Saturday, November 15th, 11:00 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Chiles Center (4,852) -- Portland, Oregon. Television: Local. Home Record: Washington 0-0, Portland 0-0. Away Record: Washington 0-0, Portland 0-0. Neutral Record: Washington 0-0, Portland 0-0. Conference Record: Washington 0-0, Portland 0-0. Series Record: Washington leads, 10-1.

GAME NOTES: For the first time since 2002, the Washington Huskies will open a new season on the road when they battle the University of Portland Pilots this evening at the Chiles Center. The Huskies struggled through the 2007-08 season, posting a lackluster 16-17 overall ledger, which included an equally weak 7-11 mark in Pac-10 action. It was the second straight sub par season for coach Lorenzo Romar's Huskies, but the team could be ready to make a huge turnaround this year. This Huskies' squad is young, but the team is filled with athletic players, which could make this a very exciting season. As for the Pilots, not much went right for them this past season as the team racked up just nine wins, including only three in West Coast Conference play. Things should be looking up this time around, as coach Eric Reveno returns four starters and strong group of reserve players. In terms of the all-time series between the two schools, the Huskies have won 10 of the 11 matchups, including five in a row.

The Huskies are primed to make a huge leap forward this season, and their surge begins tonight in Portland. The team possesses one of the top forwards in the Pac-10 in Jon Brockman. The 6-7 senior scored 17.8 ppg last season while ripping down 11.6 rpg, a major reason that the Huskies placed third in the league in rebounding margin. Brockman does struggle at the foul line, and even a marginal improvement at the charity stripe could make him a 20.0 ppg scorer. Quincy Pondexter will accompany Brockman in the paint, and while the forward has not enjoyed the same success, the junior has the potential to be a very dangerous player. If Pondexter can improve offensively, the Huskies will have a deadly duo in the paint. Justin Dentmon will be the leader in the backcourt, but the best option at the guard position could be freshman Isaiah Thomas. Only 5-8, Thomas is an offensively explosive guard, and will definitely make an impact this year.

After grabbing just nine wins this past season, the Pilots should easily improve this year with the return of four starters and some key role players. Nik Raivio is problem the most consistent player on the roster for Portland, and should be ready to lead this squad once again. The 6-4 guard, whose brother is former WCC Player of the Year Derek Raivio (2006), led the team with 12.6 ppg and he should only be better in his second stint with Portland in 2008-09. Junior college All-American T.J. Campbell should immediately contribute for Portland, giving the Pilots a tough backcourt duo. Robin Smeulders, a 6-9 forward, provided a spark off the bench last season, as he ranked second in scoring with 9.9 ppg. He should improve in most areas, as he will likely land in the starting lineup to open the year.

The Pilots should have a more successful season, but the Huskies are far too powerful in this matchup. The frontcourt presence and backcourt explosiveness make Washington a tough team is this contest..

Predicted Outcome

Washington 88, Portland 69