March Madness 2023: Live Updates, Selection Sunday Brackets & Conference Tournaments Results
It’s that time of the year again – when basketball fans across the nation go mad with excitement for March Madness! The annual NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is a favorite of sports enthusiasts worldwide. It’s a time when the top college basketball teams from across the country compete in a thrilling single-elimination format.
In this article, we’ll be providing live updates on the Selection Sunday brackets and conference tournament results. We’ll cover everything you need to know to stay on top of the latest developments, from the top teams and players to watch out for, to the latest odds and predictions for this year’s tournament. So, get ready to join the madness, and let’s dive in!
Selection Sunday Brackets
The NCAA Selection Committee will reveal the official 68-team bracket for March Madness on Selection Sunday, which falls on March 13, 2023. This year’s tournament will feature 31 automatic bids, awarded to the champions of each conference, and 37 at-large bids. The committee will evaluate each team’s performance throughout the season, including their record, strength of schedule, and other factors, to determine the at-large bids.
So, who are the top contenders for this year’s tournament? The Gonzaga Bulldogs are currently the top-ranked team in the nation, boasting an impressive 27-1 record. Other top teams to watch out for include the Baylor Bears, Michigan Wolverines, and Illinois Fighting Illini.
But the tournament is known for its upsets and underdog stories. So, keep an eye out for dark horses like the St. Bonaventure Bonnies or the Loyola-Chicago Ramblers, who made a Cinderella run to the Final Four in 2018.
Conference Tournaments Results
Before the Selection Sunday brackets are revealed, each conference holds its own tournament to determine which team will receive the automatic bid. These tournaments are where many teams make their final push to secure a spot in March Madness.
So far, we’ve seen some exciting conference tournament results. In the Big East, the Villanova Wildcats clinched the title with a thrilling victory over the Creighton Bluejays. The Ohio State Buckeyes took home the Big Ten championship with a commanding win over the Purdue Boilermakers.
Meanwhile, in the ACC, the Duke Blue Devils pulled off a major upset by knocking off the top-seeded Virginia Cavaliers to secure their spot in March Madness. And in the SEC, the Alabama Crimson Tide claimed the conference title with a dominant performance against the LSU Tigers.
Top Players to Watch
Of course, March Madness wouldn’t be complete without some standout performances from the top players in college basketball. Here are a few players to keep an eye on during this year’s tournament:
- Cade Cunningham (Oklahoma State Cowboys): The projected No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft has been a force to be reckoned with all season, averaging 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.
- Drew Timme (Gonzaga Bulldogs): Timme has been a key player for the top-ranked Bulldogs this season, averaging 19 points and 7 rebounds per game.
- Hunter Dickinson (Michigan Wolverines): The Big Ten Freshman of the Year has been a dominant force in the paint, averaging 15 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.
- Paolo Banchero (Duke Blue Devils): The freshman forward has been a bright spot for Duke this season, averaging 16 points and 6 rebounds per game.
- Johnny Juzang (UCLA Bruins): Juzang was a standout player during last year’s tournament, and he’s continued his strong play this season with an average of 15 points and 4 rebounds per game. His ability to score from anywhere on the court makes him a dangerous player for any team to face.
Latest Odds and Predictions
With so many talented teams and players in this year’s tournament, it can be tough to predict who will come out on top. But that hasn’t stopped sports analysts and oddsmakers from offering their predictions and betting odds.
As of now, the Gonzaga Bulldogs are the clear favorite to win it all, with 3-1 odds of taking home the championship. The Baylor Bears are the next closest contender, with 5-1 odds, followed by the Michigan Wolverines and Illinois Fighting Illini, both with 8-1 odds.
But as we know, anything can happen in March Madness. One unexpected upset can completely change the course of the tournament, and every team will be fighting tooth and nail to come out on top. So, while it’s fun to make predictions and speculate on the odds, the true beauty of March Madness lies in its unpredictability.
Conclusion
March Madness 2023 is shaping up to be an unforgettable tournament, with a talented field of teams and players ready to compete for the championship. We’ve covered the latest updates on the Selection Sunday brackets, conference tournament results, top players to watch, and the latest odds and predictions.
But as with any sport, the excitement of March Madness lies in the unexpected moments and the triumph of the underdogs. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready to join the madness!
FAQs
- When is Selection Sunday for March Madness 2023?
Selection Sunday for March Madness 2023 will be on March 13, 2023.
- How many teams are in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament?
The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament features 68 teams, including 31 automatic bids and 37 at-large bids.
- Who are the top contenders for this year’s tournament?
The top contenders for this year’s tournament include the Gonzaga Bulldogs, Baylor Bears, Michigan Wolverines, and Illinois Fighting Illini.
- Who are some players to watch during this year’s tournament?
Some players to watch include Cade Cunningham, Drew Timme, Hunter Dickinson, Paolo Banchero, and Johnny Juzang.
- What are the latest odds and predictions for March Madness 2023?
As of now, the Gonzaga Bulldogs are the favorite to win it all, with 3-1 odds. The Baylor Bears, Michigan Wolverines, and Illinois Fighting Illini are also top contenders. However, anything can happen in March Madness, and the true beauty of the tournament lies in its unpredictability.