Over the next three weeks, superstitions will be adhered to, fake sick calls into work will be made, buzzer beaters will drop and dozens of squads will be bounced from the beloved win-or-go-home tourney.
And come April 5 (for the women) and April 6 (for the men), two squads will enjoy their one shining moment.
But the players aren’t the only ones with pride on the line. Before the ball is tipped, you too can get in the game by filling out a bracket.
And despite what your sports-obsessed pal might tell you, it doesn’t matter if you’re a basketball aficionado or a total rookie that doesn’t know the difference between a dribble and a dunk. In the years since the first pool began at a Staten Island bar back in 1977, no one has ever predicted a perfect bracket.
The odds are, to put it lightly, not good that you will either, but that’s no reason to bench yourself.
Consider this your handy playbook as you suit up for March Madness. We can’t guarantee you’ll walk away with any cold-hard cash, but we can provide an assist as you shoot your shot at bracketology greatness.
So, study up, because that mansplainer at your favorite sports bar is waiting.