately requires knowing how many people you’re up against.
- Multiplier Opportunities: Consider pools that offer multipliers for well-predicted games, as they can substantially increase returns.
"Knowing how to balance your risks and potential gains can mean the difference between a fruitful march to the Final Four and an empty wallet come April."
Understanding Entry Fees and Payout Structures
Entry fees and payout structures are foundational to grasping the financial landscape of NCAA brackets. The costs involved can significantly impact how one approaches a particular pool. Here’s why being savvy in this area pays dividends:
- Diverse Fee Structures: While some pools demand a modest entry fee, others can be quite steep. Understanding the fee structure helps gauge whether the potential payout justifies the risk.
- Payout Models: Many competitions utilize fixed payout models, meaning the rewards are predetermined. In contrast, some may feature dynamic payouts that shift based on total entries. Make sure you familiarize yourself with how each pool handles their finances.
- Cash vs. Prizes: Some brackets offer cash prizes, but others might provide merchandise or experiences instead. Assess which suits your inclination for monetary returns versus personal and experiential gains.
- Risk Assessment: Every dollar spent on entry fees effectively becomes a gamble in itself. An entry fee that seems small might entice more participants and thus dilute the payout, so evaluate whether to join competitive pools with high fees against pools with smaller fees but potentially lesser competition.
Navigating the financial implications of NCAA brackets requires a keen eye for detail. Understanding the mechanics of entry fees and potential payouts can enhance your strategy, enabling you to minimize losses while maximizing gains, ensuring that your journey through the madness is less of a crapshoot and more of a calculated operation.
Research Strategies to Enhance Winning Odds
When it comes to conquering the NCAA bracket landscape, the significance of employing robust research strategies cannot be overstated. In the world of tournament competitions, understanding not just the teams, but also the nuances of their performances and behaviors can give you an edge over other bracket predictors. A well-informed decision-making process is essential in a game where one upset can drastically change the reults. By focusing on various research strategies, enthusiasts can steer their picks towards a potentially more fruitful outcome.
Evaluating Team Performances
Analyzing the teams' past and current performances sets the foundation for your bracket success. This involves delving into detailed statistics, trends, and even extraneous factors such as player health. Knowing how a team has fared against its competitors, especially in tense situations, can signal how they might handle the pressure of the tournament.
Key Statistics to Consider
One cannot undersell the value of key statistics when it comes to team performances. Metrics like shooting percentage, rebounds per game, and turnovers provide insights into a team's overall efficiency.
- Shooting percentage determines how effectively a team can score points, critical during tight matchups.
- A solid rebound average often indicates strength in both offense and defense—teams that control the boards typically gain the upper hand.
- Monitoring turnovers helps gauge a team's discipline and ability to maintain possession.
These statistics are beneficial because they are reflective of current form and can indicate how well a team matches up against its projected opponents. On the downside, overly relying on numbers without considering the context might lead you astray. Sometimes, a team can have impressive stats yet struggle under pressure.
Trends Leading Up to the Tournament
Observing trends as the tournament approaches can be a game-changer. Teams don’t just show up for the dance; they come with momentum or, conversely, a list of woes from the regular season or recent games. Looking at their performance in the last ten games can give clues—are they riding a winning streak or limping into the tournament?
- Momentum can be a double-edged sword. Teams that win their conference championships often display confidence that translates well into the tournament.
- Conversely, a team that loses badly just before the tournament might struggle mentally, impacting their performance.
Trends also reflect the evolution of a team’s playing style. Changes in tactics or even coaching philosophy can shift the outcome positively or negatively. Hence, while trends are advantageous to monitor, they must be balanced against overall team strength and situational awareness.
Player Injuries and Their Impact
Injuries are a wild card that can throw any bracket analysis into a tailspin. Knowing who is out, who’s recovering, and the impact on team chemistry is essential. A single star player’s absence can lower a team's chances significantly.
- An obvious example would be when a key scorer is sidelined for a critical game—this often leads to losing betting odds.
- Conversely, a returning player might offer a surge of hope and change expectations overnight.
The unique feature of analyzing injuries is that it highlights the need for not just statistical analysis, but a deep dive into the emotional and psychological effects on a team. It can make or break a bracket strategy, depending on how well one reads the situation.
Analyzing Historical Data
Historical patterns hold vital clues to success in NCAA tournaments. They tell tales of past champions, failures, and the context of performances that repeat over the years.
Past Tournament Patterns
When looking for trends in historical data, past tournament outcomes can provide rich insights. Teams with experience in pressure situations often perform better. Furthermore, certain schools have established winning records over others, creating a narrative.
- For example, universities known for a strong basketball tradition often outperform lesser-known colleges in high-pressure matchups.
- On the flip side, teams with poor histories in the tournament may struggle to break the cycle.
