Alternate Graeme Connal came in for Byers at lead and played two inch-perfect shots to set up the match-winning double.

BBC: Britain's men edge closer to Olympic curling semi-final

But Mr. Connal explained his success differently, Mr. Vitale recalls, once telling him that it stemmed from his "enthusiasm, knowledge and candidness" as a sportscaster.

WSJ: The Weekend Interview with Dick Vitale: Dickie V Marches Toward the Madness