sportingnews
A marquee college basketball battle is set for Sunday in Washington, D.C., as No. 9 Virginia squares off against No. 12 Arkansas at Capital One Arena. The non-conference matchup will be televised nationally on ESPN, with tipoff scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.
For those looking to stream the action, Fubo and DIRECTV both offer free trials for new subscribers, and the game is also available on the ESPN app. Fubo provides access to ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and more than 100 top channels without a cable subscription (participating plans only; taxes and fees may apply).
Virginia enters the season with high expectations, projected to finish second in the ACC behind Duke. Head coach Ryan Odom’s roster is loaded with talent, including preseason ACC Player of the Year Thijs De Ridder and key returners Chance Mallory and Sam Lewis.
Arkansas, under head coach John Calipari, boasts the nation’s top recruiting class, led by star freshman guard Jordan Smith Jr. The Razorbacks have already notched wins over Gonzaga, Memphis, and Arkansas-Pine Bluff, but Sunday’s game will serve as the first true test for this young squad.
Key Analysis
This matchup offers a fascinating contrast between Virginia’s experienced, battle-tested core and Arkansas’s fresh-faced, highly touted newcomers. The Cavaliers’ veteran leadership, spearheaded by De Ridder, will challenge the Razorbacks’ youthful exuberance and raw talent. With both teams eager to make an early statement, the game could hinge on how quickly Arkansas adjusts to high-major competition and whether Virginia’s seasoned lineup can capitalize on its experience.
For radio listeners, the game is available nationwide on the SiriusXM app, or on channel 167 (Virginia broadcast) and 256 (Arkansas broadcast). The SiriusXM Sports Pass offers live play-by-play of NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, college football and basketball, PGA Tour, NASCAR, and more, with the first month free and then $5 per month or $49 for a year.
Following Sunday’s contest, Virginia will host Bucknell on Nov. 10 at 10 p.m. ET, visit Maryland on Nov. 13 at 8 p.m. ET, welcome Old Dominion on Nov. 17 at 9 p.m. ET, and face Loyola Maryland on Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. ET. Arkansas will return home to play Robert Morris on Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. ET, host Central Arkansas on Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. ET, meet Indiana at a neutral site on Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m. ET, and take on Mississippi Valley State on Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. ET.
Originally reported by sportingnews.