Kevin Harlan Electrifies CBS MVC Championship Broadcast
The 2026 NCAA Tournament is approaching, and CBS play-by-play announcer Kevin Harlan electrified the audience during the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Championship. Harlan showcased his skill while calling the matchup between Northern Iowa and UIC in St. Louis.
Exciting MVC Championship Showdown
In a thrilling contest, the No. 6 seed Northern Iowa defeated the No. 5 seed UIC with a final score of 84-69. The game highlighted Northern Iowa’s resilience, especially during the second half.
Key Moments of the Game
With just over 13 minutes left in the second half, Leon Bond III made a remarkable move. He powered to the basket and executed a spectacular dunk. Harlan’s enthusiasm resonated through the arena as he exclaimed, “LOOK OUT! Leon Bond III throws down a MASSIVE slam!”
Harlan continued to capture the excitement. He called Bond’s dunk a “jackhammer” moment, bringing excitement to fans watching on CBS.
Standout Performances
- Trey Campbell led Northern Iowa’s scoring with 23 points.
- He finished the game with an incredible and-one bucket in the closing moments.
- Harlan highlighted Campbell’s performance, saying, “HE PULLS A HOUDINI! WOW!”
Northern Iowa celebrated their MVC Championship victory, marking their return to the NCAA Tournament. Harlan noted the achievement’s significance, stating, “This will turn out to be one of the most amazing stories in the history of this storied conference.”
Historical Achievement for Northern Iowa
This championship is especially poignant, as it marks Northern Iowa’s first conference tournament title since 2016. That year was also their last appearance in the NCAA Tournament. With this victory, the team improved to a season record of 23-12 and entered the NCAA rankings at No. 71 on the NET.
Upcoming Challenges in the NCAA Tournament
As the Panthers prepare for the NCAA Tournament, Harlan will provide play-by-play coverage alongside Robbie Hummel and Stan Van Gundy for CBS Sports and TNT Sports. This trio promises to deliver high-energy commentary as they follow the action.
With an inspiring performance in the MVC Championship and an eye on the NCAA Tournament, Northern Iowa is set to make its mark in the world of college basketball once again.
