If you’re scrambling to figure out what time does Washington Huskies play today, you probably already know the stakes are getting higher as we roll through January. It is Sunday, January 18, 2026, and the action is centered squarely on the hardwood. Specifically, the Washington women’s basketball team is hosting the Minnesota Golden Gophers at the Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion.
The game is set for a 3:00 PM PT tip-off (that’s 6:00 PM for those of you on the East Coast).
Honestly, this isn't just another mid-season matchup. The Huskies (13-4) are coming back to Seattle with some serious momentum after a clinical road performance against Indiana. They shot a staggering 64.3% from the field in that game—the kind of efficiency that makes coaches like Danny Sprinkle or, in this case, the women's staff, sleep a lot better at night. Meanwhile, Minnesota is looking to lick their wounds after a tough loss to a top-tier UCLA squad.
What Time Does Washington Huskies Play Today and How to Watch
You've got a couple of ways to catch this one if you aren't planning to fight for parking near Montlake.
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The game is being broadcast nationally on the Big Ten Network (BTN). Ann Schatz and Elise Woodward are handling the call, and if you’ve heard them before, you know they bring a level of energy that actually makes you feel like you're sitting court-side. If you’re a cord-cutter, you can stream it through Fubo or the Fox Sports app, provided you have your provider logins handy.
- Opponent: Minnesota Golden Gophers
- Location: Alaska Airlines Arena (Hec Ed), Seattle, WA
- Time: 3:00 PM PT / 6:00 PM ET
- TV: Big Ten Network
Why the Men's Team Isn't on the Court Today
If you were looking for the men's schedule, you just missed a heavy-hitter. They played yesterday, January 17, in a high-intensity "Purple Reign" game against No. 12 Michigan State. It was a rough one, ending in an 80-63 loss that snapped a bit of their home-court magic. The men won't be back in action until Wednesday, January 21, when they head out to Lincoln to face Nebraska.
Breaking Down the Matchup: Huskies vs. Gophers
The Huskies have been relying heavily on Sayvia Sellers, who has been absolutely electric this season. She’s averaging over 18 points a game and basically acting as the engine for this offense. When she’s on, Washington is incredibly hard to stop because she opens up lanes for Avery Howell and Hannah Stines.
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Minnesota isn't a pushover, though. Grace Grocholski is a legitimate threat from the outside, and Amaya Battle is one of those players who seems to be everywhere at once on the glass.
It’s interesting to see how the Big Ten transition has changed the vibe in Seattle. A few years ago, a Sunday afternoon game in January might have felt like a placeholder. Now? Every win is a massive data point for tournament seeding. The atmosphere at Hec Ed has been surprisingly rowdy this season, especially with the "Dawg Pack" showing up in force.
What Happened to Washington Football?
Since some fans always check the schedule for a surprise bowl game or a spring scrimmage update, let's clear that up. The Washington football season officially ended back on December 13, 2025. They capped off an 8-4 regular season (5-4 in the Big Ten) with a dominant 38-10 win over Boise State in the L.A. Bowl at SoFi Stadium.
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Demond Williams Jr. really solidified himself as the future of the program in that game, throwing four touchdowns. Currently, the guys are in the middle of winter conditioning, and we won't see them back on the field for the Spring Game until late April.
Key Players to Watch This Afternoon
If you’re tuning in to the 3:00 PM game, keep an eye on these three factors:
- The Perimeter Defense: Washington’s ability to close out on Minnesota’s shooters will be the deciding factor. The Gophers love to kick the ball out when the paint gets crowded.
- Sayvia Sellers' Distribution: It’s not just about her scoring; it’s about whether she can get Elle Ladine involved early.
- The Fatigue Factor: The Huskies are coming off a road trip. Sometimes that first game back home can start a little "leg-heavy," as they say.
The reality is that Washington is currently sitting in a great spot for postseason contention. A win today keeps them in the upper echelon of the Big Ten standings. A loss, however, starts making the upcoming road games against Rutgers and Maryland look a lot more daunting.
For fans heading to the arena, remember that the "clear bag policy" is still strictly enforced. If you're staying home, make sure your B1G+ subscription is active if you plan on watching the post-game press conferences or additional highlights.
To stay on top of the action, ensure your streaming apps are updated at least thirty minutes before the 3:00 PM PT tip-off to avoid those annoying "session expired" messages right as the ball goes up. Check the local Seattle weather if you're driving in—it's looking like a typical grey January afternoon, so give yourself extra time for the 520 or I-5 traffic.