If you’re scrambling to find out what time is the uk game on tonight, you probably have "The Hump" on your mind. Here’s the deal: the University of Kentucky men’s team actually played yesterday, snatching a massive comeback win against Tennessee in Knoxville. But if you’re looking for the Cats today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, the spotlight is entirely on Kenny Brooks and the No. 7 ranked Kentucky Women’s Basketball team.
They’re taking on Mississippi State in Starkville. It’s a road trip. It’s a tough environment. And honestly, it’s the only UK varsity game on the schedule for today.
What time is the uk game on tonight?
For the game in Starkville, tip-off is set for 3:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. CT local time).
I know, I know. You asked about "tonight," but in the world of Sunday SEC hoops, "tonight" usually means mid-afternoon. If you tune in at 7:00 p.m., you’re going to be looking at a final score and a lot of post-game analysis instead of live action.
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How to watch and listen
Since this is an away game at Humphrey Coliseum, you’ve got a couple of ways to catch it:
- Digital Streaming: The game is being broadcast on SEC Network+. This is that digital-only platform you access through the ESPN app or a connected TV device. You'll need your cable or streaming provider login.
- Radio: If you're driving, Darren Headrick has the call on the UK Sports Network. In Lexington, that’s 630 AM WLAP. In Louisville, look for 790 AM WKRD.
- Satellite: It's also on SiriusXM channels 162 or 192.
Why this game actually matters
This isn't just another January game. The Kentucky women are currently sitting at 17-2. They’re ranked in the top 10. Coming off a wild 94-89 win over Florida where Tonie Morgan basically turned into a superhero (26 points and 13 assists), the momentum is real.
Mississippi State is 14-5. They aren't exactly a pushover at home. They’re 1-4 in the SEC right now, which makes them dangerous—they are desperate for a signature win to save their conference standing. Kenny Brooks has been a wizard since taking over, but winning at "The Hump" is never easy.
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Wait, what about the Men's team?
If you were looking for Mark Pope and the men's squad, you missed a thriller. Yesterday, January 17, the Cats rallied from 17 points down to beat Tennessee 80-78.
"Tonight, he just wanted to be him," Pope said after the game, referring to Mouhamed Dioubate's massive 10-point, 6-rebound performance.
Because they played yesterday, the men’s team is off today. Their next game isn't until Wednesday, January 21, at 7:00 p.m. ET against Texas at Rupp Arena. That’s going to be a loud one.
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Quick Reference for Upcoming UK Games
Since the schedule can be a bit of a maze, here is what the next few days look like for the University of Kentucky:
- Sunday, Jan 18 (Today): UK Women at Mississippi State, 3:00 p.m. ET (SEC Network+)
- Wednesday, Jan 21: UK Men vs. Texas, 7:00 p.m. ET (SECN)
- Thursday, Jan 22: UK Women at Tennessee, 6:30 p.m. ET
- Saturday, Jan 24: UK Men vs. Ole Miss, 12:00 p.m. ET
Scouting the Bulldogs
Mississippi State plays a physical style of basketball. They’re going to try to slow the game down and frustrate Clara Strack in the post. Kentucky, on the other hand, has been lights out from deep lately, hitting 12 threes in their last outing. If the Cats can stay hot from the perimeter, they should be able to handle the Starkville crowd.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your ESPN App now: Don't wait until 2:55 p.m. to realize you’ve been logged out. Ensure your SEC Network+ access is active.
- Sync your calendar: If you want to catch the men's game against Texas on Wednesday, set a reminder now for 7:00 p.m. ET.
- Follow local beat writers: Guys like Ben Roberts or the official UK Athletics accounts on X (formerly Twitter) provide the most immediate updates on any last-minute delay or lineup changes.