Relentless JuJu Watkins helps USC find revenge on UConn in top-ten thriller

HARTFORD, Conn.— JuJu Watkins didn’t smile like some of her other teammates throughout warm-ups Saturday.

It seemed like she was in her own little world.Some of those around USC’s program said Watkins is always locked in on game day.“She’s always ready,” one staffer said.During the national anthem, Watkins stood as still as a statue, her head down and eyes closed.She didn’t even flinch when the saxophone played a piercingly high note toward the end of the song.Watkins meant business on Saturday.From the moment the game ball was tossed into the air to the final horn on a 72-70 win, Watkins was doing everything she could to help No.

7 USC get its payback on No.4 Connecticut after the Huskies dismissed the Trojans from the NCAA Tournament in the Elite Eight not even nine months ago.She led the Trojans’ scoring barrage in the first half with 15 points on 6 of 10 shooting.

She disrupted Connecticut’s passing lanes, dove for loose balls and blocked shots.Her teammates fed off her fire.The Huskies didn’t have any answers for Watkins and USC’s hot 3-point shooting.They trailed 42-29 at the half.But even as Paige Bueckers led Connecticut on an inspiring second-half comeback, Watkins and the rest of USC managed to survive and beat the Huskies.Redemption is sweet.The final seconds had plenty of drama.Bueckers appeared frustrated in the second quarter.Who could blame her?Between No.

7 USC and No.4 Connecticut was billed as the “best show on court” with Bueckers and Watkins headlining as the stars.But for the first half, it was USC’s show, with Watkins leading the charge.Near the midway point of the fourth quarter, Bueckers knocked down a jumper, making it a one-point game, and sent the sold-out XL Center into delirium.

Bueckers celebrated the bucket by tightening her arms and yelling.Sign up for Starting Lineup for the biggest stories.

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