Carroll College - Helena, MT

men's basketball

Carroll men tough out win over Eagles

By CLIFF PFENNING - Independent Record - 11/16/08

A 12-0 scoring run in the second half helped the Carroll College men’s basketball team to an 83-68 victory over Embry-Riddle Saturday at the Carroll P.E. Center.

Freshman forward Andy Garland scored 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds and senior Chris Kashmitter had four of his six points in the late run as the Saints improved to 4-0 on the season.

Carroll outrebounded the Eagles 32-19 and grabbed 12 offensive rebounds on the way to improving to 4-0.

“We really focused on toughness in this game,” Carroll coach Gary Turcott said. “Toughness and smart offense. This is the best we’ve run our offense this season.” more

Carroll men kick off Classic with victory

By CLIFF PFENNING - Independent Record - 11/15/08

A hot start to the second half helped the Carroll College men’s basketball team open the regular season with a 93-70 win over No. 16 MidAmerica Nazarene Friday in the Carroll Classic.

Senior Chad Vaculin scored 8 points in a 14-0 run that pushed a 47-44 lead to 61-44 with 13:15 left in the game.

The Pioneers, who trailed 38-35 at the half, got back to within 11, but Carroll’s depth helped in cruising to a 3-0 record. more

Carroll Classic brings in big expectations

The floor in the Carroll College P.E. Center is going to take a pounding as both basketball squads spend this weekend at home.

The Saints' men, who went 2-2 in their exhibition games, open their regular season against MidAmerica Nazarene today in a rare 4 p.m. start.

It will be the second game of the Carroll Classic, an invitational that includes Embry Riddle (Fla.) and the University of Montana Western. The Saints play Embry Riddle Saturday at 8 p.m. Story

Saints stun Eagles for 58-56 win

Freshman post Andy Garland picked up the first double-double of his collegiate career and senior guard Chad Vaculin hit a clutch 3-pointer with less than a minute left as the Carroll College basketball team beat Eastern Washington 58-56 Saturday night.

The Saints (2-0) led 33-18 at the half, but the Eagles surged to come back within one point with about 50 seconds left on the clock.

Carroll turned to Vaculin, who ran off a pick by senior Zach Parks and threw in a 3 from the corner of the court to give the Saints a four-point cushion. more

Saints basketball snags win in season opener

The first game of the season and the Carroll College men’s basketball team already brought the drama.

Carroll’s senior guards Josh Saunders and Chad Vaculin hit 3-pointers with less than 1:20 left in the game and the Saints (1-0) finally broke away from the University of Regina 83-76 Thursday night in the Carroll P.E. Center.

In a back-and-forth contest that saw the Saints rally from a 40-35 halftime deficit, Saunders’ 3 from the left corner of the floor broke a 74-74 tie before Regina’s Kris Heshka sank two free throws to bring the lead down to one point.

But, Vaculin’s long 3 with 42 seconds left put the Saints up 80-76 and let them cruise to the final horn. Story

Carroll basketball primed for tip-off

The echoes of basketball shoes, heavy beats of balls and, of course, instructions of coaches have filled the Carroll P.E. Center this month.

The Saints men’s and women’s programs began official practice on Oct. 1, much later than they have in previous years.

A rule came into effect this season that prohibited Frontier Conference teams from practicing prior to Oct. 1. Used to getting together much sooner in years past, the teams have been pressed to prepare their players for the season and allow their new recruits to transition into a tougher system. Story

Carroll men begin basketball season tonight

The Carroll College men’s basketball team will have some fresh faces and a few new looks as they begin their season at home tonight against the University of Regina.

Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m., but the teams will have to wait until after the Carroll volleyball team finishes its match with Montana Tech, which begins at 7 p.m.

New recruits like Salt Lake Community College transfer Chris Medina, Montana Gatorade Player of the Year Andy Garland and freshman Jim Mee of Libby are all expected to see significant playing time, but the Saints squad isn’t without its stars from last season.

Senior Chad Vaculin, a first-team all-conference selection at guard, averaged 14.4 points per game to lead Carroll on the floor. Story

Taking on Team USA

If NBA stars like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James want to drive to the basket during Team USA's exhibition with Turkey today, they're probably going to have to get past one of Carroll College's best.

Sinan Guler, who spent two years with the Saints as they advanced to the NAIA Final Four and Elite Eight, will be facing off with the new "Dream Team" when the two national basketball teams collide in a pre-Olympic game in Macau, China. Story

Veltri named Carroll men's associate head basketball coach

Carroll College men's head basketball coach Gary Turcott knew he had made the right decision immediately after hiring Brandon Veltri five years ago.

"When I interviewed him for the job I just knew that he had a great work ethic, honesty and integrity. Those were the things I was looking for," Turcott said. "I knew he'd learn the rest."

And he has. On Wednesday, Veltri was promoted from an assistant to associate head coach by Carroll Athletic Director Bruce Parker. Story