The rise of women’s college basketball has been thrilling to watch recently. Saturday’s Elite Eight rematch showcased this growth with a marquee matchup between two of the nation’s brightest stars: UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers and USC Trojans phenomenon Juju Watkins.
As renowned off the court as they are on it, Bueckers and Watkins bring excitement and skill that define the future of the sport. Fans eagerly anticipated the showdown, hoping the game would live up to its hype.
It did not disappoint. Watkins scored 25 points to lead No.7 USC to a 72-70 victory over No.4 UConn. The Trojans overcame an 18-point lead scare, showing poise under pressure. USC shot 9-of-16 (56%) from three-point range, a major improvement from their combined 2-of-24 in prior matchups against ranked opponents this season.
Bueckers and Watkins thrilled fans on both ends of the court, matching intensity defensively while attacking aggressively on offense. Their duel provided the excitement and skill fans expected, highlighting the growing prominence of women’s college basketball.
Watkins finished with 25 points, six rebounds, and five assists, adding a steal and three blocks, including a coast-to-coast block on Bueckers. Meanwhile, Bueckers posted 22 points, three rebounds, and two assists but struggled from the field, shooting 9-of-22 overall and 2-of-8 from three-point range. USC’s defense disrupted her rhythm throughout.
Both teams received standout performances from secondary players. UConn freshman Sarah Strong recorded 22 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, four steals, and a block. USC senior Kiki Iriafen contributed a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double with six assists and a steal, providing a strong secondary scoring option.
The Trojans dominated early, building an 18-point lead in the third quarter before UConn rallied. The Huskies closed the gap to tie the game at 67. Watkins then assisted Rayah Marshall for a crucial layup with 1:21 left to regain the lead.
In the final moments, Watkins made key free throws to push USC up 72-69 with 19.5 seconds left. Strong attempted a three-point play but missed the final shot, allowing USC to survive the upset bid.
This win marked USC’s first marquee victory of the season. Watkins recorded her 11th game scoring 20+ points, becoming the first player in 15 years to post a 25-5-5-3 stat line against an AP top-five opponent on the road. She also earned her fourth career 25-point game versus an AP top-five team, the most over the past two seasons.
“I think Coach Lindsay [Gottlieb] said it best,” Iriafen said. “A lot of the things she does are super hard, but she makes it look so easy.”
Juju Watkins’ arrival has rejuvenated the USC program, pairing it with a talented freshman recruiting class alongside Kiki Iriafen. The Trojans strive to relive the glory of the 1980s, when they secured back-to-back national championships in 1983 and 1984.
USC has now won seven straight games, improving to 10-1, while UConn falls to 10-2. Both teams return to conference play on Dec. 29. The Trojans will host Michigan next, while the Huskies face Providence.
If this matchup serves as a preview of the upcoming NCAA tournament, fans can expect an exciting experience. Watkins and Bueckers remain must-watch stars for the season.
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