Complete guide with hints, spangram, and all theme words for Mar 16's puzzle
Strands Theme of Mar 16 is:
This word describes the seasonal chaotic excitement of a specific college basketball tournament held in the third month of the year.
Reveal letter by letter or uncover a full solution

Today's theme, "The Big Dance," refers to a legendary sporting event that captures the nation's attention every spring. It celebrates the high stakes and dramatic moments found on the hardwood court.
Spoiler Warning
Strands answer for The Big Dance are revealed below!
Below is the complete solution for Today's Strands. Enjoy the game!

Strands is a free daily word puzzle from The New York Times. Each day, you get a theme and a letter grid where you must find hidden words. Like Wordle and Connections, it refreshes at midnight with a new puzzle.
You get a 6×8 grid of letters. Find all theme words plus the "spangram" that spans the grid and reveals the theme. Connect letters horizontally, vertically, or diagonally to form words. Find 3 non-theme words to unlock a hint.
The theme refers to a prestigious annual athletic competition where teams compete for a national title. If you are looking for a Strands Hint to narrow down the category, think about collegiate sports traditions and tournament culture. Check out the full Strands Hint below for more details.
While the vocabulary is specific to a certain sporting event, many of terms have entered common English usage to describe underdogs and schedules. Using a Strands Hint can help you bridge the gap if you aren't familiar with basketball terminology. Check out the full Strands Hint below for more details.
The spangram typically spans the entire board, connecting two opposite sides to define the theme's core. In this edition of the NYT Strands, look for a compound word that captures the seasonal frenzy of the event. Check out the full Strands Hint below for more details.
Start by looking for words that describe how teams are organized in a playoff system or names for teams that pull off a major surprise. This NYT Strands puzzle rewards those who know the lingo of the court. Check out the full Strands Hint below for more details.