As I wrote in Five Out this past Monday, Sunday felt like a real welcome back to women’s college basketball moment from a media standpoint. This week is no different, promising several matchups between top ten opponents as well as more than a few mid-major games with conference regular season championship implications.

So let’s get rolling and enjoy the guide!

Charleston (17-3, 9-0 CAA) vs. Campbell (14-8, 7-2 CAA): 5:00 PM ET, FloSports

Why it’s worth a watch: This game could be looked back upon as a CAA regular season title clincher for Charleston if they handle their business the rest of the way. Campbell trails CofC by just two games in the standings and, as fate would have it, both teams meet twice in the next month. If there were ever a time to shut the door, Charleston can do it now. On the flip side, if Campbell wins it could set up for a second fixture in March with serious CAA title implications. Also your chance to see Charleston star guard Taryn Barbot (19.5 PPG), who is a favorite of this Ball-Knower.

Must-Watch Score: 7/10

St. Joe’s (15-6, 6-4 A-10) vs. Rhode Island (19-2, 10-0 A-10): 6:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: St. Joe’s isn’t really in the mix for an A-10 championship anymore but this is the exact type of game that welcomes chaos. Rhode Island has to be careful here to avoid the fate that befell Princeton last week. Don’t look ahead to your blockbuster matchup — a weekend tilt vs. Richmond — and forget to take care of business. Fun matchup here between SJU’s Gabby Casey (16.1 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 3.4 APG) and URI’s Brooklyn Gray (12.7 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 3.0 APG).

Must-Watch Score: 7.5/10

₂₂Maryland (17-6, 5-6 B1G) vs. ₁₂Michigan State (19-3, 8-3 B1G): 6:30 PM ET, B1G+

Why it’s worth a watch: Big gut check spot for both teams here. Maryland got run down by Oregon to cap off a woeful three game home stand that included losing two different overtime games. Meanwhile, Michigan State got their heart ripped out in East Lansing by Michigan. These are the games that show us the mettle of a Tournament team. Who wants it more here?

Must-Watch Score: 8.5/10

Oklahoma State (18-5, 7-3 Big 12) vs. Arizona State (18-5, 5-5 Big 12): 8:30 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: This game is like the dope in-the-cut cocktail bar you want to tell everyone about but don’t want to spoil the vibe. I think both of these programs are trending up and have a lot to be excited about. But I’m most excited to see how ASU’s perimeter defenders do against a multi-pronged OSU attack led by Micah Gray (15.5 PPG) and Haleigh Timmer (13.3 PPG).

Must-Watch Score: 7.5/10

₂₀West Virginia (18-5, 8-3 Big 12) vs. Colorado (15-7, 6-4 Big 12): 9:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: For what I believe is the first time this season my beloved Buffaloes have made the Watch Guide. While I’m not sure if this team has the resume to be in tournament consideration, it sure feels like sneaking a home win either here against WVU or TCU would help cement a case for a First Four. Meanwhile the Mountaineers have to be perfect to clear the logjam at the top of the Big 12 standings.

Must-Watch Score: 8/10

Illinois (16-6, 6-5 B1G) vs. Oregon (17-7, 5-6 B1G): 9:00 PM ET, B1G+

Why it’s worth a watch: This game might as well be an NCAA Tournament first round matchup. It screams 7 vs. 10 type of game. But beyond that, some of my favorite “if you know, you know” players will be on the floor. Illinois forward Berry Wallace and Oregon guard Katie Fiso probably won’t make the All-Big-Ten First Team but they’re absolutely good enough at their best to be that kind of player. Both teams also know how important these like-for-like games are for the resume so it should be a fun one in Eugene.

Must-Watch Score: 7.5/10

Clemson (16-7, 7-4 ACC) vs. ₂₅North Carolina (18-5, 7-3 ACC): 6:00 PM ET, ACC Network

Why it’s worth a watch: The Tar Heels have been living on prayers lately, edging out NC State in Raleigh while escaping Syracuse in OT in Chapel Hill. I’ll be honest, I have absolutely no idea what to think about this North Carolina team. Maybe it’s a Courtney Banghart phenomenon but I’ve spent four years wondering every season if the Tar Heels are good or what. If nothing else, this would be another statement game if Shawn Poppie and his Tigers can steal one on the road.

