As the college basketball season inches closer to March, the competition is intensifying, and contenders are beginning to separate themselves from the pack. While perennial powerhouses like South Carolina and UConn remain dominant, emerging teams such as TCU and resurgent programs like UCLA and Notre Dame are making strong cases for deep tournament runs.
This week, several high-stakes matchups will impact conference standings and NCAA tournament seeding. From UCLA’s undefeated streak facing its toughest test yet to a crucial Big 12 clash between Kansas State and TCU, here’s what to watch:
Must-Watch Matchups
No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes (19–1) at No. 1 UCLA Bruins (20–0)
📅 Wednesday, 9:30 p.m. ET, Peacock
UCLA has dominated this season, winning every game by double digits except for one, and securing impressive victories over top-tier teams like South Carolina and Maryland. Player of the Year candidate Lauren Betts (21 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 3 BPG) has been a dominant force in the paint. However, Ohio State presents a well-balanced attack that could pose a challenge. If UCLA handles business this week, a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament seems inevitable.
No. 9 TCU Horned Frogs (20–2) at No. 11 Kansas State Wildcats (20–2)
📅 Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+
This matchup could determine the Big 12 champion. TCU, led by standout transfers Sedona Prince, Hailey Van Lith, and Madison Conner, has rapidly risen under second-year coach Mark Campbell. Kansas State, meanwhile, remains undefeated at home (14–0) and has the tools to make this a close battle.
No. 10 Duke Blue Devils (17–4) at No. 17 NC State Wolfpack (17–4)
📅 Monday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Duke has won seven of its last eight games thanks to a stifling defense that hasn’t allowed more than 60 points in 2025. But NC State’s backcourt duo of Zoe Brooks and Aziaha James has been on fire, combining for 30+ points in four of the last five games. A strong backcourt performance could be the key to breaking through Duke’s elite defense.
No. 12 Kentucky Wildcats (18–2) at No. 13 Oklahoma Sooners (16–5)
📅 Sunday, 4 p.m. ET, SEC Network
Oklahoma is one of the most unpredictable teams in the country, capable of both scoring and allowing 100 points in a game. Their recent 107–100 loss to LSU proves their volatility. The Sooners will rely on center Raegan Beers and guard Payton Verhulst to counter Kentucky’s disciplined defense. For the Wildcats, Virginia Tech transfer Georgia Amoore must regain her shooting touch (3-for-17 from three in the last three games) to keep up in what could be a high-scoring affair.
Other Games to Keep an Eye On
No. 6 UConn Huskies (20–2) vs. No. 18 Tennessee Volunteers (15–5) (Thursday, 6:30 p.m. ET, ESPN) – UConn is dominating the Big East, but Tennessee has played tough against SEC competition.
No. 3 Notre Dame (18–2) at Louisville (15–6) (Sunday, noon ET, ESPN2) – Notre Dame is on a 13-game win streak, but Louisville has won 9 of its last 10.
No. 4 USC (19–1) at Iowa (14–7) (Sunday, 1:30 p.m. ET, Fox) – JuJu Watkins and USC face an Iowa team desperate for a big win to stay in the tournament hunt.
Minnesota (18–4) at No. 1 UCLA (20–0) (Sunday, 3 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network) – UCLA’s first challenge of the week comes against a Minnesota team struggling in big games (0–4 against ranked opponents).
No. 23 Vanderbilt (18–4) at No. 5 Texas (21–2) (Thursday, 9 p.m. ET, SEC Network) – Freshman Mikayla Blakes just dropped 53 points, breaking a D-I freshman record. Can she do it again against Texas?
Analysis
This week’s slate of games will provide critical insights into conference races and NCAA tournament seeding. UCLA is at the center of the action, facing its toughest stretch yet, while TCU and Kansas State battle for Big 12 supremacy. Meanwhile, Duke’s defense faces a major test against NC State, and Oklahoma’s high-scoring attack clashes with Kentucky’s disciplined approach.
With March Madness approaching, every game matters more than ever, making this an essential week for college basketball fans.
