Three victories during Thanksgiving break allowed the WSU basketball team to jump to a No. 6 ranking in both the Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today Polls, the team’s highest ranking in program history.

But the Cougars have little time to bask in glory.

The team will receive its strongest test of the early season today against an undefeated Baylor (5-0) team at 6 p.m. in Waco, Texas.

“Any time you go on the road to a good team like that, they’re definitely going to put their best foot forward and try to come after us,” guard Derrick Low said. “We’ve got to be ready and play like a No. 6 team.” Baylor has distanced itself from a two-year probation for NCAA rule violations that began in the 2003-04 season, as well as forward Patrick Dennehy’s death in June 2003.

Following the violations, four players transferred.

However, the Bears stormed back last season, reaching the second round of the Big 12 Championship. The Bears led Texas by 18 points at halftime, but fell 74-69.

“They are up-and-coming,” head coach Tony Bennett said. “They were on probation for a few years and they really do a great job recruiting, and those kids are becoming upperclassmen.

"They are at a high level at 5-0.” The Bears return eight players from last season, including four guards, three of which started.

The team also added guard LaceDarius Dunn, the best recruit in program history.

Dunn is second in team scoring and third in rebounds as a true freshman. And last week Dunn was named the Phillips 66 Big 12 Conference Rookie of the Week for his 17-point performances in the Bears' last two victories.

Three Bears are averaging double figures, led by Curtis Jerrells’ 14 points per game and Dunn’s 12.4. The Bears also have three players averaging more than five rebounds a game.

The Bears have not played a ranked opponent, but defeated Notre Dame 68-64. The Fighting Irish are a team that reached the NCAA Tournament last season. And the Bears' undefeated start puts the team in the company of three top 10 teams in the Big 12.

“They feel very good about their ball club,” Bennett said. “I talked to a few people in their league about them, and [they] said from a talent standpoint they are one of the more talented teams.” The Cougars (6-0) could be in for a battle with all the experience and talent at the guard position.

“Their guards can shoot from deep,” Low said, “and they really spread you out, drive and kick it out and shoot threes.” Low said he participated in camps with guard Tweety Carter and knows how dangerous he can be.

“He is a good shooter and good point guard,” Low said. “If that is the kind of players they have then we need to be ready for that. We have to defend well and play our game.” Meanwhile, the Cougars won three games last week against Montana, Mississippi Valley State and Air Force.

However, the Cougars started slow against Montana and Air Force, trailing both at halftime. The Cougars have trailed at the half three times in six games.

“We haven’t started ball games very well and have dug some holes,” Bennett said. “We have to continue to address being right from the get go.” Low said some of the first-half problems stem from receiving the other team’s best effort in attempt of an upset.

“Teams now are circling Washington State on their calendars,” Low said. “They want to be prepared and want to come after us. We’re not used to that because we’ve never been the hunted before.” But the Cougars have taken care of business in the second half, outscoring their opponents 255-153.

“The experience of some of these players not getting rattled and being able to come back and continue to just play on is a big factor,” Bennett said.

Notes - The game will mark a homecoming for forward Robbie Cowgill, a native of Austin, Texas. Austin is located 102 miles south of Waco and Baylor University on Interstate 35.

-The game will be broadcast on ESPNU, marking the Cougars' first television appearance this season.