Must-Watch Score: 7/10

₁₉Tennessee (14-5, 6-1 SEC) vs. Georgia (18-4, 4-4 SEC): 6:30 PM ET, SECN+

Why it’s worth a watch: Tennessee has to tread very lightly here. No, Georgia is not UConn. But the last couple games have been ugly for the Lady Vols. Mia Pauldo (11.7 PPG) is still the streaky and erratic shooter you expect a freshman to be but UT will need her at her best against Dani Carnegie (18.3 PPG, 5.9 RPG) who is doing basically everything to keep UGA in the NCAA Tournament hunt. Things look good now but losses can pile up quick. On the flip, another win like this one could make the Dawgs case for March Madness open and shut.

Must-Watch Score: 7.5/10

₁₇Duke (16-6, 11-0 ACC) vs. ₆Louisville (21-3, 11-0 ACC): 7:00 PM ET, ESPN

Why it’s worth a watch: The first of an absolute belter of a doubleheader here. Duke has somehow managed to completely 180 from a verifiably awful start to the year and now get a one-and-done simulated-title-game environment against Louisville. This is the only time both teams will meet this year and each have three game leads over the third place team in the ACC. It’s a regular season championship. Plan accordingly.

Must-Watch Score: 9.5/10

₇Vanderbilt (21-2, 7-2 SEC) vs. ₁₆Kentucky (18-5, 5-4 SEC): 7:00 PM ET, SECN+

Why it’s worth a watch: The Wildcats have fallen down to earth lately since Teonni Key (11.3 PPG, 6.7 RPG) went down with an injury. It makes sense, given the forward is arguably Kentucky’s best player. But there’s still enough here from Clara Strack (16.2 PPG, 10.4 RPG) to Tonie Morgan (14.7 PPG, 8.6 APG) to give Vanderbilt problems. The Commodores need a get right after dropping two games to South Carolina and Ole Miss. Since December 20th, Mikayla Blakes (25.1 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 4.6 APG) has scored less than 15 points in a game once. Expect her to ball out again as she keeps a National Player of the Year case alive.

Must-Watch Score: 9/10

Minnesota (16-6, 7-4 B1G) vs. ₁₀Iowa (18-4, 9-2 B1G): 7:00 PM ET, BTN

Why it’s worth a watch: Iowa probably wants a pick-me-up after being thrashed by UCLA. Unfortunately, there’s no rest for the weary. Head Coach Dawn Plitzuweit has her Golden Gophers rolling and ready for the home stretch. For the first time in what’s felt like years up there, everyone on the roster is healthy. That’ll matter when they see an Iowa team that’s hungry to re-establish their place in the Big Ten hierarchy.

Must-Watch Score: 7.5/10

₅LSU (21-2, 7-2 SEC) vs. ₄Texas (21-2, 6-2 SEC): 9:00 PM ET, ESPN

Why it’s worth a watch: I was on the fence about making this a 10/10 but there just isn’t the institutional hate that would put it over the top. But outside of that, this game has everything. Amazing guard play, high level bigs/wings, two longtime coaches with big personalities and the energy of Austin on a Thirsty Thursday. Aaliyah Crump (13.0 PPG) has been a major difference maker since returning from injury. They’ll need her to counter a deep LSU backcourt.

Must-Watch Score: 9.5/10

₉Ohio State (20-3, 9-2 B1G) vs. ₂₄Washington (17-5, 7-4 B1G): 9:00 PM ET, Peacock

Why it’s worth a watch: Pace, points and potential chaos. Can’t ask for much more than that. The Buckeyes are on one of the harder road trips in college basketball outside of the ACC teams that go to Stanford and Cal (Thanks, Larry Scott! Burn in Hell!). Ohio State is fighting to hold on to a top 16 seed but it won’t be easy in Seattle. On the bright side, Buckeye star Jaloni Cambridge (22.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 4.5 APG) vs. Husky Heroine Sayvia Sellers (19.1 PPG, 3.6 APG) is going to be CINEMA!