However, past performance isn’t always a predictor of future success. With new player dynamics each season, it’s essential to balance historical evidence with recent form.
Cinderella Stories and Upsets
There’s nothing quite as thrilling as a Cinderella story; it captures the essence of what makes the tournament unpredictable. History has shown how lower-seeded teams sometimes rise to the occasion, crafting upset victories.
- Understanding these stories not only makes it exciting but can also inform bracket decisions. For instance, a 12-seed that has had an incredible run in a previous tournament could be worth considering against a stagnant 5-seed this year.
- This adds to both the excitement and potential financial windfall if one can spot the anomaly in behavior among lower-seeded teams.
Nevertheless, it's important to remember that not every Cinderella story can be anticipated ahead of time. Often, the best approach is a mix of historical parallels and current evaluations.


Success Rates of High Seeds
Focusing on the success rates of high seeds sheds light on the patterns that could influence bracket picks significantly. Generally, higher seeds are favored to advance, and historical data backs this assumption.
- A look back at tournament results reveals that number one and two seeds often reach the later rounds, which provides a useful baseline for brackets.
- Yet, there are seasons where unexpected outcomes feature prominently.
High seeds can be perceived as safer bets, but they also carry risks. Teams that rest on their laurels could falter under pressure, creating a sense of unpredictability amidst apparent certainty.
Ultimately, utilizing a mix of these evaluative strategies is crucial for creating a well-rounded approach to maximizing success. Market trends, team performances, and statistical knowledge can all play key roles in crafting the ultimate winning bracket.
Choosing the Right Bracket Strategy
When it comes to the NCAA tournament, navigating the bracket can feel like walking a tightrope. Choosing the right strategy can make or break your chances at winning money. With a multitude of methods out there, from tried-and-true traditional approaches to more nuanced advanced techniques, it’s essential to find a path that aligns with your objectives. This section will delve into various strategies, weighing their pros and cons, to help you carve out a winning plan.
Traditional vs. Advanced Picking Methods
Bracket Algorithm and Predictions
A bracket algorithm uses complex data analysis to generate potential outcomes for each game in the tournament. This approach takes into account various factors such as team performance statistics, historical matchup results, and even predictive models that look at player contributions. The key characteristic of using an algorithm is its ability to digest a massive amount of data quickly, often leading to more informed predictions.
What makes bracket algorithms particularly compelling is their reliance on objectivity. They minimize the emotional biases that fans might have, allowing for a level-headed assessment of teams. This is especially beneficial for those who may struggle with detaching from personal loyalties or regional pride. However, these algorithms aren’t foolproof. They can miss out on the unpredictable nature of the tournament. In this sense, while they can be a valuable asset, it’s wise to use them in conjunction with traditional methods.
Expert Picks and Their Value
Expert picks draw on the insights of seasoned analysts, coaches, and former players. They provide human interpretations of data and trends, often thinking outside the statistical box. The appeal of relying on expert opinions is twofold: these experts not only have a deep understanding of the game but also consider nuances that can’t always be quantified, such as momentum shifts, strategies, and psychological factors.
However, the downside is that expert advice can sometimes be swayed by their own biases or preferences. Fans might place too much trust in a single expert, overlooking the fact that predictions can vary widely among professionals. Thus, it might be beneficial to gather a range of expert opinions and weigh them against your own assessments to formulate a more rounded view.
Balancing Risk and Reward
Understanding Confidence Points
Confidence points is a scoring system in many bracket competitions that allows participants to assign different point values to their picks based on how sure they are about the outcome. For example, if you're highly confident that a top seed will win, you might give that pick 10 points, while a close matchup might only receive 1 point. This system encourages strategy. The key characteristic here is the depth of thought it promotes in selections.
Using confidence points can lead to a higher payout if you make bold choices in crucial games while hedging bets on less predictable matchups. Each point tally adds a layer of excitement to the game, as the outcomes directly impact your score. However, this mechanism also brings a risk of overvaluing perceived
The Significance of Betting on Brackets
Betting on NCAA brackets is no mere pastime; it’s an art form that interweaves passion, strategy, and financial acumen. Understanding its significance within the scope of this article can mean the difference between a casual participant and a seasoned strategist looking to capitalize on the excitement of the tournament. Betting adds an extra layer—turning the thrill of the game into a potential profit stream. It demands a careful balance of knowledge, risk assessment, and, importantly, a finger on the pulse of real-time information.
In this context, acknowledging the importance of betting on brackets is vital for anyone keen on maximizing their success. This section will delve deeply into the mechanics of betting odds and how insights from betting can synergize with well-made bracket decisions. Here, we decipher the significance of these elements, enhancing strategies that can elevate your outcomes in the competitive bracket pools.
