dailyloe.com – St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino criticized NCAA post-game interview procedures following his team’s Sweet 16 loss to Duke. He made the comments during a press conference on March 27, 2026. The Red Storm fell 80-75 after leading by ten points.
Pitino suggested the losing team should be interviewed first after tournament games. He said his team waited over thirty minutes in disappointment. The winning team could then celebrate and take their time.
Duke rallied from a second-half deficit to secure the victory. The Blue Devils advanced to the Elite Eight to face UConn. Pitino attributed the loss to defensive breakdowns and being “bullied.”
The coach’s remarks highlight a procedural issue in major college sports. His suggestion aims to respect the emotions of defeated teams. The NCAA has not publicly responded to his critique.[]
Source: Fox News
