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Source: St. John’s
Summary
St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino spoke at a news conference after the Red Storm’s 80-75 loss to Duke in the Sweet 16. Pitino suggested that the NCAA allow the losing team to go first in interviews on the court, citing the team’s long wait after the game. The Red Storm fell behind by 10 points in the second half before Duke rallied to win. Pitino attributed the loss to Duke’s effective defense, saying the Blue Devils “bullied” the Red Storm to the basket.
Our Reading
The game followed a familiar script.
Duke came back from a 10-point deficit, St. John’s defense broke down, and Pitino’s team got bullied to the basket.
The Red Storm was left hanging for over a half-hour after the game, a slow burn that added to their disappointment.
It’s not the first time we’ve seen this: a team gets ahead, then can’t hold on, and the other team’s defense takes over.
Pitino’s suggestion to let the losing team go first in interviews is just a recognition that sometimes, the losing team gets stuck in limbo while the winner celebrates.
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Author: Evan Null
