The Watch Guide is back for 2026 but with a couple of tweaks. In the interest of sparing your inboxes, we’re paring the Watch Guide to one installment per week so you can find all the games you want to watch in one place.

If you’re a free newsletter subscriber, your consistent content calendar will be as follows…

Monday: Five Out

Tuesday: Watch Guide

Wednesday: Ball Up Top

Thursday: Storytelling (Luxury Tax, Legendarium, Mock Drafts, etc)

Friday: Content Week In Review (Basically a big ICYMI of our content across all platforms, from Beehiiv to YouTube and Social Media)

We also want to thank our subscribers who helped fill out our end of year reader’s survey . It means a lot to have a community that helps us refine our means of making sure you have the best and most comprehensive women’s basketball coverage around. Now, let’s get you up on game…

Tulsa (11-4, 3-0 AAC) vs. East Carolina (11-6, 3-1 AAC): 6:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: The Golden Hurricanes are a dark horse to win The American and have opened up conference play on a three game winning streak. ECU is playing at home but Tulsa guard Mady Cartwright actually seems to play better on the road. The junior is averaging 18.3 points per game and has gotten to the line a stunning 23 times in the last two games alone. The culture of schools in Oklahoma (and Iowa both) is to play with pace and shoot the ball a lot so if Tulsa is hitting, expect to see some fun ball movement. 

Must-Watch Score: 7/10

No. 10 TCU (16-1, 4-1 Big 12) vs. West Virginia (14-3, 4-1 Big 12): 7:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: I always enjoy Mark Kellogg’s teams and how he employs his presses and traps against top-tier offenses. This is a game for the ‘styles makes fights’ crowd. On the one side, you’ve got Mark Campbell and his star point guard Olivia Miles (19.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 7.6 APG)  who are content to pick-n-roll you to death. Then there’s West Virginia, who want to stick to you so tightly on defense that you can’t even execute a dribble hand off. One thing to watch here is how much the Mountaineers spread the wealth. Norfolk State transfer MeMe Wheeler (13.9 PPG, 7.4 RPG) is the focal point but four players on this team average double digit scoring per game. 

Must-Watch Score: 8/10

Marquette (11-5, 5-2 Big East) vs. Seton Hall (11-5, 5-2 Big East): 7:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: Both teams will need to reliably beat the bottom half of the Big East to have a shot at the NCAA Tournament. But, in order to have a open-and-shut case for the bubble or better, they have to win games like this one. Skylar Forbes (16.6 PPG) has been a mainstay for Marquette and is averaging 18.5 points and 9.25 rebounds since Big East play started. Meanwhile, Seton Hall is spreading the wealth around and relying on one of Savannah Catalon (13.5 PPG), Mariana Valenzuela (12.4 PPG), Jada Eads (11.7 PPG) or Jordan Codio (10.9 PPG) to pop. 

Must-Watch Score: 7/10

No. 3 UCLA (15-1, 5-0 B1G) vs. Minnesota (12-4, 3-2 B1G): 8:00 PM ET, B1G+

Why it’s worth a watch: The Golden Gophers are coming off a win over USC in the first leg of their homestand against the SoCal schools. But UCLA will be a different beast entirely. Minnesota got past the Women of Troy on a 25 point shooting night from Grace Grocholski but the rest of the team will need to step up in order to hang with the Bruins balanced attack. The interior battle between 6’5 center Sophie Hart and 6’7 Lauren Betts should be fun to watch but I’m more curious about the perimeter game. Mara Braun hasn’t really had the breakout game we’ve expected from the Minnesota guard and UCLA has multiple guards and wings that can make you pay if you aren’t contributing on both ends of the floor. 

Must-Watch Score: 7/10

No. 18 Baylor (15-3, 4-1 Big 12) vs. Utah (13-4, 4-1 Big 12): 9:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: What do we make of Utah? We’re about to find out. Since Baylor got Taliah Scott back, the Bears have gone right back to their winning ways, outlasting Iowa State and Colorado while keeping Oklahoma State and Kansas at an arm’s length. Scott (20.6 PPG) is clearly the engine that keeps this offense moving and I’m willing to bet she’s gonna be asked to lead the way again. Utah’s high-low tandem (or as Joe Pesci would say, ‘The two Utes’) of Lani White and Reece Ross has snuck up on some teams in Big 12 play including then-No. 8 TCU. Can they do it again on their home floor in a late night matchup? 

