Friendship Madness

@FriendMadness @jllovett @jeremiahdavis10 Honestly I might be more excited for Selection Monday than I am for Selection Sunday

— Jessie Opoien (@jessieopie)

March 15, 2015

@FriendMadness BREAKING: @OKmattcarney says he'll get another tattoo if Louisville wins the title this year. pic.twitter.com/kWSVLejS42

— Chris Lusk (@chrismlusk)

March 17, 2015

@ktrutuncensored @FriendMadness Don't even think about hiding from me. Me and the wildcats are unstoppable #0to100 pic.twitter.com/CuGlFRQBzW

— Brian Henry (@iBrianEdison)

March 18, 2015

@FriendMadness drivin your broke ass to Houston in a lemon car for Chris’ stupid wedding is some 1 seed next level shit. What’s this 3 seed?

— sothenscottsaid (@sothenscottsaid)

March 19, 2015

@FriendMadness You know, even though the Dragons beat @jllovett, it's heartwarming to see Jake in such good spirits. pic.twitter.com/9d4Uru8ulW

— Chris Lusk (@chrismlusk)

March 19, 2015

@FriendMadness Duke takes care of business against Robert Morris and @iBrianEdison. Here are the game highlights: pic.twitter.com/1IDM5odFRp

— Chris Lusk (@chrismlusk)

March 21, 2015

@iBrianEdison @FriendMadness I'm on that Friendship Mad Points™ grind

— Chris Lusk (@chrismlusk)

March 21, 2015

@FriendMadness pic.twitter.com/G2GHmksEIn

— sothenscottsaid (@sothenscottsaid)

March 27, 2015

Hi @FriendMadness sorry Mention :) Menerima Servis Mesin Fotocopy Panggilan http://t.co/yQb9ZimpJI - Xavier

— FatGirls Never Sad (@AQufat)

March 27, 2015

@FriendMadness The lesson to be learned is quit being friends with Twitter-less people. It's boring. pic.twitter.com/k3RiWfzTPm

— Chris Lusk (@chrismlusk)

March 27, 2015

.@monkbernardo can write all my bios RT @FriendMadness: Meet the Elite 8. #FriendshipMadness http://t.co/hAkuwFRkRU pic.twitter.com/hEOkya1laI

— Jessie Opoien (@jessieopie)

March 28, 2015

@lukemcconnell1 @FriendMadness Plucky's got nothin' on Bucky. #FearTheOpie

— Jessie Opoien (@jessieopie)

March 28, 2015

On that note, I'll bow out of @FriendMadness. Terrific game @jessieopie. Just keep @chrismlusk from winning.

— Luke McConnell (@lukemcconnell1)

March 29, 2015

“@iBrianEdison: @FriendMadness @sothenscottsaid TOP SEED BABY.” I know this fool didn’t drive you to Houston.

— sothenscottsaid (@sothenscottsaid)

March 29, 2015

@FriendMadness Hey, y'all. Don't forget to stick around and watch the newest 30 for 30 documentary! pic.twitter.com/uNbe4r2gcc

— Chris Lusk (@chrismlusk)

March 29, 2015

@FriendMadness y'all shouldn't be surprised it was #CMAPride that ended a perfect season. Go @jessieopie, go.

— Jeremiah Davis (@jeremiahdavis10)

April 5, 2015

@chrismlusk @jllovett @FriendMadness Best league. Best friends.

— Jessie Opoien (@jessieopie)

April 5, 2015

@chrismlusk @FriendMadness http://t.co/CPgCOnyaX1 #badgerbadgerbadger

— Jessie Opoien (@jessieopie)

April 7, 2015

"Chris Lusk had the strongest presence throughout the tournament — I mean, check those Photoshop skills — but then that badger video happened," the commissioner said. "I laughed my ass off. So the 2015 Social Media MVP is Jessie Opoien."

Friend Thirty Eight, a data friendship organization (totally legit numbers, they promise), projected Opoien to finish fourth in the MVP race March 29.

// SCOTT MICHAEL(s) // @sothenscottsaid Conference: Catholic 7 Team: Notre Dame

Scott is the former lead singer of the regionally famous pop rock group Hush Hush, Commotion. But he wants you to know he's more than just a guy who had a Bieber cut before it was cool — he's also currently the drummer for Maroon 5 (and watches every single episode of "The Voice" because Christinaaaa!).

Scott shows no loyalty for his first-name brother in charge of the Oklahoma City Thunder and takes full advantage of social media to spread his expert coaching advice. He enjoys long walks on the beach, making jokes about his wife and having his car break down in rural Texas on the way back from Chris Lusk's dumb wedding in dumb Houston.

Support Scott using the hashtag #FreeTheNipple.

// JESSIE OPOIEN // @jessieopie Conference: CMA Team: Wisconsin

Jessie currently leads the league in stories about presidential hopefuls. As a founding member of the CMA, she is no stranger to the Elite 8 but makes her first trip there as a one-seed this year.

Jessie plays the banjo better than that guy who solos all the time in Mumford & Sons (like, seriously, ALL THE TIME) and loves all things Wisconsin — whiskey, beer, cheese, really cold football games and the most American of all meats: bacon. She's the Liz Lemon of Madison journalism and still avidly supports her alma mater, Iowa State.

Support Jessie using the hashtag #FearTheOpie.

// BRIAN HENRY // @iBrianEdison Conference: Big Eight Team: Kentucky

Rarely has a tournament top seed made it all the way to the trophy-lifting, but Brian has already flexed his muscles this tournament. He would be the first black champion of Friendship Madness and a truer champion for his people.

Brian once consumed a two-pound bag of gummy worms in one sitting. Brian puts raisins on EVERYTHING. Brian would be the guy who buys drinks for the whole bar top if his team just won a championship. Brian has an impressive mid-range jumper. Brian could meet your family and have them loving him more than you by the end of dinner. But above all, Brian is the worst.

Support Brian using the hashtag #TopSeed.

// LUKE McCONNELL // @lukemcconnell1 Conference: The Daily Team: Arizona

Luke is the poster boy for the power of social media involvement in Friendship Madness. He rose from the lower seeds of past tournaments to the upper levels of power by harnessing the influence of Twitter. But an MVP still has eluded him — and so has a title.

Luke is the only reason anyone should visit a TV news website. He is a Carolina transplant in the Sooner State but still holds strong to his roots (plus, he's seen the big peach in "House of Cards"). Also, he's bringing curly back.

Support Luke using the hashtag #HouseOfCats.

// LINDSEY LUSK // @lindsey_lusk Conference: The Daily Team: Gonzaga

Lindsey is proof a strong woman is a powerful woman. Not only did she agree to have to see Chris every single day, but she rose from the smelly ashes of Houston to actually be somebody in this world, and that is real strength.

She's a law student who will still send you a video of a monkey riding on a pig. If Tom Delonge wrote it, she's heard it. She insisted on retaining her own separate team from Chris because she has a fiery, competitive spirit that gets what it wants.

Support Lindsey using the hashtag #BetterHalf.

// MATT CARNEY // @okmattcarney Conference: The Daily Team: Louisville

No one loves much of what I despise more than Mr. Carney. As the most outspoken proponent of the village of Tulsa (and QuikTrip and This Land and the Driller Statue and Garth Brooks and the WNBA), Matt still lives in the better city with better everything — my city.

Matt is one of the best-traveled of the Field of Friends, having stamped his buddy passport with trips to Phoenix and Austin. He's an authority in music you'd never hear on the radio and a website you only visit if the man in Eastern Oklahoma starts having sex with his horses again.

Support Matt using the hashtag #405Rulez.

// CHRIS LUSK // @chrismlusk Conference: CMA Team: Duke

Heavy is the weight that is a past title. As a former Friendship Madness champion, Chris has seen success and is eager for more. Few have been as instrumental in helping the tournament continue, so he also takes a sense of ownership into every matchup.

Chris is the guy who will rip your ass up in an evaluation email and buy you shots at the bar afterward. He is relentlessly perfectionist and skilled at most of what he sets out to do. He's also a keyboard player.

Support Chris Lusk using the hashtag #TitlesTasteSoGood.

// CHRIS McKENNA // - Conference: Pack-10 Team: Michigan State

McKenna is the head chef at Packard's New American Kitchen in Oklahoma City. Food is his passion, and t-shirts with pig heads on them are his wardrobe. His beard could beat up your beard, and he's the guy who beat OU.

Support Chris McKenna using the hashtag #Boohoomer.

Eight-seeds

Caleb Rott (Pack-10) Cincinnati, LSU John Ross (Pack-10) NC State, St. John's Sarah Smith (Pack-10) San Diego State, Oklahoma State Keifer Truett (The Urb) Oregon, Purdue

Notable matchups: Ross vs. Rott (Round 1), Ross vs. Smith (Round 1), *Rott vs. Brian Henry* (Potential Round 2)

Three fresh faces popped into the 8/9 slots this year, all from the Pack-10. The committee was pleased to seed John Ross with St. John’s.

Seven-seeds

Greg Horton (Pack-10) Wichita State, Georgia Jono Greco (The Daily) VCU, Indiana Chris McKenna (Pack-10) Michigan State, Davidson Joey Stipek (The Daily) Iowa, Ohio State

Notable matchups: Greco vs. Stipek (Round 1), McKenna vs. Horton (Round 1), Greco/Stipek vs. Luke McConnell/Lindsey Lusk (Round 2)

The sevens are an interesting bunch this year, with two new teams alongside a pair of seasoned veterans. Of note: For the first time in three tournaments, Stipek avoided drawing San Diego State.

