JuJu Watkins returns as No. 3 USC routs UNLV 100-68 in season opener
The star guard scored 21 points in her first game back from a torn ACL to lead the Trojans past the Lady Rebels.
The No. 3 ranked USC Trojans women's basketball team opened their season in dominant fashion on Monday, defeating UNLV 100-68 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The matchup marked the highly anticipated return of star guard JuJu Watkins, who played her first game in 589 days after missing the previous season while recovering from a torn ACL in her right knee.
Watkins made an immediate impact in her comeback, finishing with 21 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block in 25 minutes of action. Visibly emotional after the final buzzer, Watkins wiped away tears during her postgame interview as she reflected on the long road to recovery.
"So many hours went into this," Watkins said. "It was great to just be out there with my team again and to see the first one fall through, it really helped. There were days where I could've given up, and so I kept pushing through and I'm just grateful that I'm here."
The Trojans showcased a potent and deep roster alongside Watkins. Sophomore guard Jazzy Davidson led all scorers with 23 points, while freshman Saniyah Hall added 22 points in an impressive college debut that included a buzzer-beating three-pointer at the end of the first quarter. USC built a commanding lead by outscoring UNLV 31-10 in the third quarter, shooting 70 percent from the field during the frame.
"This was a great first game for us. We have a special group. We're excited about it," USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb said following the victory. "Obviously, there are ways we can still get better, which is the exciting thing." WNBA legend Cynthia Cooper was also in attendance courtside to watch the season opener.
For UNLV, Maia Rosarion led the Lady Rebels off the bench with 12 points. Despite a tough shooting night where the team shot 35 percent from the field and committed 24 turnovers, UNLV coach Lindy La Rocque acknowledged the immense talent on the opposing roster, noting after the game, "We knew coming in, the talent that they have on that roster is tremendous, and honestly, I hope they win every game and make everyone else look bad, too."
With Watkins back on the floor and paired with a talented supporting cast that includes Davidson and Hall, the Trojans enter the new campaign with high aspirations. Analysts have pointed to USC as a strong contender to reach the Final Four this season as the program pursues its first national championship since 1984.