Arch Madness set to Tipoff

Today is the day, for those who know. Arch Madness, the Missouri Valley Conference tournament, tips off. The true sign that we are finally into March Madness. This conference tournament brings nostalgia to another level. As a kid, it boasted the likes of Kyle Korver at Creighton and current Northern Iowa coach Ben Jacobson. For me, tuning into Arch Madness to see Creighton, Southern Illinois, & Drake fight for a spot in the tourney was the start. Then it turned into Ron Baker, Fred VanVleet, and Cameron Krutwig in more recent years. Still, through it all, Arch Madness has been the lighting of the torch for our month of madness. This year is no different, as today they begin the second round.

Why the Missouri Valley? Why Arch Madness? Well, it's always been a mid-major conference that can make waves in the NCAA tournament—from back in the day before my time with Larry Bird at Indiana State, to Creighton with Korver upsetting Florida, and then cinderellas Wichita State & Loyola Chicago getting to the Final Four in recent years.

The MVC has given us so many great memories over the years, and this year again, they have multiple contenders with hopes of creating madness in the big one. But first, they have to find a path through their own Arch Madness.

Today is the first round of this great tournament, and though it is the lower seeds, it will not disappoint. As fans, we must continue to respect this grand spectacle. First off, look at this—we all love a good, clean bracket with its endless possibilities.

The other thing you have to give flowers to is CBS—they always make sure to give it the national attention it deserves with the championship game on Sunday afternoon.

There are still so many conference tournaments to come, but to me and many other college basketball fans, Arch Madness has a special place in our hearts. For some, it was the sign that Spring Break was around the corner or an escape from a long day at school. All I know is, when I see that arch, my mind automatically goes to a baby-faced Ashton Kutcher doppelgänger in high socks, hitting three after three in his Bluejays uniform, i do love Arch Madness!

Bet Recap: A push 2-2, not too bad but need to be better!

Bet of the Day:

03-06

Omaha -3.5 -112

Michigan State - Iowa Over 152.5 -115

Long Beach St - UC San Diego Over 135.5 -115