As part of my continued commitment to grow each year, I’m expanding my coverage this season with more written content.

Of course, I’ll remain just as active across my social platforms — now including Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook — while continuing to provide Bracketology insight and in-depth coverage of NKU Norse basketball.

This year, I’m adding game breakdowns for Xavier and Cincinnati, along with coverage of several other programs throughout the season. On a national scale, my goal is to deliver more analysis and context for fans following the broader college basketball landscape.

This new weekly series will serve as your daily viewing guide, spotlighting the biggest games each day and breaking down their implications for the season and NCAA Tournament picture.

📊 Methodology

Since we don’t yet have analytical data to produce official NET or quadrant rankings, I’ll be using KenPom.com’s rankings — the sport’s leading analytical source — to determine projected quadrant values.

Each game is assigned a Power Rating (1–5):

• 5️⃣ = Must-watch, national-impact matchup
• 4️⃣ = Strong game with potential postseason implications
• 3️⃣ = Notable matchup with mid-tier or conference stakes
• 2️⃣ = Worth monitoring for under-the-radar storylines
• 1️⃣ = Limited impact, but with a storyline or milestone worth noting

🗓 Monday, November 3rd, 2025

NKY will be on site for Xavier vs. Marist in Cincinnati to open the season!

5️⃣ Florida vs. Arizona — Las Vegas, TNT, 7:00 ET
The defending national champs tip off with a heavyweight bout against a top Big 12 contender. Expect this to stay Q1 for both teams all season.

1️⃣ New Haven @ UConn — ESPN+, 7:00 ET
Not a must-watch, but historic nonetheless — this is New Haven’s first-ever Division I game, taking place in Storrs.

3️⃣ Villanova vs. BYU — Las Vegas, TNT, 9:30 ET
The AJ Dybantsa era meets the Kevin Willard debut in a fascinating clash of styles. BYU should control this one, but it’s a solid early test for Nova. (Q1 for Nova, Q2 for BYU)

1️⃣ Winthrop vs. Queens — YouTube, 8:00 AM ET (Rock Hill, SC)
Shoutout to The Field of 68 for this innovative all-day event featuring hoops from dawn to dusk.

2️⃣ Bradley vs. St. Bonaventure — YouTube, 11:00 AM ET
& Omaha vs. Murray State — YouTube, 1:30 ET
Two solid early-season matchups featuring mid-majors capable of outperforming expectations.

3️⃣ MAC–SBC Challenge
Thirteen total games between these leagues — no at-large drama, but plenty of seeding impact for eventual conference champs.

3️⃣ St. Thomas (MN) @ Saint Mary’s — ESPN+, 10:00 PM ET
A sneaky-intriguing West Coast matchup. Saint Mary’s isn’t as hyped as usual, and St. Thomas could make a statement with a road Q2 win.

🗓 Tuesday, November 4th, 2025

4️⃣ Texas vs. Duke — Charlotte, ESPN, 8:45 ET
The clear Game of the Day. Duke’s highly touted freshman class — led by Cam Boozer — faces a reloaded Texas squad under a new coach. (Q1 for Texas; borderline Q1/Q2 for Duke)

2️⃣ Louisiana Tech @ Nevada — MWC, 10:00 ET
Love this scheduling choice. LA Tech provides a genuine early challenge for Nevada.

3️⃣ Long Beach State @ San Diego State — MWC, 10:00 ET
The Aztecs’ tradition of in-state matchups continues — always good for mid-major visibility.

3️⃣ Hawaii @ Oregon — BTN, 10:30 ET
Hawaii enters as a conference favorite per KenPom, making this a sneaky good early test for the Ducks.

🗓 Wednesday, November 5th, 2025

1️⃣ Mississippi University for Women @ Mississippi Valley State — 7:00 ET
Likely MVSU’s lone winnable contest — that alone earns it a mention.

