The interest in women’s college basketball has noticeably increased lately, making it more accessible for fans. Regardless of whether you’re using cable, a mix of streaming services, or a digital antenna, you can catch some great games this week.
ESPN is set to showcase over 240 games on its main network this season, in addition to around 3,000 more on ESPN+. Other networks are getting in on the action too. For instance, UConn will have broadcasts on FS1, FOX, and truTV. ACC games are also scheduled to air on The CW, and there will be Big Ten and Big East matchups featuring the Peacocks. CBS Sports Network will present several games, like the December clash between Davidson and North Carolina State.
This season, Carla Lawson’s Duke Blue Devils and Geno Auriemma’s Huskies are both positioned to be featured in 24 nationally televised games. South Carolina follows closely with 23, while North Carolina has 22, and UCLA and Iowa have 20 each.
If you’re looking for some intriguing matchups during the season’s opening week, here’s a breakdown.
A game that could shake up the Associated Press Top 25 poll: No. 8 Tennessee vs. No. 9 North Carolina State.
Tuesday, November 4th — ESPN2 4pm ET
This matchup is the only one featuring two teams ranked in the AP Top 10, and it will take place at a neutral location in Greensboro, North Carolina. This really sets the stage for both teams. North Carolina State needs to adapt after losing two first-round WNBA draft picks, so they’ll be looking to Zoe Brooks, Tilda Trigger, and Vanderbilt transfer Camille Pierre to step up. On the other hand, with the recent firing of Ruby Whitehorn, Coach Kim Caldwell’s Tennessee squad is left with just two starters from last year’s Sweet 16 team, and they’ll be leaning on transfers and promising freshmen. Interestingly, in her last two games with the Lady Vols, Pierre averaged impressive stats—18.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game.
We have a lot to learn about these two teams: No. 7 Duke vs. No. 16 Baylor.
Monday, November 3 — ESPN 12pm ET
The Blue Devils will face the Lady Bears in Paris, providing an exciting opportunity to gauge both teams. Duke, under Carla Lawson, is considered a top contender for the ACC after winning the conference tournament and reaching the Elite Eight last year. They bring back four starters along with ACC Rookie of the Year Toby Fournier and have signed Emily Skinner, who is highly rated. Meanwhile, Baylor is in coach Nikki Collen’s fifth season and returns standout player Dariana Littlepage-Buggs, who has consistently delivered double-doubles, along with Auburn transfers Yuting Deng and Talia Scott.
Matchup featuring box-office players: Cal vs. No. 19 Vanderbilt.
Monday, November 3 — 2:30pm ET on ESPNU
In another Paris matchup, the California Golden Bears will take on Vanderbilt Commodores, both of whom made it to the NCAA Tournament last season. Eyes will be on sophomore guard Mikayla Blakes, who last season earned the USBWA’s Tamika Catchings Award as the top freshman. She averaged 23.3 points per game, placing her eighth nationally. With Pierre moving on, she might need to ramp up her scoring even more this season. This game could mark an exciting start to her sophomore year.
Great mid-major matchup worth watching: William & Mary at Davidson
Thursday, November 6th — ESPN+ 7pm ET
Last season, Erin Dickerson-Davis led the Tribe to its first-ever March Madness appearance, while Gail Foulkes steered the Wildcats to a program-record 13 wins in A-10 play. This year, Davidson is hoping to reach the NCAA Tournament with the help of Australians Sharice Dunn and Katie Donovan. They’ll face another mid-major participant from last season, Florida Gulf Coast, right after this game.
Game of the Week: No. 5 LSU at Georgia Southern.
Sunday, November 9th — ESPN+ 2pm ET
While this may not be the most competitive game, it’ll be interesting to see how Kim Mulkey utilizes her new transfers—Milesia Fulwilly, Kate Koval, and Amiya Joyner. Also, it’s a chance to see Frau J. Johnson play close to his hometown of Savannah, Georgia.
Oklahoma No. 6 Belmont: Monday, November 3 — 5:30pm ET on SEC Network+
No. 20 Louisville vs. No. 1 UConn (Annapolis): Tuesday, Nov. 4 — ESPN 5:30 p.m. ET
No. 24 Richmond vs. No. 4 Texas: Friday, November 7th — 8pm ET on SEC Network+
Kansas State University SMU: Saturday, November 8th — 5pm ET on ACC Network Extra
No. 18 USC vs. No. 9 North Carolina State University (Charlotte): Sunday, November 9th — ESPN 3pm ET
