College basketball is constantly evolving. And while the regular season may not attract as many eyeballs as it used to, the popularization of college basketball betting has created a bottomless turnstile of new fans approaching the game for the first time.
For thousands of new or returning casual fans, there may be questions about the rules and variations in college basketball.
How Many Quarters Are There In College Basketball?
The answer here depends on whether or not you’re talking about men’s or women’s college basketball.
Women’s college basketball plays true four-quarter basketball, with each period lasting 10 minutes; men’s college basketball has two 20-minute halves instead of the traditional quarters setup.
Timing in Other Levels of Basketball Beyond College
Most college basketball levels outside of college – including high school leagues and the NBA – play quarters. The difference is generally in how long those quarters actually last.
For most high schools, quarters last eight minutes, or two minutes shorter than the college game.
For the NBA, quarters last 12 minutes, or two minutes longer than the college game.
How Long Does a College Basketball Game Last?
Regardless of whether it’s two, 20-minute halves or four, 10-minute quarters, a college basketball game usually runs about two hours of real time.
How To Bet on College Basketball Futures
College basketball betting doesn’t stop when the season ends. At BetMGM, you can bet on futures throughout the offseason!
After the national champion is crowned each April, the online sportsbook immediately releases odds for next year’s champion. And over the next six months before the season starts again, additional futures become available, including conference champion odds and awards.
Visit the sportsbook today to place your bet online
If you don’t have a sportsbook account, sign up for the BetMGM welcome bonus, one of many sportsbook offers at BetMGM.
