If last the last two NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournaments were coronations for Caitlin Clark, the next two are all about the crowning of JuJu Watkins.
The USC sophomore already has plenty of notoriety, from big-time commercials to an even bigger-time game.
It’s set to rise further this month as March Madness gets underway. Watkins and the Trojans began Big Ten Tournament action on Friday with an 84-79 win over Indiana at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
The stat line for Watkins against Indiana in the Big Ten quarterfinals:
- 31 points
- 10-19 FG
- 10-13 FT
- 10 rebounds
- 3 steals
- 2 assists
- 1 block
The No. 2-seed USC advances to play Saturday against Michigan, with a potential clash of the titans awaiting on Sunday against top-seeded UCLA.
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Friday marked Watkins’ seventh 30-point game this season and 21st in her career. That ranks second all-time in USC history behind Trojans legend Cheryl Miller (25).
“I don’t really think about it much, if I’m being honest,” Watkins told reporters after Friday’s game. “I play for the team and whatever is needed of me I do. It’s just a testament to the long nights in the gym, and the team, and coach really trusting me.”
On the season, Watkins leads USC in scoring (24.7 points per game), assists (3.6),…
