Latest blog entries about College Basketball
Thursday's college basketball schedule includes Duke, Illinois, Arizona, Michigan State and Vanderbilt. See the top games, tipoff times and TV information for November 5.
UNC looks to snap a two‑game losing streak against the Wofford Terriers as the Tar Heels chase their second win of the season. The Heels, 1‑1 after a victory over Western Carolina, face a Wofford squad that has won its last two road trips to Chapel Hill. Wofford, coached by Kevin Giltner, enters the game after a 90‑59 loss at Tennessee and features transfer guards Cam Lowe (14 points vs. Tennessee) and seven‑footer Evan Ramsey (8 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks). Despite limited talent compared to a P5 program, Wofford’s size and coaching could pose a challenge for UNC.
Arizona faces Cal Poly on Thursday against one of the nation's most experienced returning rosters. Here's why the Mustangs could challenge the Wildcats.
Anton Bonke answered in the opener, but Izzo's center job is still unsettled before Toledo. #Spartans
Indiana opens its 2026‑27 season with a home showdown against Bellare Mackine on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 6 p.m. ET, streamed on Peacock. The Hoosiers (1‑0) look to extend their unbeaten start at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, while Bellarmine (0‑1) seeks its first win. The preview outlines matchup details and stakes for both programs.
The Thursday Flakes roundup kicks off with Nebraska senior‑night volleyball versus Iowa and a preview of Nebraska football games on Illinois TV. Punter Archie Wilson earns Ray Guy Award Punter of the Week, while the Huskers women’s basketball team shares a viral meme. NFL chatter notes the Cardinals may trade QB Jacoby Brissett to the Ravens. In the NBA, Victor Wembanyama drops a historic 52‑point, 24‑rebound, 8‑block performance for the Spurs, and LeBron James says it’s too early to talk Finals after a blistering 76ers start. A surprising Jets comeback over the Canadiens highlights a rare hockey crossover.
Caitlin Clark becomes the first athlete brand partner for Dick’s Sporting Goods and Foot Locker.
Queens defeated Loyola Marymount 96–95 behind 28 points from Nasir Mann and a game-winning free throw from Jordan Watford after trailing by 12 in the second half.
NC State extends its early-season streak to 2-0 with a dominant 80-45 win over Campbell on Nov. 5, 2026. After a sluggish start, the Wolfpack seized control in the second quarter, forcing 24 turnovers while snagging 20 steals and outscoring the Camels 47-13 through the middle frames. Khamil Pierre leads with a 21‑point, 11‑rebound double‑double, supported by Zoe Brooks’ 16 points and five assists and Annsley Trivette’s 10 points. The Pack’s fast‑break efficiency (15‑of‑18) fuels confidence ahead of a challenging Sunday matchup versus Kentucky.
In their season opener, Purdue fell 78-72 to Gonzaga at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Series in Las Vegas, with Gonzaga’s Davis Fogle and Braden Huff leading the charge. Hosts Ryan and the author break down the Boilermakers’ performance, highlighting standout players and areas of concern. They then turn to Purdue’s upcoming matchup against Maryland, noting that while Maryland’s defense edges Purdue’s statistically, both teams are currently struggling. The duo shares predictions and cautions against underestimating the opponent, setting the stage for a pivotal conference clash.
The Ohio State women's basketball team faces Central Michigan on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. ET on BTN+. The article breaks down the cheapest streaming routes: BTN+ (B1G+) offers a $8.99 one‑day pass for today’s game, a $12.99 monthly pass, a $89.99 annual pass (40% savings over monthly), and a $44.99 Winter Pass reduced to $39.99 with code WINTERSPORTS. All plans give live access to Buckeye men’s and women’s hoops and other Big Ten sports, plus replays and original programming. Fans can pick the option that fits their viewing habits and budget.
No. 3 Illinois hosts Penn in a rematch of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, with Fran McCaffery returning to Big Ten territory against Brad Underwood.
After nine years of separation, Carmelo and La La Anthony finally finalize their divorce, with a New York County Supreme Court judgment pending the judge’s signature as of Nov. 4, 2026. The couple, together since their 2004 engagement and 2010 reality‑TV wedding, share son Kiyan, now a top Syracuse basketball recruit, and Melo’s daughter Genesis with ex Mia Burks. La La cites Carmelo’s 2011 trade to the Knicks and relentless NYC media pressure as the turning point that strained their marriage. While settlement details remain private, the amicable co‑parenting and recent public reflections close one of the NBA’s most scrutinized relationships.
Kentucky’s preseason defensive worries are fading after three exhibitions and a season‑opening 73‑68 win over Manhattan, where the Wildcats posted nine steals and four blocks. Coach Mark Pope credits the team’s length—highlighted by 7‑foot‑5 recruit Cherif Millogo—as a key strength, stressing that intensity and footwork turn size into disruptive play. While not yet a lock‑down unit, the Cats’ ability to force turnovers and convert them into points could define their success this year.
