American Looks to End Road Woes

American University, which plays USC at the Sports Arena tonight, started the season 3-1 but lost five games in a row during a recent four-city trip. To make matters worse, freshmen Omar Vanderhorst and Bobby Thompson, who was averaging 13 points, have been suspended for violating team rules and regulations.

But the Eagles are rested after an 11-day break for final exams and expect the return of guards Jarion Childs, who missed four games with a broken left hand, and Ossie Jones, who spent the fall semester completing academic obligations.

“They’re a very good team,” USC Coach Henry Bibby said. “They bring a lot of athletes, runners and jumpers, sky-walkers, guys who can compete with our guys.”

American is coached by Art Perry, an alumnus who played with former Laker Kermit Washington on an Eagle team that reached the National Invitation Tournament in 1973.

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Don’t blame the Eagles if Los Angeles isn’t among their favorite cities. Two previous trips have ended unpleasantly with a 70-51 loss to USC in 1983-84 and an 89-74 loss to UCLA in 1989-90.

American plays UCLA at Pauley Pavilion on Wednesday night.