Going to help cover the UW men against 12th-ranked Pitt Saturday and looking forward to it.

Sooner or later, Washington has to get a quality win to help the ever-important RPI to get into the NCAA Tournament. The Huskies have played a really good, tough non-conference schedule so far, with Texas A&M, Syracuse and Oklahoma State. But it doesn’t do them a lot of good if they don’t beat someone of that ilk.

Playing at home will help. The Huskies weren’t a great road team last year and are showing the same type of struggles so far. I don’t like to do this, but I questioned the team’s toughness last year and am leaning toward that this year. The exception, of course, is Jon Brockman, who brings it every game. But more guys have to develop mental toughness before they start winning on the road. They’re young, but they can develop it. It’s up to them.

They’ll get help Saturday for the first time this year from Ryan Appleby, coming back from a fractured thumb. He doesn’t look it, but he’s a pretty tough guy as well. He’s such a great perimeter shooter that he doesn’t get nearly the credit he deserves for his on-ball defense, which is something Washington desperately needs right now.

I love it that two Snohomish County guys play such crucial roles on this team. Doesn’t hurt that they’re two very good people as well. Great, great kids.

A home game against a ranked opponent. I haven’t checked, but I’ll assume it’ll be a full house or close to it. I love that place when it’s full and fans are into it.

Ahhhh, college hoops. Long overdue in my book.