The Tony Kornheiser Show “The U of Conn”
Mar 18, 2026
Pat Forde, veteran sportswriter offering sharp NCAA analysis. Spike Braun, college-aged bracket whiz and repeat contest winner. Phil's Mom, longtime bracket-filler sharing Buffalo charm. They trade bracket picks, first-round upset calls, Final Four choices, and lively tournament banter in a fast-moving bracket week segment.
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Phil's Mom On Buffalo Weather And Phil's Poker Career
- Phil's mom described Buffalo winter extremes with five inches of snow one day and 17 degrees the next.
- She shared pride in Phil as a professional poker player and cautioned him to be careful while praising his math skills as key to success.
How Personal Taste Shapes Bracket Choices
- Phil's mom admits she doesn't always pick chalk seeds, showing bracket picks reflect personal preferences not strict seeding.
- She chose several upsets (High Point over Villanova) and regional favorites like Gonzaga and Illinois to the final stages.
Phil's Mom Mixes Loyalty And Surprising Upsets
- Phil's mom demonstrated a mix of regional knowledge and charm, calling BYU 'out west' and misremembering Queens, producing relatable, human bracket choices.
- Her picks combined loyalties (Villanova, Gonzaga) with surprising upsets like High Point advancing.
