America: 50☆Stars (Vol. 3)

Episode 13: A Bubble in Indiana

A/N: This episode is about the 2021 NCAA March Madness. Due to the large number of participants in the tournament, I won't be able to mention every team. Apologies to fans of various teams and college basketball in general. Anyway, continue reading as usual.

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March 14, 2021—Indianapolis, Indiana

The Big Ten men's basketball tournament between the University of Illinois and Ohio State University ends in overtime. Illinois wins 91–88. They're the champions of the Big Ten Conference—an outstanding achievement. As for Ohio State, they may have lost, but they may get to play again very soon for the Big Dance also known as March Madness.

"Where's Gonzaga again?" Illinois watches the reveal of the first overall seed in the West Regional conference on TV.

"I believe they're from Washington," says Indiana, pulling up a chair to watch Selection Sunday alongside him and Ohio. "They're supposed to be really good. Not only are they champions of the West Coast Conference. They're also undefeated 26–0 entering the tournament."

Ohio scoffs, "Going undefeated against Pacific and Pepperdine isn't that impressive."

"Even if you're right, they still have the advantage of being the first seed." She watches the entire West Regional bracket get filled up, noting the University of Iowa—a Big Ten school—being placed in the second seed of that bracket. "No offense toward Iowa. It looks like Gonzaga is going to have a clear path to the Final Four."

After a commercial break, Selection Sunday moves on to reveal the South Regional bracket.

"Looks like Wisconsin made it." Illinois smiles, recognizing another Big Ten school pop up on the bracket. "And Purdue got the fourth seed. Congrats, Indy." He gives her a casual high-five.

"Oh, yeah! Second seed!" Ohio claps his hands in excitement. "Let's go Buckeyes! We can take on..." He bursts out laughing. "Oral Roberts! There's actually a school called Oral fucking Roberts!"

"Looks like our schools have it easy," says Indiana.

"Definitely." He nods his head with confidence. "They don't stand a chance against the Buckeyes. I mean, the Buckeyes have to play terribly to lose to a No. 15 seed which I can't imagine ever happening. There's no way they're gonna lose to a school whose name is synonymous with blowjobs."

After another commercial break, Selection Sunday moves on to reveal the Midwest Regional bracket.

"Awesome! First seed in the Midwest!" Illinois claps his hands, pausing when he sees a familiar school from his home enter the bracket. "Oh, damn. Loyola-Chicago, too. I thought they would be in a different bracket."

"Buttgers? Really?" Ohio scratches his head at Rutgers getting the No. 10 seed with a 15–11 record. "I thought they would be placed lower, much less make the tournament."

"Yeah," Indiana mumbles in agreement. "Honestly, I'm more surprised Louisville with a 13–7 record hasn't shown up yet. I know they haven't played many games due to Covid, but their performance and winning percentage are decent, better than Rutgers at least."

"They may be located in the East Regional bracket," Illinois mumbles.

After the third commercial break, Selection Sunday moves on to reveal the East Regional bracket.

"I disagree!" Ohio stands up from his seat in protest. "Michigan in the first seed? No, no, no! Michigan doesn't deserve being placed that high. They're completely overrated as seen in Ohio State's win over them in the Big Ten tournament."