USC women’s basketball head coach Lindsay Gottlieb had warned her team that the Big Ten tournament would feel like a preview of the NCAA Tournament.
However, USC’s star freshman, JuJu Watkins, showcased her talent in a thrilling performance. She did it right after dropping 31 points to lead top-seeded USC to an 84-79 victory over ninth-seeded Indiana on Friday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
JuJu Watkins Shines in Big Ten Tournament Opener
Watkins’ parents, Sari Watkins and Robert Neal-Watkins, were in attendance. They witnessed their daughter’s poise and determination firsthand. Reflecting on her growth, Robert Neal-Watkins praised JuJu’s ability to adjust to intense defensive pressure.
“She’s always able to adapt and she’s so level headed.” 🗣️
Hear from JuJu Watkins’ parents, Sari Watkins and Robert Neal-Watkins, as @USCWBB battles Indiana.#B1GWBBT on @BigTenNetwork 📺 pic.twitter.com/7hmrTikXpK
— Big Ten Women’s Basketball (@B1Gwbball) March 7, 2025
“I just think like she’s now always able to adapt to the defense that all the other teams bring her, she’s just always focused, level-headed, and just able to communicate with her coach and her teammates on the court, which is amazing,” he said.
Her mother, Sari, echoed a similar sentiment, emphasizing JuJu’s mental composure.
“I think just her awareness of knowing how to calm everything down and find her peace, I think that’s what it is,” she shared.
Watkins wasted no time making her presence felt, opening the game with a smooth euro-step layup. She relentlessly attacked the basket in the first half, finishing with 16 points. Her aggressive drives earned her multiple trips to the free-throw line, where she converted all six of her attempts. She also displayed her mid-range prowess, sinking two pull-up jumpers that helped USC secure a four-point halftime lead.
MORE: How Watkins’ Family Mantra ‘Don’t Move, Improve’ Inspired Her Game
Indiana briefly snatched a 44-43 advantage early in the second half, but Watkins quickly responded. She hit a pair of difficult off-balanced floaters—shots that would be awkward for most players but looked effortless for her. One of those buckets came with a foul, putting USC back ahead at 53-48.
The Hoosiers, refusing to back down, clawed their way back within two points by the end of the third quarter. However, Watkins remained steady in the final period, scoring seven crucial points. Her deep three-pointer with 2:42 remaining extended USC’s lead to 77-68, the largest of the contest.
Playing all but one minute, Watkins finished with 10 rebounds, securing her seventh double-double of the season. She also tallied three steals, showcasing her defensive impact.
Supporting Cast Helps Secure the Win
While Watkins was the focal point, she wasn’t alone in USC’s victory.
Forward Kiki Iriafen delivered a strong performance, scoring 21 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Avery Howell added 10 points, hitting two key three-pointers to provide additional offensive support.
This win marked a significant milestone for the Trojans. They made their presence known in their first Big Ten tournament after securing the conference’s regular-season championship.
USC had earned the top seed with two statement wins over No. 4 UCLA. And there is a strong possibility they will have to face the Bruins again if they aim to claim the tournament title.
It seemed at one point that USC might break the game open when they unleashed a 13-4 run to take a 55-48 lead late in the third quarter. However, Indiana refused to let the game slip away, narrowing the gap to just two points entering the fourth.
The Trojans managed to separate themselves once again, going on a 9-3 run to create a 71-63 cushion with just over five minutes to play.
Despite the victory, USC’s performance wasn’t flawless. Moments of offensive stagnation, defensive lapses, and foul trouble allowed Indiana to stay competitive throughout the game. However, at this stage, the objective is to survive and advance—and USC did just that.
KEEP READING: Who Are JuJu Watkins’ Parents? Meet Robert Neal-Watkins and Sari Watkins
With the first challenge of the Big Ten tournament behind them, USC now turns its attention to the semifinals, where they will face the Michigan Wolverines.
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