Stories define March. Cinderellas and high majors dance throughout the NCAA Tournament.

March Madness: Embracing the Battle Between David and Goliath

Which are we supposed to root for? David or Goliath? The mid-majors or blue bloods of college basketball?

The Myth of Parity

March Madness has the voice of Sirens. It makes us fall for the myth of parity, but when the final buzzer sounds it is almost always the same choruses: Izzo, Krzyzewski, Boeheim, Williams, Donovan, Self.

The Songs Remain the Same

The songs remain the same: UConn, Kansas, Villanova, Kentucky, Duke, North Carolina.

Occasional Breakthroughs

But every few years, someone breaks through. Jay Wright finally leads Villanova. Baylor and Scott Drew prevent Gonzaga from breaking all the way through. Things that are only surprises because they've never happened before.

When Magic and Stories Collide

But every now and again, magic and stories collide, and someone like Tony Bennett and Virginia goes from the first #1 seed to lose to a #16 to a National Championship in the span of a year.

The First Round: Chaos and Destiny

But in the first round of the NCAA Tournament? Chaos, destiny, they dance from LeHigh to St. Peters, UMBC to the inevitable Fairleigh Dickinson.

Purdue vs. Grambling State: An Unlikely Tale

We are left to choose. Would we root for Cinderella if she didn't have a terrible family? Or do we need the pain to appreciate the celebration?

Grambling State has never been to the NCAA Tournament before this season. Purdue, well you know that story.

Coaches' Perspectives

Donte' Jackson shines early as Grambling State's head coach, while Purdue stays to itself, focused on the game ahead.

Grambling State's Game Plan

Expect Grambling State to come at Edey with a bunch of different coverages to try and counter his size and dominance inside.

Purdue's Approach

Purdue is not preparing to take down a curse or avenge a game from last season. Instead, it's preparing for one game, against Grambling State, and for Purdue those focuses don't change a whole bunch week to week.

Preview: Purdue vs. Grambling State

#1 Purdue plays #16 Grambling State at 7:25 p.m. inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana on TBS.

Donte' Jackson's Perspective

"This has just been everything and then some, just being able to play in this tournament and just being able to - just being able to be a part of something that's a life-long legacy because these guys can make their moment at some point in time, and that moment lives on forever," Jackson finished.

Purdue's Focus

Purdue wants its players to execute on defense and take care of the basketball to secure victory.

"When we've taken care of the basketball, we've won. If we've had 13 turnovers or less, we're 23-0. So I always hang my hat on that." - Matt Painter

Looking Forward

While Purdue's loss last season might be easy fuel for a #16 seed to believe in itself, Grambling State's coach Donte' Jackson isn't exactly buying it as a blueprint.

"Honestly, I feel like that's old news. That's last year. Right now we've got to figure out the best game plan for us. We're not Fairleigh Dickinson, we're Grambling." - Donte' Jackson

Final Thoughts

Every game in the NCAA Tournament brings either a fairy tale ending or a heartbreaking conclusion. Purdue vs. Grambling State is no exception.