"Whenever I start to feel anxious, I never play my best": USC’s JuJu Watkins gets real about her mindset after record-breaking game vs Cal Baptist
JuJu Watkins played her best game of the season on Tuesday night, erupting for 40 points to lead the No.6 USC Trojans to a 94-52 victory over California Baptist at Galen Center.
Watkins torched the Lancers from deep, knocking down a career-high nine 3-pointers. She finished the game with six rebounds, three blocks, one assist and one steal. With the victory, the Trojans improved their record to 7-1.
Watkins spoke about her mindset heading into the showdown with Cal Baptist during the post-game press conference.
"Just remembering that I’m having fun out there. That’s the biggest thing. Whenever I start to feel anxious, I never play my best. So just come out here and have fun with the team. It definitely shows," Watkins said.
The USC star admitted that anxiety played a part in her recent struggles to start the 2024-25 campaign.
"The anticipation of the whole season. You spend the summer doing a lot of things. When it comes to preparing for a season, you always feel a little anxious, and I know for me personally. It was just a matter of getting all the nerves out and having fun," Watkins said.
JuJu Watkins powers USC Trojans with her red-hot outside shooting
Watkins certainly enjoyed playing against the Lancers. She shot 12-for-18 from the field, including 9-for-11 from beyond the arc. She entered the game against Cal Baptist with a low 25.6% shooting clip from 3-point range.
Watkins also took care of the basketball, committing no turnovers against Cal Baptist after turning the ball over 16 times in the Trojans' last three games against Notre Dame, Seton Hall and Saint Louis.
Watkins got some offensive help as three of her fellow starters also scored in double figures. Kiki Iriafen scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while Talia von Oelhoffen added 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting. Rayah Marshall also posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 boards.
The Trojans have bounced back after suffering their first loss of the season against then-No. 6 Notre Dame, recording commanding victories over the Pirates, Billikens and the Lancers. They won those games by an average of 38 points.