Spero Dedes and Jim Spanarkel Lead CBS Coverage of Iowa State vs Tennessee State NCAA Tournament Clash

The 2026 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship Midwest Region first round matchup between Tennessee State and Iowa State will be broadcast across multiple platforms on Friday, March 20, with Spero Dedes headlining the commentary team for CBS and Paramount+. The veteran play-by-play announcer will be joined by Jim Spanarkel, the former NBA player and respected analyst, whilst Jon Rothstein reports courtside from the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. For radio listeners, Nate Gatter and Jordan Cornette will provide live coverage through Westwood One.

Spero Dedes brings considerable credentials to the broadcast booth, having established himself as one of the leading voices in college basketball coverage. His distinctive delivery and encyclopaedic knowledge of the game have made him a fixture at marquee college events, whilst his experience calling high-stakes tournament action ensures viewers receive authoritative and insightful commentary throughout this first-round encounter.

Jim Spanarkel complements Dedes with his own extensive background in professional basketball. The former NBA player and Duke University standout provides colour commentary with the credibility that only comes from competing at the highest levels of the sport. His analytical approach and ability to break down defensive schemes and player matchups offer viewers deeper insight into the strategic elements of the game.

This tournament opener pits No. 2 seed Iowa State, with a 27–7 record, against No. 15 seed Tennessee State, which enters with a 23–9 record. The Cyclones are heavily favoured with a spread of 25.5 points, reflecting their position as a legitimate tournament contender from the Big 12 Conference. Mihailo Momcilovic leads Iowa State's offence, averaging 17.1 points per game, whilst the Cyclones boast an impressive 81.8 points per game scoring average.

Tennessee State arrives at the tournament fresh off a historic season under head coach Nolan Smith, who has been named a finalist for several national coaching awards recognising excellence at historically Black colleges and universities. The Tigers secured their first NCAA Tournament berth since 1993–94, earning a share of the Ohio Valley Conference regular-season championship and the No. 1 seed in the OVC Tournament—a first for the programme in 30 years. Aaron Nkrumah, the OVC Player of the Year, leads Tennessee State's attack, averaging 17.6 points per game whilst establishing himself among national leaders in steals.

The game takes place at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, with tip-off scheduled for Friday evening. CBS and Paramount+ will provide the primary television coverage in the United States, ensuring widespread access to the contest for American and international viewers. The Westwood One radio broadcast offers an alternative option for those preferring audio coverage.

Jon Rothstein's courtside reporting will capture the atmosphere and key moments from the arena, providing viewers with the immediate reactions and analysis that enhance the viewing experience during tournament play. His experience covering college basketball at the highest levels ensures comprehensive coverage of this significant matchup for Tennessee State, a programme eager to make its mark on the national stage after decades away from the NCAA Tournament.

Article generated: 20 March 2026, 18:51 GMT