If you take a look at the image accompanying this entry, you’ll see a shot of a bracket someone has been working on.  On the right and left side of the sheet, are the teams that will be playing in the tournament.  As a team wins it’s game, it is moved forward into the next bracket towards the center.  In this photo, someone has filled in who they think are the most likely teams to win their brackets, and move forward to the championship game at the center.  By the way, if your thinking of running your own little March madness pool, why not consider getting a logo created for your bracket sheets.  It makes things look just  a little more professional.  There are plenty of free logo design sites around you could use.

When a team that is a big underdog actually wins it’s game, and moves on, it is referred to as a bracket buster.  As that team has upset the most likely winner and in a sense has “broken” the bracket of how everyone else thought it would be played out.  For those that like to gamble, this is a big deal, as it can change the odds for other teams in the tourney.  I personally think it fun when a bracket buster emerges, as that’s what makes sport exciting.  No matter what sport your watching.  But especially in emotionally charged college basketball games.  We all like to root for the underdog don’t we, and it’s incredibly exciting (or heartbreaking depending on your perspective) when it happens.

I’m personally not a big gambler, so I rarely have money riding on these games.  I usually just enjoy watching them, because the players are so jacked up about the whole affair.  While they often have incredible control of their skills, being so young, the same can’t be said of their emotions.  With the impending arrival of the NCAA next month during “March Madness”, I’m sure we’ll get to see some real bracket busters in action.  At least, I sure hope we do.