Six-seeds

Josh Gautreaux (Ind) Butler, BYU/Ole Miss Andrea Koester (Pack-10) Xavier, Boise State/Dayton Mark and Christen Clark (Pack-10) Providence, UCLA Kyle Todaro (Big Eight) SMU, Texas

Notable matchups: Koester vs. Gautreaux (Round 1), Koester vs. Clarks (Round 1)

A pair of couples and a regular tournament face rounded out the sixes. The committee is especially interested to see how Gautreaux and Koester perform, particularly against each other. 

Five-seeds

Nick Schaefer (Pack-10) West Virginia, Wyoming Chase Cook (The Daily) Arkansas, SF Austin Jeremiah Davis (CMA) UNI, Wofford Michaela White (Pack-10) Utah, Buffalo

Notable matchups: Schaefer vs. Michaela White (Round 1), Cook vs. Davis (Round 1), *Cook/Davis vs. Jessie Opoien* (Potential Sweet 16), *Schaefer vs. Brian Henry* (Sweet 16)

The most surprising turn during Selection Monday was the seeding decision of Davis, who was projected to be a two-seed. However, the appropriateness of Northern Iowa was too much to pass up. 

“The CMA took a hit in the seedings this year, but we expect it to make a lot of surprises all over the bracket, particularly from Davis in the East,” the committee chairman said. 

And Imperial Ron makes another tournament appearance, drawing the Razorbacks, and could shake things up in the West. 

Four-seeds

Daniel Ruffin (Pack-10) Maryland, Harvard Nick Nielsen (The Urb) North Carolina, UC Irvine Matt Carney (The Daily) Louisville, Eastern Washington Annelise Russell (The Daily) Georgetown, Valparaiso

Notable matchups: Russell vs. Carney (Round 1), *Carney vs. Davis* (Round 2) *Ruffin vs. Schaefer* (Round 2), *Ruffin vs. Brian Henry* (Sweet 16), *Russell vs. Chris Lusk* (Sweet 16)

Despite being overseas, Russell maintained a strong presence in the tournament. The committee supposed she could either check up on her progress during the tournament or have a surprise waiting for her at the end. The winner of the annual “who-gets-Louisville” draw was the mischievous Carney, whose presence in the tournament is both a laugh and a groan. Despite Nielsen’s midnight-hour deal to join the Pack-10, he will still compete for the struggling Urb Conference. Ruffin is the newcomer most expected to succeed this tournament as the highest-seeded Pack-10 member. 

Three-seeds

Scott Michael(s) (Catholic 7) Notre Dame, Albany Matt Gallant (Big Eight) Baylor, UAB Nate Clark (The Urb) Oklahoma, Georgia State Jake Lovett (CMA) Iowa State, Northeastern

Notable matchups: Michael(s) vs. Oklahoma (Round 1), Michael(s) vs. Lovett (Round 1), *N. Clark vs. M&C Clark* (Round 2), *Lovett vs. Lindsey Lusk* (Sweet 16), *Lovett vs. Chris Lusk* (Elite 8)

As the biggest OU fan ever (probably), Clark — no relation to the Pack-10′s married couple — was a no-brainer for the Sooners. 

When asked about the committee’s decision to seed Michael(s) with OU opponent Albany, the chairman replied, “Honestly, we thought it would be funny to see what he’d do.” 

Lovett is another clear favorite to make a deep run in the tournament, fresh off a tremendous conference tournament victory. To do so, however, he’ll likely have to go through the Lusks (who maintain separate teams under a grandfather clause after intense negotiations with the FMAA) in the South, which could result in a 2013 title game rematch against CMA opponent Chris Lusk in the Elite 8. 

“The South will be one of the most competitive regions in the history of this tournament,” the committee chairman said. “The top three competitors are storied programs with tons of history of success, including a title and several Final Four appearances. We’d be thrilled to see any one of the possible matchups from amongst this trio.” 

Of note: Gallant will appear in his fifth Friendship Madness this year, every tournament since its inception.

Two-seeds

Katie Rutledge (Big Eight) Kansas, North Dakota State Luke McConnell (The Daily) Arizona, Belmont Austin Dean (Big Eight) Virginia, New Mexico State Lindsey Lusk (The Daily) Gonzaga, Texas Southern

Notable matchups: Rutledge vs. Dean (Round 1), McConnell vs. L. Lusk (Round 1), *Rutledge vs. Horton* (Round 2), *McConnell vs. Greco/Stipek* (Round 2), *L. Lusk vs. Stipek* (Round 2), *Dean vs. N. Clark* (Sweet 16), *L. Lusk vs. Lovett* (Sweet 16), *Rutledge vs. Brian Henry* (Elite 8), *Dean vs. Max and Maggie Calanni* (Elite 8), *L. Lusk vs. Chris Lusk* (Elite 8), *Dean vs. Chris Lusk* (Final Four), *Rutledge vs. Max and Maggie Calanni* (Title), *Dean vs. Rutledge/Brian Henry* (Title), *L. Lusk vs. Jessie Opoien* (Title)

The twos saw the most change from projected seedings, losing two CMA members to lower seedings and bolstering their company by adding Dean, an expected one-seed. The drop sets up a potential showdown for a spot in the Final Four against Dean’s fierce conference rivals, Max and Maggie Calanni, in the East. 

“The new campus in the Seattle area seems to be doing wonders for the Fighting Pauls of Austin Dean,” the committee chairman said. “The FMAA is pleased to include them alongside the strongest set of twos in Friendship Madness’ short history. This is anyone’s year.” 

The same is true in the Midwest for wildly competitive foes Rutledge and Brian Henry.

“If you want to know what a tornado would look like on a basketball court, keep your fingers crossed for a Rutledge-Henry matchup in the Elite 8,” the committee chairman said.

McConnell’s rise to a two-seed this year was not as surprising considering his stout Social Media Index ranking last tournament and in recent months. 

“No one’s risen faster in social media than McConnell,” the committee chairman said. “He’s a favorite to win this year’s MVP.”

McConnell would join 2014 winner Jeremiah Davis and the two 2013 winners, Chris Lusk and Jake Lovett.

All eyes will be on the South, however, as in-state rivals Lindsey and Chris Lusk appear on a collision course for the region’s Final Four berth.

When asked about the negotiations last year to allow the married couple to bypass the FMAA’s joint-custody statute, the committee chairman laughed. “What happens behind closed doors stays there in this league,” he said. “We’re not the NCAA. We’re just glad they’ll be able to continue competing independently.”

One-seeds

Brian Henry (Big Eight) Kentucky, N. Florida/Robert Morris Jessie Opoien (CMA) Wisconsin, Lafayette Max and Maggie Calanni (Big Eight) Villanova, Hampton/Manhattan Chris Lusk (CMA) Duke, Coastal Carolina

Notable matchups: *Henry vs. Opoien* (Final Four), *Calannis vs. C. Lusk* (Final Four), *Henry/Opoien vs. Calannis/C. Lusk* (Title)

Opoien’s entry into the top four spots shook the tournament seeding, but the committee steadfastly defended its decision. 

“The performances we’ve seen recently in Madison, Wis., made this choice for us. Opoien has been a solid performer in past tournaments, and we’re excited to watch the West Region with her at its head,” the committee chairman said.

Making just his second tournament appearance, Henry seems like the favorite on everyone’s brackets to win this year’s title.

“Being the No. 1 overall has its perks,” the committee chairman said. “The ability to choose your own team can win a championship or have disastrous consequences. Once the bracket is released, the whole tournament is in the hands of the teams.”

Max and Maggie Calanni will compete jointly for the second time in five tournament appearances. Max won a title alone in 2012.

The 2013 champ, Chris Lusk, begins his quest for a second title against cross-conference rival Brian Henry in the opening round, but there will be no easy games for Lusk after that.

“We want to thank Chris Lusk for all his hard work behind the scenes of this and last year’s tournaments,” the committee chairman said. “His tireless design work — logos, brackets, our brand new .com — has been key to making this whole thing happen.”

Now that the sad part’s over, let’s look at the bests and worsts from the opening rounds.

Worst fall: Brian Henry

During his maiden voyage on the great Friend Sea, Brian found the rocks against Matt, Pat and Dave. Brian was the first 1 seed to fall from the tournament. There’s always next year, buddy.

Well @FriendMadness… It was fun #Heartbroken

— Brian Henry (@iBrianEdison) March 23, 2014

Best rise: Kristen Trail

The Fighting Queen Ks from Tennessee set off from the play-in games and clawed their way into the Sweet 16 (with a little help from Lindsey).

Best upset: Lindsey Ruta/Nick Beale

Lindsey’s alternate team, the Mercer Bears, toppled Scott Michael in the opening round, giving her twice the opportunity for advancement to the Sweet 16. However, Nick’s red-hot Dayton Flyers knocked out Lindsey and erased any chance for an Elite Eight pairing against her future husband, Chris Lusk.

@FriendMadness oh good. @LindseyRuta secretly thanks Nick for saving her the embarrassment that would have been.

— Chris Lusk (@chrismlusk) March 23, 2014

Worst finish: Jono Greco

Jono probably hopes he never draws Daily conference foe Joey Stipek in the opening round ever again. For the second consecutive year, Joey’s Blank Blank State team has eliminated Oklahoma from the tournament.

