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HELENA, Mont. – The Carroll College men's basketball travels to Southern California for games against Bethesda and Biola Friday and Saturday.

The No. 16 Saints missed out on an opportunity to play a home game against MSU Billings Wednesday because MSUB was unable to make the trip but they travel to face two programs on different trajectories so far this season.

Bethesda, an NCCAA school, comes into the game with an 1-8 record. The Flames lone win came over Cal Lutheran, but they have played a brutal schedule, all on the road, against a mix of NCAA DI, DII and NAIA schools from the powerhouse Golden State Athletic Conference.

Junior forward Geric Leath leads the Bethesda with 15.5 points per game. As a team, the Flames average 40.8 percent from the field while opponents are shooting a blistering 48.6 from the field. Bethesda also has been out rebounded 31.4 to 38.8 per game.

Biola, in contrast, enters the week with a 12-1 record and received votes in the latest NAIA Coaches Poll. Their latest win, on Dec. 12, came against No. 4 Arizona Christian.

Veteran head coach Dave Holmquist earned his 900th career win on Nov. 25 over Bethesda.

The Saints enter the contest on a four-game win streak after a dramatic 64-63 win over Montana Western on a buzzer-beater by Zachary Taylor. 

The Saints are ranked for the first time since 2011 and the first time under third-year head coach coach Carson Cunningham.

"A focus now is to continue to improve amidst our win streak, to continue to improve while getting a lot of pats on the back," Cunningham said. "I think the guys are excited to see just how far we can expand our collective talents."

Cunningham is excited for the opportunity for true road games to continue building on the early season success in tough environments.
 
"We're excited to play two road games in Southern California," Cunningham said. "Testing ourselves in tough environments presents us with a great opportunity to rise to challenges and expand our capabilities. Plus it's warm there. So there's that, too."

The Saints and Flames take the court at the American Sports Center at 6 p.m. MST, Friday. Carroll takes on Biola at Chase Gymnasium at 6 p.m. MST, Saturday.

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