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Watch Miami (OH) vs Tennessee on TBS with Andrew Catalon and Steve Lappas: NCAA First Round TV Guide
American basketball fans can catch the thrilling NCAA Tournament first-round clash between the No. 11 Miami (OH) RedHawks and No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers live on TBS at 4:25 PM ET (20:25 UK time) from the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. For UK viewers seeking comprehensive coverage, the matchup will also air on the Westwood One radio network, bringing the excitement stateside and beyond. This Midwest Region showdown pits an undefeated regular-season powerhouse against a battle-tested SEC squad, with TBS delivering top-tier commentary from seasoned voices.
[1][4][5]Andrew Catalon, the main commentator on TBS, brings decades of broadcasting prowess to the call. A veteran play-by-play announcer, Catalon has covered numerous NCAA Tournaments, NFL games, and PGA events, earning acclaim for his energetic yet precise delivery that keeps audiences hooked during high-stakes moments. Joining him as co-commentator is Steve Lappas, a former Villanova star who played under legendary coach Rollie Massimino and shone in the 1985 Final Four. Now a respected analyst, Lappas provides sharp insights into college hoops strategies, having worked CBS and TNT broadcasts for years, dissecting plays with the eye of someone who’s lived them.
Reporter Evan Washburn rounds out the TBS team, known for his sideline reporting across CBS Sports properties, including NFL and college football. Washburn’s career highlights include on-the-ground coverage of major events, delivering real-time updates and player interviews that add depth to the broadcast. Meanwhile, radio listeners tuning into Westwood One will hear Scott Graham on play-by-play. Graham, a sports radio icon since the 1980s, has called Super Bowls, World Series, and multiple NCAA Tournaments, his smooth voice synonymous with marquee events. Co-commentator Jon Crispin, ex-Illinois guard and two-time All-Big Ten honoree, offers authentic analysis from his playing days under Bruce Weber, now enhancing Westwood One’s coverage with tactical breakdowns.
The Miami (OH) RedHawks enter as a Cinderella story, boasting a stellar 32-1 record after dominating the Mid-American Conference at 18-0. Fresh off a First Four win over SMU (89-79), where they set a MAC NCAA record with 16 made threes led by Ian Elmer’s 23 points, Miami averages a scorching 94 points in their last three outings. Their historic undefeated regular season marks their first Tournament trip since 2007, fuelling underdog fire against heavy favourite Tennessee.
[1][2][3][5]The Tennessee Volunteers, coached by Hall of Famer Rick Barnes, finished 22-11 overall and 11-7 in the SEC, reaching the Sweet 16 three straight years with Elite Eight runs in the prior two. Led by scorers Ja'Kobi Gillespie and Nate Ament (both over 17 PPG), the Vols average 79.5 points despite a brutal schedule, though their defence slipped to 59th in points allowed. As 11.5-point favourites with a 149.5 over/under, oddsmakers give Tennessee an 88.9% win probability.
[1][3][4]This matchup promises fireworks: Miami’s red-hot offence, reliant on threes and rebounding, tests Tennessee’s pedigree. The RedHawks’ recent form includes OT thrillers like 110-108 at Ohio, while Vols navigate losses to Vanderbilt and Alabama. For more on Rick Barnes’ storied career, visit his Wikipedia page.
Don’t miss this 2026 March Madness opener. Stream on TBS via cable or services like Sling TV, with Westwood One for audio immersion. Whether you’re in the US or UK, these expert teams ensure every dunk, steal, and buzzer-beater resonates.
[4][5]Article generated: 20 March 2026, 20:27 GMT
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