American Game Notes 

FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- The Stags men's basketball team will return to action just 48 hours after playing its home opener. Fairfield will travel to American University of a Thursday night match up.

Fairfield University (0-2 overall) came up short in a defensive showcase against the College of the Holy Cross Tuesday night, dropping a 67-54 decision. The Stags held the Crusaders to just 16 baskets in the game and forced 22 turnovers. Six different Fairfield players had a steal, led by Devin Johnson's two steals. Fairfield will play its second road game of the season this evening, beginning the year with a game at Wake Forest. Yorel Hawkins was the only Fairfield player in double figures on Tuesday night, scoring 11 points, followed by Herbie Allen's nine points off the bench. This game will mark Fairfield's third contest in seven days. Mike Evanovich remains the team's top scorer despite not starting either game. The junior is averaging 12.5 points per game, the only Stag averaging better than 10 points per outing.

American University will face its second straight foe from the MAAC this evening, coming off a 71-67 loss to Loyola College on Tuesday night. The Eagles bring a 1-1 record into tonight's game, which includes a season opening win over St. Francis, Pa. (75-68). Both games were ont he road, setting up the Eagles' home opener this evening. It marks the second time in two road games that Fairfield is a home-opening opponent. Derrick Mercer tallied the team-high for scoring in both games, netting 22 in the opener and 23 points one game later. He went 12 of 12 from the line against Saint Francis, accounting for more than half of his points that night. He is shooting 68 percent from the floor (13 of 19) to date. Garrison Car is also averaging 20 points per game with a 21-point effort against Saint Francis and a 19-point night at Loyola.