AMERICAN WAY WORKS FOR USC : USC 74, AMERICAN 59.

Byline: Scott Wolf Daily News Staff Writer

It didn't really matter who USC played Monday night, because the Trojans just wanted to forget their previous opponent.

Which is probably a good thing, since USC might not have been overly excited playing American University.

The Eagles were merely bit players, however, providing the perfect opportunity for the Trojans to get past their 29-point loss to Kansas on Dec. 12.

USC took a successful first step toward erasing that woeful encounter, disposing of American 74-59 before 2,346 at the Sports Arena.

``I wanted to play this game (last) Monday,'' USC forward Brian Scalabrine said. ``You're only as good as your last game. We had to come back with a statement.''

USC's statement against American was that its inside game does indeed exist. Which is fortunate, because the Trojans shot just 25 percent on 3-pointers (4-16) against the Eagles.

Scalabrine was the big winner, getting more opportunities inside than usual, and he responded with a career-high 26 points.

``We haven't really made a conscious effort to get the ball inside like we did tonight,'' USC coach Henry Bibby said. ``We relied on the jump shot (against Kansas). The Kansas game was a bitter game for us. It probably was good for us. It got the attention of not only the players, but the coaching staff.''

USC (7-1) never really pulled away from American (3-7) until late in the second half, but that's becoming the Trojans' trademark, at least when they play someone other than Kansas.

After holding a 58-47 advantage, the Trojans went on a 12-0 run that included seven points from Scalabrine. USC led 70-47, and only some late baskets in garbage time helped American close the gap.

``I think our best attribute is our little runs,'' Scalabrine said. ``But we know when we get into Pac-10 games, you've got to be able to play hard for 40 minutes.''

Bibby also threw a new wrinkle into the game by giving junior point guard Quincy Wilder and freshman forward David Bluthenthal their most significant minutes of the season. Bluthenthal had six points and six rebounds while Wilder had nine points in his first game since becoming the No. 2 point guard after Kevin Augustine quit the team last week.

``I finally get to settle down into a position,'' Wilder said. ``I like being one of the leaders of the team.'

Just two weeks ago, Wilder considered quitting the team, but decided to stay, and then watched Augustine depart after he became unhappy with his role on the team.

``I don't know if it was a sign or not that Kevin left,'' Wilder said. ``With me, it was just a misunderstanding that I wasn't practicing at my capabilities. (Quitting) isn't an option for me. Before, it wasn't a total option. It was me being down on myself. It was hard for me to switch to the Division I level.''

Bibby said Bluthenthal's performance in practice demanded more playing time, something the freshman from Westchester has been eager for since the start of the season.

``I'm itching for minutes,'' Bluthenthal said. ``I'm going hard in practice, and I know if I go hard, I'll play.''

Notes: USC is off to its best start since 1991-92, when the Trojans also went 7-1. . . . The Trojans have won their past seven home games (5-0 this season).

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PHOTO (Color) USC's Brian Scalabrine, right, who had 26 points, finds time to play defense against Saliou-Binet Telly.

Kevin Karzin/Associated Press