Kevin Harlan Calls Northern Iowa vs St. John's NCAA Thriller on CBS and Paramount+

American basketball fans can catch the electrifying first-round NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament clash between the Northern Iowa Panthers and St. John's Red Storm live on CBS and streaming via Paramount+ at 7:10 p.m. EDT from Viejas Arena in San Diego. While UK viewers might seek international feeds, this East Region showdown tips off at 23:10 UK time, spotlighting legendary voices like Kevin Harlan delivering his signature high-energy commentary alongside Robbie Hummel and Stan Van Gundy, with Lauren Shehadi on reporting duties. Radio listeners tune into Westwood One for Kevin Kugler and P.J. Carlesimo.

The No. 12 seed Northern Iowa Panthers (23-12), MVC tournament champions, face the No. 5 seed St. John's Red Storm (28-6), Big East regular season and tournament winners, in their first-ever meeting[1][2]. St. John's enter as heavy favourites at -10.5, boasting a top-20 NET ranking and explosive offence averaging 81.6 points per game, far outpacing Northern Iowa's defensive average of 61.3[1][4]. Yet the Panthers, riding a hot streak with four straight MVC tournament wins as the lowest seed ever to claim Arch Madness, have a knack for upsets, winning at least one NCAA game in their last three appearances[2].

Leading the CBS broadcast, Kevin Harlan brings decades of iconic calls to March Madness. A Turner Sports and CBS staple since the 1980s, Harlan's booming voice has narrated countless tournament moments, from buzzer-beaters to Final Fours, earning him the prestigious Basketball Hall of Fame's Curt Gowdy Media Award. Joining him is Robbie Hummel, former Purdue star and NBA veteran, whose analytical prowess shines through his role as a top college basketball analyst since 2014, offering insights on player matchups[1]. Stan Van Gundy, with over 25 years coaching elite NBA teams like the Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons—including an NBA Finals appearance—adds championship pedigree as colour commentator, dissecting strategies with authority. Sideline reporter Lauren Shehadi, a versatile TNT and CBS host known for her MLB and golf coverage, ensures on-the-ground updates and player interviews flow seamlessly.

On Westwood One radio, Kevin Kugler handles play-by-play with his vast experience calling NFL, college football, and basketball for networks like Fox Sports. Paired with P.J. Carlesimo, a coaching legend who guided Seton Hall to the 1989 Final Four and assisted NBA title winners with the Spurs, this duo promises deep tactical breakdowns for audio fans nationwide.

St. John's, coached by Hall of Famer Rick Pitino—79-24 with the Red Storm and holder of 913 career wins across Louisville, Kentucky, and more—field a formidable frontcourt led by all-conference centre Zuby Ejiofor (16 points, seven rebounds, 73 blocks) and all-defensive forward Dillon Mitchell (eight points, seven rebounds). Guards Oziyah Sellers and Ian Jackson provide perimeter threats despite modest three-point efficiency[3]. Northern Iowa's Ben Jacobson, the MVC's longest-tenured coach with 397 wins over 20 seasons, counters with a gritty defence and recent form (7-3 in last 10, 51.9% shooting). Big man Will Hornseth faces a stern test from Ejiofor, but UNI's 7.8 threes per game exploit St. John's 6.3 allowed[4].

This matchup pits St. John's faster, bigger style—unbeaten since early January—against UNI's resilience under Jacobson, who boasts a 3-1 first-round NCAA record[3]. The winner advances to face Kansas or Cal Baptist. For more on Pitino's storied career, visit Rick Pitino's Wikipedia page. With Harlan's calls amplifying every possession, this could be March Madness magic.

Don't miss the tip on CBS or Paramount+ as underdog dreams collide with Red Storm firepower in San Diego.

Article generated: 20 March 2026, 23:21 GMT