3️⃣ Eastern Washington @ Loyola Marymount — Late Night
Neither will sniff the at-large line, but this has classic late-night hoops Sicko appeal.

🗓 Thursday, November 6th, 2025

NKY will be at Xavier vs. Le Moyne in Cincinnati!

1️⃣ Long Island @ IU Indy — ESPN+, 6:30 ET
An even lower-tier matchup that could swing either way — slight edge to LIU on the road.

5️⃣ Illinois State @ Ohio — ESPN+, 7:00 ET
An underrated mid-major battle that could have March implications.

4️⃣ Wright State @ California — ACCN, 10:00 ET
Cal should be careful — Wright State is one of the Horizon League’s top programs. Upset alert.

3️⃣ Omaha @ Abilene Christian — ESPN+, 8:00 ET
A gritty, evenly matched game for true college basketball diehards.

🗓 Friday, November 7th, 2025

NKY will be at Purdue vs. Oakland for an early look at the Boilermakers.

2️⃣ Oakland @ Purdue — Peacock, 7:00 ET
Oakland is a Horizon contender, but Purdue — ranked No. 1 nationally — should dominate. Still, it’s a great measuring stick for the Grizzlies.

4️⃣ Charleston @ Liberty — 6:00 ET
Arguably the best mid-major matchup of the entire season. Both programs are legitimate NCAA Tournament hopefuls, and this game could impact March seeding.

3️⃣ Georgetown @ Maryland — FS1, 6:00 ET
Both programs are retooling. Georgetown brings momentum from its exhibition upset of Kentucky, while Maryland seeks early chemistry at home.

5️⃣ Kansas @ UNC — ESPN, 7:00 ET
A massive early-season showdown between two blue bloods. Q1 for both.

1️⃣ FGCU @ Illinois — Peacock, 8:30 ET
Illinois should control the game, but FGCU could make it interesting in spurts.

5️⃣ VCU vs. Utah State — Frisco, TX, MWC, 8:00 ET
High-level neutral-site action between two at-large hopefuls. Q1/Q2 implications abound.

3️⃣ UAB @ NC State — ACCN, 9:00 ET
A good early gauge for the Wolfpack, with UAB posing a sneaky challenge.

4️⃣ McNeese @ Santa Clara — ESPN+, 10:00 ET
Two programs that could fall in the 12–13 seed range come March — this could matter when the committee meets.

🗓 Saturday, November 8th, 2025

5️⃣ Alabama @ St. John’s — FS1, Noon ET
A premier early-season showdown. Both teams have top-tier potential, and this is a Q1 opportunity for each.

3️⃣ Marshall @ Toledo — ESPN+, 2:00 ET
A classic Sun Belt vs. MAC tilt — expect an entertaining up-tempo contest.

4️⃣ Vanderbilt @ UCF — ESPN+, 4:00 ET
A November bubble battle — yes, already. Q1 for Vandy, Q2 for UCF.

4️⃣ Providence @ Virginia Tech — Peacock, 4:00 ET
Two underdog programs looking to make early noise. Q1 for Providence, Q2 for VT.

5️⃣ Arkansas @ Michigan State — FOX, 7:00 ET
Calipari vs. Izzo. Enough said. A heavyweight clash with long-term ramifications.

3️⃣ Chattanooga @ UC San Diego — MWC, 9:00 ET
A quality mid-major matchup that could play into postseason positioning.

4️⃣ Oklahoma @ Gonzaga — ESPN2/ESPN+, 10:30 ET
A statement opportunity for Oklahoma — competitive play in Spokane could move the needle. Q1 for OU; Q1/Q2 for Gonzaga depending on site classification.

💡 Final Thoughts

Opening week of college basketball is always chaotic — new faces, new coaches, and new storylines everywhere you look. Whether you’re locked in from the opening tip or easing into the season, there’s something here for every level of fan.

Welcome back. Let’s enjoy the ride.

Sansom Sports Media: One Fan’s Passion, Every Fan’s Place