If you’re staring at your remote right now wondering who plays ncaa basketball today, you’ve actually picked a pretty wild Tuesday to tune in. It’s mid-January. That means the "cupcake" non-conference games are long gone, and we’re deep in the weeds of conference play where teams start genuinely hating each other.
Honestly, the schedule for Tuesday, January 13, 2026, is top-heavy in the best way possible. We’ve got undefeated juggernauts trying to survive road traps and top-25 rivals basically fighting for air in the standings.
The Headliners: Ranked Teams Hitting the Floor
Tonight is heavy on Big 12 and Big Ten action, which usually means physical, grind-it-out basketball. If you want the "main course," you’re looking at No. 3 UConn taking on No. 25 Seton Hall at the Prudential Center. This isn't just a ranked matchup; it’s a Big East bloodbath. UConn is sitting at 16-1, but Seton Hall just broke into the rankings for the first time in years. They'll be playing in front of a Newark crowd that probably hasn't slept since the news broke.
Then there’s the Big 12. No. 2 Iowa State is heading into Phog Allen to face Kansas. Kansas isn’t ranked in the top 25 right now—which feels weird to even type—but playing at the Phog is never easy. Iowa State is currently 16-0. They’re chasing that No. 1 spot held by Arizona, and a win in Lawrence is exactly how you get it.
Other Heavy Hitters on the Schedule:
- No. 7 Houston vs. West Virginia: 8:30 PM ET on FS1. Houston’s defense is still terrifying, and West Virginia is trying to find some identity in the Fertitta Center.
- No. 12 Michigan State vs. Indiana: 7:00 PM ET on NBCS. The Breslin Center is going to be deafening. Indiana is desperate to play spoiler here.
- No. 16 Virginia vs. No. 20 Louisville: 7:00 PM ET on ESPN2. A classic ACC battle. Virginia's "Pack Line" defense against a Louisville team that has finally found its rhythm under their new era.
- No. 24 Tennessee vs. Texas A&M: 7:00 PM ET on SEC Network. The Vols are trying to climb back up the rankings after some early-season stumbles.
Why Today Matters for the Tournament
You might think it’s too early to talk about March. It’s not.
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The NET rankings—which the selection committee obsesses over—are shifting daily. When you ask who plays ncaa basketball today, you aren't just looking for a game to watch; you're looking at potential "Quad 1" wins.
Take the Florida vs. Oklahoma game (9:00 PM on ESPN2). Florida just surged to No. 19 in the AP Poll. They have a freshman sensation, Boogie Fland, who has been lighting people up. But they haven't won a big game on the road in conference play yet. This is a "prove it" game. If they lose, they’re just another team with a nice home record. If they win, they’re a legitimate threat to win the SEC.
Big Ten and ACC Under-the-Radar Games
If you’re a fan of the "old school" vibes, the Big Ten has a bunch of sneaky good games tonight. Wisconsin is at Minnesota. Wisconsin just knocked off Michigan (who was No. 2 at the time) and they’re playing with an absurd amount of confidence.
Over in the ACC, Miami is visiting Notre Dame. Both teams are sort of hovering in that "receiving votes" category. It’s the kind of game that nobody talks about in January but everyone looks back on in March when one of them is on the bubble.
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The Women's Slate: High Stakes in the Big Ten
Don't sleep on the women's side today either. The Big Ten is currently the deepest conference in the country. We’ve got No. 12 Maryland taking on USC in a cross-country Big Ten clash at 10:30 PM ET. Yes, you read that right. USC is in the Big Ten now, and they’re hosting the Terps at the Galen Center.
Also, keep an eye on No. 14 Ohio State. Their sophomore guard, Jaloni Cambridge, just put up 41 points recently. She’s the closest thing we’ve seen to a human highlight reel this season. They’re facing Penn State today, and while it might not be a "top 10" matchup, Cambridge is worth the price of admission alone.
How to Catch the Action
Basically, if you have a decent sports package, you’re set. Most of these games are spread across:
- ESPN/ESPN2/ESPNU: The ACC and Big 12 hubs.
- FS1/FOX: Catch the Big East and some Big Ten games here.
- NBC Sports/Peacock: They’ve become a huge player for Big Ten mid-week games.
- Conference Networks: SEC Network and ACC Network will handle the regional rivalries.
What to Watch For (The Expert Take)
Watch the guard play in the UConn vs. Seton Hall game. UConn has a backcourt that plays like they’re already in the NBA, but Seton Hall is gritty. If the Pirates can turn it into a wrestling match, they have a chance.
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Also, watch the three-point shooting in Iowa State vs. Kansas. The Cyclones have been lights-out, but the rim at Allen Fieldhouse has a way of making visitors go cold.
If you're looking for an upset, keep an eye on Duquesne hosting Dayton. Dayton is a solid team, but Duquesne at home on a Tuesday night is a recipe for weirdness.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Check the local listings: Tip-offs are staggered. Most start at 7:00 PM ET, but the West Coast games (like USC vs. Maryland) won't start until 10:30 PM ET.
- Update your brackets: Start a "watch list" of teams that perform well on the road this week. Road wins in the Big 12 and SEC are worth double in the eyes of the committee.
- Follow the live NET rankings: Websites like NCAA.com update these daily. See how tonight's results move the needle for your favorite team's tournament resume.
Regardless of who you root for, tonight is a prime example of why college hoops is better than the pros in the regular season. The stakes are just higher every single night.