PTI Podcast Summary

Episode: UConn MCBB Punches a Final Four Ticket in Dramatic Fashion!
Date: March 30, 2026
Hosts: Tony Kornheiser, Michael Wilbon

Episode Overview

This episode dives into UConn’s dramatic last-second win over Duke in the Men’s College Basketball Tournament, analyzing the key plays and coaching decisions that defined the game. Kornheiser and Wilbon also break down the Final Four field, reflect on women's basketball powerhouses advancing, and touch on baseball’s new automated ball-strike system, fan behavior, and noteworthy developments across sports.

UConn’s Stunning Win Over Duke ([00:54]-[05:33])

Key Discussion Points

Dramatic Ending: UConn beats Duke 73–72 on a 35-foot buzzer-beater by freshman Braylon Mullins after overcoming a 19-point first-half deficit.
Wilbon’s Take:
- Empathy for Duke’s Kaden Boozer, who was crucial but got trapped in a controversial endgame moment.
- Historical comparison to Georgetown’s Fred Brown and hope for Boozer’s future redemption.
- Critique of Duke’s lineup: “I want Isaiah Evans or Caleb Foster with the ball, period. Not that Boozer shouldn't... but I want those guys on the floor, all three of them. And that wasn't the case.” ([01:29])
Kornheiser’s Take:
- Amazement at how UConn retained possession: “You have to hold the ball to get fouled. There are six seconds left. But instead he dribbles, he picks up his dribble, tries to pass—it gets deflected and this happens.” ([03:11])
- Comparison to Christian Laettner’s famous shot and highlight of emotional swings.
- Praise for UConn Coach Danny Hurley’s mentality: “He convinced his players throughout the game they were still in it.” ([03:55])
Duke’s Trend of Blowing Leads: Tony points out Duke’s repeated failures to hold large leads: “Plus 14 over Houston, lose the game. Plus 17 over Texas Tech… Plus 19 over Houston.” ([04:50])
Responsibility on Coaching: Both agree the blame falls on Duke’s coaching staff for game management.

Notable Quotes

Wilbon: “I’m just going to say this… I hope it ends like this for Kaden Boozer because Fred Brown came back and won a national championship two years later.” ([01:29])
Kornheiser: “The elation on the UConn bench was palpable. You could feel it through the television.” ([03:46])

The Rest of the Men’s Final Four ([05:40]-[09:19])

Teams Advancing

Final Four Field: UConn, Michigan, Arizona, and Illinois.
Quick Recaps:
- Michigan overpowers Tennessee
- Arizona rallies against Purdue
- Illinois dominates Iowa

Impressions

Kornheiser:
- “This is a very hard question to answer because they all look great now.” ([06:04])
- Sees Illinois as “like a pro team—big, they shoot, and defend.”
Wilbon:
- Highlights Illinois’ star Yaxel Landevor: “He’s the best player in the tournament you can have… 6’9, 240, can handle it. His shot is so soft, it just kisses the net on the way through.” ([07:33])
- Admits bracket bias toward Arizona but recognizes Michigan’s dominance.
- Ponders if Arizona can break the “west of the Mississippi” drought, last winning in 1997: “That's Arizona.” ([09:03])

Women’s NCAA Tournament ([09:25]-[11:57])

Teams in the Women’s Final Four

UConn: 54-game win streak, dispatched Notre Dame by 18
UCLA: 29-game win streak, rallied to beat Duke by 12 in the second half

Who Looks Stronger: UConn or UCLA?