#JoeyCurse

— Friendship Madness (@FriendMadness) March 21, 2014

@monkbernardo we have cursed the OU basketball team.

— Joey Stipek (@JoeyStipek) March 21, 2014

But don’t give Joey all the credit. Jono did his part to collapse by letting opportunities slip away. Of all the opening-round highs and lows, this was the lowest.

Best finish: Shelby Lollis

In an overtime stunner against upstarts Cameron and Sarah Wallace, Shelby’s Connecticut Huskies eked out a win with enough momentum to upset second-seeded Katie Rutledge in the next round.

Worst conference performance: Norman Conference

When it lost Maggie Baker to the Big Eight, the conference lost its most consistent shot at advancement to the later rounds. It won just one of its opening-round games and was bounced from the tournament by the Jer-Clones.

Best conference performance: The CMA

The heavily favored power-conference advanced all four members to the Sweet 16 amid chants of “CMA! CMA! CMA!” Each has a chance to win his (or her — lookin’ at you, Jessie) region for an all-CMA Final Four.

Best tweet: Scott Michael

@FriendMadness did I win the friendship yet? It’s lonely as fuck at my house and I need a friend. #cutter

— sothenscottsaid (@sothenscottsaid) March 21, 2014

But there was plenty of goodness on the Twittersphere, so here are some runner-ups.

@FriendMadness @jessieopie how’s it feel to hate on a school called “American?” Friendship terrorist.

— Jake Lovett (@jllovett) March 20, 2014

@jessieopie @jllovett @FriendMadness It’s true. 89% of people who love #cheese have a 94.3% chance to be very American-y.

— FriendThirtyEight (@Friend30Eight) March 20, 2014

Avid participants in Friendship Madness have a 100% chance to be better than those who aren’t.

@chrismlusk @FriendMadness I will defeat you and you will shave your beard! #GoOrange

— Lindsey Ruta (@LindseyRuta) March 20, 2014

Well, one of those things happened…

@monkbernardo I realized after my sluggish opening in #FriendshipMadness that I needed to get focused. Goodbye, beard. Hello, Best Friend.

— Chris Lusk (@chrismlusk) March 21, 2014

Best part about my victory over @chaseacook … Sleeping through the game and waking up to all the glory. #grandmabedtime

— Annelise Russell (@AnneliseRussell) March 21, 2014

@FriendMadness This Nebraska game means that whoever wins friendship madness should just respectfully decline to be James’ best friend.

— sothenscottsaid (@sothenscottsaid) March 21, 2014

Using a closely guarded scientific(ish) formula, friends are seeded one through eight and assigned to a pair of teams. A No. 1 seed gets a 1 and a 16 in different regions, a No. 2 seed gets a 2 and a 15 in different regions, etc.

Friends will also be paired with teams from the women's NCAA tournament, with an emphasis on evening the playing field across both brackets. (More on that following the women's bracket release.)

I take into account the level of friendship only in the year since the last tournament (a de facto regular season, if you will). The seeding in no way reflects how I’d seed people based on the whole time I’ve known them. The 2014 tournament will incorporate the new Social Media Index (SMI) with the traditional Friendship Percentage Index (FPI) to adjust seeding according to projected social media interaction. (More on that in a moment.)

Family members are pros and therefore ineligible for the tournament.

Don’t be disheartened if you didn’t make this year’s field; there are many more like you who will just have to close stronger next year.

Social Media MVP

Added in 2013, the Social Media MVP is the second-most sought-after award of the tournament. It is awarded following the title game to the person who best harnesses Twitter and Facebook during tournament play. It's important to note: Even if you're knocked out of the tournament, you're still in the running for MVP. At its core, this whole mess is all about interactions anyway.

So take to the Twitterverse and tweet your support of your teams as the tournament plays out. I’m not saying brown-nosing will give you a leg up, but it’s certainly worth a shot.

Past winners

2011: Curtis Gambill (UConn) 2012: Max Calanni (Kentucky) 2013: Chris Lusk (Louisville)

Last year’s winner, Chris Lusk, received the champion’s automatic re-bid, one of the many perks to winning Friendship Madness.

New stuff

After adding conferences in 2012 and the Social Media MVP in 2013, the new elements for this year's tournament needed to be bigger — and nerdier.

The 2013 tournament was the most lively of the tournaments so far, and that was due in large part to social media. So, in an effort to continually improve Friendship Madness, the fine folks at Stats & Info came up with a new rating system to supplement the FPI: the Social Media Index (SMI). It factors increased weight on previous and projected social media interaction in the seeding, which could elevate a lower seed (by the FPI) into an upper tier when combined.

Players also will receive a set of teams in the women's tournament, tied directly to their seeding in the men's tournament. But it won't be as simple as ones getting ones and eights getting eights. The lower seeds will get higher teams in the women's so everyone gets a fighting chance to stay alive as long as possible. Besides, since when has expanding ever HURT anything?

Conferences

Traditional power-conference The Daily once again leads all conferences sending teams to the Big Dance with nine. However, the conference still is reeling from the loss of Lusk to the CMA, which brings all four member teams to the tournament.

The other traditional power-conference, The Delta, added teams from the Norman Conference and rebranded as the Big Eight. The March 15 merger of two conference teams means it sends seven to dance.

The newcomer Urb League will be represented by five teams, followed by Norman and another new conference, The Library, with three each. The Catholic 7 sends its typical lone representative.

Now let’s get to the seeding.

Keeping with tradition, I’m naming four bubble teams that didn’t quite make it in either by the skins of their noses or a drawn-out slip in interactions. To each who falls in the latter category, take heart for next year’s tournament may be yours to win.

(I know, I know — the extra four could have been in the play-in games. As I stated before, I don’t hold play-in games for friendships.)

First Four Out:

» Brent Hodge (Norman/OKC) » Nick Nielsen (Urb) » Adam Long (Urb) » Lauren Brewer (Independent) 

One of last year’s top seeds is now one of the first four out.

Brent has long been a staple seven or eight, but a controversial move to the OKC Conference made the road to the tournament a little more difficult. A late-season push nearly netted him a seat at the table, but it fell just short.

Nick and Adam spent most of the season on the bubble but just couldn't quite get there.

Lauren's fall will likely be the subject of a future FMAA 20 for 20 documentary.

No. 8 Seeds:

» Keifer Truett (Urb) — 8 Memphis, 9 Kansas St. » Matt/Pat/Dave (Urb) — 8 Kentucky, 9 Oklahoma St. » Cameron Benton (Norman) — 8 Colorado, 9 George Washington » Emily Mixon (Library) — 8 Gonzaga, 9 Pittsburgh

Keifer came out of nowhere halfway through the season and embodied what we at Friendship Madness HQ truly value: immediate, unrestrained camaraderie. The late push for the tournament certainly paid off.

Matt, Pat and Dave are about as consistent as Kentucky making the tournament year in and year out, and you always know what to expect from them. And Pat is among the few in the Norman area to really love Oklahoma State, so their pair of teams work so well.

We've never been to Colorado with Cameron, but I think the day is swiftly approaching. As one of the newest in this field, Cameron's best is still ahead of him.

No two teams capture the energy and charisma of the best bartender in Norman quite like Gonzaga and Pitt. And no one's scrappier than Emily Mixon.

No. 7 Seeds:

» Nate Clark (Urb) — 7 New Mexico, 10 Arizona St. » Cameron & Sarah Wallace (Urb) — 7 Texas, 10 St. Joseph's » Shelby Lollis (Library) — 7 Connecticut, 10 Brigham Young » Alicia Hendricks (Library) — 7 Oregon, 10 Stanford

Nate knows what being elevated to the next level feels like, just like New Mexico has established itself as one of the big boys now. This server-turned-manager also probably thinks ASU's mascot is awesome.

Cameron and Sarah are one of three married couples in this year's field, and they can be as unexpected and spontaneous as anyone. Their swift rise was accelerated by their late-summer wedding and has continued upward. @CamMacWall @sarcatwall1252

UConn is near and dear to our hearts — a timeless favorite — and perfectly suited for Shelby, our favorite. BYU fits just to pit her against a coworker in the first round.

Few are as passionate and intelligent as Alicia. Her teams practically chose themselves.

