TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (November 5, 2018) - Expectations for the No. 8 Salt Lake Community College men's basketball team are high every season, especially when the Bruins face off against regional opponents.

After opening their season last Saturday against Utah Basketball Club, the Bruins will see their level of competition rise significantly as they travel to face off against a pair of foes in this weekend's Region 9/18 Challenge series. The two-game series, which will be hosted by Western Nebraska Community College, will give Salt Lake the opportunity to face off against a pair of important regional foes - games that will matter as SLCC builds itself towards a series of other tournaments.

SLCC coach Todd Phillips said the Bruins are in a good place as they prepare to head out on the road, especially after the opener against UBC.

"We were excited to get the season kicked off," he said. "It's always good to get the first one under our belt. The team came out and played hard, even though it took us a little while to shake some of the rust off."

Salt Lake will face off against Casper College on Friday at 5:30 p.m., before playing Western Nebraska on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. Both foes are expected to contend for the Region 9 title.

Phillips said every game is important for a team that is trying to find its rhythm early in the season.

"We have two big games this week as we take on two of the best teams in Region 9," he said. "We have a talented team and when we get comfortable with our roles, we will be really good."

The Bruins will play their next home game on Tuesday, Nov. 13, as they host Western Wyoming Community College inside the Lifetime Activities Center. Salt Lake will also host the annual 'Bruin Classic' event on Nov. 16-17.