In a thrilling display of basketball prowess, JuJu Watkins scored 31 points to lead No. 4 Southern California to a decisive 78-58 win against No. 23 Michigan, marking the Trojans’ Big Ten home opener.
JuJu Watkins was instrumental in Southern California’s victory, showcasing exceptional skill on the court by scoring 31 points. Her performance was marked by an impressive 92.8% success rate from the free-throw line, hitting 13 of her 14 attempts. Meanwhile, Watkins also contributed to her team’s efforts with five rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and three blocks, highlighting her all-around capabilities.
The Trojans built a strong lead in the fourth quarter, outscoring Michigan 21-9, largely thanks to Watkins and teammate Kiki Iriafen. Iriafen added 18 points and was crucial in fortifying the Trojans’ defense, despite being sidelined with four fouls before returning to the game. Together, they scored USC’s initial 16 points in the pivotal final quarter, stretching the lead to 18 points.
Michigan’s Jordan Hobbs put up a commendable effort with 19 points, including a remarkable streak where she scored 14 consecutive points to narrow the gap, although it proved insufficient to turn the tide. Greta Kampschroeder and Olivia Olson also contributed with 14 and 11 points respectively. However, the Wolverines struggled against ranked opponents this season, having fallen to all three they faced, including a narrow defeat against then-No. 1 South Carolina.
The game’s critical moment saw Southern California maintain composure, particularly during free throws where they excelled with a 20 of 23 success rate. This accuracy was pivotal in reclaiming a 10-point lead heading into the final quarter after trailing briefly by two points in the third.
Looking ahead, Michigan will confront another challenging matchup against top-ranked UCLA, while Southern California is set to face Nebraska. Both teams have vital games on the horizon that could impact their standings further.
JuJu Watkins’ commanding performance was a significant factor in Southern California’s victory over Michigan, reinforcing her role as a key player for the Trojans. As both teams prepare for their upcoming challenges, Watkins’ influence on the game will likely continue to be a focal point in Southern California’s ongoing season.
Source: News4jax
