Both NBCSN and FS1 scored with big-time sports events this weekend, but NBCSN appeared to win the day in a somewhat surprising fashion.

NBCSN’s EPL Sunday doubleheader averaged 725,000 viewers, making it the most-watched such Sunday ever on cable. The day was topped by Liverpool’s victory over Manchester United, which drew 779,000 viewers. That figure marks the fourth-most watched game on NBCSN this season, and fifth-watched ever on cable.

Tottenham-Arsenal was also featured on Sunday and drew 671,000 viewers. All five of the most-watched games in EPL history on American cable have featured Manchester United. Even a bad Man Utd. is good for American TV.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, Fox Sports 1 had its best day of college basketball to date. The Big East Tournament Championship Game — which featured Creighton and Providence — drew 702,000 viewers. Providence’s victory is the most-watched college basketball game in the history of FS1.

Earlier in the evening, UCLA’s Pac-12 Tourney win over Arizona drew 680,000 viewers. Both tournaments were down big percentages from prior levels on ESPN from last year, though realignment and a move to a new network may do that. The Big East dropped 80% and the Pac 12 dropped 56% from last year.

Still it’s kind of surprising to see Premier League soccer beat out two conference title games from college basketball. It’s certainly a feather in the cap not just for soccer, but for NBCSN over Fox Sports 1.

About Steve Lepore

Steve Lepore is a writer for Bloguin and a correspondent for SiriusXM NHL Network Radio.