Juju Watkins Stats Tonight: How did the USC star fare vs UConn? (Dec. 21)
JuJu Watkins delivered a standout performance in USC's ranked showdown against UConn. The No. 7 Trojans narrowly edged the No. 4 Huskies, 72-70.
The Trojans secured their first top-five win of the season, led by Watkins' all-around play. The sophomore guard recorded 25 points, six rebounds, five assists, three blocks and a steal while shooting efficiently, going 9-for-16 including 3-for-4 from beyond the arc.
Watkins’ efforts were vital as the Women of Troy rallied from an 18-point deficit in the second half to defeat Paige Bueckers and the Huskies. This matchup was a rematch of last season's Elite Eight contest, where UConn emerged victorious, highlighting two of women’s college basketball's best players — All-Americans Bueckers and Watkins — who spent much of the game guarding each other.
One of the game's standout moments came in the third quarter when Watkins blocked Bueckers' shot, then raced downcourt and scored after a flashy through-the-legs dribble with UConn's star defending her.
Midway through the fourth quarter, the Huskies briefly took the lead on a Sarah Strong basket, but Watkins responded by scoring or assisting on eight straight points, giving USC a three-point cushion with 19 seconds left.
Drama struck late when Watkins fouled Strong on a 3-pointer with five seconds remaining. Strong hit the first free throw but missed the second. After intentionally missing the third, the Huskies grabbed the offensive rebound, and Strong launched a last-second attempt from near halfcourt.
However, it hit only the backboard, sealing USC's win.
"UConn, they’re the toughest competitors. We knew we had to get the dub. Coming off last year, this was really important for me. I gave it my all, this team gave it their all. We fought to the end," Watkins said.
USC will return to the Galen Center after a short holiday break to host its first Big Ten Conference games, facing Michigan on Dec. 29 at 7 p.m. and Nebraska at noon on New Year's Day.
USC earns historic victory over UConn
The Trojans achieved their first-ever win against UConn, surviving a late rally from the No. 4 Huskies to secure a thrilling 72-70 triumph in Hartford, Conn. The nail-biter unfolded before 15,684 fans at the XL Center.
USC built a commanding 42-29 halftime lead, but UConn surged back in the second half, shooting 16-for-31 from the field. Despite forcing 18 turnovers for 17 points and drawing 14 fouls, the Huskies struggled at the free-throw line, converting just 10-of-17 attempts.
USC maintained a slight edge in rebounds (33-32), dominated in blocks (7-2) and excelled from beyond the arc, going 9-for-16.
The victory improved USC’s record to 11-1, while UConn dropped to 10-2.
Fans will have to wait until March Madness for a potential rematch in what could be their second consecutive postseason showdown.