USC Trojans star JuJu Watkins made a major statement in a 71-60 win over No. 1 UCLA on Thursday night. The sophomore guard put on a show, showcasing her versatility and skills in a performance. With that, she solidified her place as one of college basketball’s brightest stars.
JuJu Watkins Dominates No. 1 UCLA in Historic Win
Watkins had a game for the ages, putting up 38 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, eight blocks, and one steal. She became the first player in the last 20 seasons of Division I basketball to record 35 points, five blocks, and five assists in a single game. Sportscenter highlighted her performance with the caption:
“JUJU WATKINS WAS HOOPING VS. NO. 1 UCLA 🔥.She’s the first player with 35 PTS, 5 BLK and 5 AST in a game in the last 20 seasons across all of Division I”
JUJU WATKINS WAS HOOPING VS. NO. 1 UCLA 🔥
She’s the first player with 35 PTS, 5 BLK and 5 AST in a game in the last 20 seasons across all of Division I 💰 pic.twitter.com/S1CVypoLrb
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 14, 2025
Her shooting was efficient, finishing 12-of-26 from the field, including a remarkable 6-of-9 from three-point range. Despite entering the game with solid averages of 23.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, Watkins exceeded expectations.
She propelled USC to an upset win over the top-ranked Bruins. Her 38 points were critical, especially considering that only one other USC player, Kiki Iriafen (11 points), reached double digits.
Watkins also recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds and was a defensive force, registering 8 blocks. She controlled both ends of the floor, showing her all-around dominance in a game that was pivotal for USC’s season.
In a tight contest, Watkins carried USC on her back, responding to the pressure with remarkable composure. Coach Lindsay Gottlieb praised Watkins for her leadership.
“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,” she said.
Her performance was key in overcoming a strong UCLA team and securing the victory. The crowd was energized as the game came to a close, feeding off Watkins’ clutch plays.
Several high-profile figures, including NFL rookie of the year Jayden Daniels, WNBA players Kelsey Plum and Dearica Hamby, and Vanessa Bryant and her daughter Natalia, were in attendance to cheer on the Trojans.
JuJu Watkins Leads USC to Victory
Watkins moved up to No. 13 on USC’s all-time scoring list, now boasting 1,507 career points. Additionally, Watkins recorded her sixth double-double of the season and her 15th as a Trojan, with 11 rebounds to complement her scoring.
The win over UCLA was a testament to Watkins’ growth from her dominant freshman year. While her production had slightly dipped in her sophomore campaign, this performance showed that she remained one of the top contenders for Player of the Year.
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Watkins’ 38-point effort helped USC secure one of the biggest wins of the season. The Trojans capitalized on Watkins’ ability to take over the game, especially in the second half. The UCLA defense struggled to contain her as she made crucial shots and played a key role on both ends of the floor.
Her historic performance not only added to her already impressive résumé but also proved that Watkins is ready to lead USC in its pursuit of bigger goals this season. With performances like this, she continues to prove herself as one of the top players in college basketball.
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