Watkins Scores 21 in USC Win

JuJu Watkins scored 21 points on Monday as Southern California defeated UNLV 100-68 in Las Vegas. The game marked the guard's return to the court after a torn ACL kept her out for the entire previous season.

USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb noted that the team supported Watkins throughout her recovery. "I mean, it’s hard to describe how much this team has her back," Gottlieb said. "It’s a group that really cares for her as a human being."

Watkins played 25 minutes and added five rebounds and two assists. She made nine of 22 shots from the floor. Her performance in the third quarter helped extend a 13-point halftime lead into a 34-point advantage by the end of the half.

Sophomore Jazzy Davidson spent the prior year watching Watkins rehab from the injury suffered in the NCAA Tournament. Davidson said Watkins remained active with the group during that time. "Just seeing all the hard work she put in all throughout last season to get healthy and to get better, and on top of that, just the way that she was there for all of us," Davidson said. "She was a great mentor to me."

Gottlieb is managing Watkins' workload to allow her body to adjust. The coach said Watkins looks physically strong and explosive, but she is still finding her rhythm. "I think she physically looks great, explosive wise and all that," Gottlieb said. "It’s just finding that rhythm."

The return of Watkins opened up the offense for other players. Davidson finished with 23 points, while freshman Saniyah Hall contributed 22. USC displayed multiple scoring options throughout the contest.

Gottlieb expects Watkins to become sharper as the season continues. The coach stated that the game improves with Watkins on the floor. "The game is just better with her in it," Gottlieb said.