2024

Destiny is defined as “the events that will necessarily happen to a particular person or thing in the future.”

UConn is attempting to fulfill their destiny and become the 7th men’s team to win back-to-back basketball championships. Purdue is attempting to fulfill their destiny and win their first men’s basketball championship.

The battle of these basketball giants will see the 7′ 5″ National Player of the Year Zach Edey lead Purdue while UConn will counter with 7′ 2″ Donovan Clingan. This will be a tremendous matchup.

In regards to HoopsHysteria, here are the possible outcomes. Good luck to those still in the running. Congrats to Dale Thompson and Linda Harding whom both have a bracket in both outcomes!

We had only one bracket that was disqualified for non-payment. This left 150 brackets and an official pool pot of $750, a $45 increase from last year. The two spots have had their amounts increased. Here’s the payout for this year with any increase noted. 

1	$325(+$25)
2	$170(+$20)
3	$100
4	$75
5	$50
6	$25
7	$10

Thanks to everyone for participating this year. I apologize for the lack of updates this year. I wanted to try a new update schedule and honestly I did not like this approach. I will revert to the old approach next year.

I’m trying a new recap format this year. I will post recaps at the Sweet 16, Final 4, before the National Championship and after the National Championship. I welcome your feedback on whether you prefer the old format or the new format.

We have 151 brackets entered this year and pending payment confirmation will set a new record topping last year of 141. Thanks for participating and spreading the word.

East Region

The East Region is relatively chalky in the Sweet 16 stage but first round upsets by Yale over Auburn and Duquesne over BYU provided some early excitement. Defending champion UConn looks the part as the tournament favorite with two impressive wins. The Huskies will face San Diego St. in a rematch of last year’s National Championship game.

The other matchup will be fun one to watch between two very good team in Iowa St and Illinois. Both teams looked impressive in their first two games.

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West Region

The West Region played out a lot like the East Region. Three of the top 4 seeds advanced but only saw one upset in the first round with Grand Canyon knocking off St. Mary’s. Clemson upset Baylor in the second round to make it to the Sweet 16 joining North Carolina, Alabama, and Arizona.

North Carolina faces Alabama in what should be a fun high scoring game while Arizona squares off against Clemson.

 

 

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South Region

The South Region has been the most entertaining region by far. Four first round upsets. An 11/14 seed game in the second round. #1 seed Houston blowing a late lead including a game-tying three by Texas A&M to force overtime then rally and beat the Aggies. The Kentucky Wildcats losing in round one to Oakland and basketball fans getting to know Oakland’s Jack Gohlke. Colorado and Florida combined to score 202 points in their first round epic game. 11-seed NC State making it to the Sweet 16. Thousands of busted brackets. This region is the epitome of March Madness.

 

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Midwest Region

The Midwest Region is the chalk king. Oregon’s upset of South Carolina provided the only upset of note.

Purdue will face Gonzaga while Creighton will take on Tennessee. These should be two very entertaing games.