The NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament has begun, showcasing a record year in women’s sports. Recent statistics reveal a significant increase in viewership for women’s college basketball, with a 19 percent rise over last season. This surge marks the highest average viewership since the 2008–09 season.
Women’s March Madness: A Snapshot
Despite a lower number of fans participating in bracket predictions compared to men’s, interest in women’s basketball is growing. Last year, approximately five million fans completed brackets for the women’s tournament. In contrast, around 34 million participated in the men’s tournament. Notably, fans of the women’s tournament displayed impressive predictive skills.
Bracket Predictions in Women’s Basketball
- The longest consecutive correct predictions for men’s brackets was 42 games last year.
- In the women’s tournament, nine brackets accurately predicted the outcomes of 52 games.
- One fan successfully guessed 57 consecutive game outcomes.
While a perfect bracket seems an elusive goal—estimated to have odds of one in nine quintillion—some fans may find solace in academic insights for predictions. For anyone crafting their brackets, consider an innovative approach using academic performance as a basis.
Academic Excellence in Tournament Predictions
El-Balad presents an academic bracket that evaluates teams based on their NCAA Academic Progress Rate (APR). This metric reflects student-athlete retention and eligibility. Here’s how the selection process works:
Selection Process
- Each matchup is determined by the APR, with the higher APR team advancing.
- In the event of a tie, graduation success rates are considered.
- If still tied, the federal graduation rate is reviewed, though Ivy League schools may present complications.
- A last resort tiebreaker is the overall Graduation Success Rate (GSR) for all sports teams at the institution.
This academic criteria was notably applied during the Women’s Final Four, where the Princeton Tigers faced the Holy Cross Crusaders. The Tigers advanced after narrowly surpassing the Bulldogs’ overall GSR in the final match.
Ultimately, Princeton emerged victorious against the Samford Bulldogs, winning the championship by just one point in their overall GSR. This blend of athletic and academic achievement highlights the growing significance of educational excellence in women’s sports.
Congratulations to the Princeton Tigers on their outstanding performance in the 2023 NCAA Women’s Tournament!
