USC Freshman JuJu Watkins Scores Record-Breaking 51 Points in Upset Victory over Stanford
In a stunning upset victory, the University of Southern California (USC) freshman JuJu Watkins made history by scoring a record-breaking 51 points in a game against Stanford. This remarkable feat not only set a new USC scoring record but also marked the highest number of points scored by any player in NCAA women’s basketball this season. The 15th-ranked Trojans managed to defeat the 4th-ranked Stanford team with a final score of 67-58.
Watkins’ outstanding performance was highlighted by a key 3-pointer with just over three minutes remaining in the game. She also made four crucial free throws in the final 18 seconds, solidifying her place in USC’s history books. This incredible achievement surpassed the previous USC scoring record of 50 points set by Cherie Nelson in 1989.
The impact of Watkins’ performance extended beyond just breaking records. Her six 3-pointers played a significant role in leading the Trojans to victory and handing Stanford their first home loss of the season. Watkins’ dominance on the court was evident as she contributed to an impressive 76% of USC’s total points, a statistic that hasn’t been seen in the past 25 seasons of women’s college basketball.
Not only did Watkins make history for USC, but she also achieved a milestone for Division-I basketball as a whole. Her 51-point game became the first of its kind this season and the second-highest individual scoring performance in Pac-12 history. The only player to have scored more points in a single game in the Pac-12 is former Washington star Kelsey Plum, who recorded an astonishing 57 points against Utah in 2017.
Watkins’ exceptional performance overshadowed the efforts of Stanford star Cameron Brink, who had an impressive game herself with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and eight blocked shots. Brink’s defensive prowess was evident, particularly in the first half where she swatted away six shots. However, her efforts were not enough to stop Watkins from taking over the game.
The victory against Stanford marks a significant moment for USC women’s basketball, as they have struggled in recent games. With only four players contributing points in the game, the Trojans heavily relied on Watkins’ exceptional scoring ability. Despite their recent struggles, this win against a top-ranked team will undoubtedly boost their confidence moving forward.
The game between USC and Stanford also holds significance as it marks the final weekend of the L.A. schools’ participation in Pac-12 play before their move to the Big Ten. USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb, who previously coached at Cal, will return to Berkeley on Sunday to face her former program. This matchup adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation for both teams.
In addition to Watkins’ outstanding performance, Kiki Iriafen contributed 16 points and nine rebounds for Stanford, while McKenzie Forbes added 12 points for USC. Both teams endured scoring droughts throughout the game, with USC missing six consecutive shots and experiencing a scoring drought of over four minutes.
Overall, JuJu Watkins’ record-breaking performance against Stanford will go down in history as one of the most remarkable individual displays in college basketball. Her ability to dominate the game and lead her team to victory against a top-ranked opponent is a testament to her talent and potential. As Watkins continues her collegiate career, basketball fans eagerly anticipate her future accomplishments on the court.
