Some people make their NCAA Tournament bracket selections based on a precise scientific combination of team records, head-to-head matchups and in-depth statistical data.
Others make their picks based on the school mascots they like the best.
To be clear: There is no set, reliable strategy for creating a winning bracket. But there do exist some basic guidelines that typically lead to success.
Here are five simple strategies for filling out a bracket that has a chance to wind up at the top of your office pool.
1. Steer clear of the 16 seeds...
It's always fun to pick upsets, but don't overdo it: In the history of the NCAA Tournament, a 16 seed has never defeated a 1 seed. Several have come close, but overall, top seeds are 124-0 against 16-seeded opponents.
2. ...and be wary of the 15 seeds, too.
A 15 seed has defeated a 2 seed several times, including twice in 2012. Nonetheless, 2 seeds are 117-7 against 15 seeds overall. If you're intent on picking a 15, though: Consider UNC-Asheville over Villanova in the South region. Nova tends to underachieve in the Big Dance.
3. Do pick a 12 seed over a 5.
The trendiest first-round upset picks tend to be the 12 seed over the 5 seed, and with good reason: 12 seeds beat 5 seeds over one-third of the time (35.5 percent).
Just make sure you don't pick this 12 seed...
Tough one here. Maryland has some weapons, but trump wrote the art of the deal pic.twitter.com/t5aE0Qgfet
— Jacob Pardo (@therealjpardo) March 13, 2016
4. Pick a 2 seed to advance to the Final Four.
At least one 2 seed has advanced to the Final Four in 10 of the last 15 seasons, and multiple 2 seeds have made the Final Four in three of those years. In this year's tournament, Michigan State is probably the best 2 seed of the bunch -- and the Spartans are the opposite of Villanova in that they often overachieve in the tourney.
5. Pick a 1 seed to win it all.
It might not be exciting to pick a top-seeded team to win the championship, but history says it's the most logical path. A 1 seed has won the national title in 18 of the last 29 seasons, including Duke last year. The only trick, of course, is deciding on which of the four 1 seeds to take. For what it's worth: Kansas will likely be the top pick to win it all.
