Mon Mar 30 01:40:00 UTC 2026: ### St. John’s Coach Pitino Suggests NCAA Change Post-Loss

The Story:

Following a narrow 80-75 Sweet Sixteen loss to Duke on March 27, 2026, St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino suggested a change to the NCAA’s post-game interview protocol. Pitino expressed his frustration that his team was left “hanging” for over 30 minutes while Duke celebrated and conducted on-court interviews. He proposed that losing teams should be interviewed first, allowing them to depart while the winning team receives its due attention.

Key Points:

  • St. John’s lost to Duke 80-75 in the Sweet Sixteen on March 27, 2026.
  • Rick Pitino suggested the NCAA should allow the losing team to conduct interviews before the winning team.
  • Pitino said his team was left waiting for over 30 minutes while Duke celebrated.
  • Pitino attributed the loss to defensive breakdowns and Duke’s physical play.
  • Duke rallied from a 10-point deficit to win and advance to the Elite Eight against UConn.
  • Caleb Foster returned from a broken foot for Duke, scoring 11 points. Isaiah Evans scored 25 points and Cameron Boozer added 22 points and 10 rebounds.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rick Pitino is advocating for a change in NCAA protocol to prioritize the losing team’s post-game experience.
  • The loss to Duke was a difficult one for St. John’s, amplified by the perceived delay in post-game proceedings.
  • Duke’s victory highlights their resilience and strong performance, particularly from Isaiah Evans and Cameron Boozer, and the return of Caleb Foster.
  • The game underscores the importance of defensive strength in high-stakes NCAA Tournament games.
  • Pitino’s age (73) and coaching experience likely contribute to his outspokenness on NCAA procedures.

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