Explorers to play Canadian national champs

The La Salle men's basketball team will play two games against seven-time Canadian national champion Carleton University during an August trip.

The Explorers also will play the University of Ottawa and the Carleton alumni during the trip from Aug. 6 to 9. The Explorers will be able to practice 10 days before the trip.

"This is the perfect time for us to get extra teaching, practice and competition," La Salle coach John Giannini said in a statement. "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 has won seven Canadian national titles in the past 9 years and the Ravens often play American colleges during the preseason. In 2008, Carleton lost by one point to Kansas. La Salle last played Carleton in 2006, losing by one point in overtime.

Here is the schedule: Aug. 6, Carleton; Aug. 7, Ottawa; Aug. 8, Carleton alumni; Aug. 9, Carleton.