Huskies Face Bears: Baylor Road Test Preview

The Washington Huskies embark on their first true road challenge of the 2025-26 season, traveling to Waco, Texas to face the Baylor Bears on Sunday, November 9. This matchup pits two teams with contrasting styles but high aspirations against each other, with tip-off scheduled for 5:30 p.m. PT (8:30 p.m. ET) on ESPN.

Washington: Young Dawgs Seeking Early Statement

The Huskies (2-0) have shown impressive offensive firepower to start the season, scoring 80+ points in both games for the first time since 2016-17. Key contributors include:

Hannes Steinbach: The German freshman has been dominant, averaging 17 PPG and 11.5 RPG while becoming the first Husky freshman with a double-double since Isiah Stewart (2019-20).
JJ Mandaquit: Another freshman excelling, with 7.5 APG (5th in Big Ten) and 15 total assists (9th nationally).
Wesley Yates III: The transfer from USC provides scoring punch, matching Steinbach with 13 points against Denver.

Washington's controlled pace (214th in adjusted tempo) and deep rotation (seven players scored in double figures against Denver) have been strengths, but the competition level escalates significantly against Baylor.

Freshman Hannes Steinbach has been dominant for Washington with double-double performances. - Image from https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/washington-basketball-freshman-sensation-records-first-career-double-double-vs-denver/ar-AA1Q3FdM

Baylor: Athletic Bears Reload for Run

Under head coach Scott Drew, Baylor (1-0) enters with a completely revamped roster featuring 10 transfers and zero returning players from last season. Key additions include:

Tounde Yessoufou: Five-star prospect on the Julius Irving Award Watch List.
Michael Rataj: Karl Malone Award Watch List transfer from Oregon State.
Will Kuykendall: Power Five transfer from Arizona.

The Bears showed athleticism and fast-paced offense in their season-opening 96-81 win over UTRGV, allowing 81 points while shooting efficiently. However, depth remains a concern, with bench minutes at just 22.5% in that game.

Baylor's revamped roster under head coach Scott Drew looks to build on their 2021 championship foundation. - Image from https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/basketball/everything-baylor-coach-scott-drew-said-ahead-of-bears-opening-game-vs-utrgv/ar-AA1PFTrH

Betting Breakdown: High-Scoring Showdown Expected

Oddsmakers favor Baylor by 5.5 points with a moneyline of -238. The total sits at 153.5 points, with experts leaning toward the over:

"We expect the over to fall around 153. And anything less than 155, we will take the over." - Action Network

Key factors include:

Both teams' fast-paced offenses and defensive vulnerabilities
Washington's ability to control possession time (62nd in adjusted possession length)
Baylor's aggressive style leading to free-throw opportunities

Series History & Road Significance

Washington leads the all-time series 3-2, but Baylor won the most recent meeting (86-52 in 2019). This marks the Huskies' first visit to Waco since 2016-17 and a critical early-season test against a Power Five opponent.

How to Watch

TV: ESPN (Rich Hollenberg & Fran Fraschilla)
Radio: 950 KJR-AM (Tony Castricone & Jason Hamilton)
Live Stats: HuskyStats.com

This road trip represents a significant measuring stick for Mike Hopkins' young Huskies against a program with recent championship pedigree. With contrasting styles and high stakes, Sunday's clash promises to be an early-season highlight.