Who Plays College Basketball Tonight? Schedule & Matchups

By Sarah Miller · January 19, 2030

Here’s a comprehensive overview of which college basketball teams are playing tonight, including game schedules, top matchups, and viewing details for the current NCAA season.

Which College Basketball Teams Are Playing Tonight?

The following schools have scheduled NCAA Division I men's basketball games tonight: Kentucky, Kansas, Duke, UCLA, Tennessee, Arizona, Marquette, Creighton, Michigan State, and Florida. These matchups feature ranked teams, conference rivals, and key non-conference showdowns that impact early-season rankings and tournament projections.

Today’s Key Matchups and Game Highlights

College basketball fans can look forward to several high-impact games tonight. These contests include ranked teams battling for dominance and mid-major programs aiming for statement wins.

Duke vs. Michigan State – A marquee non-conference matchup at Madison Square Garden as part of the Champions Classic.
Kentucky vs. Kansas – Two blue-blood programs facing off in Chicago, drawing national attention.
Tennessee vs. Arkansas – An SEC conference clash with tournament seeding implications.
UCLA vs. Marquette – A rematch from last season’s NCAA Tournament, now in a neutral-site setting.
Creighton vs. Colorado – A competitive Big East vs. Pac-12 battle with strong three-point shooting squads.

Top Storylines to Watch

How freshman recruits perform under pressure in marquee environments.
Coaching strategies in close-game situations, especially late-clock execution.
Injury updates affecting team rotations and depth.
Possession pace and defensive intensity in ranked matchups.
Refereeing trends impacting foul-prone players.

Game	Location	Time (ET)	TV Network	Projected Winner	KenPom Win Probability
Duke vs. Michigan State	Madison Square Garden, NY	7:00 PM	ESPN	Duke	54%
Kentucky vs. Kansas	United Center, Chicago	9:30 PM	ESPN	Kentucky	58%
Tennessee vs. Arkansas	Bud Walton Arena, AR	6:00 PM	SECN	Tennessee	61%
UCLA vs. Marquette	Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee	8:15 PM	FS1	UCLA	53%
Creighton vs. Colorado	Ball Arena, Denver	9:00 PM	B1G+	Creighton	65%

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows Kentucky holds a slight edge over Kansas based on adjusted efficiency metrics, while Creighton is heavily favored against Colorado due to superior offensive rebounding and turnover margins. Games airing on ESPN draw the largest audiences, particularly the Champions Classic doubleheader.

How to Watch College Basketball Games Tonight

Fans can stream all major games through official network platforms. Most ESPN-broadcast games are available via ESPN+ or cable login authentication. Other options include:

ESPN App – Live streaming with subscription or TV provider login.
NCAA March Madness Live – Free app offering select conference games.
YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV – Subscription services carrying ESPN, FS1, and regional sports networks.
School-specific radio broadcasts – Available through each university’s athletics website.

Tip-off times vary by region and broadcast agreements, so checking local listings ensures accurate scheduling.

FAQs About Tonight’s College Basketball Games

Who plays college basketball tonight?

Teams including Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, Tennessee, UCLA, and Michigan State have scheduled games tonight, featuring top-25 matchups and major conference action.

What time do college basketball games start tonight?

Start times range from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM ET, depending on the matchup and broadcast schedule. The Duke-Michigan State game begins at 7:00 PM ET, followed by Kentucky-Kansas at 9:30 PM ET.

Where can I watch college basketball tonight?

Most games air on ESPN, FS1, SEC Network, or Big Ten Network. Streaming options include ESPN+, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and the NCAA March Madness Live app.

Are there any ranked teams playing tonight?

Yes, multiple AP Top 25 teams are in action, including #2 Tennessee, #5 Duke, #7 Kentucky, #9 Kansas, #12 UCLA, and #18 Marquette.

Is there a way to listen to live radio broadcasts of tonight’s games?

Yes, each school typically offers free live radio coverage through its official athletics website or mobile app, often hosted by veteran play-by-play announcers.