JuJu Watkins helps USC get revenge on UConn in top-ten thriller

HARTFORD, Conn. — JuJu Watkins stepped to the free throw line with 19 seconds left in Saturday’s game.

These are the moments college basketball players dream of. The game was in the balance. A sold-out XL Center was on the edge of its seat.

After blowing a double-digit lead, the No. 7 USC only up by one at no. 4 Connecticut.

Watkins took a deep breath and exhaled. She took two dribbles, spun the ball and took a shot.

Swish.

Watkins also made the other, which ultimately sealed the Trojans’ 72-70 win.

Rejoice. Relief. Redemption.

Watkins threw his hands in the air. She then looked at part of the crowd of nearly 16,000 and waved.

“It feels great to get a (win), always,” Watkins said. “I think it hit a little differently knowing the story from last year and how they sent us home.”

Watkins was locked in from the moment she stepped foot on the field for warm-ups. Even during the national anthem, Watkins stood as still as a statue, head down and eyes closed. She didn’t even flinch when the saxophone played a piercing high note towards the end of the song.

Watkins made it clear she meant business.

When the game started, Watkins did everything she could to help USC get its payback on UConn after the Huskies knocked the Trojans out of the NCAA Tournament in the Elite Eight not even nine months ago.

She led the Trojans’ first-half scoring barrage with 15 points on 6-for-10 shooting. She disrupted Connecticut’s passing lanes, diving for loose balls and blocking shots.

Her teammates fed her fire.

Meanwhile, the Huskies had no answer for Watkins and USC’s hot 3-point shooting. They trailed 42-29 at the half.

Bueckers led Connecticut on an inspiring comeback that sent the crowd into delirium every time the Trojans turned the ball over or the Huskies made a basket. During Connecticut’s run, USC found itself in a similar, unsettling situation as it was just a few weeks earlier against Notre Dame.

“We knew how it felt to be in such a big game and not have it go our way,” Kiki Iriafen said. “We didn’t want the same thing to happen today. So we were really aware of putting our foot on the gas at halftime.”

Even when things didn’t go USC’s way, when shots weren’t falling or sloppy passes led to turnovers, the Trojans stayed grounded.

“I don’t think we’ve ever been really rattled,” Watkins said. “We knew what this team was capable of, they had to go out and run. So it was just a matter of handling it and coming out on top.”

Saturday’s game between USC and UConn was billed as the “best show on the field” with Bueckers and Watkins starring as the stars. So it was fitting that the game ended in thrilling fashion, with USC barely hanging on.

Watkins finished with a game-high 25 points. She also had six rebounds and five assists. Iriafen added 16 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.

Meanwhile, Bueckers scored 15 of his 22 points in the second half.

Saturday’s game showed Watkins’ growth this past season. She was efficient at making shots. The gravity she has opened up opportunities for her teammates.

“A lot of the things she does are super hard, but she makes it look so easy,” Iriafen said. “We all know she’s a superstar, so playing with her definitely takes the pressure off everyone else.”

USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb called Saturday a “significant win.” An exhausted Watkins said it was undoubtedly a memorable one.

“Paige is an outstanding player,” Watkins said. “It’s just a testament that when you give women a platform, we have to perform and I think tonight was an excellent match. I was so tired towards the end.”