JuJu Watkins’ Two-Way Dominance Fuels USC’s NCAA Tournament Hopes
INDIANAPOLIS — JuJu Watkins, the USC Trojans’ sensational freshman guard, has captured the nation’s attention with her dazzling offensive prowess. Her ability to score at will, often in spectacular fashion, has made her a leading candidate for national player of the year honors. However, as USC embarks on its NCAA tournament journey, it’s Watkins’ often-overlooked defensive contributions that could prove to be the ultimate difference-maker.
In a hard-fought 84-79 victory over Indiana in the Big Ten tournament quarterfinals on Friday, Watkins once again showcased her offensive brilliance, pouring in 31 points, marking the seventh time this season she has eclipsed the 30-point mark. Yet, beyond the eye-popping scoring numbers, it was Watkins’ relentless defensive effort that ultimately propelled the Trojans to victory.
Throughout the game, Watkins repeatedly disrupted Indiana’s offensive flow, making crucial plays that shifted the momentum in USC’s favor. Early in the third quarter, with the score tied, she soared through the air to block a seemingly easy layup attempt by Indiana’s Yarden Garzon, preventing the Hoosiers from taking the lead. Later in the same quarter, with USC trailing by a single point, Watkins secured a pivotal defensive rebound, igniting a fast-break opportunity that resulted in an easy layup for the Trojans.
Watkins’ defensive impact extended beyond blocks and rebounds. Early in the fourth quarter, with USC clinging to a narrow four-point advantage, she snagged a timely steal, thwarting an Indiana scoring opportunity and preserving the Trojans’ lead. This steal was just one of several defensive gems Watkins produced throughout the game, as she also recorded steals in the first and second quarters.
Adding to her defensive stat line, Watkins pulled down 10 rebounds, tying her with teammate Kiki Iriafen for the game high. Her tenacity on the boards prevented Indiana from securing second-chance opportunities and helped USC control the tempo of the game.
"How she has developed into the two-way player that she is is really remarkable," USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb said after the Trojans’ narrow escape. "The ways that she makes game-changing plays and makes something out of nothing for us and takes away something that looks easy for the other team is really tremendous."
Gottlieb, a staunch advocate for her star player, believes Watkins’ defensive contributions have been unfairly overshadowed by her offensive exploits.
"Look, you guys probably know how I feel about it. I think she’s the Player of the Year nationally for a number of different reasons. But I am glad that her game-changing ability on the defensive end is being talked about a little bit more because you see it," Gottlieb added.
USC, the Big Ten’s regular-season champion, will face Michigan on Saturday afternoon.
While Watkins’ offensive wizardry is undeniable, her defensive commitment sets her apart from many other high-scoring players. She possesses the rare ability to impact the game on both ends of the court, making her an invaluable asset to the Trojans.
Watkins’ offensive skills are undeniable. The nation’s second-leading scorer, Watkins can score from anywhere on the court, regardless of the defensive pressure she faces. In the third quarter of Friday’s game, she faced double coverage from two Indiana defenders while falling forward, yet she still managed to sink a shot while drawing a foul.
Later in the fourth quarter, Watkins drained a clutch three-pointer over Indiana’s Lexus Bargesser, a shot reminiscent of those made by a certain player who now calls Gainbridge Fieldhouse home. Watkins also excels at drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line, where she is a reliable scorer.
"Where JuJu really puts pressure on you is how she kind of leans into that shot," Indiana coach Teri Moren said. "I think one of the recipes in trying to beat a really good USC team is keeping her especially off the free-throw line."
However, the offensive burden Watkins carries for USC only amplifies the impressiveness of her defensive contributions.
"Think about what she handles on the offensive end. We get her the ball as much as we can. There’s multiple bodies draped on her. She takes a lot of contact. She’s a physical player. Then we say, ‘Oh by the way, impact the game defensively, too,’" Gottlieb said. "She takes no breaks."
During USC’s defensive possessions, Watkins can be found battling under the basket, defending players who often have a significant height advantage. Her relentless effort and refusal to take plays off make her a disruptive force on the defensive end.
"I just go out there and play for the team, and whatever’s needed in me, I do," Watkins said.
If the Trojans hope to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament, they will undoubtedly need exceptional performances from Watkins on both ends of the floor. Her offensive firepower can carry the team on any given night, but it is her defensive tenacity that could ultimately determine USC’s fate. As the Trojans prepare for the tournament, expect Watkins to continue making game-changing plays on both offense and defense, solidifying her status as one of the nation’s premier players and a true two-way force.
