Pac-12 Women's Basketball Weekend Wrap: USC Watkins Stanford History, Cardinal Rebounds UCLA, CU, Utah Keep Rolling

JuJu Watkins won Associated Press national Player of the Week on Jan. 16 after scoring 32 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.

USC freshman JuJu Watkins has been on fire lately, and her performance on the court has been nothing short of spectacular. After scoring 32 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in a win over UCLA, she was named the Associated Press national Player of the Week on Jan. 16. But that was just the beginning. Watkins had a stunning 80-point weekend, including a jaw-dropping 51-point performance against No. 4-ranked Stanford, which ended the Cardinal's 27-game Pac-12 home win streak.

At 6-foot-2, Watkins not only set a school record with her 51-point game but also scored the most points of any Division I player this season, surpassing Buffalo's Chellia Watson, who scored 47 on Jan. 27. The last freshman to cross the 50-point barrier was Elena Delle Donne, who scored 54 in 2010 as a Delaware freshman. Watkins' performance was historic, as it was the most individual points Stanford has allowed this century, and possibly ever. It even surpassed notable performances from other players in the past, such as Connecticut's Nykesha Sales, who scored 46 on Stanford in 1997, and Washington's Kelsey Plum, who scored 44 in 2017.

Watkins continued her impressive streak with 29 points against California, overshadowing even Iowa's Caitlin Clark, who is the national scoring leader. Clark is averaging 32.4 points, followed by Watkins at 27.3. Despite her remarkable achievements, Watkins remains humble, showing respect for her fellow players and acknowledging their talent.

During the game against Stanford, Watkins faced early foul trouble, but she managed to bounce back and deliver an outstanding performance. She shot 53.8 percent, made six 3-pointers, and scored 17-of-19 free throws, all while snaring 11 rebounds in 34 minutes. USC's victory over Stanford was a significant turning point for the team, especially after a series of losses in previous games.

Watkins' dedication and hard work were evident when a security guard at Galen Center reported seeing her practicing late Sunday after a loss to Washington. USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb praised Watkins for her commitment and competitive spirit, emphasizing the importance of letting her be herself and contribute to the team's success. Watkins' teammate, McKenzie Forbes, also played a crucial role, adding 12 points, including a game-clinching buzzer-beating runner.

The Trojans' balanced scoring and teamwork were evident in their victory against California, as they secured a win to cap off their successful weekend. USC's impressive performance against Stanford and California showcased their resilience and determination to overcome challenges and achieve victory.

On the other hand, Stanford responded to their loss against USC with a dominant performance against No. 7 UCLA, winning 80-60 and ending the weekend tied for first in the Pac-12 with No. 6 Colorado. Players Cameron Brink and Kiki Iriafen combined for 37 points and 27 rebounds, leading Stanford to a resounding victory. UCLA coach Cori Close acknowledged the need for her team to regroup and refocus after being outplayed by Stanford.

In addition to USC and Stanford, other teams in the Pac-12, such as Colorado and Utah, also delivered impressive performances, securing victories on the road. The competition in the Pac-12 remains fierce, with teams demonstrating their resilience and determination to succeed.

Overall, the recent games in the Pac-12 have showcased the exceptional talent and competitive spirit of the players, as well as the strategic coaching and teamwork that have contributed to the success of each team. The Pac-12 continues to be a highly competitive and dynamic conference, with each game presenting new challenges and opportunities for teams to showcase their skills and determination.

Share With Others