USC and JuJu Watkins Delivered First Loss To Top-ranked UCLA
It was an action-packed fast-moving game between the two Southern California rivals. But that was to be expected as USC was ranked #6 while USC was ranked #1 in the nation. There were multiple lead changes and plenty of scoring. But ultimately, USC and their phenom JuJu Watkins delivered the first loss to top-ranked UCLA. The Trojans finally knocked off the Bruins in the comeback victory of 71-60. The win marks the first time the Trojans have defeated a No. 1 ranked team since 1983.
Watkins was knocking down 3’s last night making it look easy. In the first quarter a defender made contact with her and she slipped and fell on the court. Somehow she kept one hand on the ball and then switched it to her other hand keeping the dribble alive and then shot a three-point basket. UCLA was somewhat struggling on the offensive side of the ball in the first half. But before the second quarter ended they had tied the score at 35-35. However, Watkins knocked down another three-pointer to take the lead going into halftime with a score of 35-38.
Over halfway through the third quarter the Bruins had the lead and were fiercely protecting it. But Watkins was cooking and wasn’t about to be denied a victory. And with USC’s defense being typically stout they were up to the challenge of mounting a comeback. The Trojans made UCLA do what they normally don’t do. UCLA committed 20 turnovers on which USC scored a crucial 21 points off those giveaways. And to add salt to the wound, the Bruins came in shooting 49.1%, and the Trojans held them to 35.1% from the field.
USC and JuJu Watkins Delivered First Loss To Top-ranked UCLA
No doubt UCLA hated losing their undefeated status last night but for sure they will bounce back from the loss. The game was expected to be a thriller and it didn’t disappoint. But in just a couple weeks we’ll all be treated to a rematch when the two powerhouses meet again on March 1. That will certainly be must-watch TV.
But last night’s game was all about JuJu Watkins who surpassed 1,500 career points as a Trojan. Becoming the fastest player in USC history to reach that milestone. Watkins dropped 38 points, 11 rebounds, eight blocks and five assists in front of a hyped up crowd. Among the crowd were celebrities including comedian Kevin Hart, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and actress Issa Rae. In addition, she has surpassed Caitlin Clark for the most 30-point games against ranked opponents by a women’s college basketball player through their first two seasons.
Truly the sky is the limit for Watkins who is only a sophomore this season.
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