USC women of to hot start

Watkins’ journey in her first collegiate season has been marked by consistent high-scoring games, that included a 32 point season against Ohio State followed by a  against Le Moyne and 31 against Penn State. 

By Earl Heath

Contributing Sports Writer

USC women’s basketball star Newcomer JuJu Watkins shattered records previously held by Trojan legends Lisa Leslie and Paula McGee with her latest 30-point game, leading the No. 6 Trojans to a dominating 85-44 victory over Cal Poly on Tuesday. Watkins’ performance marked her fourth 30-point game of the season, a feat that surpasses the achievements of Leslie and McGee during their freshman years, who each had three 30-point games. 

Despite suffering a bloody nose in a collision under the basket, Watkins returned to the court after a brief medical intervention to continue her scoring spree. Her final stats were impressive: 10 of 19 from the floor, seven free throws out of seven attempts, along with four rebounds and four assists. 

“Sorry to the girl that I hit. I was out of control in that one,” Watkins said, as reported by Beth Harris of the Associated Press. “Just a little collision.” 

Watkins’ journey in her first collegiate season has been marked by consistent high-scoring games, that included a 32 point season against Ohio State followed by a  against Le Moyne and 31 against Penn State. 

McKenzie Forbes celebrated a personal milestone, reaching the 1,000-point mark in her college career, while the team’s bench contributed a significant 25 points. Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb praised the team’s depth, emphasizing its role in the Trojans’ successful strategy.