USC’s JuJu Watkins Shines with Record-Breaking 51-Point Performance against Stanford
In an impressive display of skill and dominance, USC star JuJu Watkins delivered a record-breaking performance on Friday night that left basketball fans in awe. Watkins led the 15th-ranked Trojans to a thrilling upset over No. 4 Stanford with her incredible 51-point outburst, nearly outscoring the entire Cardinal team by herself in the 67-58 victory.
Breaking both Division I records for the season and USC program history, Watkins showcased her scoring prowess and proved why she is one of the most popular players in college basketball. She shot an impressive 14 of 26 from the field, including 6 of 11 from beyond the arc. Additionally, Watkins only missed two of her 19 free-throw attempts, demonstrating her accuracy and composure under pressure.
Not only did Watkins dominate on offense, but she also made significant contributions on defense. She grabbed a team-high 11 rebounds and recorded a game-high four steals. Furthermore, she tied for a team-high two assists, displaying her ability to facilitate the offense and involve her teammates.
Watkins’ remarkable performance broke Cheryl Miller’s long-standing record for points by a freshman in a game for USC. The achievement is a testament to her talent and potential as a player.
Despite Watkins’ incredible display, she received some support from her teammates. Senior guard McKenzie Forbes contributed 12 points of her own, making her the only other Trojan player in double figures. Rayah Marshall and Clarice Akunwafo also chipped in with two points each.
Stanford’s senior standout Cameron Brink put up an impressive performance of her own, narrowly missing out on a triple-double. With 19 points, 15 rebounds, eight blocks, and three assists, Brink showcased her all-around skills. Junior Kiki Iriafen, Stanford’s leading scorer this season, added 16 points and nine rebounds.
However, the night belonged to JuJu Watkins. She accounted for over 75% of USC’s points in the upset win against Stanford. Watkins made more three-pointers than the entire Cardinal team and came close to matching their free-throw shooting as well.
Watkins’ performance against Stanford is a reflection of her outstanding season so far. Prior to the game, she was averaging 25.8 points per game, ranking second only to Iowa’s Caitlin Clark (32.1) in scoring. Watkins also leads the Trojans in assists (3.4) and steals (2.6) per game, highlighting her versatility and impact on both ends of the court.
With this victory, USC improves to 15-4 overall and 5-4 in Pac-12 play. Stanford, on the other hand, falls to 19-3 overall and 8-2 in conference play. The upset win against a highly ranked opponent like Stanford solidifies USC’s position as a formidable team in college basketball.
JuJu Watkins’ record-breaking performance will undoubtedly go down in USC basketball history. Her scoring ability, combined with her all-around contributions, make her a force to be reckoned with on the court. As she continues to shine, Watkins is sure to leave a lasting impact on college basketball and beyond.