Must-Watch Score: 8/10

No. 9 Louisville (16-3, 6-0 ACC) vs. No. 23 Notre Dame (12-4, 4-2 ACC): 6:00 PM ET, ACCN

Why it’s worth a watch: This feels to me like a big culture game for Notre Dame. Jeff Walz has Louisville rolling again as a defense-first unit that can punish you with a bunch of different zone and/or man looks and force you into making bad decisions. Hannah Hidalgo, as talented as she is, can be prone to putting too much on herself in games and in a way that Walz loves to exploit. If the Irish can get through Louisville here then the potential they have to compete with UConn for a half or more goes up substantially. 

Must-Watch Score: 8.5/10

Villanova (14-3, 7-1 Big East) vs. No. 1 UConn (17-0, 8-0 Big East): 7:00 PM ET, FS1

Why it’s worth a watch: Villanova has the best chance of anyone in the Big East to try and make UConn sweat. Unfortunately, that means a team can last about a half before Geno and co. turn it on and bury you under the weight of repeated buckets. Jasmine Bascoe (17.4 PPG, 4.6 APG) is effectively the Maddy Siegrist in this iteration of Villanova. It all flows through her and everyone eats off of what she does. How is that expected to work when you can just stick Sarah Strong on Bascoe? I guess we’ll found out…

Must-Watch Score: 8.5/10

No. 4 Texas (18-1, 3-1 SEC) vs. No. 2 South Carolina (17-1, 4-0 SEC): 7:00 PM ET, ESPN2

Why it’s worth a watch: Our first 10/10 must-watch game of the season comes out of the SEC. We usually reserve these for top-5 vs. top-5 matchups that include either huge names, storied histories or season-defining narratives. Turns out this game has all three. Both Madison Booker (19.2 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 4.0 APG) and Joyce Edwards (20.7 PPG, 6.3 EPG, 2.5 APG) are SEC and National Player of the Year contenders. Dawn Staley might as well be Vic Schaefer’s Pennywise with how much she tortures him and feeds on his fear. And both of these teams are regularly competing against one another for conference and national championships. Throw up the ball and let’s have fun. 

Must-Watch Score: 10/10

No. 25 Illinois (14-3, 4-2 B1G) vs. No. 8 Michigan (14-2, 5-1 B1G): 7:00 PM ET, Peacock

Why it’s worth a watch: I am incredibly impressed with Shauna Green’s ability to maintain Illinois’ level of success from last year. They lost a ton of top end talent and are still right in the Top 25 mix and may surprise some folks against Michigan. Berry Wallace (18.7 PPG, 6.9 RPG) is an All-Big-Ten First Team caliber forward and the starting five has a good balance of scoring and rebounding. It may get lost in the shuffle because of Texas - South Carolina but this one quietly has banger potential. 

Must-Watch Score: 8.5/10

Oregon (14-4, 2-3 B1G) vs. No. 11 Iowa (14-2, 5-0 B1G): 9:00 PM ET, FS1

Why it’s worth a watch: This is a game that will say more about Oregon than it will about Iowa. The Ducks have a statement win against USC and a quality win against Auburn boosting their resume. But they’ve yet to finish against a team that has a bit more life to them than first round-caliber Tournament teams. They nearly clipped both Michigan and Michigan State at home but came up short. Now they have to go on the road against Iowa and prove they belong towards the top of the Big Ten. It’ll take a massive game from Katie Fiso (15.5 PPG, 7.2 APG) and a really big performance in the paint by Ehis Etute (8.9 PPG, 7.5 RPG) to win the day here. 

Must-Watch Score: 8/10

Monmouth (10-5, 3-1 CAA) vs. Towson (10-5, 3-0 CAA): 7:00 PM ET

Why it’s worth a watch: These are two of the three championship contenders in the CAA, the other being Charleston. With Fridays being a little slim on high level matchups throughout the rest of the season, it’s a good time to familiarize yourselves with some true hipster mid-major ball. Towson moves and scores the ball well, with four players averaging more than 10 points per game. Keep an eye on Swedish senior Tilda Sjokvist who is coming off a 16 point, 5 assists effort against UNC-Wilmington. 

