HELENA, Mont. -- A big road test awaits the Carroll College Fighting Saints men's basketball team.

The Saints head to Fullerton, California, to take on Hope International and Westmont of the Golden State Athletic Conference on Saturday and Monday. 

 "This will be a great road test for our young group as we are starting a five games in 13 days stretch," Saints coach Kurt Paulson said. "Both of these teams in California are capable of making the national tournament so these games are critical this early in the season. We are still developing our identity as a team and starting the season with so many road games will help us down the way in conference I am sure."

Through three games this season, Saints senior guard Dane Warp (21.7) and sophomore guard Jovan Sljivancanin (21.3) are both averaging over 20 points per game for the Saints. 

Alongside a smart-scoring offense, the Saints' early season defense has been a highlight. The Saints hold opponents to 59.7 points per game, the No. 5 mark in the NAIA. 

Hope went 19-11 a season ago, finishing sixth in the 10-team GSAC. The Royals (6-0) roll out three players averaging 10 or more points per game, led by Anthony Garcia's 14.8 points per game. Other scorers that produce for the Royals are Keith Hunter's 12.5 points per game and Josh Powell-Davis's 11.5 points per game. 

Westmont also stands 6-0 going into the weekend. The Warriors went 18-11 a season ago and finished fifth in the GSAC. Westmont features six scorers who average 10 or more points per game during their early preseason schedule. The team is led in scoring by Justin Bessard's 15.5 points per game. Cade Roth is close behind with 15.2 points per game.

Carroll will take on Hope on Saturday at 8 p.m. The game will be streamed: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/hiu/