The NCAA Tournament is one of the most exciting events in sports, and with the 2023 edition fast approaching, many fans and pundits are already starting to make their bracket picks. While it’s almost impossible to predict the twists and turns of March Madness, a new model that simulates the tournament 10,000 times could help identify potential upsets and Cinderella teams.
The model, created by experts at the NCAA and the College Football Playoff, takes into account a wide range of factors, from team performance and strength of schedule to injuries and historical patterns. Using sophisticated algorithms and statistical analysis, the model can generate thousands of possible tournament scenarios and identify the most likely outcomes.
So, what are some of the bracket picks, upsets, and Cinderella teams that the model has identified for the 2023 NCAA Tournament? Here are a few predictions based on the simulations:
Bracket Picks: The model predicts that the top seeds in each region will be Duke, Gonzaga, Michigan, and Baylor, with all four teams earning their spots by winning their respective conference tournaments. The Blue Devils are expected to be the overall number one seed, thanks to their dominant performance in the ACC and a strong showing in non-conference play.
Upsets: While the model predicts that the higher-seeded teams will prevail in most of the first-round matchups, there are always a few surprises in March Madness. One potential upset to watch out for is a 12-seed knocking off a 5-seed, as has happened 46 times since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985. Based on the model’s simulations, a possible upset in the first round could be No. 12 seed Loyola Chicago knocking off No. 5 seed Villanova.
Cinderella Teams: Every year, there are a few teams that capture the hearts of fans across the country by pulling off unexpected upsets and making deep runs in the tournament. According to the model, one Cinderella team to watch out for in 2023 could be the No. 11 seed Dayton Flyers. Despite finishing third in the Atlantic 10 Conference, the Flyers have a balanced offense and a strong defense that could give higher-seeded teams fits.
Of course, it’s important to remember that March Madness is notoriously unpredictable, and even the most sophisticated models can’t account for every variable. Ultimately, the success of any bracket will come down to a combination of luck, skill, and intuition. But with the help of the NCAA Tournament model, fans can make more informed picks and hopefully avoid some of the more common pitfalls of bracketology.
