The 18th-ranked University of Washington opens its season today at 1 p.m. with high expectations as McNeese State visits Hec Ed.

Against a non-conference opponent today it's not so much a stringent test of how good this team can be as an opportunity to see if the team can improve upon a potential vulnerability this season exposed (or confirmed, depending on one's perspective) against Saint Martin's: rebounding. Todd Dybas of the Seattle PI recounts last week's Saturday's game against Saint Martin's.

Huskies hoops: Time to open things up
The Huskies have depth, experience and ambition. Nice to have prior to the season. It will matter little if they do not start to rebound.

During last Saturday's exhibition, Washington was outrebounded by Div. II St. Martin's. It wasn't just battles lost in front of the rim, but long rebounds Washington was outsprinted to. That can't happen.

Two things to definitely look for today then: improved effort on the boards and more than two shots from guard Isaiah Thomas.

For more on the game, see the Sports Network preview.