With the USC Trojans striving for the Big Ten Championship, they faced their long-time rivals, the UCLA Bruins, for the third time in just over a month. The Trojans had previously secured victories in both encounters, largely due to the stellar performances of Juju Watkins, the frontrunner for National Player of the Year and Big Ten Player of the Year. Watkins’ dominance on the court has been instrumental in USC’s success, and her impact was evident once again in their latest showdown.
Watkins delivered another standout performance, amassing 18 points by halftime and propelling USC to a 10-point lead over UCLA. Her remarkable display prompted the Big Ten to announce a historic milestone, underscoring her significance in the collegiate basketball landscape. As the NCAA Tournament approaches, Watkins continues to solidify her legacy with each game, further elevating USC’s championship aspirations.
The sophomore sensation has now surpassed Iowa Hawkeyes legend and current Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, securing the second spot on the NCAA’s all-time scoring list for women’s basketball players through their first two collegiate seasons. The only player ahead of Watkins on this prestigious list is Kelsey Mitchell, another Indiana Fever standout. This achievement underscores Watkins’ rapid ascent in the sport and highlights her potential to rewrite history.
Caitlin Clark, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in college basketball history, still holds the record as the all-time leading scorer in Division I. Her legacy was further cemented when Iowa retired her No. 22 jersey during a game against USC this season. However, if Watkins continues her current trajectory, she could challenge Clark’s records in the future, further fueling the conversation about her place among the sport’s elite.
Despite Watkins’ exceptional performance, USC ultimately relinquished their halftime lead, allowing UCLA to claim the Big Ten Tournament title. Now, the Trojans must turn their attention to the upcoming NCAA Tournament, where they seek redemption. Watkins, averaging 24.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.9 blocks this season, remains USC’s cornerstone. With 26 games of 20 or more points this season, she continues to steer the program toward historic success, solidifying her reputation as one of the most electrifying players in the nation.