Must-Watch Score: 8.5/10

₁₃Ole Miss (19-4, 6-2 SEC) vs. ₂₁Alabama (19-4, 5-4 SEC): 9:00 PM ET, SECN

Why it’s worth a watch: This is a quintessential styles-makes-fights kind of game. Ole Miss likes to frustrate you by making you slow down and play way more in the halfcourt. Alabama likes to run and shoot. Essence Cody (13.0 PPG) has been back for a couple games now and the Tide have definitely felt her presence inside. That matchup of Cody vs. Cotie McMahon (19.7 PPG, 5.8 RPG) and Christeen Iwuala (14.0 PPG, 8.5 RPG) will be what will tilt this game one way or another.

Must-Watch Score: 8.5/10

Oregon State (17-6, 9-1 WCC) vs. Gonzaga (16-7, 8-2 WCC): 9:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: Another pseudo-championship type game here. Zags freshman Lauren Whittaker (19.9 PPG, 10.2 RPG) is one of the best mid-major players in America and is going to have a physical test in 6’8 Oregon State center Nene Sow. Personally, I just really like this matchup and both of these teams usually bring it. The Committee probably wouldn’t bite but I wouldn’t mind either team showing up in a First Four matchup.

Must-Watch Score: 8/10

Montana State (16-5, 9-1 Big Sky) vs. Idaho (17-5, 8-1 Big Sky): 9:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: The Bobcats and Vandals have at least a game and a half lead on both Northern Colorado and Idaho State. But, more importantly, Idaho is a half game back from Montana State. A win quite literally vaults you into first place. This game was a blowout back in January and Taylee Chrrick (18.3 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 3.5 APG) probably wouldn’t mind beating the Vandals by 33 again. Good matchup of win by committee (Idaho) vs. centering a star (Montana State). Happy watching!

Must-Watch Score: 7.5/10

Penn (13-7, 3-4 Ivy) vs. ₂₃Princeton (18-2, 6-1 Ivy): 7:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: Farewell, my sweet dream of Princeton earning a top 16 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Friday’s loss to Columbia probably ended that hope but the Tigers are still cooking and hoping to hold up an Ivy League trophy when all is said and done this year. If you haven’t watched them this year, throw it on for a couple minutes because Carla Berube’s group here is fun.

Must-Watch Score: 6.5/10

Troy (18-4) vs. Ball State (17-5): 12:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: Probably one of the more evenly matched games you’ll find in the Saturday slate. We’ve been big fans of Ball State senior Bree Salenbien (15.4 PPG, 8.0 RPG) all year and the race in the MAC is really interesting between the Cardinals and Miami (Ohio). Troy is still chasing Arkansas State and, while this isn’t a conference game, is another good late season test to prep a program for March.

Must-Watch Score: 7/10

Chattanooga (15-5, 7-0 SoCon) vs. Wofford (11-10, 5-2 SoCon): 12:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: No Cap Wife’s beloved Chattanooga Mocs have returned to being one of the prides of southern mid-major women’s basketball. From Shawn Poppie to the legendary Jim Foster, UTC has a great tradition in women’s hoops and is right back at the top of the SoCon this year. We’re gonna try and get something soon on 5’5 Caia Elisaldez (14.9 PPG, 5.2 APG), a California native hooping in southern Appalachia.

Must-Watch Score: 6.5/10

Cal Baptist (14-8, 8-1 WAC) vs. Abilene Christian (15-6, 6-2 WAC): 2:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: After a rebuilding year in 2024-2025, Cal Baptist is right back to their winning ways, leading the WAC with a chance to put some space between them and Abilene Christian. It’s worth noting that ACU beat CBU 70-58 in the reverse fixture and, if the Wildcats want a chance to win the WAC, would need to hold the tiebreaker here via a regular season sweep. Cal Baptist freshman guard Lauren Olsen is someone to watch for the future (and a Douglas, Wyoming native. Go Bearcats and shout to the 307!

Must-Watch Score: 7/10

Arizona State (18-5, 5-5 Big 12) vs. ₁₅Baylor (19-4, 8-2 Big 12): 6:00 PM ET, FS1

Why it’s worth a watch: Arizona State has been one of my favorite stories of the year and it’s very clear that the Sun Devil fanbase has embraced Molly Miller in the same way that they embraced head football coach Kenny Dillingham. I’m not quite sure if ASU has the juice to hang with Baylor and Taliah Scott (20.2 PPG) but they’ve shown a capability to be competitive with top end Big 12 teams.

Must-Watch Score: 7.5/10

George Mason (15-6, 10-0 A-10) vs. Richmond (18-4, 8-1 A-10): 6:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: In an A-10 in which four teams have reasonable at-large bid cases for the NCAA Tournament, this is on of four or five matchups in February that deserve wider media attention. It would be truly shocking if GMU could sweep Richmond and then beat Rhode Island in the span of nine days. Even with Zahirah Walton (19.0 PPG, 5.8 RPG) running the show, beating the other two best teams in the league three straight times will be tough. But this one being the first of the slate promises fireworks. Outside of some of the Thursday/Sunday games, this is the Game of the Week, to me.

Must-Watch Score: 8.5/10

Iowa State (18-5, 6-5 Big 12) vs. Utah (15-7, 6-4 Big 12): 7:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: It sure feels like Iowa Stat has figured out whatever was wrong with them in the last few weeks. Part of that is Jada Williams being on an All-American caliber run these last five games (23.2 PPG, 7.2 APG in that span) and the rest is the Cyclones figuring out how to make sure everyone eats without Addy Brown, who has been hurt since January 4th. They’ve got a statistical edge on Utah but Lani White (14.5 PPG, 4.9 RPG) has helped keep the Utes floor high this year. Last week’s loss to BYU wasn’t great so one additional quad one win would burnish a tournament resume quite a bit.

Must-Watch Score: 8/10

₆Louisville (21-3, 11-0 ACC) vs. Syracuse (18-4, 8-3 ACC): 12:00 PM ET, ACC Extra

Why it’s worth a watch: There’s a feature on Syracuse that’s coming from me because Felisha Legette-Jack deserves a ton of credit for how much she’s built the Orange. Texas transfer Laila Phelia (14.6 PPG, 2.1 APG) has found a new home in western New York while 6’3 Nigerian freshman Uche Izoje (14.2 PPG, 9.5 RPG) is a star to watch for the future. While Duke and Louisville is the ACC’s Game of the Week, I think this one has the potential to be even better.

Must-Watch Score: 8.5/10

NC State (15-7, 8-3 ACC) vs. Virginia Tech (18-5, 8-3 ACC): 12:00 PM ET, ACC Network

Why it’s worth a watch: Two teams that as of this writing currently sit tied for third in the ACC and as we approach postseason basketball this one could be major for conference tournament seeding. Virginia Tech is currently on a seven game win streak and while NC State lost last night to North Carolina, the talent on the roster is still something you can’t ignore.

Must-Watch Score: 8/10

USC (13-9, 5-6 B1G) vs. Illinois (16-6, 6-5 B1G): 12:00 PM ET, B1G+

Why it’s worth a watch: If you needed proof on how tough the Big 10 is this year, this matchup is somehow the twelfth place team vs the eight place team. These are both teams that have been able to scare or fully pull off upsets over the course of the season and this game is poised to be a good one. The current form that Kara Dunn is in with her 20+ point scoring streak ending at seven games as she dropped only 18, makes this one worth the price of admission alone.

Must-Watch Score: 7.5/10

Notre Dame (14-8, 6-5 ACC) vs. Virginia (15-7, 7-4 ACC): 2:00 PM ET, ACC Extra

Why it’s worth a watch: Sometimes the reason to tap into a game is very simple, this is one of those games. Hannah Hidalgo vs Kymora Johnson. The best point guard in the nation vs one of the most underrated. It should be great hoops.

Must-Watch Score: 7.5/10

₂UCLA (21-1, 11-0 B1G) vs. ₈Michigan (19-3, 10-1 B1G): 3:00 PM ET, FOX

Why it’s worth a watch: One of the two Games of the Day here. For the entire season, I’ve had Michigan tabbed as a lock for the Elite Eight. They got closer than anyone else did to UConn this year and I’m really interested in they do the same to UCLA. The Bruins have overwhelmed everyone since Big Ten play started and are starting to get more out of Sienna Betts off the bench. But expect 6’7 Lauren Betts to be the obvious mismatch as Michigan is probably gonna throw Ashley Sofilkanich and hope for the best.

Must-Watch Score: 9.5/10

₁₉Tennessee (14-5, 6-1 SEC) vs. ₃South Carolina (22-2, 8-1 SEC): 3:00 PM ET, ABC

Why it’s worth a watch: Tennessee has officially begun their gauntlet of games to end this season and Sunday it doesn’t get any easier on the road at South Carolina. This game is massive to decide which team Tennessee wants to be, the first half team vs UConn or the second half team. If we get that first half team then this game could be one of the best of the season so far.

Must-Watch Score: 9/10

₉Ohio State (20-3, 9-2 Big Ten) vs. Oregon (17-7, 5-6 B1G): 3:00 PM ET, B1G+

Why it’s worth a watch: The Chance Gray revenge game is here! Just kidding, but not really. Ohio State has a clear guard advantage and are generally a bit deeper at the guard spot than Oregon is. The one player that feels like an x-factor here is Ducks sophomore forward Ehis Etute (10.5 PPG, 8.2 RPG). Think of her as a 6’0 Nyara Sabally. If she had a size advantage the way Sabally did, she’d be one of the best players in the nation already. If Oregon manages to give the Buckeyes issues, it will be on the backs of an efficient Katie Fiso performance and more than a few effort buckets from Etute.

Must-Watch Score: 8/10

₁₄TCU (20-3, 8-2 Big 12) vs. Colorado (15-7, 6-4 Big 12): 3:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: My Buffs are back in the Watch Guide and legitimately could be an upset candidate here. Jade Masogayo (11.5 PPG, 5.3 RPG) matches up pretty well from a physical standpoint with TCU’s Marta Suarez (15.3 PPG, 6.7 RPG) but the Cal transfer has been in a bit of a slump. The issue Colorado has had since Aaronette Vonleh transferred to Baylor a couple years ago is the lack of a dominant, centerpiece big. The Horned Frogs don’t have that kind of frontcourt mismatch this year so that lack of interior strength from CU may not be the problem it was last year.

Must-Watch Score: 7.5/10

₁₆Kentucky (18-5, 5-4 SEC) vs. ₄Texas (21-2, 6-2 SEC): 7:30 PM ET, SECN

Why it’s worth a watch: Tonie Morgan is a bit bigger than Georgia Amoore so the Texas defensive length may not be as much of an issue this year. But that’s also being very generous to the idea that Texas isn’t going to make it their goal to ensure the entry passes from Morgan to Strack are as tough as possible every trip down the floor. Teonni Key being back on the floor for Kentucky could be the big difference maker in this one for Kentucky to pull off a massive win.

Must-Watch Score: 9/10

₁₁Oklahoma (17-5, 5-4 SEC) vs. ₇Vanderbilt (21-2, 7-2 SEC): 9:00 PM ET, ESPN2

Why it’s worth a watch: I mean, come on. Aaliyah Chavez vs. Mikayla Blakes? What’s not to like? And that’s before you bring in each supporting cast. The interesting thing here is the Sooners are the deeper team and can hurt you at more spots on the floor. But is Blakes just that good that it won’t matter?

Must-Watch Score: 9.5/10