The NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament is about to begin, and basketball fans across the country are eagerly awaiting Selection Sunday to fill in their brackets. The tournament will feature 68 teams from across the country, with the final lineup set to be confirmed on Sunday.

As expected, the Connecticut Huskies have secured the top seed in the tournament, following their exceptional performance throughout the year. As the defending champions, the Huskies have proven themselves as formidable opponents and are determined to maintain their title.

The other top seeds include the Purdue Boilermakers, North Carolina Tar Heels, and Houston Cougars, all of whom have had impressive seasons and are ready to compete for the championship. These teams, along with the other 64 teams competing, will face off in a series of games across various rounds.

The tournament will kick off with the play-in games, known as the First Four, taking place on March 19th and 20th. Following this, the first round will commence on March 21st and 22nd, followed by the second round from March 23rd to 24th. The Sweet 16 will then take place on March 28th and 29th, followed by the Elite Eight on March 30th and 31st.

The Final Four, consisting of the remaining four teams, will battle it out on Saturday, April 6th, while the highly anticipated NCAA championship game will take place on Monday, April 8th. Fans are eagerly awaiting these final games, as they will determine this year's ultimate champion.

In addition to the men's tournament, basketball enthusiasts will also be eagerly tuning in to the women's tournament. The selection of the 68 teams for the women's tournament will be announced on Selection Sunday, and fans can catch the reveal on ESPN at 8 p.m ET.

It is worth noting that 32 teams from both the men's and women's tournaments have automatically qualified by winning their respective conference tournaments. The remaining spots have been determined by a selection committee, who awarded the remaining 36 at-large bids.

While the focus may primarily be on the tournament, another basketball sensation is making waves off the court. Caitlin Clark, the star player for the Iowa Hawkeyes, has been breaking records and garnering attention throughout the season. The 22-year-old has become the NCAA Division-I leading scorer across both men's and women's college basketball, surpassing even NBA star Steph Curry's record for three-pointers in a single season.

Clark's outstanding performance has not only elevated her team but has also brought her into the spotlight, with high ticket prices and lucrative sponsorship deals. Her impact, both on and off the court, has even led to the term "Clark-onomics" being coined to describe her influence.

As the NCAA tournament approaches, basketball fans are preparing to witness thrilling matchups, fierce competition, and possibly witness the rise of new stars like Caitlin Clark. The stage is set, and soon the journey to crown the national champions will begin.