It’s finally that time of year again, the time where a tournament mashup brings together friends, families and colleagues to root on their favorite teams and create the perfect bracket

The chances of picking a perfect bracket are about one in 147 quintillion. But like Alexander the Great said, “There is nothing impossible to him who will try.” At DGS Blueprint, we have made it our goal to help you create your very own winning bracket.

Step 1: Research, Research, Research.

Now I am not saying to go out and research all 68 teams in the tournament. Last year’s UCONN team was selected to win the whole tournament in 27% of all brackets. This year’s favorite to win the tournament is Duke, led by star Freshman Cooper Flag. There hasn’t been a team ranked lower than eight that has won the tournament, and that came back in 1995 from Vilanova, and the game of basketball has come a long way from then.

Step 2: Analyze Team Metrics

After researching each team’s performance, it’s also incredibly important to analyze key metrics that can impact their chances of success. Some essential metrics to consider looking at are team turnover margin, rebounding margin and three-point shooting percentage. Although teams like Bradley, North Dakota State and Liberty may not have the best team skill-wise, they are all some of the best three-point shooting teams in the entire country, and those three’s play a crucial role in team success.

Step 3: Identify Upset Potentials

One of the most interesting things about March Madness is that every team has a chance to win the entire tournament because of how much luck can truly play a role. In the 2022 tournament, Saint Peter’s busted many brackets by cruising their way onto the Elite Eight. Another upset that busted many brackets came back in 2016 when Little Rock beat Purdue, not only was this a significant game because a smaller school of Little Rock with barely any Basketball history had beaten a big powerhouse team, it was also significant because Purdue had a 13-point lead in that game.

One player who played a key significance in that game was Forward Maurius Hill. Hill was a Homewood Flossmer Alumni who had played for Little Rock and also helped work with the Santa Cruz Warriors.

Hill recalls the previous experience.

“Late in that game, we just had a never give up attitude. Time was going to have to expire for us to stop playing hard. We had some guys hit some big shots and we kept turning our defense up,” Hill said.

Hill’s shares his advice for fans trying to create a Perfect bracket.

“Do your homework, understand both teams’ playing styles, and get ready for the unpredictable. March Madness is full of surprises and only one team can win. The team that can embrace and execute at the moment is going to make a great run,” Hill said.

Step 4: Consider the Committee’s Seedings

The NCAA Selection Committee’s seeding can provide valuable insight into each team’s chances of success. Teams seeded 1-3 have historically performed well in the tournament. Teams seeded 4-6 are often vulnerable to upsets. Teams seeded 7-10 can be dark horses. Although the seeding hasn’t been decided yet, make sure to be on the lookout for when the Committee does release the tournament bracket.

Step 5: Fill Out Your Bracket

With your research complete, it’s time to go and fill out your bracket. Start by predicting the winners of each game in the first round, then work your way through the tournament. Be sure to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each team playing and how they match up against their opponents. Be sure to also remember that teams that enter the tournament on a hot streak can be formidable opponents. Also, make sure to remember that coaches with prior experience in the tournament can provide a significant advantage.

Step 6: Review and Revise

Once you’ve filled out your bracket, review it carefully and revise it as necessary. Make sure to consider, Are there any potential upsets that you may have missed? Are there any teams that you may have overestimated or underestimated? And are there any matchups that you’re unsure about?

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating a winning March Madness bracket. Be sure to read my first two articles if you haven’t already. With a little luck and a lot of knowledge, you might just create the perfect bracket!