PHILADELPHIA – The La Salle men’s basketball team will open its season with an exhibition contest on Friday evening against seven-time Canadian national champion Carleton University at 7 PM. Live statistics and streaming audio will be available.
“This is an outstanding exhibition game for us because we are playing a Division I quality opponent,” head coach Dr. John Giannini said. “It will be a great challenge for us and excellent preparation for the regular season.”
Carleton played nine Division I opponents during the late-summer. The Ravens posted two impressive wins over Atlantic 10 rival Saint Louis, including one by 24 points. Carleton also defeated defending Big West champion UC Santa Barbara by 10 points and Niagara by 30 points.
La Salle defeated Carlton, 66-64, on its Canadian trip in August but the Ravens were playing without the reigning national player of the year, Tyson Hinz. Senior Earl Pettis had 18 points, while sophomore Sam Mills scored 17 for the Explorers in that contest.
The Blue and Gold will also rely on sophomore Tyreek Duren, a member of the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie team a year ago, and junior transfer Ramon Galloway (South Carolina) in the backcourt this season.
Junior Taylor Dunn and freshmen D.J. Peterson and Rohan Brown will also see minutes in a crowded backcourt.
Senior Devon White and preseason Atlantic 10 All-Rookie pick Jerrell Wright look to man the paint, with freshmen Matt Lopez and Steve Zack combining to provide nearly 14 feet of shot blocking ability.
Carleton went 22-0 in the regular season with an average margin of victory of over 30 points. The Ravens were led by Hinz 17.7 points per game average a year ago.
Carleton will remain in Philadelphia for an exhibition game on Saturday with Penn at 4:30 PM.
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