Many college basketball teams will feast on cupcakes during their non-conference schedule.

The Carroll College men's basketball team is having a little meat in its diet this weekend at the Kiwanis Carroll Classic.

The Saints, who are ranked No. 32, in the first NAIA poll of the season, will take on a toughy Friday night in Point Loma Nazarene, Calif. The Sea Lions are ranked No. 11 in the pre-season NAIA poll.

"Clearly they are one of the best teams that will be in our gym this year," said Carroll College coach Gary Turcott.

The Sea Lions have one of the best post players in the country in Tim Kruge as well as two Division I transfers on its roster in Craig Austin, who suited up for Arizona State, and Eli Davis, who played for Southern Utah.

Point Loma handed Carroll College a rare loss last season when the Saints traveled to San Diego.

That was a homecoming contest for the Sea Lions and the game was played in front of a packed house of 6,000 fans.

There will be plenty of local fans on hand Friday as well, partially due to the quality of the opponent.

"There is a lot of interest in bringing in a quality team and it is not that easy to do," Turcott said.

Despite the fact that the game is being played in November, it could have an impact on the Saints in March. The NAIA national tournament committee will look kindly on playing a tough schedule early on. A win would also give a huge boost to a young Saints team that lost all five starters off of last years' squad.

"That's a team that you find out what your weaknesses are and what your strengths are," Turcott said.

Tipoff will be at 8 p.m. Friday night at the Carroll P.E. Center.