By: Jim Williams – Capital Sports Network
Peacock has an exclusive slate of BIG EAST men’s basketball — featuring nearly 50 games throughout the season — tips off Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. ET as the No. 23 Creighton Bluejays host the South Dakota Coyotes live from CHI Health Center Omaha in Nebraska.
Creighton finished second in the BIG EAST last season with a 25–11 record, advancing to the Round of 32 in the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. They’re led by Owen Freeman, a transfer from Iowa and the 2024 Big Ten Freshman of the Year. South Dakota (19–14) placed fifth in the Summit League.
Calling the game: John Fanta (play-by-play) and Nick Bahe (analyst), a former Creighton captain.
College Countdown and Broadcast Team
Coverage begins at 7:30 p.m. ET with the College Countdown pregame show hosted by Ahmed Fareed, joined by analysts Jordan Cornette and Matt McCall.
UConn, Providence, and Big Ten Powerhouses Follow
NBC Sports’ BIG EAST coverage continues Friday with No. 4 UConn hosting UMass-Lowell at 7:30 p.m. ET. UConn is led by Solo Ball, Alex Karaban, and Tarris Reed Jr., all Preseason All-BIG EAST First Team selections. They reached the Round of 32 last season, falling to eventual champion Florida.
Donny Marshall, a two-time All-BIG EAST selection and former UConn guard, joins John Fanta on the call.
On Saturday, Providence hosts Virginia Tech at 4 p.m. ET, led by Preseason All-BIG EAST Second Team pick Jason Edwards.
Big Ten Tripleheader Headlines Friday Night
Peacock’s Big Ten schedule tips off Friday, Nov. 7, with a tripleheader:
- 6 p.m. ET: Northwestern vs. Boston University
- 7 p.m. ET: No. 1 Purdue vs. Oakland, featuring Braden Smith, Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year
- 8:30 p.m. ET: No. 17 Illinois vs. Florida Gulf Coast
Saturday’s action continues with Minnesota vs. Alcorn State at Noon ET.
College Countdown returns Friday at 5:30 p.m. ET, hosted by Jac Collinsworth with analysts Calbert Cheaney and Matt McCall. Cheaney, a 13-year NBA veteran and Indiana legend, makes his NBC Sports debut.
Full Peacock Broadcast Schedule
| Date | Time (ET) | Game | Commentators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weds., Nov. 5 | 8 p.m. | South Dakota vs. No. 23 Creighton | John Fanta, Nick Bahe |
| Fri., Nov. 7 | 6 p.m. | Boston University vs. Northwestern | Ed Cohen, Tre Demps |
| Fri., Nov. 7 | 7 p.m. | Oakland vs. No. 1 Purdue | Chris Vosters, Robbie Hummel |
| Fri., Nov. 7 | 7:30 p.m. | UMass-Lowell vs. No. 4 UConn | John Fanta, Donny Marshall |
| Fri., Nov. 7 | 8:30 p.m. | FGCU vs. No. 17 Illinois | Paul Burmeister, Nick Bahe |
| Sat., Nov. 8 | Noon | Alcorn State vs. Minnesota | Steve Schlanger, Jess Settles |
| Sat., Nov. 8 | 4 p.m. | Virginia Tech vs. Providence | John Fanta, Tim Welsh |
NBC Sports’ 2025–26 College Basketball Coverage
NBC Sports will air nearly 180 men’s and women’s games across the BIG EAST, Big Ten, and Big 12 this season.
