The last remaining perfect March Madness bracket is no more.
Otto Schellhammer’s predictions held until the first game of the NCAA Women’s Sweet 16 on Friday, when Notre Dame defeated Vanderbilt, 67-64.
“I’m not too sad about it,” Otto said Tuesday. “It would have been cool to have gone further.”
Otto, 14, of Plum, made 48 correct predictions through the opening weekend of the men’s and women’s tournament, beating more than 40 million entries, prior to his bracket falling.
Otto last week told TribLive his picks were completely random and that he doesn’t really know much about basketball.
He created two brackets — one for the men’s tournament and one for the women’s as part of his family’s annual pool. He hasn’t enjoyed nearly as much success with his men’s bracket.
The Plum Middle School student made appearances on national television and in major media publications after the news of his until-then perfect bracket broke.
“It was quick but intense,” Otto said about the attention. “I’m kind of happy it’s over, but it was fun.
“It was definitely an experience I’ll probably never have again. I’ll never forget it.”
His mother, Amy Schellhammer said she was happy Otto was able experience it. She called the ordeal a great learning experience.
“I kept telling him to enjoy the ride because when it’s over, it will never happen again,” she said.
As the tournament continued Tuesday night, Otto stood at 57 of 59 correct picks. TCU fell to South Carolina Monday night, marking the second loss of his bracket.
He correctly predicted Connecticut, Texas and UCLA, all No. 1 seeds, to win their Elite 8 games and advance to the Final Four.
He chose Texas to beat Connecticut in the national championship April 5 in Phoenix.
