In the season opener for both teams, Washington defeated UC Davis 79-73, marking the debut of head coach Danny Sprinkle. Great Osobor led the Huskies with 15 points and 17 rebounds, while Mekhi Mason and other reserves contributed to the win. UC Davis's TY Johnson scored a career-high 35 points but could not secure the victory for the Aggies, who had briefly led in the second half. Sprinkle, who transformed 77% of the roster, aims to revitalize the program after a disappointing previous season. The Huskies, who finished 17-15 last year, plan to improve upon their preseason ranking tied for last in the conference. UC Davis, coming off a strong season with a 20-13 record, was predicted to finish fifth in the Big West this year.