Source: myself / A snapshot of the top half of the Midwest Region after Siena took care of N.C. Central to advance to take on top overall seed Kansas.

Welcome back all! Normally, I would be providing a full bracket rundown today after Selection Sunday's big NCAA tournament bracket reveal. Obviously, and unfortunately, March Madness was of course cancelled for this year, leaving us sports fans with a rather large void to be filled. In lieu of everything, I released my official bracket on Saturday, and am still simulating the entire tournament right down to the Final Four & Championship.

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The first games to be simulated were the two play-in games between the last 4 at-large teams in the field (all 12-seeds this year) and the last 4 automatic bids (lowest of the 16-seeds). That brings us to the regular field of 64. On Thursday, I will simulate the first round games, starting in the morning, just as if the tournament was still tipping-off as originally planned.

Source: myself / Robert Morris handled Prairie View, now they get a date with Gonzaga.

Before we get there, however, we need to cover the play-in games. We start with the two lesser play-in games, where 16-seeds Prarie View & Robert Morris squared off. Robert Morris prevailed 80-69, and with it, earned the opportunity to take on Gonzaga in a 1 vs 16 matchup in the West Region.

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In the other 16-seed play-in game, Siena thrashed N.C. Central, 93-67. Their reward? A date with top overall seed Kansas in the Midwest Region. Now that the two 16-seed play-in games are set, let's take a look at how the two at-large play-in games unfolded.

Source: myself / Indiana edged Xavier, in an excellent opening game, 58-57, advancing to take on 5-seed West Virginia in the South region.

In the first play-in game, Indiana and Xavier went right down to the wire. After the game was tied at 32 at the half, the Hoosiers snuck past the Musketeers in an excellent opening game to the tournament, by the slimmest of margins, 58-57. The Hoosiers advance to take on 5-seed West Virginia in the South Region.

Source: myself / In the other at-large play-in game, Cincinnati got off to a hot start before holding off a 2nd half rally from the Wolfpack.

The other play-in game did not disappoint, as Cincinnati squared off with N.C. State. The Wolfpack were the final team in the field, and got off to a slow start in this one. The Bearcats opened up a 34-23 halftime lead, before holding off a ferocious rally by the Wolfpack down the stretch for a 64-60 victory. Cincinnati advances to play 5-seed BYU in the Midwest Region.

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We now have our regular field of 64 set. Over the next couple of days, I'll be looking for your picks on who you think will advance to the 2nd round. I'll start simulating the first round games on Thursday, and we will dwindle the field down to 32, then to the Sweet 16, and so on.

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I'll be back with a look at the field of 64 and my official bracket now that the play-in games are in the books tomorrow!

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I appreciate the support, and as always, would love to get your thoughts in the comments section below! Keeping March Madness alive in my own little way the best I can!

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Be sure to check out today's video giving a recap of the simulated play-in games!:

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https://youtu.be/GjkuLYvecE4

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Chris Elgersma

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Be sure to follow me on Instagram and

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@sportsguychris

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I'll be back again simulating the entire tournament taking us all the way down to the Final Four and National Championship!