JuJu Watkins put up 21 points in her first NCAA women's basketball game in nearly two years, leading No. 3 USC past UNLV 100-68 in Las Vegas. The junior guard — who missed all of last season rehabbing a torn ACL — played 25 minutes, adding five rebounds to her tally in the 2026/27 college opener.
JuJu Watkins, Saniyah Hall Dominate in USC vs UNLV Opener
It took a quiet first half before Watkins switched on for the Trojans. She scored 11 of her points in the third quarter alone, stretching a 13-point lead to 34 and all but ending the contest. Despite some early rust — she shot 9-of-22 from the field — Watkins found a way to make a difference for her side.
She wasn't alone, either. Top 2026 recruit Saniyah Hall scored 22 points, while sophomore Jazzy Davidson led all scorers with 23, as USC's "Big Three" combined for 66 points on the night.
"There were days when I could have given up," Watkins said in an on-court interview. "I'm just grateful that I'm here."
Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb shared with press after the game that the team is still easing Watkins back in but called her conditioning encouraging.
"I think she physically looks great, explosive-wise and all that," Gottlieb said. "It's just finding that rhythm."
While the Trojans continue to hone their timing, one game with Watkins back on the floor proves USC already looks dangerous.
