Bethune-Cookman @ Washington preview

Washington appears vastly improved under first-year coach Mike Hopkins and looks for its seventh victory in the past eight games when it hosts Bethune-Cookman on Tuesday. The Huskies' only loss during that stretch was to then-No. 13 Gonzaga and the victories include one over then No. 2-Kansas on Dec. 6.

Despite the improvement, Hopkins wasn't too thrilled after Sunday's 80-77 victory over Loyola Marymount as the contest was closer than expected. In fact, Washington trailed by three points with under 3 1/2 minutes remaining before using a 11-2 burst to take control. "We just can't keep putting ourselves in those situations," Hopkins said afterward. "There's so many times we get up seven or we make a great run and we just give it back." Bethune-Cookman is just 1-6 on the road, including Saturday's 81-74 setback at Kennesaw State.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network

ABOUT BETHUNE-COOKMAN (5-7): Junior forward Shawntrez Davis has recorded seven double-doubles this season after having 19 points and 10 rebounds in the loss to Kennesaw State. Davis ranks second on the Wildcats with a 14.4 average and leads the team in rebounding (nine per game) and blocked shots (20). Senior guard Brandon Tabb is averaging a team-best 19 points while junior swingman Isaiah Bailey (13.2) and junior guard Malik Maitland (12 per game) also average in double digits.

ABOUT WASHINGTON (8-3): Freshman guard Jaylen Nowell tallied 21 against Loyola Marymount for his fifth 20-point outing of the season while increasing his team-best average to 17.5. Junior forward Noah Dickerson added 20 points - his third game of 20 or more this season - and averages 16.5 points and a team-leading 8.2 rebounds. Junior guards David Crisp (12.5) and Matisse Thybulle (11.3 average to go with team-high outputs of 35 steals and 20 blocked shots) also score in double digits.

TIP-INS

1. Washington is 7-1 at home this season, the loss coming against Gonzaga (97-70).

2. Huskies sophomore F Sam Timmins (5.9 points, 5.5 rebounds) collected a season-best 11 rebounds against the Lions.

3. Bethune-Cookman has allowed 90 or more points on four occasions this season.

PREDICTION: Washington 97, Bethune-Cookman 76