Tucson's TV/radio sports best bets: Saturday, March 21

TUCSON — From the fairways of Omni Tucson National to the hardwood of the Big Ten Tournament and the desert diamond of spring training, Saturday’s viewing menu offers a buffet of live action for local sports fans.

Golf takes center stage early, with the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship third-round coverage beginning at 10 a.m. on GOLF. One hour later, the spotlight shifts to the Champions Tour as defending Cologuard Classic champion Steven Alker returns to the Catalina Course hoping to keep his signature conquistador helmet in Tucson for another year. Alker, who captured last year’s title, told Tucson.com he is eager to tee it up in the warm Southern Arizona weather during the tournament’s second-round telecast at noon.

The women’s game follows at 3 p.m. with the LPGA’s Fortinet Founders Cup third round, also on GOLF.

Basketball fans can settle in for a primetime clash at 6:45 p.m. on TBS when High Point faces Arkansas; the game will be simulcast on TruTV. The Big Ten Tournament final caps the college hoops slate at 5 p.m. on BTN, featuring Ohio State at Michigan.

Baseball’s preseason slate includes a prospect-heavy showdown at 2:30 p.m. on MLB Network, as Chicago White Sox prospects square off against Los Angeles Dodgers prospects. Later, the Phoenix Suns host Milwaukee at 7 p.m. on the regional SUNS feed, with NBA TV providing national coverage.

International flavor arrives before dawn: Premier League leaders Liverpool visit Brighton & Hove Albion at 5:30 a.m. on USA. Mid-morning, NBC airs the FIS Cross-Country World Cup at 11 a.m., with CNBC carrying a simulcast.

Rounding out the day, the Help a Hero 200 from the Auto Parts Series fires up at 2:30 p.m. on local channels 18/58.

All start times are Tucson local and subject to change or blackout. Viewers should consult their provider’s guide for channel positions.