Women's college basketball watchlist

It’s officially here. Opening day of women’s college basketball has passed, but today holds just as strong a slate. 

If you’re like me, you’ll be seated all day long itching to get a first glimpse at each program. But if you have to work, go to class, or just don’t have the time to sit around all day watching hoops, I’ll give you the games you *must* watch and where to watch them. 

BE SEATED AT ALL COSTS

These are the games you’re going to want to skip work for – the ones that will tell us a whole lot about the best of the best.

4pm: Tennessee vs. NC State (ESPN2)

This is absolutely the game of the day and has the potential to be extremely competitive. It’ll be interesting to get a first-look at Tennessee after Ruby Whitehorn’s dismissal and how they compete against the Wolfpack in year two of the Kim Caldwell era.

What I’m most excited for: The newcomers! Janiah Barker, Khamil Pierre, Qadence Samuels, Nya Robertson etc.

5:30pm: Louisville vs. UConn (ESPN)

This game had to be moved from Germany due to the government shutdown, but it’s still an awfully fun matchup, even on US soil. UConn is the favorite to win another title, so this will be a great litmus test early on against a talented Louisville squad.

What I’m most excited for: Getting a look at both team’s depth

A DECENT FIRST LOOK AND/OR AT OPTIMAL TIMES

These games will either be a solid first look at a P5 team or they just fall at optimal times. If you’re in need of basketball to watch all day (like me), these are games to add to your list. 

12pm: Grambling at SMU (ACC Extra)

6pm: Mount St. Mary’s vs. Richmond (ESPN+)

6:30pm: Lehigh at Cincinnati (ESPN+)

7:30pm: UT Arlington at Houston (ESPN+)

8pm: Houston Christian at LSU (SECN+)

10pm: New Mexico State at USC (Big Ten +)

WATCH YOUR TEAM WIN A BLOWOUT

The rest of the games here will likely provide no true competitive value – but you never know. These games are your first look at some P5’s playing teams they should beat with ease. 

6pm: Drexel at Pittsburgh (ACC Extra)

6pm: Towson at Virginia Tech (ACC Extra)

6:30pm: Mercyhurst at Michigan State (Big Ten+)

7pm: Canisius at Michigan (Big Ten+)

7pm: Saint Peter’s at Seton Hall (ESPN+)

7pm: Lipscomb at Indiana (Big Ten+)

7pm: Morgan State at Virginia (ACC Extra)

7pm: SEMO at Illinois (Big Ten +)

7pm: Stony Brook at Syracuse (ACC Extra)

7:30pm: Louisiana Tech at Arkansas (SECN+)

8pm: North Dakota at Minnesota (Big Ten +)