JuJu Watkins and USC Trojans Conquer Los Angeles, Set Sights on National Domination
The atmosphere in Pauley Pavilion was electric, a cauldron of anticipation and rivalry simmering beneath the bright lights. The stakes were monumental, a collision of conference aspirations and city pride. The Southern California Trojans, led by their sensational freshman guard JuJu Watkins, stood poised to claim not only the Big Ten regular-season championship but also the undisputed title of top team in Los Angeles, a claim fiercely contested by their crosstown rivals, the UCLA Bruins.
The presence of basketball royalty underscored the significance of the moment. Siblings Cheryl and Reggie Miller, both Hall of Famers and proud alumni of UCLA and USC respectively, sat courtside, their allegiances divided, their eyes fixed on the unfolding drama. The lines snaking outside the arena attested to the buzz surrounding the game, fueled by the NCAA Tournament selection committee’s recent unveiling of its top 16 teams, where UCLA sat atop the rankings.
But JuJu Watkins, unfazed by the pressure, announced her presence with a statement shot, a 3-pointer that swished through the net just as it had in their previous encounter. It was a sign of things to come, a harbinger of the Trojans’ unwavering dominance. From the opening tip, USC seized control, dictating the tempo and stifling the Bruins’ offense.
Watkins, with her dazzling array of skills, was the focal point, a mesmerizing force that UCLA simply couldn’t contain. She sliced through the defense, drained long-range shots, and elevated for emphatic blocks, leaving a trail of bewildered defenders in her wake. The Trojans, fueled by her brilliance, surged ahead, building a comfortable lead that they would never relinquish.
As the clock ticked down, the tension in the arena reached a fever pitch. But Watkins remained composed, a picture of icy determination. With a decisive swat of Gabriela Jaquez’s shot, followed by a steely gaze into the broadcast camera, she punctuated the Trojans’ victory, a resounding declaration that Los Angeles now belonged to her. The final score, 80-67, painted a clear picture of USC’s superiority.
The win secured the Big Ten regular-season championship for the Trojans, a testament to their remarkable consistency and resilience. It also marked their fourth consecutive triumph over UCLA, a feat that further solidified their dominance in the city. Billboards featuring Watkins loomed large across Los Angeles, a constant reminder of her burgeoning stardom.
“I would be remiss to say playing UCLA doesnt motivate me extra,” Watkins admitted, her words carrying a hint of playful arrogance. UCLA, it seemed, was growing weary of Watkins’ relentless onslaught. In their four meetings, she had averaged a staggering 33.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 3.5 assists per game, numbers that spoke volumes about her impact on the rivalry.
While Watkins’ individual brilliance captured the headlines, the Trojans’ victory was far from a one-woman show. It was a collective effort, a symphony of talent and teamwork that showcased the depth and versatility of the USC roster.
The arrival of former Stanford forward Kiki Iriafen had sent shivers down the spines of opposing coaches. A dominant post presence to complement Watkins’ electrifying guard play? It seemed almost unfair. It took time for Iriafen to fully integrate into the Trojans’ system, but she has emerged as a formidable force, a perfect complement to Watkins’ perimeter prowess.
In the second half against UCLA, with Watkins drawing constant double teams, Iriafen stepped up, asserting herself in the paint and knocking down jump shots. She finished with 15 points and six rebounds in the final 30 minutes, providing a much-needed offensive spark and relieving the pressure on Watkins. The duo’s chemistry was undeniable, a lethal combination that defenses struggled to contain.
“Im a very lucky coach to have these two. Theyre the best duo in the country,” USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb declared, her voice brimming with pride. “These two are unguardable. I think theyre both playing their best basketball now, which is scary."
But the Trojans’ success extended beyond their star duo. Senior guard Rayah Marshall, a vocal leader and defensive stalwart, played a crucial role in limiting UCLA star center Lauren Betts to just 11 points. Freshman Kennedy Smith continued to impress with her tenacious defense, while fellow first-year player Avery Howell delivered a clutch performance, burying back-to-back 3-pointers in the fourth quarter that effectively sealed the victory.
The Trojans’ complete effort left UCLA head coach Cori Close visibly frustrated. “Just really pissed off we didnt show up and do our jobs,” she lamented, pounding her fist on the press conference table. “Credit to USC. They were tougher.”
For all their talent and success, the Trojans had yet to receive the national recognition they deserved. An early-season loss to Notre Dame and a narrow defeat to Iowa had perhaps cast a shadow over their potential. But the loss to the Hawkeyes, in particular, seemed to ignite a fire within the Trojans, a burning desire to prove their doubters wrong.
Since that setback, USC has embarked on a remarkable winning streak, rattling off seven consecutive victories, including two dominant performances against UCLA and a convincing win over a highly-ranked Ohio State team. They enter the Big Ten tournament as the No. 1 seed, brimming with confidence and momentum.
A successful showing in Indianapolis would almost certainly guarantee them a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, setting the stage for a deep run and a potential national championship. And at this point, it’s difficult to find a team that appears capable of stopping them.
UCLA has fallen twice, Notre Dame is struggling, South Carolina has shown vulnerabilities, and Connecticut has already lost to USC. Aside from Texas, most of the top contenders have stumbled, while the Trojans continue to surge forward, landing blow after blow.
The landscape of women’s college basketball is wide open, with several teams harboring legitimate aspirations of reaching the Final Four in Tampa. But USC, with its blend of star power, depth, and unwavering determination, is making a compelling case for itself.
“Were not done. Theres a lot more,” Gottlieb declared, her eyes fixed on the ultimate prize. The Trojans have conquered Los Angeles. Now, they are coming for the nation.