Understanding Betting Odds
Betting odds are the backbone of any wagering activity—you could say they’re the pulse that keeps the betting world alive. They represent not only the potential return on any bet but also reflect the market's perception of a team's chances. For instance, if a team has odds of +200, it means that a $100 wager would return $200 profit if that team wins. These odds can fluctuate based on various factors, including team performance, player injuries, or even betting trends.
Grasping these odds is essential for making informed decisions in your bracket. They provide more than numbers; they offer insight into how the betting public views the prospects of each match-up. This understanding can help you spot discrepancies between the odds and your own evaluations, thus positioning you to make value-driven bets.
Integrating Betting Insights with Bracket Picks
Integrating betting insights into your bracket selections can empower you with a more strategic approach. It's about weaving together the probabilities that the sportsbooks exhibit with your bracket strategies. Here’s how that might break down:
Identifying Value Bets
Identifying value bets is akin to hitting the jackpot in a sea of uncertainty. A value bet occurs when the odds offered on a certain outcome exceed the actual probability of that outcome occurring. It’s about sniffing out where the public excitement has skewed perception and offers an above-average return on your investment.
For example, if a team is perceived to be underdog but has underlying stats that point to an upset, that may qualify as a value bet. This can lead you to place wagers that have a greater chance of succeeding than the odds suggest. The advantage of identifying these bets is clear: they can significantly enhance your potential winnings, turning strategic insights into financial success. The flip side, of course, is the inherent risk—staking on value bets requires a keen analytical mind and a touch of intuition.
Short-term vs. Long-term Betting Strategies
Now let’s break down short-term and long-term betting strategies. Short-term strategies often focus on specific games or matchups, capitalizing on immediate insights, such as player injuries or last-minute roster changes. They're quick wins that can provide immediate satisfaction.
On the other hand, long-term strategies revolve around broader trends and cumulative odds over the entire tournament. These might include betting on a team to reach the Final Four, which can yield more considerable payouts due to the extended nature and uncertainty of tournament play.
Choosing between short-term and long-term strategies is not just a matter of preference but also a reflection of your risk tolerance. Short-term bets might yield quick returns but come with higher volatility. Long-term bets generally require patience; the reward may take time to materialize but can trickle down into more significant profits if approached wisely.
"Betting wisely requires not just knowledge of the stats, but also an understanding of the emotional tides that influence the outcomes."


Engaging with both strategies can provide a rounded approach, allowing for diversified risk and greater overall chances of success during the NCAA tournament.
The Role of Community Insights
In the world of NCAA brackets, the adage "two heads are better than one" holds particular weight. Engaging with a community of like-minded individuals can provide valuable perspectives and insights that one might not consider alone. The collective knowledge shared through discussions, updates, and tips can enhance one's bracket strategy significantly. By tapping into the experiences and observations of others, you can sharpen your approach and increase your chances of coming out on top.
Utilizing Social Media for Updates
Social media platforms have revolutionized how fans interact during the NCAA tournaments. Channels such as Twitter and Facebook become bustling hubs of information. Following sports analysts, official leagues, and team pages can yield real-time updates and breaking news. It’s one thing to watch games, but having instant access to news—like injury reports or changes in team dynamics—can inform your picks in ways that go a step beyond stats.
The strength of social media lies in its immediacy. A tweet about a star player’s unexpected injury can completely change the landscape of a matchup. Moreover, engaging with the community through retweets and shares can create a dialogue that feeds into your strategy. It puts you in the loop, enabling you to avoid maladaptive decisions based on stale information.
Participating in Bracket Communities
Engaging in bracket communities allows you to dive into an ocean of insights. These groups, found on platforms like Reddit or dedicated sports forums, create a virtual environment rich with conversation and debate. There, participants can exchange ideas, strategies, and personal experiences.
Discussion Forums and Their Benefits
Discussion forums serve as a communal feel where individuals can freely exchange ideas about bracket strategies. A fascinating aspect of these forums is their accessibility. Anyone from novice enthusiasts to seasoned strategists can participate without feeling out of place. Through these discussions, members can gather diverse strategies based on varying degrees of expertise and personal experiences.
The beauty of forums is the organic flow of conversation—questions can prompt responses that lead to deeper insights. Members are often eager to share what’s worked for them, providing a valuable pool of knowledge while learning from failures as well. This collaborative environment can boost confidence in one’s selections and offer an array of viewpoints that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.
Collective Wisdom and Its Impact
The concept of collective wisdom speaks volumes in bracket strategies. This idea revolves around the notion that a group of individuals, working together, can arrive at conclusions that may not come from any single member acting alone. In bracket communities, this wisdom becomes invaluable.
Many users often compile data and statistics from multiple sources, presenting a rounded view on potential outcomes. This sharing of insights can highlight trends and patterns that aid in making informed decisions. Collectively, members can spot a hidden gem of a team that might be positioned for an upset, which could otherwise slip under the radar if one were going solo.
