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Harlan Today
By the People, for the People
Kevin Harlan Delivers Electric Call for MVC Championship
CBS play-by-play announcer Kevin Harlan's energetic commentary highlighted Northern Iowa's upset win over UIC to clinch an NCAA Tournament berth.
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
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In the 2026 Missouri Valley Conference Championship game, No. 6 seed Northern Iowa defeated No. 5 seed UIC 84-69 to earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. CBS play-by-play announcer Kevin Harlan provided an electric and enthusiastic call of the game, including a highlight-reel dunk by Northern Iowa's Leon Bond III and a late-game heroic play by the Panthers' Trey Campbell.
Why it matters
Harlan's passionate and engaging commentary helped elevate the excitement of the MVC title game, which featured an underdog team's improbable run to the NCAA Tournament. His work is seen as a preview of what viewers can expect from Harlan during the upcoming March Madness coverage on CBS.
The details
With Northern Iowa leading 54-51 in the second half, Leon Bond III threw down a ferocious dunk that Harlan described as a "JACKHAMMER" and "MASSIVE slam." Later, Trey Campbell capped off the Panthers' victory with an and-one bucket that Harlan called "HE PULLS A HOUDINI! WOW!" As Northern Iowa ran out the clock, Harlan noted the team's remarkable accomplishment as a 6-seed winning four games in four days to claim the MVC title and earn an NCAA Tournament berth.
- The 2026 MVC Championship game took place on March 8, 2026.
- Northern Iowa led 54-51 with just over 13 minutes remaining in the second half when Leon Bond III's dunk occurred.
- Trey Campbell's and-one bucket came with 1:32 left in the game, sealing Northern Iowa's victory.
The players
Kevin Harlan
A veteran play-by-play announcer for CBS Sports and TNT Sports who is known for his energetic and enthusiastic calls during March Madness and other major sporting events.
Leon Bond III
A player for Northern Iowa who threw down a ferocious dunk that was highlighted in Harlan's call of the game.
Trey Campbell
The leading scorer for Northern Iowa with 23 points, including an and-one bucket late in the game that Harlan described as "HE PULLS A HOUDINI! WOW!"
Northern Iowa
The No. 6 seed in the MVC tournament that pulled off an upset victory over No. 5 seed UIC to earn an automatic bid to the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
UIC
The No. 5 seed in the MVC tournament that lost to Northern Iowa in the championship game.
What they’re saying
“OOOH! THE JACKHAMMER! WHAT A PLAY! BOND! LEON BOND!”
— Kevin Harlan, Play-by-Play Announcer (CBS Sports)
“HE GOT IT! HE PULLS A HOUDINI! WOW!”
— Kevin Harlan, Play-by-Play Announcer (CBS Sports)
“This will turn out to be one of the most amazing stories in the history of this storied conference. A 6-seed has won four games in four days to win the championship and go to the NCAA Tournament!”
— Kevin Harlan, Play-by-Play Announcer (CBS Sports)
What’s next
Harlan will continue his NCAA Tournament coverage for CBS Sports and TNT Sports, providing play-by-play for games throughout the 2026 March Madness tournament.
The takeaway
Kevin Harlan's electric and enthusiastic call of the MVC Championship game highlighted the excitement and drama of an underdog team's improbable run to the NCAA Tournament, showcasing his skills as one of the premier play-by-play announcers in college basketball.