Wilbon:
- Asserts it’s impossible to pick against UConn: “It would be like arguing… that somebody looks stronger than one of John Wooden’s UCLA teams. That would be dumb. You can’t do it.” ([09:54])
- Personal rooting for Kiki Rice (UCLA), a family friend and D.C. native.
Kornheiser:
- Lauds UConn’s legacy: “We have now watched them win 12 national championships. This is their 25th Final Four.” ([10:49])
- Dismisses schedule criticism against UConn: “They play anybody, anywhere, anybody you put in front of them.” ([11:54])

Notable Quotes

Wilbon (on Kiki Rice): “The Rice family is like family to me... I have watched Kiki Rice grow up and play basketball in Washington, D.C.” ([10:12])
Kornheiser: “Geno Auriemma’s record is amazing. There’s nobody like him ever in sports.” ([10:49])

Baseball: Automated Ball-Strike System ([14:24]-[16:37])

Technology’s Impact on Umpires

Sympathy for Umpires: Both show empathy for umpires whose calls are overturned by the robotic review system.
Wilbon:
- Supports the technology (“I’m with whatever technology you can get the call right, but I want it used quickly.” [14:49]) but dislikes public “showing up” of the umpires.
- Notes that many missed calls are marginal: “They’re a half inch off the plate. I’m not gonna be embarrassed about that.” ([15:21])
Kornheiser:
- Predicts further automation: “We are going to see the umpire at home plate call no balls and strikes… He’ll be there for a tag and to hand new baseballs to the catcher.” ([15:25])
- Acknowledges loss of ‘human’ element: “This is the baseball we grew up with—where there’s human error, there’s human frailty.” ([16:21])

Notable Quotes

Wilbon: “You can’t go back... Technology’s there, you can’t go back.” ([16:34])

Fan Behavior: Mets Fans Booing Bo Bichette ([16:42]-[18:35])

Discussion

Too Soon to Boo?
- Kornheiser: “Three days, three games in, that seems a little soon.” ([16:46])
- Notes Bichette’s struggles are uncharacteristic, but quips about New York sports culture: “You want to boo this guy out of town?... Slow down, Sparky.” ([17:10])
- Bichette’s own response: “If anything, I thought the booing took too long.” ([16:55])
Wilbon:
- Explains the Northeast’s unique fan intensity: “Mets fans, Phillies fans, Yankees fans... they'll boo their mothers.” ([17:46])
- Contrasts with Midwest: “I have never booed in Wrigley Field. And if my son did, I would smack him.” ([18:08])

Other Noteworthy Segments

NHL Quick Hits ([20:19]-[23:24])

Bruce Cassidy Firing: Vegas fires Stanley Cup-winning coach before playoffs; John Tortorella steps in.
Wilbon: “The NHL has these crazy things where people get fired as they step into the playoffs. And sometimes it actually works.” ([22:52])
Kornheiser: Notes this is unique to hockey: “They don’t do this in other sports.” ([23:04])

Mail Time & Big Finish Highlights ([14:17]-[24:44])

Discuss sympathy for umpires ([14:25]), MLB fan overreaction ([16:42]), and news from other sports (Alex Bregman to the Cubs [20:25], Martin Brodeur’s legacy [21:19], Gary Woodland’s comeback [23:45], USA men’s soccer struggles [24:00], and Tony Vitello’s tough MLB start [24:14]).

Memorable Moments & Quotes

Kornheiser (on the UConn buzzer-beater): “That UConn shot and Duke’s fold is gonna live for 50 years, right? You’ve been watching for 50 years.” ([12:28])
Wilbon (on NCAA parity): “There’s one name I wrote down… Yaxel Landevor. Because he’s the best player in the tournament you can have.” ([07:33])
Wilbon (on UConn women): “UConn’s got to be a favorite… once we fill out the bracket and find out the remaining teams.” ([11:57])
Wilbon (on booing in New York and Midwest): “The Dodgers fans aren’t even awake… I have never booed in Wrigley Field. And if my son did, I would smack him.” ([18:08])

Timestamps for Key Segments

[00:54] – UConn’s 35-foot game-winning shot over Duke
[03:11] – Duke’s end-of-game mismanagement
[05:40] – Men’s Final Four field analysis
[09:25] – Women’s Final Four preview: UConn vs. UCLA
[14:24] – Automated umpire system and its impact
[16:42] – Mets fans booing Bo Bichette
[20:25] – MLB trade/free agency updates (Alex Bregman)
[22:19] – NHL: Vegas fires Bruce Cassidy
[23:45] – Gary Woodland’s PGA Tour comeback

Tone

Lively, irreverent banter remains a hallmark, with Tony and Mike mixing sharp analysis, historical perspective, and humor in breaking down high-stakes moments—whether celebrating miraculous plays or gently mocking fan impatience and sports traditions.

