Completing your NCAA tournament bracket does not necessitate extensive expertise in the sport. March Madness is inherently unpredictable, and achieving success does not always depend on a deep understanding of the game. In reality, no individual has ever filled out a flawless bracket, and only one person has accurately predicted the outcome of every game up to the Sweet 16.

Higher-ranked teams frequently encounter surprising defeats from lower-seeded institutions that exceed expectations, particularly in the early rounds of the tournament. Nevertheless, if your goal is to surpass your colleagues in the office bracket challenge, there are several strategies that may prove beneficial.

Stick with the Top Seeds

Historically, high-seeded teams have demonstrated a significant success rate in the NCAA tournament. Since 1985, 34 of the 39 champions have been seeded 1, 2, or 3, with 25 of those being No. 1 seeds. This year, Auburn, Duke, Houston, and Florida occupy the top positions in their respective regions, positioning them as strong contenders to advance.

Consider Early Upsets

Although higher-seeded teams are generally considered reliable choices, unexpected outcomes are an inherent aspect of the tournament's excitement. Historically, No. 12 seeds have triumphed over No. 5 seeds 35 percent of the time in the opening round, making this a strategic upset to consider. UC San Diego is frequently selected to overcome Michigan in Denver. Furthermore, since 1985, No. 15 seeds have achieved victories against No. 2 seeds on 11 occasions.

Keep an Eye on Injuries

Injuries can significantly alter a team's dynamics. For instance, Duke experienced the loss of crucial players during the ACC Tournament, which may impact their overall performance. It is advisable to monitor the status of players such as Cooper Flagg prior to finalizing your selection.

Don't Overlook the Three-Pointer

The prevalence of three-point shooting has reached unprecedented levels, with 290 teams this season averaging 20 or more attempts per game. This trend may result in unexpected outcomes, as lower-seeded teams possess the potential for rapid scoring surges.

The First Four Games

Although it is typical to automatically include the winners of the First Four games, selecting at least one victor from these matchups in the initial round is a wise approach, given that this has occurred annually since 2011, with the exception of 2019.

As the tournament begins on Thursday, keep in mind that surprises are always possible. Choose your bracket in a way that resonates with you—after all, it is March Madness.

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