No. 6 Seeds:

» Clark Torbert (Norman) — 6 North Carolina, 11 Nebraska » Ty & Natalie Calanni (Norman) — 6 Ohio St., 11 Providence » Nick Beale (Big Eight) — 6 Massachusetts, 11 Dayton » Kristen Trail (Urb) — 6 Baylor, 11 Iowa/Tennessee

We call Clark the dad because he's already begun resembling one. So what better than two traditional schools? (It should be noted drawing Nebraska, our favorite, is a good omen for Clark.) @clarktorbert

The first of two Calanni pairs, Ty and Natalie were instrumental in assuring the stability of founder James Corley's life, just as Providence played a crucial role in the sustaining of the Big East. @tawo  @nattdub

Nick has been a rogue this season, appearing here and there before disappearing just as quickly. But he's always around somewhere. @NickBeale2

K — the Queen. She's fought hard for what she's earned and takes little for granted, just like Baylor's conference tournament push propelled it to the top. Though this is her first tourney appearance, it's safe to say it won't be her last — or even her best. @QueenKristenx3

No. 5 Seeds:

» Jono Greco (Daily) — 5 Oklahoma, 12 NC State/Xavier » Joey Stipek (Daily) — 5 VCU, 12 North Dakota St. » Hillary McLain (Daily) — 5 Cincinnati, 12 Stephen F. Austin » Chris Miller (Daily) — 5 Saint Louis, 12 Harvard

It only makes sense for Jono to get Oklahoma and for him to meet Joey in the first round. After all, who leaves OU only to come back a year later unless you really like it there? @jonogreco13

After a tremendous social media showing last year, Joey deserved an upgrade. So here's Shaka Smart. Enjoy. And even though it might be bad luck, I had to give you OU's opening-round opponent again. Tradition? @JoeyStipek

Hillary always makes the tournament. I don't know why, but she always does. I don't even know if she's aware or cares, but tradition is tradition. @hellrayy

Miller also always makes the tournament. It's the one time of the year I know he'll be markedly more active on social media than the other 11 months. Also, how could we resist more of this? (By the way, look what else we gave you this year.) @ChrisRowMiller

No. 4 Seeds:

» Annelise Russell (Daily) — 4 San Diego St., 13 Delaware » Chase Cook (Daily) — 4 UCLA, 13 New Mexico St. » Luke McConnell (Daily) — 4 Michigan St., Manhattan » Kyle Todaro (Big Eight) — 4 Louisville, 13 Tulsa

It was our mistake leaving out Annelise last year. For that, we're very, very sorry. But seriously, we are. @AnneliseRussell

We tried to come up with something — anything — that could best "Imperial Ron" or this. So... please? We know if anyone can, it's you. @chaseacook

Luke proved his mettle with a deep run to the Final Four last year, which catapulted him to the top tier of teams in this tournament. We're excited to see what he can do with a title favorite and a potential Final Four matchup against Chris, Lindsey or Chase. @lukemcconnell1

"Tulsa sympathizer" is a rare résumé line for Friendship Madness tourney teams, but Kyle has the gumption we don't to see Oklahoma as a whole not just the one area code that matters (read: 405). And don't worry, Chris — he'll take good care of your former title-winning Cardinals.

No. 3 Seeds:

» Jeremiah Davis (CMA) — 3 Iowa State, 14 Western Michigan » Matt Carney (Daily) — 3 Creighton, 14 NC Central » Lindsey Ruta (Daily) — 3 Syracuse, 14 Mercer » Scott Michael (Catholic 7) — 3 Duke, 14 Louisiana-Lafayette

After barreling to a Big 12 tournament title, Iowa State propelled itself into the stratosphere high enough for one of three people to earn them outright. Congratulations, buddy — this should be an easy sell. @jeremiahdavis10

TELL US WE LOWBALLED YOUR FRIENDSHIP NOW, MATT. @OKmattcarney

In your last tourney before decades of shared No. 1 seeds, we wish you all the best, Lindsey. Seriously. And former Big East powerhouses haven't been too shabby for you or your soon-to-be hubby in the past, so go grab you a trophy of your own before you have to start sharing. @LindseyRuta

We're honestly just excited to see how Scott takes getting handed Duke. That's really the only reason. @sothenscottsaid

No. 2 Seeds:

» Katie Rutledge (Big Eight) — 2 Villanova, 15 Eastern Kentucky » Matt Gallant (Big Eight) — 2 Kansas, 15 Wofford » Jessie Opoien (CMA) — 2 Wisconsin, 15 Milwaukee » Jake Lovett (CMA) — 2 Michigan, 15 American

Sloptart, we're happy you've risen so high so quickly. We also don't think the world could handle any matchup between you and Brian, so enjoy being on opposite ends of the bracket. @k_rex18

Matt always comes so close but stumbles near the end, just like Kansas in the Big 12 tourney. But this could be his year. @MattGallantt

Jessie: Duh. I mean, duh. We couldn't have made this any more obvious if we'd seeded the NCAA tournament ourselves. Whiskey will be in good hands. @jessieopie

Jake: Another duh. Why mess with something that worked so well that a few plays separated you from a title? Just make sure you keep "Fab" anything far away from you — that's some history that doesn't need repeating, unless you're fine with second place. @jllovett

No. 1 Seeds:

» Chris Lusk (CMA) — 1 Florida, 16 Cal Poly/Texas Southern » Austin Dean (Big Eight) — 1 Arizona, 16 Coastal Carolina » Brian Henry (Big Eight) — 1 Wichita St., 16 Weber St. » Max & Maggie Calanni (Big Eight) — 1 Virginia, 16 Albany/Mt. St. Mary's

A reigning champion has never repeated in the history of Friendship Madness. Curtis has not made another tournament appearance. Max lost in last year's Sweet 16. Chris? Ball's in your court to make history. @chrismlusk

Here's to hoping Coastal Carolina can be as fun as Dunk City was for you, Austin. But the more likely path will be a long ride with your primary team. Welcome to the 1 seeds. @monkeymanopeace

After just barely missing the tournament last year, no one's had a long and arduous wait quite like Brian. Well, it's here. Take care of the Shockers, or Luke might hunt you down. @iBrianEdison

Last but not least, the newlyweds. A perennial tournament team and a former champion have joined forces. Look out, Friendship Madness. @MaxRyann @maggieemoo

Last bit of business

We're pleased to announce one final addition to this year's tournament. Our friends in the West Coast-biased lamestream media have established the very first independent news website for Friendship Madness: FriendThirtyEight. It will focus on data analysis of the tournament and overall numbers 'n' stuff.

(Please disregard any rumors 2013 champ Chris Lusk is involved with the project.)

But it didn't because I created this little tourney not with me in mind but with you, my closest and dearest friends. Friendship Madness is and always has been completely about the friendships — mine with you and yours with each other. It's my little love gift to the people who keep me going year in and year out.

In the post-Blake Griffin slump for OU basketball (which won't officially be over until the Sooners win a tournament game or two), I was searching for something to make the NCAA tournament more than just filling out a bracket and watching the best college basketball has to offer (which still is not the NBA).

We know sports of all kinds are better when you have something at stake; that's why we choose sides, form allegiances, establish rivalries and let games make or break our days.

I wanted March Madness to be more fulfilling for my friends in a system in which the specific teams in the tournament held no influence over whether it would be a fun one to watch. I wanted meaningful excuses for us to cheer for teams we've never cheered for before, care about as many rounds as possible (even if our team lost in the first) and make the tournament as interactive for all as possible by making it personal.

And I discovered how. By giving you an arbitrary goal ("best friend") and seeding you in regions with marquee matchups in mind down the road, I  gave you a reason to be a fan all tournament long — if and only if you bought into my concept. Suddenly, you could have something (no matter how trivial) at stake again and the only opportunity I can think of where friendly competition is actually just that.

Think about that for a second: When was the last time you picked your side, cheered for your team and lost to someone else, and it didn't really break your heart? If you're one of my avid sports fan friends, it's probably been a while. Or, hopefully, it was during Friendship Madness.

That's why the "battle for my best friend" thing is so perfect. What you're hoping to win is not always as important as simply winning for winning's sake, and losing when didn't really have anything of substance at stake is far more painless than when you do.

I am merely a vessel to delivering this love gift to my greatest friends. Someone had to come up with a tournament, spread the word about it and maintain it over the years, but I didn't have to (or want to) be the real focal point. I could have paired any tournament with March Madness and gotten a similar reward, but the one I felt would provide the biggest benefit to everyone involved put friendship at its center.

I get to be the NCAA, the selection committee, the media and the award presenter all in one; you, my friends, get to be the reason for it all.

And this year, even more so than years passed, you embraced my vision. You realized this tournament can only be what you make of it and you have almost-complete control over what you get out of it. (Sure, I guess luck plays a pretty key role, too.) And you made it yours.

For the first time, I felt like this was our tournament, not just mine.

Chris Lusk (Louisville) showed us the strongest friendships endure through hardship — like losing a star player to a season-ending injury or abandoning almost everyone you care about to move to the beach. And as Louisville, he showed us we occasionally need to stop to appreciate the pivotal moments and places that made our friendships truly worthwhile.

Hillary McLain (Oregon) showed us friendship can be unexpected, but the best thing to do is roll with the punches and enjoy the ride. She also showed us what people wear and how often that changes — even if it's highlighter-yellow uniforms with weird metal patterns and such — is never as important as the person wearing it.

Lindsey Ruta (Michigan State, Louisville W) showed us it's OK to be fiercely dedicated to our friends, as Izzo's teams are fiercely dedicated to the fundamentals of the game. There's no shame in holding fast to the people you care about and making that transparent.

Chase Cook (Duke) showed us the importance of perseverance. Sometimes, maintaining friendships can be hard work, but the payoff is totally worth it, like actually making it to an Elite Eight after like a million years or whatever it's been.

Lauren Brewer (Gonzaga) showed us we should never take our friendships for granted. Just because you might think they'll always be there doesn't mean they will. Treasure what you have because it could be gone in a second, just like the Zags' No. 1 seed and Final Four hopes.

Luke McConnell (Wichita State) showed us we should never underestimate what a friendship may offer us. Don't assume a friend couldn't ever become one of your closest, just like you should never assume a nine-seed couldn't completely destroy your bracket and fight its way to the Final Four.

Matt Carney (La Salle) showed us what can happen when a friend is scorned. He reminded us friendship is a two-way street and the people we want to hang out with more probably want to hang out with us more, too, just like La Salle wanted to be more than a play-in team. We just have to share the duties of initiating.

