JuJu Watkins Breaks Out of Scoring Slump, Leads No. 6 USC to Upset Victory Over No. 1 UCLA
A Historic Win for the Trojans
LOS ANGELES (AP) — JuJu Watkins broke out of a scoring slump with 38 points, helping sixth-ranked Southern California top No. 1 UCLA 71-60 and further delivering on her goal of restoring the program to its earlier glory.
A Star-Studded Crowd Cheers On
Some of those Trojans stars from the early 1980s — including Hall of Famers Cheryl Miller and Tina Thompson — joined a raucous crowd as USC rallied for the program’s first win over a top-ranked team since 1983 on Thursday night. “Gonna be one of those nights,” DJ Mal-Ski told the sold-out crowd of 10,258 during pregame warmups. It surely was.
Watkins’ Heroic Performance
After her sister Mali sang the national anthem, Watkins scored eight points in five minutes to start the game, putting the Trojans in an early hole. “JuJu got hot off the bounce and she got in a rhythm,” UCLA coach Cori Close said. Watkins had all of USC’s points in the second quarter when they were outscored 20-14. She stopped the Bruins’ 10-0 run with a 3-pointer that kept the Trojans ahead 38-35 at the half.
A Night to Remember
It was her second-highest scoring game of the season, just two points shy of her 40-point effort against California Baptist on Dec. 3. “I wear #12 to be like JuJu,” read a sign held by a youngster. The predominantly cardinal-clad crowd that was diverse in its age, gender, and racial makeup, a testament to Watkins’ drawing power and the support she enjoys from the nearby Watts community where she grew up.
Special Guests in Attendance
The stars were out on the rainy night, too. Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers wore a JuJu T-shirt. Watkins spotted actors Kevin Hart and Issa Rae, along with singer Monica. “When you have people like that show up, you can’t disappoint,” Watkins said. “I’m really just like a kid out there and just living out my dreams.”
Lessons Learned
She was coming off a nightmarish stretch, having shot 12 of 45 from the floor in her last two home games. She was just 4 of 25 from 3-point range in that span, too. “It has been a tough couple weeks for me,” she said. “There’s a lesson in everything, and I think that is to always stay joyful on the court.”
Stat Line
Watkins hit 6 of 9 3-pointers and 8 of 10 free throws to go with 11 rebounds, eight blocks, and five assists. “I didn’t plan on having that many blocks, but that’s what we needed to win,” she said.
Coach’s Praise
USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb relished her superstar’s response to the recent tough times, saying, “JuJu’s just heroic shot-making and effort and intensity, especially coming with the million questions she gets when it’s not perfect out there.”
Conclusion
This historic win for the Trojans, led by Watkins’ dominant performance, marks a significant milestone for the program. As the team continues to push for excellence, fans can expect more thrilling moments, thanks to the electric atmosphere created by Watkins and her teammates.
FAQs
Q: What was the final score of the game?
A: USC won 71-60 over UCLA.
Q: How many points did JuJu Watkins score in the game?
A: 38 points.
Q: What was the significance of the win for the USC program?
A: It marked the program’s first win over a top-ranked team since 1983.
