The Huskies were 5–22 overall in the regular season and 3–15 in conference play, ninth in the standings.[1] Although swept by Northwest rivals Oregon and Washington State, the Huskies' big win of the season was an upset of #12 Arizona,[2][3]
the Wildcats won the Pac-10 title and advanced to the Final Four. There was no conference tournament this season; last played in 1990, it resumed in 2002.
Bender was hired in April 1993; he was previously the head coach at Illinois State.[4][5]