“

March Madness Update: The Elite Eight and How to Keep Up

The NCAA Tournament is in full swing, with the Elite Eight round kicking off soon. For those who have been following the bracket closely, it’s been an intense period with top-seeded teams, such as the four No. 1 seeds and several No. 2 seeds still in the running. While the current tournament may not be as unpredictable as in previous years, there’s still plenty of excitement on the horizon with thrilling matchups that promise to deliver unforgettable moments.

Schedule for the Elite Eight

The Elite Eight rounds take place over two days:

• Saturday, March 29:

  • No. 1 Florida vs. No. 3 Texas Tech at 6:09 p.m. ET (3:09 p.m. PT) — airing on TBS
  • No. 1 Duke vs. No. 2 Alabama at 8:49 p.m. ET (5:49 p.m. PT) — airing on TBS
• Sunday, March 30:
  • No. 1 Houston vs. No. 2 Tennessee at 2:20 p.m. ET on CBS
  • No. 1 Auburn vs. No. 2 Michigan State at 5:05 p.m. ET on CBS

Each game is crucial, as teams vie for a place in the coveted Final Four, set for April 5, followed by the national championship on April 7.

Watching March Madness Without Cable

For fans eager to catch every moment of the action without a traditional cable subscription, there are several streaming options. Here’s a breakdown:

• Max: Starting at $10/month, you can view the games on TBS. However, a newer policy may require the ad-free version costing $17/month for live sports. It’s important to subscribe before viewing the last matches on TBS, as the Final Four and championship games will be on CBS.

• Paramount Plus with Showtime: For $13/month, this service provides access to CBS’s broadcasts. This option is essential for fans wanting to experience all remaining tournament games, including the Final Four and national championship.

For those looking to save, both subscriptions combined cost around $23 for the duration of the tournament.

Device Compatibility

Accessing tournament coverage is convenient thanks to compatibility with a variety of devices. Both Max and Paramount Plus apps are available on platforms such as:

• Mobile Devices: iPhone, Android
• Tablets: iPad, Android Tablet, Amazon Fire Tablet
• Streaming Devices: Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV
• Smart TVs: LG, Samsung, Vizio
• Gaming Consoles: Xbox, PlayStation

This breadth of options ensures you can watch the games from nearly any location.

Free Viewing Methods

If you’re looking to catch some games without spending, you can visit the NCAA’s March Madness Live site or use its app. With this option, you can stream games on various devices, including iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, and more. Note, though, that access to the full tournament requires sign-in as a pay-TV subscriber after a three-hour preview window.

Live TV Streaming Services

Alternatively, several live TV streaming platforms carry both CBS and TBS, allowing you to watch March Madness:

1. YouTube TV: $83/month (discounted to $70 for the first six months). Confirm CBS availability by inputting your ZIP code.

2. Hulu with Live TV: $83/month, also offering CBS and TBS. You can verify local channel availability on their website.

3. DirecTV Stream: Prices start at $87/month, granting access to both CBS and TBS.

Keep in mind these services are subscription-based and can be canceled anytime, giving you flexibility.

Using a VPN for Streaming

For viewers facing geographical restrictions, a VPN can be an effective solution. By selecting a US-based server, you can access streamed content as if you were located in the United States. Just ensure you choose a trustworthy service to avoid any potential issues with streaming account policies.

Last Year’s Champions

As a closing note, it’s worth mentioning that last year’s March Madness title was taken by the UConn Huskies, who secured their victory against the Purdue Boilermakers with a score of 75-60. This win made them the first team to claim back-to-back championships since the Florida Gators accomplished it in 2007.

With all this action lined up, make sure you’re ready to cheer on your favorites as March Madness hits its peak!