Must-Watch Score: 7/10

North Dakota State (15-2, 4-0 Summit) vs. South Dakota State (13-4, 3-0 Summit): 3:00 PM ET, Summit League Network

Why it’s worth a watch: The Dakota Marker, once again, is likely to be the regular season series that will decide a Summit League championship. Jory Collins has been the head coach of North Dakota State for seven years and hasn’t beaten South Dakota State once. But, for what may be the first time in his time in Fargo, he has a star that can match the best player SDSU has. Bison forward Avery Koenen averages 18.2 points and 10.9 rebounds per game on 64.1% shooting from the field. Jackrabbits forward Brooklyn Meyer averages 20.8 points and 6.9 rebounds per game on 63.3% shooting from the field. It may not have the name brands of traditional women’s college basketball powerhouses but this has the potential to be one of the best games on TV this week. 

Must-Watch Score: 8.5/10

San Diego State (12-3, 6-0 MWC) vs. UNLV (11-5, 6-0 MWC): 5:00 PM ET

Why it’s worth a watch: San Diego State is the reigning Mountain West Tournament champion, upsetting top seeded UNLV in Thomas & Mack Center last March. Now, both teams are undefeated in conference play and meeting for the first time since that matchup. Needless to say, I’m sure Lindy La Rocque’s team will want a bit of revenge. This is a bit of a rebuilding UNLV squad that is trying to find its leaders heading into MWC play. Meanwhile, San Diego State found a gem in 5’7 guard Naomi Panganiban (13.7 PPG), who is already building off a successful 2024 campaign with the Aztecs. Another good hipster hoops matchup here. 

Must-Watch Score: 8/10

No. 16 Ole Miss (16-3, 3-1 SEC) vs. Georgia (15-3, 1-3 SEC): 12:00 PM ET, SECN

Why it’s worth a watch: Coach Yo has good reason to be upset about Ole Miss’ disrespect in the most recent AP poll and it wouldn’t surprise me if they spent the next few games using it as fuel. Georgia has looked better this season with Dani Carnegie (17.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG) leading the way but it still appears that they’re a step behind the top SEC programs. If they can catch Ole Miss slipping here it would be a surprise. Cotie McMahon (19.2 PPG, 5.3 RPG) gets the headlines but sophomore Sira Thienou (8.7 PPG, 5.7 RPG) is the player I am always watching. She’s still raw but the upside and athleticism is absolutely there. 

Must-Watch Score: 7/10

No. 9 Louisville (16-3, 6-0 ACC) vs. NC State (12-5, 5-1 ACC): 1:00 PM ET, ESPN2

Why it’s worth a watch: There really haven’t been many stories better this year than Louisville. A patchwork roster of international stars, developed recruits and portaled mid-major headliners is back in the top ten for the first time since 2022. Jeff Walz has his system back up-and-running with sophomore Imari Berry (10.5 PPG, 5.1 RPG) working her way into a star role. I’m curious how Walz uses the frontcourt rotation of Laura Ziegler, Elif Istanbulluoglu and Mackenly Randolph to defend Khamil Pierre (15.2 PPG, 11.9 RPG) who is just now rounding into form as ACC play has started. 

Must-Watch Score: 7.5/10

No. 19 Iowa State (14-3, 2-3 Big 12) vs. Oklahoma State (14-4, 3-2 Big 12): 1:00 PM ET, FOX

Why it’s worth a watch: Iowa State’s non-con goodwill has all but evaporated after three straight bad losses in Big 12 play. A loss to Baylor could be explained away but nothing can justify an eight point loss to Cincinnati, one of the bottom feeders of this conference.  There are valid issues to have with Audi Crooks’ defensive effort at times but beyond that, losing Addy Brown has clearly hindered what this Cyclone can do. As of this writing, the forward is still out indefinitely with a lower body injury. So it falls to Crooks (28.3 PPG) and Jada Williams (12 PPG, 7.9 APG) to pick up the slack against a fast and sharpshooting Cowgirl backcourt that could make them pay on defense yet again. 

