This past Monday the infamous NCAA men’s basketball tournament known as “March Madness” capped off it’s 81st tournament after starting in 1939. The tournament this year took place mainly in Indianapolis with the exception of some surrounding areas. Normally teams travel all over the country in the weeks of the tournament, but based on the current pandemic the NCAA thought it would be best to keep all of the teams in a “bubble” to prevent any possible spread of COVID.

March Madness is known for it’s wild upsets during the 6 rounds, and this year didn’t fail the viewers at home. The tournament saw 10 upsets in the first round with a handful in the later round. For Illinoisans, #1 seed University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign took on #8 Loyola University Chicago in the round of 32. We were all surprised when the Ramblers took down the BIG 10 Champs, the Fighting Illini by a score of 71-58. Loyola’s tough defense held star studded guard, Ayo Dosunmu to only 9 points after averaging 20.1 points per game in the regular season.

This tournament is a time for underrated players to show their skills and be seen by scouts with the hopes of making the league. For Oral Robert University’s Max Abmas that is exactly what has happened. After averaging slightly over 24 points per game during the season, Abmas was watched by millions as he led his #15 seeded team to a win over #2 Ohio State University in the round of 64. His 29 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists were just enough to get past a tough Buckeyes team. What many people are not aware of, is how dominant Abmas has been throughout his college career. Entering the tournament he led all Division 1 players in points per game and shot 43% from the three point line.

The pandemic didn’t stop this event from being watched by millions and millions of people across the country. Many tuned in to watch the once undefeated Gonzaga University fall to the Big 12 powerhouse Baylor University to a score of 86-70. The Zags had the chance to be the 8th team in college basketball history to win the tournament with a perfect record, but the Bears’s tough defense and bonded chemistry were there to stop that from happening. This was the first tournament won in Bears men’s basketball program history.

After a tournament cancellation last year, it was great to watch again and as always March Madness did not disappoint.