Poor Jeremiah Davis (Kansas State) showed us that even in the moments we look the worst — boy, the Wildcats looked bad — we can still count on our friends to be there for us, like we still talked to him despite his losing both opening-round matchups.

Kyle Todaro (Harvard, Marquette) showed art students everywhere they can be somebody, just like a bunch of nerds from an Ivy League school can topple a Sweet 16 favorite. He also showed us he's better than Austin (Miami).

Matt Gallant (Ohio State) showed us friendship can be big. Those big moments are ours for the taking if we'd just be willing to step up and take the shot, like Aaron Craft's disgusting 3-pointer against Iowa State.

Jake Lovett (Michigan) showed us friendship can be amazing. The right friendship (or point guard) can take you places you never thought you'd be, like wherever it is he lives in that one state that's east of Nebraska that I'm going to have to visit really, really soon. Or a title game.

Kedric Kitchens (Florida) showed us friends don't always have to agree to be friends; sometimes, a little discourse about things or beliefs we don't quite understand can go a long way to building an even better friendship as you begin to understand what makes them tick. And when you embrace those subtle aspects of your friends, they'll embrace yours, too. Within reason.

Joey Stipek (San Diego State) showed us there's always two sides to a story, and friendship is no different. A loss for you — or OU — is a win for somebody else — like San Diego State. Opening your eyes to the other side's point of view can make your life and friendships much better.

Austin Dean (Florida Gulf Coast) showed us we should never doubt the little guy. No matter their age, experience or number of players with dreadlocks, every person has limitless friendship potential until you give them a chance. And hey, they might just surprise you.

Max Calanni (Indiana) showed us the value of excellence. In the same way teams like Indiana will always command some level of respect because of their storied pasts, a select few friendships with shared history will always be counted among the best.

Jessie Opoien (Syracuse) showed us distance no longer matters in today's world. Friendships have the potential to be just as good from far away (like Oshkosh and Canada) as they are close to home (like good ol' Oklahoma), like the Orange winning on the West Coast and East Coast alike.

And you all showed me I have the very best group of friends in the entire world. Thank you all, and I love you with every inch of my being.

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Friendship Madness champion: Chris Lusk

Women's Integration champion: Jessie Opoien

Social Media MVPs: Chris Lusk, Jake Lovett

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So many people got involved this year, which made choosing the inaugural Social Media MVP pretty difficult. So let's start with the highlights.

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Tweet of the Year

There were so many to choose from, but we at Friendship Madness HQ decided this tweet captured everything we were hoping for this year.

Never been so emotionally invested in a game not involving one of my teams. Thanks, @friendmadness.

— Jake Lovett (@jllovett) April 7, 2013

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Silver commendations

Chris Miller, a longtime social media staple for the tournament, didn't tweet that much, but what he did was superb. And that Saint Louis mascot is definitely terrifying.

Matt Carney kept things interesting by constantly complaining about the selection committee. Everybody needs a little negative input.

Annelise Russell played a key role in keeping potential and future plans for the women's tournament integration flush with Title IX rules.

Despite being eliminated in the Round of 32, Joey Stipek maintained a presence in all the goings-on of the tournament.

Austin Dean threw his avid support behind Florida Gulf Coast well before the rest of the country recognized the powerful force the Eagles could be. Though we all eventually became fans of the upstart newcomers, Austin loved them first.

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Gold commendations

Jeremiah Davis overcame a disheartening early exit in the tourney and added substance and humor to the discourse.

Kedric Kitchens was involved more sparingly than some in this group, but when he did get involved, it was pure gold (like he is).

Luke McConnell talked trash and pledged his unwavering support for the Wheat Shockers all the way to the Final Four. And he started tweeting before the tournament even began, which led to a spicier seeding.

Lindsey Ruta was the most involved of anyone not in the Final Four and stayed in the mix from start to finish.

Jessie Opoien was a shining example of sportsmanship and gratitude, cheering on friends and conference mates at every turn.

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Social Media MVP

That leaves us with two: Chris Lusk and Jake Lovett. The pair was all over Twitter all throughout the tournament, culminating in their matchup in the title game. They were neck-and-neck in volume, consistency, innovation and involvement.

Both were instrumental in developing ideas for a women's tournament integration and brokering a deal to allow Lusk to join the CMA Conference in 2014, and both were vitally involved every step of the way.

So we're not going to choose. The NBA has given out ties in Rookie of the Year like five or six times, so why can't we give out a tie for Social Media MVP?

So there you have it, folks. Your Friendship Madness '13 Social Media MVPs: Chris Lusk and Jake Lovett.

In a stunning finish decided by a crucial offensive foul call, Jake held strong against a late surge from CMA rival Jessie Opoien (Syracuse) for a 61-56 win.

This afternoon, Lusk notched a comeback win against tournament upstart Luke McConnell (Wichita St.) to secure his first-ever appearance in the Friendship Madness title game since the tournament began in 2011. Lovett also will be making his first trip to the big one after conditionally joining the league last year.

Just after the final buzzer of Lovett-Opoien, shocking news came out of Southern California. A petition for Lusk to leave The Daily and join CMA was heard and approved by the FMAA. Lusk will become a full member next year. The Daily has not informed Lusk of any conference realignment penalty.

.

Chris Lusk (Louisville) beat Luke McConnell (Wichita St.), 72-58, Saturday in Atlanta.

@jllovett Let's go take care of business. We have an epic title game to set up. It's the only fitting way to end #FriendshipMadness13.

— Chris Lusk (@chrismlusk) April 6, 2013

  Pulling for Louisville in this one. Sorry @lukemcconnell1, love ya kid, but @chrismlusk is playing for Kevin Ware. #FriendshipMadness13

— Kedric Kitchens (@NewsroomDino) April 6, 2013

@chrismlusk @friendmadness Hey, do you have a gluten allergy or something? Cause you're hardcore choking right now.

— Luke McConnell (@lukemcconnell1) April 6, 2013

@friendmadness @chrismlusk Great game. Just glad to know I'm one of the best four friends James has.

— Luke McConnell (@lukemcconnell1) April 7, 2013

Trey Burke is the Most Outstanding Player ... of my heart. #FriendshipMadness2013

— Jake Lovett (@jllovett) April 7, 2013

@friendmadness regardless of the outcome, I think it's clear the CMA Conference is the strongest in the field this year.

— Jeremiah Davis (@jeremiahdavis10) April 7, 2013

@chrismlusk @jeremiahdavis10 I don't see why not. You want in? It's done.

— Friendship Madness (@FriendMadness) April 7, 2013

@friendmadness A more competitive landscape is better for everyone. Grateful for the opportunity to join such a small but tough conference.

— Chris Lusk (@chrismlusk) April 7, 2013

@lindseyruta Conference realignment doesn't have to make sense, Lindsey. @friendmadness @chrismlusk

— Jake Lovett (@jllovett) April 7, 2013

@lindseyruta @chrismlusk What @jllovett said, but we became friends for real on that inaugural CMA trip to Louisville.

— Friendship Madness (@FriendMadness) April 7, 2013

@lindseyruta @chrismlusk What @jllovett said, but we became friends for real on that inaugural CMA trip to Louisville.

— Friendship Madness (@FriendMadness) April 7, 2013

@jllovett @chrismlusk Done. Protected rivals it is. I'm sure this Jake-Jessie rivalry will remain a Texas' A&M feel to it, too.

— Friendship Madness (@FriendMadness) April 7, 2013

Daily EIC vs. Daily EIC... Now time to figure out which horse to saddle my cart to.@friendmadness

— Annelise Russell (@AnneliseRussell) April 7, 2013

@jllovett What you're feeling right now was really the only real point of all this. I gave you something dumb to become an invested fan of.

— Friendship Madness (@FriendMadness) April 7, 2013

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TRIAL WOMEN'S TOURNEY FINAL FOUR SET

Lauren Brewer (Notre Dame) headlines a Final Four field in the women's integration test tournament.

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STATS AND INFO: The Daily (7) has the most in the Sweet 16, followed by The Delta (5), CMA (2), OKC (1) and NW (1). #FriendshipMadness13

March 25, 2013

STATS AND INFO: The Delta (.833) had best 2nd-round win %, followed by CMA (.667), The Daily (.583), NW (.500), OKC (.333) and Norman (0-5).

March 25, 2013

Those folks at Stats and Info work their butts off for you guys.

BEST PRE-SWEET 16 TWEETS

@friendmadness More like Sweet Sixtitchens, am I right?

March 25, 2013

@okmattcarney @friendmadness The only thing LaSalle will be exploring this week is the way back home.

March 25, 2013

RESULTS

Jake Lovett (Michigan) 87, Jon Willbanks (Kansas) 85 Kedric Kitchens (Florida) 62, Austin Dean B (Florida G.C.) 50 Jessie Opoien (Syracuse) 61, Max Calanni (Indiana) 50 Kyle Todaro (Marquette) 71, Austin Dean A (Miami) 61 Chris Lusk (Louisville) 77, Hillary McLain (Oregon) 69 Chase Cook (Duke) 71, Lindsey Ruta (Michigan St.) 61 Luke McConnell (Wichita St.) 72, Matt Carney (La Salle) 58 Matt Gallant (Ohio St.) 73, Jessica Sheets (Arizona) 70

BEST SWEET 16 TWEETS

@monkbernardo If #FriendshipMadness13 has done nothing else, it's made me have fun more than anything else. EVERY. FREAKING. GAME.

