AI Bracket Challenge

Scoring

Round-by-round ESPN scoring

Each settled game shows its own point result inside the bracket. These totals roll up the same 10-20-40-80-160-320 scoring used by ESPN.

First Four00/0 correct · 0 each
1st Round00/0 correct · 10 each
2nd Round00/0 correct · 20 each
Sweet 1600/0 correct · 40 each
Elite 800/0 correct · 80 each
Final Four00/0 correct · 160 each
Championship00/0 correct · 320 each
Bracket view

Gemini

Generated Mar 19, 4:07 AM · ready

1st Round2nd RoundSweet 16Elite 8Final FourChampionshipFinal FourElite 8Sweet 162nd Round1st Round
FORT WORTH 1
1UConn
16UTSA
UConn
—
UConn cruises in a classic 1 vs 16 matchup.
8Iowa State
9Syracuse
Iowa State
—
Iowa State's offense is too potent for Syracuse to keep up with.
5Maryland
12Murray State
Maryland
—
Maryland's experience prevents any chance of a major upset.
4North Carolina
13Western Illinois
North Carolina
—
North Carolina handles their first-round opponent with ease.
6Notre Dame
11Fairfield
Notre Dame
—
Notre Dame is too talented and well-coached to lose this early.
3Ohio State
14Howard
Ohio State
—
Ohio State's high-powered offense overwhelms Howard.
7Illinois
10Colorado
Illinois
—
Illinois wins a hard-fought battle against a solid Colorado team.
2Vanderbilt
15High Point
Vanderbilt
—
Vanderbilt, a strong #2 seed, will not be challenged here.
1UConn
8Iowa State
UConn
—
UConn's talent and depth are too much for the Cyclones to handle.
5Maryland
4North Carolina
North Carolina
—
North Carolina survives a scare from a tough Maryland team.
6Notre Dame
3Ohio State
Ohio State
—
Ohio State's offense continues to roll against Notre Dame.
7Illinois
2Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt
—
Vanderbilt pulls away in the second half to beat Illinois.
1UConn
4North Carolina
UConn
—
UConn's championship DNA shines through in the Sweet Sixteen.
3Ohio State
2Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt
—
Vanderbilt ends Ohio State's run with a stellar defensive performance.
1UConn
2Vanderbilt
UConn
—
UConn is battle-tested and ready, earning a hard-fought trip to the Final Four.
FORT WORTH 3
1UCLA
16California Baptist
UCLA
—
UCLA is a national title contender and will show it in round one.
8Oklahoma State
9Princeton
Oklahoma State
—
Oklahoma State edges out Princeton in a classic 8 vs 9 thriller.
5Ole Miss
12Gonzaga
Gonzaga
—
Gonzaga pulls off the classic 12-5 upset with elite guard play.
4Minnesota
13Green Bay
Minnesota
—
Minnesota is too physical for Green Bay to handle for 40 minutes.
6Baylor
11Nebraska
Baylor
—
Baylor has too much tournament experience to be upset by a play-in team.
3Duke
14Col. of Charleston
Duke
—
Duke's stifling defense will be the story of this game.
7Texas Tech
10Villanova
Texas Tech
—
Texas Tech wins a close one against a tough Villanova squad.
2LSU
15Jacksonville
LSU
—
LSU, a perennial power, will have no trouble in the first round.
1UCLA
8Oklahoma State
UCLA
—
UCLA's path to the Sweet Sixteen is relatively straightforward.
12Gonzaga
4Minnesota
Gonzaga
—
Gonzaga continues its Cinderella run with another upset victory.
6Baylor
3Duke
Duke
—
Duke's defense is the difference-maker against Baylor.
7Texas Tech
2LSU
LSU
—
LSU is too powerful and athletic for Texas Tech.
1UCLA
12Gonzaga
UCLA
—
UCLA ends Gonzaga's magical run in the Sweet Sixteen.
3Duke
2LSU
LSU
—
LSU outlasts Duke in a physical, hard-fought contest.
1UCLA
2LSU
LSU
—
LSU's championship experience gives them the narrowest of edges over UCLA.
SACRAMENTO 2
1South Carolina
16Southern U.
South Carolina
—
The top overall seed faces a play-in winner, making for a lopsided matchup.
8Clemson
9Southern California
Southern California
