Dominate the boards like a pro with essential apps for March Madness, the biggest sporting event of the year. When it comes to keeping track of your brackets and cheering on your favorite teams, don't throw an air ball by being out of the loop, because if necessity is the mother of invention, there is an app for that. Follow your brackets, watch all the games, and be competitive in your office pool with these useful sporting event apps for your smartphone. 

1. NCAA March Madness On Demand

Never miss a game with the most important app for the tournament. Check TV schedules, keep track of brackets, and watch every game on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch for free. Even better, it also features the Game Center, which allows you to track the stats while you watch the game on the big screen. This handy app is also available for Android on Google Play.

2. Pocket Bracket

The most sophisticated algorithm for bracket tracking, this innovative app allows you to make unlimited brackets and betting pools. It also features a 'Smartpick' function that completes your bracket for you and also allows you to see the updated bracket scores and how it ranks with the rest of the world.

3. ESPN Tournament Challenge

The #1 bracket app for the tournament, easily enter your picks and create groups for competing, which gives you more opportunities to get involved in the most talked about sporting event of the season. You can also hedge your bets on national group challenges and a $50,000 cash prize. Sports fans are also invited to create up to 25 brackets for a chance to enter the Maui Invitational competition, which includes a $10,000 cash prize and a trip to Hawaii.

4. theScore

Start your countdown to the final four with another must-have app for the 2017 men's college basketball tournament. Simple and more streamlined than the popular ESPN app, theScore provides custom alerts for your favorite teams so you’re always on top of the latest news and scores. It also features a user-friendly interface and free download.

5. Thuuz Sports

An essential tool for every sports fan, this app stands apart from the rest with its clever algorithm that rates live and upcoming games for their level of enthusiasm. The app also sends alerts for games that are particularly exciting.

6. iOdds

Like a Vegas sports book in the palm of your hand, this free app lists the spread, money line, total, first half line, and odds of each game. With this app on your radar, even the most mundane game can turn into an exciting viewing experience when you make your picks.

This season, score big with top-rated apps for the 2017 NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament.