Strap yourselves in, everyone. This Watch Guide may be a long one. So far, this January has lived up to all of our expectations as the month where everything kicks into gear in women’s college basketball. What was an unremarkable non-conference slate of games has given way, thankfully, to a firehose of marquee matchups.

This coming week is no exception.

There is something for everyone here, truly. Want mid-major matchups that are already de facto conference championship games? You’ve got plenty this week. Enjoy seeing the top programs in the power leagues clash? Then maybe the sports greatest rivalry, Tennessee vs. UConn, is a little more your speed. From Ball-Knowers to Casuals there is something for everyone and we’ve made sure to curate a vibe just for you. If you want to skip ahead to see the one game we recommend watching each night, you can flip straight to the bottom of the page.

And be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel (by clicking here) as well where we tend to be live on weekends after major games. It’s a great way to unwind and join in the conversation yourself!

₂₂ West Virginia (17-4, 7-2 Big 12) vs. Utah (14-6, 5-3 Big 12) : 9:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: This game matters on a couple different fronts. West Virginia has a huge weekend matchup against Baylor and can pull even with the Lady Bears in the Big 12 standings. That is, of course, assuming they’re able to get by Utah on the end of a Rocky Mountain road trip. Mountaineers guard Gia Cooke (15.1 PPG) is coming off a 21 point effort at BYU and will look to replicate it in the Hunstman Center.

Must-Watch Score: 7.5/10

San Diego State (15-3, 9-0 MWC) vs. Colorado State (17-4, 8-2 MWC): 1:00 PM ET, MWC Network

Why it’s worth a watch: Personally, I’m stunned that Colorado State is having the season they’re having this year instead of in 2024-25. Instead of working the offense through a versatile big in the now-graduated Emma Ronsiek, the Rams are being led by 5’9 Indiana transfer Lexus Bargesser (15.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.2 APG). CSU can make up some huge ground in the Mountain West title race this week, as they see first place San Diego State and second place UNLV back-to-back.

Must-Watch Score: 8/10

₂UCLA (19-1, 9-0 B1G) vs. Illinois (15-5, 5-4 B1G): 7:00 PM ET, B1G+

Why it’s worth a watch: I have a nagging feeling that the depth of UCLA is just going to completely overwhelm Illinois the way it has to most of the Bruins opposition this year. But there will also be long stretches where the Illini starters will be able to stand toe-to-toe with one of the best three teams in the country. Come to see Lauren Betts for WNBA Draft purposes, stay to realize that Berry Wallace has some next level potential too.

Must-Watch Score: 7.5/10

₂₅Washington (16-4, 6-3 B1G) vs. ₁₆Maryland (17-4, 5-4 B1G): 7:00 PM ET, B1G+

Why it’s worth a watch: The cavalcade of injuries to the Terps have turned what would was projected to be a somewhat lopsided matchup into a really interesting one. USC transfer Avery Howell has been as advertised for Washington this season and will have to be asked to shoulder much of the defensive load against a lengthy Maryland backcourt. If Sayvia Sellers heats up, we could be in for a fun one in College Park.

Must-Watch Score: 8/10

Iowa State (16-5, 4-5 Big 12) vs. ₂₁Texas Tech (20-2, 7-2 Big 12): 7:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: This game scores a little bit higher on my list than it otherwise would because I feel like this could be a season-changing win for either team. If Texas Tech manages to beat Iowa State, it’s an affirmation that the Lady Raiders have arrived and are real-deal Big 12 contenders while all but delivering a killshot to a promising ISU season. Now, if the Cyclones win then it changes how we talk about Bill Fennelly’s team the rest of the season. With some lineup and rotation changes, Iowa State has looked better in the last couple games.

Must-Watch Score: 8.5/10

George Mason (13-6, 8-0 A-10) vs. Davidson (15-7, 7-2 A-10): 7:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: Respect the A-10, you cowards! George Mason entered league play with a less than stellar non-conference record and has since rattled off eight straight wins. Behind Zahirah Walton (19.4 PPG, 5.6 RPG), the Patriots are currently tied with Rhode Island atop the A-10 standings. Davidson is two games back and has some chances ahead to keep climbing. It continues to be the most slept-on league in the sport so take this opportunity to watch some ball.

Must-Watch Score: 7.5/10

Lindenwood (15-6, 7-3 OVC) vs. Southern Indiana (14-5, 8-2 OVC): 6:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: There’s quietly a compelling four-team race happening for the OVC regular season championship. Mia Nicastro, one of the best mid-major players in the nation and a favorite of the Ball-Knowers, and Western Illinois are tied atop the standings with Southern Indiana. Lindenwood and Morehead State are nipping at their heels. Don’t be surprised if the Lions pull off an upset on the back of Aleshia Jones, who is averaging 24 points per game over her last four.

Must-Watch Score: 7/10

Mississippi State (15-6, 2-5 SEC) vs. ₁₅Tennessee (14-3, 6-0 SEC): 6:30 PM ET, SECN+

Why it’s worth a watch: What do we do with Sam Purcell and this Mississippi State team? By no means has the program cratered since Vic Schaefer left to take over Texas but they’ve also just been window dressing in an SEC that has been punctuated by programs chasing after one another. Tennessee is one such team that is rediscovering their swagger and rolling behind Talaysia Cooper and co. What is MSU ready to give when their chances to make the NCAA Tournament get slimmer with each passing loss?

Must-Watch Score: 7/10

₂₄Alabama (18-3, 4-3 SEC) vs. ₂₃Georgia (18-3, 4-3 SEC): 6:30 PM ET, SEC Network

Why it’s worth a watch: Man, what a fun season this has been for Georgia. If there’s anyone in the country right now that embodies the spirit of ‘Player of the Year’, it’s Dani Carnegie. After a solid freshman campaign at Georgia Tech, the New York native — Section I, Shout Out Mt. Vernon — went just down the road to UGA and has become the Bulldogs north star. This one will be a fun style clash as the Dawgs have made their opponents lives miserable defensively and Alabama are a group that like to try and pace, space and score.

Must-Watch Score: 8.5/10

Quinnipiac (16-4, 11-0 MAAC) vs. Fairfield (17-3, 11-0 MAAC): 7:00 PM ET, ESPNU/ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: Game of the Night. Everyone can have everything else. The true Ball-Knowers get custody of this one. Every year since Carly Thibault-DuDonis arrived at Fairfield, you can circle this matchup as the MAAC Regular Season Championship. For the past two in particular, the winner of this game went on to take the regular season crown. If you haven’t watched much of Fairfield this year, it’s the same names as past title teams but used in new ways. Katy L’Amoreaux (19.9 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.4 APG) is running the show now while Meghan Andersen (16.7 PPG) remains an every-night scoring threat.

Must-Watch Score: 8.5/10

₅Vanderbilt (20-1, 6-1 SEC) vs. ₁₇Ole Miss (17-4, 4-2 SEC): 7:30 PM ET, SECN+

Why it’s worth a watch: Winter weather postponed Ole Miss’ matchup against Tennessee on Monday so the Rebs have had some time to recharge and repair. Vanderbilt, on the other hand, is coming off a blowout loss to South Carolina in Columbia. Is there anything that Dawn Staley left on tape for Coach Yo to be able to replicate with her team in Oxford?

Must-Watch Score: 8.5/10

McNeese (16-4, 10-1 Southland) vs. Stephen F. Austin (14-6, 8-3 Southland): 7:30 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: You’ll read about her later this week in an upcoming ‘Coaches To Watch’ piece but Ayla Guzzardo at McNeese is one to watch for higher-end mid-major/starter level power program jobs. After taking Southeast Louisiana to the NCAA Tournament, Guzzardo jumped to McNeese and now has them primed to win the Southland. Stephen F. Austin is one of the biggest challenges to that and one of the more historically relevant mid-major programs in the region. A win cements McNeese and Guzzardo (once again) as forces to be reckoned with.

Must-Watch Score: 7.5/10

₇Louisville (19-3, 9-0 ACC) vs. Stanford (15-6, 4-4 ACC): 8:00 PM ET, ESPN

Why it’s worth a watch: ACC After Dark, anyone? An AP Top 10 Louisville team goes out west to play at Maples Pavilion in some late-January conference action. Just as God intended. Jokes aside, this is a great opportunity for Kate Paye’s Cardinal to have a statement game. They have an advantage in the frontcourt with Nunu Agara (14.5 PPG, 8.4 RPG) and freshman Lara Somfai (10.6 PPG, 9.0 RPG) emerging as a nice tandem. The issue, as its been for years in Palo Alto, is they don’t have a truly elite point guard to make it go. Louisville, as it happens, has multiple. So let’s see whose units win out.

Must-Watch Score: 8/10

Columbia (13-5, 4-1 Ivy) vs. ₁₉Princeton (17-1, 5-0 Ivy): 6:00 PM ET, ESPNU

Why it’s worth a watch: I am all-in on the idea of Princeton trying to contend for a Top 16 seed (and the privilege to host the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament that comes with it) so, naturally, the Guide is pulling for the Tigers on this one. But it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if Columbia managed to steal a win in Jadwin Gymnasium. Riley Weiss (18.6 PPG) and Madison St. Rose (16.5 PPG) are both frontrunners for the Ivy League Player of the Year honor and know what this game means for both programs.

Must-Watch Score: 7.5/10

Norfolk State (10-11, 5-1 MEAC) vs. Howard (15-7, 5-1 MEAC): 12:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: Norfolk State cruised to MEAC titles under Larry Vickers and led by Diamond Johnson and MeMe Wheeler. But things are different this year and Howard, who had been nipping at the Spartans heels the last two seasons, is ready to topple the HBCU program of the moment. NSU’s Dabrya Clark (15.3 PPG, 5.2 RPG) has been good but will need to be more efficient than her usual 33.6% from the field. On the other end, Zennia Thomas (15.5 PPG, 7.8 RPG) is making a push for MEAC Player of the Year.

Must-Watch Score: 7/10

South Dakota State (16-5, 6-1 Summit) vs. South Dakota (15-6, 5-2 Summit): 2:00 PM ET, MIDCO Sports Network

Why it’s worth a watch: The Jackrabbits lost their Dakota Marker matchup to North Dakota State, the first time in at least seven seasons that’s happened. Now, South Dakota State sees their in-state rival, 15-6 South Dakota. The Coyotes are a game behind the Jacks and have the chance to add insult to injury in rivalry games. Brooklyn Meyer (21.5 PPG, 7.1 RPG) is still SDSU’s fulcrum but she’ll need help if they want to avoid another loss.

Must-Watch Score: 7/10

Arkansas State (18-4, 9-1 Sun Belt) vs. Georgia Southern (15-5, 8-2 Sun Belt): 2:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: Nobody shoots the three as much as Arkansas State. Not Tennessee, not Fairfield, not Richmond or Kentucky. The Red Wolves average 34 attempts from deep per game and so you can expect to see the long ball on display against Georgia Southern with a Sun Belt lead on the line.

Must-Watch Score: 7/10

Colorado State (17-4, 8-2 MWC) vs. UNLV (14-6, 9-1 MWC): 3:00 PM ET, FS1

Why it’s worth a watch: The watchability of this one hinges on whether or not Colorado State can get by San Diego State. If they manage to do so, and the standings are UNLV (9-1), SDSU (9-1) and CSU (9-2), the Mountain West race the rest of the way becomes extremely compelling. Particularly in a league where there’s likely to only be one bid awarded through a conference tournament title.

Must-Watch Score: 7.5/10

McNeese (16-4, 10-1 Southland) vs. Lamar (12-6, 9-2 Southland): 4:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: This game is a bit more fool-proof than Colorado State in terms of matchup post early-week slate. If McNeese wins, then Lamar can tie them atop the Southland with a win. If McNeese loses against Stephen F. Austin, then Lamar has a chance to jump the Cowgirls with a win. If that’s not enough to consider a tap in with a few minutes left, I don’t know what is.

Must-Watch Score: 7.5/10

Murray State (17-3, 8-1 MVC) vs. Belmont (11-8, 7-1 MVC): 5:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: This is one of my favorite mid-major matchups of the year. Not only is this game likely between the best two teams in a generally four-or-five deep Missouri Valley Conference but they’re a lot better than people expect. Belmont’s 11-8 is misleading given how absolutely loaded their non-conference schedule was while Murray State has looked the part of an NCAA Tournament team all year. We may have Boots on the Ground for this one so keep an eye out.

Must-Watch Score: 8.5/10

₁₅Tennessee (14-3) vs. ₁UConn (21-0): 12:00 PM ET, FOX

Why it’s worth a watch: As I’ve reiterated a ton in the Watch Guide, it’s exceedingly rare to get a 10/10 as a Must-Watch Score. It either has to have a game with substantial title and narrative implications, history, rivalry or pomp that supersedes any other top five matchup. While I don’t know how close this one will be, the Lady Vols win over UConn last year in Knoxville is enough to make the long awaited return to the northeast must-see-TV. Tennessee is going to win if they get hot from the right spots on the floor. UConn wins by Sarah Strong being Sarah Strong. Throw it out there and let’s see who can do it better.

Must-Watch Score: 10/10

₂₄Alabama (18-3, 4-3 SEC) vs. ₆LSU (19-2, 5-2 SEC): 12:00 PM, SECN

Why it’s worth a watch: This game should be fast paced and exciting. Kristy Curry and Kim Mulkey share the connective tissue of being on the same staffs together at Louisiana Tech from 1996-1999 and they both have similar stylistic influences from a coaching standpoint. Both of these teams will run, gun and score in bunches. MiLaysia Fulwiley has started to come alive as of late but they still need her to perform in big games. These are good live reps for that.

Must-Watch Score: 8.5/10

₉Michigan (17-3, 8-1 Big Ten) vs. ₁₃Michigan State (18-2, 7-2 Big Ten): 12:00 PM ET, FS1

Why it’s worth a watch: I’m still looking through game notes for confirmation here but I believe that this is the highest ranked both these teams have been at the same time in a season. For that reason alone, a Big Ten afternoon matchup between Michigan and Michigan State is a celebration for the state and its basketball culture. On the floor, it’s a battle of long and versatile shooters. Grace VanSlooten is a force multiplier for the Spartans while the Wolverines run out their three pronged guard lineup. Can’t wait to see it.

Must-Watch Score: 8.5/10

₁₄Baylor (18-3, 7-1 Big 12) vs. ₂₂West Virginia (17-4, 7-2 Big 12): 1:00 PM ET, ESPN

Why it’s worth a watch: Taliah Scott’s arrival in Waco has felt like the boost of energy the Baylor program needed after a couple good-if-not-stale seasons. But the thing that keeps every Lady Bears fan up at night in a post-Kim Mulkey world are games like this one. Nicki Collen has had a bad habit of struggling in high pressure situations in Big 12 play. West Virginia, on the road, with the press defense they play, is going to cause issues. Can Baylor finally get over the hump of matchups like this to keep a Big 12 title run alive?

Must-Watch Score: 8.5/10

₁₂TCU (19-2, 7-1 Big 12) vs. ₂₁Texas Tech (20-2, 7-2 Big 12): 2:00 PM ET, FS1

Why it’s worth a watch: Make or break game Texas Tech, point blank period. If Krista Gerlich’s team can slow TCU down enough to make things interesting, then we can officially put the Lady Raiders in a tier of “has the juice to make a second weekend NCAA run”. But the Horned Frogs are excellent, in spite of their two losses and will just pick-n-roll you to death possession after possession. Can Tech stay alert as the Novacaine of Olivia Miles hee-hee passes settles over Lubbock? I guess we’ll see!

Must-Watch Score: 8.5/10

₁₀Oklahoma (16-4, 4-3 SEC) vs. ₄Texas (19-2, 4-2 SEC): 3:00 PM ET, ABC

Why it’s worth a watch: The only reason this game isn’t a 10/10 is because of the losses each team has eaten in SEC play. If the Sooners had gotten by Ole Miss and Texas had beaten South Carolina again, this game would have the juice to overtake Tennessee vs. UConn in terms of national narrative. Just because they’re not doesn’t mean anything to me, however. Aaliyah Chavez vs. this Texas defense? Madison Booker and Kyra Oldacre against Raegan Beers and Brooklyn Stewart? Sign me up.

Must-Watch Score: 9.5/10

₈Iowa (18-2, 9-0 B1G) vs. ₂UCLA (19-1, 9-0 B1G): 4:00 PM ET, NBC

Why it’s worth a watch: There isn’t much enmity between these programs and I think, on some level, it does hurt how much TV networks sell the product. Whether people like it or not, lightning rods sell and UCLA is just a super likable team, smiling through the L.A. sun as they beat teams by 30. But maybe this is our chance for some good, organic and ethically sourced hate to be cultivated. Not only that, this is also just going to be an objectively kick ass game. Of the three highest profile matchups (Tenn vs. UConn, Red River and this), I have a feeling this is going to be the best of the lot.

Must-Watch Score: 9.5/10

North Carolina (17-5, 6-3 ACC) vs. NC State (14-6, 7-2 ACC): 6:00 PM ET, ESPN2

Why it’s worth a watch: NC State could use some help this week via Stanford beating Louisville but the Wolfpack will also need to take care of their own business to stay in the ACC title hunt. Khamil Pierre (16.3 PPG, 11.7 RPG) has been everything NCSU has needed and she’ll have to be against a North Carolina team that can still punish you inside. The offensive rebounding battle between two of the best in the ACC in Pierre and Ciera Toomey is what will likely tip things one way or the other.

Must-Watch Score: 7.5/10

Tuesday: West Virginia vs. Utah: 9:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Wednesday: ₂₅Washington vs. ₁₆Maryland: 7:00 PM ET, B1G+

Thursday: Quinnipiac (16-4, 11-0 MAAC) vs. Fairfield (17-3, 11-0 MAAC): 7:00 PM ET, ESPNU/ESPN+

Friday: Columbia (13-5, 4-1 Ivy) vs. ₁₉Princeton (17-1, 5-0 Ivy): 6:00 PM ET, ESPNU

Saturday: Murray State (17-3, 8-1 MVC) vs. Belmont (11-8, 7-1 MVC): 5:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Sunday: ₈Iowa vs. ₂UCLA: 4:00 PM ET, NBC

Monday: North Carolina vs. NC State: 6:00 PM ET, ESPN2