LOS ANGELES — JuJu Watkins led the USC women's basketball team to an impressive 80-67 victory over UCLA on Saturday night, securing the Big Ten regular-season title. This win was not just another game; it marked USC's first conference title since joining the Big Ten, and it highlighted Watkins' formidable presence on the court.
Watkins, who had been the star of the game, scored 30 points, along with five assists, three rebounds, and three blocks. Her dominance on the court was evident as she scored 23 of those points before halftime, showcasing her ability to control the game's pace and flow. "Some wins," she said simply when asked about her hopes for the upcoming month of March, expressing the excitement fans feel for the team's prospects.
The Trojans displayed depth and resilience throughout the contest, receiving significant contributions from Kiki Iriafen, who added 17 points and nine rebounds. Talia von Oelhoffen also made her mark with eight points, four rebounds, and three assists, helping to maintain pressure on the UCLA defense.
This victory over UCLA was particularly sweet for USC, who came to Pauley Pavilion seeking redemption after previous rivalries. The Trojans controlled the game from its inception, leading throughout and denying UCLA any chance of recovery. The triumph continues USC's recent dominance over the Bruins, having now won four straight encounters, with two of those wins coming this season alone.
Magical moments marked the evening. The atmosphere was electric, especially when Watkins hit her first shot — a three-pointer — within the first minute of the game. Magic Johnson was among the spectators deeply impressed by her performance, stating on X, "JuJu Watkins put on a show tonight with her 30-point performance as she led her team to victory over UCLA!" The praise from NBA legends speaks volumes about the impact Watkins is making, not only at the collegiate level but on the national stage as well.
Critics and analysts alike have begun to highlight Watkins as a front-runner for the National Player of the Year award, with basketball analyst Rebecca Lobo noting on X, "JuJu Watkins has had a terrific season overall. The two stellar performances against UCLA will go a long way toward winning her national player of the year." Reggie Miller also weighed heavily with the supportive words, "Greatness personified," as he captured her performance alongside her head coach, who is his sister.
The USC Trojans have gained traction as serious contenders for the national title this season. After experiencing some earlier challenges, including losses against Notre Dame and Iowa, USC’s roster has stepped up its game. Under the leadership of coach Lindsay Gottlieb, the team now enters the tournament as the number one seed, posing substantial threats to rivals nationwide.
Watkins' meteoric rise as one of the best players nationally can be attributed to her all-around contributions on the court, averaging 24.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game this season. She dynamically engages with the game's flow, contributing not only by scoring but also assisting her teammates, demonstrating her commitment and versatility on the court.
UCLA coach Cori Close addressed her team’s struggles following this loss, expressing frustration at their inability to match USC's intensity. "Just really pissed off we didn’t show up and do our jobs," she said, showing the glaring difference between both teams' performances. Her commentary reflects the challenge UCLA faces to reclaim its standing and adapt moving forward.
Watkins' performances have drawn significant attention, aligning her next to other legendary players like Caitlin Clark, as both have shown the ability to dominate games across the NCAA spectrum. The comparisons are valid as Watkins continues to break records, being only the second player to score 30 or more points over four consecutive games against the Bruins since the 1999-2000 season.
With the postseason looming, the USC Trojans look poised for greatness. They are more than just JuJu Watkins; they are now backed solidly by teammates like Iriafen and Marshall, who contribute to the dynamic structure of the team. Going forward, USC is not just competing; they are aspiring to claim their first national championship title, having done the hard work and laid the necessary groundwork through exemplary performances.
Coach Gottlieb encapsulated the team's mindset perfectly when she stated, "We’re not done. There’s a lot more," emphasizing the focus and determination of the Trojans as they set their eyes firmly on advancing through the playoffs, aiming for the national stage. The world will be watching as they navigate through March, ready to make their mark.