In a gripping clash with Baylor, with the Elite Eight in sight and the score knotted at 64 apiece, USC’s rising star JuJu Watkins seized the moment. Despite grappling with shooting difficulties, the Trojans’ All-America freshman propelled her team forward.
“It was about shifting the momentum,” Watkins reflected. “I felt the responsibility to make a difference.”
With just over three minutes remaining, Watkins embarked on a decisive drive, converting a crucial three-point play, ultimately amassing 30 points. This performance propelled top-seeded USC to a hard-fought 74-70 victory over Baylor on Saturday, securing their place in the Women’s NCAA Tournament Elite Eight for the first time in three decades.
Watkins’ late surge included a remarkable sequence where she scored nine consecutive points, fueling an essential 8-0 run. Alongside Watkins, McKenzie Forbes contributed 14 points, while Rayah Marshall’s tenacity on the boards yielded 11 points and a staggering 16 rebounds for USC (29-5). Their next challenge awaits against either UConn or Duke in the Portland 3 Region final, with a coveted spot in the Final Four on the line.
Reflecting on her pivotal role, Watkins credited the trust her teammates placed in her, despite her struggles on the night.
“Even when my shots weren’t falling, my teammates believed in me to come through when it mattered most,” Watkins remarked. “Fortunately, we emerged victorious.”
Baylor’s Sarah Andrews led her team’s charge with 17 points in their bid for an Elite Eight berth, aiming to replicate their success from Kim Mulkey’s final season as coach in 2021.
While USC boasts a storied history, including national titles in 1983 and 1984, their journey to the Elite Eight has been a prolonged one. Their last appearance in the regional final dates back to 1994 under coach Cheryl Miller.
Watkins’ exceptional performance also etched her name in the record books, surpassing Ohio State’s Kelsey Mitchell to claim the second spot on the all-time freshman scoring list. With 891 points to her name, the 18-year-old phenom stands just seven points shy of the record set by San Diego State’s Tina Hutchinson in 1984.
Despite facing a barrage of shots from Baylor, Watkins’ resilience shone through, particularly at the free-throw line where she converted 12 of 13 attempts.
“I’m constantly evolving as a player,” Watkins acknowledged. “Even in a game like this, where I didn’t perform at my peak, my focus remains on contributing to the team’s success in any way possible.”
The game itself was a seesaw battle, with USC initially establishing an 11-point lead in the first half, only to see Baylor claw their way back into contention. Tensions escalated in the final quarter, with lead changes and clutch plays defining the contest.
While Baylor fought valiantly, USC’s composure down the stretch, coupled with Watkins’ heroics, proved decisive. Andrews’ late three-pointers injected drama into the closing moments, but USC held firm, securing a hard-earned victory.
For Watkins, this marks her 14th game of the season with 30 or more points, a testament to her scoring prowess. Notably, she has already etched her name in USC’s record books, setting a new single-season scoring record.
Baylor coach Nicki Collen commended her team’s resilience in the face of adversity, acknowledging USC’s physicality and tenacity.
“We left everything on the court,” Andrews asserted. “USC made some big plays, and we responded in kind. We fought till the end.”
Indeed, USC’s triumph underscores their resilience and determination, setting the stage for an enthralling showdown in the Elite Eight as they continue their quest for NCAA glory.