Must-Watch Score: 7.5/10

No. 20 Tennessee (12-3, 4-0 SEC) vs. No. 21 Alabama (17-1, 3-1 SEC): 2:00 PM ET, SECN

Why it’s worth a watch: To me, this is an Ayahuasca Game. A matchup where you let go of preconceived notions, implicit biases and agendas. To be your unconscious self and just embrace ball-for-the-sake-of-ball. Meaning, I have absolutely no clue how good these teams are but I know they’re probably evenly matched so just roll the orange out there and let ‘em play. The Lady Vols seem to have leveled off after a bumpy start to the year and Talaysia Cooper (14.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 4.3 APG) feels back to her old self since SEC play started. It feels like an edge to UT, especially with Alabama’s Essence Cody potentially out of the lineup again. The Tide’s second leading scorer didn’t play in Monday’s game against Missouri. 

Must-Watch Score: 8/10

George Mason (10-6, 5-0 A-10) vs. St. Joe’s (12-4, 3-2 A-10): 2:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: I wrote just yesterday that we’ve got to respect the A-10 a little bit more as an unofficial power conference so here we go. George Mason, like some other mid-majors, packed their early schedule with difficult opponents to get them ready for the grind ahead. Now, the Patriots are 5-0 and take on a St. Joe’s team that feels like one of these classic A-10 units that enters the conference tournament with a 5 seed and ends up winning the whole thing. If you’re watching one player here, it’s GMU’s Zahirah Walton (19.7 PPG, 5.8 RPG), a key cog in their historic Tournament run last year and now the centerpiece aiming to make it back-to-back seasons of dancing in March. 

Must-Watch Score: 7.5/10

No. 6 LSU (16-2, 2-2 SEC) vs. No. 13 Oklahoma (14-3, 2-2 SEC): 3:00 PM ET, ESPN2

Why it’s worth a watch: Names, faces, bright lights and agendas at play. This is a game purely for the messy cohort of women’s basketball. For the ethical haters and banter enthusiasts. LSU is coming off a statement win over Texas and now head to Norman to take on Aaliyah Chavez and the Sooners. The highly touted freshman guard has played well in some spots and shot OU out of games in others. After a couple games of high-level SEC opponents, she’ll now face a new challenge: taking on a defensive front that is all effort at all times. The Tigers win games partially on pace but also on pure energy, especially when it comes to rebounding. Chavez may run hot and cold but the key here will be Raegan Beers and how much she can clean up down low, turning misses into second chance points. Payton Verhulst will also need a get-right game here. 

Must-Watch Score: 9/10

Belmont (10-7, 6-0 MVC) vs. Murray State (14-2, 5-0 MVC): 3:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: Yes, the records aren’t gaudy but hear me out. This very well might be a game that could decide the Missouri Valley Conference. Belmont loaded their non-con schedule with heavy hitters – five of their seven losses are to AP Top 25 teams – and paid the price. But since conference play has started, they’ve mowed down everyone in their path. Murray State has managed to get into MVC play without any major blemishes and have a legit Mid-Major Player of the Year candidate in Sharnecce Currie-Kelks (19.8 PPG, 12.4 RPG). If LSU and Oklahoma gets out of hand early, find this game on your WatchESPN app. 

Must-Watch Score: 8.5/10

No. 12 Maryland (16-2, 4-2 B1G) vs. No. 3 UCLA (15-1, 5-0 B1G): 4:00 PM ET, NBC

Why it’s worth a watch: It’s such a shame that injuries have played a big role in Maryland’s season so far because this had the potential to be one of the games of the year. It still may end up that way, to be clear, but the Terps being at full strength would’ve made this truly special. Now, it will take a big effort from Oluchi Okananwa (17.4 PPG, 5.2 RPG) to get everyone involved against a deep and battle tested Bruin team. I have a funny feeling that if Maryland keeps this thing close, Saylor Poffenbarger (10.5 PPG) is going to play a big role. 