—
Southern California pulls off the minor upset in the 8-9 game.
5Michigan State
12Colorado State
Michigan State
—
Michigan State avoids the 5-12 upset with strong perimeter defense.
4Oklahoma
13Idaho
Oklahoma
—
Oklahoma's balanced attack is too much for Idaho.
6Washington
11South Dakota State
Washington
—
Washington's home-court advantage proves decisive.
3TCU
14UC San Diego
TCU
—
TCU is a disciplined team that won't overlook a lower seed.
7Georgia
10Virginia
Georgia
—
Georgia's defense smothers a Virginia team that just won a play-in.
2Iowa
15FDU
Iowa
—
Iowa has one of the best players in the nation and will dominate.
1South Carolina
9Southern California
South Carolina
—
South Carolina's dominance continues against an outmatched opponent.
5Michigan State
4Oklahoma
Oklahoma
—
Oklahoma's balanced scoring is the key to advancing to the Sweet Sixteen.
6Washington
3TCU
TCU
—
TCU wins a defensive slugfest against Washington.
7Georgia
2Iowa
Iowa
—
Iowa's superstar player leads them to the Sweet Sixteen.
1South Carolina
4Oklahoma
South Carolina
—
South Carolina is simply on another level than Oklahoma.
3TCU
2Iowa
Iowa
—
Iowa's offense is just too explosive for TCU's defense.
1South Carolina
2Iowa
South Carolina
—
South Carolina's defense finally slows down Iowa's potent offense to advance.
SACRAMENTO 4
1Texas
16Missouri State
Texas
—
Texas has national championship aspirations and will not be tested here.
8Oregon
9Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech
—
Virginia Tech's late-season surge continues with a narrow win.
5Kentucky
12James Madison
Kentucky
—
Kentucky is a solid 5 seed that will handle the 12 seed.
4West Virginia
13Miami (Ohio)
West Virginia
—
West Virginia's defense travels well and will shut down their opponent.
6Alabama
11Rhode Island
Alabama
—
Alabama's athleticism will be too much for Rhode Island.
3Louisville
14Vermont
Louisville
—
Louisville is a powerhouse program that always shows up in March.
7NC State
10Tennessee
Tennessee
—
Tennessee's pedigree gives them the edge in a tight 7-10 game.
2Michigan
15Holy Cross
Michigan
—
Michigan is a top-tier team and will win this game convincingly.
1Texas
9Virginia Tech
Texas
—
Texas makes a statement with a dominant second-round win.
5Kentucky
4West Virginia
West Virginia
—
West Virginia wins a close game against Kentucky to advance.
6Alabama
3Louisville
Louisville
—
Louisville has too many weapons for Alabama to contain.
10Tennessee
2Michigan
Michigan
—
Michigan's interior presence is too much for Tennessee.
1Texas
4West Virginia
Texas
—
Texas wins the defensive battle against West Virginia.
3Louisville
2Michigan
Michigan
—
Michigan upsets Louisville in a nail-biter to reach the Elite Eight.
1Texas
2Michigan
Texas
—
Texas proves to be the stronger team, ending Michigan's impressive run.
1UConn
1South Carolina
South Carolina
—
South Carolina's suffocating defense proves too much for a talented UConn team.
1South Carolina
1Texas
South Carolina
—
South Carolina completes their dominant season with a national championship victory.
2LSU
1Texas
Texas
—
Texas wins a tough, physical game against LSU to advance to the title game.
South Carolina
First Four
Sacramento 2 10
10Virginia
10Arizona State
Virginia
—
Sacramento 2 16
16Southern U.
16Samford
Southern U.
—
Fort Worth 3 11
11Nebraska
11Richmond
Nebraska
—
Sacramento 4 16
16Missouri State
16SFA
Missouri State
—
Methodology

How this model filled the bracket

This bracket is generated using a 'Seed-plus-Experience' model, which favors higher-seeded teams but gives a significant boost to programs with recent deep tournament runs and veteran rosters, especially in later rounds.

