The Cougar men’s basketball team travels to Seattle this Saturday for a showdown with its cross-state rival, the Washington Huskies.

The Huskies, the preseason favorite to win the Pac-10 conference, have been a bit of a disappointment with a 13-7 overall record and an eighth-place standing in the Pac-10 conference with a 3-5 mark.

The Huskies are one game behind the Cougars, who have a seventh-place standing with a 4-4 record and are 14-6 overall.

Washington is led by senior forward Quincy Pondexter, who has sky rocketed up countless NBA mock drafts during the past 12 months. The Fresno, Calif., native is averaging 19.9 points and eight rebounds per game to lead the team in both categories.

Not too far behind is sophomore sensation Isaiah Thomas, who is averaging 17.6 points per game and is connecting on 40 percent of his three-point attempts.

Combined with junior guard Venoy Overton, the Husky backcourt has provided challenges to opposing offenses and defenses throughout the season.

“They’re quick, aggressive and good,” WSU Head Coach Ken Bone said referring to Thomas and Overton.

During his teleconference on Tuesday morning, Bone expressed concern about the team’s ability to drive to the hoop and earn trips to the foul line. In fact, not executing in this fashion proved to be costly in the team's 74-62 loss to UCLA.

“We need to move the ball and get open off screens,” Bone said. “We need to try and keep their defense moving better than we have as of late.” The Huskies are coming off a blowout victory against Seattle University where they routed the Redhawks, 123-76.

Meanwhile, WSU's only game this week will be the showdown with UW, which Bone said gives the team time to iron out some problems.

“We’re trying to clean a lot of things up,” Bone said. “That’s the beauty of a week when you’re playing your travel partner.” With the team only playing one game this week, Bone compared it to receiving a football bye week and said it was a benefit for his young team.

“Mentally and physically, it's good for us to have some time off,” he said. “It's been a great team to coach. Our staff appreciates the attitude they've had.” After dropping two games last week at USC and UCLA, the Huskies are 0-6 on the road. However, when the team plays at Seattle’s Bank of America Arena, the Huskies hold a 13-1 mark.

Bone said he is aware of how dangerous the Huskies are in front of their home fans.

“My concern is that they’re very, very good at home,” Bone said.

Before 2009, the Cougars had dominated the Huskies in the rivalry by winning the previous seven games. However, the Huskies quickly took back the momentum last season by beating the Cougars 68-48 in Pullman and 67-60 in Seattle.

The contest will be WSU’s third straight road game. Tip-off is scheduled for 12:30 p.m and will be televised live by Fox Sports Net.