From time-to-time in sports, and everyday life for that matter, you’ll see euphemisms pop up. You know, like the coach who’s decided to “Move on to pursue other opportunities,” when really, it should read: fired because he sucked. Well the same thing is going this evening, and I don’t want you to get confused. Tonight, the first game of the NCAA tournament will be televised. Beware: they’re going to tell you that it’s the opening round game — a title that should entice you to watch. Problem is, it’s not an opening round game. The opening round, as all of you heading to the green pastures of Las Vegas and calling in sick to work well know, is played on Thursday and Friday. Tonight as a matter of fact, is the play-in game.
It’s just a consolation game for two completely unqualified schools that in accordance to the rules are admitted for winning their conference tournaments. On the streets, the game is known as the right to get waxed by the #1 overall seed. In the media, they’ll try to convince you it’s the “opening round” game. Don’t be fooled; it’s just a ploy. 64 teams wasn’t good enough? No, oh no. Had to expand to 65 so we can ensure 16-20 Coppin St. has a shot at winning the national title. Meanwhile, Seth Greenberg is beside himself. (And don’t you fret, we won’t count the play-in game in the LBS March Madness pool).
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The “play in game” winner doesn’t always get the number one overall seed. This year, they do. From checking with authorities in prior years, the “play in” winner gets the number one overall seed only if that team will play in a Friday-Sunday game. If the number one overall team is scheduled to play on Thursday, then the number two or number three overall would get the “play in” winner, depending upon which of them play on Friday. The theory, of course, is to give the winner of the “play in” game an extra day off to prepare to get annhilated.
This year, UNC, the #1 overall seed, plays on Friday, so they get the “play in” game winner when the tournament actually begins.