March 29, 2013

STATS AND INFO: @jessieopie averages 3.4 snarky comments per week, most in the league. #FriendshipMadness13

March 29, 2013

@lukemcconnell1 oh yeah good one if James hadn't lowballed my friendship so badly we wouldn't even be having this conversation.

March 29, 2013

STATS AND INFO: @jessieopie will face Kyle Todaro in Elite 8. Jessie is 1st woman to advance past Sweet 16 in #FriendshipMadness history.

March 29, 2013

@newsroomdino Did you get your tickets yet? No? Don't worry, Dunk City is coming for you! My Eagles will soar again! #FriendshipMadness13

March 29, 2013

Yeah I'm inthe elite eight and when you see me I have an elite gait #friendshipmadness2013

March 29, 2013

UPDATE: Some stuff happened. #FriendshipMadness13

March 30, 2013

On to the Elite 8, you guys! Go Me-chigan. #FriendshipMadness2013

March 30, 2013

I'm proud to be the final No. 1 seed standing. #FriendshipMadness13

March 30, 2013

@friendmadness @chaseacook I have a date with Chase?

March 30, 2013

@chaseacook @friendmadness If that's what friendship is, then friendship is indeed madness.

March 30, 2013

The Elite Eight: Chris Lusk, Chase Cook, Luke McConnell, Matt Gallant, Jake Lovett, Kedric Kitchens, Jessie Opoien and Kyle Todaro.

STATS AND INFO

The Daily had the most Elite Eight teams (4), followed by The Delta and CMA with two each.

CMA was 2-0 in the Sweet 16, followed by The Daily (4-3), The Delta (2-3), Northwest (0-1) and OKC (0-1).

RESULTS

Jake Lovett (Michigan) 79, Kedric Kitchens (Florida) 59 Jessie Opoien (Syracuse) 55, Kyle Todaro (Marquette) 39 Chris Lusk (Louisville) 85, Chase Cook (Duke) 63 Luke McConnell (Wichita St.) 70, Matt Gallant (Ohio St.) 66

BEST ELITE EIGHT TWEETS

@jessieopie That's hardly controversial. Truly controversial would be: "I think bacon is overrated" or "Why aren't there more Ke$has?"

March 30, 2013

I sincerely hope Me-chigan advances to the Final Four, so I can personally knock @jessieopie out of #friendshipmadness2013.

March 30, 2013

STATS AND INFO: @lukemcconnell1 is the first eight seed to advance to the Final Four in #FriendshipMadness history.

March 31, 2013

@jllovett Oh, it is on. On like... My constant love and appreciation for @monkbernardo's friendship. #friendshipmadness13

March 31, 2013

@monkbernardo You can't jinx inevitable Best Friendness. Breathe easy.

March 31, 2013

Good run, @lukemcconnell1. Enjoy your last week. Savor it. #FriendshipMadness13

March 31, 2013

@lukemcconnell1 @friendmadness You better squeeze in some extra dance classes this week.

March 31, 2013

There's a higher purpose #FriendshipMadness13 RT @zschonbrun: Louisville has declined to cut down the nets, just like at Big East tournament

March 31, 2013

AND THIS.

@friendmadness @chaseacook I've been practicing hard for this. Nodistraction can break my focus. Not even this: twitter.com/chrismlusk/sta…

March 31, 2013

The Final Four: Chris Lusk, Luke McConnell, Jake Lovett and Jessie Opoien.

Then this happened...

@chrismlusk Ooo, should there be a women's tournament next year? Maybe 16 teams. ... *R/D DEPLOY*

April 1, 2013

THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT

After a few days minutes of initial research (with some big help from honorary R&D team members Chris Lusk, Jake Lovett and Annelise Russell), we are pleased to announce a trial version of a Women's Friendship Madness tournament.

@friendmadness Well, there's a three-part test that must be met for #TitleIX compliance... a women's bracket would likely satisfy that.

April 1, 2013

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Friendship Madness will conduct a trial women's bracket with the Elite Eight. Teams to be announced shortly.

April 1, 2013

We at Friendship Madness HQ are big fans of a potential women's tournament, but there are several options under development at the moment. We're going to start with a Women's Elite Eight to see how it goes. Keep your ears to the ground for potential women's tourney integration next year.

@jllovett @friendmadness Most effective thing to keep interest in both is to include all selected friends in both brackets, IMO.

April 1, 2013

R&D: @chrismlusk @jllovett As if seeding a 68-team tourney isn't enough to do...

April 1, 2013

So, without further adieu: 

The Women's Elite Eight: Lindsey Ruta (Louisville), Annelise Russell (Tennessee), Lauren Brewer (Notre Dame), Hillary McLain (Duke), Jessica Sheets (Georgia), Maggie Baker (California), Jessie Opoien (UConn) and Lizzy Dang (Kentucky).

The upset tops Dean's cousin Kyle Todaro's Harvard upset from Day One.

Fly like an Eagle #FriendshipMadness13

March 23, 2013

Elsewhere in yesterday's action, Matt Carney (La Salle) made sure to leave his mark on the tournament's opening round with a crazy victory against Jeremiah Davis (Kansas St.).

It didn't take long for the trash-talking to start flying.

@okmattcarney no sir. Kstate (ie me) will stay alive in the greatness that is @friendmadness #fightinggingers

March 22, 2013

(#lolcatz, Cc: Chris Lusk)

@okmattcarney this made me LOL. And everyone else does, so why not? Cc @friendmadness

March 22, 2013

Things ramped up once the game got under way and Carney took an early lead.

@okmattcarney it's a long game, unknown Oklahoman. @friendmadness

March 22, 2013

@jeremiahdavis10 @friendmadness La Salle won it all in 1954 CAN THEY DO IT AGAIN AS A 13 SEED #VIRTUSSCIENTIA

March 22, 2013

Carney followed up with this promise:

@friendmadness yes in case you were wondering, I will be insufferable if La Salle wins even ONE game in this tournament.

March 22, 2013

And win they did, sending Davis packing. But they might be friends now, maybe, so that's a win-win.

But the Carney win wasn't the only source of controversy Friday in the Friendship Madness world. A discussion-worthy fan poll map hit the Web on Friday morning, and participants immediately started voicing their opinions.

@chrismluskhas too much time on his hands when hemake this to feel better about his odds: twitter.com/chrismlusk/sta…#FriendshipMadness13

March 22, 2013

(In case you missed it, Lusk explains his process here.)

@chrismlusk I really got out on the street, pressed the flesh for that. Shook so many hands. Kissed so many babies. I earned this state.

March 22, 2013

@newsroomdino @friendmadness I overlooked Idaho's Mormon pull, but I spent eight summers in a row in Utah as a kid. So Mormon or not, I win.

March 22, 2013

And then the first shots were fired at Lusk's process (which is nothing like the selection committee's scientific-ish formula).

@newsroomdino @chrismlusk @friendmadness I agree, he should have had SOME pull in Utah. Proof the math-ish formula is defective.

March 22, 2013

Oh snap.

@lukemcconnell1 @friendmadness Math-ish, Luke. It's math-ish. Ish!

March 22, 2013

#Peachoid'd

And that was just the beginning. Things began to unravel after that.

@jeremiahdavis10 @friendmadness @jllovett Back door? Probably. Jake's a charming fella, but charming enough to wipe out Jer's charm? No way.

March 22, 2013

@jeremiahdavis10 @chrismlusk @friendmadness I've also never ABANDONED my stomping grounds for greener pastures (or a desert).

March 22, 2013

Or a beach somewhere. Wouldn't that just be the worst.

@jeremiahdavis10 @chrismlusk @friendmadness I've not abandoned Iowa JER. You left, this is my state. Want to stake a claim? Gotta come back.

March 22, 2013

This has got to be the most desired Iowa has been outside of a political dog fight in years. Who knew the Wandering Aimlessly folk cared this much?

@jeremiahdavis10 @chrismlusk @friendmadness Ain't happenin. My people in the great northwest say the people there love me. Probably.

March 22, 2013

@jeremiahdavis10 UNFOLLOWED. FRIENDSHIP OVER. @chrismlusk @friendmadness

March 22, 2013

@jllovett @jeremiahdavis10 @chrismlusk Whoa, whoa, whoa, this ain't UNFRIENDED MADNESS, gentlemen (that's in September).

March 22, 2013

(That's totally not a real thing.)

Then it got into some sort of hurtful, inside joke that sources could not confirm, so we'll not get into that today. Just know that Lusk's map caused a real stir, and it was awesome.

RESULTS

Chase Cook A (Duke) 73, Tim French B (Albany) 61 Maggie Baker B (Ole Miss) 57, Kyle Margerum A (Wisconsin) 46 Lizzy Dang B (Temple) 76, Buck Buchanan A (NC State) 72 Austin Dean A (Miami) 78, Matt Gallant B (Pacific) 49 Jono Greco A (Creighton) 67, Joey Stipek B (Cincinnati) 63 Matt Carney (La Salle) 63, Jeremiah Davis A (K-State) 61 Max Calanni (Indiana) 83, Jon Willbanks B (James Madison) 62 Brent Hodge A (Illinois) 57, Jono Greco B (Colorado) 49 Austin Dean B (Florida G.C.) 78, Tim French A (Georgetown) 68 Matt Gallant A (Ohio State) 95, Chase Cook B (Iona) 70 Luke McConnell A (UNC) 78, Buch Buchanan B (Villanova) 71 Kedric Kitchens A (Florida) 79, Nick Beale B (Northwestern St.) 47 Joey Stipek A (San Diego St.) 70, Scott Michael B (Oklahoma) 55 Jake Lovett B (Iowa State) 76, Scott Michael A (Notre Dame) 58 Jon Willbanks A (Kansas) 64, Lauren Brewer B (Western Kentucky) 57 Clark Torbert B (Minnesota) 83, Dillon Phillips A (UCLA) 63

WHO'S IN, WHO'S OUT

So who advanced both teams and who advanced neither? Let's take a look.

