If you're asking what time is the texas tech game, you've probably already felt the buzz in Lubbock today. It’s not just another Saturday. The vibe on Broadway and around the United Supermarkets Arena is electric, and for good reason. No. 15 Texas Tech is hosting No. 11 BYU, and this isn't just a mid-January conference tilt. It’s a heavyweight fight for Big 12 supremacy.
Honestly, being a Red Raider fan right now is a wild ride. We just saw the football team tear through a 12-win season and a conference title, and now Grant McCasland has the basketball squad playing some of the grittiest, most efficient hoops in the country. If you're looking for the quick answer: The Texas Tech vs. BYU game tips off at 7:00 PM CT tonight, Saturday, January 17, 2026.
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Finding the Game: TV and Streaming Info
Knowing the time is only half the battle. You actually have to find the broadcast, which can sometimes feel like a scavenger hunt with all the different streaming tiers these days.
Tonight’s matchup is being carried on ESPN+.
Yeah, I know. Some people still prefer the old-school linear channels like ESPN or ESPN2, but the Big 12’s deal with Disney means a lot of these high-stakes games live on the streaming side. If you’re heading to the "USA" in person, you’re lucky—the game is officially a sell-out. For those of us watching from the couch, make sure your subscription is active before the 7:00 PM tip-off so you don't miss the intros.
The Schedule This Week
If you're planning your week around the Red Raiders, here is how the next few days look:
- Tonight: vs. BYU, 7:00 PM CT (Home)
- Tuesday, Jan 20: at Baylor, 8:00 PM CT (Away)
- Saturday, Jan 24: vs. Houston, 5:30 PM CT (Home)
Notice a pattern? The Big 12 is a gauntlet. You basically have zero "easy" nights.
Why This Game is Massive (The JT Toppin Factor)
Let’s talk about why you should care about the what time is the texas tech game beyond just the logistics. Texas Tech is 13-4 overall and 3-1 in the conference. They are coming off a dominant 88-74 win over Utah where JT Toppin basically looked like a man among boys.
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Toppin is a monster. He put up 31 points and 13 boards against the Utes. There’s a reason he’s being talked about as a potential Big 12 Player of the Year. But BYU is a different animal. The Cougars are sitting at 16-1 and are currently undefeated in conference play. They play fast. They shoot a lot of threes. They transition better than almost anyone in the country.
If Tech can't slow down Robert Wright III and AJ Dybantsa, it’s going to be a long night. Dybantsa is a projected top-tier NBA pick for a reason—he's averaging over 23 points a game and can score from basically anywhere on the floor.
The Lubbock Home Court Advantage
Lubbock is a hard place to play. Period.
The fans are right on top of you. It’s loud. It’s relentless. Coach McCasland has really leaned into that "tougher than you" identity that fits West Texas so well. The defense is disciplined, but they also have enough offensive firepower this year with sophomore Christian Anderson to actually pull away from teams. Anderson had 26 points and 10 assists on Wednesday. That kind of guard play is what wins games in March.
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It’s also worth mentioning the "NIL era" impact here. We’ve all heard the stories about Cody Campbell and the Matador Club. They’ve invested heavily in keeping guys like Toppin in Lubbock. It’s changed the landscape. Tech isn't just a "scrappy underdog" anymore. They are a powerhouse that expects to win.
Practical Tips for Game Day
If you're heading to the United Supermarkets Arena tonight, here’s a bit of "pro-level" advice.
- Parking is a beast. Since it’s a sell-out against a top-15 opponent, get there early. Satellite parking is available, but if you aren't in your spot by 6:15 PM, you’re going to be walking a long way.
- The Clear Bag Policy. It’s still in effect. Don't be that person who gets turned away at the gate because your purse is three inches too wide.
- Radio Backup. If you're stuck in traffic, tune into 97.3 FM. The local broadcast team is top-tier and gives you a much better feel for the atmosphere than the national guys sometimes do.
What’s Next After BYU?
The result of tonight's game will likely shift the AP Poll significantly on Monday. A win probably pushes Tech into the top 12. A loss? Well, it’s the Big 12—you just pick yourself up and go to Waco on Tuesday.
Keep an eye on the injury report, too. While the starters are healthy, the bench depth has been tested lately. We need Marial Akuentok and Luke Bamgboye to give solid minutes to keep Toppin fresh for the final ten minutes of the second half.
Basically, set your alarms for 7:00 PM. This is going to be a classic.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your ESPN+ login: Do it now, not at 6:59 PM.
- Review the standings: Look at the Big 12 table to see how a win tonight shifts the race for a double-bye in the conference tournament.
- Monitor social media: Follow the official Texas Tech Men's Basketball account on X (formerly Twitter) for any last-minute tip-time adjustments or jersey reveal news.
The road to the Final Four in Indianapolis starts with these cold January nights in Lubbock. Wreck 'Em.