Philosophy

The model is primarily conservative, respecting the integrity of the seeding process, especially in the first two rounds. Variance is introduced by targeting specific matchups where an experienced mid-major or an under-seeded power conference team has a stylistic advantage. Upside is rewarded in the regional finals and beyond, favoring teams with elite, game-changing players.

Upset strategy

Upsets are targeted in the 5-12 and 6-11 matchups where the lower-seeded team has a top-tier player capable of taking over a game. The model avoids picking upsets against #1 and #2 seeds before the Sweet Sixteen.

Championship logic

The eventual champion is selected based on a combination of being a #1 or #2 seed, possessing at least one All-American player, and having a top-15 national rank in both offensive and defensive efficiency.

Key factors

  • NCAA official seed
  • End-of-season performance (conference tournament results)
  • Roster composition (senior leadership and returning starters)
Decision log

Hover each matchup to read the reasoning

Every entry below is compact by default. Mouse over or focus a note to open the full explanation.

First FourSacramento 2 10

#10 Virginia vs #10 Arizona State

Picked: Virginia

Hover to inspect
Virginia gets the edge in a toss-up game due to a slightly stronger strength of schedule.
First FourSacramento 2 16

#16 Southern U. vs #16 Samford

Picked: Southern U.

Hover to inspect
Southern U. wins the play-in game with superior guard play.
First FourFort Worth 3 11

#11 Nebraska vs #11 Richmond

Picked: Nebraska

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Nebraska's size advantage will be the deciding factor.
First FourSacramento 4 16

#16 Missouri State vs #16 SFA

Picked: Missouri State

Hover to inspect
Missouri State advances based on their strong defense.
1st RoundGame 1

#1 UConn vs #16 UTSA

Picked: UConn

Hover to inspect
UConn cruises in a classic 1 vs 16 matchup.
1st RoundGame 2

#8 Iowa State vs #9 Syracuse

Picked: Iowa State

Hover to inspect
Iowa State's offense is too potent for Syracuse to keep up with.
1st RoundGame 3

#5 Maryland vs #12 Murray State

Picked: Maryland

Hover to inspect
Maryland's experience prevents any chance of a major upset.
1st RoundGame 4

#4 North Carolina vs #13 Western Illinois

Picked: North Carolina

Hover to inspect
North Carolina handles their first-round opponent with ease.
1st RoundGame 5

#6 Notre Dame vs #11 Fairfield

Picked: Notre Dame

Hover to inspect
Notre Dame is too talented and well-coached to lose this early.
1st RoundGame 6

#3 Ohio State vs #14 Howard

Picked: Ohio State

Hover to inspect
Ohio State's high-powered offense overwhelms Howard.
1st RoundGame 7

#7 Illinois vs #10 Colorado

Picked: Illinois

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Illinois wins a hard-fought battle against a solid Colorado team.
1st RoundGame 8

#2 Vanderbilt vs #15 High Point

Picked: Vanderbilt

Hover to inspect
Vanderbilt, a strong #2 seed, will not be challenged here.
1st RoundGame 1

#1 South Carolina vs #16 Southern U.

Picked: South Carolina

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The top overall seed faces a play-in winner, making for a lopsided matchup.
1st RoundGame 2

#8 Clemson vs #9 Southern California

Picked: Southern California

Hover to inspect
Southern California pulls off the minor upset in the 8-9 game.
1st RoundGame 3

#5 Michigan State vs #12 Colorado State

Picked: Michigan State

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Michigan State avoids the 5-12 upset with strong perimeter defense.
1st RoundGame 4

#4 Oklahoma vs #13 Idaho

Picked: Oklahoma

Hover to inspect
Oklahoma's balanced attack is too much for Idaho.
1st RoundGame 5

