Week ahead

WSU Cougars

Today: at Arizona, 5:30 p.m. (FSN)

Saturday: at Arizona State, 4 p.m. (FSN)

Outlook: The Cougars’ oft-repeated slow starts have become something of a concern to coach Tony Bennett, who has decided to make changes. There may be a season-first change in the starting lineup tonight. Arizona’s Wildcats have had a slow start to their season, with interim coach Kevin O’Neill taking over for Lute Olson. Arizona State, in its second year under Herb Sendek, is the surprise of the Pac-10.

Gonzaga Bulldogs

Saturday: at Memphis, 9 a.m. (ESPN)

Monday: vs. Portland, 5 p.m. (KHQ)

Outlook: No. 1 Memphis (17-0) has defeated GU the last two seasons – 78-77 in overtime at the Arena last year and 82-73 two years ago. The Tigers have depth, experience and talent. Junior forward Chris Douglas-Roberts averages 16.3 points and true freshman guard Derrick Rose is at 14.1 points and 4.3 assists. Only one of Tigers’ wins has been closer than 10 points (USC, 62-58).

EWU Eagles

Today: at Montana, 6:05 p.m.

Saturday: at Montana State, 6:05 p.m.

Outlook: The Montana Grizzlies present some major matchup problems on the front line, where they boast two of the conference’s top big men in 6-9 junior Jordan Hasquet and 6-8 senior Andrew Strait. Montana State is 8-1 at home and features the Big Sky’s top scorer in senior guard Carlos Taylor, who is averaging 19 points a game.

Idaho Vandals

Today: vs. San Jose State, 7:05 p.m.

Saturday: vs. Hawaii, 7:05 p.m.

Outlook: The Vandals beat these middle-of-the-pack conference opponents last year – Hawaii in conference play and San Jose State at the WAC tournament. Idaho coach George Pfeifer said the games are important in proving his team has made legitimate strides, especially considering the Vandals play five of their final eight WAC games on the road.