Majerus Continuing USC Negotiations

Rick Majerus, contacted after broadcasting the Wake Forest-Temple basketball game for ESPN Monday night in Philadelphia, reiterated that he is in ongoing discussions with USC officials about the school’s coaching vacancy.

Although Majerus and USC would not comment on the status of talks, a source familiar with the negotiations said the sides have had extensive discussions and plan to resume talks today.

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Junior guard Dwayne Shackleford, who transferred to USC as a junior college All-American from Allegany College in Cumberland, Md., will meet today with interim coach Jim Saia to decide whether to apply for a medical redshirt.

Shackleford had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in October, and although he has already played in four games -- he is averaging 6.5 points on 27.6% shooting, 26.9% from three-point range, in 18.3 minutes -- his knee has become particularly bothersome of late. He did not play in either of the Trojans’ last two games.

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-- Paul Gutierrez and Jason Reid

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In men’s games:

No. 6 Wake Forest 67, Temple 64 -- Trent Strickland scored all nine of his points in the final nine minutes and the Demon Deacons (7-1) made five of six free throws in the final two minutes to hold off the Owls (3-5) at Philadelphia.

Eric Williams, who along with fellow starter Chris Paul, was disciplined for five minutes for being late for the team bus on the way to the game, had 17 points for the Demon Deacons, and Justin Gray added 15. Paul, the leading vote-getter on Associated Press’ preseason All-American team, and Williams were held out of the starting lineup for being two minutes late for the bus. Paul finished with nine points.

Mardy Collins had a season-high 25 points for Temple, which had a chance to tie at game’s end, but Dustin Salisbery’s three-point shot went off the rim with one second left.

No. 20 Mississippi State 74, New Orleans 59 -- Shane Power’s 17 points helped lift the Bulldogs (8-2) over the Privateers (3-4), who got only 16 points from their leader, Bo McCalebb, on his six-for-21 shooting at New Orleans.

Lafayette 95, Cal State Northridge 89 -- At Easton, Pa., the Matadors (1-6) rallied from a 12-point deficit with 3:22 left in regulation to force overtime; then the Leopards (2-6) took control.

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In women’s top 25 games at Philadelphia:

Temple, coached by the WNBA’s Dawn Staley, upset No. 22 Rutgers, 71-60, for its first victory over a ranked opponent since March 10, 1989, when the Owls beat then-No. 20 Rutgers. ... Brandie Hoskins’ season-high 21 points led No. 10 Ohio State over host Pennsylvania, 70-57.