Must-Watch Score: 9/10

No. 15 Michigan State (16-1, 5-1 B1G) vs. No. 11 Iowa (14-2, 5-0 B1G): 8:00 PM ET, BTN

Why it’s worth a watch: If Oregon was an upgraded Big Ten test from Indiana then Michigan State is an upgraded test from the Ducks. Robyn Fralick’s Spartans have been a fun bunch to watch so far this year and Grace VanSlooten (14.6 PPG, 6.3 RPG)  is developing into everything we thought the 6’3 senior could be. She’ll get an interesting test in Iowa’s Ava Heiden (16.4 PPG, 7.7 RPG) and Hannah Stuelke, who has played more of a supporting role this year but still leads the team in rebounds. Expect a high scoring affair with plenty of outside shots. There’s no Pac-12 After Dark anymore so a winter night in Carver-Hawkeye will have to do. 

Must-Watch Score: 8.5/10

No. 14 Ohio State (15-2)vs. No. 10 TCU (16-1): 12:00 PM ET, FOX

Why it’s worth a watch: If you haven’t gotten a chance to watch Jaloni Cambridge yet, this is your ‘No Excuses’ game. It’s at noon on a holiday and on a broadcast network. If after this game you can’t tell me something about the Ohio State guard, then you’re abdicating your ball-knowers responsibility. While not an elite three point shooter, Cambridge is one of the best attacking guards and finishers in college basketball right now. She’s a 50% shooter from the field and put up the following two lines in the Buckeyes last two road games… 

In short, watch her play. And definitely watch her play against Olivia Miles and a TCU team that is going to force the issue and make Ohio State run with them. There’s three bangers on Monday and this is one heck of a way to lead it off. 

Must-Watch Score: 9/10

No. 8 Michigan (14-2) vs. No. 5 Vanderbilt (17-0): 2:30 PM ET, FOX

Why it’s worth a watch: As much as I love the Ohio State vs. TCU matchup, I think I love Michigan vs. Vanderbilt even more. For starters, you’ve got two guards (Mikayla Blakes and Syla Swords) with name brands facing off on national TV. Then you factor in that these two teams are in the AP Top 10 and outperforming expectations already and you’ve got the ingredients for a potential classic. While Swords has taken a backseat to Olivia Olson as Michigan’s de facto scorer, the Wolverines like to move the ball around enough that anybody can rip a 20 point game at any point. Their X-Factor continues to be forward Ashley Sofilkanich. Vanderbilt, meanwhile, goes as Blakes (24.9 PPG) does and for good reason. But this game will require their ensemble cast to pick up the slack. 

Must-Watch Score: 9.5/10

No. 23 Notre Dame (12-4) vs. No. 1 UConn (17-0): 5:00 PM ET, FOX

Why it’s worth a watch: My hopes for Notre Dame in this game can be put simply: if the roster they had last year lost to the Huskies by double digits, how am I supposed to be confident this group will keep it close? Obviously, don’t dismiss this matchup out of hand immediately. Hannah Hidalgo (25.1 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 5.5 APG, 5.9 SPG) is always worth the price of admission no matter what and Niele Ivey was right about Cassandre Prosper (17.1 PPG, 7.8 RPG) being ripe for a breakout season. Unfortunately, it’s really been the two of them against the world all year. It’s important to note that UConn has felt similar this year with Sarah Strong (18.4 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 4.6 APG, 3.7 SPG) and Azzi Fudd (17.6 PPG) have done most of the heavy lifting. So will this be a game of supporting casts or singularly great performances? That’s what will be fun to find out. 

Must-Watch Score: 9/10

Tuesday: Tulsa (11-4, 3-0 AAC) vs. East Carolina (11-6, 3-1 AAC): 6:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Wednesday: No. 18 Baylor (15-3, 4-1 Big 12) vs. Utah (13-4, 4-1 Big 12): 9:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Thursday: No. 4 Texas (18-1, 3-1 SEC) vs. No. 2 South Carolina (17-1, 4-0 SEC): 7:00 PM ET, ESPN2

Friday: Drexel (8-6) vs. Charleston (12-3): 7:00 PM ET

Saturday: North Dakota State (15-2) vs. South Dakota State (13-4): 3:00 PM ET

Sunday: No. 12 Maryland (16-2, 4-2 B1G) vs. No. 3 UCLA (15-1, 5-0 B1G): 4:00 PM ET, NBC

Monday: No. 8 Michigan (14-2) vs. No. 5 Vanderbilt (17-0): 2:30 PM ET, FOX