Summary prepared for those who might have missed the episode or want to catch the biggest moments, key debates, and zingers from PTI’s legendary hosts.

PTI Podcast Summary

Episode: UConn MCBB Punches a Final Four Ticket in Dramatic Fashion!
Date: March 30, 2026
Hosts: Tony Kornheiser, Michael Wilbon

Episode Overview

UConn’s Stunning Win Over Duke ([00:54]-[05:33])

Key Discussion Points

Dramatic Ending: UConn beats Duke 73–72 on a 35-foot buzzer-beater by freshman Braylon Mullins after overcoming a 19-point first-half deficit.
Wilbon’s Take:
- Empathy for Duke’s Kaden Boozer, who was crucial but got trapped in a controversial endgame moment.
- Historical comparison to Georgetown’s Fred Brown and hope for Boozer’s future redemption.
- Critique of Duke’s lineup: “I want Isaiah Evans or Caleb Foster with the ball, period. Not that Boozer shouldn't... but I want those guys on the floor, all three of them. And that wasn't the case.” ([01:29])
Kornheiser’s Take:
- Amazement at how UConn retained possession: “You have to hold the ball to get fouled. There are six seconds left. But instead he dribbles, he picks up his dribble, tries to pass—it gets deflected and this happens.” ([03:11])
- Comparison to Christian Laettner’s famous shot and highlight of emotional swings.
- Praise for UConn Coach Danny Hurley’s mentality: “He convinced his players throughout the game they were still in it.” ([03:55])
Duke’s Trend of Blowing Leads: Tony points out Duke’s repeated failures to hold large leads: “Plus 14 over Houston, lose the game. Plus 17 over Texas Tech… Plus 19 over Houston.” ([04:50])
Responsibility on Coaching: Both agree the blame falls on Duke’s coaching staff for game management.

Notable Quotes

Wilbon: “I’m just going to say this… I hope it ends like this for Kaden Boozer because Fred Brown came back and won a national championship two years later.” ([01:29])
Kornheiser: “The elation on the UConn bench was palpable. You could feel it through the television.” ([03:46])

The Rest of the Men’s Final Four ([05:40]-[09:19])

Teams Advancing

Final Four Field: UConn, Michigan, Arizona, and Illinois.
Quick Recaps:
- Michigan overpowers Tennessee
- Arizona rallies against Purdue
- Illinois dominates Iowa

Impressions

Kornheiser:
- “This is a very hard question to answer because they all look great now.” ([06:04])
- Sees Illinois as “like a pro team—big, they shoot, and defend.”
Wilbon:
- Highlights Illinois’ star Yaxel Landevor: “He’s the best player in the tournament you can have… 6’9, 240, can handle it. His shot is so soft, it just kisses the net on the way through.” ([07:33])
- Admits bracket bias toward Arizona but recognizes Michigan’s dominance.
- Ponders if Arizona can break the “west of the Mississippi” drought, last winning in 1997: “That's Arizona.” ([09:03])

Women’s NCAA Tournament ([09:25]-[11:57])

Teams in the Women’s Final Four

UConn: 54-game win streak, dispatched Notre Dame by 18
UCLA: 29-game win streak, rallied to beat Duke by 12 in the second half

Who Looks Stronger: UConn or UCLA?

Wilbon:
- Asserts it’s impossible to pick against UConn: “It would be like arguing… that somebody looks stronger than one of John Wooden’s UCLA teams. That would be dumb. You can’t do it.” ([09:54])
- Personal rooting for Kiki Rice (UCLA), a family friend and D.C. native.
Kornheiser:
- Lauds UConn’s legacy: “We have now watched them win 12 national championships. This is their 25th Final Four.” ([10:49])
- Dismisses schedule criticism against UConn: “They play anybody, anywhere, anybody you put in front of them.” ([11:54])

