JuJu Watkins once again proved the difference as USC beat UCLA 80-67 to clinch the Big Ten title on Saturday, which won’t come as a surprise to LeBron James.
Watkins had 30 points as she helped the Trojans to a famous win, as the Bruins failed to learn from their previous humbling against USC on Feb. 13. “JUJU TOO TOUGH,” James wrote on X after watching Watkins make history with 38 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, eight blocks, and a steal in last month’s game.
The Trojans won that previous meeting 71-60 thanks to Watkins, who became the first D-1 player to record 35 points, five assists, and five blocks in 20 years. USC has now won the last four games against UCLA and is the only team to beat them this season, offering added confidence heading into March Madness.
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Pauley Pavilion was sold-out for the anticipated clash on Saturday, and were treated to a tense clash between the West Coast schools. After the Trojans threatened to run away with the game during the second quarter, the Bruins responded in the third to make for a nail-biting finale.
Ahead of the game, UCLA head coach Cori Close was hoping for a major response after their 23-win streak was ended by USC in February. “I honestly think we needed to be punched in the gut,” Close said. “We hadn’t had enough adversity to force us to go to different levels.”
The belief was absorbed by her players, and Bruins center Lauren Betts said: “I’m excited for our team to redeem ourselves. I think we learned a lot from the last time we played them. We’ve gotten so much better.”
Lauren Betts was hopeful that UCLA could stop Watkins
The Trojans, and most notably Watkins, also had a point to prove by ensuring that they maintained the same standard from two weeks ago. “The main thing is to go out there with enough hunger and tenacity that nothing can stop us,” Watkins said pregame.
“You never know what the defense is going to throw at you and it’s just a matter of adjusting as quick as possible. Just staying present, that’s the biggest thing, and then knowing what made we’re of and playing our best.”
Watkins is averaging 24.2 points on 42.8 percent shooting while grabbing 6.9 rebounds and adding 3.6 assists a night. Still a sophomore, Watkins is on track to break Caitlin Clark’s all-time NCAA scoring record should her staggering numbers continue through her junior and senior years.
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Despite both playing in college last season for Iowa and USC respectively, Clark didn’t cross paths with Watkins before declaring for the 2024 WNBA Draft. However, she was in attendance as she watched her former team beat the Trojans 76-69 earlier this year, and has total respect for Watkins already.
“I’ve talked to JuJu a little bit,” Clark said. “Obviously, I kind of watch from a distance, but honestly, more than anything, I just try to be supportive. She doesn’t need my help.
“She’s obviously really talented and her game speaks for itself. She’s so fun to watch, and as you can tell our entire scouting report—Number 12, that’s all it’s about. And that means we have so much respect for her.”
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