Thursday Watchlist: November 12, 2026

Welcome to the Thursday watchlist!

We're breaking down the top matchups of the day, every day.

Before we dive in, here are yesterday's top performances and today's watchability index.

Click on each projected score to get the full game preview in the Basket Under Review app.

*KenPom spread is referenced in the article

George Mason vs. UMKC

St. Petersburg, FL | 3:00 PM ET | YouTube

The Kangaroos of Kansas City got the Showdown in St. Pete off to a rousing start, destroying Florida A&M in a nowhere-near-that-close 87-65 victory. That means Kansas City has the dueling narratives here on Thursday: on one hand, the ‘Roos have to play a back-to-back against a better opponent. On the other, though, they got a feel for the gym/baskets and could glean a slight edge from that

They will need every bit of shooting help they can get, because George Mason’s defense simply does not allow easy baskets. Through two games (against majorly inferior competition, notably), GMU is allowing the longest average 2P attempt distance in the country, per KenPom. You have to make jump shots to beat the Patriots, especially with multiple shot blockers lurking around the rim.

GMU’s two opponents shot 35.6% from inside the arc, a number that ties right in with Tony Skinn’s historical defenses. Last year’s unit took a dip, but the 2023-24 and 2024-25 Patriots ranked 12^th and 7^th in 2P% allowed nationally, per KenPom. The Patriots take away transition and force you to beat them from the perimeter.