#6 Washington vs #11 South Dakota State

Picked: Washington

Hover to inspect
Washington's home-court advantage proves decisive.
1st RoundGame 6

#3 TCU vs #14 UC San Diego

Picked: TCU

Hover to inspect
TCU is a disciplined team that won't overlook a lower seed.
1st RoundGame 7

#7 Georgia vs #10 Virginia

Picked: Georgia

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Georgia's defense smothers a Virginia team that just won a play-in.
1st RoundGame 8

#2 Iowa vs #15 FDU

Picked: Iowa

Hover to inspect
Iowa has one of the best players in the nation and will dominate.
1st RoundGame 1

#1 UCLA vs #16 California Baptist

Picked: UCLA

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UCLA is a national title contender and will show it in round one.
1st RoundGame 2

#8 Oklahoma State vs #9 Princeton

Picked: Oklahoma State

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Oklahoma State edges out Princeton in a classic 8 vs 9 thriller.
1st RoundGame 3

#5 Ole Miss vs #12 Gonzaga

Picked: Gonzaga

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Gonzaga pulls off the classic 12-5 upset with elite guard play.
1st RoundGame 4

#4 Minnesota vs #13 Green Bay

Picked: Minnesota

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Minnesota is too physical for Green Bay to handle for 40 minutes.
1st RoundGame 5

#6 Baylor vs #11 Nebraska

Picked: Baylor

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Baylor has too much tournament experience to be upset by a play-in team.
1st RoundGame 6

#3 Duke vs #14 Col. of Charleston

Picked: Duke

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Duke's stifling defense will be the story of this game.
1st RoundGame 7

#7 Texas Tech vs #10 Villanova

Picked: Texas Tech

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Texas Tech wins a close one against a tough Villanova squad.
1st RoundGame 8

#2 LSU vs #15 Jacksonville

Picked: LSU

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LSU, a perennial power, will have no trouble in the first round.
1st RoundGame 1

#1 Texas vs #16 Missouri State

Picked: Texas

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Texas has national championship aspirations and will not be tested here.
1st RoundGame 2

#8 Oregon vs #9 Virginia Tech

Picked: Virginia Tech

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Virginia Tech's late-season surge continues with a narrow win.
1st RoundGame 3

#5 Kentucky vs #12 James Madison

Picked: Kentucky

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Kentucky is a solid 5 seed that will handle the 12 seed.
1st RoundGame 4

#4 West Virginia vs #13 Miami (Ohio)

Picked: West Virginia

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West Virginia's defense travels well and will shut down their opponent.
1st RoundGame 5

#6 Alabama vs #11 Rhode Island

Picked: Alabama

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Alabama's athleticism will be too much for Rhode Island.
1st RoundGame 6

#3 Louisville vs #14 Vermont

Picked: Louisville

Hover to inspect
Louisville is a powerhouse program that always shows up in March.
1st RoundGame 7

#7 NC State vs #10 Tennessee

Picked: Tennessee

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Tennessee's pedigree gives them the edge in a tight 7-10 game.
1st RoundGame 8

#2 Michigan vs #15 Holy Cross

Picked: Michigan

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Michigan is a top-tier team and will win this game convincingly.
2nd RoundGame 1

#1 UConn vs #8 Iowa State

Picked: UConn

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UConn's talent and depth are too much for the Cyclones to handle.
2nd RoundGame 2

#5 Maryland vs #4 North Carolina

Picked: North Carolina

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North Carolina survives a scare from a tough Maryland team.
2nd RoundGame 3

#6 Notre Dame vs #3 Ohio State

Picked: Ohio State

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Ohio State's offense continues to roll against Notre Dame.
2nd RoundGame 4

#7 Illinois vs #2 Vanderbilt

Picked: Vanderbilt

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Vanderbilt pulls away in the second half to beat Illinois.
2nd RoundGame 1

#1 South Carolina vs #9 Southern California

Picked: South Carolina

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South Carolina's dominance continues against an outmatched opponent.
2nd RoundGame 2

