In a thrilling showdown between Southern California and UCLA, JuJu Watkins made a game-changing play by blocking a shot and confidently facing the camera, asserting her dominance over Los Angeles. With this victory, Watkins has set her sights on conquering the rest of the nation alongside her Trojans teammates.
The game held high stakes as it determined not only the Big Ten regular-season champion but also the top team in Los Angeles. The atmosphere at Pauley Pavilion was electric, with basketball icons Cheryl and Reggie Miller in attendance, representing their respective alma maters. Amid the anticipation, Watkins effortlessly sank a 3-pointer, setting the tone for a commanding 80-67 win for the Trojans.
Watkins’ stellar performance, including 30 points and impressive all-around stats, solidified her status as a dominant force on the court. However, it was the combined efforts of Watkins and teammate Kiki Iriafen that showcased the Trojans’ potential for further success. Iriafen’s impactful contributions in the second half demonstrated the duo’s unstoppable chemistry and the team’s depth.
Coach Lindsay Gottlieb praised Watkins and Iriafen as the best duo in the country, emphasizing their unguardable skills and exceptional teamwork. While Watkins and Iriafen shine brightly, the supporting cast, including Rayah Marshall and Kennedy Smith, also played crucial roles in the team’s triumph over UCLA. The Trojans are poised for more victories with their versatile and talented roster.
The UCLA defense crumbled, and first-year player Avery Howell knocked down consecutive 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, sealing the victory. The performance was so dominant that Bruins head coach Cori Close slammed her fists on the press conference table in frustration, acknowledging the Trojans’ superiority. “I’m really upset that we didn’t fulfill our responsibilities,” she lamented. “Credit to USC. They outplayed us.”
Many coaches share Close’s sentiment after facing the Trojans. Despite their undeniable talent, USC has not received the national recognition it deserves. Perhaps it was the early loss to Notre Dame or the tough defeat against Iowa a month ago that contributed to this oversight.
However, the loss to Iowa served as a wake-up call for the Trojans. The bitter taste of defeat fueled their determination not to experience it again. Since that game, USC has gone on a seven-game winning streak, including victories against UCLA and a commanding performance against highly-ranked Ohio State.
Entering the Big Ten tournament as the top seed, the Trojans are on fire at the perfect moment. A successful outing in Indianapolis could secure them the No. 1 seed once the NCAA Tournament bracket is unveiled on March 16. At this point, it’s challenging to envision any team capable of dethroning them.
Across the nation, teams are faltering. UCLA fell to USC again, Notre Dame is struggling, South Carolina has had setbacks, and even Connecticut couldn’t overcome the Trojans. With the exception of Texas, every team is taking substantial blows while USC continues to land punches.
The unpredictability of this women’s college basketball season has made the race for the national championship wide open. Several teams have a legitimate claim to make it to the Final Four in Tampa. However, USC is asserting its readiness to secure a spot in the tournament.
“We’re not finished yet. There’s still a lot more to come,” declared Gottlieb.
This article was originally published on USA TODAY, highlighting the impressive performance of JuJu Watkins and the USC women’s basketball team, positioning them as favorites for the championship.
