A Number's Game | April 7, 2026 | Hour 1

The first hour of 'A Number's Game' on April 7, 2026, opens with a celebration of Michigan's historic NCAA men's basketball championship victory over UConn, marking their first title since 1989. Hosts Gil Alexander and Kelly Bidlin dissect the game’s bizarre statistical extremes: Michigan shot just 2-of-15 from three-point range but went 25-of-28 from the free-throw line, with a 20-free-throw streak, while UConn out-rebounded them and shot poorly but stayed competitive. The episode highlights the modern college basketball shift toward transfer-heavy rosters, with Michigan’s starting lineup averaging 22 years old and featuring no freshmen. The hosts praise the team’s two-year turnaround under Dusty May, contrasting it with traditional rebuilding timelines. The conversation then pivots to the upcoming Masters Tournament, with a deep dive into Ron Close’s 19 statistical trends that predict Masters winners. Only three players—Xander Schauffele, Tommy Fleetwood, and Ludwig Oberg—fit 17 of the 19 trends, making them top contenders. Jake Hahn joins to discuss NHL playoff odds, endorsing the Philadelphia Flyers on the money line and the Vegas Golden Knights on the puck line, while reflecting on coaching changes and team dynamics. The episode closes with a tribute to Todd Wishnev’s record-breaking college basketball betting season and a preview of the Masters' unique blend of tradition, data, and unpredictability.