March Madness is one of my favorite times of year. The single elimination college basketball tournament that spans over the month of March is one of the most exciting tournaments in all of sports.

This year I’ve chosen Houston to win the men’s tournament and UConn for the women’s side. Not nearly as many women’s brackets are filled out as men’s but the women’s game is on the rise. More people are paying attention to women’s college basketball than ever before. 

The women’s tournament is especially exciting for me this year because I’ve played against, and even with, several people in the tournament. It’s cool to see people I know play on ESPN.

Many people who follow basketball have probably heard about USC star JuJu Watkins season ending injury. Her ACL tear in the second round of the tournament is not only awful for JuJu herself, but for the tournament, and many people’s brackets. Her injury has unfortunately been the biggest surprise for the women’s tournament.

There have been lots of surprises on the men’s sides, some including No. 12 upsetting No.5 Clemson and No. 11 upsetting No. 6 Missouri in the first round. The men’s tournament is traditionally more exciting in terms of upsets. The difference in skill seems to be much larger for women’s teams, with most of the first round matchup being almost 50 point games.

Men’s or women’s, it’s fun to compete with friends and family by filling out brackets. March Madness is unlike most sports tournaments – every team has the chance at success. It’s fun to root for the underdog, since they actually have a chance to win. The unpredictability, especially of the men’s tournament, makes the tournament so special.