Those to double-advance were Hillary McLain, Lizzy Dang, Kyle Todaro, Austin Dean, Luke McConnell, Jake Lovett and Clark Torbert. (Mid-majors Chris Miller and Matt Carney also advanced together.)

@chrisrowmiller it's the year of the mid-major! #VIRTUSSCIENTIA

March 22, 2013

Those now sitting on the side lines as the tournament moves on without them: • Laney Ellisor (Daily) • Kyle Margerum (Daily) • Jeremiah Davis (CMA) • Tim French (Daily) • Buck Buchanan (Norman) • Nick Beale (Delta) • Scott Michael (Catholic 7) • Dillon Phillips (Daily)

STATS AND INFO

The Oklahoma City Conference finished with the best opening-round win percentage (.667), edging out the Delta power-conference (.600).

Norman, CMA, Northwest and independents went .500.

The Daily, the most-represented conference in the tournament, went .462 in the first two days, including a .438 clip against the other conferences.

The Catholic 7 finished 0-2.

FINALE

Hillary McLain (VCU, Oregon) and Kyle Todaro (Marquette, Harvard) each went 2-0 yesterday. While McLain rolled to huge victories against Andrew Collins (Oklahoma St.) and Akron (Kyle Margerum), Todaro just barely squeaked by in both games.

Lindsey Ruta's B team, Davidson, nearly pulled off the big upset against Todaro's Marquette, but a last-second layup prevented Ruta from advancing both her teams. Ruta's first team, Michigan State, handled Kedric Kitchens' B team (Valparaiso).

Todaro's second team, Harvard, pulled off a historic upset win against Nick Beale (New Mexico) in the nightcap game.

Chris Lusk's B team, Southern U., put up the best performance by a 16 seed against a one seed since 1996 (prior to official Friendship Madness organization). The Fighting Lusks took Lauren Brewer (Gonzaga) to the wire but ultimately came up short. Lusk's first team, Louisville, blew out Max Calanni (North Carolina A&T).

Elsewhere, Laney Ellisor (Pittsburgh, Missouri) was the first to be double-eliminated, losing to Luke McConnell (Wichita St.) and Lizzy Dang (Colorado St.), respectively.

Finally, the CMA Conference had a pair of exciting games against each other on the opening day of the tournament. Jake Lovett (Michigan) rolled victory against Jessie Opoien's B team, South Dakota St. In the final game of the day, Opoien (Syracuse) decimated Jeremiah Davis' second team, Montana. 

Results

Lindsey Ruta (Michigan St.) 65, Kedric Kitchens (Valparaiso) 54 Clark Torbert (Butler) 68, Ty and Natalie (Bucknell) 56 Luke McConnell (Wichita St.) 73, Laney Ellisor (Pittsburgh) 55 Chris Miller (Saint Louis) 64, Brent Hodge (New Mexico St.) 44 Ty and Natalie (Memphis) 54, Jessica Sheets (St. Mary's CA) 52 Kyle Todaro (Marquette) 59, Lindsey Ruta (Davidson) 58 Lauren Brewer (Gonzaga) 64, Chris Lusk (Southern U) 58 Hillary McLain (Oregon) 68, Andrew Collins (Oklahoma St.) 55 Chris Lusk (Louisville) 79, Max Calanni (N.C. A&T) 48 Jake Lovett (Michigan) 71, Jessie Opoien (S. Dakota St.) 56 Jessica Sheets (Arizona) 81, Dillon Phillips (Belmont) 64 Andrew Collins (California) 64, Maggie Baker (UNLV) 61 Lizzy Dang (Colorado St.) 84, Laney Ellisor (Missouri) 72 Hillary McLain (VCU) 88, Kyle Margerum (Akron) 42 Kyle Todaro (Harvard) 68, Nick Beale (New Mexico) 62 Jessie Opoien (Syracuse) 81, Jeremiah Davis (Montana) 34

Social media check-in

The opening day of the tournament also saw a flurry of Twitter activity. With each recap, the selection committee will highlight some of the best tweets from the previous day.

Keeping a close watch on my #FriendshipMadness13 bracket today! instagram.com/p/XIc1bNptzA/

March 21, 2013

Get your own Friendship Madness bracket here, courtesy of Chris Lusk.

@newsroomdino That's strange — that occurred to the selection committee, too. You might even say it was tailored that way.

March 21, 2013

@friendmadness @newsroomdino #IntelligentDesign

March 21, 2013

The selection committee is infinitely wiser than you could possibly begin to imagine. Don't ever question its methods or foresight.

@friendmadness Tough loss, but I'm proud of the team's effort. Especially those seniors. They fought like hell out there.

March 21, 2013

Emotional college coach-speak at its finest, ladies and gents.

And the best tweets from Day 1:

As far as insane, nightmare-inducing mascots go, the St. Louis Billiken has to be a top seed. #AmigosLocos

March 21, 2013

Behold the unsettling, googly eyed visage of pure evil sure to spell doom for the rest of the #AmigosLocos bracket. twitter.com/ChrisRowMiller…

March 21, 2013

Fan poll

For the first time in Friendship Madness history, the tournament has a nationwide fan poll, graciously conducted by Chris Lusk. Here are the results, county by county:

(click here for an enlargeable version)

Lusk explains:

After seeing this map, I decided I would use my top-secret math-ish formula to scrape all the Friendship Madness data floating around on the Internet to see if social media could reveal who The Best Friend will be. Gathering the information was the easy part, vetting it proved complicated. Initial returns showed No. 1 seed Chris Lusk — a.k.a. me — crushing all competition in nearly every county in the United States. I knew that had to be tainted data, so I dug deeper and uncovered widespread voter fraud throughout the nation. Because I'm so committed to the cause, I personally collected new votes from every citizen of Friendtown, USA, and adjusted the data accordingly. Here's what we learned: I will be your best friend. But let's dive into the data and discuss what we uncovered: • Only three states went 100% for another team. Iowa loves Lovett, and Wisconsin is an overwhelming Opoien supporter. The third was a little confusing — at first. Chase Cook convincingly took Hawaii, which shocked me. I love the beach and the ocean and the sun, so I thought my victory there was guaranteed. After talking to the locals, though, it turns out Chase is a heavy favorite in the state because of his ties to Japan. And since the Japanese are not eligible, Hawaii carried the Cook banner. Hai! • Frequent visits to Colorado swung the Centennial State to the Calannis clan, but the western portion went my way — probably because I live out west now. • Arizona, as expected, is putting its faith in newcomer Jeremiah Davis. The Gin-Jer's relocation to the Southwest put him in high favor. However, due to my love of the Tucson area, I picked up a few south-central counties. • Southern California has four teams winning counties: Me, Lindsey, Kedric and Jon. Interestingly enough, Orange County didn't go to either me or Lindsey. Kedric Switchens swiped the O.C. out from under us. • In Alaska, you notice quite a bit of area without an indicated winner. Simple explanation: Those people were too busy looking at Russia from their house to care about being your friend. Idiots. • In Texas, five teams picked up wins: Tim, Jono, Chris Miller, Lindsey and me. It's interesting to see Chris Miller's divide in his two sections. His hometown pull in College Station and San Antonio couldn't bridge the gap between the clusters of counties. • Up in Oklahoma, Matt Carney stood in the way of a sweep for me. His irrational love for Tulsa put him over the edge in that area, as he narrowly beat me out in the most hotly contested counties of the race: Carney, 50.1 percent; Lusk, 49.9 percent. • The last two "contenders" (LOL) to pick up counties came on the East Coast. Luke McConnell's North Carolina roots helped give him the Raleigh-area counties. Although he was expected to win more counties, my over-the-top love for the Tar Heel State proved to be effective. And, finally, Joey Stipek's hipster-NYC experience earned him more than indie cred — he was able to pick up a few counties, too. Pretty fascinating stuff, James.

Using a closely guarded scientific(ish) formula, friends are seeded one through eight and assigned to a pair of teams. A No. 1 seed gets a 1 and a 16 in different regions, a No. 2 seed gets a 2 and a 15 in different regions, etc.

I take into account the level of friendship only in the year since the last tournament (a de facto regular season, if you will). The seeding in no way reflects how I’d seed people based on the whole time I’ve known them.

Family members are pros and therefore ineligible for the tournament.

Don't be disheartened if you didn't make this year's field; there are many more like you who will just have to close stronger next year.

Last year’s tournament was even better than the first, and I expect things to heat up even more this year.

Past winners

2011: Curtis Gambill (UConn) 2012: Max Calanni (Kentucky)

Last year’s winner, The Delta's Max Calanni (Kentucky), received the champion’s automatic re-bid, one of the many perks to winning Friendship Madness.

New stuff

Last year, I added conferences. That was small potatoes compared with this tournament's upgrade.

In addition to the tournament champion, I'll also be awarding a Social Media MVP to the person who best harnesses Twitter and Facebook during tournament play. There may or may not be a trophy awarded to the winner.

