Did you hear that?

That’s the sound of my NCAA bracket falling to the floor and torching.

Despite the fact I was one of the few that picked Middle Tennessee over Michigan State in the first round, it wasn’t enough to prevent imminent tanking. Even the family pet drew a stronger bracket.

Note to self: Next year, roll around the floor while making selections by choosing the hand that is holding Vienna Sausages. Perhaps I will get better results.

As you watch your college hopefuls drop off your once-treasured bracket like a toddler drops a nugget once he discovers it’s made of cauliflower instead of chicken, what is there to do? The Big Dance is happening but you are no longer a guest on the dance floor.

In support of all those whose bracket bit the dust the moment West Virginia left the building, here are some alternative things to do with your time to prevent further madness during the month of March:

1. Clean out your closet.

Goodbye, Purdue and Baylor T-shirts! You broke my heart and ruined my chances at ultimate bragger’s rights. See you later, Arizona shorts. I can’t bear the betrayal any longer. And, Utah — no comment. They’ve been humiliated enough.

2. Help your child with his math homework.

Do you remember this assignment? It’s the one he should have finished during class time but he was watching the Butler game on his smartphone. Normally the teacher would say something, but she was watching Hawaii wipe out California.

3. Drive to Malad.

Perhaps the combination of losing scores could equate to a promising combination of a different sort. And by driving a few more miles, you can soak your cares (and your lottery scratchy cards) away at Lava Hot Springs. It’s a great chance to boil off that pesky stank of defeat.

4. Hit the golf course.

New environment. New season. Same nasty slice. Fore!

5. Explore inner feelings.

Namely, why do I cheer whenever someone takes out Duke? Is it because their roster often includes the names of the referees? There I go, again. You see? I have work to do and feelings to uncover.

Or maybe I could toss the bracket and whining aside and watch basketball being played in its purest form. Hey, NBA players, take note. There is something to be said for young people who travel across the country, sleep weird hours, eat at strange times, and yet play their guts out until they can’t play anymore — with no hefty paycheck in sight.

The bigger the win, the harder the loss, but so it goes with March Madness. All of these factors add up to my favorite time of year.

With only one No. seed surviving to the Final Four, my bracket may be of little worth, but the televised lessons on loyalty, school spirit, passion, ability, sportsmanship, overcoming challenges and sheer determination displayed by coaches and players — now that’s a winning combination in any bracket.