You're probably pacing the living room or staring at your phone, just trying to figure out if you have enough time to grab a pizza before tip-off. It’s a valid concern. College basketball schedules are a mess of time zones and network shifts. Today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team is taking their show on the road.
If you are looking for the short answer: Michigan plays at 10:30 PM EST tonight.
They are out in Seattle facing off against the Washington Huskies. Because it’s a West Coast game, those of us in Ann Arbor or anywhere on the East Coast are looking at a late one. Brew some coffee. You’re going to need it to make it through the final buzzer.
The Specifics: What Time Does Michigan Play Basketball Today?
The game is officially set for 7:30 PM local time (PST) at the Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. For the majority of the fan base back in Michigan, that translates to a 10:30 PM EST start. It's a "Dawgs After Dark" promotion for Washington, which basically means they want the place loud, dark, and difficult for visitors.
Where to Watch the Game
Don't go hunting through local cable access. This is a national broadcast.
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- TV Channel: Big Ten Network (BTN)
- Streaming: Fox Sports App (you'll need a cable login)
- Radio: Michigan Sports Network (locally on 1050 AM in Ann Arbor or 97.1 FM in Detroit)
Honestly, these late-night Big Ten matchups are a grind. Michigan is currently sitting at #4 in the rankings with a 14-1 record. They just dropped a tough one to Wisconsin (91-88) last Saturday, so this isn't just a "show up and win" kind of night. Dusty May has these guys playing fast, but a cross-country flight and a 10:30 PM start time can mess with anybody's rhythm.
Why the Washington Matchup Matters So Much Right Now
The Big Ten isn't just the Midwest anymore. We're flying to Seattle for conference games. It's weird, right? But that’s the reality of the new landscape.
Washington is currently 10-7. On paper, Michigan should handle them. However, Washington is getting Jacob Ognacevic back from a foot injury. He was the Atlantic Sun Player of the Year before transferring from Lipscomb, and tonight is his debut. If he’s even 80% of what he was, the Huskies' frontcourt just got a lot scarier.
Michigan is leaning heavily on Aday Mara. The 7-foot-3 center has been a revelation. Watching him pass out of the post is like watching a point guard trapped in a giant's body. If Washington can't pull him away from the rim, it's going to be a long night for their slashers.
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A Quick Look at the Coming Week
If you can't stay up for this one, or if you're already planning your Saturday, here’s what the immediate future looks like for the Maize and Blue:
- Saturday, Jan 17: At Oregon (4:00 PM EST on NBC)
- Tuesday, Jan 20: vs. Indiana (7:00 PM EST on Peacock)
- Friday, Jan 23: vs. Ohio State (8:00 PM EST on FOX)
Notice a pattern? The TV deals are everywhere. You need BTN tonight, NBC on Saturday, and Peacock next Tuesday. It’s a subscription scavenger hunt.
What About the Women's Team?
If you were actually looking for Kim Barnes Arico’s squad, you’ve got a night off. The Michigan Women’s Basketball team doesn't play today. They are back in action tomorrow, Thursday, January 15, 2026, against #25 Illinois.
That game is at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM EST. They are coming off a solid 86-60 win over Wisconsin, so the momentum is high. If you're local, tickets are still hovering around the $15 mark for general admission, which is a steal for top-25 basketball.
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Key Storylines to Watch Tonight
Keep an eye on Morez Johnson Jr. He’s been the physical anchor for this Michigan team. In the loss to Wisconsin, the Wolverines got out-muscled on the glass. That can’t happen tonight. Washington isn't the biggest team in the league, but they play scrappy at home.
Also, watch the three-point line. Michigan’s offense thrives when the ball moves, but in their lone loss, they settled for contested jumpers instead of attacking the paint. If they start cold in the Seattle humidity (or just the general dampness of the Northwest), things could get dicey.
Actionable Game Day Tips
- Check the BTN Overflow: Sometimes if the preceding game runs long, they’ll move the start to an overflow channel or the app. Keep your phone handy.
- Sync the Audio: If you can't stand the TV announcers, try syncing the radio broadcast on the Varsity Network app with your TV. There’s usually a bit of a delay, but it’s worth it for the local flair.
- Check the Standings: A win tonight keeps Michigan in the hunt for the Big Ten regular-season title, especially with Purdue and Michigan State looming later in the schedule.
Go ahead and set your alarm for 10:25 PM. The Wolverines are looking to bounce back, and Seattle is a long way to go for a loss.
Check the live box score on the Fox Sports app if you can't stay awake for the full four quarters, as the West Coast travel fatigue often leads to a slow start but a frantic finish in the final ten minutes.