Gold Medals, Duke at No. 1 & ESPN Reform

On this week’s episode of Little Column A, Little Column B, hosts Will Alimonos and Zach Bishop break down a packed slate of Winter Olympic drama, March Madness momentum, and headline-grabbing NBA debates. The show opens with a rousing recap of U.S. men’s and women’s hockey victories over Canada — tense third periods, electric three-on-three overtime, clutch goaltending, and emotional medal ceremonies (including a powerful jersey tribute). Will and Zach debate the awkwardness of silver vs. bronze presentations, stuffed-animal podium mascots, and why hockey delivered their favorite Olympic moments. From there, the guys zoom out to discuss evolving winter sports formats, hybrid ski events, and why the Olympics somehow feel both overwhelming and too short at the same time. March Madness talk takes center stage next, with Duke reclaiming the No. 1 ranking after a major neutral-site win over Michigan. The hosts break down Cam Boozer’s rising stock, Houston’s title case, Arizona’s résumé, Kentucky’s frustrations, Illinois’ late-game issues, and the broader seeding and bubble picture as the bracket tightens. On the NBA side, the conversation shifts to tanking reform and whether lottery tweaks or fines can truly stop strategic losing. They also react to Boston’s dominant win over the Lakers, encouraging Jason Tatum practice buzz, and national sports media shifts — including ESPN’s Women’s Sports Sunday rollout. As always, expect sharp takes, humor, game analysis, and a preview of what to watch this week — plus a reminder to get ready for the show’s March Madness pool. ⏱ Episode Timecodes 00:00:34 – Weekend Sports Triumph USA hockey wins, Olympic intensity, medal ceremony emotions 00:09:22 – Olympic Highlights and Emotions Silver vs. bronze debate, tributes, podium quirks 00:10:22 – The Evolution of Olympic Sports Hybrid ski events, niche sports learning curves 00:13:31 – March Madness Approaches Bracket outlook, storylines heating up 00:14:44 – Duke’s Rise to Number One Neutral-site win over Michigan, Cam Boozer’s stock 00:16:32 – Closing Out Close Games Kentucky, Illinois, and late-game frustrations 00:25:12 – Houston’s Title Contention Résumé breakdown and Final Four potential 00:29:51 – College Basketball Upsets Wild finishes and shifting seeds 00:31:30 – The Peterson Controversy Ongoing questions and impact on rankings 00:52:36 – NBA Tanking Solutions Draft odds, lottery reform, structural fixes 01:02:31 – Celtics’ Dominance Over Lakers Boston’s road win, Tatum buzz, statement performance 01:17:30 – Women’s Sports Sunday on ESPN Media strategy, scheduling frustrations, broadcast presentation