JuJu Watkins delivered a record breaking historical performance
USC Trojans Freshman sensation JuJu Watkins is a walking bucket, and no one was stopping her Friday night.
At Maples Pavilion, the rookie exploded for 51 points and led USC to just their second road win on the season. Delivering a historic performance, the guard grabbed 11 boards, and finished with a double-double. No. 12 became the first player to ever score 51 points in a game for the Trojans. Cherie Nelson previously held the record for the most points in a game with 50 in 1989.
Over the weekend, No. 15 USC Trojans (15-4) took down No. 4 Stanford in a classic Pac-12 showdown. 19-3 on the season, and 8-2 in the conference, Stanford retains the slight lead over Colorado. With the victory, USC ranks 6th in the conference, behind Utah.
A 2-1 record against the Cardinal since early 2023, the Trojans recorded their first win against Stanford on the road since the 2000-2001 season.
In regards to her historical performance, Watkins doesn’t quite put herself in the same category as USC legends Lisa Leslie and Cheryl Miller just yet. Even after this jaw dropping performance, she’s focused on getting back in the gym for their next matchup against California. That’s mamba mentality right there.
JUJU WATKINS 🔥
Broke the USC record for points in a game as a freshman!51 Points
14/26 Shooting
6/11 Threes
17/19 Free Throws
11 Rebounds
4 StealsIn an upset win over No.4 Stanford pic.twitter.com/c9PtftXwQV
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) February 3, 2024
“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 killing it in her rookie season
Now just making headlines, the rookie has been breaking records all season long. Just 18 years old, the freshman has seven games with 30+ points. That’s the most since Nelson, who finished with eight during the 1988-1989 season.
Recording 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 plenty of NCAA talent, Watkins is different. Leading USC in a new era of basketball, she continues to build on her Los Angeles legacy. From the way she conducts herself in interviews, to her jump shot release–the future is bright for Watkins.
Coming off a heartbreaking 62-59 loss against Washington, Watkins arguably had one of her worst shooting performances of the season. She finished with 19 points, on 8-27 (29.6 %) field goal shooting, and 2-7 (28.6 %) from deep. To be able to overcome that and adapt in this way 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).
Buckets on buckets on buckets.
All 51 points from JuJu’s historic night ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/4WXvUNtPhm
— USC Women’s Basketball (@USCWBB) February 3, 2024
Watkins single handily defeated the 4th best team in the nation, and a top 5 ranked program. 51 points is impressive against any team, but against Tara VanDerveer and the Stanford Cardinal? You’re talking about making headlines against the winningest coach in NCAA basketball history and one of the most pristine programs in NCAA history. That’s special, and the basketball world is witnessing the evolution of the next generational talent.
