March Madness
With the captivating NCAA basketball tournaments set to entertain the country in March, there are terms that will be used countlessly throughout the men’s and women’s competitions. Here’s a guide to some of the most common phrases you’ll hear.
The men’s tournament tips-off March 14; the women’s tournament begins March 15.
March Madness:
The phrase that has become commonplace was first used by an Illinois High School Association executive, Henry V. Porter, in 1939 to describe the state’s annual state tournament, but CBS broadcaster Brent Musburger is credited for bringing it to the NCAA tournament during the 1982 competition.
The Bubble:
Some teams are guaranteed a spot in the “Big Dance,” but many others wait anxiously to hear if they will be invited by the selection committee. Most of these teams “on the bubble” have had solid seasons, but not overwhelming enough to secure a spot. Instead, they wait to hear their fate on Selection Sunday.
At Large Bid:
Teams that receive a bid to the NCAA tournament are broken into two categories: At-large bids, and automatic bids. A selection committee gives 36 at-large bids (not automatic) to teams that did not win their conference tournament but impressed the committee enough to earn a trip to the tournament.
First Four:
When the tournament was expanded to 68 teams, a new round was added to the format – the First Four. Four games are played (Tuesday and Wednesday for men; Wednesday and Thursday for women) to determine which of the eight teams advance to the first round of the tournament.
CInderella:
A Cinderella team is one that is exceeds expectations. Villanova in 1985 is one of the best examples, winning the men’s tournament despite being a No. 8 seed. The Wildcats are the lowest seeded team to win the title. In 2022, the St. Peter’s Peacocks (No. 15 seed) reached the men’s Elite Eight.
Elite Eight:
This is the fourth round of the tournament, when eight teams remain. The winners advance to the Final Four.
Final Four:
The goal is to win the title, but schools revel in reaching the round when only four teams remain. The winners of each of the two games advance to compete in the championship game.
One Shining Moment:
The crowning moment of the tournament. After the title has been won and nets cut down, the song written by David Barrett — and the complementary highlight package — has become synonymous with the tournament.
Source: ncaa.com
