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Elite Eight 2025: How to Watch March Madness Live

ByCoach

The 2025 NCAA Tournament has been nothing short of exhilarating. As we approach the end of March Madness, the excitement is reaching its peak. By the end of Sunday, the last two tickets to the Final Four in San Antonio will be punched. This sets the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable conclusion to the college basketball season.

With no “Cinderella” teams left, the matchups are packed with star power, intriguing storylines, and historic implications. Let’s dive into the details of these highly anticipated Elite Eight games and what fans can expect.

Midwest Regional Final: Houston vs. Tennessee

The Midwest Regional final will see the No. 1 seed Houston Cougars face off against the No. 2 seed Tennessee Volunteers in Indianapolis at 2:20 p.m. ET, broadcast live on CBS. This game promises to be a showdown of epic proportions, with both teams bringing their A-game to the court.

Houston’s Journey to the Elite Eight

Houston narrowly escaped an upset in the Sweet 16. This was thanks to a game-winning layup by star guard Milos Uzan with just 0.9 seconds remaining. This secured a 62-60 victory over Purdue. This marks Houston’s third trip to the Elite Eight since 2021, showcasing their consistency and resilience in the tournament.

Tennessee’s Quest for the Final Four

Tennessee, on the other hand, cruised to a 78-65 win over SEC rival Kentucky to advance to the Elite Eight for the second consecutive season. Despite their storied history, the Volunteers have never reached the Final Four, making this game a pivotal moment for the program.

Under the leadership of coach Rick Barnes, who previously took Texas to the Final Four in 2003, Tennessee is determined to break through this year.

South Regional Final: Auburn vs. Michigan State

The South Regional final features another clash of top seeds. No. 1 seed Auburn takes on No. 2 seed Michigan State in Atlanta at 5:05 p.m. ET, also broadcast on CBS. Both teams have their sights set on the Final Four, with Auburn seeking their second appearance in program history and Michigan State aiming for their ninth under coach Tom Izzo.

Auburn’s Balanced Attack

Auburn’s success has been driven by the stellar play of National Player of the Year candidate Johni Broome. The Tigers’ big man was dominant against Michigan, posting a double-double with 22 points and 16 rebounds. Freshman Tahaad Pettiford and guard Denver Jones also played crucial roles, with Pettiford scoring 15 of his 20 points in the second half. Auburn’s balanced attack makes them a formidable opponent for any team.

Michigan State’s Historic Run

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo is on the brink of history, as a win would tie him with Roy Williams for the fourth-most Final Four appearances by a coach. The Spartans rallied from a 10-point deficit against Ole Miss in the Sweet 16. This was thanks to a standout performance from freshman Jase Richardson, the son of former MSU star Jason Richardson.

Izzo’s determination to make a deep tournament run has been evident, and his team’s resilience is a testament to his coaching prowess.

Key Storylines to Watch

As we gear up for these exciting Elite Eight matchups, several key storylines will be worth following:

  • Defensive Showdown: Houston ranks No. 1 in adjusted defensive efficiency, per KenPom. This will be tested against Tennessee’s high-powered offense.
  • Tennessee’s Final Four Drought: The Volunteers have made 27 NCAA Tournament appearances, the fourth-most among Division I teams without a Final Four berth. Can they finally overcome this hurdle?
  • Izzo’s Legacy: A win for Michigan State would solidify Tom Izzo’s place among the coaching greats, tying him for fourth in all-time Final Four appearances.
  • Auburn’s Rising Stars: Freshman Tahaad Pettiford and guard Denver Jones have stepped up in crucial moments, providing Auburn with the depth needed for a championship run.

How to Watch

For those eager to catch all the action, here’s the full TV and streaming schedule for Sunday’s Elite Eight games:

  • 2:20 p.m. ET: (2) Tennessee vs. (1) Houston – CBS (watch live)
  • 5:05 p.m. ET: (2) Michigan State vs. (1) Auburn – CBS (watch live)

As the Road to the Final Four narrows, the stakes have never been higher.

Fans can expect intense competition, dramatic moments, and unforgettable performances.

Whether you’re rooting for the underdog Volunteers, the defensive juggernaut Cougars, the balanced Tigers, or the historic Spartans, Sunday’s games are sure to deliver the excitement and drama that make March Madness a beloved tradition.

Don’t miss a moment of the action—tune in to CBS to watch these Elite Eight matchups and see which teams will punch their tickets to San Antonio for the Final Four.

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