So take to the Twitterverse and tweet your support of your teams as the tournament plays out. I'm not saying brown-nosing will give you a leg up, but it's certainly worth a shot.

Conferences

Traditional power-conferences The Daily and The Delta once again headline the conferences sending teams to the Big Dance. The Daily clocks in with a tournament record-tying 14, followed by The Delta with its traditional five.

The Norman Conference clocks in at third (4), followed by OKC (3), newcomer CMA (3), Northwest (2), one independent and one surprise.

  Now let’s get to the seeding.

Keeping with last year's tradition, I'm naming four bubble teams that didn't quite make it in either because the friendship is waning or just now budding. To each who falls in the latter category, take heart for next year's tournament may be yours to win.

(I know, I know — the extra four could have been in the play-in games. As I stated before, I don’t hold play-in games for friendships.)

First Four Out:

» Jason Kersey (Norman) » Caleb McWilliams (NW) » Taylor Andersen (Independent) » Nick Kerbo (OKC) 

One of last year's first four out is in the Big Dance this year.

Jason and Caleb made major pushes late in the season but fell just a bit short in their respective conference tournaments.

Taylor spent some time heavily in the mix, but a season-ending foot injury derailed her shot.

Kerbo, usually a tournament staple, will be headlining Acquaintance Madness the offseason this time.

No. 8 Seeds: » Buck Buchanan (Norman) — 8 NC State, 9 Villanova » Laney Ellisor (Daily) — 8 Pittsburgh, 9 Missouri » Lizzy Dang (Norman) — 8 Colorado St., 9 Temple » Luke McConnell (Daily) — 8 North Carolina, 9 Wichita St.

After winning the Best Heath Ledger Look-a-likes tournament earlier this season, Buck locked in a berth to the Big Dance.

Laney, no stranger to Friendship Madness, snags Missouri because of its stellar journalism school (and her stellar journalism skills).

Lizzy DAAAAAANG (as she's affectionately known to her close friends) locked in her first trip to the tournament this year.

Luke's Twitter presence makes him an early favorite for Social Media MVP and, with the pair of strong mid-range teams he landed, could be most likely to pull an upset or three in crunch time.

No. 7 Seeds:

» Brent Hodge (OKC) — 7 Illinois, 13 New Mexico St. » Joey Stipek (Daily) — 7 San Diego St., 10 Cincinnati » Jono Greco (Daily) — 7 Creighton, 10 Colorado » Scott Michael (Catholic 7) — 7 Notre Dame, 10 Oklahoma

Brent, winner of the Best Hats tournament earlier this season, can't fly fish and compete in this tournament at the same time, but what if he could? His 10 seed was traded to another team for a 13 and future picks (somehow).

Joey was one of the fastest-rising players in Friendship Madness history, solidifying a spot in the tournament in his first eligible year.

Jono, a founding member of the Daily Conference, is making his first-ever appearance after returning from Division II (Texas).

Scott, who The New York Times called "the greatest Twitter savant in history" and "possibly this generation's Emily Dickinson," earned the coveted Oklahoma Sooners (or not coveted?) to be offset by getting stuck with Notre Dame.

No. 6 Seeds:

» Clark Torbert (OKC) — 6 Butler, 11 Minnesota » Dillon Phillips (Daily) — 6 UCLA, 11 Belmont » Jessica Sheets (NW) — 6 Arizona, 11 Middle Tenn./St. Mary's (CA) » Ty and Natalie Calanni (Norman) — 6 Memphis, 11 Bucknell

Clark, whose future dentistry name will be Dr. Tugboat, locked in perhaps the most-desired six-seed team because he's a pretty swell guy. His team partner Lori will likely keep the Fighting Torberts on track for a deep run in the tournament.

Dillon's love for Kevin Devine and sports editor-y-ness has kept him competing so far. Expect nothing different moving forward.

Jessica, winner of the Help James Get a Dog tournament earlier this season, will have the famed Fozzie Force on her side.

Ty and Natalie, who got married in the offseason, return even stronger together this year. Ty's trips to Memphis and my assumption that Natalie may find some humor in the name "Bucknell" locked in these two's teams.

No. 5 Seeds:

» Andrew Collins (NW) — 5 Oklahoma St., 12 California » Hillary McLain (Daily) — 5 VCU, 12 Oregon » Kyle Margerum (Daily) — 5 Wisconsin, 12 Akron » Maggie Baker (Norman) — 5 UNLV, 12 Ole Miss

Andrew, winner of the Grab Drinks Outside His Garage tournament earlier this year, gets Oklahoma State because I know how mad that's going to make him. Cal's not that bad, though.

Hillary, a scrappy little firecracker and social-media-savvy hair chameleon, gets two teams that equal her scrappiness (VCU) and constantly changing appearance (Oregon).

Kyle earned himself a spot in the Big Dance because of his dutiful dedication to the Daily Conference and his close working relationship with the member of the selection committee.

Maggie made a meteoric rise in the last year, and she hasn't showed any signs of slowing down. Her big win in Colorado at the start of the calendar year assured her of her highest seed so far in the tournament.

No. 4 Seeds:

» Chris Miller (Daily) — 4 Saint Louis » Matt Carney (Daily) — 13 Boise St./La Salle » Jake Lovett (CMA) —4 Michigan, 10 Iowa State » Jessie Opoien (CMA) — 4 Syracuse, 13 S. Dakota St. » Jeremiah Davis (CMA) — 4 Kansas St., 13 Montana

It wouldn't be Friendship Madness without Chris and Matt, but with a stacked tourney field this year, the fellas will be splitting a team. The best will be when Matt realizes he not only has a play-in game but a play-in game that includes Boise State.

The CMA Conference formed this season after two years of discussions, and all three members made the Big Dance.

Jake traded his 13 seed and future picks (not really a thing) for 10 seed Iowa State, giving him one of the strongest lineups in this year's field. Sources say his trips to Norman recently contributed to the league approving the trade.

Jessie harnessed her consistent social media use and knowledge of Wisconsin politics to secure a four seed and is a favorite to advance from her region.

Jeremiah, or "the Ferocious Ginger" as he's infamously known in Iowa, may or may not get to see any of this year's tournament as it's still unknown whether his current resident state Arizona has discovered a way to keep TVs from exploding in its billion-degree heat.

No. 3 Seeds:

» Kedric Kitchens (Daily) — 3 Florida, 14 Valparaiso » Kyle Todaro (Delta) — 3 Marquette, 14 Harvard » Lindsey Ruta (Daily) — 3 Michigan St., 14 Davidson » Nick Beale (Delta) — 3 New Mexico, 14 Northwestern St.

Kedric's tenacity, not unlike former Gator star Joakim Noah's hair, is infectious. Also, he gets Valparaiso because it makes me think of Villapiano's from "That Thing You Do!" every time, and I'm pretty sure we talked about that once.

Kyle's fierce mugshot photo hides his inner academian, but the dude is as smart as Jeremy Lin's haircut. Also, Marquette for some reason.

Lindsey had one of the top recruiting classes to fuel her rise to her highest seed in program history. And just like Michigan State, she has an old guy she can turn to if she needs any advice about what to expect as a higher seed in the tournament.

Nick, or "Pedro" as he's known by his close friends, puts the Mexico in New Mexico.

No. 2 Seeds:

» Austin Dean (Delta) — 2 Miami (Fla.), 15 Fla. Gulf Coast » Chase Cook (Daily) — 2 Duke, 15 Iona » Matt Gallant (Delta) — 2 Ohio St., 15 Pacific » Tim French (Daily) — 2 Georgetown, 15 Albany (N.Y.)

Austin's exotic new haircut landed him two exotic teams from the binky of America. His Best Joakim Noah Look-a-like tournament win earned him a tourney berth and a shot at his roommate in the Elite Eight, if he sticks it out well enough.

Chase, who is often mistaken for Jack Donaghy and occasionally Ron Swanson, has been tasked with turning around a potential home-run team that has faded as of late (Duke). Is he up to the challenge?

Matt, who is as white as everyone assumes Aaron Craft is before you seem him play, is an outside favorite for a title this year, assuming he beats a few one-seeds along the way.

Tim is a perennial tournament team and used a solid regular-season record to secure a prime spot in this year's tournament. 

  And now, without further adieu, here are this year’s No. 1 seeds.

No. 1 Seeds:

» Chris Lusk (Daily) — 1 Louisville, 16 Southern U. » Lauren Brewer (independent) — 1 Gonzaga, 16 Western Ky. » Max Calanni (Delta) — 1 Indiana, 16 N.C. A&T/Liberty » Jonathan Willbanks (OKC) — 1 Kansas, 16 LIU Brooklyn/JMU

Lusk made an impressive showing in last year's tourney but just fell a little short. He's been hitting the weights and training hard for this year's tourney, and he should be OK as long as he avoids 4th Street Live.

Lauren makes her tournament-record third-straight appearance as a one seed but has made early exits the last couple of tournaments. Only time will tell if this is her year.

Max, the defending champ, has not balked from the pressure of repeating. If he can survive his tough region, he's a favorite for a spot in the title game. (Friendship Madness Stats & Info: Max is 1-0 in tournament championship games.)

Jonathan catapulted himself from a no seed to a one seed this season and, if he eats right and prepares his mind before contests, has a strong chance to make a deep run (and possibly bring home a title) if he holds off the tough field in front of him.