Los Angeles, CA — In one of the most anticipated matchups of the season, JuJu Watkins stepped into the spotlight and delivered a performance for the ages, leading No. 6 USC to a stunning 71-60 upset over the undefeated, top-ranked UCLA Bruins on Thursday night.
Facing a powerhouse team known for its depth and size, the Trojans knew they needed something special to pull off the win. Watkins didn’t just meet the moment — she made history.
Watkins, the sophomore sensation from Los Angeles, played a near-flawless game, finishing with 38 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, and a game-changing 8 blocks. She became the first Division I player in the past 20 years to record at least 35 points, 5 blocks, and 5 assists in a single game. Her relentless performance helped push USC (22-2, 12-1) to the top of the Big Ten standings, while UCLA (23-1, 11-1) will look to rebound in the next meeting between the teams on March 1.
The victory was made even more impressive by the circumstances. Watkins played nearly the entire game, resting just 43.6 seconds in the first half, and her dominance was felt at both ends of the floor. Despite UCLA’s strong third-quarter surge, USC held on thanks to Watkins’ unmatched ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
“Honestly, JuJu is amazing,” said senior center Clarice Akunwafo, who was tasked with guarding UCLA’s 6-foot-7 center, Lauren Betts. “She’s always active, and her ability to get into a rhythm on both ends of the court is unmatched.”
The game was tied at halftime, and USC was up by just three points. But it became clear that for the Trojans to hold off the Bruins, Watkins would need to carry the load. UCLA, led by Betts, came out strong in the third quarter, going on a 17-9 run to take a 7-point lead.
It was at this point that USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb decided to double-team Betts with Watkins’ help, and the move paid off. Watkins’ defensive presence kept the Bruins from taking control of the game, and USC’s offense continued to lean on her scoring ability.
“I knew JuJu had my back,” Akunwafo said. “With her blocks, I felt confident I could focus on Betts and know JuJu would be there.”
In the fourth quarter, Watkins showcased why she is one of the most dynamic players in the nation. In the span of just one minute, she recorded three crucial blocks. A few minutes later, she added a steal, which she turned into a fast-break layup, drawing a foul for a three-point play. The sequence shifted the momentum in USC’s favor, giving them a lead they would not relinquish.
“I didn’t plan on having that many blocks,” Watkins said after the game. “It’s whatever it takes to win.”
Known for her scoring ability, Watkins continued to make her presence felt offensively. She was virtually unstoppable, putting up 11 points in the first quarter and adding 14 more in the second, including three three-pointers. By the time the game ended, her 38 points came in waves that the Bruins struggled to contain.
USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb expressed her admiration for Watkins’ performance, noting that while Watkins’ natural talent is undeniable, her mentality was what stood out the most. “I didn’t teach JuJu most of what she does,” Gottlieb said with a smile.
“I just try to put her in situations to succeed, and she takes it from there. The mentality she brought tonight was extraordinary.”
From the opening tip, Watkins set the tone with a block just 26 seconds into the game, signaling that she was ready for the challenge ahead. As the final buzzer sounded and USC celebrated their 11-point victory, Watkins walked to the center of the court to soak in the adulation of the sold-out crowd at the Galen Center.
After the game, she took time to pose for pictures and sign autographs for the many fans wearing her No. 12 jersey.
Reflecting on the moment, Watkins acknowledged the support from the crowd and the celebrity-filled courtside, including comedian Kevin Hart, who was in attendance. “I’m really just a kid out there living out my dream,” she said. “When you have people like that show up, you can’t disappoint.”
Even those who came to see her in action were left in awe of her performance. Hart, along with other celebrities, watched in admiration as Watkins further solidified her place as one of the nation’s brightest stars.
“We’ll never forget this night,” Gottlieb said. “It’s as good as anything I’ve ever seen.”
