College basketball's opening week continues Saturday with a smaller but intriguing collection of games, highlighted by a regional rivalry in Washington and an important nonconference contest in Memphis. Maryland visits Georgetown at Capital One Arena, renewing a series with more than a century of history, while VCU travels to Memphis for a game featuring two programs with significant postseason ambitions.
The schedule also includes Morehead State visiting Louisville and Colgate facing Drexel, providing opportunities for programs from smaller conferences to compete against unfamiliar opponents. These early-season games can become important as teams attempt to establish their identities, develop rotations and build resumes before conference competition begins.
Friday produced several memorable results, including UConn's victory over Michigan and Saint Louis' win over Missouri. Saturday offers another opportunity for ambitious programs to make statements, even without the same number of nationally ranked teams taking the floor.
Maryland and Georgetown renew a historic regional rivalry
Maryland visits Georgetown at 7:30 p.m. ET, with the game available on Peacock and through the NBC Sports Network YouTube channel. The contest represents the 69th meeting between the programs, with Maryland holding a 38–30 advantage in the all-time series. Georgetown won last season's meeting 70–60 in College Park, giving the Hoyas an opportunity to pursue consecutive victories against their regional rival.
The game also features an interesting coaching comparison between Georgetown's Ed Cooley and Maryland's Buzz Williams. Both programs are attempting to build momentum after difficult stretches, and a rivalry victory could provide an important early confidence boost. Maryland opened its season with a 96–67 victory over Bucknell, while Georgetown defeated Loyola Maryland 80–58.
VCU and Memphis provide another important early test
Memphis hosts VCU at 3 p.m. ET at FedExForum, creating one of Saturday's more intriguing games between programs outside the Power Four conferences. The Tigers opened their season with an 80–76 victory over No. 18 Iowa State, immediately generating momentum before returning home. Memphis has also won 24 consecutive home openers and will attempt to extend that streak against the Rams.
VCU enters the game with an opportunity to collect a valuable nonconference victory against a Memphis program with NCAA Tournament expectations. The teams have played several competitive games in recent seasons, including an 85–80 overtime victory by Memphis in December 2023. Saturday's contest should provide useful information about both programs' early-season development.
Louisville and Drexel welcome interesting opponents
Louisville hosts Morehead State at noon ET, with the game streaming on ACC Network Extra. The Cardinals opened their season with an 84–70 victory over Chattanooga, while Morehead State recovered from a season-opening loss to Western Kentucky by defeating Virginia-Lynchburg. Louisville enters with the expected talent advantage, but the matchup provides another opportunity to develop its rotation before a more demanding stretch of nonconference games.
Drexel welcomes Colgate at 2 p.m. ET on FloCollege, giving the Dragons their home opener after a difficult 89–60 loss at Virginia. Colgate represents an interesting opponent because of its recent history of competing for Patriot League championships. The game provides Drexel with an opportunity to establish confidence at home while Colgate attempts to secure an early road victory.
Selected Saturday men's college basketball schedule
All times Eastern.
The selected schedule includes confirmed Division I games but does not represent every contest taking place Saturday. Additional games include Pacific at Bradley and Northwestern State at Murray State, both listed for 8 p.m. ET, as well as Sacramento State at Santa Clara at 10 p.m. ET. Fans should consult official school schedules for the latest streaming information and any changes to tipoff times.
Saturday's results could matter well beyond November
The opening week is often treated as an opportunity for teams to establish rhythm, but meaningful results can influence how programs are evaluated throughout the season. A victory over a respected opponent can strengthen a postseason résumé, while a disappointing performance can expose weaknesses that require attention before conference play.
Maryland and Georgetown will compete for regional bragging rights, while Memphis and VCU have an opportunity to demonstrate that their postseason ambitions are justified. Louisville and Drexel will attempt to take another step forward against opponents with their own expectations.
Saturday might not feature the same national spotlight as Friday's championship rematch, but the games still offer plenty of opportunities for memorable performances and early-season surprises.
GameTimeTV or streamingMorehead State at LouisvilleNoonACC Network ExtraColgate at Drexel2 p.m.FloCollegeVCU at Memphis3 p.m.Memphis official game coverageMaryland at Georgetown7:30 p.m.Peacock / NBC Sports Network YouTube
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