The Trojans are ranked 20th in the ESPN/USA Today poll and 19th in the Associated Press poll.

USC had a chance to to win the game. After Harvey missed the second free throw, Daniel Hackett’s three pointer missed at the buzzer.

Taj Gibson had a double double with 19 points and 18 rebounds for the Trojans. John Garcia also had a double double with 11 points and 18 rebounds for Seton Hall.

What a weird game. USC led by 15 at the half 43-28, and was pounded in the second half 35-18.

Post from: EveryJoe

We Have Our First Upset Of The Season

But the NCAA denied Stephenson a waiver that would have made him eligible to play for the Trojans this season because his request did not warrant relief for a transfer year-in-residence waiver.

In an email by NCAA spokeswoman Stacey Osburn published in today’s Los Angeles Times, she said that there was, “a lack of contemporaneous medical documentation to indicate that the family members needed extra assistance.

“NCAA guidelines state that a member institution must provide documentation regarding any injury or illness of a student-athlete or family member and how those are directly related to the student-athlete’s transfer waiver request.”

Stephenson, a 6-foot-9 junior, who was a reserve player with the Tar Heels for two seasons will be eligible to play for the Trojans in 2009-10.

USC is in Puerto Rico today to face Seton Hall at the Puerto Rico Tip-Off tournament at 4 p.m. Pacific Time.

In the meantime, Stephenson and USC can appeal the decision.

Post from: EveryJoe

USC Transfer Stephenson Will Have To Wait Until Next Season To Play For The Trojans