Mid‑Major Basketball Marathon Returns After Nine Years
The Field of 68 is bringing back its 24‑hour college basketball marathon for the first time since 2015, scheduling a slate of games from the night of November 1 through the morning of November 2. The marathon kicks off at midnight with a showdown between High Point and Liberty in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and will run through a series of six contests that stretch into the evening.
The expanded schedule begins with Appalachian State versus Merrimack at 6 a.m. Eastern, followed by a 3 a.m. clash that marks Matt Majkrzak’s debut as head coach of Northern Illinois against Grambling State. The night culminates with matchups such as UAB versus McNeese and Furman versus Bethune‑Cookman, each designed to showcase teams that rarely receive national airtime.
Organizers Jeff Goodman and Rob Dauster have faced a wave of criticism on social media for the early‑morning slots, yet they argue the marathon provides a vital platform for mid‑major programs to attract viewers and recruits. The initiative also disrupts the usual football‑dominated Sundays, turning them into marathon‑watching days for college‑basketball fans.
Beyond the novelty, the event taps into a broader narrative of early‑season storylines, from the defensive philosophies of Merrimack and Appalachian State to the dynamic style of Grambling State’s squad. Mentioned in the same breath are early‑season star players Jordan Watford and Larry Johnson, underscoring the marathon’s connection to the next generation of talent.