March means St. Patrick’s Day and Easter, right? Not even close.

March is a time of joy and cheers for all NCAA College Basketball fans as the notorious March Madness bracket takes place in the latter half of the month.

For those who may be unfamiliar with the event and what it entails, March Madness features a 64-team bracket of division-one basketball teams from all across the nation. It’s a single elimination tournament, and teams are ranked and placed into four “branches” (Midwest, West, South, and East Regionals”). From there, it’s pretty simple, as teams play and winners advance in hopes of making it to the National Championship in Houston, Texas.

Now that you understand the tournament, the only way to really show your appreciation is to make a bracket. It’s kind of like holding the door for somebody; it’s one of those things you just do because it’s the right thing to do. ESPN, CBS, NCAA, and so many more prominent sports sites will house your generic bracket to fill out, so head on over.

Got your bracket? Good. Let’s make some picks.

First pick you’ll always make is the #1 seed beating the #16. There has been some very close games between the two seeds, but a #1 has yet to lose to the #16. From there, it’s really yours to decide.

The best advice I can give is to pick a few upsets, such as a #5 beating a #12 (happens just about every year), and to do your research.

When it comes to the 2016 tournament, there’s a few things you’re going to want to keep in the back of your mind. Upsets will happen (I have Northern Iowa advancing to the sweet 16 because why not!). Kansas, North Carolina, Virginia, and Oregon will not lose their first round matchup, therefore, predicting an upset there really is just a waste of a pick.

Seton Hall vs. Gonzaga: big game. Many think Seton Hall is over ranked and Gonzaga should come through with upset. I concur that, and see Seton Hall winning a game or two.

Lastly, Michigan State is arguably the strongest #2 seed, and has a fairly easy route to the elite-8, and if you ask me, they should be a final four team (I have Michigan State winning it all).

Now that you’re a bracket expert, go out, make one, two, or fifty brackets, and be sure to tweet them to us @MHSPawPrintNews. Additionally, if you have any questions with your brackets, email [email protected].