Early Round Upsets and Championship Blowouts

Rick Harbaugh () and Tilman Klumpp

Economic Inquiry, 2005, vol. 43, issue 2, pages 316-329

Abstract: In equilibrium play of a two-round tournament, we find that underdogs exert more effort in the opening round whereas favorites save more effort for the final. Ability differences are therefore compressed in the opening round so upsets are more likely and amplified in the final so blowouts are more likely. Measures that reduce the need to strategically allocate effort make for a more exciting final but a less exciting opening round. Consistent with the model, introduction of a rest day between matches in the NCAA men's basketball tournament increased the favorite's victory margin in the semifinals by about five points.(JEL L83, D72) Copyright 2005, Oxford University Press.

JEL-codes: L83 D72 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2005
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