USC Trojans Freshman sensation JuJu Watkins is a scoring machine, and nobody could halt her on Friday night.
Watkins delivered a historical performance
At Maples Pavilion, the newcomer exploded for 51 points and propelled USC to only their second away victory this season. Executing a historic display, the guard secured 11 boards, and completed a double-double.
No. 12 became the pioneer in scoring 51 points in a single game for the Trojans. Cherie Nelson previously held the record for the highest points in a game with 50 in 1989.
During the weekend, No. 15 USC Trojans (15-4) triumphed over No. 4 Stanford in a classic Pac-12 confrontation. With a 19-3 record this season, and standing at 8-2 in the conference, Stanford maintains a slight advantage over Colorado. Following the victory, USC holds the 6th position in the conference, trailing behind Utah.
With a 2-1 record against the Cardinal since early 2023, the Trojans achieved their first victory against Stanford on the road since the 2000-2001 season.
Regarding her historic performance, Watkins hesitates to place herself in the same league as USC legends Lisa Leslie and Cheryl Miller just yet.
Even after this astonishing performance, she is focused on returning to the court for their upcoming match against California. That’s certainly an exemplary mindset.
“Its crazy, ” Watkins said after breaking the Trojans single game scoring record. “I don’t really think about it too much. I have a long way to go till I will consider myself in that category with Cheryl [Miller], Lisa [Leslie] and the greats. I’m just honored, blessed to be in this environment, space and time in Women’s Basketball. I’m just soaking it all in–I’m going to take it all in and then back to the gym.” (USC Athletics).
She’s been excelling in her inaugural season
Now garnering attention, the freshman has been shattering records all season long. At just 18 years old, the newcomer has achieved seven games with 30+ points. That’s the most since Nelson, who accomplished eight during the 1988-1989 season.
Securing her fourth double-double of the season, Watkins is the first D1 NCAA freshman to score 50 points in a single game since Elena Delle Donne in 2010 (54).
While there’s an abundance of NCAA talent, Watkins stands out. Leading USC into a new basketball era, she continues to strengthen her Los Angeles legacy. From her conduct in interviews to her jump shot release–the future looks promising for Watkins.
Following a disappointing 62-59 defeat against Washington, Watkins arguably endured one of her poorest shooting performances of the season. She concluded with 19 points, shooting 8-27 (29.6 %) from the field, and 2-7 (28.6 %) from beyond the arc. To overcome that and adapt in this manner speaks volumes.
“Her demeanor from the second that game ended against Washington until now is what sets her apart to me more than these numbers,” said Trojans head coach Lindsay Gottlieb in the USC Athletics post game presser. “All week I said, this kid is different, she’s special the way she takes coaching, the way she’s a teammate, the way she holds herself accountable.” (USC Athletics).
Watkins single-handedly vanquished the 4th ranked team in the nation, and a top 5 program.
Earning 51 points is impressive against any team, but to achieve it against Tara VanDerveer and the Stanford Cardinal? This signifies creating a sensation against the most successful coach in NCAA basketball history and one of the most esteemed programs in NCAA history.
This is exceptional, and the basketball community is witnessing the evolution of the next generational talent.
