HARTFORD, Conn. — A thrilling matchup transpired on Saturday night as JuJu Watkins and Paige Bueckers, two of women's basketball's brightest stars, delivered spectacular performances, leading their teams to the forefront of the spotlight.
Watkins, the standout sophomore for No. 7 USC, tallied 25 points as her team edged out fourth-ranked UConn with a close score of 72-70. The matchup had the electrifying atmosphere of 15,684 fans packed in the arena, making it one of the largest crowds Watkins has played before to date. "I think it's testimony to when you give women's basketball a platform, we're going to perform," she remarked after the final whistle, reflecting on the match's significance.
This game was not just another slot in the calendar; it carried the weight of history, with USC seeking to avenge their previous season loss to UConn during the Elite Eight, which ended the Trojans' run. After loss, Watkins acknowledged the importance of this rematch, stating, "It was clear it weighed differently. Avenging [the loss] was important.”
Bueckers, who matched Watkins step for step, finished the night with 22 points herself. The two All-Americans fiercely guarded each other throughout the competition, and during one thrilling moment, Watkins blocked Bueckers' shot and showcased her agility by dribbling between her legs before scoring at the other end. Bueckers praised the high-stakes nature of such matchups, saying, "Yeah definitely playing against great players you embrace the matchup and have fun in the moment. Both teams were trying to win. Matchups like these are what we play basketball for."
UConn's head coach, Geno Auriemma, expressed his pride at the spectacle, saying, "Happy we can put two players like [Watkins and Bueckers] on the floor, familiar to the whole country and wanting to see them play well." He reflected on the evolution of women's basketball, reminiscing, "I was driving in today to the game, and it brought back... the very first game we played here... I don’t think there were 100 people in the building. To drive up here and know there would be 16,000 people here... doesn’t seem like we’re talking about the same universe." Auriemma's comments highlight the dramatic growth of the sport and its increasing popularity.
Throughout the game, the lead changed multiple times, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. USC's tenacity and ability to rebound, combined with key shots and defensive efforts, marked the game as one of the highlights of the season. Watkins and Bueckers both demonstrated why they are considered among the top talent currently in college basketball, as they brought their A-games against each other.
The energetic contest and the success of the stars have been welcomed by fans and pundits alike, affirming the need for prominence and marquee matchups like this within women's basketball. Bueckers emphasized the importance of exposing the sport to larger audiences, stating, "It’s very important for the game to continue to grow and have these types of matchups. For people to not shy away from it and to embrace it and schedule more opponents like these."
It's clear the spotlight on women's basketball is growing, assisted by remarkable talents like JuJu Watkins and Paige Bueckers, who simply shine on the court. Their performances reflect the burgeoning potential for the sport to attract greater followings and engage more fans.
Saturday's game serves as yet another reminder of how far women's basketball has come, yet there's still room for growth. The riveting performances of these stars not only inspire younger athletes to aspire for greatness on the court but also highlight the importance of providing the sport with the coverage it deserves.
USC's victory brings them to the forefront as they continue their season, fostering hope for even more spectacular matchups down the line. The continued visibility of women's basketball stars like Watkins and Bueckers will undoubtedly continue to expand the sport's audience and develop future generations of players.
