A college basketball game typically lasts around 2 hours from start to finish, though the actual playing time is 40 minutes divided into two 20-minute halves.

The game consists of several key components:

Playing Time:

• Two 20-minute halves
• 40 minutes total playing time
• 15-minute halftime break

Additional Time Factors:

• Timeouts (each team gets multiple timeouts per game)
• Free throws
• Clock stoppages for fouls and out-of-bounds plays
• Potential overtime periods (5 minutes each)

Why Games Last Longer Than 40 Minutes:

• Game clock stops frequently during play
• Television timeouts (during broadcasted games)
• Official reviews of controversial plays
• Team timeouts and strategic breaks

Game Flow:

1. First half (20 minutes)
2. Halftime break (15 minutes)
3. Second half (20 minutes)
4. Overtime periods if needed (5 minutes each)

Unlike the NBA, which uses four 12-minute quarters, college basketball's two-half format creates a unique game rhythm and strategic approach. This structure is consistent across all NCAA divisions and remains the same for both regular season and tournament games.

Understanding the game duration helps fans plan their viewing time and allows players to properly prepare for the physical demands of competition. While the base playing time is 40 minutes, being prepared for a full 2-hour event ensures you won't miss any crucial moments of the game.

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