So, you're looking for the tip-off. If you’re checking your watch and wondering what time do the Golden Gophers play today, here’s the short answer: the Minnesota men’s basketball team faces off against the Wisconsin Badgers tonight, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM CT.
It's a massive Border Battle. Williams Arena—The Barn—is expected to be loud. Really loud. There’s something about that raised floor and the smell of popcorn that just makes a Tuesday night in January feel like the center of the sports world, at least in the Twin Cities.
Tonight’s Schedule: When the Gophers Take the Court
The game is officially slated for a 6:00 PM start time. If you’re watching from the East Coast, that’s 7:00 PM.
Honestly, the timing is perfect for anyone getting off work and wanting to settle in before the Big Ten grind starts. But don't just show up at 6:00 and expect to see the ball in the air. Between the intros, the national anthem, and the inevitable TV timeouts that creep in during the first five minutes, you've probably got until 6:10 PM before the actual jump ball.
If you aren't headed to Dinkytown to see it in person, you’ll be hunting for the right channel. Tonight’s game is a big one for the conference standings, as both teams are sitting at 3-2 in Big Ten play. It’s a literal toss-up.
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TV and Streaming Info
- TV Channel: Big Ten Network (BTN)
- Radio: KFAN 100.3 FM (The legendary voice of Mike Grimm usually brings the hype)
- Live Stream: Fox Sports App (You’ll need a cable login, unfortunately)
Why This Game Matters Right Now
Minnesota is currently 10-6 overall. They’re coming off a heartbreaking overtime loss to USC just a few days ago. That one stung. It was a game they had in their hands, and seeing it slip away in the extra period has left fans a bit on edge.
Wisconsin, on the other hand, is 11-5 and feeling pretty good after taking down Michigan 91-88. John Blackwell is playing out of his mind for the Badgers right now, dropping 26 in his last outing. The Gophers' defense is going to have its hands full.
It’s the first year of the Niko Medved era. People are still trying to figure out the identity of this team. They’ve shown flashes of being a real contender—like that win over #19 Iowa—but the consistency just hasn't quite arrived yet. A win over the Badgers tonight wouldn't just be "another win"; it would be a statement that the rebuilding phase is ahead of schedule.
What About the Other Gopher Teams?
Sometimes when people ask what time do the Golden Gophers play today, they aren't just talking about the men’s hoopers. The University of Minnesota is a massive machine. However, for today, January 13, the schedule is surprisingly light outside of the men's basketball game.
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- Women’s Basketball: They don't play today. They have a massive home game tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan 14, against #3 UCLA. That’s at 7:00 PM CT.
- Men’s Hockey: They are off until Friday when #1 Michigan comes to Mariucci. That’s going to be a bloodbath (in a good way).
- Women’s Hockey: Also quiet today. They’re prepping for a road trip to Bemidji State this weekend.
So, if you’re a Gopher fan, all eyes are on Williams Arena tonight.
The Vibe at Williams Arena
If you’ve never been to The Barn, it’s hard to explain. It’s old. It’s quirky. The floor is raised, so the benches are literally lower than the court. If a player dives for a loose ball, they might end up in the first row of seats or tumbling down the side of the platform.
For a rivalry game against Wisconsin? The energy is different. There's a genuine "dislike" there. You'll see plenty of red in the stands because Badgers fans travel well, but the Maroon and Gold faithful usually do a good job of drowning out the "On, Wisconsin" chants.
Basically, it’s going to be a grind-it-out, Big Ten defensive battle. Don't expect a 100-point shootout. Expect floor burns, contested layups, and a lot of shouting at the officials.
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Practical Tips for the Game
If you are actually going to the game, here’s the reality of a Tuesday night in January in Minneapolis:
- Parking: It’s a mess. Try the 4th Street Ramp or the University Avenue Ramp, but get there by 5:15 PM or you’ll be walking half a mile in the cold.
- The Weather: It's January. It's Minnesota. Dress in layers because while it's freezing outside, The Barn gets surprisingly humid once 14,000 people start screaming.
- Digital Tickets: The U has gone fully mobile. Make sure your phone is charged and you have your ticket pulled up before you hit the door. The Wi-Fi near the entrances can be spotty when everyone is trying to login at once.
Getting the win tonight would put the Gophers at 4-2 in the conference. That’s a huge psychological benchmark. It keeps them in the top half of the standings and builds momentum before they have to head to Illinois this weekend.
Make sure your TV is tuned to BTN by 6:00 PM. This isn't one you want to join midway through the first half. The atmosphere alone is worth the watch.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Verify your Big Ten Network access now so you aren't scrambling at 5:59 PM.
- If you're using the Fox Sports App, log in ahead of time to handle any "session expired" nonsense.
- Keep an eye on the social media accounts (@GopherMBB) for any last-minute lineup changes or injury updates before the 6:00 PM tip-off.