JuJu Watkins delivered another stellar performance on Sunday as the No. 5 USC Trojans dominated the Elon Phoenix in an 88-30 blowout. However, her impressive display came at a potential cost. Late in the fourth quarter, with USC leading by a staggering 54 points, Watkins appeared to suffer an ankle injury with 5:20 remaining. She exited the game at the 4:36 mark and did not return, concluding her night with 26 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Fans were quick to question the coaching staff’s decision to keep Watkins in the game despite the lopsided scoreline.
Criticism erupted on social media, where many accused USC of risking Watkins’ health to boost her statistics. One fan on X pointed out, “JuJu Watkins in the game up 54 to stat pad and she got hurt… hope this is a lesson to USC’s coaching staff about chasing records.” Speculation also grew that the decision stemmed from an effort to rival Caitlin Clark’s college basketball records. Watkins, through her first 45 career games, has matched Clark’s scoring total at the same stage—1,192 points—but has taken significantly more shot attempts to do so.
Fans were particularly vocal about the potential dangers of this approach. “They’re keeping her in too long, and she’s still not scoring enough to break Clark’s record,” remarked one concerned fan. Another criticized the decision as “dirty work” and argued that USC was unnecessarily endangering Watkins for accolades. This sentiment was echoed widely, with many calling for the coaching staff to rethink their priorities, especially as the injury coincides with USC’s upcoming marquee matchup against No. 4 UConn and Paige Bueckers, a game expected to draw a massive audience.
Some supporters defended Watkins’ extended minutes, comparing the situation to Caitlin Clark’s time at Iowa. Former Hawkeyes coach Lisa Bluder previously faced similar scrutiny for leaving Clark in late-game situations to achieve statistical milestones. “It’s hard, but a triple-double is so special,” Bluder said in 2023, highlighting the calculated risks involved in such decisions. Critics, however, argue that stat-padding carries unnecessary risks, particularly in games already secured by large margins.
Watkins’ health remains a significant concern as USC approaches their clash with UConn. With no updates on her condition as of Monday morning, fans and analysts alike worry about the implications of her potential absence in one of the season’s most anticipated games. The uproar surrounding her injury underscores the delicate balance between pursuing individual records and prioritizing player safety—an issue that continues to fuel debate across the basketball world.