The Maryland women’s basketball team opened the 2026-27 season with a 72-68 loss to No. 1 South Carolina, exposing both strengths and areas to improve as they aim for a Big Ten comeback. Testudo Times highlights Oluchi Okananwa as its Player‑of‑the‑Year pick, citing her scoring, rebounding and defensive skills, while also spotlighting senior transfer Nunu Agara as the new front‑court anchor and freshman guard Trinity Jones as the biggest breakout. Fifth‑year forward Bri McDaniel returns from an ACL tear and lands on the Cheryl Miller Award watch list. The outlet boldly predicts Maryland will place two players on the Big Ten All‑Defensive team, with Okananwa a top candidate for Defensive Player of the Year.
Cal secures an 84-70 win over Radford on Wednesday, propelled by a 30-point outing from Pitt transfer Nojus Indrusaitis, who hit a key three-pointer to push the Bears ahead 65-56 early in the second half. Despite the comfortable margin, the game was close until the eight‑minute mark, and Cal likely expected a larger lead. The roundup also previews Thursday’s slate of six games, highlighting Wake Forest’s chance to break a 16‑year drought at Vanderbilt and offering picks for matchups such as Virginia Tech vs. Mercer and Syracuse vs. Central Connecticut State.
Former Maryland head coach Mike Locksley kicks off his new role as a Big Ten Network analyst, debuting Friday on The B1G Show and Saturday on B1G Countdown ahead of Maryland’s road game at Purdue. The deal includes a $9.75 million buyout with payments through 2028, and Locksley will continue on weekends through the Big Ten championship on Dec. 5. Locksley leaves Maryland with a 39‑54 overall record (16‑47 in conference) as the program searches for a new head coach. The post also highlights Maryland’s recent field‑hockey win over Ohio State (3‑1), men’s soccer victory over Penn State (2‑0), and the upcoming Georgetown basketball matchup.
Kentucky’s Wildcats, fresh off an 85-42 blowout of Morehead State, face Northern Kentucky’s Norse, who rattled off an 84-49 win over NAIA Defiance. Coach Jeff Hans relies on a pace‑and‑space attack, but his roster has just two players over 6‑feet, while Kentucky rolls out three 6‑5 starters—Clara Strack, Ajša Sivka and Me’Arah O’Neal—who dominate the paint and rebound (Kentucky posted a +19 margin against Morehead State). The preview warns that NKU’s lack of frontcourt size will likely stifle their offense and hand Kentucky easy put‑backs, leading to a predicted 87‑50 victory. Game tips: 6:30 p.m. ET at Historic Memorial Coliseum, streaming on SEC Network+.
Kentucky women’s basketball bursts onto the season with an 85-42 win over Morehead State, highlighted by freshman duo Emily McDonald and Savvy Swords. Both former McDonald’s All‑Americans and high‑school teammates from Long Island Lutheran, they debut as roommates and immediate contributors—Swords grabs 11 rebounds and six points off the bench, while McDonald adds 10 points. McDonald, ESPN’s #23 recruit, shines as a 3‑point specialist; Swords arrives with a silver‑medal FIBA U‑18 AmeriCup performance for Canada (16.4 p, 9 r, 3.8 a). Their chemistry gives coach Kenny Brooks a built‑in “cheat code” as Kentucky pursues a championship.
In Episode 223 of the “Bucketheads” podcast, Ohio State’s men’s basketball hosts Connor Lemons and Justin Golba break down the Buckeyes’ 94-83 loss to No. 25 BYU on Nov. 2, 2026. They pinpoint why the Buckeyes fell apart in the second half as BYU erupted for 60 points, propelled by point guard Rob Wright’s 35‑point performance. The discussion also covers the impact of missing Bruce Thornton, concerns around Anthony Thompson’s health, and evaluations of Amare Bynum and John Mobley’s outings. Listeners get a detailed post‑game analysis and preview of how Ohio State can improve.
Jay Bilas returns to kick off Duke’s basketball season with a motivational address that opens with JFK’s famous quote and urges players to give their all, warning against future regret. He highlights the lasting impact of teamwork over individual stats and reminds the squad that only their own effort and camaraderie truly matter amid external noise. The full speech is linked for fans who want the complete message.
The Arizona Wildcats open the 2026‑27 season at home against the Cal Poly Mustangs on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, at 8:30 p.m. MT in the ALKEME Arena. After a historic season‑opening loss to UCLA, Arizona enters as a 30.5‑point favorite (FanDuel) with a 99% win probability per KenPom, and the over/under sits at 172.5. The game airs on truTV with a live stream on HBO Max, and radio coverage is on Wildcats Sports Radio 1290 AM. Pre‑game analysis, roster updates, and sponsorship news are also featured.
The Bruins will host North Florida at 7:30 p.m. inside Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial.
Big nights throughout Stanford's lineup in an 87-54 win over Saint Mary's
Stanford Women’s Basketball: Saint Mary’s Postgame Press Conference (11/4/26)