#5 Michigan State vs #4 Oklahoma

Picked: Oklahoma

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Oklahoma's balanced scoring is the key to advancing to the Sweet Sixteen.
2nd RoundGame 3

#6 Washington vs #3 TCU

Picked: TCU

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TCU wins a defensive slugfest against Washington.
2nd RoundGame 4

#7 Georgia vs #2 Iowa

Picked: Iowa

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Iowa's superstar player leads them to the Sweet Sixteen.
2nd RoundGame 1

#1 UCLA vs #8 Oklahoma State

Picked: UCLA

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UCLA's path to the Sweet Sixteen is relatively straightforward.
2nd RoundGame 2

#12 Gonzaga vs #4 Minnesota

Picked: Gonzaga

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Gonzaga continues its Cinderella run with another upset victory.
2nd RoundGame 3

#6 Baylor vs #3 Duke

Picked: Duke

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Duke's defense is the difference-maker against Baylor.
2nd RoundGame 4

#7 Texas Tech vs #2 LSU

Picked: LSU

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LSU is too powerful and athletic for Texas Tech.
2nd RoundGame 1

#1 Texas vs #9 Virginia Tech

Picked: Texas

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Texas makes a statement with a dominant second-round win.
2nd RoundGame 2

#5 Kentucky vs #4 West Virginia

Picked: West Virginia

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West Virginia wins a close game against Kentucky to advance.
2nd RoundGame 3

#6 Alabama vs #3 Louisville

Picked: Louisville

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Louisville has too many weapons for Alabama to contain.
2nd RoundGame 4

#10 Tennessee vs #2 Michigan

Picked: Michigan

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Michigan's interior presence is too much for Tennessee.
Sweet 16Game 1

#1 UConn vs #4 North Carolina

Picked: UConn

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UConn's championship DNA shines through in the Sweet Sixteen.
Sweet 16Game 2

#3 Ohio State vs #2 Vanderbilt

Picked: Vanderbilt

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Vanderbilt ends Ohio State's run with a stellar defensive performance.
Sweet 16Game 1

#1 South Carolina vs #4 Oklahoma

Picked: South Carolina

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South Carolina is simply on another level than Oklahoma.
Sweet 16Game 2

#3 TCU vs #2 Iowa

Picked: Iowa

Hover to inspect
Iowa's offense is just too explosive for TCU's defense.
Sweet 16Game 1

#1 UCLA vs #12 Gonzaga

Picked: UCLA

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UCLA ends Gonzaga's magical run in the Sweet Sixteen.
Sweet 16Game 2

#3 Duke vs #2 LSU

Picked: LSU

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LSU outlasts Duke in a physical, hard-fought contest.
Sweet 16Game 1

#1 Texas vs #4 West Virginia

Picked: Texas

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Texas wins the defensive battle against West Virginia.
Sweet 16Game 2

#3 Louisville vs #2 Michigan

Picked: Michigan

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Michigan upsets Louisville in a nail-biter to reach the Elite Eight.
Elite 8Regional Final

#1 UConn vs #2 Vanderbilt

Picked: UConn

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UConn is battle-tested and ready, earning a hard-fought trip to the Final Four.
Elite 8Regional Final

#1 South Carolina vs #2 Iowa

Picked: South Carolina

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South Carolina's defense finally slows down Iowa's potent offense to advance.
Elite 8Regional Final

#1 UCLA vs #2 LSU

Picked: LSU

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LSU's championship experience gives them the narrowest of edges over UCLA.
Elite 8Regional Final

#1 Texas vs #2 Michigan

Picked: Texas

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Texas proves to be the stronger team, ending Michigan's impressive run.
Final FourFinal Four 1

#1 UConn vs #1 South Carolina

Picked: South Carolina

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South Carolina's suffocating defense proves too much for a talented UConn team.
Final FourFinal Four 2

#2 LSU vs #1 Texas

Picked: Texas

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Texas wins a tough, physical game against LSU to advance to the title game.
ChampionshipChampionship

#1 South Carolina vs #1 Texas

Picked: South Carolina

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South Carolina completes their dominant season with a national championship victory.