JuJu Watkins Stats Tonight: How did USC star fare vs Michigan? (Dec. 29)
USC sophomore sensation JuJu Watkins put on another stellar performance in the Trojans' 78-58 victory over No. 23 Michigan at Galen Center.
Watkins finished with 31 points, five rebounds, seven assists, three steals and three blocks in a complete all-around effort. Despite a less-than-perfect shooting night (8-of-19 field goals), she made up for it by hitting 13-of-14 free throws.
In a standout third quarter, Watkins helped USC extend their lead by sinking 10 free throws, closing the quarter with a 57-47 lead.
Teammate Kiki Iriafen also contributed significantly with 18 points, nine rebounds and a block. The pair combined for the first 16 points of the fourth quarter, as USC outscored Michigan 21-9 to secure the win.
Watkins' impressive stats this season include averages of 24.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.4 steals per game, with notable improvements in her shooting efficiency, especially from beyond the arc (36.5%).
Now 12-1, USC will face Nebraska next in their third Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday. With a 10-3 record, Nebraska is led by Alexis Markowski and Britt Prince, both averaging double-digit points.
JuJu Watkins: Building her legacy
In just her second season of college basketball, JuJu Watkins has established herself as one of the most electrifying players in the game.
Recently, Watkins earned her second Big Ten Player of the Week honor just before Christmas, following a historic performance that propelled her No. 7 USC Trojans to a monumental victory over No. 4 UConn. In front of a sold-out crowd of 15,684 at XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut, Watkins scored a game-high 25 points in USC's thrilling 72-70 road win, marking UConn’s first home loss since February 2023.
Watkins’ stellar performance also garnered national accolades. On Decc. 24, she was named the AP National Player of the Week and the USBWA Ann Meyers Drysdale Player of the Week for the second time this season.
Including her latest display against Michigan, Watkins has scored 20 or more points in 12 of USC’s 13 games this season, with double-digit scoring in all 13 contests. She has also delivered well-rounded performances, recording points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks in three consecutive games and 9-of-13 overall.
Additionally, this marks the fifth straight game in which she has registered more than five assists and rebounds.
JuJu Watkins’ sophomore campaign is shaping up to be one for the history books as she continues to elevate the Trojans and cement her legacy in women’s college basketball.