March Madness 2026: How to Watch Saturday's Elite 8 Games

Mar 29, 2026, 2:51 AM

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March Madness has reached an exciting stage in 2026, with the Elite Eight set to unfold this Saturday, March 28. Fans will have the opportunity to watch four teams compete for a coveted spot in the Final Four, scheduled for April 4.

The Elite Eight features two key matchups this Saturday evening. The first game will see the No. 9 seed Iowa take on the No. 3 seed Illinois at 6:09 pm ET, followed by No. 2 seed Purdue facing off against No. 1 seed Arizona at 8:49 pm ET. Both games will be broadcast on TBS and truTV, ensuring that fans can catch all the thrilling action live.

Viewing Options

For those wondering how to watch the games, there are several options available. The men's NCAA Tournament is available on multiple channels including CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV. Fans without cable can still enjoy the games through various streaming services. Paramount+ Premium, HBO Max Standard, DirecTV, Fubo, and Sling are all viable options for streaming the tournament live.

If you're looking to follow your brackets closely, CBS Sports will provide continuous updates and analysis throughout the tournament. They will track every game and score, offering fans a comprehensive view of developments as the tournament progresses.

Game Details and Team Highlights

Iowa comes into the Elite Eight after a remarkable run under first-year coach Ben McCollum. The Hawkeyes, led by standout guard Bennett Stirtz, advanced after defeating Big Ten rival Nebraska in the Sweet 16. However, they will face a tough challenge against Illinois, which recently showcased its strong defense by limiting Houston to just 55 points in their Sweet 16 matchup.

In the second game, No. 2 seed Purdue will compete against No. 1 seed Arizona. Purdue edged out Texas in a nail-biting finish, while Arizona cruised to victory over Arkansas with a commanding performance, indicating that both teams are in excellent form going into this critical stage of the tournament.

Tournament Schedule

The Elite Eight continues through Sunday, March 29, with two additional games featuring No. 6 Tennessee against No. 1 Michigan at 2:15 pm ET on CBS, and No. 2 UConn facing off against No. 1 Duke at 5:05 pm ET, also on CBS. The tournament culminates with the Final Four on April 4, followed by the NCAA championship game on April 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

As fans prepare for an exhilarating weekend of basketball, they can look forward to not only the games but also the chance to see potential tournament upsets and thrilling finishes that March Madness is known for. Make sure to mark your calendars and set your viewing plans to catch all the action from the Elite Eight!

With the excitement building, this weekend promises to be a highlight of college basketball, with teams vying for a spot in the prestigious Final Four. Don't miss out on the opportunities to watch these pivotal matchups unfold live on your screens!

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