A severe winter storm barreling from New Mexico to the Carolinas has prompted widespread adjustments to this weekend's college basketball schedule. Multiple top-25 matchups, particularly in the South and Southeast, have been moved earlier to preempt icy conditions, with no cancellations reported yet. At least 22 ranked teams face changes as universities prioritize safety amid travel disruptions.
The winter storm, expected to deliver snow and ice across much of the United States this weekend, is significantly altering the men's and women's college basketball landscapes. Universities in regions less accustomed to harsh winter weather, such as the Southeast, are taking proactive measures to ensure games proceed before conditions deteriorate.
Among the top-25 men's games affected, Wake Forest's visit to No. 5 Duke shifts from 5:45 p.m. to noon on The CW Network. No. 22 North Carolina at No. 14 Virginia moves from 2 p.m. to noon on ESPN2, while No. 15 Vanderbilt at Mississippi State advances from 6 p.m. to noon on SECN+. No. 6 Houston's matchup at No. 12 Texas Tech relocates from 6:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. on ESPN. Other adjustments include Virginia Tech at No. 23 Louisville, now at 2:15 p.m. on The CW, and LSU at No. 20 Arkansas, rescheduled from 8:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the SEC Network.
Women's games are also impacted. The University of Virginia's contest against NC State, originally set for Sunday, January 25 at noon, moves to Saturday, January 24 at 3 p.m. at John Paul Jones Arena, streaming on ACC Network Extra. NC State confirmed the change, noting no postgame press conference. Xavier's men's game versus St. John's advances from 2:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Cintas Center, with doors opening at noon; the women's tipoff against Georgetown shifts to 9:30 a.m. Iowa State at Oklahoma State men's basketball starts at 2 p.m. on Peacock and NBC Sports Network. Syracuse women's game at North Carolina moves from Sunday to noon.
Texas women's basketball at Arkansas is postponed from Sunday, January 25, to February 19. However, No. 2 South Carolina's game against No. 4 Vanderbilt remains scheduled for Sunday. Officials urge fans to exercise caution with travel and parking amid potential delays.
