JuJu Watkins Leads USC to Historic Victory Over UCLA
JuJu Watkins, the 19-year-old USC Trojans sophomore, delivered a historic performance on February 13, leading her team to a 71-60 victory over the previously undefeated No. 1 UCLA Bruins. Watkins, who has been instrumental in reviving USC’s women’s basketball program, showcased her generational talent with a stat line of 38 points, 11 rebounds, 8 blocks, and 5 assists. This marked the first time USC has defeated an AP No. 1 team since 1983, and the win was particularly significant as it came against their crosstown rivals.
Watkins, a self-described introvert, has quickly become one of Los Angeles’ brightest sports stars. Her arrival at USC in 2022 marked a turning point for the Trojans’ program, which had struggled to remain relevant since its glory days in the mid-1980s. In her freshman season, Watkins led USC to its first Elite Eight appearance in 30 years, averaging 27.1 points per game. This season, she has continued to shine, earning accolades such as Gatorade National Player of the Year and McDonald’s All-American Game MVP.
The game against UCLA was a testament to Watkins’ ability to rise to the occasion. After a recent slump, she recaptured her form, hitting six three-pointers and dominating on both ends of the court. Her performance energized the sold-out crowd at the Galen Center and solidified her status as one of the most exciting players in college basketball. Watkins’ humility and grounded demeanor, coupled with her extraordinary talent, have made her a fan favorite and a key figure in the growing popularity of women’s basketball.
With the win, USC (22-2, 12-1) moved ahead of UCLA (23-1, 11-1) in the Big Ten standings. The Trojans’ resurgence under Watkins’ leadership has reignited interest in the program and positioned them as serious contenders for the NCAA Championship. As Watkins continues to excel, her impact on the sport and her team’s success will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
Southern Cal’s JuJu Watkins: basketball’s next big thing has arrived
The Southern Cal point guard has lifted a dormant program back to relevancy while blossoming into one of LA’s brightest sports stars. And she’s still
www.theguardian.com
JuJu Watkins erases slump in sensational fashion as No. 6 USC defeats No. 1 UCLA
JuJu Watkins finished with 38 points, 11 rebounds and eight blocks as USC overcame a second-half deficit to send rival UCLA to its first loss of the s
www.latimes.com
JuJu Watkins' Historic Stat Line Steals the Show as USC Defeats No. 1 Ranked UCLA
The No. 1 ranked UCLA Bruins women's basketball team is undefeated no more. They faced off against the No. 6 ranked USC Trojans on February 13 in wha
www.si.com
With JuJu Watkins slumping, other Trojans find their fit ahead of USC-UCLA showdown
Beating the undefeated Bruins always was going to require more than JuJu Watkins willing the Trojans to victory. But make no mistake, USC is also goin
www.latimes.com
JuJu Watkins lifts sixth-ranked USC to program-defining win over No. 1 UCLA
LOS ANGELES (AP) — JuJu Watkins broke out of a scoring slump with 38 points, helping sixth-ranked Southern California topple No. 1 UCLA 71-60 and furt
www.wwlp.com