The Women’s NCAA Tournament is finally upon us. A few matchups have fans buzzing quite like the potential showdown between USC’s rising superstar JuJu Watkins and UConn’s seasoned leader Paige Bueckers.
While both players have dominated throughout the season, March Madness is where legacies are truly made. Could the electric sophomore Watkins carry USC to the promised land? Or will the battle-tested veteran Bueckers remind everyone why she’s one of the most clutch players in women’s college basketball?
Breaking Down JuJu Watkins vs. Paige Bueckers
Let’s talk stats—because numbers don’t lie. UConn’s Paige Bueckers, now in her last season, has been nothing short of phenomenal for the Huskies. Averaging 20.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4 assists per game, she has carried her team through a tough Big East schedule.
This has helped the team to an impressive 31-3 record. More importantly, Bueckers has a knack for stepping up in big moments—her clutch factor is one of the best in the nation.
On the other side, JuJu Watkins has been a walking highlight reel for the USC Trojans. In just her second season, she’s putting up jaw-dropping numbers—24.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.
She’s not just a scorer; she’s a force on both ends of the court. Her ability to take over games has helped USC secure a No. 1 seed in the Spokane Region. It also made them one of the tournament’s most dangerous teams.
The numbers suggest that Watkins has the edge in scoring, but Bueckers’ all-around game and leadership make this a fascinating matchup.
What Happened Last Time?
These two stars have already gone head-to-head this season, giving us a preview of what might come. On Dec. 21, USC and UConn clashed in a thriller, with the Trojans narrowly escaping with a 72-70 victory.
In that game, Watkins was electric, dropping 25 points, grabbing six rebounds, and dishing out five assists. Bueckers had her moments but ultimately fell short in the clutch.
While one game doesn’t define a player, this matchup proved that Watkins isn’t afraid of the big stage. Could Bueckers get revenge in March? If the bracket plays out as expected, we might see these two battle it out in the Elite Eight.
Which Team Has More Depth?
Basketball is a team sport, and while Bueckers and Watkins are superstars, they’ll need their supporting casts to step up.
For UConn, freshman Sarah Strong has emerged as a key contributor, providing much-needed scoring and rebounding. The Huskies also have Aaliyah Edwards, a dominant post presence who can control the paint. Their recent 70-50 blowout win over Creighton in the Big East Championship showcased their depth and ability to dominate defensively.
USC, meanwhile, boasts one of the most well-rounded rosters in the country. Alongside Watkins, they have Rayah Marshall, a defensive specialist who can shut down top scorers, and McKenzie Forbes, a three-point shooter who stretches the floor. The Trojans’ 80-67 victory over UCLA in the Big Ten Championship was a statement win.
If this matchup happens, the role players might be the X-factors. UConn will rely on experience, while USC’s depth and defensive tenacity could make all the difference.
The Faces of Women’s Basketball
Watkins and Bueckers aren’t just stars on the court—they’re also taking over the sports world off it. Both were recently featured in Gatorade’s “The Take” campaign alongside Duke’s Cooper Flagg, showcasing their marketability and influence beyond basketball.
WATCH: JuJu Watkins, Cooper Flagg, & Paige Bueckers Star in New Gatorade Campaign
Bueckers, already a household name in women’s sports, has used her platform to advocate for gender equality in athletics. Meanwhile, Watkins’ rapid rise has made her one of the most exciting young faces in the game. With NIL deals soaring, both players are setting new standards for what it means to be a college basketball superstar.
What’s At Stake?
Both teams have challenging paths in the NCAA Tournament. UConn, as the No. 2 seed in the Spokane Region, will face No. 15 seed Arkansas State in the first round. A second-round battle against either No. 7 seed Oklahoma State or No. 10 seed South Dakota State could be tricky.
USC, the top seed in the region, opens against No. 16 seed UNC Greensboro and will likely breeze through the first round. However, later rounds could present real challenges. If both teams take care of business, we could see them collide in the Elite Eight, with a Final Four ticket on the line.
Bueckers has the experience and poise under pressure. She’s been in deep tournament runs before, and that matters when the lights shine brightest. If the game is close in the final minutes, her ability to hit clutch shots could be the difference.
Watkins, however, is the more explosive scorer and is capable of taking over a game in ways few can. If USC controls the tempo and allows Watkins to dominate, the Trojans could end UConn’s tournament dreams.
Ultimately, it might come down to which supporting cast steps up. One thing is certain—if we get this Elite Eight matchup, it will be a must-watch basketball.
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