PHILADELPHIA – The La Salle men's basketball team will play two contests against seven-time Canadian National Champion Carleton University during its August foreign tour to Ottawa, head coach Dr. John Giannini announced today. The Explorers will also take on the University of Ottawa and a team of Carleton alumni in the four-game northern swing from August 6-9.

“This is the perfect time for us to get extra teaching, practice and competition,” Giannini said. “We have three freshmen who will greatly benefit from the experience. It is equally important for the new core group of players to develop winning chemistry and we are counting on new leaders to emerge. This experience will help us progress in the critical areas of experience, chemistry and leadership.”

Carleton won its seventh Canadian national championship in the past nine years this past season and regularly plays, and defeats, NCAA Division I teams in preseason action. In 2008, the Ravens dropped a one-point game to Kansas, which went on to reach the Sweet 16. That season, Carleton defeated Northeastern, South Alabama and Buffalo in exhibition tilts.

La Salle lost a one-point overtime game against Carleton in 2006. The night before Carleton lost a one-point overtime game against Louisville.

“The Carleton program and its alumni teams have defeated Division I opponents and have taken elite teams to the last possession,” Giannini said. “We are very excited about this opportunity as excellent preparation for the upcoming season.”

La Salle is also able to practice on campus for 10 days leading up to the trip, allowing Giannini and his staff to work with their team prior to the fall semester.

2011 Canada Tour Schedule

August 6               vs. Carleton                        

August 7               vs. Ottawa          

August 8               vs. Carleton Alumni         

August 9               vs. Carleton