However, as with any collective opinion, be wary of groupthink. It's crucial to strike a balance between what you learn from the community and your data analytics. Choose to integrate your analysis with the shared wisdom—this will not only diversify your strategy but also enhance your potential for success in the bracket.
Embrace the synergy that community interaction provides; there is strength in numbers, especially in a field as unpredictable as NCAA brackets.
Post-Tournament Analysis
Post-tournament analysis holds significant relevance in the context of NCAA bracket competitions. The crux of this analysis lies in reviewing the decisions made during the tournament while keeping an eye towards the future. A thorough assessment can yield vital insights that not only refine your strategy but can also ensure better outcomes in subsequent competitions. The idea is to avoid ending up in the same cycle of mistakes, instead evolving with each tournament experience.
Evaluating Your Strategy
Evaluating one’s strategy requires a granular approach. Start by reflecting on the choices that led to your bracket's performance.
- Selection Method: Were your picks based on meticulous research, or did you simply rely on gut feelings? Analyzing whether a systematic method or casual picking was employed can provide a starting point for improvement.
- Bracket Structure: Consider if there were any structural issues with your bracket. Did you overly hedge your bets, or were there instances where you took unnecessary risks? A combination of safe and audacious picks can be crucial.
- In-depth Data Review: Take the time to parse through the stats post-tournament. Which metrics truly brought success? Did you neglect player conditions or strength of schedule? Noting this can guide future picks.
In this review, bear in mind that every decision contributes to the overall narrative of your bracket, and recognizing patterns in your decisions will make a notable difference.
What Worked and What Didn't
Identifying what elements of your strategy yielded results can be equally enlightening. This involves a deep dive into success rates and missed opportunities.
- Successful Picks: Which teams performed beyond expectations? Was it a star player that lifted the team? Document which underdogs or favorites came through and assess if similar patterns could be recognized in future seasons.
- Missed Opportunities: Perhaps there were picks that seemed logical but didn’t pan out. Investigating these choices often uncovers lessons. Look for repeat circumstances – was a lack of attention to injury reports a repeated oversight?
- Consistently Effective Trends: Over time, one might notice trends, such as specific match-ups that historically yield favorable outcomes or particular seeding that leads to greater upsets. Collecting these observations can strengthen future brackets.
"Every tournament concludes with established patterns and new insights; it’s a treasure trove waiting to be explored."
By focusing on these elements after the chaos subsides, you position yourself advantageously. Ultimately, the ultimate goal is to iterate on your strategies—taking both successes and failures into account—to build a more refined approach for the next year's bracket.
The NCAA tournament isn’t just a seasonal event; it’s a continuous journey toward mastery, where each bracket teaches a different lesson. With concerted effort in post-tournament evaluations, you'll transform past missteps into future victories.
Culmination
Wrapping up the intricate journey through NCAA brackets, it's essential to underline the value tucked within these strategies. The competitive nature of bracket pools makes it a high-stakes game, and understanding the mechanics can mean the difference between empty pockets and lucrative wins. So, where do we go from here?
The biggest takeaway is that success in NCAA brackets is a blend of thorough research, strategic picks, and a dash of intuition. As you set your bracket for the tournament, here are some critical elements to keep in mind:
- Research Takes Time: Delve into team trends, player stats, and injuries. It might sound like a grind, but the more effort you put in, the more you arm yourself with data that can help guide your choices.
- Bet Strategically: Learning how to read the betting odds can give you an edge. In some cases, a bet that seems low risk could lead to a sweet payoff.
- Engagement is Key: Participating in discussions with fellow strategists online can provide fresh insights that you might have missed. Sometimes, a different viewpoint can spark a brilliant addition to your strategy.
- Post-Tournament Reflection: After the dust settles, analyzing your performance is crucial. Recognizing what methods worked, and where you might have misstepped, means you can sharpen your skills for the next round.
Final Thoughts on Winning Money with NCAA Brackets
In the end, wielding the right knowledge can transform your NCAA bracket experience from simply watching games to actively strategizing for success. Each tournament unfolds unique narratives; whether it’s that underdog making a surprising run or the favored team tripping at the last hurdle. Your ability to read these narrative threads will amplify your potential for winning.
The thrill is undeniable; NCAA tournaments capture hearts and wallets across the nation. With these tools and insights, you can navigate the complexities with greater ease. So, craft your picks with care, keep learning from each experience, and who knows? This time next year, you could be celebrating not just a big win, but a whole new level of mastery in the art of NCAA brackets.
"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." — Seneca
By focusing on detailed strategic elements, human insights, and well-informed betting practices, you position yourself favorably as you dive into your next NCAA bracket competition.