USC’s JuJu Watkins Hangs 30 Points on UCLA at Historic Pauley Pavilion
JuJu Watkins delivered a show-stopping performance at historic Pauley Pavilion, scoring 30 points, grabbing five assists, and adding three blocks to lead No. 4 USC to an 80-67 win over No. 2 UCLA. With the victory, the Trojans clinched the Big Ten regular-season championship.
The electric atmosphere didn’t faze Watkins, who embraced the challenge. Despite missing a few three-pointers, she laughed off the crowd’s “Airball!” chants, using them as motivation. “That definitely fired me up,” Watkins admitted.
Taking Control of the Game
Watkins’ dominance was evident throughout the night. She powered through defenders for tough baskets, drew fouls, and hit key shots, including a deep three-pointer that electrified the crowd. In the third quarter, she called for the ball and scored over UCLA’s 6-foot-7 Lauren Betts, showcasing her skill and confidence.
Her impact extended beyond scoring. She assisted on crucial back-to-back three-pointers by Avery Howell in the fourth quarter, putting the game out of reach for UCLA. In the defensive realm, Watkins blocked a shot from Gabriela Jaquez, earning a courtside high-five from Hall of Famer Cheryl Miller.
USC’s Continued Dominance Over UCLA
As the Trojans have now defeated UCLA twice this season, with Watkins scoring 38 points in their previous 70-61 win. The two teams could face off again in the upcoming Big Ten tournament, setting the stage for another high-stakes showdown.
JuJu Watkins: The Rising Face of Women’s Basketball
Watkins’ impact extends far beyond the court. In her freshman season, she became the highest-scoring first-year player in NCAA history with 920 points, leading USC to its best record in 40 years. She has revitalized a program that hadn’t reached the Sweet 16 in three decades.
Off the court, Watkins is a cultural sensation. With major NIL deals from Gatorade and Nike—one of the most lucrative in women’s basketball—her influence continues to grow. She has been seen alongside sports and entertainment icons like Shohei Ohtani, Travis Scott, and Joel Embiid, and she is set to co-produce a docuseries on NBC/Peacock.
The Future Is Bright for Watkins and USC
As women’s college basketball gains momentum, Watkins is at the forefront. With Caitlin Clark moving to the WNBA, she has taken the spotlight, shifting attention from Iowa City to Los Angeles. Even LeBron James has recognized her talent, calling her “already a star.”
With the Big Ten title secured, USC and Watkins now set their sights on a national championship. As Watkins put it, “The work speaks for itself, so as long as we continue to stick with the process, we’ll see success.”
