USC vs UCLA Thriller: JuJu Watkins Heroics Power Trojans Past No. 1 Bruins
Some nights in sports just feel special. Thursday at the Galen Center was one of those nights. In front of a roaring, sold-out crowd, USC vs UCLA became a battle for the ages as JuJu Watkins delivered the kind of performance that will be talked about for years. She didn’t just lead No. 6 USC to an upset win over undefeated, top-ranked UCLA—she dominated in a way that left everyone, including her opponents, in awe.
With 38 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, and a ridiculous 8 blocks, Watkins made history, becoming the first Division I player in 20 years to put up at least 35 points, 5 assists, and 5 blocks in a game. More importantly, she helped USC pull off a 71-60 win that not only shook up the rankings but sent a message to the rest of the country: The Trojans are for real.
A Big Game with a Bigger Performance
The energy in the building was electric before the game even started. USC and UCLA, two powerhouse programs, battling in front of a packed house. Celebrities lined the front row, students were on their feet, and the stakes couldn’t have been higher.
Watkins, who has already made a name for herself as one of the best scorers in the country, wasted no time getting to work. Less than 30 seconds into the game, she swatted away a UCLA shot, setting the tone for what would be a defensive masterclass.
She wasn’t just playing for highlights—she was playing to win.
After struggling in her last game, where she started 0-for-10 from the field, Watkins came out firing. She dropped 11 points in the first quarter, slicing through defenders, pulling up for jumpers, and attacking the rim with confidence.
By halftime, she had 25 points, and USC had a slim three-point lead. But with how well UCLA had been playing all season, it was clear the game wasn’t going to be that simple.
Source: JuJu Watkins dazzles as USC rallies to stun top-ranked UCLA
UCLA Fights Back, Watkins Responds
The Bruins came out of the locker room ready to remind everyone why they were the No. 1 team in the country. Led by 6-foot-7 center Lauren Betts, UCLA went on a 17-9 run in the third quarter, flipping the game in their favor. At one point, they were up by seven, and it looked like they might take over for good.
That’s when Watkins showed she’s more than just a scorer.
With Betts starting to dominate inside, USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb made an adjustment—double her with Watkins. The plan worked perfectly. Watkins’ length and timing disrupted UCLA’s offense, and suddenly, the Bruins weren’t getting the easy looks they had earlier.
In the fourth quarter, she turned the game upside down with her defense. In the span of one minute, she blocked three shots, each one sending the crowd into a frenzy. A few minutes later, she picked off a steal, sprinted down the court, absorbed contact, and finished a tough layup for an and-one.
USC never trailed again.
Closing It Out in Style
With the Trojans in control, Watkins made sure to finish the job. She knocked down clutch free throws, played lockdown defense, and made smart plays to keep UCLA from making a comeback.
When the final buzzer sounded, it wasn’t just a win—it was a statement.
USC had taken down the top team in the country. The Galen Center erupted, and Watkins stood in the middle of it all, soaking in the moment.
A Night to Remember
After the game, Watkins didn’t just rush to the locker room—she stayed on the court, signing autographs, taking pictures, and celebrating with fans. Even comedian Kevin Hart, sitting courtside, couldn’t help but bow in admiration.
“I’m just a kid out here living my dream,” Watkins said, smiling. “When you have a crowd like that, you don’t want to disappoint.”
She didn’t.
Her coach, Lindsay Gottlieb, summed it up best:
“We’ll never forget this night. It’s as good as anything I’ve ever seen.”
Neither will anyone who watched it. And if Watkins keeps playing like this, USC’s dream season might just be getting started.
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