Opposite the NFL playoffs, CBS drew lilliputian ratings for college basketball coverage over the weekend.
Saturday’s Illinois/Michigan St. game, which aired opposite the Cardinals/Saints Divisional Round game, drew a 0.5 overnight rating on CBS Saturday — down 64% from Kansas/Michigan St. on NFL Divisional Weekend last year (1.4).
The game actually drew a lower overnight rating than a taped high school basketball special that preceded it.
Keep in mind that last year’s Kansas/Michigan St. game aired earlier in the day (1 PM ET), avoiding direct competition from the NFL.
On Sunday, Connecticut/Michigan drew a slightly higher 0.6 overnight, actually up 20% from a 0.5 for Wisconsin/Purdue last year.
The increased rating came despite stronger competition. Connecticut/Michigan aired opposite the Cowboys/Vikings Divisional Round game (23.9 overnight), while last year’s Wisconsin/Purdue matchup aired opposite Eagles/Giants (20.1).
Both college basketball games on CBS drew lower overnight ratings than the NHL on NBC (0.8).