Notable Quotes

Wilbon (on Kiki Rice): “The Rice family is like family to me... I have watched Kiki Rice grow up and play basketball in Washington, D.C.” ([10:12])
Kornheiser: “Geno Auriemma’s record is amazing. There’s nobody like him ever in sports.” ([10:49])

Baseball: Automated Ball-Strike System ([14:24]-[16:37])

Technology’s Impact on Umpires

Sympathy for Umpires: Both show empathy for umpires whose calls are overturned by the robotic review system.
Wilbon:
- Supports the technology (“I’m with whatever technology you can get the call right, but I want it used quickly.” [14:49]) but dislikes public “showing up” of the umpires.
- Notes that many missed calls are marginal: “They’re a half inch off the plate. I’m not gonna be embarrassed about that.” ([15:21])
Kornheiser:
- Predicts further automation: “We are going to see the umpire at home plate call no balls and strikes… He’ll be there for a tag and to hand new baseballs to the catcher.” ([15:25])
- Acknowledges loss of ‘human’ element: “This is the baseball we grew up with—where there’s human error, there’s human frailty.” ([16:21])

Notable Quotes

Wilbon: “You can’t go back... Technology’s there, you can’t go back.” ([16:34])

Fan Behavior: Mets Fans Booing Bo Bichette ([16:42]-[18:35])

Discussion

Too Soon to Boo?
- Kornheiser: “Three days, three games in, that seems a little soon.” ([16:46])
- Notes Bichette’s struggles are uncharacteristic, but quips about New York sports culture: “You want to boo this guy out of town?... Slow down, Sparky.” ([17:10])
- Bichette’s own response: “If anything, I thought the booing took too long.” ([16:55])
Wilbon:
- Explains the Northeast’s unique fan intensity: “Mets fans, Phillies fans, Yankees fans... they'll boo their mothers.” ([17:46])
- Contrasts with Midwest: “I have never booed in Wrigley Field. And if my son did, I would smack him.” ([18:08])

Other Noteworthy Segments

NHL Quick Hits ([20:19]-[23:24])

Bruce Cassidy Firing: Vegas fires Stanley Cup-winning coach before playoffs; John Tortorella steps in.
Wilbon: “The NHL has these crazy things where people get fired as they step into the playoffs. And sometimes it actually works.” ([22:52])
Kornheiser: Notes this is unique to hockey: “They don’t do this in other sports.” ([23:04])

Mail Time & Big Finish Highlights ([14:17]-[24:44])

Discuss sympathy for umpires ([14:25]), MLB fan overreaction ([16:42]), and news from other sports (Alex Bregman to the Cubs [20:25], Martin Brodeur’s legacy [21:19], Gary Woodland’s comeback [23:45], USA men’s soccer struggles [24:00], and Tony Vitello’s tough MLB start [24:14]).

Memorable Moments & Quotes

Kornheiser (on the UConn buzzer-beater): “That UConn shot and Duke’s fold is gonna live for 50 years, right? You’ve been watching for 50 years.” ([12:28])
Wilbon (on NCAA parity): “There’s one name I wrote down… Yaxel Landevor. Because he’s the best player in the tournament you can have.” ([07:33])
Wilbon (on UConn women): “UConn’s got to be a favorite… once we fill out the bracket and find out the remaining teams.” ([11:57])
Wilbon (on booing in New York and Midwest): “The Dodgers fans aren’t even awake… I have never booed in Wrigley Field. And if my son did, I would smack him.” ([18:08])

Timestamps for Key Segments

[00:54] – UConn’s 35-foot game-winning shot over Duke
[03:11] – Duke’s end-of-game mismanagement
[05:40] – Men’s Final Four field analysis
[09:25] – Women’s Final Four preview: UConn vs. UCLA
[14:24] – Automated umpire system and its impact
[16:42] – Mets fans booing Bo Bichette
[20:25] – MLB trade/free agency updates (Alex Bregman)
[22:19] – NHL: Vegas fires Bruce Cassidy
[23:45] – Gary Woodland’s PGA Tour comeback

Tone

Summary prepared for those who might have missed the episode or want to catch the biggest moments, key debates, and zingers from PTI’s legendary hosts.