Watch Wright State vs Virginia NCAA March Madness Clash: Andrew Catalon Calls the Action on TBS

American basketball fans can catch the thrilling Wright State vs Virginia showdown in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament on TBS, with veteran broadcaster Andrew Catalon leading the commentary alongside Steve Lappas and reporter Evan Washburn. Scheduled for 1:50 PM ET at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia—equivalent to 17:50 UK time—this March Madness opener promises high stakes as both teams vie for a spot in the second round on March 22. For radio listeners, Westwood One offers coverage with Scott Graham and Jon Crispin providing expert insights[5].

TBS, part of the Turner Broadcasting lineup alongside TNT and truTV, holds key TV rights for March Madness first-round games, delivering comprehensive coverage to US audiences through cable, streaming via March Madness Live, and over-the-air options. British viewers seeking this matchup may need VPN access or international streams, as Sky Sports typically covers select NCAA games but focuses more on premium matchups; check local listings for world feed availability. The NCAA Tournament, running from March 17 to April 6, features first-round action across venues like Xfinity Mobile Arena, with Wright State vs Virginia kicking off Session 1 alongside Miami (OH) vs Tennessee[5][1].

Andrew Catalon, the main commentator on TBS, brings decades of experience to the mic, having called numerous March Madness games since joining CBS Sports in 2007. Known for his energetic play-by-play, Catalon has covered Super Bowls, PGA Championships, and NCAA basketball for networks like MSG and Westwood One, earning praise for capturing the tournament's electric atmosphere. Joining him is Steve Lappas, a former Villanova star who played under legendary coach Rollie Massimino and won the 1985 NCAA title. Now a respected analyst, Lappas has been a CBS college basketball voice since 1998, offering sharp breakdowns on strategy and player matchups[1].

Reporter Evan Washburn rounds out the TBS team, renowned for his sideline reporting across CBS's NFL and college sports coverage. With a background in local news and a knack for on-the-ground updates, Washburn will deliver real-time insights from Philadelphia's Xfinity Mobile Arena, home to this subregional hosted by the Missouri Valley Conference[3]. On radio, Westwood One—the official NCAA audio partner—features Scott Graham, a seasoned play-by-play announcer with credits including MLB, NFL, and multiple Final Fours. Graham's smooth delivery has made him a staple since the 1990s, often paired with colour experts like Jon Crispin.

Jon Crispin, co-commentator for Westwood One, draws from his playing days as an Illinois star from 2002-2006, where he set records and reached the Elite Eight. Transitioning to coaching at Princeton and now broadcasting, Crispin's insider perspective on Big Ten hoops adds depth, especially relevant against Virginia's defensive prowess. These pundits elevate the viewing experience, blending historical context with live analysis during a tournament known for upsets, as seen in Thursday's slate with High Point stunning Wisconsin[1].

Wright State, from the Horizon League, enters as underdogs against Virginia, the ACC powerhouse renowned for Tony Bennett's pack-line defence. Hosted at Xfinity Mobile Arena—a premier Philadelphia venue for the March 20-22 first and second rounds—this game could echo past Cinderella stories. Fans can follow the full 2026 bracket, with Sweet 16 in Houston and San Jose, building to the Final Four on April 4 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis[2][4].

For more on the broadcasters, explore Andrew Catalon's career highlights at his Wikipedia page. As March Madness unfolds, expect tactical battles: Wright State's up-tempo offence versus Virginia's methodical pace. Tune in on TBS or Westwood One to hear Catalon, Lappas, and the crew narrate every possession in this pivotal first-round clash.

Article generated: 20 March 2026, 18:01 GMT