Part of the beauty of the Pac-10 schedule is the chance to play each team twice. For the Washington basketball team, that means another chance at a victory over California (12-10 overall, 4-6 Pac-10).

When the Huskies (14-8 overall, 4-7 Pac-10) take on Cal tonight at Hec Edmundson Pavilion, they will try and avenge an overtime loss to the Bears on Jan. 13.

While Washington did have a chance to win that game on a pair of Justin Dentmon free throws at the end of regulation, it was a lack of effort that spelled defeat for a team that has struggled on the road all season.

"Eighteen second-chance points," said coach Lorenzo Romar. "They out-scrapped us and that was the difference in the game."

In addition to the second-chance points, the Bears out-rebounded Washington 47-36.

On the season, the Huskies have a plus 3.3 rebounding margin, but that game marked the first time they had been out-rebounded all season.

Romar attributes his team's ability to rebound to the work his assistant coach Jim Shaw does to instill team pride in that aspect — and also to forward Jon Brockman.

Brockman is second in the Pac-10 in rebounding, averaging 9.3 per game, 3.45 of those coming on the offensive glass. With his activity on the boards, Brockman has become the leading scorer for Washington, averaging 14.5 points per game.

On defense, his task will be to shut down one of the surprise freshmen in the conference, Ryan Anderson. Anderson — averaging 16 points and 7.3 rebounds per game — was a thorn in the side of the Huskies the last time these two teams played.

"He didn't even shoot the ball that well," Brockman said. "But he's a hustle dude. He's always on the glass. He's a big part of what holds that team together."

Anderson has eased the sting of losing both Jordan Wilkes and DeVon Hardin for the majority of the season.

The injury bug looks to have moved on from the Huskies, and the majority of the team is fully healthy. That includes Spencer Hawes, who finally appears to be coming back to 100 percent.

"It's part of the game, unfortunately," Romar said. "At any time injury or illness can come up and bite you. Spencer Hawes healthy is one of the top big men in the country. He is heading in that direction and is on his way back."

It has been seven games since he last started, but the coaches have been pleasantly surprised by the way Artem Wallace has moved in and started being more assertive.

"Artem Wallace has proven that he belongs in the rotation," Romar said. "I think that's the silver lining in this."

One player who will not be returning this season to try and help the Huskies is junior Joel Smith. Romar announced yesterday that the guard will be redshirting after spending the majority of the year unable to play due to a broken foot.

"You always want guys to come back from something like that," Romar said. "But with just seven Pac-10 games, a non-conference game and the [Pac-10] Tournament — nine games at the minimum — it isn't worth it at some point."

It was hoped that Smith could help bolster a team that is struggling with depth and also add some experience, but now he will have to wait until next year.

Reach reporter Justin Chartrey at sports@thedaily.washington.edu.